Amplify Good

It has taken me a long time to sit down and write this. As you know, this isn't atypical for me - whenever I have to write something, it takes me a moment to gather my thoughts. That's why Melissa writes most of our content - she is better suited and vastly more talented than I am!  It's taken me a long time to write it because it's hard for me to say goodbye, even if we are only really saying “See you later.” Last month, I made the decision to put our podcast, Amplify Good, on hiatus. The podcast has been an incredible journey! Late spring of 2020 (remember that time in all our lives?!), our team started talking about what it would look like for us to host a podcast. What was our driving question? Who did we want to talk to? What were the logistics of actually producing a podcast? Our podcast journey has been an important one in my own personal and professional development.   Our podcast back catalog will continue to be available on our streaming platforms. Thank you for all of your support and enthusiasm for Amplify Good. You inspire me to do good in the time I have. Aria Strategies is working on some exciting projects and we've started traveling again to spend time with our clients and partners in the field. I hope you'll check this space, our social media channels, and our newsletter for updates on our work and travels. Melissa continues to create exceptional content for us and we always love to hear your suggestions for what you'd like to see!     

This month on the Amplify Good podcast, Aria continues her conversation with our guests around wellness. Let's take a brief look here at the organizations our guests are involved in!   Common Ground Health: Located in Rochester, N.Y., Common Ground is the health research and planning organization for the nine Finger Lakes counties of Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates. But our influence extends well beyond those borders. In recent years, we have provided support for clinical practices and other population health groups across the state.    Research and analysis are at the heart of community health improvement. Common Ground maintains the region's most comprehensive collection of health and health care data and provides the expertise needed to make sense of that information. We document trends and measure progress for partners and the region as a whole. We drill down into the data to understand and bring attention to health inequities based on geography, socio-economic status, race and ethnicity.   With a team of more than 35 analysts, clinicians, policy experts, community engagement specialists and other staff, Common Ground has built the capacity needed to spearhead health initiatives. Our collaborative tables allow decision makers, subject matter experts and residents to examine challenges together and develop solutions that work for all stakeholders. Our established reputation for neutrality gives competing organizations a place where they can find common ground and ensures that broader community needs are given a voice.   Ubuntu Village Works: Ubuntu Village Works is an organization dedicated to creating Culturally Responsive healing spaces and helping organizations become more culturally responsive both inward and outward facing.   A community where Black people can be their best selves physically, mentally, emotionally, and Spiritually. They have access to all the resources they need to find, achieve, and maintain their wellness as they define it. All disparities are eliminated, and Black people have unrestricted access to culturally responsive systems, services, and supports.   Mindful Matters: Mindful Matters offers mindful education, counseling and coaching for anyone looking to find more balance, focus and peace in their lives. Mindful Matters offers classes, workshops and guided meditation both locally and internationally. Every program emphasizes a mindful approach through insight, practice and reflection to help people thrive, rather than survive. Whatever life throws your way, you can trust that Mindful Matters has an evidence based mindfulness tool to help you through. Our values of empathy, compassion, education and transformation serve as the foundation for our offerings.   Baddass Bodies By Sean: Baddass Bodies by Sean is not your typical Rochester gym. It's an exclusive, members only boutique GYM & personal training facility for women, children and their families. All classes are personally instructed by Rochester's foremost female fitness instructor; Sean Smith, at the only black-woman owned gym in the City of Rochester.   Our members are made up of a diverse group of amazing women, children and their families of all fitness levels and ages. Our gym family is a tight-knit group who know each other well. We support, uplift and care for each other and we roll together outside the gym walls too.   Links:  https://www.mindfulmatters585.com/ https://www.baddassbodiesbysean.com/ https://www.commongroundhealth.org/ https://ariastrategiesllc.com/amplify-good/podcast-season-3-episode-45-unconditional-love https://ariastrategiesllc.com/amplify-good/podcast-season-2-episode-36-the-needs-of-the-whole-are-greater-than-any-one-of-us https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Bell_(physician) https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/honoring-psychiatrist-carl-bell https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-funchess-ubuntuvillageworks/ https://ubuntuvillageworks.com/     Keywords: listen, notice, attention, human, decision, respond, react, movement, learning, social, nourish, perimenopause, spectrum, boundaries, mind, body, soul, spirit, transformational, overwhelm, scorpio, gym, bodies, badass, sweat, balance, fitness, physical, mental, stress, creative, health, strength, flexible, investment, roller derby, share, play, realistic, personal, peace, solitude, purpose, therapy, ancestor, sleep hygiene, influence  

Join Aria for her kickoff conversation with Laura Gavigan, Empress Sean Smith and Melanie Funchess about wellness, balance, priorities and doing good! Stay tuned for our March post with more information on wellness as well as info on our incredible guests!    Laura is the founder of Mindful Matters and offers mindful education, counseling and coaching for anyone looking to find more balance, focus and peace in their lives. Working as an educator for 20+ years at the University of Rochester, Laura became interested in how life can inherently create stress and anxiety, leading to burnout and chronic health challenges. She has counseled, coached and advised thousands, integrating a framework of mindful wellness, compassion and support. Laura has led introductory and advanced mindful meditation classes and workshops and has been featured as a guest speaker or panelist for a wide variety of organizations. Mindful Matters offers classes, workshops and guided meditation both locally and internationally. Every program emphasizes a mindful approach through insight, practice and reflection to help people thrive, rather than survive.   Empress Sean Smith is Rochester's foremost female fitness instructor and the owner of Baddass Bodies by Sean, the only black-female-owned gym in the City of Rochester. Baddass Bodies by Sean is an exclusive, members-only gym & personal training facility for women, children, and their families. Sean personally instructs group fitness classes appropriate for all ages & fitness levels five days a week, in-gym at varying times of day and at 6 am live via Zoom twice a week. Sean is available for in-gym personal training for one or more people by appointment. Find the schedule and other information on our website.   Ms. Melanie Funchess has served as an advocate for families and youth for over two decades. She serves as the Director of Mental Health and Wellness for Common Ground Health. A health planning organization serving the nine county Finger Lakes region. She is also the CEO and Principal at Ubuntu Village Works LLC. An organization dedicated to the creation of culturally responsive community-driven healing and wellness spaces. Melanie has worked extensively in the areas of family engagement and empowerment as well as community building. She presents, trains, and consults locally and nationally in the areas of cultural competence, culturally responsive practice, implicit bias, family engagement, community partnership building, racial trauma and healing, and mental health in communities of color. She also has a TEDx Talk Implicit Bias -- how it affects us and how we push through available on YouTube.    She is a devoted wife and mother of four young adult children (two boys and two girls). Her mission is to use her knowledge of systems and communities to create culturally responsive spaces for healing and opportunities for youth and families to be empowered and successful. To rebuild the village, where every child is our own, we have front porch neighborhoods, and we use language that respects everyone.   Links:  https://www.mindfulmatters585.com/ https://www.baddassbodiesbysean.com/ https://www.commongroundhealth.org/     Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, balance, care, health, invisible work, mental health, patriarchy, physical health, racism, roles, self care, sustainability   

Hello, friends! It's Aria and our team is BACK with season 4 of Amplify Good, a monthly podcast about doing good in the time we have. This season the team and I are shaking everything up!(Well, almost everything!) Some stuff will be the same as when we first started this journey together: new episodes will drop on the second Tuesday of the month, you'll still be able to link to streaming platforms from our website or listen wherever you download fine podcasts, and we'll continue to tell you more about our themes and guests here on our sister blog.  And then there's some new stuff! We loved the series format so much that we decided to continue with it in season 4. This season we are covering four topics or themes and you'll get to hear from multiple guests over the course of 2 to 3 episodes per topic or theme. We are excited for these shifts in how we understand what it means to do good in the time we have, and we hope you are excited, too!   Our first topic addresses wellness. We got really into wellness at Aria Strategies in 2023 – trying to figure out what it meant for each of us, balancing obligations with our own well-being, figuring out how we wanted to show up in our communities and what care we needed to take in order to do so. We wrote about it a lot and we even kicked off our 2023 season with the topic. Heck! I wrote about it in my 2023 year end message! The first series of season 4 really dives into what it means to treat our own wellness as a priority, how to better understand wellness as a key component of a sustainable life, and how doing good supports our wellness as individuals and as communities. The more good we do, the more good there is to talk about, and the more we inspire each other to do good. So get comfortable wherever it is you listen to podcasts. Join us as we talk, listen, and explore what it means to do good in the time we have. Amplify Good is hosted and recorded by Aria Camaione-Lind. Our show is mixed and produced by Rayna Booth Podcast Launch and Management, with support from Melissa Pletscher-Nizinsky. Keywords: health, wellness, attention, care, love, exercise, joyful movement, food, nutrition, podcast, Amplify Good, blog, healthcare, mental health, passion, attraction, sustainability, personal, professional  

Back in October 2023 we introduced this series on the podcast centered around the importance of teacher diversity. We've all heard repeatedly, especially over the last few years, how important representation is, particularly for kids throughout all stages of their development. Throughout this series we listened to our guests lay out the importance of having educators of color in our schools. All kids deserve to feel safe and confident in school. They should feel like school is a community they belong to and deserve to feel they are seen both as individuals and for their potential. In September 2023 as an introduction to this series, Aria Strategies posted a blog post looking at why teacher diversity should matter to us all. You can read more here.   In the meantime, one of the main focuses of our guests to help increase teacher diversity in the long run, is to start focusing now on kids of color who express an interest in being educators. This is coming to fruition in the form of middle school clubs for kids of color interested in being educators.   Links:  Black in the Burbs   Brighton CSD    Carthage College (Wisconsin)   East Rochester CSD   Fairport CSD   Farrash Foundation   Gates-Chili CSD   Gates-Chili CSD PTO    Geneva CSD   Greece Central School District   Greece CSD SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)   W.K.Kellogg Foundation   KONAR Foundation   Monroe County (NY)   NPLI   NYSED   NYU Center for Policy Research   PECAN (Roc the Future)   Penfield CSD   PLTI Rochester   RCSD East HS Teaching and Learning Institute (TLI)   RCSD PLAC   Regional Equity Network  Roc the Future   Rochester City School District   St. John Fisher University School of Education    Strive Together Network   The Children's Agenda   Urban League of Rochester   Wheatland-Chili CSD    Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, Collaborate, School, Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, DEI, Professional, Social worker, Network, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Teacher, Segregation, Poverty, Disparity, Abundance, Action, Rochester, NY, Political, Parent, Family engagement, Project management, Community, Recommendations, Process, Grassroots, Data analysis, Communication, Indicators, Evaluation, Research, Black, African American, Latine,  Coach, Partners, Goals, Racism, Discipline, Suspensions, Identity, Future Teachers, Qualitative, Quantitative, Social science, Interview, Emergent, Pipeline, Urban, Suburban, Rural, Sustainable, BIPOC, Teacher certification  

