Do The Math 247

Do The Math 247 ADD: KINDNESS
SUBTRACT: BULLYING
MULTIPLY: UNDERSTANDING
DIVIDE: INDIVISIBLE
EQUAL: EQUALITY

04/21/2026

Thank you Trenton for sharing a Do The Math 247 "Math Equation"!

"Change Course. From Surviving to Solving: The Math of Second Chances"

Do The Math 247 'Math Talk" Podcast

04/16/2026

"Change Course. From Surviving to Solving: The Math of Second Chances"

Do The Math 247 "Math Talk" Podcast

This episode is available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast.

"Change Course. From Surviving to Solving: The Math of Second Chances" A friend of mine, Demitry Lasu, shared a great id...
04/14/2026

"Change Course. From Surviving to Solving: The Math of Second Chances"

A friend of mine, Demitry Lasu, shared a great idea—inviting team members from Change Course to share on the Do The Math 247 "Math Talk" Podcast. I loved it immediately.

This past December, my son Noah joined me for a meeting with Joseph Johnson, Co-Founder/CEO of Change Course and Demitry Lasu, Career Counselor at Change Course. We had the opportunity to tour the facility, learn about the history of Change Course, and see the impact they are making in the community—providing short-term training that leads to long-term career opportunities.

In this powerful, purpose-driven episode, we sit down with team members from Change Course—Jjuan Hakeem (Business Development) and Trenton Dodd (Information Technology Department) —to highlight the impact behind the work. Based in Des Moines, IA, Change Course is helping individuals rewrite their stories and reclaim their futures through career and personal development.

We explore what it truly means to “Change Course” — not just externally, but internally. From rebuilding confidence and self-worth to gaining industry-recognized certifications and employment pathways, this episode highlights how transformation happens step by step.

This episode brings transformation to life through powerful stories—highlighting the moments where individuals shifted from surviving to thriving, and from uncertainty to purpose.

Because at the end of the day, Change Course isn’t just about programs… it’s about people.
It’s about second chances.
It’s about rewriting narratives.
It’s about proving that when you invest in people, you uplift entire communities.

Thank you Joseph Johnson and Demitry Lasu for the opportunity to tour the Change Course facility and meet with you both. I truly appreciate the time and insight you shared.

Thank you Jjuan Hakeem and Trenton Dodd for being guests on the show and sharing!

Do The Math 247 "Math Talk" Podcast *Link in Bio



I had a great time last night at the Change Course 1st. Annual Impact Gala. Thank you Demitry Lasu for the invitation.  ...
04/10/2026

I had a great time last night at the Change Course 1st. Annual Impact Gala. Thank you Demitry Lasu for the invitation.

04/02/2026

Do The Math 247 "Math Talk" Podcast

"Beyond the Diagnosis: Reframing the Dementia Conversation."

03/31/2026

At Do The Math 247, we believe success isn’t a solo act — it’s a team effort.

➕ Add support — lift each other up
➖ Subtract ego — it’s not about “me,” it’s about “we”
✖️ Multiply effort — give your best every time
➗ Divide the wins — celebrate together
🟰 Equal success — everyone matters, everyone contributes

When we work together, we build trust, grow stronger, and create something bigger than ourselves.

Let’s keep showing students and our community what teamwork really looks like — unity, respect, and purpose.

Calculate. Elevate. Do The Math 247 Character-Building After School Program

desmoinesiowa

Thank you Tisha Roney and the Northwest Elementary School PTO for inviting Do The Math 247 to be part of your Fun Night!...
03/28/2026

Thank you Tisha Roney and the Northwest Elementary School PTO for inviting Do The Math 247 to be part of your Fun Night! It was a great opportunity to connect with parents, PTO members, and school staff. The students brought amazing energy and were fully engaged in our activities—especially while sharing positive affirmations to build self-esteem and carry positive traits into each school day!

Grateful for another opportunity to share our character-building after school program with the Northwest Elementary School community and continue making a positive impact with students.

