EmpowerED

COABE
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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.

Episodes

  1. 12/21/2025

    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.

    8 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    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.

    4 min

  3. 10/07/2025

    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.

    5 min

  4. 08/17/2025

    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.

    4 min

  5. 08/13/2025

    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!

    4 min

  6. 08/01/2025

    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.

    8 min

  7. 07/24/2025

    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.

    7 min

  8. 07/17/2025

    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.

    8 min

  9. 07/17/2025

    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 min

  10. 07/08/2025 · VIDEO

    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.

  • 10 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    COABE
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 EmpowerED
  • Show Website
    EmpowerED