Greece Central School District: Serving a student population of 10,775 students in 17 schools in grades PreK-12, Greece Central is the largest suburban school district in Monroe County and the tenth-largest district in New York State. The Greece Central School District serves most of the Town of Greece. The Greece Central School District was created in July 1928, but schools existed in the area before the Town was established in 1822.  Vision: We are committed to building a culture of high standards, engagement and supportive relationships.  We provide equitable access to opportunities for all students to pursue their full potential and become healthy, productive citizens who are actively involved in their communities. Core Beliefs:       We believe in placing Students First Our student's strengths, values, and opinions are at the forefront of our work.  We believe in Equity and Access Our students have access to high quality schools, innovative programs and necessary supports and we strive to remove all barriers that interfere with student success.  We believe in Striving for Excellence Our environment cultivates excellence by utilizing each student, parent, employee and community partner talents, strengths and skills.  We believe in establishing Coherence Our strategies and efforts are aligned, focused, and connected in order to ensure system-wide understanding and success. We believe in establishing Collaboration All students, parents, employees and community partners communicate and work together for excellence and success. We believe in inviting Voice  Our students, parents, and community member's contributions, opinions, questions and concerns are valued and drive our work. National Parent Leadership Institute (NPLI): The National Parent Leadership Institute is a nonpartisan, parent-centered, and anti-racist organization that partners with parents and communities to equip families with the civic skills, knowledge, and opportunities to be leading advocates for children at home, school, and in the community. We are pioneers in developing the field of parent leadership by embracing a cross-race, cross-class, parent-informed and pro-social learning approach to building parents as a constituency for community and recognizing children as the beneficiaries. Mission: We work with parents, public agencies, community organizations, local and state governments, foundations, and more to increase parent leadership, parent partnership, and parent voice at decision making tables, in order to create more caring communities for children. We support and celebrate PLTI alumni as they continue their leadership journey. We partner with Connecticut and Colorado in supporting their State-wide PLTI Initiatives We provide technical assistance to communities across the country as they support new cohorts of parent leaders, and as they work to build capacity within systems and staff to partner with parents. NYU Center for Policy Research: The Center for Policy, Research, and Evaluation (PRE) conducts applied research and evaluation studies focused on promoting positive educational outcomes for youth, and understanding the influence of both schools and communities on those outcomes. Its goal is to use research to inform educational policies and practices at federal, state, local, and programmatic levels. Mission: Our mission is to make research and evaluation for education that is action-oriented, liberating, accessible, and results in more equitable systems, policies, and practices. Recognizing that research is often used as a tool of domination, we believe in the reclamation of research tools to illuminate marginalized truths, stories, and experiences. We pursue our mission: in solidarity with youth, parents, educators, and communities that have been historically marginalized by oppression; collaboratively with researchers and practitioners from universities and community-based organizations; using a critical lens in our work and in our own personal development; with culturally responsive quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods; through rigorous and thoughtful work that affirms humanity. PLTI Rochester: Too often, parents' opinions go unheard. Many parents lack the tools of civic engagement, the know-how of working in systems, but not the motivation or will to change their children's lives. PLTI provides parents with the necessary skills to lead change for the next generation. Mission: The mission of the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute is to build bridges and advocacy skills to support parents becoming leading advocates for children. Parents' opinions are often unheard. They lack the skills, but not the motivation or will to change their children's lives. St. John Fisher University School of Education: The School of Education provides programs that prepare education professionals for teaching and leadership certifications and careers in schools, elementary through high school. Our Ed.D. in Executive Leadership program extends our purpose to prepare leaders at the doctoral level in higher education, health care, non-profit, public sector, corporate, and other service organizations. Mission: The mission of the School of Education at Fisher is to provide a quality educational experience that prepares candidates for distinguished careers in their chosen profession and for leadership roles in a diverse, rapidly changing, and increasingly technological society. To this end, we seek to:   Prepare highly capable and ethically responsible professional educators who are committed to improving educational conditions, opportunities, and outcomes for all students. Prepare candidates who share the belief that all students can and will learn. Prepare candidates who understand educational theory, research, best practices and the use of various technologies, and how to apply this knowledge in diverse school settings and communities. Prepare candidates to meet University, state, and national standards and requirements for graduation and certification Goals: University-wide Pillar One: Intellectual Vitality School of Education Goal 1 — Amend the initial undergraduate program so that more teacher candidates (new and transfer) can finish in 4 years School of Education Goal 2 — Conduct curriculum review/revision based on data and/or CAEP accreditation reports School of Education Goal 3 — Achieve national recognition from all Specialty Professional Associations (SPAs) for each content-area certification University-wide Pillar Two: Holistic Approaches to Student Development School of Education Goal 1 — Adapt to new resources to create and implement one Candidate Support System University-wide Three: Equity, Inclusion, Community School of Education Goal 1 — Increase enrollment of diverse teacher candidates School of Education Goal 2 — Increase retention of diverse teacher candidates School of Education Goal 3 — Respond to diversity needs of the community and increase retention and recruitment in all programs School of Education Goal 4 — Amend initial undergraduate program to increase diverse enrollment for new and transfer students University-wide Pillar Four: Community Engagement School of Education Goal 1 — Develop and sustain community partnerships to support teacher and leadership needs School of Education Goal 2 — Collaborate with completers to address P-12 student learning impact School of Education Goal 3 — Implement assessment and TK20 skill development and training for internal and external stakeholders University-wide Pillar Five: Institutional Excellence and Effectiveness School of Education Goal 1 — Improve governance, reporting and communication processes   Links:  Black in the Burbs   Brighton CSD    Carthage College (Wisconsin)   East Rochester CSD   Fairport CSD   Farrash Foundation   Gates-Chili CSD   Gates-Chili CSD PTO    Geneva CSD   Greece Central School District   Greece CSD SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)   W.K.Kellogg Foundation   KONAR Foundation   Monroe County (NY)   NPLI   NYSED   NYU Center for Policy Research   PECAN (Roc the Future)   Penfield CSD   PLTI Rochester   RCSD East HS Teaching and Learning Institute (TLI)   RCSD PLAC   Regional Equity Network  Roc the Future   Rochester City School District   St. John Fisher University School of Education    Strive Together Network   The Children's Agenda   Urban League of Rochester   Wheatland-Chili CSD      Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, Collaborate, School, Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, DEI, Professional, Social worker, Network, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Teacher, Segregation, Poverty, Disparity, Abundance, Action, Rochester, NY, Political, Parent, Family engagement, Project management, Community, Recommendations, Process, Grassroots, Data analysis, Communication, Indicators, Evaluation, Research, Black, African American, Latine,  Coach, Partners, Goals, Racism, Discipline, Suspensions, Identity, Future Teachers, Qualitative, Quantitative, Social science, Interview, Emergent, Pipeline, Urban, Suburban, Rural, Sustainable, BIPOC, Teacher certification

