In this powerful episode of the How It All Works podcast, host Kevin Staggers sits down with Dr. Sonya Robinson—educator, workforce development specialist, and Country Director for International Samaritan Jamaica—to explore what it truly means to build career pathways in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

With more than 15 years of experience across academia, nonprofit leadership, and corporate training, Dr. Robinson shares firsthand insights into her work supporting youth and families living in landfill communities in Jamaica. These communities face extreme poverty, limited infrastructure, and minimal access to basic resources—yet through intentional education and workforce development efforts, transformation is happening.

In this episode, Dr. Robinson discusses:

• What workforce development looks like “on the ground” in under-resourced communities
• The realities of students growing up in landfill environments and the barriers they must overcome
• How scholarships, mentorship, and life skills training help students move from survival to long-term success
• The critical role of mental health, exposure, and mindset shifts in career development
• Why involving families and reshaping expectations is essential to student progress

Dr. Robinson also highlights the importance of preparing students not just for exams, but for real life—emphasizing communication, leadership, and global awareness as key components often missing from traditional education systems. She challenges educators and workforce leaders to move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” model and instead provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences that truly prepare students for the future.

Through compelling success stories—including first-generation college students, graduates entering healthcare fields, and scholars giving back to their communities—this episode reminds us that opportunity, exposure, and support can change the trajectory of a life.

Whether you’re an educator, counselor, workforce professional, or simply someone passionate about equity in education, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight into how we can better support young people—no matter where they start.

🎧 Tune in to learn how education and workforce development can open doors—even in the most unlikely places—and why exposure, mindset, and community matter more than ever.

Bonus: South Carolina school counselors and career specialists can complete the post-episode questionnaire (linked in the description) to receive professional development credit. Link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw39

In this episode of the How It All Works podcast, host Kevin Staggers sits down with nationally recognized career development leader Mary Ellen Earnhardt to explore what it truly takes to connect education and workforce systems—and why that connection matters now more than ever.

With more than 30 years of experience spanning K–12 education, counseling, and statewide workforce initiatives, Mary Ellen shares insights from her work leading Montana’s Career Lab. She discusses how building a comprehensive, K–12 career development system—aligned with real-time labor market data—helps students better understand their options and prepare for meaningful futures.

This conversation dives into:

• Why early, intentional career exploration is critical for student success
• How education and workforce systems can collaborate more effectively
• The growing role of industry partnerships, apprenticeships, and real-world learning
• The importance of hands-on, “play-based” experiences in developing essential employability skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork
• How educators can move beyond traditional models to create more personalized, relevant learning pathways

Mary Ellen also shares powerful real-world examples—from rural communities to global STEM competitions—highlighting how exposure, opportunity, and strong foundations can transform student outcomes. She challenges schools to rethink rigid academic tracks, involve parents and communities, and embrace innovative approaches like global learning, networking, and purpose-driven frameworks such as Ikigai.

Whether you’re an educator, counselor, policymaker, or workforce professional, this episode is a compelling call to action: break down silos, stay adaptable, and never stop learning.

🎧 Tune in to discover how we can better prepare students for a rapidly changing world—starting as early as kindergarten.

Bonus: South Carolina listeners can find the post-episode quiz link in the description to earn professional development credit. Link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw38

Welcome to another episode of “The How It All Works Podcast,” where we explore the vital connection between education and workforce development. On this episode, we have a guest who as dedicated her life to preparing our state’s youth for success after graduation.

Brittany Hodges serves as a JAG Specialist for WJ Keenan High School. Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) helps youth facing significant challenges to reach economic and academic success. The JAG mission is to empower our nation’s young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment and life. JAG gives students an advantage that will set them apart from all other youth in today’s emerging workforce. In her role, Mrs. Hodges students have led students at winning awards at last year’s JAG-SC Career Development Conference. On this episode, we'll be discussing the importance of programs such as JAG in helping students transition into employment and post-secondary education.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw37

Welcome to the How It All Works Podcast, where we explore the relationship between education and workforce development.

On this episode, we’re joined by a leader who sits at the powerful intersection of public health, agriculture, culture, and community education. Bonita D. Clemons is a public health professional, farmer, and wellness educator whose work is transforming how families learn about food, health, and economic resilience. She is the President of Bonita Global, the Founder of Dianne’s Call, and the creator of FarmaSIS — an initiative that empowers women and families to grow their own food, reclaim their health, and build pathways to financial stability.

