Talk about a career pivot! My friend Emily Leach is living her dream and finding her true calling in the process. I n this episode, you'll meet one of the sweetest and kindest people you could ever hope to have in your life. Emily Leach, or should I say Captain Emily Leach, is a certified sailing instructor who helps women learn the beautiful art of sailing and, in doing so, helps them discover a whole level of empowerment along the way. Let's cast our sails and let the breeze take us where it must in this enjoyable and eye-opening conversation with Emily Leach. To learn more about Emily check out her website: https://sailsandgrace.com LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyleach/

I'm not in Disneyland right now, but asking about the process of bringing Disney attractions to life takes my adrenaline rush sky high. Getting an idea of how the magic happens makes it even more magical!  Today's special guest for The Ripple Effect Podcast is Former Walt Disney Imagineer—Brian Collins. You might be wondering, "What's an Imagineer? Is that even a word?" Walt Disney Imagineers bring the words "imagination" and "engineering" together. They are teams with a range of expertise responsible for the design, creation, and construction of Disney theme parks, cruises, and attractions worldwide.  When you visit Walt Disney attractions at a young age, you probably won't wonder how these theme parks come to life. It’s simply magic! They just leave you with this glazed look of amazement. But today, Brian Collins will share his colorful journey working with Disney and give us a glimpse of the creative processes and hard work behind Walt Disney attractions. Spoiler alert: It’s not easy.  After his impressive work at Disney, Brian Collins embarked on new adventures as a passionate Instructor at the University of Central Florida, became the Founder of The Brainstorm Institute, and Co-Founder and President of the Ensō Education Institute. Among his long list of mind-blowing accomplishments, Brian is also a successful keynote speaker and a master storyteller.  Get ready to be inspired by a creative mind. Are you ready for a rollercoaster ride of creativity and learning? Ripple and connect with Brian Collins through these websites and his social media accounts. Websites: •wdwithme.com •brainstorm-institute.com •ensoeducation.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bcollinsorlando/ Instagram: @beingcre8eve Facebook: WDWithMe

Steve talks Star Wars, connection points and just how different the universe might have been had he been the Chosen One and asked to sit next to The Emperor AKA George Lucas. This fun solo (as in Han) episode is like an exploration of the cave on The Dagoba System (Yoda's swampy home) except it's scarier. Because you look into the deep crevices of Steve's Star Wars influenced mind and that is way scarier than facing Darth Vader.

