Standing In The Gap

St. Petersburg College
  • 5.0 (10)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Standing In The Gap, a presidential podcast hosted by Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College.  Through candid conversations and personal stories from our highly esteemed guests and St. Petersburg College administrators and students, each voice embodies the ethos of Standing In The Gap—offering second chances, speaking up for those without a voice, and fostering opportunity for all. Join Dr. Tonjua Williams on a journey towards positive change in education and empowerment for our community - whether it's providing advocating for colleagues, supporting students, or amplifying voices.  Tune in to be inspired by the power of education and mentorship in shaping a brighter future - let’s explore together the profound impact of supporting others by Standing In The Gap.

  1. 01/28/2025

    23: Best of Standing In The Gap for Youth in Education & Mental Health

    This "Best Of" episode showcases powerful stories and actionable solutions that address challenges in education and mental health. From breaking barriers to college access and expanding scholarship opportunities to equipping youth with tools for empowerment, these SPC guests provide invaluable insights and strategies for driving change. The episode also features Ryan Quattlebaum’s inspiring perspective on courageous leadership and Judge Moore’s compelling call to action for stronger community support. Together, their stories highlight resilience, innovation, and the importance of coming together to create lasting impact. Don’t miss these motivating conversations—tune in now! KEY POINTS:  - 2: From Student to Superintendent: Kevin K. Hendrick is Transforming the Future of Education - 14: Empowering Florida's Future: Addressing Skills Gap and Supporting Low-Income Students with Braulio Colón - 13: From The Ground Up: Choosing Courage Over Comfort in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation, with Ryan Quattlebaum - 8: The Power of Hope: How Zaneta Ellison is Transforming Lives Through Mental Health Awareness - 17: Faith, Fairness, and the Bench: The Honorable Patrice Moore’s Impact on Justice & Youth RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    21 min

  2. 01/21/2025

    CPA to CEO: How a Love for Service Transformed Beth Houghton's Career

    What does it take to lead with purpose and passion? In this inspiring conversation, we uncover how a career grounded in service and love for community transformed a CPA into a nonprofit CEO. From navigating law and accounting to finding her heart in advocacy for children, our guest shares invaluable advice for aspiring leaders, including the importance of pacing yourself and putting purpose first. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-from-cradle-to-career-ensuring-a-successful/id1736752420?i=1000678998439 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1aDpRoE5uC4RF6jXLNKtOZ?si=1f19ddf44dda4d57 Youtube: https://youtu.be/3_P3ydUPLpI?si=zM7mydFl6JfwsZgF GUEST RESOURCES: Beth Houghton LinkedIn | @beth-houghton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    5 min

  3. 01/14/2025

    22: Best Of What It Takes To Be A True Leader

    In this special "Best Of" episode, delve into how St. Petersburg College faculty and guests embody the essence of a TRUE LEADER by empowering their communities and extending support to those in need. From addressing education barriers to empowering mental health solutions, let’s reflect on important moments that inspire, take action, and showcase resilience. With insights on collaboration and strategies for impactful support, this episode is packed with takeaways for everyone. Tune in and discover what it means to lead and uplift. KEY POINTS:  - 1: Choose Courage Over Comfort: Dr. Kanika Tomalin on Leading Fearlessly & Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders - 13: From The Ground Up: Choosing Courage Over Comfort in Healthcare Leadership & Innovation, with Ryan Quattlebaum - 10: Leading with Heart: Gary Hartfield on Service, Entrepreneurship, and Social Justice - 7: The Power of Mentorship and Community: Leadership Stories from Dr. Williams and Melissa Seixas RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    21 min

  4. 01/07/2025

    Nonprofit Careers: Choosing Purpose Over Profit with Habitat for Humanity’s Mike Sutton

