{"id":23973,"date":"2025-07-15T20:32:45","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/?page_id=23973"},"modified":"2026-01-21T01:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T01:05:00","slug":"curiosity-in-action","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/curiosity-in-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Curiosity in Action"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;TBVS &#8211; Dark &#8211; Header 21&#8243; module_class=&#8221;tbvs-section-dark&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(0,0,0,0.6)&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/vitaly-gariev-Oy9nwZCv8MA-unsplash-scaled.jpg&#8221; background_blend=&#8221;overlay&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;3rem||3rem||true|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_heading_font|&#8211;et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||&#8221; header_font_size=&#8221;4rem&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;1.1em&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; max_width=&#8221;750px&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>Curiosity in Action<\/h1>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;0.88rem&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1em&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;&#8211;et_global_heading_font|&#8211;et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||&#8221; header_3_font_size=&#8221;1.3rem&#8221; header_3_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; background_layout=&#8221;dark&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||5px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>At SonEdna Foundation, our approach is grounded in partnership, powered by curiosity, and guided by a continuous cycle of learning. This is what we call Curiosity in Action.<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; custom_padding_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; module_class=&#8221;donaty-about-section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;rgba(206,206,206,0.13)&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;50px||25px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_tablet=&#8221;80px||50px||false|false&#8221; custom_padding_phone=&#8221;60px||40px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;1000px&#8221; module_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;1.31rem&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>SonEdna Foundation is dedicated to lifelong learning. Together we spark ideas, drive transformation, and ensure that learning never stops.<\/p>\n<p>When growth has no limits, potential knows no bounds.<\/p>\n<p>Since our inception, learning has always been our catalyst.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4%|2%|1%|2%|false|true&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;1.31rem&#8221; text_letter_spacing=&#8221;0.01em&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.6em&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;ul li {||  padding-bottom: 2%;||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>What are we curious about?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What did we do?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>How did we do it?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Who was impacted?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>What did we learn?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>How did we evolve?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Rock River Foundation (1991 \u2013 2012)&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; header_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#f79021&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;1.8rem&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;58px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; header_line_height_tablet=&#8221;50px&#8221; header_line_height_phone=&#8221;42px&#8221; header_line_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; header_line_height__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_tablet=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; header_line_height__hover=&#8221;58px&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_phone=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Morgan Freeman moved back to the Mississippi Delta and founded the Rock River Foundation named after his home county \u2013 Tallahatchie (which means Rock River).<\/p>\n<p>His belief in expanding educational opportunity in Mississippi could change lives by giving people the tools to reach their full potential and create their own futures.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Tree-Rings-scaled.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;Tree Rings&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; module_class=&#8221;donaty-accordion-section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;padding: 0px 0px 0px 50px!important;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 50px;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_phone=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 0px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_tablet=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 50px;&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What were we curious about?&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221;]How could financial support expand access to education and strengthen the organizations that help people learn, grow, and succeed?[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What did we do?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]We made place-based investments in students, educators, and organizations by supporting efforts that were making an impact and helping them reach more people across the state.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;How did we do it?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]We sought out educators, community leaders, and organizations strengthening education and opportunity. By supporting their work, we helped expand their reach and accelerate their impact.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Who was impacted?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Educators leading the way in classrooms and beyond<\/li>\n<li>Students gaining access to greater learning opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Schools received resources such as books and funding for capital improvements<\/li>\n<li>Community organizations strengthening local education<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What did we learn?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>We began to understand the landscape. Many education efforts were underway, but often operated in silos\u2014limiting collaboration, efficiency, and impact. Resources were stretched thin, and initiatives were frequently duplicated rather than aligned.<\/li>\n<li>Changemakers illuminated the bigger picture. We gained deeper insight into interconnected factors that shaped long-term success. Education was impacted by economic stability, family support, and access to resources.<\/li>\n<li>Early childhood education was a critical gap. While many organizations focused on K-12 and higher education, early learning received little attention. Yet, data showed that investing in the earliest years wasn\u2019t just beneficial but essential for long-term success.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;How did we evolve?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]Rather than working in isolation, we recognized the importance of collaborating across the education landscape to strengthen efforts and maximize impact. Our role wasn\u2019t to compete, but to connect to align resources, amplify great work, and support meaningful momentum.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#e2dcbd&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;3_5,2_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;3_5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;Tallahatchie River Foundation (2012-2024)&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; header_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#f79021&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;1.8rem&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;58px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; header_line_height_tablet=&#8221;50px&#8221; header_line_height_phone=&#8221;42px&#8221; header_line_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; header_line_height__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_tablet=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; header_line_height__hover=&#8221;58px&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_phone=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Morgana Freeman joined in a leadership role and wanted to strike a balance between the Founder\u2019s desire for statewide impact and narrowing the focus.<\/p>\n<p>In doing so, the work became more public which led us to differentiate from other organizations named Rock River. We changed to Tallahatchie River Foundation to keep our identity.