Square Pizza
128 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 35 ratingsThe Square Pizza podcast focuses on the intersection of education, innovation, and diversity. We host and interview leaders doing incredible work around the country to ensure all students have access to an equitable education. The Square Pizza podcast is hosted by SchermCo, a social-impact implementation firm that offers strategic implementation and project management services to schools and education-focused organizations across the country.
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Episodes
#66 - Dan Lugo, President, Queens University of Charlotte
July 22, 2021 18:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Dan Lugo, President of Queens University of Charlotte. One fun fact about Dan Lugo: “A bit obsessed with big storms." Topics covered in this episode: First-gen college graduate Colby College - $750 million fundraising campaign, largest in liberal arts history Significance of being the first racial minority to serve as president at Queens Steps to bridging the gap of racial equity and...
#65 - Greg joins Dr. Stacey Gonzales on the Ed Up Edge Podcast
July 09, 2021 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with Dr. Stacey Gonzales of the Ed Up Edge Podcast. This slice has a unique twist as Greg is the guest on this episode. Topics covered in this episode: The educational system Supporting stakeholders in various ways as schools return Supports needed to make sure instruction and learning continue to offer responsive options Insights about "ownership" when it comes to students and schools...
#64 - Noel Harmon, Executive Director, APIA Scholars
May 20, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with colleague, Noel Harmon, President at Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund. Topics we covered in this episode: The connection between the Midwest 2009 Dissertation “experiences of Black college female student-athletes at PWI’s” APIA Scholars Mental health within students What we can do to elevate the work of other Asian Americans To learn more about APIA Support...
#64 - Noel Harmon, APIA Scholars
May 20, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with colleague, Noel Harmon, President at Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund. Topics we covered in this episode: The connection between the Midwest 2009 Dissertation “experiences of Black college female student-athletes at PWI’s” APIA Scholars Mental health within students What we can do to elevate the work of other Asian Americans To learn more about APIA Support...
#63 - Noel Harmon, APIA Scholars
May 20, 2021 15:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with colleague, Noel Harmon, President at Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund. Topics we covered in this episode: The connection between the Midwest 2009 Dissertation “experiences of Black college female student-athletes at PWI’s” APIA Scholars Mental health within students What we can do to elevate the work of other Asian Americans To learn more about APIA Support...
#63 - Mike Yates, The Reinvention Lab
May 06, 2021 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with new colleague, Mike Yates, Senior Managing Director of Network Strategies at TFA Reinvention Lab. One fun fact: Mike Yates sang the National Anthem at the Houston Hotshots game. Topics we covered in this episode: The beef between Dallas and Houston 2x TEDx Speaker Being more than just a teacher with personal branding Allowing students to make the curriculum To learn more about ...
#62 - Dr. Harry Williams, President & CEO at Thurgood Marshall College Fund
April 21, 2021 18:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with colleague, Dr. Harry Williams, President & CEO at Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). One fun fact: Dr. Williams was a first-generation college student, attending Appalachian State University on a track scholarship. Topics we covered in this episode: Story of how Dr. Williams met Dewey Norwood at a Charlotte Bobcats game Track career and how sports became the foundation for BIG go...
#61 - James Ford, Executive Director of CREED
March 18, 2021 15:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with good friend and colleague, James Ford, Executive Director at Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED). One interesting fact about James: While growing up in the Hip-Hop era of the 80s, James was an MC from the age of 13-29. More topics we covered in this episode: The most famous person from Rockford, Illinois James preferred career if he wasn't in education New equity-based So...
#60 - Nicole Jarbo, CEO of Goodbets Group
March 04, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week, Greg is in conversation with good friend and colleague, Nicole Jarbo, CEO of Goodbets Group. One interesting fact about Nicole: While playing collegiate soccer at the University of California, Berkeley, she secured nine saves to help Cal beat Auburn, 3-1, in the first round of NCAAs. More topics we covered in this episode: Alex Morgan (U.S Women's Soccer star) and Nicole's first impression of her on a recruiting t...