03/25/2026

Do The Math 247 Character-Building After School Program at Madison Elementary! ❤️

I want to extend a sincere thank you to our partner Iowa Total Care for their generous in-kind donation supporting stude...
03/11/2026

I want to extend a sincere thank you to our partner Iowa Total Care for their generous in-kind donation supporting students in the Do The Math 247 Character-Building After-School Program.

Your contribution of school supplies — including pencils, markers, dry erase markers, construction paper, and poster boards — will go directly into the hands of young people participating in our programming.

Support like this from Matthew Beitelspacher and Peggy Mongar at Iowa Total Care helps create meaningful learning experiences and provides students with the tools they need to express themselves, engage, and grow.

We truly appreciate your partnership and commitment to supporting youth in our community.

The 2nd Annual “Do The Math 247 & Friends” Black History Month Celebration School Assembly at King Elementary School was...
03/01/2026

The 2nd Annual “Do The Math 247 & Friends” Black History Month Celebration School Assembly at King Elementary School was powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable.

The students didn’t just hear stories — they experienced what’s possible when passion, purpose, and perseverance come together.

They heard firsthand from leaders who are living examples of excellence:

• Nik Heftman — Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Filmmaker 🎥

• Regina Turner — Motivational Speaker, Singer, and Business Manager 🎤

• Norris Hildreth, Jr. — Musician 🎶

• Sabur Muhammad (Cue) — Spoken Word Artist & 2x Iowa Poetry Association State Slam Champion 🏆

We talked about dreams.
We talked about resilience.
We talked about using your voice and your gifts to make a difference.

Grateful for Nik Heftman, Regina Turner, Eugene Hildreth, Jr., and Sabur Muhammad who poured into the students. The impact is real. The seeds are planted. 🌱

Thank you Principal Renita Lord and Chelsea Clay for the opportunity to celebrate Black History with your students once again.

Thank you Nik Heftman, Regina Turner, Eugene Hildreth, Jr., and Sabur Muhammad for sharing with the students!

Already looking forward to next year!

Remember King Elementary School students, Your Ideas Matter!



I’m excited for the upcoming 2nd Annual “Do The Math 247 & Friends” Black History Month Celebration School Assembly.Grat...
02/26/2026

I’m excited for the upcoming 2nd Annual
“Do The Math 247 & Friends” Black History Month Celebration School Assembly.

Grateful for my incredible friends who are coming together to pour into the students, share their voices, and help make this experience meaningful and inspiring.

•Nik Heftman:
Emmy Award-winning Journalist and Filmmaker

•Regina Turner:
Motivational Speaker, Singer, and Business Manager

•Norris Hildreth, Jr:
Musician

•Sabur Muhammad (?ue):
Spoken Word Artist & Lyricist
2x Iowa Poetry Association State Slam Champion🏆'24 & '25


We had a powerful Black History Month class exploring Black History in Iowa: Leaders Who Changed the Equation.Students l...
02/24/2026

We had a powerful Black History Month class exploring Black History in Iowa: Leaders Who Changed the Equation.

Students learned about the impact and courage of Jack Trice, Edna Griffin, and George Washington Carver, — individuals who used their gifts, voices, and determination to create change that still matters today.

Together, we reflected on some meaningful questions:
• What can happen when we use our talents to serve and uplift others?
• What does it look like to stand up — respectfully and courageously — for what is right?
• How do we stay brave when life feels unfair or unjust?

More than a history lesson, it was a reminder that character, courage, and purpose can shape the future — and that every one of us has the power to make a difference.

🌟Jack Trice Spotlight🌟
Iowa Connection:
•First Black athlete at Iowa State University
•Jack Trice Stadium is named in his honor

Why He Matters:
•Played football in the 1920s during segregation
•Represented courage and determination

🧠 Do The Math 247 Connection:
•Add Determination
•Subtract Fear
•Multiply Representation
•Equal Opportunity in Sports

Jack Trice Stadium is widely recognized as:
👉 The only NCAA Division I FBS college football stadium named solely after an African American individual.

Do The Math 247 Character-Building School Program

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Des Moines, IA
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