In this episode of Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch interviews Lynn Mackey, the Superintendent of Schools for Contra Costa County. They discuss the role and responsibilities of the county superintendent, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education, fiscal management of school districts, teacher shortages, and the integration of technology in K-12 education. Lynn Mackey also shares her journey from dropping out of school to becoming an educator and administrator. They touch on important topics such as declining enrollment, funding challenges, school safety, and the role of the county board of education. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state of education in Contra Costa County and the strategies being implemented to address various challenges.

In this episode of the Capstone Conversation, host Jared Asch discusses the evolution of print and news media in the Greater East Bay with Barney Fonzi of Diablo Magazine and Jeremy Walsh of Embarcadero Media. Jeremy shares his journey from a journalism student to editor at Embarcadero, detailing their transition to a nonprofit model and the importance of online engagement. Barney recounts Diablo Magazine's 40-year evolution from a fledgling publication to a vital community voice. Both highlight the importance of brand trust, community involvement, and adapting to digital advances while maintaining traditional media strengths. They also address challenges faced by local media in smaller communities and emphasize the need for young journalists to gain practical experience. The discussion highlights the crucial role of local news in promoting community identity and engagement.

In this episode of the Capstone conversation, host Jared Ash is joined by Maureen Toms, Councilwoman and former Mayor of Pinole, and Sonia Bustamante, Chief of Staff to Contra Costa Supervisor John Gioia. The discussion centers around the unique challenges women face in becoming political and community leaders, particularly those who are mothers or have young families. Key topics include the need for childcare support, economic considerations, and fostering a supportive environment for women's participation in politics. The conversation highlights how COVID-19 has shifted workplace flexibility and how technology can encourage young girls and women to become involved in their communities and politics. The role men and employers play in supporting these efforts is also discussed.