New Mexico is becoming a national leader in early childhood education through bold investments in child care, pre-K and family support systems. In this episode, host Manuel González speaks with policy advocates and early childhood educators about how these efforts are transforming opportunities for children, families and communities across the state.
This episode of “Pass the Sopapillas” examines literacy in New Mexico through conversations with educators, advocates and community leaders working to expand access to reading and learning opportunities. Host Manuel González and his guests discuss the science of reading, the importance of representation in education and the need to support students and teachers as they build stronger communities through literacy.
New Mexico’s expanded Medicaid coverage for doula care is helping more families access pregnancy, birth and postpartum support. For first-time mother Ramirez, doula care provided emotional guidance and connections to services after her baby was diagnosed with a cleft lip and palate. Advocates say doulas improve maternal and infant health outcomes, especially in rural communities.
In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” host Manuel González explores how culture, art and community create healing and resilience across New Mexico. Guests from La Plazita Institute and Vital Spaces discuss identity, creativity, youth empowerment and the transformative power of culture to heal – a truism recognized in New Mexico as “la cultura cura.”
HealthConnect One and Berry Medicine are improving maternal and infant health through culturally grounded care, including doula support and Indigenous birth practices. Their work shows how community-based care strengthens outcomes for families while addressing gaps in the maternal health system.
In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” we share a conversation with New Mexican environmental advocates who are working to protect air quality, defend water rights, restore Indigenous seed sovereignty and erase environmental racism. Learn how these changemakers are helping build healthier communities for New Mexico families and children.
In Louisiana, Sprout supports small farmers with training, land and market access — helping families buy fresh food with SNAP while strengthening local farms.
With support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, El Centro has since grown into a full suite of programs — financial and business accelerators, tax preparation, business coaching and a women’s leadership series — all free of charge.
Opening in fall 2026, the Central Station Early Childhood Center, a new, affordable, high-quality ECE center will serve 100 local children, from infants to preschoolers.
Through a tuition-free coding program, Mississippi Coding Academies is preparing residents for well-paying tech jobs, strengthening the state’s workforce and keeping talent rooted in local communities.
Communities across the municipal district of Sitalá, Chiapas, Mexico collaborated to improve water infrastructure for clean drinking water.
Employee ownership helps keep local businesses in their communities while giving workers a chance to build wealth. Through employee stock ownership plans, workers can become owners, strengthening businesses, families and local economies.