The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Mitch Calhoun

One of the biggest changes I would make to the education system is shifting the focus from rigid academic structures to a more dynamic, skills-based learning approach that prepares students for real-world success. Too often, education prioritizes standardized testing and theoretical knowledge over practical application, adaptability, and leadership—qualities that are essential for a fulfilling life and career. Read more>>

Maddie Smith

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be shifting the focus away from just academics and test scores. School should be about preparing students to be strong, independent adults—not just a competition to see who’s the most “book smart.” Everyone comes from different backgrounds, and for a lot of students, school is more of a safe space than a place to actually learn. I think we should be teaching things like how to file taxes, build credit, manage money, and cook real, nourishing meals—life skills that actually matter. Of course math and science are important, but so is knowing how to take care of yourself. Read more>>

Jackie Cary

I wish I had known as a young person that there’s no single path you have to take for your whole life. I don’t love the fact that when a teenager heads off to college, they’re pressured into choosing a major, with the assumption that he or she should know at 18 what they want to do for the rest of their life. Read more>>

Michelle King

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to prioritize emotional intelligence and personal development with the same urgency as academic performance. Our schools are brilliant at teaching students how to memorize facts and take tests—but they rarely teach who they are, why they matter, or how to navigate the very real emotional terrain of life. Read more>>

Olivia Chavez

If I had the opportunity to change the educational system, one of my top priorities would be to implement comprehensive financial literacy courses as a core part of the curriculum from an early age. I believe that poverty often persists not merely due to lack of opportunity, but because of a lack of guidance and practical knowledge. Many people grow up without understanding how to manage money, build credit, invest wisely, or even budget for daily living expenses—and that absence of foundational financial skills creates a cycle that can be hard to break. By integrating classes focused on survival skills, such as personal finance, entrepreneurship, taxes, job readiness, and emotional intelligence, we would not only equip students to succeed in the real world, but also empower them to break free from systemic challenges. Read more>>

Larissa Hofman

I would reframe our thinking to focus on giving students a vision for their future – to live with purpose, and to see school as a training ground where they gain the skills they need for what comes next. Graduation isn’t the end game – it’s a stepping stone. Read more>>

Ashtonee Bryant

I believe ambitious motherhood and luxury living aren’t mutually exclusive – and that’s particularly controversial for minority women, especially Black women like myself.

In the motherhood space, there’s an unspoken expectation that ‘good mothers’ should sacrifice their ambitions and standards in the name of selflessness. For Black women, this pressure is amplified by historical expectations to sacrifice our own dreams for others and stereotypes that question our ambition or desire for luxury. Read more>>

Jennifer Chidester

A lot of people in the event coordination world believe that success is measured by how big or flashy an event is—how many people showed up, how much buzz it generated, or how impressive the production was. But I respectfully disagree. For me, success is about impact. I believe that when I use my God-given gifts to serve faith-based nonprofits, the goal isn’t just to put on a great event—it’s to help them fulfill their mission and raise the resources they need to do God’s work in the world. Even a small gathering can move mountains when done with purpose and heart. I’ve seen it happen. Read more>>