Building Skills | Adrienne Emerson & Jennifer Schwab
In the newsletter this week: Two thoughtful podcasts, Immigration Anxiety, & Questioning Authority
🎙️ This Week on the Podcast:
🎙️ Episode 17, Kids Who Code
Adrienne Emerson’s story is one of curiosity, opportunity, and impact. She recounts how a chance to visit Disney World led her to join a high school robotics team, sparking a lifelong passion for STEM. From building robots in an old mustard factory to earning a scholarship and mentoring students, Adrienne’s journey highlights the power of following unexpected paths and seizing opportunities no matter the initial motivation.
As an implementation specialist at Sphero, Adrienne is dedicated to making STEM education accessible and engaging for all students, especially those who may feel intimidated by complex technology or underrepresented in the field. She explains how Sphero’s products are designed with a “low floor” to ensure every student can get started easily, while also providing opportunities to build advanced skills. Adrienne emphasizes that the real value of STEM education lies not just in technical knowledge, but in building a diverse toolbox of problem-solving skills that students can apply in any field.
Listeners will be inspired by Adrienne’s global perspective, her commitment to relationship-building in the classroom, and her practical advice for educators navigating the challenges of today’s schools. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or STEM enthusiast, Adrienne’s insights on fostering engagement, supporting diverse learners, and keeping students at the center of education will leave you energized and ready to make a difference.
📖 Key Quote: The reason you do something doesn’t matter—what you do with the opportunity is what counts.
🎙️ Episode 18, Workforce Development for Women
Jennifer Schwab’s path from Big 4 accounting to social impact entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of mission-driven work. In this episode, Jennifer recounts how her own lack of mentorship early in her career inspired her to launch ENTITY Academy—a company dedicated to upskilling and mentoring women for lucrative, sustainable careers. She discusses the unique challenges women face in male-dominated industries and how ENTITY’s comprehensive programs, spanning hard skills, soft skills, and one-to-one mentorship, are breaking down barriers and building a new generation of confident, capable leaders.
The conversation dives into the rapidly changing landscape of work, especially as artificial intelligence and automation disrupt traditional career paths. Jennifer explains how ENTITY is proactively evolving its curriculum, layering AI and digital literacy into its offerings to ensure women are not just included but are leading in future-proof fields. She shares insights on the importance of trades as resilient career options and the critical need to reframe workforce readiness at both the adult and K-12 levels.
Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of why mentorship, community, and adaptability are essential for personal and professional growth. Jennifer’s candid reflections on overcoming adversity, building strong networks, and the value of living life in chapters will inspire anyone looking to make a meaningful impact—whether in their own career or for the next generation of women in business and tech.
Key Quote: “We need to change the narrative that if you don’t go to a four-year school and get a four-year degree, you’re never going to make it in society.”
📚 What I’m Reading
Not every student looks forward to summer.
While summer break brings rest and joy for many, it can also be a season of uncertainty, especially for students who rely on school for stability, food, or mental health support.
This year, a growing number of families, particularly in California, are facing an added layer of fear: the threat of ICE raids. For many immigrant communities across the U.S., the end of the school year doesn’t feel like freedom—it feels like risk.
EdSource recently shared a practical guide for helping kids cope in the face of immigration-related stress, regardless of where you live. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or advocate, it’s worth a read—and worth sharing.
How to Support Kids Facing Deportation Anxiety
🗣 Talk openly
Start honest, age-appropriate conversations. Ask what kids have heard, how they’re feeling, and remind them their emotions are valid. “Don’t be scared” isn’t enough—kids need space to name what’s real.
📋 Prepare for emergencies
Have a plan if a parent or caregiver is detained. Share important info like A-numbers, talk through what to do, and make sure older kids know how to reach help.
👩🏽🍼 Make a child care plan
Designate a trusted adult who can step in if needed. This could be informal or documented legally—just make sure your child knows the plan and where to find important papers.
💻 Use remote mental health tools
With school out, it’s harder to access in-person support. Free resources like BrightLife Kids (ages 0–12) and Soluna (ages 13–25) offer coaching, mindfulness tools, and a safe place to talk.
🧠 Practice coping together
Deep breathing, movement, music, journaling build emotional tools as a family. Keep routines wherever you can. Even small structure helps.
🧍🏽♀️ Stay connected
Isolation makes anxiety worse. Encourage social connections, summer programs, or just regular check-ins with trusted adults.
🏫 Remember: Schools are safe spaces
In California, schools and child care centers remain protected. Immigration enforcement can’t enter without proper legal authorization. Many districts also continue to offer mental health services during the summer.
If this resonates, please pass it on. Fear shouldn’t be part of any child’s summer.
If you’re curious, you can read it here.
💭 What I’m Thinking About
Before you read this: I know that a story about a carnival might seem light compared to the heavier topics above—but stay with me. There’s a message here about parenting, integrity, and why it’s important to teach kids to question authority—even when that authority is us.
My Kids Caught Me in a Lie—and I’m (Mostly) Glad They Did
I told a lie in front of my kids, and they won’t let me live it down.
I’m not proud of it. In hindsight, it wasn’t a huge moment—but it was a revealing one.
Here’s what happened: we were at a local carnival. There was a ride my kids were dying to go on, and the rule was that children had to be over 7 to ride alone. My oldest meets the age requirement. My youngest is 5.
I looked at the ride. I looked at my kids. I assessed the risk, judged their maturity, and—if I’m being honest—factored in how much I didn’t want to go on a spinning ride. So when the ride operator asked how old they were, I smiled and said, “They’re both over 7.”
They hopped on and had a great time. And then? They turned on me.
They asked why I lied. They told their dad. Their grandparents. Their aunt. Anyone who would listen. Apparently, Mom lied at the carnival is now a part of family lore.
And I get it. I felt guilty immediately. I made a quick call in the moment, and in trying to give them a fun experience (and spare myself from motion sickness), I was dishonest—and very publicly so.
But here’s the part that’s stuck with me: earlier this week I read something about parenting that hit hard. It said if we want to raise kids who speak up for what’s right, think critically, and aren’t easily swayed by authority—we need to encourage them to question us.
If Mom bends the truth? Call her on it.
If Uncle asks you to keep a secret? Speak up—that’s not how we do things in our family.
If a teacher says Australia is bigger than Europe and you’re sure it’s not (shoutout to my fourth-grade self)—raise your hand and push back.
If your government enacts policies that feel ethically wrong? Protest. Organize. Vote.
We don’t raise thoughtful, principled humans by teaching them to obey without thinking. We raise them by helping them examine the world—and the adults—in front of them. That includes us.
So yeah, I told a lie. And they called me on it.
And honestly? I’m kind of proud of them for that.
Are you an LCW District/School Level leader? Message me for details on the event described below.