I was so honored to interview former L.A. Times reporter and Amazon MGM executive Lorenza Muñoz in this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Lorenza is an incredible entrepreneur on a mission to create connection, community and collaboration together to create even bigger Ripples in the world. Connecting as human beings is in our evolutionary nature. It is fundamental to our human experience and essential for flourishing. Obviously, this is not news. Communities throughout history have gathered around fires, told stories, bonded, reflected on spiritual needs–together.  But these societal norms have slowly been eroding for a variety of reasons. Community seemed like it was much easier to find only a few decades ago, whether it was through religious institutions or neighborhood gatherings or long held traditions. The lingering trauma of COVID isolation we all experienced, the distraction of social media that seeks to replace in person connection with a virtual one have made the need for connection urgent. As human beings, we need to socialize in order to understand our connection to the world around us. The premise behind Artemis Muse Productions is threefold: •Bring back the concept of community–live and in person. •Catalyze groups and individuals around issues, themes, art or ideas through vibrant gatherings and discussions. •Advance company or individual business initiatives and ideas through curated gatherings. Artemis Muse is a connector-catalyst, ready to spread ideas, to create experiences that light up our emotional, artistic needs and to instigate change. INSPIRATION: Salons: Back in the 17th and 18th Century, Salons were held (mostly led by women) in Paris and other European cities to discuss ideas, science and politics. These women were friends with the artists and writers and intellectuals. Some were patrons of the arts. But mostly, they provided exposure to artists and thinkers and served as catalysts for some of the radical ideas that led to the Enlightenment. Harlem Renaissance: The cradle of Black intellectual and artistic thought. A movement that continues to reverberate today with its thought leaders like Langston Hughes, W.E.B. Du Bois, Zora Neale Hurston and others blazing a path for Black influence, thought and art. Georgia Douglas Johnson, a poet and writer who hosted the S Street Salon in Washington DC, was particularly influential. Her Saturday Nighters were legendary gatherings where women’s rights were discussed, anti-lynching action was hatched and literary minds expanded in a supportive, safe environment. Mexico City: My personal inspiration came through osmosis. Within my own family, there were salons hosted by my Great Aunt (affectionately called Toe). She was a maverick for her time and place, deciding not to marry and instead to follow her own career path in Mexican society. For nearly two decades, Toe held court in her beautiful apartment overlooking Mexico City with writers, intellectuals, bankers, artists and thought leaders. My grandmother also developed and cultivated community. For nearly 70 years, she was at the center of a group of women (jokingly) called “Las Intocables,” or “The Untouchables.” They were a fearsome group of 12 or so women who were best friends and saw each other through life and all of its changes, rituals, happy moments and tragedies. They were also the group to know for any woman hoping to enter into the tight knit world of Cuernavaca, a city about 1 hour south of Mexico City that became a weekend destination and globally renown resort town. I learned about community through my family, but I began to nurture and lead community gatherings professionally during my time as the head of member relations and awards of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. When I arrived in 2015, my mandate was to create outreach and opportunities for the members to feel more connected to each other and the institution. We needed to find ways to open up the membership to more women and underrepresented groups who, historically, had not been invited. We needed to create events and gatherings that brought together our members several times a year–not just through the Oscars. We were successful in creating the first ever annual gathering of female members in Los Angeles, New York, London and other cities–complete with a grant award for female filmmakers. We ushered in a new era of inclusivity, with the organization’s Board of Governors becoming more diverse in gender, race and ethnicity than ever before–nearly 50% female by 2020 compared to less than 10% in 2015 among many other accomplishments. It was at the Academy that I realized that no matter how rich or how famous you might be, a sense of belonging, of feeling seen and valued, is essential for any human being. Be sure to check out her website and let her know one thing that stood out or inspired you about what she shared in this episode: https://thelorenzamunoz.com/

After watching and listening to Molly Carroll's TEDx Talk, I instantly felt that she is one of a kind. I'm repeatedly screaming in my head, "She's a Rippler!" We featured Molly's talk in one of our TED Ripples for our Connect + Grow Ripple Coaching membership. To say it was a hit with our members would be an understatement!  Here's the link to her TEDx Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_carroll_the_need_for_human_connection_and_why_it_starts_with_ourselves I admire the way Molly is unafraid to show vulnerability to prove a point. She's courageous enough to unveil the flaws and imperfections of being human. She's kind enough to share a glimpse of her life to provide an authentic view of how she stepped through these hurdles through human connections. That's why finally having Molly Carroll as a special guest for The Ripple Effect Podcast is such a BIG deal to me. If this is your first time hearing about Molly, let me give you a little background of her awe-inspiring work. Holding a master's degree in counseling psychology, Molly Carroll uses her expertise to spread positive Ripples through therapy, writing, corporate speaking, training, and podcasting. Molly authored two nonfiction books, Cracking Open and Trust Within: Letting Intuition Lead. Both of her books are heavily inspired by her personal experiences. In 2021, she launched a podcast called Cracking Open, with topics revolving around stories of inspiring people around the globe and how a "cracking open" moment changed their lives forever. Despite having a lot on her plate, she still manages to take on the role of a caring mom to her kids.  If you want to dive deeper into her work or to be a part of the Cracking Open Coaching, visit the links below! LinkedIn: Molly Carroll, MA, LPC Facebook: Molly Carroll Instagram: @mollycarrollinc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mollycarroll282 Website: https://molly-carroll.com/

When you think of the words "light" and "color," the first things to probably pop out of your mind are the color wheel or the kindergarten book that explains the basic concept of colors to kids. But did you know that light and colors go beyond what you see? In today's episode, join me and Leanne Venier as we talk about the science behind the healing aspects of light and colors! Leanne Venier is an award-winning Artist, Engineer, Eastern Medicine Physician, Inventor, and Expert in the Science of Color & Light Therapy. With all these expertise and experiences combined, she invented the REDjuvenator, a clinically proven red light therapy device with healing and anti-aging capabilities. It's not just all talk! She has received numerous awards for her contributions to healthcare in  the studies of color, light, and energy medicine. If you're ready to benefit from the power of knowledge and technology, listen to the full podcast episode! Start  a Ripple with Leanne via Instagram: @leannevenier via Facebook: Leanne Venier International via LinkedIn: Leanne Venier via her websites: www.CatalyticColor.com www.leannevenier.com

