We provide subject matter expertise on every step within the college planning process. Subscribe and listen to the MEFA Podcast to learn key information and helpful tips on 529 college savings plans, the college application process, financial aid & the FAFSA, student loan repayment, and more.
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Leadership in Colour showcases outstanding leaders of colour sharing their personal journeys, offering valuable insights and advice, and highlights their current projects. Join us to hear from these inspiring leaders and expand your perspective on leadership.
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The 'More Energy For All' (MEFA) Podcast - Save Money! - Beat 'BIG ENERGY' for good!
'Smart Energy' Mike Smith
Welcome to the Energy Revolution! Join me as I reflect on my years of energy efficient home improvements to give you the information you need to be more comfortable at home and save money. I will also show you how to harness the power of the sun for YOUR profit with a PV (Photovoltaic) Solar System. Let's join together to beat 'BIG ENERGY' at it's own game, once and for all. Remember, Innovation and Cooperation will create MORE ENERGY FOR ALL. For more information, check out www.MEFAPodcast.com.
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What to Know about Investing Your College Savings
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks college savings investing with Cory Latham, Managing Director and 529 Relationship Manager at Fidelity Investments.Autor: MEFA
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Episode 12 - Dumpster Fire to Phoenix with Ally Owen
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Ever wondered about the vibrant role of diversity in leadership and why it’s crucial in the corporate world? Join me, Shez Iqbal, for an insightful and dynamic conversation with Ally Owen, the energetic founder of Brixton Finishing School, who’s revolutionizing diversity in the advertising industry. In this episode, named (by Ally) Dumpster Fire to…
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Six Tips to Maximize Your College Visit
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Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Drew Carter, Deputy Director of Admission at The College of the Holy Cross, about his tips for students visiting a college campus.Autor: MEFA
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The Importance of Research Programs for High School Students
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health Emeritus at Duke University and founder of the International Research Institute (IRI) Dr. Robert Malkin about the importance of research and how he helps high school students get involved in it.Autor: MEFA
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Career Spotlight: Mass Water Works Association
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Episode #80. In celebration of Drinking Water Week, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Jennifer Pederson, the Executive Director of Mass Water Works Association, about what Mass Water Works does and their employment opportunities. They discuss water systems, trainings, and careers within the field. Jonathan also talks to Carter Gruca, who, through Mas…
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A Conversation with MEFA’s High School Intern on Juggling Work, Sports, and College Applications
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s intern, Jariel Ruiz, a senior at Cristo Rey High School in Boston.Autor: MEFA
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College Admissions: Three Student Experiences
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with three students from Northeast Metropolitan Regional Professional School about their experiences applying to college.Autor: MEFA
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with MEFA’s Director of College Relations, Shawn Morrissey, about the new FAFSA, including updates and changes to the FAFSA, what students and families need to know about their FAFSA statuses, and what families can do now and in the coming months.Autor: MEFA
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One Student’s Journey to Selecting His Nursing Major
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Episode #76. Host Jonathan Hughes talks with nursing student and current EMT Steven Tcheauafei about his journey figuring out what major was best for him. He talks about how becoming an EMT while in school directed his school choices, his thought process in transferring schools and changing majors, and how financial aid played a role in his decisio…
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Behind the scenes: Leadership in Colour - Sneaker Chat with Gary and Elaine
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Join us for an engaging and light-hearted sneak peek into our upcoming interview with Gary Rayneau and Elaine Dela Cruz, the dynamic duo behind Project23 and Coaches of Colour. In this delightful behind-the-scenes outtake, we not only touch on the profound impact of their DEI work but also share laughs over fashion and sneakers, showcasing the infe…
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E11: The Coaching Special with Gary and Elaine
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In this special coaching edition of Leadership in Colour, we delve into an insightful and engaging conversation with Gary Rayneau and Elaine Dela Cruz, the innovative minds behind Project23, Coaches of Colour, and the Equitable Coaching Foundation. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the passionate and dynamic world these two leaders navigate, …
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New Scholarships and Tips for Applying
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first answer a MEFA Mailbag question. Later they talk to MEFA’s own Lauren Danz, who shares scholarship tips and highlights some scholarships with April deadlines.Autor: MEFA
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How One Program Helps a City Prepare and Plan for College
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Dr. Rose Boulay of Springfield Promise about Springfield’s demographics, how Springfield Promise helps students and families, their strategies for working with different populations, and the challenges they have faced with FAFSA and financial aid this year.Autor: MEFA
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Financial Advice on College, Debt, and Retirement
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Amanda Sharratt, Chief Operating Officer and Financial Advisor for Whitaker Myers Wealth Managers, who shares financial advice for families as they plan for college, manage debt, and save for retirement.Autor: MEFA
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna share highlights from MEFA’s webinar that outlined six keys to finding a good college fit, which was presented by Dr. Timothy Poynton and Dr. Amanda Sterk.Autor: MEFA
