Episode 7: Building on a Solid Foundation—A Conversation with WestEd's New CEO Jannelle Kubinec and Former CEO Glen Harvey
“By focusing on the whole child, the whole person, and the whole family, we’re clearly seeing the intersections and through lines of our work. This really comes down to what children need to thrive. … So, I think for me in this conversation, it really underscores how our orientation to the needs of the field remain true and constant. That’s who we are; that’s who we’re going to continue to be.” —Jannelle Kubinec
In this episode, Danny Torres talks with WestEd’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jannelle Kubinec, and former CEO Glen Harvey, who stepped down in 2023 after 26 years at the helm.
Jannelle Kubinec brings more than 24 years of experience in transforming outcomes for children, youth, and their families through research, policy, and technical assistance. Her insights on WestEd’s whole person approach and her steadfast commitment to equity and excellence are a testament to her leadership and vision for WestEd.
Glen Harvey laid a solid foundation for WestEd. Over the past 2 decades, she led the agency’s incredible transformation into an expansive, mission-driven, quality- and impact-focused organization. Under Glen’s leadership, WestEd emphasized high-quality research-based work to improve outcomes for children, youth, and adults, focusing on addressing the needs of traditionally underserved and marginalized communities.
Their conversation covers a range of topics, including the following:
- WestEd’s history, mission and values, and impact
- the agency’s whole child, whole person, whole community approach
- the role of artificial intelligence in education
- the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
- the closing of opportunity gaps and improving of outcomes for every learner
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Featured Guests
As WestEd’s Chief Executive Officer, Jannelle Kubinec brings a deep commitment to WestEd’s mission to advance equitable opportunities, increase well-being, and promote positive outcomes for all children, youth, and adults.
Glen Harvey stepped down as CEO in October 2023. Under her leadership, WestEd established itself as one of the nation’s premier nonpartisan research, development, and service organizations.
Resource Details
Format: Podcast
Minutes: 36
Publisher: WestEd
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