Teachers College, Columbia University

How does one build a thriving, community-driven bakery in a competitive market? Monica Von Thun Calderón (M.Phil. ’97), founder and owner of New York City’s Grandaisy Bakery, shares her personal "recipe" for success with TC Today.

From running a bustling small business to blending anthropology with artistry in the kitchen, Calderón reflects on forging her own path and the passions that drive her. ⬇️

How Monica Von Thun Calderón (M.Phil. ’97) Made It The founder and owner of New York City’s Grandaisy Bakery, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, reflects on applying anthropology in the kitchen and forging her own path

“We’re fostering entrepreneurship ideas so that students see that what they do makes an impact,” says TC's Erik Voss, who guides student innovators as they validate beta tools, connect with alumni, and build lasting educational impact. Take a closer look. ⬇️

Where Scholarship Meets Start-Ups: Crafting the Next Generation of EdTech Entrepreneurs TC’s Erik Voss guides student innovators as they validate beta tools, connect with alumni, and build lasting educational impact

As TC’s Community College Research Center marks 30 years of expanding educational opportunity, TC’s President Thomas Bailey, the Center’s founder, reflects on its impact: “Advancing accessibility and student success at the community college level remains integral to helping all people thrive. CCRC’s research and scholarship have played a critical role in these efforts. I am deeply proud of our work together and the efforts that my colleague Professor Brock continues to champion.”

➡️ Explore the Center’s mission and discover how they’re supporting students on their journey to success in this edition of :

Giving Community Colleges Their Due TC’s Community College Research Center celebrates 30 years of expanding educational opportunity

How often do we default to "I'm fine,” even when we’re overwhelmed? In their new TEDx talk, "The Power of Saying 'I'm Not OK,'" TC alumna Antija Allen, CEO of Allen Ivy Prep Consulting LLC, and Justin T. Stewart challenge us to rethink one of our most common daily interactions. Drawing on their work in mental health, higher education, and their podcast “We’re Not OK: A Community of Healing,” they share how replacing routine answers with genuine vulnerability can unlock empathy, belonging, and authentic dialogue.

Watch the full TEDx talk below. ⬇

The power of saying "I'm not OK" | Dr. Antija Allen & Justin T. Stewart | TEDxFresno State How often do we answer "How are you?" with "I'm fine" without think...

Your journey begins on . ✨ (Instagram 📸: janicejnice)

Happening through 8/13: "Synapses"—a capstone exhibit by TC’s 2026 Studio Practice cohort featuring art educators reconnecting with their studio work. ➡️ Details: https://brnw.ch/21x4MsD

Exploring "Breaking the Deadly Dance of Racism," a new book by TC’s Derald Wing Sue and TC alumna Lisa Beth Spanierman, offers clarity and practical tools for inspiring lasting change.

Interested in learning more? Join Sue and Spanierman for a special virtual event on August 13, where they’ll share insights from their research and focus on practical strategies. ➡️ Register today:

Inside the Framework Exploring "Breaking the Deadly Dance of Racism," a new book by TC’s Derald Wing Sue and TC alumna Lisa Beth Spanierman

What does it take to build a successful, mission-driven organization? TC alumnus Bradford Manning (M.A. ’10) and his brother, Bryan, are the founders of Two Blind Brothers—a nonprofit that blends fashion and purpose to support research for curing blindness. In an interview with TC Today, the Mannings share how their vision has built a community of over one million supporters who connect deeply with their brand and cause. 👉 More on their story via TC Today:

Elevating the Definition of ‘Mission-Driven’ TC alumnus Bradford Manning (M.A. ’10) advances community support and research to help cure blindness through his apparel brand, Two Blind Brothers

How can community colleges work to strengthen connections between credentials, careers and further education? A new report from the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and TC’s Community College Research Center highlights how colleges are expanding access to programs that lead to living-wage jobs and bachelor's degree pathways. 👉More via Inside Higher Ed. https://brnw.ch/21x4HxD

Community Colleges Rethink Program Value An initiative co-created by the Aspen Institute and the Community College Research Center helped 10 colleges move more than 20,000 students into programs leading to jobs and bachelor’s degrees.

Being a TC alum can take you to some pretty cool places, like the Studio Museum in Harlem—where alumni enjoyed a special afternoon of guided tours hosted by Alumni Relations. A sanctuary for art inspired and influenced by Black culture, the museum is more than just one of TC’s neighbors, but also the home of works by famed TC artists Charles Alston (M.A. ’31), Alma Thomas (M.A. ’34) and Aaron Douglas (M.A. ’44).

👉 Learn more about the College’s ties to the museum: https://brnw.ch/21x4FEB Plus, learn more about TC alumni opportunities: https://brnw.ch/21x4FEA