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/brian-sumner-Uascf3aceQ-unsplash-scaled.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;brian-sumner&#8211;Uascf3aceQ-unsplash&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_5&#8243; module_class=&#8221;donaty-accordion-section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_accordion closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;padding: 0px 0px 0px 50px!important;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 50px;&#8221; 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toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>How could a small family Foundation build on the belief in education to make a stronger, lasting impact?<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What did we do?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We started to build a countywide model that could help us identify what could be scaled statewide.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;How did we do it?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Launched the <a href=\"https:\/\/wearetela.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tallahatchie Early Learning Alliance (TELA)<\/a> as countywide holistic approach to early childhood development addressing:\n<ul>\n<li>Ages 0-3 \u2013 Parenting classes, childcare partnerships, teacher development<\/li>\n<li>Age 4 \/ Pre-K \u2013 Early Learning Collaborative, Professional Learning Communities<\/li>\n<li>K-3rd Grade \u2013 Literacy interventions, teacher coaching<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Launched the <a href=\"https:\/\/msearlylearning.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Mississippi Early Learning Alliance (MELA)<\/a> to strengthen statewide coalitions advocating for early learning systems change<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;Who was impacted?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Changemakers \u2013 Connected educators, community leaders, and policymakers to resources, networks, and opportunities to expand their impact<\/li>\n<li>Children \u2013 Ensured every four-year-old in Tallahatchie County has access to Pre-K and is kindergarten ready<\/li>\n<li>Families \u2013 Strengthened parent and caregiver access to the knowledge and tools to support their child\u2019s learning<\/li>\n<li>Communities \u2013 Strengthened local capacity by investing in early learning as a foundation for future success<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What did we learn?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Active listening ensures solutions meet real needs. Local voices must shape efforts for them to be effective.<\/li>\n<li>Engaging the adults around children is critical. Parents, caregivers, and educators all play a defining role in a child\u2019s success. To create real change, they had to be deeply involved\u2014not just as supporters, but as active participants in the learning process.<\/li>\n<li>Information must be shared constantly in real time so the community can apply locally.<br \/>Collaboration multiplies impact by connecting shared visions, aligning resources, and mobilizing for collective progress.<\/li>\n<li>Continuous learning fuels systemic change. TELA and MELA reinforced the power of listening, adapting, and improving\u2014not just for students, but for entire communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;How did we evolve?&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221; open=&#8221;off&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>TELA and MELA showed us learning doesn\u2019t stop with children\u2014it must extend into adulthood.<\/li>\n<li>Engaging with stakeholders revealed the need to build a culture of lifelong learning. This led to a bigger question: How can learning be the foundation for thriving communities?<\/li>\n<li>Answering it meant looking beyond early education to what sustains lifelong learning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_blurb title=&#8221;SonEdna Foundation (2024 \u2013 Present)&#8221; content_max_width=&#8221;100%&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_level=&#8221;h2&#8243; header_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_text_color=&#8221;#f79021&#8243; header_font_size=&#8221;1.8rem&#8221; header_line_height=&#8221;58px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; header_font_size_tablet=&#8221;40px&#8221; header_font_size_phone=&#8221;32px&#8221; header_font_size_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; header_line_height_tablet=&#8221;50px&#8221; header_line_height_phone=&#8221;42px&#8221; header_line_height_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; header_line_height__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|desktop&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_last_edited=&#8221;on|tablet&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_tablet=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221; header_line_height__hover=&#8221;58px&#8221; custom_css_blurb_title_phone=&#8221;||padding-bottom:0;||color:var(&#8211;color2);&#8221;][\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/SonEdna-2025-DOYLE-3-scaled.jpg&#8221; title_text=&#8221;SonEdna 2025 DOYLE-3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#2b2b2b&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.8em&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;ul li {||  padding-bottom: 2%; ||}&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>We shifted our strategy to center on the Mississippi Delta, where our family\u2019s story began. Named after our ancestors, SonEdna is what we call our family home.<\/p>\n<p>Naming ourselves SonEdna Foundation reflects the depth of our commitment to the power of place and the potential of the communities we serve.<\/p>\n<p>We saw that the Delta\u2019s challenges weren\u2019t isolated. They were deeply connected.<\/p>\n<p>Strengthening education alone wouldn\u2019t be enough if economic opportunity remained out of reach. Economic growth wouldn\u2019t be sustainable without investing in the land and environment that people rely on.<\/p>\n<p>The more we listened and learned, the clearer it became:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong> fuels the possibility of ensuring people have the knowledge and skills to shape their own futures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Economic Development<\/strong> expands opportunity creating the conditions for individuals and businesses to thrive.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Environmental Sustainability<\/strong> protects what\u2019s foundational, caring for the land, resources, and ecosystems that sustain communities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Our three strategic focus areas define what it means to thrive within their own domain, while becoming most powerful when activated together to build thriving communities.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;padding: 0px 0px 0px 50px!important;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 50px;&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_last_edited=&#8221;on|phone&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_phone=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 0px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_content_tablet=&#8221;padding:15px 15px 0px 50px;&#8221;][et_pb_accordion_item title=&#8221;What were we curious about?&#8221; open=&#8221;on&#8221; closed_toggle_background_color=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; body_text_color=&#8221;#707876&#8243; body_line_height=&#8221;26px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; background_enable_color=&#8221;on&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||30px||false|false&#8221; custom_css_open_toggle=&#8221;border: 2px solid var(&#8211;color1)!important;||border-radius: 5px;&#8221; custom_css_toggle_title=&#8221;color:var(&#8211;color2)!important;&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|5px|5px|5px|5px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#f5f5f5&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; toggle_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; toggle_font_size=&#8221;20px&#8221; toggle_line_height=&#8221;30px&#8221;]How can we create the conditions that help Delta communities thrive?[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Curiosity in ActionAt SonEdna Foundation, our approach is grounded in partnership, powered by curiosity, and guided by a continuous cycle of learning. This is what we call Curiosity in Action.SonEdna Foundation is dedicated to lifelong learning. Together we spark ideas, drive transformation, and ensure that learning never stops. When growth has no limits, potential knows [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-23973","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23973","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23973"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/23973\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sonedna.com\/foundation\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}