Student Engagement

Goodly uses storytelling, cultural engagement, and relationship building to create educational experiences that connect students with accomplished leaders and perspectives beyond the traditional classroom. His work reflects a belief that meaningful exposure can broaden possibilities and inspire young people to envision new directions for their futures.

Through the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS program, Goodly has coordinated and conducted conversations with distinguished guests across civil rights, academia, STEM, entrepreneurship, athletics, entertainment, and the arts, providing alternative education and juvenile court school students opportunities to learn directly from their experiences.

Notable guests have included:

Dolores Huerta

Sylvia Mendez

Ronnie Lott

Danny Trejo

Chazz Palminteri

Bernard Harris, Jr.

Edward James Olmos

Grand Wizzard Theodore

Shannon Lee

Olga Custodio

Anthony Munoz

Luis Guzman

Tommy Davidson

Esai Morales

Mister Cartoon

Julian Marley

Misty Copeland

Bobbito Garcia

Vikki Vargas

Abner Mares 

These conversations extend beyond professional accomplishments to explore challenges, setbacks, identity, discipline, decision making, preparation, resilience, and personal growth. By engaging with voices across generations, cultures, professions, and lived experiences, students gain firsthand insight into the choices, experiences, and lessons behind different paths to success. 

Statewide Spotlight

California County Superintendents – Take 5! 

The 2026 Grand Wizzard Theodore student engagement event was featured in the Take 5! series by California County Superintendents, highlighting promising practices across CA county offices of education. 

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