ORANGE PARK – Last Wednesday, the Lunch and Learn at St. Johns River State College featured Heidi Aderman, founder of Heidzalyn Coaching, a Jacksonville-based business offering life coaching and consulting services.

Lunch and Learn is a weekly meeting that provides a platform for students to share their expertise in various fields. The program offers valuable learning opportunities and fosters community collaboration, enhances business skills, explores the potential for additional sources of income and delves into the intricacies of social media marketing.

The free sessions also cover topics like arts, sciences and social skills.

“(Literally) anything you want to share with the community. I’m talking about art, musical skills, and technical skills (such as) Microsoft Word or Excel. Or, if you’ve learned anything from a business owner that would really help someone (build) a successful career. My grandmother taught me how to teach crochet, but not everyone has someone to teach them how to do something,” Aderman said.

Dr. Daniel Ray, who runs the Continuing Education program at SJRSC, approached Aderman during a recent Clay Chamber “Finally Friday” meeting. They decided to create “Lunch and Learn.”

“He said they were looking to create a non-credit course catalog for the community,” Aderman said. “That appealed to me right away. I’ve been wanting to do that because there are so many knowledgeable people in the community. But where can we all go to receive that (education)?

“I stepped up pretty quickly and said, ‘Wow, I (believe) I know a lot of people that would be into this.”

Her pitch focuses on collaboration and learning.

“Wednesday is about comfortably getting out of your comfort zone. This is a powerful exercise we are doing each week,” Aderman said.

The sessions build on one another, ensuring a cohesive and progressive learning experience. Aderman emphasized the program’s inclusive, community-friendly nature, reiterating that all are welcome regardless of background or experience.

“We’re all on the same page and at the same spot. The tide rises for all boats,” she said.

Ray said the goal is to develop a better workforce through a mix of formal and informal education.

“This is a great example of how the community can teach without a degree. The opportunities for learning are just beginning,” he said.

“Our mission is to make it easy for people to access education and experience in one place. With Lunch and Learn, we’re figuring out how to work together as a community to make learning easy and accessible for all,” Aderman said.

“We’re doing something completely different and unique, and we’re doing it together as a community.”

The two-month-old program is in Building A, Room 74, on Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m.