Luva Alvarez: My name is Luva Alvarez. I am the site/alumni coordinator for the Greater Rochester PLTI. I was born in Brooklyn, NY but have resided in Rochester for 20 years. I am a believer, connector, mom, wife, parent advocate, PLTI ALUM, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout leader, Eagle Scout mom, Mom of three Black Scholars, Lover of life, and a PARENT WHO LEADS. I am passionate about parents being engaged and empowered. I love spending time with my family and of course watching all those Chicago Fire & Chicago P.D shows. My favorite quote is “Her greatest power is believing in herself”. Elizabeth Maxwell: I am a parent leader, a mother of three, and a passionate cradle to career advocate. I started advocating for the disability community in 2004, in 2019 I began my journey as an Early Intervention Advocate for childhood education. As my younger children have entered k-12, I have continued to Advocate for the needs of k-12 and Early Intervention. I enjoy helping other parents become confident in their voice to share their struggles, successes, and barriers. Empowering and uplifting parents is important to me. Dr. Joellen Maples: Dr. Maples earned her B.A. in English, an M.A. in curriculum and instruction, an Ed.S. in English education, and her Ph.D. in English education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. At Fisher, she has served as an assistant/associate professor in the Literacy program and in the Inclusive Education Department before being appointed as interim dean/dean. In those roles, she provided numerous trainings in local school districts in the areas of culturally responsive teaching, critical literacy, and online teaching and learning. In her role as dean, Maples' work largely focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has overseen program curriculum revisions for culturally responsiveness, implemented a teacher pipeline to diversify the local teaching workforce, and also planned campus summer programming for local city school district students. Her research interests include exploring effective strategies for facilitating democratic dialogue and critical literacy through the reading of young adult literature and online discussion about literature. She has published in prominent NCTE journals such as Voices from the Middle, The English Journal, and English Leadership Quarterly. Cedrick-Michael Simmons: Cedrick is the Director of Equity at Greece Central School District. He is a graduate of Greece Arcadia High School and Ithaca College, and he recently earned his PhD in sociology from Boston College. As the Director, Cedrick works with educators and students to remove barriers to ensure that all groups of students have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. Their focus areas are professional learning about instructional equity, cultivating trust in our commitment to diversity and retention, and expanding opportunities for students to support equity work. Cedrick is also the Lead Facilitator for the Regional Equity Network, which recently hosted a summer institute that featured Zaretta Hammond as the keynote speaker. Wendy Y. Perez: Wendy Y. Perez is a Senior Research Associate at the NYU Metro Center. She has a Ph.D. in Education from the UCLA Graduate School of Education & Information Studies. She also has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Pomona College and a Master's Degree in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her research interests include using critical frameworks and asset-based approaches to urban education, education policy, higher education, family engagement, and Latinx K-16 pathways. Wendy has conducted research for UCLA's Institute for Democracy, Education, and Access as well as for the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. She is the proud daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants. She has the privilege of raising her four-year-old son with her husband who is a middle school teacher in East Los Angeles. Tina Carney: Tina Carney is a parent and advocate for meaningful family engagement, struggling/striving learners including those who are dyslexic, early intervention, and racial equity. Tina is the Program Assistant for PLTI's Teacher Diversity Project and Coordinator of Education Success Foundation's Student Success Project. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, building and connecting community, and eatin'. Ms. Kathleen Graupman is in her 9th year as Greece Central School District Superintendent where she is committed to improving student achievement and closing equity gaps. Superintendent Graupman leads a team of more than 3,000 educators and support staff members who are committed to building a culture of high standards and engagement. With almost 11,000 students in 18 schools, Greece is the largest suburban district in Monroe County and one of the most diverse. Guided by the REACH Greece Strategic Plan, she and the executive leadership are motivated by a vision of equity and access for all. Throughout her career, Ms. Graupman has maintained a relentless focus on building relationships to help students succeed. She is passionate about developing the capacity of all employees, building strong community connections, and promoting the good. Ms. Graupman believes all Greece graduates should be actively involved in their communities and ready for success in college, career, and life. A product of the Greece Central school system herself, Superintendent Graupman is connected to the community and invested in its success. She is active in numerous community organizations including the NYS Commission for Diversity and Inclusion, Monroe County TogetherNow Board member, Greece Rotary Board member, the Roc2Change Steering Committee, and the Monroe 2 BOCES Foundation Board. Ms. Graupman holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from SUNY Geneseo and earned her Masters in Education from SUNY Brockport. She holds NYS Permanent Certification as a School Administrator and Supervisor and in School District Leadership and a NYS Permanent Teaching Certification in Elementary Education. Links:  Black in the Burbs   Brighton CSD    Carthage College (Wisconsin)   East Rochester CSD   Fairport CSD   Farrash Foundation   Gates-Chili CSD   Gates-Chili CSD PTO    Geneva CSD   Greece Central School District   Greece CSD SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)   W.K.Kellogg Foundation   KONAR Foundation   Monroe County (NY)   NPLI   NYSED   NYU Center for Policy Research   PECAN (Roc the Future)   Penfield CSD   PLTI Rochester   RCSD East HS Teaching and Learning Institute (TLI)   RCSD PLAC   Regional Equity Network  Roc the Future   Rochester City School District   St. John Fisher University School of Education    Strive Together Network   The Children's Agenda   Urban League of Rochester   Wheatland-Chili CSD    Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, Collaborate, School, Education, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, DEI, Professional, Social worker, Network, Advocacy, Philanthropy, Teacher, Segregation, Poverty, Disparity, Abundance, Action, Rochester, NY, Political, Parent, Family engagement, Project management, Community, Recommendations, Process, Grassroots, Data analysis, Communication, Indicators, Evaluation, Research, Black, African American, Latine,  Coach, Partners, Goals, Racism, Discipline, Suspensions, Identity, Future Teachers, Qualitative, Quantitative, Social science, Interview, Emergent, Pipeline, Urban, Suburban, Rural, Sustainable, BIPOC, Teacher certification  

My name is Luva Alvarez. I am the site/alumni coordinator for the Greater Rochester PLTI. I was born in Brooklyn, NY but have resided in Rochester for 20 years. I am a believer, connector, mom, wife, parent advocate, PLTI ALUM, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout leader, Eagle Scout mom, Mom of three Black Scholars, Lover of life, and a PARENT WHO LEADS. I am passionate about parents being engaged and empowered. I love spending time with my family and of course watching all those Chicago Fire & Chicago P.D shows.  My favorite quote is “Her greatest power is believing in herself”.   Links:  Blog Talk Radio 24 Hour Mom Show: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/24hrmom Rochester PLTI: https://www.greaterrochesterplti.org/ NPLI: https://parentswholead.org/ Girl Scouts of WNY: https://www.gswny.org/ Boy Scouts Seneca Waterways Council: https://senecawaterways.org/ Panama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama Greece Central School District: https://www.greececsd.org/   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, mother, parent, children, scouts, mental health, self-care, community, citizenship, role model, panama, immigrant, service, kindness, love, family, neighborhoods, neighbors, women  

Madeline Funchess is a Rochester community organizer and creative. Centered in rest, Madeline strives to find ways to provide the tools for our community to thrive and live healthy lives, while fighting for a better tomorrow.   Mentors: Kerry Hughes - Because of the independence she taught me. Kerry taught me the importance of self-work & holding yourself accountable when no one is around. Growing up with two married parents, her lifestyle opened my world to more ways to be happy. Ways that don't have to include the norms women feel pressured to follow. Things like not getting married, not having kids, and living alone. Not doing those things has made her no less successful!   Links:  Citizen Action: https://citizenactionny.org/ Spoon Theory: https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/ The Nap Ministry: https://thenapministry.com/ Big Brother, Big Sister: https://www.beabig.org/ Ricardo Adams's Episode: https://ariastrategiesllc.com/amplify-good/podcast-episode-8-i-m-determined-to-keep-coming-out-here-until-you-come-out-with-me Mel Funchess's Episode: https://ariastrategiesllc.com/amplify-good/podcast-episode-5-there-is-no-justice-without-healing   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, mentor, mentee, mentoring, episode 3, human, community organizer, wellness, rest, events, policy, affirmation, Citizen Action, Capitalism, accountability, micro, therapy, advocacy, mental health, self-investment, family, education, youth, mutual care, revolutionary, sustainability, vulnerability, stories, boundaries, mentors, big brother big sister  

Luz has coached and trained hundreds of individuals and teams, and change is the one consistent challenge for all. With her experience in process improvement, project management, statistics and leadership, she can guide you or your team through this creative and healing process with love, compassion, and fun! You'll love the results you create!   Mentors: Tamara MacDuff at the Urban League of Rochester has been a great mentor for me and my business plan development by helping me prioritize my next steps for greatest impact. She's a connector in the community and had so many great ideas for the people and places I should go to get my business noticed. I'm grateful for her expertise and willingness to share her knowledge.   Links:    Loving All of You: https://www.lovingallofyou.com/ Xerox: https://www.xerox.com/en-us PLTI: https://www.facebook.com/GreaterRochesterPLTI/ Syracuse University: https://www.syracuse.edu/ Urban League of Rochester: https://www.urbanleagueroc.org/ Spiritus Christi Church: https://spirituschristi.org/   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, loving all of you, change management, leadership, engineer, the Bronx, Xerox, training and development, statistics, analytics, dance, PLTI, Syracuse University, social media, values, mentor, empathy, safe, healthy, happy ,thrive, teaching, home, peace, connection, energy, whole, kids, family, coach, Urban League of Rochester, faith, Spiritus Christi Church

Special Message from Aria: When we started this podcast adventure I wasn't sure where it would take us. One season or many? A few episodes or hundreds? I still don't know what the future holds for this explosion of creativity but I do know how proud I am to release our 50th episode. We got this far because our team, our guests and our listeners heard something that resonated with them and kept coming back for more.   No project is the purview or effort of just one person- this podcast is the work of a dedicated team: a marvelous content creator: Melissa Pletscher-Nizinsky, and an incredible producer and manager: Rayna Booth, our generous guests, and the people who encourage me to build the world I want to live and work in.   This episode is special to me because I'm able to share my first cheerleader, my day one, the person who literally helped me become who I want to be: my mom. In a season where we are spending a lot of time talking about mentors and understanding the role of mentors in my life, I wanted to share my first mentor with all of you.   I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as my mom and I enjoyed recording it. She's a pretty spectacular person and I'm so pleased to be able to share her with you for an hour.   Leslie Camaione is retired from a career working with nonprofit organizations dedicated to providing Special Education, Independent Living, and therapy services to children and adults, and their families. She has worked closely with the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York State Department of Education, and New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities aiding educators, therapists, and practitioners in collaborative community-based, site-based, and home-based settings. Leslie supported various evaluation teams in providing identification, evaluation, and treatment recommendation services for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, transitioning school-age students, and adults.  She has participated in state and county initiatives to improve adult literacy among migrant populations, explore palliative care resources for Child Life Specialists, and develop first-year mentoring strategies for infant and preschool Special Education teachers in home and community-based settings. Leslie has acted as an on-site guest mentor to enhance person-centered planning in residential settings. She provided support group facilitation for mandated and volunteer parents at risk.    As a young mother and military spouse, Leslie pursued a non-traditional education resulting in two undergraduate degrees, graduate studies in counseling, education, and social policy, and a management certificate.      In retirement, Leslie's primary focus is on recreation, leisure, and travel activities that are enjoyed in the company of her husband, family, and friends.    Mentor:    I have enjoyed the good judgement and guidance of many individuals over the years. However, someone in particular stands out as a consistent role model and inspiration to me. Karen is a colleague from mid-career, who has become a dear friend. Her personal and professional experience provided sound mentoring support in my work life and continues to significantly empower me in retirement.      Links:  New York State Office of Children and Family Services New York State Department of Education New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, mother, parenting, people with disabilities, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, time, joy, reflection, health, abundance, gratitude, protective factors, creativity, physical activity, grandmother  

