EmpowerED is COABE’s official podcast that brings the powerful stories of adult learners to life. Hosted by former adult learners Hector Martinez, Joyce Warrington, and Sara Hagighi, the podcast features inspiring interviews with individuals who have been spotlighted in the six-time award-winning Educate & Elevate campaign. These conversations go beyond statistics to highlight the human impact of adult education—showcasing how learners overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.
Each episode gives voice to real stories of transformation, asking thoughtful questions like, “What brought you to adult education?” and “How has your life changed since completing the program?” Listeners hear firsthand how adult education serves as a launchpad to careers, college, and personal growth. EmpowerED is a celebration of resilience, a platform for empowerment, and a reminder that education at any stage in life can be the spark that changes everything.
EmpowerED E12: Shaelyn Birch—From Barriers to Belief
Shaelyn once believed her learning disability meant her dreams were out of reach. It wasn’t until adult education opened new doors that she began to see what was possible — and to believe in the future she had always imagined.
23 Jan 2026
EmpowerED E11: Kristen Hardnett—From Stuck to Salaried
Kristen felt stuck in a low paying job, and as she watched her autistic son excel in school, she knew she wanted to be shining example to him. Discover how adult ed helped Kristen turn her life around and provide a salaried position that gives her and her son everything they need and more.
21 Dec 2025
EmpowerED E10: Angel Jimenez—From Newcomer to Navigator
Angel began his journey with limited English proficiency, and today he is paying it forward—helping others practice their English and launching an award-winning program that strengthens language skills within his community.
11 Dec 2025
EmpowerED E9: Marcos Bonilla-Cruz—"Experience How Much YOU Can Do"
This must-see episode discusses how adult education helped Marcos Bonilla-Cruz reach his full potential after coming to America. His advice for adult learners is something you won't want to miss.
7 Oct 2025
EmpowerED E8: Mary Baker—Overwhelmed to Optimistic
When Mary Baker decided to get her education, she walked in feeling afraid that she couldn't succeed. Once she realized that comparison was the death of her happiness, she began to give herself the space and room to grow at her own pace. Today, Mary is a property manager who feels confident in her abilities and no longer feels overwhelmed to learn new skills! Her whole future is spread before her.
17 Aug 2025
EmpowerED E7: Samia Omran—Frustrated to Flying High
Samia Omran has faced many challenges in her life, but with her four children by her side, and adult education pushing her toward her goals, Samia took charge of her future and dreams of writing her story one day.
13 Aug 2025
EmpowerED E6: Raylena Hayes—Careerless in Columbus to Keynote at Commencement
Raylena Hayes came to adult education after dropping out as a teenage mom. After getting married and having four children, Raylena couldn't see a career path forward for herself, until she enrolled in a career adult education program. After failing the exam 6 times, Raylena persevered and finished her HSE. Her teachers asked her to be the keynote speaker at her graduation, and today she has a fulfilling career as a motivational speaker!
1 Aug 2025
EmpowerED E5: Rita Rogers—Computer Science Major, Community Award Winner, and Career Navigator
Rita Rogers originally encountered adult education while learning more English to pass her citizenship exam. After two years of volunteering at her program, Rita fell in love with adult education, and today has been promoted to a leadership role as her program's career navigator.
24 Jul 2025
Empowered E4: Victoria Garcia Montoya—Dropout to Dreamer
Victoria Garcia Montoya came to adult education to finish her HSE, but when she walked that stage, she walked away with so much more than a diploma. She now works as an administrative assistant for a college, and she dreams of someday having her own food truck, opening her own restaurant, and becoming the state senator of her county.
17 Jul 2025
EmpowerED E3: Luiz Nunes—Learner to Leader
After years of feeling suppressed, adult ed helped Luiz Nunes learn English. Now he feels that he has a voice and an opinion at the table, and he is excited to use his voice to lead others.
17 Jul 2025
EmpowerED E2: Danielle Gillens—Blessed in Bermuda
The loss of Danielle Gillen's mother on the morning of her final GED exam set her up for failure, but Danielle wasn't ready to give up yet. Years later Danielle found the strength to start up again, and now she has become a supervisor in the hospitality industry on the island of Bermuda.
8 Jul 2025
EmpowerED E1: Maira Marroquin—New American to Neurobiologist
Starting a new life in a new country propelled Maira to learn English, and once she tasted success in this one area, her desire for learning became insatiable. Now, having finished a graduate degree in neurobiology, Maira looks for ways to inspire other immigrants to take charge of their future.
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