DisrupTV Episode 335: Empowering Families, Students, and Educators
In DisrupTV Episode 335, hosts R “Ray” Wang and Vala Afshar engage in insightful conversations with four distinguished guests:
- Sharon Vinderine, Founder and CEO of Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA), discusses how her platform empowers families to make informed purchasing decisions through authentic product reviews and community engagement.
- Laurel Taylor, CEO & Founder of Candidly, shares her journey of founding a company that assists individuals in managing and repaying student debt, aiming to alleviate financial burdens and promote financial literacy.
- Katie Novak, EdD, an internationally renowned education consultant and author, delves into strategies for implementing inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support diverse student needs.
- Kristan Rodriguez, PhD, an advisor to schools nationally and internationally, discusses her work in promoting educational equity and her contributions to the field through publications and consulting.
This episode offers a comprehensive look at how leaders across various sectors are driving change and innovation to support families, students, and educators.
Key Takeaways
- Empowering Families: Sharon Vinderine emphasizes the importance of authentic product reviews and community engagement in helping families make informed decisions.
- Addressing Student Debt: Laurel Taylor highlights the challenges of student debt and how her company provides solutions to assist individuals in managing and repaying their loans.
- Inclusive Education: Katie Novak discusses the implementation of inclusive practices and UDL to support diverse student needs and promote educational equity.
- Educational Equity: Kristan Rodriguez shares her work in promoting educational equity through consulting and publications, aiming to create inclusive learning environments.
These discussions underscore the critical role of innovation and inclusivity in supporting families, students, and educators.
Related Episodes
For further exploration into topics of family empowerment, student support, and educational equity, consider the following episodes:
Final Thoughts
DisrupTV Episode 335 highlights the intersection of innovation, inclusivity, and empowerment in supporting families, students, and educators. Sharon Vinderine's insights into authentic product reviews and community engagement provide valuable lessons for empowering families to make informed decisions. Laurel Taylor's discussion on addressing student debt underscores the importance of financial literacy and support in promoting individual success. Katie Novak's emphasis on inclusive education practices demonstrates the need for equitable learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Kristan Rodriguez's work in promoting educational equity through consulting and publications highlights the ongoing efforts required to create inclusive learning environments. Together, these perspectives underscore the critical role of innovation and inclusivity in supporting families, students, and educators in today's dynamic landscape.

