Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast

Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)
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Welcome to Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast — where we explore the issues that matter most to families, schools, and communities.

Episodes

  1. Jun 10

    #10 Academic Stress and How Families Can Support Their Students?

    In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego speaks with Dr. Kelly Greco, licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Clinical Education at the USC Rossier School of Education, about the growing impact of academic stress on students. Together, they discuss the pressures students face today, warning signs families should watch for, healthy coping strategies, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children's mental health and academic success.

    40 min

  2. May 18

    #9 Summer Break or Summer Build? What High School & College Students Should Really Be Doing

    Should students spend summer relaxing or preparing for the future? In this episode, college counselor Maria Jose Lamadrid, founder of Admitology, shares how high school and college students can use summer break to grow personally, strengthen college applications, and still avoid burnout. A practical conversation for parents and students navigating academics, extracurriculars, and admissions. Scholarship Resources: https://www.fastweb.com/ https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search https://www.scholarships.com/ https://bold.org/scholarships/

    39 min

  3. Apr 14

    #8 Voices of Change: Meet PIQE’s Inspiring Parent Ambassadors

    In today’s episode, we highlight PIQE’s inspiring Parent Ambassadors—parents and caregivers who completed a PIQE workshop and stepped up as leaders to uplift their communities. Meet Julia Sosa, Myra Vera-Rizo, and Francisco Sanchez, three dedicated advocates using their voices and experiences to help families engage in their children’s education, build stronger partnerships with schools, and create meaningful change so all children can thrive.

    42 min

  4. Mar 18

    #7 Women Who Lead: Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunity

    In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights the leadership and impact of three remarkable women who are helping shape stronger communities and expand opportunities for students and families. Rachel Hernandez, Mayor of Riverbank, California; Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Californians Together; and Gabriella Barbosa, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group join host Ileana López, Vice President of External Relations at PIQE, for a conversation about how women across government, advocacy, and philanthropy are opening doors and creating lasting change.

    47 min

  5. Feb 2

    #6 Why Digital Access Matters—and What’s at Stake

    In this conversation, I’m joined by Norma Fernandez of Everyone On and Dr. Ryan Alcantara of PIQE to highlight their impactful partnership. Everyone On works to close the digital divide through affordable internet and digital skills, while PIQE empowers parents with knowledge and skills. Together, they’re helping families and students thrive in today’s digital world.

    51 min

  6. Jan 7

    #5 What Families Want: New Insights on Public Demand for Bilingual Education

    Families are clear: bilingual education matters. This episode examines public demand for bilingual and dual language education and what the findings mean for educators, policymakers, and communities serving multilingual families. Tune in to hear insights from the authors of the What Families Want report.

    34 min

  7. 12/08/2025

    #4 School Board 101: Understanding Who’s Making Decisions with Elizabeth and Adolfo

    Who’s making the decisions that affect your child’s school? Join us as we sit down with school board members to understand their roles, responsibilities, and the impact they have on our schools—and why every family should pay attention.

    26 min

  8. 11/13/2025

    #3 Managing Your Student Loans to Avoid Lifelong Burden with Ángel Rentería

    In this episode, Ángel Rentería from the Student Debt Crisis Center shares practical strategies for managing student debt before it spirals into a financial crisis. Drawing from his own experience as a borrower and his work in advocacy, Ángel explores how equitable policies and informed choices can protect students and families from the long-term impacts of student loans.

    27 min

  9. 10/28/2025

    #2 Making College Possible: FAFSA, the California Dream Act & Financial Aid with Israel Flores Beltran (CSAC)

    In this episode, we’re joined by Israel Flores Beltran, Strategic Outreach Coordinator at the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). A proud CSU Sacramento graduate and former undocumented student, Israel brings a powerful personal perspective to his work helping students and families navigate the path to higher education. We talk about the FAFSA, the California Dream Act, and other key forms of financial aid that can open doors for students across the state. This conversation is packed with practical insights to help make college more affordable and accessible for every family.   Every parent wants the best for their student, but financial aid can feel confusing. That’s why PIQE and California Student Aid Commission are hosting free webinars to help you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Join us November 6 (Spanish Only) or November 13 (English Only) for live guidance and Q and A. Register now: go.piqe.org/4mg4qje

    31 min
  10. #1 Family First: A Principal’s Guide to Stronger School Connection with Dr. Bilma Bermudez

    09/23/2025

    #1 Family First: A Principal’s Guide to Stronger School Connection with Dr. Bilma Bermudez

    Welcome to Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast — where we explore the issues that matter most to families, schools, and communities. In our very first episode, we’re joined by Dr. Bilma Bermudez, proud principal of Topaz Elementary School in Fullerton, CA. With over 21 years of experience in education, Dr. Bermudez shares her insights on how schools and families can work together to support every child's potential.

    14 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Welcome to Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast — where we explore the issues that matter most to families, schools, and communities.

Information

  • Creator
    Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast