
Supporting Educational Entrepreneurs With The VELA Fund
09/13/22 • 44 min
During this episode we share how the VELA fund is supporting educational entrepreneurs. They specifically specialize educational experiences that are out of the box. In 2010 at one of my daughter's pediatric appointments her doctor advised me to homeschool. The thought changed my children's first academic experiences and increased my love for education.
African Proverb
"In Kijita (Wajita) there is a proverb which says "Omwana ni wa bhone," meaning regardless of a child's biological parent(s) its upbringing belongs to the community (source).
Please tweet us using the #cleverlychangingpodcast to tell us what this proverb means to you or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you think this African Proverb means.
Word of the Episode
Adore means medicine in the Twi language from Ghana.
Order a Clever Homeschool Kit valued at $175:
Don't forget to order one of our exclusive Clever Homeschool Kits. The value of each individual kit is $175 USD, and the first 25 people who sign-up for a kit will receive free-shipping. Kits ship in early October and will include: t-shirts, games, stickers, a planner, and more.
- Register for your clever homeschool starter kit here.
Let's Connect!
Want to be a guest on an upcoming show? Just fill out this form, and we will send you an interview link when your request is approved.
We're bringing back Cleverly Cultured Kids! We want to feature your kids on Cleverly Cultured Kids, so please complete this Interview form for kids, and we will send you an interview link once your request is approved.
You can call us directly now. Please leave us a voicemail and let us know how you enjoy the show or share your questions.
Grown Folks Talking with, Meredith Olson, the President of the VELA Education Fund
Meredith Olson was appointed President of the VELA Education Fund in 2021. She was familiar to the organization and previously served as a founding member of VELA’s Board. Meredith stated, “The pandemic has dramatically increased awareness of unconventional, human-centered education models, and as VELA plots its course for 2021, I am committed to accelerating adoption by more families and communities.”
The VELA Education fund is committed to the community and has awarded more than $3.6 million to accelerate education innovation and opportunity for every learner.
Meredith is the mother of four children, two of her children are twins. As you will hear during the podcast, she is excited to help fund innovative educational ideas. In addition to wearing many hats, Olson also actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of Rainbows United Inc. and is currently board chair at WSU Tech.
BOOKS BY TODD ROSE
VELA Education Fund is Supporting Educational Entrepreneurs
If you want to learn more about how the VELA Education fund supporting educational entrepreneurs please visit their website below. The VELA Education Fund is a micro grant program, that provides seed funding to early-stage, non-traditional education models created by everyday entrepreneurs – parents, educators, community leaders, and even students.
Connect with Vela Education Fund
- ...
During this episode we share how the VELA fund is supporting educational entrepreneurs. They specifically specialize educational experiences that are out of the box. In 2010 at one of my daughter's pediatric appointments her doctor advised me to homeschool. The thought changed my children's first academic experiences and increased my love for education.
African Proverb
"In Kijita (Wajita) there is a proverb which says "Omwana ni wa bhone," meaning regardless of a child's biological parent(s) its upbringing belongs to the community (source).
Please tweet us using the #cleverlychangingpodcast to tell us what this proverb means to you or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you think this African Proverb means.
Word of the Episode
Adore means medicine in the Twi language from Ghana.
Order a Clever Homeschool Kit valued at $175:
Don't forget to order one of our exclusive Clever Homeschool Kits. The value of each individual kit is $175 USD, and the first 25 people who sign-up for a kit will receive free-shipping. Kits ship in early October and will include: t-shirts, games, stickers, a planner, and more.
- Register for your clever homeschool starter kit here.
Let's Connect!
Want to be a guest on an upcoming show? Just fill out this form, and we will send you an interview link when your request is approved.
We're bringing back Cleverly Cultured Kids! We want to feature your kids on Cleverly Cultured Kids, so please complete this Interview form for kids, and we will send you an interview link once your request is approved.
You can call us directly now. Please leave us a voicemail and let us know how you enjoy the show or share your questions.
Grown Folks Talking with, Meredith Olson, the President of the VELA Education Fund
Meredith Olson was appointed President of the VELA Education Fund in 2021. She was familiar to the organization and previously served as a founding member of VELA’s Board. Meredith stated, “The pandemic has dramatically increased awareness of unconventional, human-centered education models, and as VELA plots its course for 2021, I am committed to accelerating adoption by more families and communities.”
The VELA Education fund is committed to the community and has awarded more than $3.6 million to accelerate education innovation and opportunity for every learner.
Meredith is the mother of four children, two of her children are twins. As you will hear during the podcast, she is excited to help fund innovative educational ideas. In addition to wearing many hats, Olson also actively involved in the community, serving on the boards of Rainbows United Inc. and is currently board chair at WSU Tech.
BOOKS BY TODD ROSE
VELA Education Fund is Supporting Educational Entrepreneurs
If you want to learn more about how the VELA Education fund supporting educational entrepreneurs please visit their website below. The VELA Education Fund is a micro grant program, that provides seed funding to early-stage, non-traditional education models created by everyday entrepreneurs – parents, educators, community leaders, and even students.
Connect with Vela Education Fund
- ...
Previous Episode

Music is Great For Learning and Boosts a Child's Self-Esteem
During this episode we will share and discuss how music is great for learning and boosts a child's self-esteem. Every culture in the world embraces music.
History to Explore
One of the most influential instruments in African culture are drums. Drums are considered the heartbeat of Africa. The book Oral Literature in Africa discusses how drums were used to communicate different messages in African culture (learn more).
