COABE Advocast

Adult Ed Advocast E23: Communicating for Change

COABE — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:12:46 -0400

Effective advocacy isn’t about saying more—it’s about saying what matters clearly and credibly. In this episode, Lauren Zelt draws on her experience in media production, public affairs, and issue-based communications to break down what makes advocacy messages stick. Together, we explore how adult education advocates can use storytelling, sound bites, and message discipline to communicate complex work with confidence—especially in high-stakes conversations with funders, policymakers, and decision-makers.

Adult Ed Advocast Toolbox E3: How to Talk Workforce Without Losing Your Message

COABE — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 11:50:34 -0500

When we talk about adult education, it’s easy to focus on confidence, community, and personal growth—but in workforce conversations, we also need to speak the language of skills and economic mobility. In this Advocast Toolbox episode, Erin Vobornik shares practical ways to frame adult education in workforce terms without losing the heart of your message. Learn how to connect with employer and policymaker priorities while still advocating for all learners, regardless of their path or goal.

Adult Ed Advocast E22: Advocating at the Crossroads - Where Workforce and Adult Education Align

COABE — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 14:43:39 -0500

Adult education and workforce development share the same goal: building opportunity for people and prosperity for communities. In this episode, Erin Vobornik speaks with Jaimie Francis from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation about where these systems naturally align—and how education and employer voices can come together for greater impact.

Jaimie shares national insights, real-world success stories (including the Kalamazoo childcare collaborative), and practical advice for policymakers and advocates working at the intersection of learning and labor.

Adult Ed Advocast Toolbox E2: How to Support Learners in Telling Their Stories

COABE — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:52:12 -0500

In this Advocast Toolbox episode, Erin Vobornik outlines how educators, mentors, and COABE Ambassadors can coach adult learners to prepare and deliver their stories with confidence. Learn how to create safe spaces, guide with empathy, and connect personal stories to advocacy goals—key skills in the COABE Ambassador Training program.

Adult Ed Advocast E21: Sharing Your Story, Making Change: A Look Inside Adult Learner Advocacy

COABE — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 12:03:13 -0500

Adult learner Shyanne Ross knows the power of a personal story. In this episode of the COABE Advocast, she shares why she chose to speak with lawmakers, how she prepared, and the advice she has for others who want to use their voices to advocate for adult education.

Adult Ed Advocast Toolbox E1: How to Tie a Story to Data

COABE — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:57:27 -0400

Learn how to make your advocacy more powerful by connecting personal stories to compelling data. In this Advocast Toolbox episode, you’ll get practical tips on choosing the right data points, weaving them into your story, and making a clear, persuasive case for adult education — all in under 10 minutes.

Adult Ed Advocast E20: Empowering Through Access: Digital Skills for All

COABE — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:48:49 -0400

Join COABE for this special Advocast episode, Empowering Through Access: Digital Skills for All, featuring guest Nell Eckersley. In honor of National Digital Inclusion Week, we discuss why digital access and skills are essential for adult learners, strategies for bridging the digital divide, and resources that help communities thrive online.

Episode 19: From Noise to Noticed: Crafting Messages That Move Policy

COABE — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 21:25:16 -0400

Every day, lawmakers and their staff are inundated with requests, proposals, and stories from dozens of organizations. How do you make sure your adult education message rises above the noise?

In the latest Advocast episode, “From Noise to Noticed: Crafting Messages That Move Policy,” Erin Vobornik sits down with Elyse Wasch and Alysha Bold, two public policy strategy experts from Penn Hill Group, to share insights you can put into practice immediately:

Standout Messaging: What makes a message grab attention and stick
Common Pitfalls: Mistakes that can make even the best story fall flat
Actionable Tips: How to connect with legislators and their staff effectively

Why it matters: Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or new to adult education advocacy, these insights will help you tell your story in a way that resonates and drives impact.