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E10: Your stomach isn’t a graveyard for dead animals! with Anant Joshi
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Embark with us on a captivating exploration of the mind and soul of Anant Joshi, the media maven and Plant CEO pioneer. His journey from investment management to becoming a trailblazer in the ad tech landscape during the digital age's zenith reveals not just the growth of an industry but the evolution of a leader. Anant's tales of innovation and di…
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment at Regis College, Christopher Lydon, about Direct Admissions, a process in which students are admitted to colleges without applying to themAutor: MEFA
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with the founder of The College Investor, Robert Farrington. Robert is a leading expert on student loan debt with a goal of getting students out of debt and helping them build their wealth.Autor: MEFA
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This episode of Leadership in Colour presents an unparalleled Black History Month dialogue. Clinging to the edges, we navigate a series of unexpected revelations and insightful detours, led by our distinguished guests on a captivating journey of discovery. In this special edition, we re-welcome the perceptive Aaron Adams from Criteo and introduce t…
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What Families Should Know about the Latest FAFSA Delays
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna talk with Director of College Relations at MEFA, Shawn Morrissey, about the new FAFSA form and the challenges and delays families have been experiencing.Autor: MEFA
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E9: Follow your Gut... (but with some caveats) with Serhat Ekinci
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Have you ever paused to marvel at the power of your heritage and how it shapes your identity? Serhat Ekinci, a charismatic figure from UNITE of OMG, joins me in this conversation which unpacks the vibrant hues that paint his leadership style and cultural savvy. His story is a kaleidoscope of experiences, from a childhood spent hustling in the marke…
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A New Avenue for Immigrants and Financial Aid in Massachusetts
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Host Jonathan Hughes sits down for a conversation with Jonathan Paz of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugees Advocacy (MIRA) Coalition about the new state financial aid form for immigrant students, the MASFA.Autor: MEFA
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The Value of Education, Diversity, and HBCUs
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Host Jonathan Hughes sits down for a conversation about historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with Senior Associate Director of Scholarships at Howard University, Dr. Danette Burgess.Autor: MEFA
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Keeping Up with the FAFSA’s Current Roadblocks
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss the most common issues that have come up for families while trying to file the 2024-25 FAFSA.Autor: MEFA
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Scholarships with February Deadlines
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer a MEFA Mailbag question about 529 plans on the FAFSA. Then MEFA’s Lauren Danz discusses 3 scholarships that have February deadlines.Autor: MEFA
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E8: You Can't Cheat the Game with Sam Ajilore
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Ever wonder how a deep appreciation for entertainment and a keen editorial eye can concoct a media empire? Sam Ajilore, did just that, transforming a school project into the widely acclaimed That Grape Juice. In our latest heart-to-heart, Sam recounts his voyage from the inception of a name that echoes his Nigerian heritage to orchestrating a platf…
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How 3 High School Freshmen Taught Their School about College Financial Aid
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Host Jonathan Hughes sits down with three freshman from King Phillip High School, Tanmayee Kollouri, Laura Da Silva, and Ella Bailey. They participate in the DECA Program at their school with a focus on college student loans.Autor: MEFA
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss the new 2024-25 FAFSA and the issues that have arisen, how to file the form, and what to do if problems arise.Autor: MEFA
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer a whole range of questions regarding FAFSA Simplification and the new 2024-25 FAFSA.Autor: MEFA
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E7: Be brave and do it with Ruby Raut
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Have you ever wondered about the environmental impact of disposable period products? Join me as I sit down with Ruby Raut, the Co-Founder and CEO of WUKA, a brand committed to reducing the use of these products through their innovative, sustainable period underwear. Ruby shares the inspiration that led to the creation of WUKA and discusses the chal…
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Bright Horizon College Coach’s Sara Calvert-Kubrom about how students can use social media to their advantage in the college admissions process.Autor: MEFA
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How One Adult is Using MassReconnect to Attend College for Free
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first talk about exciting news about when the FAFSA will be available to fill out this year. Then they answer a mailbag question about the FAFSA and who gets to file as an independent student. Then Jonathan has a conversation with Brendan Melican. Brendan is a Worcester resident and student at Q…
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E6: It’s all about empathy with Darren Sital-Singh
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What does it mean to be authentic in the creative industry? How does one navigate the tricky path of maintaining individuality while fitting into an industry notorious for its lack of diversity? Join us as we delve into these questions and more with Darren Sital-Singh, the Managing Director of UK agency Studio Pi. Darren shares a heart-warming jour…
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The Inside Scoop on How Financial Aid Policy Works
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Host Jonathan Hughes speaks with Justin Draeger, President and CEO of NASFAA, about what NASFAA is, how they operate, how they help shape financial aid policy with Congress, and the future of financial aid policy.Autor: MEFA
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The Financial Aid Process for Students with Separated or Divorced Parents
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna have a conversation with Director of Student Financial Services at Wheaton College Susan Beard on the topic of applying for financial aid with separated or divorced parents.Autor: MEFA
