Episode 111: An Interview with Krista Gauthier, Executive Director, and Robin Zikmund, Co Founder of IMSE Foundation

In this episode, Lori speaks with two leaders whose personal stories fueled a shared mission to transform literacy access for children across the country. Robin Zikmund, co-founder of the IMSE Foundation, and Krista Gauthier, the foundation's executive director, open up about their experiences navigating the challenges of raising children with dyslexia and how those journeys led them to create systemic solutions through advocacy, educator training, and innovative literacy programs. Together, they share how the IMSE Foundation is working to equip teachers, empower families, and create long-term impact through community-based programs that pair evidence-based reading instruction with STEM enrichment opportunities.   In this episode, Lori, Robin, and Krista discuss: The personal experiences that led Robin and Krista into advocacy and ultimately into founding and leading the IMSE Foundation The widespread misunderstanding of dyslexia and why early identification is critical for long-term success How teacher scholarships and structured literacy training create exponential impact for students The "Books, Bots, and Beyond" initiative and how combining reading intervention with STEM exploration builds confidence and expands opportunity The harsh realities faced by children who go unidentified and unsupported, including the connection between illiteracy and incarceration The role of community, partnership, and perseverance when launching and growing nonprofit initiatives How both guests think about legacy and the future they hope to create for children nationwide   IMSE Foundation Website: https://imsefoundation.org/IMSE Foundation Contact Page: https://imsefoundation.org/contact/ IMSE Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559285062865 IMSE Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imse_foundation/?hl=en   Connect with Lori Kranczer! Website: https://linkphilanthropic.com Email: [email protected]