From a single garden to multiple schools, Ian’s nonprofit, Lower Columbia School Gardens, is transforming how children learn about food, nature, and sustainability. He shares how early challenges shaped the program, why hands-on gardening combats digital addiction, and how gardens become living classrooms. Children who once felt disconnected now find purpose, curiosity, and joy in meaningful work. Ian’s vision is simple yet powerful: empower teachers, inspire students, and let nature lead. As he says, “The garden is the teacher.”

After navigating divorce and the realities of single motherhood, Kristina experienced firsthand how inaccessible and unaffordable childcare pushes families—especially women—out of the workforce. That pain became purpose. She founded Along the Way to expand access to quality childcare where it’s needed most. In this conversation, Kristina shares how the pandemic tested her mission, why childcare deserts are crippling communities, and how bold, scalable ideas can reshape the system. This is a story of resilience, empathy, and reimagining support for working families.

Born in Afghanistan and educated at Harvard, Hassina Sherjan could have built a life of ease in the West. Instead, one visit to a refugee camp changed everything. What she saw—dust, despair, and an unbreakable hunger for education—set her on a dangerous path. Founding Aid Afghanistan for Education (AA4E), Hassina faced threats from the Taliban, teachers beaten, students forced into hiding. Yet she never stopped. Today, more than 7,000 girls have reclaimed dignity through education, transforming families and futures across Afghanistan and beyond. This is resilience in its purest form.