With a Master’s in Public Health and certifications in holistic health and nutrition education, Bonita brings a deeply community-rooted approach to learning. She partners with educators, farmers, and organizations to strengthen local food systems and create hands-on opportunities for youth and adults to explore careers in nutrition, agriculture, and wellness. Named the 2023 South Carolina Woman Farmer of the Year, she is a champion for culturally grounded food education and a visionary in workforce development — helping the next generation see food not only as medicine, but as legacy, livelihood, and a pathway to sustainable well-being.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw36

Welcome to the How It All Works Podcast, where we explore the relationship between education and workforce development.

On this episode, we’re highlighting the power of education, creativity, and community-centered learning through the work of an exceptional Family and Consumer Sciences educator. Lanier Lebby Alston is a veteran teacher at Hand Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina, with more than twenty years of experience helping students build real-world skills and discover meaningful career pathways.

A graduate of South Carolina State University, Ms. Alston holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design with a concentration in Business and a Master of Science in Individual and Family Development. Her classroom is a place where empathy, leadership, and hands-on learning come together — and her innovative “Scarves of Comfort” initiative is a perfect example. This project blends service learning, sustainability, and student empowerment, earning recognition from the South Carolina Department of Education and local media.

Ms. Alston was named the 2025 South Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year and is a 2026 AAFCS National Merit Finalist for Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors in the field. Through her work, she continues to advance the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences by preparing students not just for school, but for life — nurturing the next generation of leaders, creators, and community-minded professionals.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw35

Welcome to the How It All Works Podcast, where we explore the relationship between education and workforce development. On this episode, we’re joined by a leader whose career has shaped the fields of nutrition, dietetics, research, and disability advocacy. Dr. Suzanne Baxter is a retired registered dietitian and former research professor whose work spans clinical practice, foodservice, community nutrition, and academic research. With training from Texas Christian University, Texas Woman’s University, and the Medical College of Georgia, she built a distinguished career grounded in scientific rigor and a deep commitment to advancing the profession.

Dr. Baxter has authored 99 peer-reviewed publications and 13 book chapters, earning major honors including the South Carolina Affiliate 2012 Outstanding Dietitian of the Year, the Academy’s 2017 Monsen Award for Outstanding Research Literature, and recognition as a 2025 Today’s Dietitian top ten dietitians making a difference. After acquiring a disability in 2010, she became a powerful advocate for inclusion in dietetics, co-founding the Disabilities in Nutrition and Dietetics Member Interest Group within the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serving as its inaugural chair. She also contributes her expertise as a board member for Able SC and a volunteer with Disability Rights SC.

Most recently, Dr. Baxter has turned her focus to education and workforce development, authoring two books that introduce children, teens, and adults — including those with disabilities — to careers in dietetics. Through her writing, advocacy, and leadership, she is helping build a more representative dietetics workforce for the future.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw34

Welcome The How It All Works Podcast, where we delve into the impactful relationship between education and workforce development. Join us as we welcome Dr. Erin Clarke, a seasoned School Counselor and Career Specialist Liaison with the SC Department of Education. With her wealth of experience in elementary and middle school education, Erin is dedicated to bridging gaps and empowering educators to boost student success.

In this episode, Erin shares invaluable updates and insights for school counselors and career specialists as they prepare for the year 2026. Discover how Erin's belief in providing students with the right resources and opportunities can help them achieve their academic and career aspirations. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that sheds light on the future of education and career readiness.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw33

Welcome to The How It All Works Podcast! In this episode, we explore the dynamic intersection of education and workforce development. Join us as we chat with William Epps, a dedicated Chemistry teacher from Blythewood High School and the visionary behind Bengal Biodiesel. This groundbreaking program empowers students to gain real-world experience by producing biodiesel.

Students involved in Bengal Biodiesel acquire crucial industry-standard laboratory skills, ensuring their creations meet the ASTM-6751 standard. By following meticulous procedures, they not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions and lessening dependence on fossil fuels but also develop valuable, marketable skills for their future careers. Mr. Epps is passionate about providing students with hands-on opportunities to excel in STEM fields. Tune in to discover how this innovative initiative is shaping the next generation of STEM professionals!

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw32