The Wishful Doing Podcast
The Wishful Doing Podcast
Podcast Description
Where bold ideas meet real action—and purpose turns into power.
Hosted by Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone—speaker, strategist, and founder of Wishful Doing, the Wishful Doing Podcast is a go-to space for mission-driven leaders, changemakers, and creatives ready to shake off the doubt, disrupt the status quo, and lead with intention.
Through raw, unfiltered conversations and inspiring stories, we shine a light on what it takes to build legacy, grow your impact, and stay in momentum—even when the odds are stacked against you. From student parent success and equity in education to leadership, entrepreneurship, and systems change—this is the place where you’ll find the tools, truths, and community to fuel your next move.
Subscribe now and join us as we turn wishful thinking into Wishful Doing—together.
Learn more at www.wishfuldoings.com and follow @wishfuldoings on your preferred socials.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes themes of leadership, entrepreneurship, equity in education, and personal growth, showcasing episodes on topics like supporting teen parents, systems change, and building a legacy. For instance, the Teen Mom Awareness Month series chronicles the journeys of teen mothers transforming their challenges into strategies and advocacy.
Where bold ideas meet real action—and purpose turns into power.
Hosted by Dr. Ja’Bette Lozupone—speaker, strategist, and founder of Wishful Doing, the Wishful Doing Podcast is a go-to space for mission-driven leaders, changemakers, and creatives ready to shake off the doubt, disrupt the status quo, and lead with intention.
Through raw, unfiltered conversations and inspiring stories, we shine a light on what it takes to build legacy, grow your impact, and stay in momentum—even when the odds are stacked against you. From student parent success and equity in education to leadership, entrepreneurship, and systems change—this is the place where you’ll find the tools, truths, and community to fuel your next move.
Subscribe now and join us as we turn wishful thinking into Wishful Doing—together.
Learn more at www.wishfuldoings.com and follow @wishfuldoings on your preferred socials.
In this heartfelt continuation of our Mentorship Series, Dr. Pollard reflects on the importance of paying it forward. We explore what mentorship looks like in action—from her role as a mentor to emerging and seasoned leaders, to the deeper concept of sponsorship and advocacy. We’ll dive into how she creates space for others to rise, what true mentorship requires, and how to nurture the next generation of changemakers.
Dr. DeRionne Pollard was named president and CEO of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in July of 2025. Her passion for higher education has driven her leadership in several roles, most recently as the president of Nevada State University, Montgomery College (MD), and Las Positas College (CA).
Dr. Pollard’s career in higher education began in the classroom teaching English and she remains deeply committed to life-long learning for her students and herself. A student-centered ethos is at the core of her leadership and she is a champion for access, fairness, and opportunity for all. Throughout her career Dr. Pollard’s vision has been grounded in a belief that higher education is a pillar of economic mobility and community strength.
Dr. Pollard’s experience in the higher education sector is rich, having served on the American Association of Community Colleges’ 21st Century Commission on the Future of Community Colleges, the Commission on Academic, Student, and Community Development, and the Board of Directors. Dr. Pollard is a member of the National Board of Directors and Executive Committee for Generation Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of teen parents and parenting college students.
Dr. Pollard was named one of Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine, won a 2017 Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a Visionary Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in English from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago.
Dr. Pollard is the first woman to be named president and CEO of AACC and now serves as the nation’s leading advocate for community colleges.
Gracie Armstrong is a college student balancing parenting responsibilities with work, and academic obligations. She was a Generation Hope Scholar, and continues to impress everyone she meets with her resiliency, dogged persistence, and dedication to being a good mom. She has big plans for her life, and mentorship is just one tool in her pocket to ensure she achieves her goals.
Disclaimer
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