I’m excited for you to meet our special guest Jen Mac! I’ve been following her on social media for a while now, and her work never ceases to inspire me. It took me a lot of courage to reach out to her, but she finally graced us with her presence here at The Ripple Effect Podcast. She is a life coach, a speaker, a principle-driven woman, and a Rippler of positivity. Our guest for today is none other than Jen Mac! Like most of us, Jen’s career and personal life didn’t have that impeccable start. She has to go through rough patches to get where she is today. Listening to motivational words hits different when it comes from someone who went through what they preach. It’s easier to relate to! In this episode, we talk about how Jen got past the hardest journeys in life by taking baby steps and starting at the smallest goal. BIO: Jennifer Macaluso-Gilmore (better know as Jen Mac) is a life coach for women wanting to fulfill their potential personally and/or professionally. With over two decades experience teaching & coaching, Jen's work & expertise has been featured in many publications including The New York Times, Forbes, Psychology Today & LearnVest. Learn more about Jen's work at: jen-mac.com   #achievemore #smallwins #babysteps #lifecoach #motivation #newrelease

Tune in to The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper for a compelling episode titled From Digital Handshakes to Lasting Bonds: The Ripple Approach! Embark on an enlightening journey as we delve into the transformative power of genuine connections in both personal and professional realms. In this episode, we unravel the essence of the digital handshake, the dynamics of online communities, and the profound impact of creating a Ripple of opportunities through authenticity. Discover the strategies and insights that can lead you to forge meaningful relationships, meet remarkable individuals, and catalyze growth beyond your imagination. Whether you aim to expand your network, escalate your business, or simply soak in the wisdom of extraordinary guests, this episode offers a treasure trove of knowledge to deepen your connections and propel you toward unstoppable success. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to transform every interaction into a significant connection and every chance into a milestone of achievement with this powerful episode!  #authenticconnections #digitalhandshake #rippleeffectgrowth #communityImpact #unstoppablesuccess #steveharper #rippleeffect #podcaster #keynotespeaker

You may recognize Melissa Knowles from her time on The Morning Express with Robin Meade on HLN, or her many times anchoring for CNN. Or maybe, you remember her from the Live Free or Die Hard movie with Bruce Willis. She stole the show on that one, in my opinion. I have been a fan of Melissa Knowles for as long as she's been gracing our television and movie screens. Maybe it's her incredibly positive energy or her amazing sense of humor that first got my attention. But it is her good heart and her amazing soul which just radiates from her that kept me watching.  Melissa is one of those people you can't help but feel uplifted by. As she graces our Instagram and TikTok feeds (follow her @knowlesitall) feeds, she is a shining example of someone who goes out of her way to create a positive Ripple in the world. She's honest. She's direct. She's funny as Hell. And she will probably make you wish you had worked out just a little bit harder (Soul Cycle, can you just make my girl your spokesmodel already?) and had that extra something something of whatever she takes in the morning to vibrate at some high level. I am deeply honored she agreed to come on The Ripple Effect Podcast. I am a huge fan not because she's famous but because she is a good person and a Rippler through and through. I could not wait to have this conversation with her.  Learn more about Melissa and her work at melissaknowlestv.com Here's Melissa's official bio: Melissa Knowles is an exceptional entertainment news personality with an impressive two-decade career in live and scripted broadcasting. Most recently, Melissa was the entertainment news reporter for "Morning Express with Robin Meade" and a valuable contributor to "CNN New Day." Melissa's daily segment, 'What's Poppin', was a captivating dive into the latest breaking pop-culture news, featuring her distinctive conversational style, quick wit, and polished storytelling. Beyond her regular entertainment news duties, Melissa frequently anchored both 'Morning Express with Robin Meade' and 'Weekend Express with Susan Hendricks,' showcasing her versatility and expertise. Melissa is renowned for her vibrant personality, which shines through the screen, creating a genuine connection with her audience. Her career commenced as a reporter for Channel One News, laying the foundation for her remarkable journey. Prior to joining the HLN/CNN on-air team, she hosted the daily entertainment news and pop-culture show 'Trending Now' at Yahoo! News. Her work extended to major events like The Summer Olympic Games in London and Super Bowl XLVII for Yahoo! Sports, where she demonstrated her adeptness at delivering high-profile sports coverage. Notably, Melissa has also served as a correspondent for BET News, covering significant events such as the presidential inauguration in 2013 and the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington, displaying her versatility in news reporting. Her sports reporting experience includes a stint at Fox Sports, where she covered the Detroit Pistons, and an anchor role for 'Big 12 This Week' on ESPNU. Additionally, she worked as a sideline reporter for the ESPN family of networks, offering in-depth coverage of college sports. Melissa's educational background is rooted in journalism, as she holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Melissa and her family have made Atlanta their home. Beyond her broadcasting career, Melissa, along with her husband Scott, is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. Their dedication to non-profit educational initiatives is instrumental in closing the opportunity and achievement gap for economically disadvantaged children, underscoring her passion for making a positive impact beyond the screen. Melissa Knowles is a multi-talented, dedicated professional who continues to captivate audiences with her charisma and expertise.