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Finding a College in Your Price Range
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Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna answer some frequently asked questions about the FAFSA and the financial aid process. Then they talk with the founder and CEO of TuitionFit, Mark Salisbury, about gaps in admissions and financial aid transparency at colleges and how to determine which school makes the most financial sense.…
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E5: Just talk to each other with Ravleen Beeston
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Can you imagine working at a tech juggernaut like Microsoft for 17 years, navigating the ever-evolving terrain while staying authentic to your cultural roots? Well, get ready to meet someone who has done precisely that. Our esteemed guest, Ravleen Beeston, opens up about her inspiring journey, sharing valuable insights into finding fulfilment, embr…
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How At The Core Helps Students Make Plans for the Future
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Host Jonathan Hughes first talks with Julie about Federal Direct Student Loans going into repayment. Then they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about reporting savings accounts on the FAFSA. Finally, Jonathan sits down with Beth Probst of At the Core.Autor: MEFA
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How Massachusetts is Helping Fund College Savings Plans
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Host Jonathan Hughes has a conversation with the BabySteps Director of Program Evaluation Daphna Gluck on what the BabySteps Program is, its success so far, program improvements, and a brand new initiative, SNAP into BabySteps.Autor: MEFA
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E4: People just don't get it with Collette Philip
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Collette Philip, the visionary behind Brand by Me. Our conversation was recorded shortly after the Cannes Lions event, providing a fresh perspective on her experiences and insights. Collette shares her reflections on the trip, delves into her extensive industry journey, and emphasizes the imp…
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How Massachusetts Students 25 and Older Can Attend Community College for Free
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Host Jonathan Hughes is joined by President of Mount Wachusett Community College Jim Vander Hooven and Executive Director of Massachusetts Community Colleges Association Nate Mackinnon to discuss MassReconnect, a new Massachusetts program that pays for tuition and fees at any MA community college for anyone 25 and older. Learn who is eligible, how …
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Bonus Episode - Let's Talk About South Asian Heritage Month
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BONUS EPISODE: Some Action points following South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) Whilst this years theme for SAHM was "Stories to tell" I wanted to deliver you a more practical conversation. I used this roundtable discussion, to answer some of the questions I think many of us have, including: Did we feel the benefits of SAHM, what does it mean to be S…
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Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna about an online panel she moderated in conjunction with MEFA’s ongoing campaign The Time is Now. Then, they answer a question from the MEFA Mailbag, and finally, Jonathan talks with Adam Hartwell about Attainable, the ABLE Savings Plan.…
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E3: Who do you want to be? with Aaron Adams
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Aaron Adams, is the Manager of Platform Expertise at Criteo. This episode comes from our archives, from when Leadership in Colour was an internal series. You'll hear Aaron give some great, practical advice on how people can show up in the workplace and what it means to be authentic. Aaron himself, joined Criteo during the pandemic and has spent a d…
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The Time is Now: How to Make a Plan for after High School
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Host Jonathan Hughes first talks to the Director of MEFA Pathway, Jennifer Bento-Pinyoun. Then, Jonathan and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna discuss MEFA’s The Time is Now campaign. Finally, Jonathan has a discussion with the new Director of GEAR UP in Worcester, Steve Winston.Autor: MEFA
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How GEAR UP Helps Students Stay on Track for Postsecondary Success
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Host Jonathan Hughes talks with Julie Shields-Rutyna about FAFSA Simplification. Then Jonathan and Julie go to the MEFA Mailbag to answer a question about using the UFund to pay for college. Finally, Jonathan has a conversation with Director of the Massachusetts GEAR UP Program, Robert Dais.Autor: MEFA
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E2: Find your voice with an aubergine with Dora Michail-Clendinnen
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Dora Michail-Clendinnen, Chief Strategy Officer at The Ozone Project, shares her story of finding her voice as an individual and as an organization in this authentic and thought-provoking conversation. In this episode of Leadership in Colour, Dora covers off her early years, education, parenting, intersectionality, heritage, and aubergines. She als…
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Now What? What You Need to Know About Repaying Federal Student Loans after the SCOTUS Ruling
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Episode #50. In this special episode, host Jonathan Hughes talks with Betsy Mayotte of TISLA (The Institute of Student Loan Advisors) to discuss the Supreme Court’s decision to block the Biden-Harris Student Debt Relief Plan.Autor: MEFA
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What Rising HS Seniors Can Do Over the Summer to Plan for College
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Episode #49. Host Jonathan Hughes first answers a question from the MEFA Mailbag about private student loans. Then Jonathan sits down with Sherri Geller, the Co-Director of College Counseling at Gann Academy in Waltham, Massachusetts.Autor: MEFA
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Episode #48. Host Jonathan Hughes and co-host Julie Shields-Rutyna first discuss MEFA’s prepaid tuition program, the U.Plan. Then, they go to the MEFA Mailbag and answer a question about letters of recommendation. Finally, Jonathan and Julie talk to Jill Desjean of NASFAA and Philip Levine of Wellesley College and the Brookings Institution about FA…
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