KConnect’s podcast, PACE Forward, dives deep into the critical issues shaping our communities, highlighting systemic challenges and innovative solutions that drive real change. Each episode offers insightful conversations with experts, advocates, and community members, exploring strategies that support equitable opportunities, impactful policy and advocacy efforts, and robust data-driven decision-making. PACE Forward delves into what it takes to move systems, empower communities, and build collaborative solutions that promote sustainable change. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives and discover how collective efforts can transform our region and empower every voice in the pursuit of equity and opportunity.
Youth Takeover: Creating Space for Youth Voice & Informed Voters
What do we often get wrong about engaging young people, and what does meaningful youth engagement actually look like?
In this episode of the PACE Forward podcast, Kent County youth Harini Manikandan (high school senior) and Eli Hajjar (college freshman) share their lived experiences and perspectives on engaging with elected officials and general policy & advocacy. They explore what it means to truly listen to young people, amplify the key issues they find most important, create informed voters, and put hope at the forefront of civic engagement.
The conversation also looks at what it means to bring everyone to the table while ensuring youth voice helps shape the issues being discussed.
A note for listeners: This episode was recorded when the upcoming event was planned as a youth-led candidate forum. Since recording, the event has evolved into a youth-led candidate roundtable. The youth survey discussed in this episode remains part of the process and will help inform the conversation.
Know a young person ages 15-24, particularly in Kent County? Share the youth survey with them. Their perspectives will help shape the upcoming roundtable.
Take or share the Youth Survey: https://forms.gle/Hs525ikwgHDfjEPK9 (https://forms.gle/Hs525ikwgHDfjEPK9)
9 Jul 2026
The Educator Landscape with West Michigan Teacher Collaborative
In this episode of the PACE Forward podcast, we explore the work of the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative (WMTC) (https://teachwestmichigan.org/) and its efforts to strengthen the teacher pipeline across our region.
Morgan Dailey, Program Coordinator at WMTC, joins Dr. Shayla Young and Maegan Frierson to discuss how WMTC is preparing and supporting passionate educators.
The conversation also highlights Teach Here (https://teachheremi.org/), an innovative community-based pilot created through a partnership with KConnect, WMTC, and Grand Valley State University. Teach Here is designed to address educator shortages in several West Michigan counties while unlocking pathways to economic mobility for individuals from underrepresented communities.
Please note: This conversation was recorded prior to the finalization of the FY2027 state budget.
22 Jan 2026
Inside KConnect: A Year in Review
As we wrap up a pivotal year, members of the KConnect team come together to reflect on the wins, challenges, and lessons learned in 2025, and to share what’s ahead in 2026.
From community impact and partnerships to moments that stretched us and sharpened our strategy, this conversation offers an honest look at how the work evolved over the past year. The team discusses what worked, what we’d do differently, and how those insights are shaping our priorities moving forward.
Whether you’ve been alongside us all year or are just getting to know KConnect, this episode offers transparency, reflection, and a preview of what’s next.
22 Jan 2026
Invest in MI Kids: Understanding the Movement
In this episode of the KConnect Podcast, we’re joined by Erika VanDyke, a longtime community leader and former organizer with the Urban Core Collective, to unpack the Invest in MI Kids ballot initiative and what it could mean for Michigan families.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate, or voter looking to better understand the issues impacting kids across Michigan, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a call to stay informed and engaged.
9 Jan 2026
Countdown to Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?
This episode orients listeners to the PACE 2026 convening, explaining its focus on the critical choice between fragmented responses and coordinated action for Kent County children and families.
11 Aug 2025
Reimagining the Future: Youth Voices Driving Systems Change
KConnect interns Joseph Guerra-Sandoval and Sydnee Bos discuss how their summer experience shaped their views on youth-led systems change, offering insights into building a stronger future.
29 May 2025
Educators Turning Policy into Power
Dr. Christopher Cadogan and Yara Barbosa discuss how their experiences as educators inform their work as Teach For America Policy Fellows, shaping equitable policies from classroom insights in this interview.
3 Apr 2025
From Policy to Practice: Supporting Student Well-being
In this episode, we explore how our community can better support student wellbeing both inside and outside the classroom. Join us for a powerful conversation featuring Giuliana Estrada from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Dr. Keenan King from Kent School Services Network (KSSN) as they share insights on the systems, strategies, and partnerships needed to create holistic support for students.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing for the upcoming Education Summit on April 19, 2025, offering a thoughtful preview of the key themes and conversations that will shape the day. Whether you're an educator, advocate, or community leader, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.
7 Mar 2025
Trailblazing Changemakers: Women in Advocacy Who Inspire
PACE Forward: Honoring Women in Policy & Advocacy
We’re celebrating the powerhouse women shaping policy and advocacy in our community. We're honored to be joined by Renell Weathers, Kathleen Bruinsma, and Jayme Vosovic, three incredible leaders who have been instrumental in advancing KConnect’s policy and advocacy work.
Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to systems change have helped pave the way for more equitable opportunities in our region. In this episode, we’ll dive into their journeys, the impact of their work, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
21 Feb 2025
Behind the Movement: The Backbone of KConnect
Learn about KConnect's history, structure, and more with four members of the backbone team.
8 Nov 2024
Advocacy Day 2024
We’re excited to share the launch of the PACE Forward Podcast, the first podcast in a series focused on Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement. It dives into why advocacy is essential for moving systems forward and making a difference in our community. Tune in to learn how to make the most of your time with the legislators, as well as specific information about FLOC, Advocacy Day logistics, and more.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 10 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
7
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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