    In this thought-provoking segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams talks with Mike Sutton, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties, about finding purpose in the nonprofit world. Mike shares insights into balancing personal fulfillment and financial realities, dispelling myths around nonprofit salaries, and why he remains dedicated to Habitat’s mission. They discuss Habitat’s focus on sustainability, community investment, and how building a strong organizational culture can attract passionate, driven individuals to long-term nonprofit careers. Join us as we explore the meaningful rewards of nonprofit work, building culture, and how Habitat for Humanity changes lives beyond the homes it builds. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-how-habitat-for-humanity-empowers-families-communities/id1736752420?i=1000682421222 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7y8rfTG21yS34IVNROY8jz?si=85d15dd8618b4b05 Youtube: https://youtu.be/_ZlSREKZUic?si=enchnIqhDMYkMeln GUEST RESOURCES: Mike Sutton  LinkedIn | @mesutton RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    3 min

  5. 12/31/2024

    21: How SPC Faculty Are Standing In The Gap for Students

    How do educators bridge the gap between students' potential and their reality? In this episode, we sit down with an inspiring group of faculty from St. Petersburg College to explore the profound impact educators can have on their students' lives. Joining this conversation are: Susan Demers – Dean of Public Policy, Public Safety, Ethics, and Legal Studies Raquel Hairston – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate STEM High School Ryan Halstead – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, North Pinellas Kimberly Jackson – Executive Director of the Institute for Strategic Policy Solutions Ian Call – Principal of St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, Gibbs Campus Together, they share personal stories, teaching philosophies, and strategies to help students overcome gaps in confidence, resources, and opportunity. From building meaningful relationships to recognizing untapped potential, these educators reveal what it truly means to "stand in the gap." Tune in for an empowering discussion that highlights the transformative role of educators in shaping future leaders. KEY POINTS: [0:51] Susan's journey and teaching philosophy [9:55] Challenges and support for SPC’s students [18:25] How Susan stands in the gap  [19:08] Raquel's path to education and advocacy [27:43] How Raquel supports students as a principal  [28:42] Ryan's transition to education and leadership [37:08] Leadership as a cornerstone for students  [40:52] Tough job? An honor to be a principal of high school students  [45:10] What makes Collegiate High School stand out?  [50:32] Kimberly's staunch support for neurodiverse students [1:03:40] Ian's inspiration and mission for Collegiate High School QUOTABLES:  “The most common one is a gap in self-confidence. They do not feel like they know enough to even ask a question, so they're silent.” – Susan Demers  “It's important for us to examine those systemic structures, and just because we've done it this way for millions of years does not mean it's a path that we should continue, especially as we examine and see it's not working for a particular group of students.” – Raquel Hairston “Relationships are one of the key components to helping students be successful and just being a part of seeing what those relationships look like—-from predecessors that came in empowering students.” – Ryan Halstead “Standing in the gap means that you can't be what you can't see. [Students] may not have a straight line as they move on to whatever is in their future, but we have to have these tough conversations with our students who are struggling to understand and figure out what they want to do with their lives.” – Kimberly Jackson “It's important for everyone to stand the gap because these students are our future they're our future leaders. They're your future employees. What kind of employees do you want?” – Ian Call GUEST RESOURCES: Susan Demers   Raquel Hairston Ryan Hallstead  Kimberly Jackson  Ian Call  RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    1h 15m

  6. 12/24/2024

    Rebuilding the Village: How We Lost—and Can Regain—Community Trust with The Honorable Patrice Moore

    What happened to the strong sense of community we once had? In this heartfelt discussion, we explore the values of gratitude, giving back, and fostering trust with our neighbors. From lessons learned in childhood to the challenges of modern life, this segment examines how we can rebuild the bonds of community and support one another in meaningful ways. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-faith-fairness-and-the-bench-the-honorable/id1736752420?i=1000675718132 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6OZzrlRDxKPYb7c0xrV54F?si=67c01a478ce747d0 Youtube: https://youtu.be/0sqHj7x_1B4?si=_OVRK2tb6naNATSb GUEST RESOURCES: Judge Patrice Moore  | @the-honorable-patrice-moore/  RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    4 min