Dr. Cynthia Falk is Professor of Material Culture at the Cooperstown Graduate Program, a two-year master's program in museum studies at SUNY Oneonta. Falk is the author of the books Barns of New York: Rural Architecture of the Empire State (Cornell, 2012) and Architecture and Artifacts of the Pennsylvania Germans: Constructing Identity in Early America (Penn State, 2008) as well as several articles and book chapters. Falk served as the co-editor of Buildings & Landscapes: The Journal of the Vernacular Architecture Forum from 2012-2017 and is currently on the National Historic Landmarks Committee of the National Park System Advisory Board. In the local community, Falk serves as deputy mayor of the Village of Cooperstown. In that capacity, she has worked to secure funding to benefit Cooperstown's infrastructure, historic resources, and natural environment. Globally, Falk is a Special Assistant with International Ministries, an affiliate of American Baptist Churches USA. In this capacity, Falk has led trips to Israel and the West Bank, Haiti, and Honduras, and is currently working to be certified as a lay pastor.   Mentor: I have been fortunate to be mentored by various individuals, from a variety of walks of life, from my childhood until today.   Links:    Otsego County Barns of New York US Army Reserve Civil Affairs The Birth Center Winterthur American Baptist Churches Village of Cooperstown SUNY Oneonta Cooperstown Graduate Program   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, season 3, academic, agricultural labor, American Baptist Churches, architecture, archives, Barns of New York, beer, children, Delaware, elected, family, farm labor, government, Henry Glassie, history, hops, intention, material culture, mentee, mentoring, mentors, Micah 6:8, midwife, migrant, motherhood, museum, new year, nonprofit, slavery, solutions, spouse, SUNY Oneonta, The Birth Center, US Army Reserve Civil Affairs, Village of Cooperstown, Winterthur  

Mother of three, President of Generational Engagement Matters.   Mentor: My mother because of her ability and strength in holding our family together after my father left her with ten children. Because she gives me a sense of what a woman can do and it has been an invaluable lesson. But knowing a Living God is my rock.   To make a donation to the Essay Contest, please call 585-749-3494.   Links:    UCLMNews article about JR  Violence dataBoys & Girls Club of Rochester "I'm Every Woman" song City of Rochester Rochester Office of Neighborhood Safety RPD Open Portal Louise Slaughter   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, season 3, “I'm every woman”, boys and girls club Rochester, children, city of Rochester, counseling, Dr. Lewis Steward, essay, grandmother, gun culture, gun violence, healing, Johnny Ray Johnson, legislation, loss, Louise Slaughter, mentee, mentored, mentoring, mentors, mother, Rochester office of neighborhood safety, rpd open portal, solutions, trauma, uclm, violence data- us, violence prevention, youth, self-care

Sarah Fitzgibbons, LMHC, MT-BC, IMH-E®, spends most of her time thinking about how humans develop and connect, being an imperfect parent, feeling multiple feelings at one time, trying to eradicate shame and build connections, belly laughing, and striving for balance. Professionally, she has spent more than 20 years practicing, researching, supervising, teaching, and developing programs in the field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, with specific expertise in infants and young children impacted by trauma, loss, attachment disruptions, child welfare, and parent-child relationship assessments. Sarah currently works as the Vice President of Programs and Practices at The Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC) in Rochester, NY where she oversees multiple IECMH-embedded, multidisciplinary programs. With Sarah's leadership, SPCC has been strategically working to advance Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health competencies and increase cross-sector policies and practices locally and state-wide since 2012. SPCC has been a leading trainer in Western New York in the field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Reflective Supervision and Consultation. Sarah is an instructor of Infant Mental Health and Reflective Practice/Supervision coursework at The Warner School of Education (University of Rochester). In 2015, Sarah participated in the inaugural cohort of IECMH experts across New York State to become Endorsed®.  She is Co-Chair for the NYS-AIMH board and serves as the Endorsement Committee Chairperson. Sarah actively works with local, state, and national IECMH leaders to advance the field, ensure fidelity, change policy, and increase capacity through initiatives and collaborative efforts. Sarah is deeply committed to cultivating and nurturing IECMH expertise across our community and state through relationship-based, culturally sensitive practice, teaching, reflective supervision, and consultation. Sarah holds a bachelor's degree in music therapy, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and completed post-master's training in Infant Mental Health through the University of Colorado (The Kempe Center).  She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the associations between reflective supervision quality and practitioner reflective capacity at the University of Rochester. Above all other training, education, experience, and license, Sarah has been most deeply challenged, enriched, and inspired in her work through her role as a mother and daughter. Mentor: In this current season, it's Eva Marie Shivers and the amazing group of folks at the Indigo Cultural Center.   Links:  SPCC NYSAIMH University of Rochester GRHF CCSI, Inc. Irving Harris Diversity Informed Tenets   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, season 3, adaptability, authentic, baby, balance, CCSI, connections, curiosity, Denver, discernment, dissertation, diversity informed tenets, doctoral student, early childhood, family, finger lakes, grhf, health, infant, Irving Harris, justice, language, laughter, liberation, mental health, mentee, mentored, mentoring, mentors, mother, music therapy, NYSAIMH, parenting, parents, partner, privilege, psychotherapist, relationship, Rochester, SPCC, systems change, teach, University of Rochester, vulnerable, well-being, spouse.  

Mercedes is the National Policy Organizer at UPLAN. She is a radical Black feminist who is fighting for Liberation, with a focus on breaking the school-to-prison pipeline. She came into organizing in 2017 as an Organizer at Citizen Action for New York. After founding Citizen Action's first Rochester Chapter in 2018, the chapter went on to win its first campaign, the removal of SROs from the Rochester City School District. She was also a part of campaigns such as the Safe and Supportive Schools Act, the Campaign for Fiscal Equity, and the Campaign for Universal Childcare.   She does this work with a deep commitment to prioritizing the voices of those that are directly impacted. She is a mom of 2 and spends her free time wandering in the woods, reading socially relevant nonfiction, and trying new things, such as her latest obsessions, roller skating, and succulent gardening.   Mentor: I have had so many wonderful people who I have considered mentors. I don't think I could just pick one I want to give recognition to. But I will share some of the most important lessons I have learned from them. 1. Never dive into a campaign without a strategy. 2. Take care of yourself. There is always going to be a fire to put out. But if you are not taking care of yourself, how will you take care of your community? 3. Do not be afraid to have meetings with people in power. They are in those seats because they were chosen by the community they represent. They were put in that seat by the community and they can be removed by the community. 4. Don't be afraid to start. 5. The answer is not always yes or no. Sometimes it is both and.   Links:  Keuka College NOW Citizen Action Action for A Better Community RCSD GRHF Untangled UPLAN   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, season 3, action for a better community, adhd, balance, children, citizen action, education, family, grandparents, grhf, immigration, intersectionality, Keuka college, mental health, mentee, mentored, mentoring, mentors, microaggressions, motherhood, national organization of women, organizer, parenting, peace corps, Penfield, politics, racism, rally, rcsd, representation, Rochester, roller skating, self-care, , social work, untangled, vote, young mothers, feminism  

Sean Smith is Rochester's foremost female fitness instructor and the owner of Baddass Bodies by Sean, the only black-female-owned gym in the City of Rochester. Baddass Bodies by Sean is an exclusive, members-only gym & personal training facility for women, children, and their families.   Sean personally instructs group fitness classes appropriate for all ages & fitness levels five days a week, in-gym at varying times of day and at 6 am live via Zoom twice a week. Sean is available for in-gym personal training for one or more people by appointment. Find the schedule and other information on our website.   Mentor: Babe/My Person/My Husband David he constantly Nurtures My Soul So I Can Grow and Shine. He's an Amazing teacher always learning new things - I can never ask him a dumb question   Links:  BaddAss Bodies by Sean East High Swurfer The Beat Yoga 4 A Good Hood   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, season 3, activism, acupuncture, balance, calm, children, Chinese medicine, core, courage, family, fashion design, fitness, food, friends, gym, health, kids, life coach, love, mentee, mentored, mentoring, mentors, outdoors, parenting, radio, reading, relationships, roller derby, roller skate, run, self-care, smoothies, sneakers, social justice, sports, strength, trainer, vibration, women, work/life balance, yoga

Sometimes, Aria fangirls about the people in her community who are doing exceptional work to make all of our lives better. And then, she introduces herself to those people and tries to learn everything she can from them. Beatriz LeBron is one of those people and we are so grateful she joined us for a podcast conversation!    Beatriz LeBron executes Healthi Kids' Play ROCs campaign, developing strategies and tactics that advance play as a cornerstone of whole child health in schools and in neighborhoods. Key responsibilities include managing projects, convening the Play ROCs advocacy committee and key stakeholders, and engaging youth, families and residents.   LeBron has served more than 19 years in the human services sector and has extensive experience as a supervisor, educator, trainer and community health worker. With more than a decade of experience in policy creation, implementation and oversight in health care and education, she also has extensive knowledge of New York State Department of Health regulations.    Prior to joining Common Ground, LeBron served as a social worker/bi-lingual at Eldersource, Community Place and Lifespan. Earlier, LeBron was a community health worker at Rochester Regional Health, where she worked with individuals facing social, economic and other barriers to maintaining their health. She also was a long-time substitute teacher in the Rochester City School District. LeBron currently serves as a commissioner of the RCSD Board of Education.    She earned her bachelor's degree in Science from St. John Fisher College, her certificate in Finance from Georgetown University and her associate degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College. In her spare time, LeBron enjoys art, reading and spending time with her grandson and children.     Links:  Bell's Palsy: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bells-palsy#:~:text=Bell's%20palsy%20is%20an%20unexplained,of%20the%20face%20or%20head. Common Ground Health: https://www.commongroundhealth.org/ Healthi Kids: https://www.healthikids.org/ Jamaican Curry Chicken: https://jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com/jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/ Protective Factors: https://health.ucdavis.edu/crhd/pdfs/resources/roadmap-for-resilience-ca-surgeon-generals-report-on-aces-toxic-stress-and-health-12092020.pdf RCSD Board of Education: https://www.rcsdk12.org/boe WDKX: https://www.wdkx.com/     Keywords: educator, social worker, mental health, social emotional health, children, family, social justice, civil rights, Bell's palsy, public health, board of education, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Boricua, protective factors, radio  