Next Steps:

Listen to the full episode — hear the experts break it down step by step.
Visit COABE.org/advocacy — access resources, templates, and guides to support your advocacy.
Subscribe to the Public Policy Pulse newsletter — stay up to date on the latest policy developments, success stories, and ways to take action.

Adult Ed Advocast E18: Advocacy April as a SAAEF

COABE — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:45:49 -0400

In this episode, Katie Donoviel, 2025 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellow (SAAEF) for Utah, discusses the power of advocacy, her SAAEF experience, and how to be a strong advocate for adult education.

Adult Ed Advocast E17: From GED to U.S. Diplomat

COABE — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 09:13:29 -0400

From GED learner to U.S. diplomat—Aminata Sy’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story, from overcoming challenges as an adult learner to serving in the U.S. Foreign Service. Tune in to hear how advocacy, determination, and education shaped her path.

Adult Ed Advocast E16: Three Things We Love About Advocacy

COABE — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 14:09:08 -0500

In this special episode, we are joined by COABE’s 2025 Outstanding Local Excellence in Advocacy award winner, Mark Hux! Join in to hear what each of us love most about adult education advocacy.

Adult Ed Advocast E15: Hosting Community Events

COABE — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:51:38 -0400

In this episode, we talk to Debra Tavaras of Atlanta Public School Adult Education and COABE’s 2023 SAAEF fellow for Georgia about how to persevere through the challenges of advocacy. She discusses an event that she created and her hopes for the future of advocacy in Georgia. We are also joined by former adult learner Gaelle Petit Homme who discusses what adult education has meant to her and how she found the courage to share her story.

Adult Ed Advocast E14: COABE Turns 25!

COABE — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 09:53:05 -0500

In this episode, we speak with COABE CEO, Sharon Bonney, and President Elect, Hector Martinez, about the past, present, and future of COABE. We are also joined by former adult learner Kimberly Lee who shares her story full of struggle and resilience. Her story will inspire adult learners and mothers everywhere. You won’t want to miss this episode!

Adult Ed Advocast E13: AEFL Week Advocacy in Connecticut

COABE — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:05:08 -0500

In this episode, we talk to Christine Valdez, 2023 SAAEF Fellow from Connecticut, about how she and her peers expanded their advocacy during AEFL Week. We are also joined by Stone Dixon who shares his journey from an adult education student to a graduate.

Adult Ed Advocast E12: Lessons Learned From Advocacy April

COABE — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:10:22 -0400

In this episode, we discuss highlights of Advocacy April, including the Spring Legislative Briefing with two of the briefing’s panelists, Hector Martinez of the Kansas Board of Regents and Joyce Warrington of OAASIS. We also talk to adult learner TT Martinez about her passion for elevating student voice and empowering change.

Adult Ed Advocast E11: DEI in Adult Ed

COABE — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 15:04:53 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in adult education. Carmine Stewart provides a program director’s view on ensuring all voices are at the tab;e where decisions are made. Cydnee Sanders shares what DEI looks like in a classroom and shares her influential work on the topic. Lastly, we speak with adult learner Mardgrina Leonce on the impact of attending the COABE National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

Adult Ed Advocast E10: Organizing Effective Rallies

COABE — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:40:02 -0400

In this episode, we discuss the process for organizing effective rallies. You will hear from Jeff Campbell of the Illinois Adult and Continuing Educators Association (IACEA) about adapting to virtual events, managing tasks, and engaging participants. We are also joined by Madison Flannery, a former adult education student who is enrolled in Lewis and Clark Community College’s paralegal program.

Adult Ed Advocast E9: Setting Advocacy Goals

COABE — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 16:42:00 -0500

In this episode, we discuss adult learner success stories, setting your advocacy goals for 2023, and why legislators need to hear from adult learners. Join us as we chat with 2022 California SAAEF fellow Karina Ravkina-Matousov and adult learner Brandy Martinez. You won’t want to miss their stories and insights as we head into 2023, the year of advocacy.

