“Our State of Education,” presented by The Skillman Foundation, brings together the diverse voices that are shaping the future of learning in Michigan.
Hosted by Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, with WJR’s Lloyd Jackson, the series explores how schools, communities, and policymakers are reimagining education to better support youth in a rapidly changing world.
From K–12 classrooms to afterschool and summer programs, we spotlight the innovations transforming how young people learn and lead. Tune in for candid conversations with students, parents, educators, business leaders, and lawmakers as they share the challenges they face—and the solutions they’re building.
OUR STATE OF EDUCATION PODCAST FEED:
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ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Angelique Power is the president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, a Detroit-based philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the brilliance, justice, and leadership of the city’s youth. Since taking the helm in 2021, Power has led the foundation with a bold vision for racial equity and systemic transformation, overseeing over $24 million in annual grants and stewarding more than $500 million in assets. A passionate advocate for social justice, she brings a deep commitment to community-centered leadership and equity-driven philanthropy.
Prior to joining The Skillman Foundation, Power served as president of the Field Foundation of Illinois, where she restructured the foundation’s grantmaking to center racial equity. Her career also includes leadership roles at the Joyce Foundation and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. A co-founder of Enrich Chicago and Just Action, Power is a nationally recognized voice in anti-racism organizing. She holds a BA from the University of Michigan, an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and an honorary doctorate from the same institution. Power also serves on numerous boards supporting arts, culture, and civic engagement in Detroit and beyond.
Lloyd Jackson describes himself as “just a regular guy,” but most people would probably disagree. Jackson, who began his career at 760 WJR in 1993 as the city/county beat reporter and is now assistant news director, says he loves the fact that radio is “fast and now,” but dislikes the objectivity that the job requires. “I usually have an opinion about stories, but being a journalist, I have to remain neutral.”
Lloyd has won numerous awards while at 760 WJR, including honors from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, Associated Press, and the Society of Professional Journalists. He has also been the host of many special-interest shows on 760 WJR, such as “Ask the Mayor,“ “Ask the Governor,” and “Ask the Chief.”
Jackson adds, “It’s a great honor to work with the professionals in the WJR newsroom that make my job an interesting and fulfilling endeavor.”
