Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Villanueva Greer.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am an advocate for equity in education and a proud product of the Kansas City, Kansas Public School District. Growing up in Wyandotte County surrounded by dedicated educators, strong community values, and resilient families instilled in me a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives. My own journey through Kansas City’s educational ecosystem—especially as an alumna of KCKPS—fuels my commitment to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful, high-quality postsecondary pathways that honor their talents and aspirations.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked to build bridges between school systems, industry leaders, and postsecondary institutions to close opportunity gaps. My goal is to ensure that students are not only imagining successful futures, but are also equipped with the tools, experiences, and confidence to reach them.
That same mission inspired me to write and publish my first children’s book, All the Possibilities, through LaunchCrate Publishing. The book introduces elementary students to the many education options that await them after high school—whether that’s a four-year college, a two-year degree, an apprenticeship, military service, or a trade pathway. Through my pen name, Dr. G, I hope to plant seeds of curiosity, confidence, and purpose in the next generation—our future graduates, workforce leaders, and engaged citizens.
The inspiration for the book actually began when I was in fifth grade. I visited the University of Notre Dame, and that experience opened my eyes to what was possible. It made me realize how transformative early exposure can be for young students—and how powerful it is when they can see themselves in future opportunities.
As I pursued my Doctorate in Higher Education Administration at the University of Kansas, I studied the impact of early college and career exposure on students. My research showed that middle school students who participated in college visits, workplace tours, or career conversations not only performed better academically but also had stronger attendance in high school. Yet, there remains a gap in research and literature focused on introducing these ideas even earlier—in elementary school.
For me, All the Possibilities is more than a book—it’s a movement to help children dream early, dream big, and understand the many ways they can achieve success. My story began as one of those curious fifth graders, and now, my purpose is to ensure that every child can see the possibilities ahead of them, too.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been finding grant opportunities and funding sources to distribute “All the Possibilities” to under-resourced schools and communities affected by poverty. From the very beginning, it was important to me that cost should never be a barrier for schools or families to access a book designed to open doors for students.
Another challenge—and opportunity—has been ensuring that the book reaches as many children and families as possible. I would love to have it translated into multiple languages, especially Spanish, so that all students can see themselves reflected in the message and know that there are many paths to success.
I’m also continuing to build out the online learning resources that accompany the book. My vision is for teachers, parents, and students to use the website as an interactive space to explore college and career pathways more deeply. The book serves as a conversation starter—a spark—and those digital tools allow the exploration to continue long after the last page is turned.
While the journey has come with its challenges, each one reinforces why this work matters. Every obstacle reminds me that expanding access, representation, and opportunity is at the heart of my mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My passion lies in empowering young people to reach their full potential through education. I’ve dedicated my career to bridging connections between higher education, nonprofit work, and community engagement to drive meaningful change in Kansas City and beyond. I’m proud to be the first in my family to earn a doctorate, and that accomplishment has shaped how I approach my work, as both a practitioner and a lifelong learner.
My book, “All the Possibilities”, is truly the culmination of my personal and professional experiences. It’s also a reminder to myself that dreams are attainable, even when they once felt out of reach. For years, I dreamed of writing a book that would help students see the many pathways available to them after high school—but I often struggled to believe it was possible. I’m incredibly grateful that I noticed a gap in children’s literature and found a way to bring a new resource to life.
I was also fortunate to collaborate with an incredible team. My illustrator brought the vision to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined—she has experience working in community colleges and teaching, so she understood how to translate abstract concepts like degrees and training paths into vibrant, relatable visuals. And my publisher believed in my idea from the very beginning, giving me the opportunity to share this message with the world.
Behind all of this work is my family—the foundation that keeps me grounded. My husband has been my greatest supporter through every milestone, from completing my doctorate to investing in the production of my book. My children, Tommy and Mariana, are my greatest inspirations; they remind me daily of why this work matters. I lost my mother to lung cancer six years ago, and though that loss was profound, I see her spirit in my children. They motivate me to be the best mother, wife, friend, and advocate that I can be.
One of the honors I’m most proud of is being recognized as a “Reasons to Believe” honoree by the Kansas City, Kansas Foundation for Excellence. Each year, the foundation celebrates KCKPS alumni who exemplify professionalism, community service, and perseverance. To be acknowledged among that group was incredibly meaningful. It affirmed my commitment to my community and my belief that education can be the foundation for generational change.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that I can’t do it alone. Real, lasting change doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes a community. I am where I am today because of the people who poured into me: my parents, my mentors, my educators, and now, the incredible network of individuals I have the privilege to collaborate with every day.
Through each stage of my journey, I’ve seen the power of collective effort—the way partnerships, encouragement, and shared purpose can transform lives. It’s a reminder that progress is not just about personal achievement, but about lifting others as we climb.
I believe that if we want our future generations to thrive, we must continue to invest in them and give back to the communities that shaped us. That spirit of reciprocity—of giving as much as we’ve received—is what keeps me grounded and guides every part of my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.candacegreer.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drg_possibilities/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candace-villanueva/