In this captivating episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast, Steve Harper is joined by the amazing Lark Meadow, a co-founder and CEO from Aeon Blue Technologies. Lark shares her inspiring journey from the film industry to the forefront of climate technology. Lark shares her unexpected but incredible transition into the world of climate tech, fueled by her brother's (Doc) groundbreaking invention that transforms air and water into fuel. This technology promises a sustainable future and encapsulates the essence of innovation with its potential to revolutionize the energy sector. Lark's narrative is a testament to the power of curiosity and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Her transition from film to climate tech was driven by a desire to contribute to something larger than herself, a theme that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs and changemakers. The conversation delves into the technical marvel of their venture, Aeon Blue, which focuses on creating clean fuel and carbon capture solutions, aiming for a 600% carbon-negative impact. Her team's approach is not just about innovation but also accessibility and affordability, aiming to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructures and consumer habits. Lark's story is a compelling reminder of the impact each of us can have on addressing global challenges simply by Rippling our commitment and support to supporting and leveraging sustainable initiatives in our daily lives. Listeners are invited to explore Aeon Blue Technologies and the remarkable strides it's making in addressing climate change. Lark's journey is not just inspiring but a wake-up call for all of us to contribute to a sustainable future in whatever way we can. To learn more about Aeon Blue Technologies, go to their website - https://www.aeonbluetechnologies.com/ To connect with Lark go to LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larkmeadow/

In this interview, Jenn Breisacher discusses her passion for transforming education and creating a positive impact in the classroom. She shares some of her inspiration behind leaving the classroom to start her own thing and create even bigger Ripples as CEO of her firm Student-Centered World. Jenn shares the importance of small changes in teaching methods and can completely transform a school one educator at a time. Jenn emphasizes the need for work-life balance for teachers and how separating the job from their personal life is essential to avoid burnout. She also shares the support of her family, especially her husband, Shawn, who clearly deals with blood better than she does (joke), plays a significant role in her journey as an education change-maker and entrepreneur. The conversation delves into Jenn's long-term vision of training teachers worldwide in student-centered teaching methods and her upcoming book, "The Classroom Dichotomy." She believes that the power of small changes in teaching can and will lead to a positive Ripple Effect in education. Jenn and Steve also discuss the challenges in education today, the importance of teacher buy-in, and the need for a ground-up approach in implementing new methods rather than a top-down mandate.  You can't help but be inspired by Jenn's dedication to improving education and inspiring teachers to create meaningful change in their classrooms. She is no doubt changing the world one teacher, one classroom, and one student at a time. Talk about a Ripple Effect! Learn more about Jenn and her company - https://www.studentcenteredworld.com/about/

The Ripple Effect Podcast with Steve Harper launches, COVID and all, today! So before the first episode of the new season, Steve has something to say. Who is Fenius?