Aria walked into a foundation board room a few years ago and Ruth Turner stopped speaking to the person next to her, pointed at Aria, and said, “I have a dress in that same fabric.” And so began their friendship! What started as an enthusiastic conversation over Ghanaian fabrics and clothes designed by a mutual friend, turned into one of Aria's most important relationships of her adulthood.   Ruth B. Turner graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester receiving a B.S. in Social Work and an MSW from University of Buffalo. She also holds an MS. Ed from SUNY Brockport. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served the profession for over 24 years.    Dr. Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, New York which she calls home. As an educator, she has committed herself to the principles of restorative practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. In her tenure, she led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline, as was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district.    For over 13 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director, and Executive Director for student support services. Before her departure, she served as the Chief for Student Support and Social Emotional Learning. Before joining RCSD she led the foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester. She also spent several years as a trainer for the Center for the Development of Human Services, where she focused on child welfare services.    Ruth's commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life, rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social worker, Ruth graduated from the RCSD and attended college as a 1st generation college student. She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the effects of adverse events in childhood, that can aid in helping individuals to reach their fullest potential.   Dr. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children.   Links: Black Mental Health: https://nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-s-Statement-On-Recent-Racist-Incidents-and-Mental-Health-Resources-for-African-Americans?gclid=CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_ne82WI56amGffdzBDOoCzPzwpg9t5RU0SQ3h7QKCc6fP5u7fYZih_RoC5UQQAvD_BwE Eritrea War of Independence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrean_War_of_Independence High Expectations: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/24/study-finds-high-school-teachers-have-differing-expectations-black-and-white https://hub.jhu.edu/2016/03/30/racial-bias-teacher-expectations-black-white/ https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teachers-lower-expectations-for-black-students-may-become-self-fulfilling-prophecies-study-finds/2017/10 John Turner: https://theithacan.org/writer/john-turner/page/4/ https://www.regents.nysed.gov/ https://www2.naz.edu/   Keywords: Black, educator, social worker, mental health, social emotional health, children, family, Eritrea, refugee, doctor of Education, high expectations, political refugee, support, idea of self, self-determination, social justice, civil rights, NYS Board of Regents, DEI, Restorative Practice, Nazareth College

Tamara Leigh CEO of Blaque/OUT Consulting & Editor and Creator of Blaque/OUT Magazine  Tamara and Aria met when they were both young moms at RCSD School #10, Dr. Walter Cooper Academy. This is where they practiced advocacy, empathetic listening, organizing, and planning. Their oldest kids are the same age and they navigated mothering kindergarteners at the same time. Since then, more kids have joined their families and they are still figuring out what it means to mother at each age and stage. The skills they developed as young mothers helped them both navigate the good work they do today.  Advocate and Activist, Tamara Leigh has dedicated her life to championing for the BIPOC, QTPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities. Starting her career in Public Relations with the formation of Roc Candy Media, an urban PR firm specializing in media management, brand development and event coordination in Rochester, NY in 2010, Tamara coordinated events for thousands of people and was honored to do PR for The Avenue Blackbox Theatre, City of Rochester and Rochester Black Pride. Leigh went on to become the Director of Operations and Public Relations for Out Alliance and the Editor of Empty Closet Magazine (the longest continuously published LGBTQ* publication in the nation). Tamara has spoken and provided educational services around the topics of Black Lives Matter, Queer and Trans Rights and the Intesectionality of QTPOC at rallies, in Board Rooms, and for classes and companies nationwide. In 2020, Leigh launched Blaque/OUT Consulting and Blaque/OUT Magazine to further educate and create space for Black and Brown Queer Voices. Leigh is a proud mother of two young Black sons and all of her work is centered around creating a world where they will be seen, heard, respected, protected and judged by the content of their character.   Links: Florida LGBTQ organizations Blaque/Out magazine Davon Davis case Next Generation Men of Transition Chanel Hines Up Against the Wall exhibit, Memorial Art Gallery Pose (TV Show) The Matrix (movie) Keywords: nonprofit, not-for-profit, consultant, business, magazine, Queer, BIPOC, QTPOC, LGBTQ+, public relations, publishing, Pride, Black Pride, Black Lives Matter, Trans Rights, Queer Rights, visibility, authentic, protest, trans, queer, also, Black, innovate, mentor, generational, protective factors, baby boomer, Gen X, Millennial, Gen Y, AIDS, HIV, incarceration, addiction, history, justice, reproductive rights, abortion, advocacy

Chiara Smith is a Program Officer at the Greater Rochester Health Foundation with more than 20 years of experience within the not-for-profit and Human Services Industry. Smith currently serves as Co-Chair for the Community Voices Network (United Way) and the Health Foundation's “Change Team.”  Smith is a proud member of the African American Health Coalition (Common Ground). She completed the Diversity and Inclusion Certificate program from the University of Cornell and is a candidate for her master's in May of 2023. Smith is most proud of her work as the founder of 14621 food stands - 6 food stands strategically placed throughout the 14621 community to provide child-friendly food options to needy children.     Links:  Angela Davis  The Handmaid's Tale (TV Show) The Handmaid's Tale (Book)  School of the Arts (Rochester)  Buffalo State (SUNY)  University of Oklahoma  Delusion of White Supremacy (Tiffany Jana, Medium)  eCornell  Grantmakers in Health  Free the People (Rochester)  Rochester Food Not Bombs  Anthony Hall and Justin Morris     Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, Family, Activist, Elders, Children, Inspire, Speak, Advocate, Access, Choice, Listen, Learn, Implement, BIPOC, DEI, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Workplace, Illusion of Inclusion, Minoritized, Marginalized, Universal approach, Directly, impacted, Dogs, Nipsy Hussle, 14621, Peace, Opportunity, Intentionality, Podcast, Radio, Suma Cum Laude

Nicolette Ferguson, Educator and Choreographer, is currently an Adjunct Lecturer in the Dept. of Theater and Dance at SUNY Geneseo and a 2020 MFA Graduate from The College of Brockport. A registered yoga teacher (RYT 200) and licensed Zumba instructor, she counsels a healthy lifestyle to all, in addition to conducting weekly dance classes for kids and adults throughout the Rochester area. Mrs. Ferguson was a Principal Dancer with Garth Fagan Dance for 21 years and has provided instruction in the Fagan technique to students ages 3-80, beginners, pre-professionals and professionals. Born in Jamaica, W.I. and raised in Queens, NY, Mrs. Ferguson is a wife and mother to two boys, 12 and 8 years old.   Links:  Yoga 4 A Good Hood https://www.yoga4agoodhood.org/ SUNY Geneseo https://www.geneseo.edu/ SUNY Brockport https://www.brockport.edu/ Garth Fagan Dance Company https://www.garthfagandance.org/ YMCA of Rochester https://rochesterymca.org/ Penfield AntiRacist Alliance (PARA) https://www.facebook.com/penfieldARalliance   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, SUNY Geneseo, SUNY Brockport, Garth Fagan Dance Company, Yoga, YMCA of Rochester, family, parenting, dance, modern dance, Jamaica, West Indies, Jamaica, Queens, dream job, joyful movement, spouse, children, graduate school, choreographer, educator, Garth Fagan, mentor, Oprah Winfrey, listen, inner voice, positive energy, truth, honesty

My name is Luva Alvarez. I am the site/alumni coordinator for the Greater Rochester PLTI. I was born in Brooklyn, NY but have resided in Rochester for 20 years. I am a believer, connector, mom, wife, parent advocate, PLTI ALUM, Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout leader, Eagle Scout mom, Mom of three Black Scholars, Lover of life, and a PARENT WHO LEADS. I am passionate about parents being engaged and empowered. I love spending time with my family and of course watching all those Chicago Fire & Chicago P.D shows. My favorite quote is “Her greatest power is believing in herself”.   Links:  Blog Talk Radio 24 Hour Mom Show: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/24hrmom Rochester PLTI: https://www.greaterrochesterplti.org/ NPLI: https://parentswholead.org/ Girl Scouts of WNY: https://www.gswny.org/ Boy Scouts Seneca Waterways Council: https://senecawaterways.org/ Panama: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama Greece Central School District: https://www.greececsd.org/   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, mother, parent, children, scouts, mental health, self-care, community, citizenship, role model, panama, immigrant, service, kindness, love, family, neighborhoods, neighbors, women  

Nicole Doyley grew up in Brooklyn, New York and attended Dartmouth College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. She worked in church ministry for almost 25 years, authored three books and published numerous articles in the Huffington Post and The Witness: A Black Christian Collective. She currently hosts her own podcast (Let's Talk: Conversations on Race), speaks in conferences, seminars and webinars and does consulting work with organizations on the topics of diversity, racial sensitivity and racial equity. She lives with her husband and two sons in Rochester, NY. Find her at nicoledoyley.com.   Links:  Podcast: Let's Talk: Conversations on Race https://podcastrepublic.net/podcast/1516185899 Fame (movie) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080716/ Dartmouth https://home.dartmouth.edu/ University of Rochester https://www.rochester.edu/ Passing (movie) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8893974/ Passing (book) https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57640287-passing The Avenue Theatre https://www.avenuetheatre.org/ Amplify Good Post https://ariastrategiesllc.com/amplify-good/what-about-the-children When Life is Winter: Navigating the Seasons of Life https://www.amazon.com/When-Life-Winter-navigating-seasons-ebook/dp/B07MKS9VK4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Nicole+Doyley&qid=1560535225&s=gateway&sr=8-1#customerReviews The Wait: Encouragement for Single Women https://www.amazon.com/Wait-Encouragement-Single-Women/dp/9978362312/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8       Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, DEI, piano, New Hampshire Literature, ministry, education, teach, write, healing, Rochester, parenting, mother, podcast, author, remote work, blog, racism, faith, friendship, encouragement, spouse, partner, home, nurture, nature, biracial, rest, physical activity, spiritual growth, children, listen, adventure, race, racial identity  