Adult Ed Advocast E8: AEFL Week 2022 Recap

COABE — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:37:00 -0500

In this episode, we chat with Sharon Bonney and Jeff Abramowitz of COABE about how the nation celebrated AEFL Week this year. We also speak to Megan Linzy, adult education alumni and current COABE committee member, about her experiences in adult education and her advice to students.

Adult Ed Advocast E7: Preparing Adult Learners for Advocacy

COABE — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 15:34:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk to Laura Porfirio, an educator with a passion for civic engagement and activism and the creator of what is now the COABE Ambassador Program, and Jessica Wabler, a seasoned adult ed advocate and coordinator of COABE’s Ambassador Program. Our special guest, Haziel Lopez, is a former adult education student and graduate of the Ambassador Program who shares advice on how students can use their voices to be the change they want to see.

Adult Ed Advocast E6: Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

COABE — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 08:30:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk to Jackie Aguilera and Audrey Nelson, 2021 State Advocate for Adult Education Fellows from Texas, and Olivia Quintanilla, a former adult education student who is now an adult education coordinator. Jackie and Audrey share tips for how to craft a strong and impactful elevator pitch in preparation for AEFL Week. Olivia highlights the moments that lead to her success and how she pays it forward. Adult Ed #Advocast is hosted by State Advocates for Adult Education Fellows, Sara Haghighi and Erin Vobornik, and produced by Jeffrey Abramowitz.

Adult Ed Advocast E5: State Association Advocacy

COABE — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 08:32:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk to Tammy Brown and Patrick Brown of the Michigan Association of Community & Adult Education (MACAE) and adult education alumnus Erika Muñoz. Tammy and Patrick share how to create and implement effective advocacy through your state’s adult education association. Erika shares her story of how she came to adult education and her successes. Adult Ed #Advocast is hosted by State Advocates for Adult Education Fellows, Sara Haghighi and Erin Vobornik, and produced by Jeffrey Abramowitz.

Adult Ed Advocast E4: Advocacy Dream Team

COABE — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 19:02:00 -0400

In this episode we talk with Regina Suitt (COABE) and Maira Estefania Marroquin about the best strategies to create an efficient advocacy team and how to prevent burn out. Maira shares her experiences advocating to stakeholders and legislators and what helped her succeed as an adult ESL student.

Adult Ed Advocast E3: Putting the Fun in Funding

COABE — Mon, 23 May 2022 09:01:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Laurie Kierstead-Joseph (Pima Community College) and Ana Chavarin. Laurie dives deep into how adult education is funded and how to advocate for more. The incredible Ana Chavarin illustrates how adult education changes the lives of adult learners by sharing her story and successes. Adult Ed #Advocast is hosted by State Advocates for Adult Education Fellows, Sara Haghighi and Erin Vobornik, and produced by Jeffrey Abramowitz.

Adult Ed Advocast E2: Advocate with COABE

COABE — Mon, 02 May 2022 03:21:00 -0400

In this episode, we speak with Sharon Bonney and James Bonnet of the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE). Learn about why advocacy matters, how COABE has invested in advocacy, and how you can get involved! You won’t want to miss James Bonney as he shares his journey from adult education to COABE’s Creative Director. Adult Ed #Advocast is hosted by State Advocates for Adult Education Fellows, Sara Haghighi and Erin Vobornik, and produced by Jeffrey Abramowitz.

Adult Ed Advocast E1: Meet the Advocast

COABE — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 08:46:00 -0400

Join Sara and Erin as we introduce COABE’s Adult Ed Advocast. We are joined by Rachel Koch (Pima Community College), whose recommendation won and became our podcast’s name. Wondering what COABE’s Adult Ed Advocast is? Start here! Adult Ed #Advocast is hosted by State Advocates for Adult Education Fellows, Sara Haghighi and Erin Vobornik, and produced by Jeffrey Abramowitz.