#59 - District+Charter Collaboration & Family Empowerment
February 11, 2021 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBWe are excited to bring you this episode of the #squarepizzapod focused on district-charter collaboration. This episode features two school leaders, Jamie Sumter from Movement Charter School - Freedom & Brenda Alston-Hasan from Ashley Park Prek-8 as they share their experience working across district-charter lines to support families and students. This episode also covers: Brenda's hidden dance talents Truth's about charter schools & student enrollment Key steps to building successful rel...
#58 - Angelique Albert, Executive Director, American Indian Graduate Center
February 04, 2021 14:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza podcast. We're excited to bring you this interview featuring Angelique Albert, Executive Director of the American Indian Graduation Center. Keep listening on to hear: - the connection between Angelique and Dewey Norwood (episode #54) - the $20M donation given by Makenzie Scott - Angelique's team made 1,400 calls to check on their students This episode also dives deep into the history of American Indians and the Native population in America. Enjoy the ep...
#57 - Mia Howard, Partner, The Opportunity Trust
January 20, 2021 15:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza podcast. In the first episode of 2021, Mia Howard of The Opportunity Trust joins Greg in conversation. Mia will share more about The Opportunity Trust later in the episode, an organization that is working to ensure that every child in St. Louis is prepared to lead a life of choice and dignity. Keep listening on to hear Mia and Greg discuss: - Mia's new podcast, The Pop Junction, that's focused on the 80s + 90s pop culture - Mia shares about the "wins" she'...
#56 - Taylor Toynes, Founder/Executive Director, For Oak Cliff
December 16, 2020 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast. This week, Greg is in conversation with Taylor Toynes, the Founder and Executive Director of For Oak Cliff. For Oak Cliff is an organization out of Dallas, TX serving the Oak Cliff neighborhood. What started as back to school festival distributing school supplies has turned into an independent organization focused on liberating Oak Cliff from systemic oppression through education, community building, and advocacy. Today, Taylor shares about: - How ...
#56 - Taylor Toynes, Founder/Executive Director, For Oak Cliff
December 16, 2020 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast. This week, Greg is in conversation with Taylor Toynes, the Founder and Executive Director of For Oak Cliff. For Oak Cliff is an organization out of Dallas, TX serving the Oak Cliff neighborhood. What started as back to school festival distributing school supplies has turned into an independent organization focused on liberating Oak Cliff from systemic oppression through education, community building, and advocacy. Today, Taylor shares about: - How ...
#55 - Krystal Allen, Founder and CEO, K. Allen Consulting
December 02, 2020 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast! Today Greg is in conversation with Krystal Allen, of K. Allen Consulting, a global education & management consulting firm that supports schools, nonprofits, and businesses through professional development, thought leadership, and philanthropy Krystal shares about: - her educational experience attending a boarding school in high school in Alabama - and how her career has lead her to establish her own consulting firm, and what that work means to he...
#54 - Dewey Norwood, SVP, Higher Education Relationship Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy, & Targeted Programs at Wells Fargo
November 18, 2020 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast! In this episode Greg is chatting with Dewey Norwood, one of his mentors, and SVP, Higher Education Relationship Manager, Talent Acquisition Strategy, & Targeted Programs, Wells Fargo Don't worry they'll get into what that extra-long title means and what his job consists of day-to-day. Beyond dissecting Dewey's role at Wells Fargo, Greg and Dewey discuss: - Sports! NBA, MLB, college baseball, and more - What Dewey looks for as a funder - and his ...
#53 - Barry White Jr., University Park Creative Arts School
November 11, 2020 15:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza podcast. This week, Greg got to connect with Barry White Jr. a passionate educator located in Charlotte, NC but also known around the world as The Handshake Teacher because of a viral video. We at SchermCo had the pleasure of working with Barry while he was a fifth-grade teacher at Ashley Park. He's now the Dean of Students at University Park Creative Arts School and today he shares with us: - Why The Office will forever be his favorite show - Why he starte...
