Since starting my blog several years ago, my work has taken on new forms as I continue to advocate for meaningful education opportunities for every child. Same mission, multiple approaches--film, community-based initiatives, and resources that highlight the meaning-centered philosophy of renowned psychiatrist Viktor Frankl.
I co-founded Straight Up Impact with producers Kate Cohen and Marisa Polvino of Straight Up Films to highlight systemic issues through film and present actionable change opportunities complementing the films. To this end, I co-founded B-Unbound with Elliot Washor of Big Picture Learning. It is a platform that facilitates community-based relationships among youth and supportive adults around shared interests. Peer-to-peer support also plays a role.
In addition, I am executive producing The Friendship Bench with Sealion Films which was inspired by Dr. Dixon Chibanda's TED talk about how he trains grandmothers to treat depression by sitting on park benches. Lastly, I am supporting the work of acclaimed researcher Suniya Luthar who developed Authentic Connections Groups. With her research recognizing that resilience in children is significantly impacted by the health and well-being of their primary caregivers (usually mothers), AC Groups foster close, supportive connections to provide much-needed support. I have put the podcast I co-hosted, called Q-Ed Up with Ziz and Pam, on hiatus while I focus on these other projects.
Read about my vision for lifelong learning and how we can create a new ecosystem to promote human interaction, cultural change, and economic prosperity in the 21st century.
The Meaning in Madness series highlights the systemic issues contributing to the epidemic of anxiety, depression, addiction, and suicide in our youth. All films showcase personal stories told from the perspective of a young person and are short-form documentaries.
I enjoyed my interview with Kathy Kristof, editor of Sidehusl.com. Read "New-Collar Work: High Pay, No Degree Required" in $IDEHUSL.
My interview, "Changing With The Times" can be found in The Capistrano Dispatch, San Clemente Times, and the Dana Point Times' Crib to College Guide.
Crib to College -- An Educational Guide to Your Child's Success
I am proud to contribute to the great work being done by The Aspen Institute's National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.
Read my article, "Social Skills Are Critical For Future Job Seekers" in Education Week.