Camaron Johnson is currently the Acting Executive Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. I began my tenure in the district 25 years ago as a physical education teacher. After 5 years of teaching, I became the Athletic Director at Wilson Commencement HS where I graduated from. After two years, I transitioned to an Assistant Principal role and then worked my way to Principalship. I had the honor of opening up the newest elementary school in the RCSD in 2009 called Dr. Walter Cooper Academy.   Links:  Michigan State (Track/Athletics): https://msuspartans.com/sports/track-and-field/ Rochester Central School District (RCSD): https://www.rcsdk12.org/ Loretta Johnson, RCSD Superintendent: https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2017/04/24/loretta-johnson-rcsd-superintendent-obituary/100842418/ Dr. Walter Cooper Academy: https://www.rcsdk12.org/10 Dr. Walter Cooper: https://rbscp.lib.rochester.edu/finding-aids/D385 EL Education: https://eleducation.org/ Restorative Practice: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restorative_practices     Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, education, integrity, athletics, college, school, track and field, academics, children, teenagers, growth, learning, administrator, teacher, physical education, assistant principal  

Sheila Schuh, is a Master Level Credentialed Religious Educator and serves as the Director of Religious Education at First Unitarian Church of Rochester on Winton Rd. She has served the Unitarian Universalist denomination for over 17 years.   She has recently authored Jubilee Kids, Junior Youth Jubilee, and has served on the denomination's creation team for the Lifespan Faith Development Accountability Assessment Tool. Sheila develops ongoing offerings on Race, Racism, and Relationships and has developed JUST Communication for parenting groups. She was the 2018 Gould Lecturer and has won awards for intergenerational worship and writing.   She also holds a Masters in Expressive Arts Therapy, is a trained sexuality educator and mentor. Sheila's priorities are inclusion, building restorative systems, non-violence, and supporting parents in their roles as spiritual guides. To relax, she loves to run, play volleyball, dance, climb trees, x-country ski, and spend time with her three young adult children and her partner, Ed!   Links:  Tree climbing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_climbing OWL (Our Whole Lives): https://www.uua.org/re/owl Unitarian Universalist Association: https://www.uua.org/ Judaism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Catholicism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church First Unitarian (Rochester): https://rochesterunitarian.org/ St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church (Camillus, NY): https://stjosephscamillus.org/ Youth Jubilee (UU Youth Program): https://rochesterunitarian.org/circle-of-beloveds/ Benefits of Naps (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/napping/art-20048319     Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, religious education, spiritual  LGBTQ+, teacher, children, families, Unitarian, Universalist, church, Judaism, Buddhism, practice, Catholic, community, advocacy, creed, family, parent, partner  

Before her current role as the local host of WXXI's Weekend Edition and reporter at WXXI News, April spent 12 years working in the Emergency Department at URMC. Her passion for community and storytelling led her to earn a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Broadcast from SUNY Brockport.  April is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the current Vice President of Rochester Association of Black Journalists.  Above all, she is a mom and community member who wants to elevate the voices of the marginalized in Rochester   Links:  Rochester School for the Deaf https://www.rsdeaf.org/ NTID/RIT https://www.rit.edu/ntid/ WXXI https://www.wxxi.org/ Section 8 https://www.hud.gov/topics/housing_choice_voucher_program_section_8 Rochester Rhinos https://rnyfc.com/ Rochester Housing Authority https://www.rhanh.org/ URMC Strong Hospital https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/strong-memorial.aspx Swillburg (neighborhood) https://swillburg.com/ The German House https://thehistoricgermanhouse.com/ African American Vernacular English https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African-American_Vernacular_English American Sign Language https://www.nad.org/resources/american-sign-language/ The Black ASL Project (Gallaudet) http://blackaslproject.gallaudet.edu/BlackASLProject/Welcome.html   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, housing, deaf, asl, Black, African American, journalist, public radio, public television, racism, racial health disparities, gentrification, soccer, urban, city, neighborhood, entertainment, AAVE, Black ASL, African American Vernacular English

Can purposeful businesses that balance the needs of all their stakeholders compete with profit-driven companies that prioritize their stockholders above all? Conscious Capitalism has proven that they can…and the movement is growing!  In addition to co-founding a local chapter of this worldwide movement, Andrew is the Chief Evolutionary Officer of The XLR8 Team, where he works with leaders to evolve themselves toward realizing their purpose and evolving their company's culture into a competitive advantage.  Using cultural assessment tools, XLR8 takes a democratic approach to cultural transformation that creates shared ownership of the culture and integrates values into every aspect of company processes. XLR8 believes that “leaders have to grow for the organization to grow”, and their EVOLutionary Leadership executive coaching program has enrolled hundreds of leaders, including more than 200 senior leaders at Wegmans Food Markets. After Wegmans was honored as the Best Company to Work For in 2005, Danny Wegman credited this program as “one of the reasons we made it to #1!” This combination of bottom-up and top-down culture change has been proven to transform organizations across industries, sectors and even internationally. Andrew's forthcoming book, For The EVOLution of Business, explores how the principles of evolution reveal a path toward a more “conscious” capitalism and why the only sustainable path to a thriving planet is through inclusive prosperity for all. Andrew holds an undergraduate degree in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University and a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. He was named as a 2017 honoree of the Rochester Business Journal's “40 Under 40” Awards and a Trust Across America 2019 Top Thought Leader in Trust. Links: Privilege Footrace - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4K5fbQ1-zps Savasana - https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/yoga/yoga-poses/shavasana-corpse-pose Marty Seligman & Positive Psychology - https://www.neh.gov/article/martin-seligman-and-rise-positive-psychology UPenn: Applied Positive Psychology - https://lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu/academics/bachelors-degree/baas-course-blocks/applied-positive-psychology Biz Kids - https://www.bizkids.com/ Junior Achievement - https://www.juniorachievement.org/web/programs RIT EMBA - https://emba.rit.edu/executive-mba Humanistic Capitalism - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humanistic_capitalism Institute for Cultural Entrepreneurship for Museum Leaders - https://www.schoolandcollegelistings.com/US/Cooperstown/190560077627609/Institute-for-Cultural-Entrepreneurship-for-Museum-Leaders Conscious Capitalism - https://www.consciouscapitalism.org/ XLR8 Companies US - https://www.xlr8companies.us/ Wegmans - https://www.wegmans.com/ Elevate Rochester - https://elevaterochester.org/ Firms of Endearment - http://firmsofendearment.com/ Bentley University - https://www.bentley.edu/ Babson College - https://www.babson.edu/ Pitchfork Economics podcast - https://pitchforkeconomics.com/episodes/ For the Evolution of Business podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-evolution-of-business/id1437955281   Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, business, capitalism, humanism, education, podcasts, book, read, radio, small business, family business, privilege, equity, author

Greg Sorin is a Los Angeles-based writer and producer, about to begin a position as a showrunner's assistant. Previously, he served as writer's room production assistant on Marvel's Helstrom (a horror/superhero show streaming on Hulu). Before that, he worked as a producer, under multiple Emmy Award-winning director Ric Burns, on a number of nationally broadcast documentaries to air on PBS and streaming services. He writes dark science fiction drama pilots, two of which brought him to the finals of NBC's Writers on the Verge fellowship program in 2020. He's currently a mentee in the Hollywood Radio & Television Society mentorship program.   Links:  Cooperstown Graduate Program: https://cgpmuseumstudies.org/ SUNY Geneseo: https://www.geneseo.edu/ Driving While Black: African American Travel and the Road to Civil Rights: https://www.amazon.com/Driving-While-Black-African-American/dp/1631495690/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Cursive writing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cursive Harry Potter Series: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter Dark: https://dark.netflix.io/en Ira Glass: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Glass District 9: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/District_9 Apartheid (South Africa): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apartheid Helstrom: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helstrom_(TV_series) Haunting of Hill House: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Haunting_of_Hill_House_(TV_series)       Keywords: podcast, good, do good, amplify, amplify good, hulu, Netflix, entertainment, writer, author, read, books, documentary, history, film, tv, African American, black, America, green book, automobiles

Ahlia is the founder of Little Black Buddha, (LBB) which offers women help in making career transitions and figuring out their next move in their lives and careers. LBB also creates the space to honestly look at the entire picture of one's life by incorporating a life design ethos into the work and programming, advocating wholeness, wellness and a complete sense of self. She is a RYT 200 certified yoga instructor. Little Black Buddha is currently developing LBB Pathways, which is an App that helps people figure (a) what their transferable skills are and (b) what industries those skills can be used in. Ahlia has navigated 5 successful career transitions over a fifteen-year period. Prior to starting Little Black Buddha, she was a Lead Engineer at a Fortune 500 company for 10+ years. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor at Monroe Community College. She has a BS in Electrical Engineering (2001) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MA in Math Education (2009) from the City College of New York. Ahlia is married to a wonderful and supportive partner and most importantly, she is a mother of three beautiful and bright children (4, 9 & 12 years old).   Links:  Little Black Buddha: https://littleblackbuddha.com/ Middle Skills Gap: https://www.the74million.org/article/the-middle-skills-gap-half-of-americas-jobs-require-more-than-high-school-diplomas-but-less-than-4-year-degrees-so-why-are-they-under-so-many-students-radars/   Keywords: Black-owned Business, Career Transitions, Middle Skills, Parenting, Self-determination, Legacy, Advocacy, Dignity, Communication, Self-discovery

