Opportunity Youth: Building Pathways in the Panhandle
Release Date: 08/24/2025
Adoption, Accounting, and Amarillo: A Conversation with Laura Storrs
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Laura Storrs, CFO of the City of Amarillo, to uncover the person behind the title. Born and raised in Amarillo, Laura shares stories of her childhood, the influence of her parents, and how she discovered her passion for accounting. She opens up about her journey into motherhood through adoption, the blessings and challenges of raising a blended family, and the unique connection her husband—also adopted—brings to their home. Laura also reflects on her deep ties to community, from Rotary traditions to her new...
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Opportunity Youth: Building Pathways in the Panhandle
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, Broc sits down with colleague Beth Gunn, Grant Program Officer at the Amarillo Area Foundation. Beth shares her personal journey—from starting with the foundation through CYD, to leading scholarship programs, and now focusing on education grants. Together, they explore the concept of Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from education or the workforce—and why addressing their needs is critical for the future of the Texas Panhandle. Beth unpacks local research, the challenges of tracking this population, and the...
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More Than a Superintendent: The Life and Leadership of Dr. Deidre Parish
This is the Panhandle
In this inspiring episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Dr. Deidre Parish, the new superintendent of Amarillo ISD. While many know her for her impressive career in education—including two doctorates and leadership roles from rural districts to large urban schools—this conversation goes deeper, uncovering the personal side of Dr. Parish. From her Lubbock roots to her early teaching days, Dr. Parish shares the winding path that led her from biology research labs to public school classrooms, and eventually to district leadership. Along the way, she opens up...
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Mother-Daughter Strength: Amy & MK Lovell’s Story
This is the Panhandle
🎙️ This is the Panhandle — In this very special episode, host Broc Carter sits down with Amy Lovell and her daughter Mattie Kate (MK) Lovell for the first-ever mother-daughter conversation on This is the Panhandle. Amy and MK share a deeply personal story about facing Amy’s unexpected breast cancer diagnosis and the journey that followed — one marked by early detection, tough choices, family support, and hard-won hope. Amy, a longtime advocate for nonprofits and co-founder of The Panhandle Gives, opens up about her life in the Panhandle, her work, and how a routine mammogram...
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From Spearman to Spain: A Fulbright Story with Filiberto “Fili” Avila
This is the Panhandle
In this inspiring episode, Broc Carter sits down with Filiberto Avila—known to many as Fili—a Spearman, Texas native currently wrapping up a Fulbright fellowship in Madrid, Spain. Fili shares his incredible journey from growing up in a rural Panhandle town to becoming student body president at West Texas A&M University, participating in the Rogers LEAD program, and ultimately teaching university-level students in Spain. Fili reflects on: His academic and leadership experiences at WTAMU The impact of the Rogers LEAD program and student government Helping launch the Market on...
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From Wheat Fields to Community Impact: John Wittler of Ogallala
This is the Panhandle
📍 Brought to you by the Amarillo Area Foundation.
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Everybody Has Value: A Conversation with Don Powell
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Don Powell to explore the person behind his prominent titles and accomplishments. While Don’s résumé includes leadership roles such as President & CEO of First National Bank of Amarillo, FDIC Chairman, and federal coordinator for Gulf Coast recovery efforts, the conversation focuses on his personal journey, values, and lessons learned along the way.
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Rooted in the Panhandle: Doug Loomis on Leadership, Family & Education
This is the Panhandle
In this episode of This Is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with Doug Loomis—recently retired superintendent of Amarillo ISD—to explore his journey from growing up in Dalhart to leading one of the region’s largest school districts. Doug shares personal stories about his upbringing, football days, and family life; reflects on the lessons that shaped his leadership and advocacy for public education; and offers insights on community collaboration. Midway through, Vice President of Community Investment Laura Escobar joins to outline grant opportunities through the Amarillo...
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Welcoming the Foreigner: A Conversation with Ryan Pennington
This is the Panhandle
🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, host Raul Rodarte Suto sits down with Ryan Pennington, Executive Director of the Refugee Language Project. Ryan shares his journey—from growing up in Washington State to studying linguistics and Bible translation at Dallas Baptist University, then serving as a missionary in remote villages of Papua New Guinea. He reflects on the challenges of first‐contact language work, the power of cultural humility, and the life-changing lessons learned on that mountain ridge. After returning to Amarillo in 2016, Ryan channeled those insights into welcoming...
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Beyond the Boardroom: A Conversation with Anette Carlisle
This is the Panhandle
🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode of This is the Panhandle, host Kimberly Anderson sits down with longtime friend and community leader Anette Carlisle. Known for her extensive service in education and community development, Anette shares insights into her early life in Borger, Texas, her academic journey in zoology, and her passion for nature and birding. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, including her family life and the values that drive her commitment to public service.
info_outlineIn this episode of This is the Panhandle, Broc sits down with colleague Beth Gunn, Grant Program Officer at the Amarillo Area Foundation. Beth shares her personal journey—from starting with the foundation through CYD, to leading scholarship programs, and now focusing on education grants.
Together, they explore the concept of Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from education or the workforce—and why addressing their needs is critical for the future of the Texas Panhandle. Beth unpacks local research, the challenges of tracking this population, and the values-driven insights gathered directly from youth voices.
Listeners will hear how collaboration among schools, workforce boards, foster care, and nonprofits is reshaping how the community supports these young people. From summits to policy changes, Beth highlights the Foundation’s role in convening partners, funding innovative solutions, and shifting narratives about what young people truly want: connection, meaning, and the chance to make a difference.
Beth also shares the personal motivation behind her work, revealing how her own experiences inform her passion for helping others navigate systems and access opportunity.