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The Gap Minders

The Gap Minders

By: Cloudcast
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The show taking the lead on catalytic conversations spurring listeners to think critically about some of our world’s most pressing issues and be compelled to take action. We have plenty of gaps in America and right here in San Diego—educational, racial, wealth, health, literacy, and more. Welcome to The Gap Minders, the podcast taking on these GAPS—one conversation at a time.

To tackle these gaps and lift lives, United Way of San Diego County and the San Diego Council on Literacy have joined forces. The Gap Minders weekly episodes will inform, inspire, and illuminate the gaps and the solutions. Through insightful conversations with a range of notable and engaging guests, including education experts, political figures dedicated to improving our region, and influential changemakers passionate about equity for all children and families, we will make a difference.

Thank you for your time, attention, heart, and mind.Copyright Cloudcast Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Season 4: Episode 10 | Rafael Parra, Executive Director, RafaBids

    Season 4: Episode 10 | Rafael Parra, Executive Director, RafaBids
    May 23 2026
    GAPTIVISTS LIVE HERE

    Jose Cruz hosts "The Gap Minders" podcast, focusing on addressing various gaps in San Diego, including education, racial, and economic disparities. Guest Rafael Parra, executive director of RafaBids, discusses the lack of African American and Latino participation in city contracts, often due to the large scale of projects. RafaBids aims to bridge this gap by promoting smaller projects and leveraging AI to simplify the bidding process. Rafael emphasizes the importance of economic opportunities for minority communities and encourages young people to persist and utilize available tools like AI to succeed in government contracting.

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of The Gap Minders. If you enjoyed this podcast, please feel free to learn more about our GAPtivist movement at www.TheGapMinders.org where we believe that regardless of age, anyone can be a GAPtivist for their community.

    About The San Diego Council On Literacy

    Since 1986, The San Diego Council On Literacy has been dedicated to the mission of "Literacy For All." Central to the literacy effort in San Diego County is the work of the 35 programs that are affiliated with the San Diego Council on Literacy. Annually, they serve over 100,000 residents of all ages, at no cost. We are honored to work in partnership with dedicated organizations that provide tutoring, literacy resources, and support to the community.

    To learn more about The San Diego Council On Literacy, please visit www.literacysandiego.org

    About LIFE: San Diego

    Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE): San Diego is a privately funded program to venture test small scale new ideas for increasing literacy for young adults ranging from reading and math to science and media.

    About Cloudcast Media

    "The Gap Minders" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting. Listen Where You Live.

    This episode was produced by Shreyasi Mekund, Associate Producer and Brandon Joe, Senior Producer.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Season 4: Episode 9 | Jacqueline Luna Reynoso, Founder & CEO, Quisqueya

    Season 4: Episode 9 | Jacqueline Luna Reynoso, Founder & CEO, Quisqueya
    May 4 2026
    GAPTIVISTS LIVE HERE

    Jacqueline Reynoso, founder and CEO of Quisqueya, discusses her journey from National City to becoming a public policy advocate. She highlights her work on the binational trolley crossing project, which aims to extend the San Diego trolley into Tijuana, and her role in community development and economic growth. Reynoso emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and bridging opportunities between different sectors. She also shares her transition to Quisqueya, a binational, bilingual consulting firm, and her current projects, including a binational rail study and urban greening initiatives. Reynoso encourages youth to get involved in their communities and stresses the value of community partnerships.

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of The Gap Minders. If you enjoyed this podcast, please feel free to learn more about our GAPtivist movement at www.TheGapMinders.org where we believe that regardless of age, anyone can be a GAPtivist for their community.

    About The San Diego Council On Literacy

    Since 1986, The San Diego Council On Literacy has been dedicated to the mission of "Literacy For All." Central to the literacy effort in San Diego County is the work of the 35 programs that are affiliated with the San Diego Council on Literacy. Annually, they serve over 100,000 residents of all ages, at no cost. We are honored to work in partnership with dedicated organizations that provide tutoring, literacy resources, and support to the community.

    To learn more about The San Diego Council On Literacy, please visit www.literacysandiego.org

    About LIFE: San Diego

    Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE): San Diego is a privately funded program to venture test small scale new ideas for increasing literacy for young adults ranging from reading and math to science and media.

    About Cloudcast Media

    "The Gap Minders" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting. Listen Where You Live.

    This episode was produced by Shreyasi Mekund, Associate Producer and Brandon Joe, Senior Producer.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Season 4: Episode 8 | Rebecca Mendiola, CEO, Collective Impact Solutions

    Season 4: Episode 8 | Rebecca Mendiola, CEO, Collective Impact Solutions
    Apr 20 2026
    GAPTIVISTS LIVE HERE

    Dr. Rebecca Mendiola, CEO and founder of Collective Impact Solutions, discusses her nonprofit's mission to bridge systems and communities, focusing on marginalized families and youth. She emphasizes the importance of systems change and transformation, working with school districts, city and county departments, and community-based organizations. Mendiola highlights her extensive experience in education and social work, including her role as an assistant superintendent. She shares success stories, such as a recent conference in Vista that brought together parents, educators, and community partners to co-design solutions. Mendiola stresses the need for leaders to trust the process and the importance of community involvement in achieving systemic change.

    Thank you so much for listening to this episode of The Gap Minders. If you enjoyed this podcast, please feel free to learn more about our GAPtivist movement at www.TheGapMinders.org where we believe that regardless of age, anyone can be a GAPtivist for their community.

    About The San Diego Council On Literacy

    Since 1986, The San Diego Council On Literacy has been dedicated to the mission of "Literacy For All." Central to the literacy effort in San Diego County is the work of the 35 programs that are affiliated with the San Diego Council on Literacy. Annually, they serve over 100,000 residents of all ages, at no cost. We are honored to work in partnership with dedicated organizations that provide tutoring, literacy resources, and support to the community.

    To learn more about The San Diego Council On Literacy, please visit www.literacysandiego.org

    About LIFE: San Diego

    Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE): San Diego is a privately funded program to venture test small scale new ideas for increasing literacy for young adults ranging from reading and math to science and media.

    About Cloudcast Media

    "The Gap Minders" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.

    For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting. Listen Where You Live.

    This episode was produced by Shreyasi Mekund, Associate Producer and Brandon Joe, Senior Producer.
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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