Building Strong Futures co-founders Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks join The Town Square Podcast to share the inspiring story behind their youth development nonprofit. What began as a small leadership and etiquette program at church has grown into a community-wide initiative helping students explore college, careers, and leadership opportunities.

Recently named the Newton County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Organization of the Year, Building Strong Futures continues to impact young people through workshops, mentorship, and life-changing college tours. In this conversation, Michelle and Monica reflect on the mission, the students whose lives have been changed, and the vision for the next generation of leaders.

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In Episode 29 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Dr. Tavarez Holston, the president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC), for a conversation about the importance of technical education in today’s workforce. Dr. Holston discusses the unique role of technical colleges, the most popular and in-demand degree programs at GPTC, and how the college collaborates with local businesses to ensure its offerings meet regional workforce needs. He also shares insights into the new CDL training center, which is poised to help students quickly enter the workforce with skills in high demand, particularly in the trucking industry.

The episode also touches on Dr. Holston’s leadership style, his passion for woodworking as a way to manage the pressures of his role, and the college’s ongoing commitment to workforce development. He emphasizes GPTC’s mission to equip students with the skills they need to succeed in today’s job market, as well as his excitement for upcoming initiatives and programs at the college. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how Georgia Piedmont Technical College is shaping the future of education and creating opportunities for local communities in DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties.