Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast

In this episode, we welcome two distinguished voices in bilingual education: Dr. Kathy Escamilla, Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, and Dr. Saul Maldonado, Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University.
Together, they explore what effective bilingual education really looks like—and what it takes to create classrooms where multilingual learners can thrive.
At the heart of the conversation is a powerful idea: our students’ languages are not something to overcome. They are part of the knowledge, identity, and strengths they bring to the classroom.

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, Iliana Gallego talks with Jordan Heberlein, Family and Community Engagement Supervisor at the Shasta County Office of Education, and Dr. Janet Núñez-Pineda, Director of the California Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC), about the power of connecting family engagement leaders, building a strong community of practice, and expanding the impact of family engagement.
From a national family engagement conference to the work happening in local communities, they explore how investing in leaders can create a ripple effect that reaches more families.
NAFSCE is hosting the 2026 National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education, taking place virtually October 26–27 and in person October 28–30 in San Diego. It’s a great opportunity for family engagement leaders and advocates to connect, learn, and strengthen this important work.

What happens when schools truly invest in families? Superintendent Roberto Vaca shares the strategies, partnerships, and lessons behind his district’s success in engaging families.

In this special episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego sits down with PIQE's new CEO and President, Reyna Hernandez, for an inspiring conversation about the experiences that shaped her life, her passion for educational equity, and her vision for PIQE's future.
Reyna shares her personal journey, reflecting on her childhood, the unwavering support and advocacy of her parents, and the moments that inspired her lifelong commitment to empowering families and expanding educational opportunities. She also discusses what drew her to PIQE, the challenges facing families and educators today, and how communities can partner with PIQE to create brighter futures for every student.
Join us as we welcome Reyna Hernandez and learn how her story, values, and vision will help guide PIQE into its next chapter.

In this episode of Empower ED: A PIQE Podcast, host Iliana Gallego speaks with Dr. Kelly Greco, licensed clinical psychologist and Professor of Clinical Education at the USC Rossier School of Education, about the growing impact of academic stress on students.Together, they discuss the pressures students face today, warning signs families should watch for, healthy coping strategies, and practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children's mental health and academic success.

Should students spend summer relaxing or preparing for the future? In this episode, college counselor Maria Jose Lamadrid, founder of Admitology, shares how high school and college students can use summer break to grow personally, strengthen college applications, and still avoid burnout. A practical conversation for parents and students navigating academics, extracurriculars, and admissions.
Scholarship Resources:https://www.fastweb.com/https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-searchhttps://www.scholarships.com/https://bold.org/scholarships/

In today’s episode, we highlight PIQE’s inspiring Parent Ambassadors—parents and caregivers who completed a PIQE workshop and stepped up as leaders to uplift their communities. Meet Julia Sosa, Myra Vera-Rizo, and Francisco Sanchez, three dedicated advocates using their voices and experiences to help families engage in their children’s education, build stronger partnerships with schools, and create meaningful change so all children can thrive.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, this episode highlights the leadership and impact of three remarkable women who are helping shape stronger communities and expand opportunities for students and families.
Rachel Hernandez, Mayor of Riverbank, California; Xilonin Cruz-Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Californians Together; and Gabriella Barbosa, Senior Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group join host Ileana López, Vice President of External Relations at PIQE, for a conversation about how women across government, advocacy, and philanthropy are opening doors and creating lasting change.

In this conversation, I’m joined by Norma Fernandez of Everyone On and Dr. Ryan Alcantara of PIQE to highlight their impactful partnership. Everyone On works to close the digital divide through affordable internet and digital skills, while PIQE empowers parents with knowledge and skills. Together, they’re helping families and students thrive in today’s digital world.

Families are clear: bilingual education matters. This episode examines public demand for bilingual and dual language education and what the findings mean for educators, policymakers, and communities serving multilingual families. Tune in to hear insights from the authors of the What Families Want report.