Jenn Beideman is the advocacy manager for the Healthi Kids initiative at Common Ground Health. Healthi Kids is a grassroots coalition advancing whole child health in Finger Lakes region of New York. In her role she leads and provides expertise to several campaigns across the region that advance policy, systems and environmental changes to support kids health and well-being.   These campaigns range on topics advancing children's play in schools and neighborhoods, to building healthy equitable communities, and supporting healthy learning environments for all children. Jenn brings to her role 15 years of experience in public policy advocacy and research, government relations and community engagement.   Prior to joining Common Ground Health, Jenn worked for the Legislative Assembly of Ontario offering policy and procedural support to Standing Committees of the House, and at World Vision Canada as a policy researcher. She has a masters in Public Administration from SUNY Brockport, a BA in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and a B.C. in Public Administration & Leadership from Ryerson University. Active in her community she currently Chairs the Strong Museum of Play's Associate Board; is President of the Board of the Child Care Council; Co-Chair's the Greater Rochester After School and Summer Alliance policy committee and is a member of the Network for Youth Success' Policy Committee. She's a member of many local initiatives including: Project CLEAN's Steering Committee, Roc the Future's Children Developmentally on Track, the Rochester City School District's High Quality Learning Experiences Task Force and the Rochester City School District's Wellness Task Force.   Jenn is a Canadian transplant to the Rochester area, and will take any opportunity to explore the mountains. In her spare time, Jenn also enjoys practicing yoga, baking, craft cocktails, and exploring the City of Rochester where she resides with her husband.   Links:  Common Ground Health: https://www.commongroundhealth.org/ Canadian Rocky Mountains: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Rockies Canada Provincial Government: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/provincial-government Noam Chomsky: https://chomsky.info/ Social Emotional Learning (SEL): https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/ Protective Factors: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/promoting/protectfactors/ Infant Mental Health (IMH): https://www.nysaimh.org/about-babies/ Society for the Protection and Care of Children (SPCC): https://www.spcc-roch.org/ Community Evidence: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/community_defined_evidence_as_a_framework_for_equitable_implementation National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG): https://nncg.org/     Keywords: Family, Play, Advocacy, Evidence, Philanthropy, Canada, Rocky Mountains, Government, Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Protective Factors, Children, Infants, Mental Health

Erick Stephens- Erick is all in on his love for and support of Rochester, NY. He brings his whole self to his life, work and all that is important to him.  As the Parent Engagement Specialist for Healthi Kids, Erick provides technical assistance and support to schools to strengthen and improve parent engagement efforts. He also works directly with parents training them on advocacy and connecting them to opportunities to impact policy, systems, and environmental change in schools.   Links:  NYS Infant Mental Health Association: https://www.nysaimh.org/  Frederick Douglass “Build strong children” quote: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/frederick_douglass_201574 Bike Rodeo: https://www.healthikids.org/blog/healthi-headlines-april-2017  Healthi Kids: https://www.healthikids.org/ KABOOM Play Everywhere campaign: https://kaboom.org/play-everywhere Common Ground Health: https://www.commongroundhealth.org/ All Pro Dad: https://www.allprodad.com/ CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/ Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: https://www.rwjf.org/ Infant Mental Health (IMH): https://www.nysaimh.org/about-babies/ “Brenda's Got A Baby” by Tupac: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRWUs0KtB-I Langston Hughes: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/langston-hughes “Slippin'” by DMX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ww-TQUeA3E Lake Ontario: https://nyfalls.com/lakes/ontario/

Nancy Brown is a mental health therapist, meditator, cook, gardener, lover of cats, life partner, pianist, aunt, cousin, and friend.   Links:  New Bedford Historical Society: https://nbhistoricalsociety.org/ New Bedford: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/ Kathryn Grover: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-grover-5b37a62b Thich Nhat Hanh: https://plumvillage.org/about/thich-nhat-hanh/biography/ No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-mud-no-lotus-thich-nhat-hanh/1119845087 Zen Buddhism: https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-zen-buddhism-and-how-do-you-practice-it/ Orthodox Judaism: https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/background-and-overview-of-orthodox-judaism       Keywords: Counselor, Therapist, Mental Health, Orthodox Judaism, Zen Buddhism, New Bedford, Massachusetts, Friendship

Meshell R Baker specializes in training conscious businesses and sales leaders to boldly and confidently inspire emotional connections to the solutions they offer. Along with her team, she leverages her 25+ years of sales success in more than a dozen countries, to help people grow, and to deliver the extra-ordinary that creates superfan client relationships. Meshell is an Award-Winning International Keynote Speaker, Sales Confidence Igniter, Authentic Selling Zealot, and Co-Founder of Shift/Co Global Business Growth Community for Conscious Entrepreneurs. She is an amazing gift of clarity and is renowned for her no-nonsense approach. Meshell's unique approach to sales success is scientifically supported to create intentional behavior changes that deliver improve confidence and increase client conversion.     Links:  Shift/Co: https://shiftco.global/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/shiftcoorg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift-co-org  The Conscious Entrepreneur: http://theconsciousentrepreneur.co/ Bodak Yellow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEGccV-NOm8 People Over Profit: https://thepeopleoverprofits.org/; https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23217084-people-over-profit; https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/7-powerful-habits-for-putting-your-people-over-profit.html       Keywords: Entrepreneur, Business, Black, African American, Growth Mindset, Confidence, Coaching, Joy

Ronkwahrhakónha was born in occupied Munsee Lenape and Wappinger territory to a Jewish mother and a Mohawk/Abenaki father. Lune is a college dropout, a trauma survivor, a mental health advocate, an indigenous educator, and a witch. Currently, he's living in Occupied Seneca Territory, after being forced to move back home due to lay-offs in Chumash trading territory.   Links:  Mohawk Nation: http://www.mohawknation.org/ Abenaki: https://abenakitribe.org/; https://www.abenakination.com/ Dawes Act: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/dawes-act.htm#:~:text=The%20Dawes%20Act%20(sometimes%20called,to%20break%20up%20tribal%20lands.&text=Only%20the%20Native%20Americans%20who,allowed%20to%20become%20US%20citizens. Judaism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Sex Work: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_work Land Back: https://landback.org/ Lindsey Ellis: https://www.youtube.com/c/LindsayEllisVids/featured Witchcraft: https://www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft/Contemporary-witchcraft     Keywords: Mohawk, Abenaki, Indigenous, Native American, Dawes Act, Indian Act, Judaism, Jewish, Jew, Ashkenazi, sex work, Land Back, youtube, Lindsey Ellis, witch, witchcraft, spells

Stephanie Johnson-Cunningham's advocacy aligns with Museum Hue, an organization she co-founded and serves as Executive Director, supporting Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color. She built the first online directory and mapping of BIPOC museums across the United States. It is an invaluable resource that deepens public knowledge and understanding of art, history, and culture. Stephanie is currently working on a larger Cultural Mapping project specific to New York City with support from NYC's Department of Cultural Affairs. As a United Nations Human Rights fellow centering arts and culture, she applies the UN's ratification of cultural rights to her work to call for greater recognition and representation in the arts ecosystem. Stephanie also received the Americans for the Arts 2019 American Express Emerging Leader Award for her work. She also hosted and produced On Display, a show for WNET's ALL ARTS Network that focuses on ways museums are addressing societal issues that resulted from intersecting histories and connects to contemporary life. Each episode covers various topics from immigration, mass incarceration, transportation, and preservation of Black cultural spaces.     Links:  Museum Hue Race Forward Fellowship in the Arts Andrea Achi, Curator at Metropolitan Museum of Art Colored Girls Museum Brooklyn Museum MANY Hampton University Museum Kehinde Wiley, The Studio Museum in Harlem NYC Cultural Mapping Project     Keywords: Museum, BIPOC museums, culturally responsive museums, cultural mapping, executive director, art, history, culture, New York City, societal issues, intersecting histories, advocacy, human rights

Hard-working. Creative. Smart. These words and so many more describe Calvin Eaton. What's harder to describe is his influence, insight and generosity.  Calvin Eaton is a disabled community educator, content creator, and social entrepreneur, whose areas of expertise include antiracism, equity, justice, instructional design, and program development. In 2016 Mr. Eaton founded 540WMain, Inc a virtual non-profit organization and antiracist education brand that promotes justice for all.  In addition to his non-profit work, Mr. Eaton serves as an adjunct faculty member at St. John Fisher College, is a frequent guest lecturer at several Rochester area universities including Nazareth College and The University of Rochester; and sits on the Disparities Solutions Advisory Council with the U.S Pain Foundation.   Links:  540 WMain, Inc.: https://540westmain.org/ 540 WMain, Inc. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/540WMain Depression Resources: https://nami.org/Home Fibromyalgia: https://www.fibromyalgiapatienteducation.info/ Free the People Roc: https://www.facebook.com/ftproc Urban-Suburban Program: https://www.monroe.edu/urbansuburban Rochester Institute of Technology: https://www.rit.edu/ Segregation/Integration: https://eji.org/ Susan B. Anthony Neighborhood: https://www.cityofrochester.gov/article.aspx?id=8589943423 Teach for America: https://www.teachforamerica.org/   Keywords: antiracism, civil rights, history, disability advocacy, pain management, chronic illness, special education, equity, community educator, justice, instructional design, and program development, higher education, racial health inequity

Joy and diligence describe Kate Weller in all things. Her care for historical scholarship and interpretation invites us all to look backward and inward as we process what is happening in the now.   Working in the museum field for almost 20 years, Kathryn Weller has served as a Curator of Collections, Executive Director, and currently, Director of Education. No matter what role, education and finding ways to create meaningful connections between audience members and the work, collections, and mission of museums has always been her focus.    As a cultural educator, Kathryn looks for ways of engaging with visitors and creating dialogue through historical topics that connect to issues today. Historical interpretation, when educators wear historical reproduction clothing, practice trades and crafts through historical methods, and/or interpret in a way that provides a tangible connection to the past, is an important educational tool that Kathryn uses in her own museum and also as a volunteer for other cultural organizations.     Links:  Lavada Nahon: https://lavadanahon.com/ New York State Museum: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/ Not Your Momma's History: http://www.notyourmommashistory.com/     Keywords: education, children, family, civil rights, history, New York State, audience engagement, museum, museum education, interpretation, historical interpretation, Italian food

