Freedom to Rise

Back-to-School: Enrollment, Funding, and Community Voice in Florida Public Schools

On this episode of the Freedom to Rise podcast, Bronwyn welcomes education journalists Divya Kumar of the Tampa Bay Times and Derek Gilliam of Suncoast Searchlight about

Champa Bay’s Housing Equation: Building Affordability Through Regional Collaboration

Ernest Hooper fills in for Bronwyn to talk with Tampa Bay Partnership CEO Bemetra Simmons about two new reports on housing and regional competitiveness. They discuss the

The 2026 ALICE Report

United Way Suncoast Chief Communications Officer Ernest Hooper guest hosts to discuss the 2026 ALICE report with Turning Points Executive Director Kathleen Cramer and Uni

Beyond the Storm: United Way Suncoast’s 2026 Community Resiliency Plans

Bronwyn welcomes back United Way Suncoast Disaster Resiliency Officer Heather Koester to the Freedom to Rise podcast as the 2026 Hurricane season is upon us. They discuss

Affordable Housing and Community Building with Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse

Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse.  joins Bronwyn on the Freedom to Rise Podcast to discuss rapid growth, housing affordability, and why mixed-income housing near

United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff

United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff describes her six years leading this organization as one of the greatest honors of her life. On this special episode of the Freedom

Transforming Philanthropy with Go United

In this episode, the Freedom to Rise Podcast explores how United Way Suncoast is reshaping the future of giving through Go United, a new digital platform built to connect

Rebuilding Together: Jose Garcia on Revitalizing Communities and Strengthening Resilience

In this episode of the Freedom to Rise Podcast, Bronwyn chats with Jose Garcia, CEO of Rebuilding Together Greater Florida discussing disaster recovery, affordable housin

Tackling Climate Change, Health, and Housing with Congresswoman Kathy Castor

Bronwyn invites Congresswoman Kathy Castor to the Freedom to Rise podcast to explore the urgent challenges shaping our communities today. With nearly two decades of servi

From Paper Checks to Financial Stability: Navigating the Transition with Bank On Suncoast

The federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most benefit payments beginning in September. This change could create real challenges for unbanked individuals

Disaster Preparedness: Building Resilience Before the Winds Rise

Hurricane season officially begins June 1st; and if you're feeling almost prepared, you're not alone. In this special episode of the Freedom to Rise Podcast, we

Affordable and Workforce Housing with Florida Housing Coalition Chief Legal and Policy Director Kody Glazer

When we delve into the topic of affordable and workforce housing in this state, issues pop up like dollar weed on a Florida lawn. What can be done to address an issue tha

Employer Provided Childcare with Molly Grant and Madeleine Thankur

In this episode of the Freedom to Rise Podcast, host Bronwyn Beightol welcomes Molly Grant, Executive Director of the Association of Early Learning Coalitions, and Madele

The 2025 Regional Competitiveness Report with Sarah Burgoyne

In this episode of Freedom to Rise, we dive into the data that shapes Tampa Bay’s future. Each year, the Tampa Bay Partnership and the University of South Florida’s Muma

Navigating Hurricane Relief with FEMA

In this episode of the Freedom to Rise Podcast, Bronwyn discusses key disaster recovery questions with Brady Penn, a FEMA External Affairs Officer working clsesly with th

Bank On Suncoast

A  significant number of the communities in our area live without the conveniences and advantages banking accounts offer. Bronwyn invites Mark Smith, Financial Stability

The 2024 ALICE Report with Community Impact Vice Presidents Nicole Brown and Doug Griesenauer.

The new 2024 ALICE Report illuminates the plight of families living paycheck to paycheck, and highlights the fact that the household survival budget for a family of four

The Regional Competitiveness Report with Dr. Lucia Farriss

In framing the findings of its latest Regional Competitiveness Report, the Tampa Bay Partnership used the term The Allure of Sunshine. The report highlights the fact that

Advocacy With Naomi Lett, United Way Worldwide

United Way Worldwide Senior Director of State Policy and Advocacy, often asks United Way advocates "to find the person in each of the representatives" they meet and set a

The State of the Florida Economy with Florida Trend's Mike Brassfield & United Way Suncoast's Aaron Neal

Some present a rosy picture of the Florida economy, but on the latest episode of the Freedom To Rise podcast, we delve deeper into the data and explain why all is not wel