Health equity means giving every New Mexican an equal shot at being their healthiest self. In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” Manuel González talks with advocates and community leaders about health care access, maternal and child health, culturally grounded care and what it takes to build healthier families across New Mexico.
The blog profiles Dr. Angel Acosta’s journey from growing up in a Dominican immigrant family in New York City to founding the Acosta Institute, a WKKF grantee focused on healing, education and community well-being. Drawing on his experiences as a first-generation college graduate, educator and researcher, Acosta has spent his career exploring how healing practices can help educators process trauma and create environments where children can thrive. The piece traces the evolution of the Acosta Institute into a national hub for leadership development, capacity building and cultural transformation, equipping educators and community leaders with tools to foster safety, belonging, equity and well-being.
SNAP helps families meet all basic needs, including childcare. By helping families cover the cost of food, the program allows many parents and caregivers to redirect limited income toward other essentials.
Former Cochiti Pueblo Governor Regis Pecos joins “Pass the Sopapillas” to share how the wisdom of his grandfather transformed pain and anger into a lifelong commitment to justice, compassion and service. In conversation with host Manuel González, Pecos reflects on Indigenous core values and the responsibility to create a more loving and equitable future for generations to come.
This chronicle portrays Verónica del Jesús Chay, “Aunt Vero,” a prominent member of the community who works to guarantee her food sovereignty with a backyard garden.
Amid New Mexico’s ongoing teacher shortage, San Juan College’s Educator Academy is helping aspiring educators enter the classroom with confidence through hands-on preparation, paid residencies and mentorship. For Navajo educators like Tonniale Clichee and Lana Nacki, the program offers a “softer landing” into teaching while helping build a stronger, more representative workforce rooted in the communities it serves.
In this episode, host Manuel González travels to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to explore how workforce development, philanthropy and innovative economic policies are helping create opportunity for families across Southern New Mexico.
Louisiana families can stretch their grocery dollars on fresh, nutritious food while supporting local farmers and strengthening local communities.
Across the Caribbean, traditions of giving have long been rooted in something deeper than financial contributions. They are grounded in relationships among families, neighbors and communities that share a commitment to build a better future together.
In fall 2025, five Global Fellows Network (GFN) members from Southern Africa attended the 27th International Leadership Association (ILA) Global Conference in Prague, Czech Republic. There, they connected with global leaders, exchanged ideas and strengthened their leadership skills to create lasting change in their communities.
Michigan’s Clean Slate law has removed nearly 1.5 million convictions from people’s records, expanding access to jobs and housing, but advocates say barriers like driver’s license suspensions still limit access to economic opportunity for many residents.
Lift Orlando shows how neighborhood residents, philanthropic leaders and community organizations transformed West Lakes into a thriving community for children and families through bold collaboration and coordinated investment.