#51 - Thank You + 6th Bday Celebration, Part VI
October 15, 2020 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBEnding our 6-part series by sending a sincere thank you. More to do. More to come. Support the show (http://Scherm.co)
#51 - Thank You + 6th Bday Celebration, Part VI
October 15, 2020 14:00 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBEnding our 6-part series by sending a sincere thank you. More to do. More to come. Support the Show.
#50 - The Next 6 Years + 6th Bday Celebration, Part V
October 14, 2020 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the fifth of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we discuss our lessons learned as well as our vision for the next 6 years and beyond. What do you think the future holds for education? Leave us a comment - we'd love to hear from you. Support the Show.
#50 - The Next 6 Years + 6th Bday Celebration, Part V
October 14, 2020 13:00 - 9 minutes - 6.49 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the fifth of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we discuss our lessons learned as well as our vision for the next 6 years and beyond. What do you think the future holds for education? Leave us a comment - we'd love to hear from you. Support the show
#49 - Highlights + 6th Bday Celebration, Part IV
October 13, 2020 18:00 - 4 minutes - 2.91 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the fourth of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we discuss our own highlights from the past 6 years as we've worked across 16 states and supported 40+ game-changing organizations. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the show (http://Scherm.co)
#49 - Highlights + 6th Bday Celebration, Part IV
October 13, 2020 18:00 - 4 minutes - 2.91 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the fourth of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we discuss our own highlights from the past 6 years as we've worked across 16 states and supported 40+ game-changing organizations. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the Show.
#52 - Sharif El-Mekki, Center for Black Educator Development
October 13, 2020 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast. Today we're talking to Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO of The Center for Black Educator Development. In this episode, Sharif shares about: How his upbringing shaped him (spoiler his parents were both members of the Black Panther Party) The origin story of The 8 Black Hands podcast, a podcast he cohosts His work at The Center for Black Educator Development Enjoy this episode! Support the Show.
#48 - Why Square Pizza + 6th Bday Celebration, Part III
October 12, 2020 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the third of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we go into the specifics of the Square Pizza Pod, why we started it, and how we plan to use it moving forward. Hope this gives you more insight about us. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the show (http://Scherm.co)
#48 - Why Square Pizza + 6th Bday Celebration, Part III
October 12, 2020 14:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the third of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. In this episode, we go into the specifics of the Square Pizza Pod, why we started it, and how we plan to use it moving forward. Hope this gives you more insight about us. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the Show.
#47 - SchermCo: Who Thought That Was a Good Name + 6th Bday Celebration, Part II
October 09, 2020 14:00 - 4 minutes - 3.45 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the second of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. We go into the specifics of naming the organization and perhaps some funny insight on the pros/cons of naming a business. Hope this gives you more insight about us. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the show (http://Scherm.co) Support the Show.
#46 - Why SchermCo + 6th Bday Celebration, Part I
October 08, 2020 13:00 - 5 minutes - 4.06 MBThanks for checking out the Square Pizza Pod. This is the first of six episodes in our special series as we celebrate 6 years of SchermCo. We go into the specifics of how and why SchermCo was founded. Let us know what you think about the episode. Support the Show.
#45 - The Future of Education, EmpowerCon Panel Discussion
September 30, 2020 16:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBHi all, welcome back to the Square Pizza Podcast. Today we're actually doing a little throwback to a panel Greg hosted at EmpowerCon, a conference hosted a year ago in Charlotte. Greg moderated a discussion on The Future of Education and today you'll hear the recording of that discussion, featuring the voices of: Kristy Thomas, Community Relations Senior Consultant at Wells Fargo James Ford, Executive Director of the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED) Ricky Singh, formerly the ...
#44. COVID - Week 26 Reflections. Insights on the Candidates for NC Superintendent of Public Instruction
September 25, 2020 16:00 - 8 minutes - 6 MBSharing thoughts on the top two candidates for NC's Superintendent of Public Instruction. Be sure to vote on November 3rd. . Shout out to EdNC and the News & Observer for their coverage of these candidates. Additional links below. . https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article245891385.html . https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/ Support the Show.
