Thank you for watching the Civic Action Podcast! The Civic Action Podcast is an initiative of Virtutem Populo, Inc. Virtutem Populo remains committed to its mission of promoting civic engagement and community involvement through programming, advocacy, and education.

In this special episode, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joins us for an inspiring conversation on the challenges and opportunities shaping Miami-Dade County. Together, we explore how local government tackles pressing community issues, the vital role of leadership in driving change, and why investing in youth voices is essential for the county’s future. This episode is a reminder that empowering young people isn’t just about listening, it’s about acting on their ideas to build a stronger, more inclusive Miami-Dade.

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Our Links:

❤️ Website: https://www.virtutempopulo.org/

💙 Facebook: /virtutempopuloinc

❤️ Instagram: /virtutem_populo

💙 Twitter: /virtutem_populo

🎯 Contact Us: info@virtutempopulo.net

This podcast was funded by a grant from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation.

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on post notifications!

Thank you for watching the Civic Action Podcast! The Civic Action Podcast is an initiative of Virtutem Populo, Inc. Virtutem Populo remains committed to its mission of promoting civic engagement and community involvement through programming, advocacy, and education.

In this powerful season opener, Founder & Board Chair Maurits Acosta and Incoming Executive Director Clint John Jr. sit down for a real and raw conversation on what it means to transition leadership, protect legacy, and build something that outlives you. It’s a reflection on what it means to “pass the torch”: to move from being the voice to empowering the next one.

Make sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on post notifications!

Our Links:

❤️ Website: https://www.virtutempopulo.org/

💙 Facebook: /virtutempopuloinc

❤️ Instagram: /virtutem_populo

💙 Twitter: /virtutem_populo

🎯 Contact Us: info@virtutempopulo.net

This podcast was funded by a grant from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Foundation.

#VirtutemPopulo #CivicActionPodcast #YouthLeadership #SuccessionPlanning #CommunityLeadership #PurposeDriven

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In this episode, we sit down with Erin Sicker, Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, the nonprofit behind fundraising for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. When tax dollars can’t cover it, their work steps in. From student wellness to digital access, Erin breaks down how public-private partnerships power the future of education and why young people need a seat at the table in these conversations.

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Join us as Lya Quintana, a student at Jose Marti MAST Academy, interviews the founder of Virtutem Populo, Maurits Acosta, on all thing civic action and starting a nonprofit organization.

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Listen to this inspiring conversation between Virtutem Populo's Executive Director, Maurits Acosta, and City of Hialeah Councilman, Bryan Calvo. Bryan is a licensed Florida attorney, former White House intern, Harvard graduate, and the youngest elected official in Miami-Dade County.

Bryan received a full ride scholarship to attend Harvard University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Government and a Language Citation in Italian. He was accepted to Harvard in one of the most competitive years in Harvard’s history, with over 40,000 students applying for 1,500 spots. During his time at Harvard, Bryan was a Senior Staffer of Harvard Model Congress, an active member of the Institute of Politics, and President of the Harvard Candela Salsa Team.

While in law school, Bryan ran for and was elected to the Hialeah City Council, where he serves as the youngest elected official in Miami-Dade County. Although his various professional commitments keep Bryan very busy, he is passionate about various hobbies including holding a current private pilot’s license, scuba diving, spearfishing, and taking his two dogs Mars and Ziva on long walks.

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Alyson and Vanessa are the founders of Know Your Rights Weekly, an email newsletter based in Miami-Dade County run by students.

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Josh Rios is a graduate of the University of Florida and former student advisor to the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Listen in as we talk about dual enrollment, student advocacy, and the power of youth in local government.

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Listen in as we speak with former member of the Florida House of Representatives and election law professor at St. Thomas University J.C. Planas.

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