Joyce interviews Linda Wong, a dynamic individual whose journey spans from humble beginnings in rural China to becoming an influential educator and leader. Linda shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, navigating various jobs, and ultimately discovering her passion for education and leadership.

Linda Wong is the founder and CEO of SPARK Academy, an educational organization that has been transforming the lives of children and families in the San Gabriel Valley for the past decade. As a vital partner of local school districts, SPARK Academy provides tutoring services in all subjects to thousands of students annually, from kindergarten through 8th grade.

In this episode of Youth Research Vox - Thought-Partner Podcast, host Joyce Coffey sits down with Søren Hermansen, Director of Samsø Energy Academy, to explore the power of community-driven sustainability.

Søren shares his experience transforming the small Danish island of Samsø into a global leader in renewable energy, offering insights on how local involvement and ownership are key to successful sustainable development projects.

They discuss the importance of evaluating a community's readiness for SDG initiatives, the impact of bottom-up versus top-down approaches, and how young leaders can take these lessons forward to drive change in their own communities. Tune in to hear how local action can truly create global impact!

In this episode, Joyce Coffey explores the complexities of Generation Z, a group often misunderstood by older generations. Through a heartfelt poem, the podcast gives voice to Gen Z's desires for understanding and support, urging older generations to see them for who they truly are and to stand by them in their journey.

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer with a poem? Send your questions to podcast@youthresearchvox.org. We look forward to featuring your question in a future episode!