Welcome to another episode of “The How It All Works Podcast,” where we explore the vital connection between education and workforce development. On this episode, we have a guest who as dedicated her life to preparing our state’s youth for success after graduation.

Brittany Hodges serves as a JAG Specialist for WJ Keenan High School. Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) helps youth facing significant challenges to reach economic and academic success. The JAG mission is to empower our nation’s young people with the skills and support to succeed in education, employment and life. JAG gives students an advantage that will set them apart from all other youth in today’s emerging workforce. In her role, Mrs. Hodges students have led students at winning awards at last year’s JAG-SC Career Development Conference. On this episode, we'll be discussing the importance of programs such as JAG in helping students transition into employment and post-secondary education.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw37

Welcome to the How It All Works Podcast, where we explore the relationship between education and workforce development.

On this episode, we’re joined by a leader who sits at the powerful intersection of public health, agriculture, culture, and community education. Bonita D. Clemons is a public health professional, farmer, and wellness educator whose work is transforming how families learn about food, health, and economic resilience. She is the President of Bonita Global, the Founder of Dianne’s Call, and the creator of FarmaSIS — an initiative that empowers women and families to grow their own food, reclaim their health, and build pathways to financial stability.

With a Master’s in Public Health and certifications in holistic health and nutrition education, Bonita brings a deeply community-rooted approach to learning. She partners with educators, farmers, and organizations to strengthen local food systems and create hands-on opportunities for youth and adults to explore careers in nutrition, agriculture, and wellness. Named the 2023 South Carolina Woman Farmer of the Year, she is a champion for culturally grounded food education and a visionary in workforce development — helping the next generation see food not only as medicine, but as legacy, livelihood, and a pathway to sustainable well-being.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw36

Welcome to the How It All Works Podcast, where we explore the relationship between education and workforce development.

On this episode, we’re highlighting the power of education, creativity, and community-centered learning through the work of an exceptional Family and Consumer Sciences educator. Lanier Lebby Alston is a veteran teacher at Hand Middle School in Columbia, South Carolina, with more than twenty years of experience helping students build real-world skills and discover meaningful career pathways.

A graduate of South Carolina State University, Ms. Alston holds a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design with a concentration in Business and a Master of Science in Individual and Family Development. Her classroom is a place where empathy, leadership, and hands-on learning come together — and her innovative “Scarves of Comfort” initiative is a perfect example. This project blends service learning, sustainability, and student empowerment, earning recognition from the South Carolina Department of Education and local media.

Ms. Alston was named the 2025 South Carolina Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher of the Year and is a 2026 AAFCS National Merit Finalist for Teacher of the Year, one of the highest honors in the field. Through her work, she continues to advance the mission of Family and Consumer Sciences by preparing students not just for school, but for life — nurturing the next generation of leaders, creators, and community-minded professionals.

SC School Counselors & Career Specialists Interested in receiving PD hours? Please complete post-episode quiz via link below:

https://tinyurl.com/hiaw35