#43 - COVID - Week 25 Reflections. Return to in-person school + Equity
September 18, 2020 18:00 - 4 minutes - 3.2 MBHey, Everyone, Thanks for checking out another episode of the #squarepizzapod. Discussing the plans for a return to in-person learning for schools across the country and best practices for equity within organizations. Thanks for checking out the video. Let us know what you think. Support the Show.
#42 - Shani Dowell, Possip
September 15, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza pod! Today's interview is with Shani Dowell, the founder of Possip, a platform that helps make school decision-makers jobs easier by gathering feedback from families, parents, and teachers. In this episode we cover: - the founding process and inspiration behind Possip - the power of Possip's platform - Shani's connection to both Beyonce & Jay-Z About Shani: Possip's Founder & CEO, Shani Dowell is a former public school teacher. As a parent and educa...
#42 - Shani Dowell, Possip
September 15, 2020 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBWelcome back to the Square Pizza pod! Today's interview is with Shani Dowell, the founder of Possip, a platform that helps make school decision-makers jobs easier by gathering feedback from families, parents, and teachers. In this episode we cover: - the founding process and inspiration behind Possip - the power of Possip's platform - Shani's connection to both Beyonce & Jay-Z About Shani: Possip's Founder & CEO, Shani Dowell is a former public school teacher. As a parent and educa...
#41. COVID - Week 24 Reflections. Black Boys Film, State Rankings of Charter Laws, and 9/11.
September 11, 2020 18:00 - 3 minutes - 2.67 MBBlack Boys Film: https://www.blackboysfilm.com/ National Charter School Law Rankings: https://edreform.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cer-charter-laws-scorecard-2020.pdf Support the Show.
#40. COVID - Week 23 Reflections. An Eventful First Week in NC.
August 21, 2020 18:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBSharing thoughts about the first week of school in North Carolina and the importance of discussing race and equity for the future public education. Support the show
#40. COVID - Week 23 Reflections. An Eventful First Week in NC.
August 21, 2020 18:00 - 6 minutes - 4.21 MBSharing thoughts about the first week of school in North Carolina and the importance of discussing race and equity for the future public education. Support the Show.
#39. COVID - Week 22 Reflections. Let the Teachers be Creative.
August 14, 2020 18:00 - 5 minutes - 3.8 MBThis week's update focuses on the rising number of positive COVID cases as schools reopen & trusting teachers to do their job. . More at scherm.co. Support the Show.
#38. COVID - Week 21 Reflections. Family Surveys, Digital Audits, & Shouting out Colin Seale.
August 07, 2020 18:00 - 3 minutes - 2.53 MBTalking this week about leveraging family surveys to understand the needs and hopes for the families you serve. . Also shouting out Colin Seale and his new book: Thinking Like A Lawyer. You can learn more about Colin and his company, thinkLaw: https://www.thinklaw.us/. . Have a great weekend. Support the Show.
#37. COVID - Week 20 Reflections. Remote Learning & Ricky Singh on the #squarepizzapod
July 31, 2020 19:00 - 4 minutes - 2.8 MBThis week's updates focus on remote learning and ensuring families have access to computers and reliable internet. Also, sharing more about our new podcast episode with Ricky Singh. Support the Show.
#35 - COVID Week 19 Reflections. Remote Learning Audit & Lesson Planning.
July 24, 2020 19:00 - 4 minutes - 3.34 MBThis week's update covers: - Making sure all your students and families have the required resources for remote learning. - Practicing converting lesson plans to online learning platforms. - Our District/Charter Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXb_IdRUMzE&t=2s See you next week! Support the Show.