  7. 12/17/2024

    20: The Power of Mentorship: How Dr. Ernest McDonald Went From 6th Grade Dropout to Doctor

    In this inspiring episode, Dr. Tonjua Williams sits down with Dr. Ernest McDonald to explore the themes of leadership, decision-making, and overcoming fear and inadequacy. Dr. McDonald shares his remarkable journey from dropping out of school in sixth grade to earning a doctorate in pharmacy and becoming a Clinical Pharmacist at Largo Medical Center. Through honest reflections, he discusses the challenges he faced, including financial struggles, academic setbacks, and feelings of inadequacy, and how he found the courage to persevere. With the support of programs like Brother to Brother and mentors who believed in him, Dr. McDonald emphasizes the transformative power of community, mentorship, and asking for help. He highlights the importance of continuous learning, leveraging technology for growth, and building a strong support network. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of education, offering hope and inspiration for anyone striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about breaking barriers and making an impact. KEY POINTS:  [1:11] - Introduction to Dr. Ernest McDonald [02:25] - Dr. McDonald's early experiences at St. Petersburg College [06:42] - The pivotal role of the Brother to Brother program  [09:12] - Dr. McDonald's journey after SPC  [10:07] - The responsibilities and challenges of being a lead pharmacist [16:11] - The inner drive and determination that kept going  [23:39] - Dr. McDonald's advice to his younger self and the importance of overcoming fears [31:33] - Leadership style:The value of authenticity and willingness to learn [36:36] - What’s next? Dr. McDonald’s vision the help the community QUOTABLES:  "Don't run from fear. Lean into it. Overcome it." – Dr. Ernest McDonald "Individuals do not rise to the level of their expectation, they fall to the level of their training." – Dr. Ernest McDonald "Your fear and your lack of knowing, of feeling inadequate, don't let it feed into that, because it's an endless pit." – Dr. Ernest McDonald GUEST RESOURCES: Dr. Ernest McDonald  LinkedIn | @ernest-mcdonald-pharmd-cph-bcps RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    44 min

  8. 12/10/2024

    Why Construction is a Career You Shouldn’t Overlook | Joshua Bomstein

    In this segment, Dr. Tonjua Williams and Joshua Bomstein, President of Creative Contractors Inc., dive into the "war for talent" in the competitive real estate and construction market. They discuss the challenges of finding skilled workers, the importance of career and technical education, and how the construction industry offers rewarding, impactful careers. Discover what makes construction a viable career choice and how education can help fill the talent gap. Listen to the full episode here Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/16-giving-back-building-up-joshua-bomstein-on-creating/id1736752420?i=1000673942021 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2etZEdRcFLZE9LdAerNsOS?si=46a91866a275422c Youtube: https://youtu.be/Aqe4frRi0sY?si=ne0ISB91SpbMFuc5 GUEST RESOURCES: Joshua Bomstein  LinkedIn | @joshua-bomstein-leed-ap-6389952  RESOURCES: St. Petersburg College Website | St. Petersburg College Facebook | @stpetecollege  IG | @stpetersburgcollege YouTube | @SPC  LinkedIn | @st-petersburg-college  X | @spcnews  Standing In The Gap is produced by EPYC Media Network | Visit at https://www.epyc.co/

    4 min
See All (42)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to Standing In The Gap, a presidential podcast hosted by Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College.  Through candid conversations and personal stories from our highly esteemed guests and St. Petersburg College administrators and students, each voice embodies the ethos of Standing In The Gap—offering second chances, speaking up for those without a voice, and fostering opportunity for all. Join Dr. Tonjua Williams on a journey towards positive change in education and empowerment for our community - whether it's providing advocating for colleagues, supporting students, or amplifying voices.  Tune in to be inspired by the power of education and mentorship in shaping a brighter future - let’s explore together the profound impact of supporting others by Standing In The Gap.

Information

  • Creator
    St. Petersburg College
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    42
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Standing In The Gap