In the year-end recap of the Ripple Effect podcast for 2023, host Steve Harper reflects on the incredible guests and experiences the show has offered. He expresses gratitude for the diverse lineup of guests, including American Ninja Warriors, TEDx speakers, and world-changing leaders. Steve shares how these guests, many of whom he didn't know before, willingly joined the podcast and praised his thoughtful and engaging interview style. He highlights the positive feedback he received and the lasting connections formed with guests. Steve also discusses personal growth and how the podcast has boosted his confidence, expanded his network, and inspired him to learn new skills. He acknowledges the challenges and decisions he made to streamline his content, make space for new opportunities, and focus on building a community called "The Pond." Steve emphasizes the importance of continued learning and the impact of the podcast on his life.

Kathleen Fors has always amazed me. Her deep desire to make a difference in the world has been apparent every since I met her at one of my 8 Minute Ripple events years ago. But how she and her husband are making a difference now in their own lives now will serve as a bit of wake-up call for us all to get off the couch and start doing something. For Kathleen, that's winning national tennis titles at the age of 75 - a sport she only recently picked up competitively. But that's not all she's into, as she'll share in this inspiring episode. The grit and determination Kathleen has will assuredly inspire you as it has me. She was such a hoot to have on the show and I am so very grateful to call her a friend! To learn more about Kathleen and the amazing work she does, check out her website at kathleenfors.com

Fun story. We featured Christin Collin's amazing TED Talk for our Connect + Grow Ripple Coaching Membership recently. I selected her talk for our members because I was enamoured with Christin's energy and beautiful talk. So naturally I thought our members would benefit greatly from her message and decided to feature it for our monthly TED Ripple session. Boy was I right! Our members couldn't stop talking about how much they took from her talk. So much so, I thought she needed to know.  I decided to create a Ripple and reach out to her - just to let her know how much her message was appreciated by us all. What I found in receipt of my effort was an even warmer, more inviting Christin inviting me to engage and share more. Well, of course, we talked and I just knew she needed to be on the podcast. So I swung for the fences and invited her. And spoiler alert, she agreed! Christin is everything you'd ever hope to experience in someone who is out to change the world. Her personal struggles and mission to educate herself and her clients has resulted in a completely new career path for her and if you ask me, she's focusing on the work she was always destined to do.  Here's a little snippet (borrowed from her LinkedIn) that instantly tells you who Christin is at her core:  When we know ourselves, we unlock true happiness and freedom. And the best part - the answers for self-love and care lie inside of all of us. My purpose is to inspire an awakening within. The foundational insights of knowing and loving oneself have been shaped by my role as a health care executive and my personal healing experience. I hope they help you be your BEST YOU, fully connected with yourself and your universe. be. love. CC Learn more about Christin's work at: christincollins.com and be sure to watch her TEDx Talk

I am so honored to have my friend and storytelling mentor, Lyn Graft on this episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast. Aside from Lyn being a New Mexico homie, he's one of the nicest, most genuine guys I know. And I am I thrilled for you to get to know him too! Here's a bit more about Lyn: Lyn Graft is the Chief Story Officer at Shār Snacks, founder of Storytelling for Entrepreneurs, and author of the best-selling book, Start With Story. He has filmed over 1,000 entrepreneurs including the founders of Starbucks, Whole Foods, TOMS, and LinkedIn. He co-created and produced CNBC’s first primetime TV series ‘American Made’ and has produced 1,200 videos for entities such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Microsoft, Dell, and Nestle. Lyn founded 8 companies and has raised $10.0M in venture funding and serves or has served on advisory boards for SXSW, Dell, and Empowering a Billion Women. Lyn has given over 50 keynote presentations on entrepreneurial and business storytelling at entities such as HP, Dell, EY, EO, SXSW, Wharton School of Business, and the University of Texas. He also is a mentor at the SKU Consumer Packaged Goods Accelerator, Founding Institute Startup Accelerator, and EBW Women Executive Accelerator. Lyn has a BA in electrical engineering and an MBA in marketing and entrepreneurship. For more information, go to LynGraft.com.