#36 - Ricky Singh, Head of High School - Charlotte Lab School
July 23, 2020 19:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBToday's guest is Mr. Ricky Singh, who is doing great things in Charlotte. This was actually one of the very first podcasts we recorded, which is evident at points, so please give us some grace (or at least a laugh) while we navigate through! We talk to Ricky about how hip hop has influenced his life and how he used hip hop as a tool in after school programs, and of course, about his main gig now, as a founding member of the leadership team of Charlotte Lab. He's currently in the process o...
#34 COVID Week 18 Reflections. School Re-entry & New Video Release.
July 17, 2020 20:00 - 6 minutes - 4.28 MBTalking school re-entry options and a new video from our initiative focused on district/charter collaboration and family empowerment. . Leave us a comment and let us know what you think. . New video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXb_IdRUMzE Support the Show.
#33 - Maurice "Mo" Green, Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation
July 17, 2020 13:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBWelcome back to another episode of the #SquarePizzaPod. Today's episode feature Maurice "Mo" Green, the Executive Director of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a family foundation that's invested over 600 million dollars in NC over 80 years. Mo shares with us about: - a time he was roasted (it was all in good fun don't worry) - how the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is responding to the COVID pandemic - some of the truly incredible and innovative initiatives the ZSR Foundation is currentl...
#32 - COVID Week 17 Reflections
July 10, 2020 18:00 - 5 minutes - 4.04 MBShouting out James Ford and the NC Board of Education for pushing more equitable Social Studies standards. Discussing School Re-Entry plans and the importance of prototyping before going live. Support the Show.
#31 - Aaron Walker, Founder & CEO of Camelback Ventures
July 09, 2020 14:00 - 51 minutes - 35.6 MBWe're back with another episode of the #SquarePizzaPodcast. Today we're in conversation with Aaron Walker, the Founder, and CEO of Camelback Ventures, an accelerator that develops early-stage, underrepresented entrepreneurs. In this episode we talk: Sneaker culture and style Aaron's path to founding Camelback and the open letter he penned on racism in philanthropy, Read it here More about Aaron: Aaron Walker is Founder and CEO of Camelback Ventures, works to identify, develop and prom...
#30 - COVID + Week 16 Reflections. School Re-entry Plans + July 4
July 02, 2020 16:00 - 6 minutes - 4.49 MBDiving deeper into school re-entry options & providing thoughts on July 4th. . CMS School Re-entry presentation: https://go.boarddocs.com/nc/cmsnc/Board.nsf/files/BR4V697F2D55/$file/Back%20to%20School%20-%20School%20Board%20Presentaiton%206-27-20%20(2).pdf. . More at: http://scherm.co/ Support the show
#29 COVID - Week 15 Reflections, Distance Learning Days & New #squarepizzapod Episodes
June 26, 2020 19:00 - 2 minutes - 1.99 MBThe #squarepizzapod can be found on our website and anywhere you listen to podcasts. . http://scherm.co/squarepizza/ Support the Show.
#28 - Carrie Cook, GreenLight Fund Charlotte
June 24, 2020 19:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBThanks for joining for another episode of the #SquarePizzaPod. We're joined by Carrie Cook, the Founding ED of GreenLight Fund Charlotte. At Greenlight Carrie is incubating and scaling innovative organizations with proven impact to address unmet community needs—we'll get into what that looks like for the Charlotte in the episode. We also talk through how Carrie is taking on Charlotte's affordable housing crisis one real estate project at a time and some of the insights she's gleaned as she...
#27 - COVID & Week 14 Reflections. Juneteenth, State Testing, Talking to Those you Seek to Serve
June 19, 2020 20:00 - 5 minutes - 3.76 MBCelebrating Juneteenth . State testing requirements in Georgia . Taking the guess work out of knowing what families and teachers need next school year . More at http://scherm.co/ Support the Show.
#26 - Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
June 17, 2020 16:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBWelcome back to another episode of the #squarepizzapod. This week we interviewed Rachael Tutwiler Fortune, the President of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund, where she leads the organization to help ensure every student in Duval County attends a high-quality school. Jacksonville Public Education Fund is a research-driven independent nonprofit organization that is working to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color in Duval County. Tune in as we cover: -...