African Proverb
Fear a silent man. He has lips like a drum. - Yoruba Proverb
Please tweet us using the #cleverlychangingpodcast to tell us what this proverb means to you or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you think this African Proverb means.
Word of the Episode
Oni means today in Yoruba.
About Our Sponsor
Night Zookeeper sponsored this episode.
Thank you, Night Zookeeper, for sponsoring this episode. Learning is fun, so the Night Zookeeper educational online program is a big hit in my house. My 9-year-old loves it. She asks to use it at least three days a week (weekends included). I can’t say I blame her; it is a very engaging language arts program with many great features. I love that it provides a safe online environment for my children. Tutors review all shared content to ensure their safety while in the Night Zookeeper realm. My little love creating new zoo characters and leveling them up by playing games, building accessories, and writing reports. Even my 7-year-old reluctant writer and reader thoroughly enjoys this program. It feels more like playing than learning, which is what this homeschooling mama needs for her favorite little lion. As a former tutor with America Reads and a five-year homeschool veteran, this is one educational tool that I highly recommend.
Click on this link to access an exclusive offer for 50% off the annual Night Zookeeper subscription and a free 7-day trial.
Let's Connect!
Want to be a guest on an upcoming show? Just fill out this form, and we will send you an interview link when your request is approved.
We're bringing back Cleverly Cultured Kids! We want to feature your kids on Cleverly Cultured Kids, so please complete this Interview form for kids, and we will send you an interview link once your request is approved.
You can call us directly now. Please leave us a voicemail and let us know how you enjoy the show or share your questions.
Grown Folks Talking About How Music is Great For Learning and Boosts a Child's Self-Esteem
Monét is better known as (“Ms. Angel Monét”), and she is a Boston-native and founder of Inét Productions, Inc. She is a multifaceted entertainer who has pioneered a movement beyond music and uses the power of arts to promote positive themes such as anti-bullying, self-esteem building, and community responsibility. Monet A. Ledbetter Glaude is the founder and Executive Director of Inét Entertainment Corporation and the president of Inet Productions Inc., which offers instrumental, vocal, and performance skills. She is an instructor and graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Professional Music.
For over a decade, 4x award winning Female Music Producer of New England’s Urban Award. Angel Monét has created a revolution in the world of Children’s music through her original songs filled with uplifting themes and Gospel, Pop, Funk, Hip Hop and Caribbean rhythms.
Inét Productions Inc
As president of Inét Productions Inc, Ms. Angel Monét runs a music production company that specializes in the development of instrumental, vocal and performance skills. She is a proud instructor for Berklee City Music’s Piano and Voice programs at her alma mater Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ma. She is the founder of the HOI Network Internet Radio Station and Creator of the “House of Inspiration Show”.
Monét Ledbetter-Glaude’s original program, “Peppy People’s Music” provides a multicultural music curriculum with resources that teach children the fundamentals of music and addresses t...
Next Episode

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month
During this episode I share information about sickle cell disease in honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness month.
History to Explore
Nigeria has a population of 112 million people. About 25% of adults there carry the sickle cell trait (source). According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 babies with severe hemoglobin disorders are born globally each year, but 75 per cent is said to be found in Sub-Saharan Africa (source).
African Proverb
He who is sick will not refuse medicine. ~ Nigerian Proverbs
Please tweet us using the #cleverlychangingpodcast to tell us what this proverb means to you or leave us a voicemail and let us know what you think this African Proverb means.
Word of the Episode
In the Gambia Dutu means Mango.
Order a Clever Homeschool Kit:
Don't forget to order one of our exclusive Clever Homeschool Kits. The value of each individual kit is $175 USD, and the first 25 people who sign-up for a kit will receive free-shipping. Kits ship in early October and will include: t-shirts, games, stickers, a planner, and more.
- Register for your clever homeschool starter kit here.
Let's Connect!
Want to be a guest on an upcoming show? Just fill out this form, and we will send you an interview link when your request is approved.
We're bringing back Cleverly Cultured Kids! We want to feature your kids on Cleverly Cultured Kids, so please complete this Interview form for kids, and we will send you an interview link once your request is approved.
You can call us directly now. Please leave us a voicemail and let us know how you enjoy the show or share your questions.
Grown Folks Talking About National Sickle Cell Awareness month
Elle Cole empowers moms and advocates for children with sickle cell disease. She is a mom of twin daughters, one of whom is living with Sickle Cell Disease and Type 1 Diabetes. In 2020 she was awarded the Advocating for Another WEGO Health award. She is the author of four children’s books: A Sickle Cell Coloring Book for Kids, ABCs of Sickle Cell, and The Ultimate Sickle Cell Activity Book. She is a writer, speaker, and Podcast Producer. Feedspot named the Cleverly Changing Podcast #3 on the Top 20 Homeschooling Mom Podcasts list. She also produces the VitaminSC3 Podcast which is a new podcast that shares real stories about families battling sickle cell disease. The podcast is powered by the Sickle Cell Community Consortium. She’s been featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, and many podcasts. Her website CleverlyChanging.com discusses wellness, personal finance, and parenting.
Connect with Elle
- Blog 👉🏾 https://cleverlychanging.com/category/podcast/
- IG 👉🏾 https://Instagram.com/Cleverlychanging
- TW 👉🏾 https://Twitter.com/cleverlychangin
- YT 👉🏾 https://YouTube.com/Cleverlychanging
Tweetable quote: "Advocacy chose me and one day my daughter will ask me what did I do to make sure she had a full life and I will be able to show her my advocacy work."
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