Talk about a guy that has been through a lot and has come out on the other side so much better for it. G. Brian Benson is an amazing speaker, writer, producer, actor, Iron Man, cancer survivor, podcaster and one hell of a guitar player. Oh and did I mention, he might be one of the kindest, most soulful guys you could ever hope to meet.  I am so honored to have this amazing man join me for The Ripple Effect Podcast. I am in awe of all that he is done and all that he still strives to do. He's inspirational from the word go and I am forever in his debt to have this opportunity to sit down and learn from him. Here's a bit more about Brian: In 2008, Brian followed a hunch and left his family’s golf center business, stepping into the unknown. Ever since, inspiration has followed. Letting intuition be his guide, he began to step out of his comfort zone and unexpected paths and talents started to emerge such as writing, acting, and crafting stories. Tapping into this emerging creativity, Brian began his own hero’s journey of self-realization and growth, which continues to influence his empowering and inspiring books, films, and presentations. Learn more about Brian's great work at his website: https://www.gbrianbenson.com/

In this engaging podcast interview, Steve Harper is excited to welcome his friend and colleague Patti DeNucci to The Ripple Effect Podcast. Patti, renowned for cultivating authentic networks and engaging in profound conversations, is currently promoting a new book and a newfound love of conversation. Topics you know Steve, can't help but get excited about! Patti provides insights into her background, hailing from a mining town in northern Minnesota, where she learned the art of conversation and connection from her gregarious father and grandfather. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in networking, regardless of one's personality type. Patti's first book, "The Intentional Networker," guides readers in effective, genuine networking, while her second book and recently released, "More Than Just Talk," serves as a valuable resource to enhance conversational skills and get past the unproductive small talk many of us find annoying.  Steve and Patti have a fun and engaging conversation that underscore the significance of gratitude, curiosity, and meaningful questions in building strong connections. Their anecdotes and strategies illuminate the path to authentic networking and the power of sincere conversations in both personal and professional spheres. This powerful episode is an essential episode to save to your library as you will want to reference it again and again. To learn more about Patti and her work, please check out her website intentionalnetworker.com, for additional resources and information on her books.

You've been asking for a solo episode, and I've listened. As we enter the fall season, with the excitement building, I want to delve into a concept that's not just for sports fans but for anyone looking to build their own dream team: the Fantasy Draft of your network. I'll discuss the power of curating your network, and selecting individuals with unique skills, experiences, and talents to form your dream team. Just like in a fantasy draft, where you choose players strategically to create a winning team, you can do the same in your professional and personal life. This episode is brought to you by ripplecentral.com/pond, where you can explore resources and connect with others who can help you draft your own network dream team. For those looking to take it a step further, our Connect and Grow Coaching Membership offers a 12-month experience packed with valuable content, masterclasses, TED ripple sessions, and even personal coaching sessions with me. So, stay tuned for more insights on how to create your fantasy draft of a network that can help you achieve your goals and dreams. #RippleEffectPodcast #FantasyDraft #NetworkBuilding #DreamTeam #Community #CoachingMembership

I've been connected with Laura Williams via Twitter (we both refuse to call it X) for quite a while. She inspires me along with thousands of teachers, administrators and educational professionals worldwide. She can always be counted on to put out an inspirational thought, a word of encouragement or just something that will make you smile. She is the epitome of a Rippler and I am so grateful to know her and to be connected with her! Check out her work at authenticlearningalliance.org and be sure to follow her on Twitter @mrswilliams21c Here's a little bit of her official bio from her website: ​I'm Laura Williams, your resident authentic learning expert and host of the Authentic Learning Alliance google group and facilitator of the Iowa Authentic Learning Network.  Over the past 10 years I've dedicated myself to transforming education through incorporating authentic learning experiences with area partnerships into PK-12 classrooms as an educator, consultant, and 21st Century Learning Specialist. I have also supported area partners in the visioning around these experiences to maximize a win-win-win experience for all stakeholders.  I believe that education can be the great equalizer if we can leverage our students interests and passions. We have ~6.5 instructional hours a day and I believe we can be the difference. We just have to dedicate the time, space, and connections to "up the ante" for students. I believe we can help each learner find their super powers and help them develop 21st Century skills to be successful in living, learning, and working.    Iowa Roots Through this endeavor, I have made some great partners along the way! My role as a 21st Century Learning Specialist for AEA Learning Online has privileged me to work with some great educators, leaders, business partners in order to support schools across the state to design, launch, and implement authentic learning programming.  ​Check out the Iowa Authentic Learning Network to explore resources and get connected with some amazing consultants and educators in Iowa who are just as passionate about this incredible movement in education! Currently we have around 500 educators joining this movement in Iowa!  Follow @iowaaln on Twitter to learn more! It is our sincere hope we can connect passionate educators to share and learn from each other from across the globe!