Sometimes, Aria fangirls about the people in her community who are doing exceptional work to make all of our lives better. And then, she introduces herself to those people and tries to learn everything she can from them. Beatriz LeBron is one of those people and we are so grateful she joined us for a podcast conversation!    Beatriz LeBron executes Healthi Kids' Play ROCs campaign, developing strategies and tactics that advance play as a cornerstone of whole child health in schools and in neighborhoods. Key responsibilities include managing projects, convening the Play ROCs advocacy committee and key stakeholders, and engaging youth, families and residents.   LeBron has served more than 19 years in the human services sector and has extensive experience as a supervisor, educator, trainer and community health worker. With more than a decade of experience in policy creation, implementation and oversight in health care and education, she also has extensive knowledge of New York State Department of Health regulations.    Prior to joining Common Ground, LeBron served as a social worker/bi-lingual at Eldersource, Community Place and Lifespan. Earlier, LeBron was a community health worker at Rochester Regional Health, where she worked with individuals facing social, economic and other barriers to maintaining their health. She also was a long-time substitute teacher in the Rochester City School District. LeBron currently serves as a commissioner of the RCSD Board of Education.    She earned her bachelor's degree in Science from St. John Fisher College, her certificate in Finance from Georgetown University and her associate degree in Liberal Arts from Monroe Community College. In her spare time, LeBron enjoys art, reading and spending time with her grandson and children.   Links:  Bell's Palsy: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bells-palsy#:~:text=Bell's%20palsy%20is%20an%20unexplained,of%20the%20face%20or%20head. Common Ground Health: https://www.commongroundhealth.org/ Healthi Kids: https://www.healthikids.org/ Jamaican Curry Chicken: https://jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com/jamaican-curry-chicken-recipe/ Protective Factors: https://health.ucdavis.edu/crhd/pdfs/resources/roadmap-for-resilience-ca-surgeon-generals-report-on-aces-toxic-stress-and-health-12092020.pdf RCSD Board of Education: https://www.rcsdk12.org/boe WDKX: https://www.wdkx.com/     Keywords: educator, social worker, mental health, social emotional health, children, family, social justice, civil rights, Bell's palsy, public health, board of education, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Boricua, protective factors, radio

Aria walked into a foundation board room a few years ago and Ruth Turner stopped speaking to the person next to her, pointed at Aria and said, “I have a dress in that same fabric.” And so began their friendship! What started as an enthusiastic conversation over Ghanaian fabrics and clothes designed by a mutual friend, turned into one of Aria's most important relationships of her adulthood.   Ruth B. Turner graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester receiving a B.S. in Social Work and a MSW from University of Buffalo. She also holds a MS. Ed from SUNY Brockport. She is a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served the profession for over 24 years.    Dr. Turner is known as a champion of children and families in Rochester, New York which she calls home. As an educator, she has committed herself to the principles of restorative practices, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her administrative leadership with Rochester City School District (RCSD), she worked to support the most vulnerable students and was an advocate for all students and families. In her tenure, she led the revision of the student code of conduct. She also led the district in adopting restorative justice initiatives in terms of student discipline as was a key leader of anti-racism work for the district.    For over 13 years she served the Rochester City School District as a social worker, Director and Executive Director for student support services. Before her departure, she served as the Chief for Student Support and Social-Emotional Learning. Before joining RCSD she led the foster care and adoption unit for the Urban League of Rochester. She also spent several years as a trainer for the Center for the Development of Human Services where she focused on child welfare services.    Ruth's commitment to the intersection of social work, social welfare, and education began very early in life, rooted in her experience immigrating to the US as a political refugee from Eritrea. It was the kindness and diligence of a social worker who aided her successful transition during one of the most challenging periods in her life. Through the support and advocacy of individuals like this social worker, Ruth graduated from the RCSD and attended college as a 1st generation college student. She has never forgotten the power of support in mitigating the effects of adverse events in childhood, that can aid in helping individuals to reach their fullest potential.   Dr. Turner is married to Dr. William R. Turner Jr., Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies at SUNY Brockport. Together they have three children.   Links: Black Mental Health: https://nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-s-Statement-On-Recent-Racist-Incidents-and-Mental-Health-Resources-for-African-Americans?gclid=CjwKCAjwieuGBhAsEiwA1Ly_ne82WI56amGffdzBDOoCzPzwpg9t5RU0SQ3h7QKCc6fP5u7fYZih_RoC5UQQAvD_BwE Eritrea War of Independence: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eritrean_War_of_Independence High Expectations: https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/10/24/study-finds-high-school-teachers-have-differing-expectations-black-and-white https://hub.jhu.edu/2016/03/30/racial-bias-teacher-expectations-black-white/ https://www.edweek.org/leadership/teachers-lower-expectations-for-black-students-may-become-self-fulfilling-prophecies-study-finds/2017/10 John Turner: https://theithacan.org/writer/john-turner/page/4/   Keywords: Black, educator, social worker, mental health, social emotional health, children, family, Eritrea, refugee, doctor of Education, high expectations, political refugee, support, idea of self, self-determination, social justice, civil rights 

Prepare to be star-struck by Aria's guest on today's podcast! They have been a teacher, mentor, guide and friend since the two first crossed paths, and they continue to support Aria's growth and reflection today.    Adrian Elim aka "Gatekeeper"  They/Them/Theirs  Visual Artist | Activist | Filmmaker | Organizer | Entrepreneur | Bad Bitch    Gatekeeper is a Queer Non-binary Femme visual artist, filmmaker, organizer, activist & entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, NY. Originally from Rochester, they have been involved with a number of different grassroots efforts including the BLM movement and have helped to establish a number of organizations that work toward Black Liberation. Currently, they own their own production company and are the founder & former chair of Rochester Black Pride. Their main focus & work is to center, uplift, and empower Black Queer & Trans people.   Links: Afropunk Festival: https://afropunk.com/ Brotherhood Productions: https://www.brothahoodproductions.com/ Free the People Roc: https://www.facebook.com/ftproc/ Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-rochester-black-pride-a-building Kimberlé Crenshaw: https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare Memorial Art Gallery: https://mag.rochester.edu/ MOCHA Center: https://www.trilliumhealth.org/services/the-mocha-center Rochester Black Pride: https://www.rocblackpride.com/ The Avenue Black Box Theater: https://www.avenuetheatre.org/   Keywords: activist, queer, gender, transgender, nonbinary, femme, photography, video, production, Black lives matter, BLM, Pride, youth, history, intersectionality, artist, art, film, entrepreneur, bad bitch, organizing, visual

Aria is delighted to welcome LaShunda Leslie-Smith to the podcast. LaShunda is a role model, leader and mentor to Aria, and she offers transformational ways of being and knowing to her community. From a mother at age 14 to a CEO by age 34, LaShunda is no stranger to adversity and hard work. When she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a pediatrician or entrepreneur. Instead, when LaShunda was little more than a baby herself, she gave birth to her first child, a son. At that point, LaShunda could have become nothing more than a statistic. However, LaShunda is a dreamer and a doer. She became the first in her family to graduate college, earn a master's degree, and she is currently pursuing a doctorate. She accomplished all this while raising her son — and later her daughter — with her husband of now 22 years.  Understanding the needs of teen parents, at age 24 LaShunda started her own nonprofit organization, Successful Pathways, to serve teens who are pregnant or who are on the path to becoming pregnant. She served that organization for nearly a decade before moving on to help found and implement several other nonprofit organizations, always supporting and advocating for underserved populations. LaShunda most recently served as the President and CEO of Young Women's College Prep Foundation, Inc., and is now “doing her life's work” as Executive Director of Connected Communities.  LaShunda is blessed to share her life's journey with her husband Moses and their two adult children, Branden and Myanna.   Links: Dr. Ashley Cross: https://www.ashleyrcross.com/ Beechwood Neighborhood: http://www.beechwood14609.com/ Connected Communities: https://www.connectedcommunitiesroc.org/ EPIC Woman: https://www.facebook.com/WeAreEPICWomen Generational Cycles/Family Legacies: https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/focus-parents/power-family-legacies/  Genogram: https://genopro.com/genogram/#:~:text=A%20genogram%20(pronounced%3A%20jen%2D,psychological%20factors%20that%20punctuate%20relationships Seabreeze Amusement Park: https://seabreeze.com/ Keywords: entrepreneur, neighborhood, community engagement, urban redevelopment, pregnancy, young mothers, genogram, family legacy, generational cycle, hope, education

Aria is SO excited to share this episode with you all! George and Aria go WAY back to when they were figuring out who they wanted to be in the world and how they wanted to approach their lives. After a span of roughly 8 billion years, it was incredible to reconnect over the podcast and catch up on what journeys they’ve been on. George Garner earned his M.A. in Museum Studies from the prestigious Cooperstown Graduate Program where he gained experience in museum administration, exhibitions, and collections care at such well-known institutions as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (Cooperstown, New York) and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (St. Michael’s, Maryland). Since then, he has dedicated his career to exploring how museums and other memory spaces can lead people to make meaning from traumatic histories and use that history to work actively towards change today.  He is excited by efforts to move beyond traditional museum models and recognizing how museums can become a thriving and integral part of 21st-century communities. Since 2012, he has served in various curatorial and administrative roles at the Indiana University South Bend Civil Rights Heritage Center, a space that, for thirty years, operated as a segregated city-owned swimming pool.   Links: Back to the Future: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088763/ Civil Rights Heritage Center: https://clas.iusb.edu/centers/civil-rights/index.html Freedom Summer: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/encyclopedia/freedom-summer Kimberle Crenshaw- Intersectionality: https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?language=en Pennsylvania Anthracite Heritage Museum: http://www.anthracitemuseum.org/ Subtle Acts of Exclusion: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/617257/subtle-acts-of-exclusion-by-tiffany-jana-and-michael-baran/   Keywords: museum, curator, civil rights, freedom summer, anthracite, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Indiana, segregation, racism, integration, intersectionality, heritage, microaggression, exclusion, inclusion, history, sociology

Nancy Sung Shelton is a miracle of human. She continually shares her wisdom and learnings with Aria and the team with abundant generosity. We are all delighted to welcome Nancy Shelton to our podcast!      Nancy Sung Shelton, M.A. is a dedicated professional and community advocate, whose mission is to truly be a benefit in the lives of the people that she endeavors to help.  She is especially devoted to serving individuals who have been marginalized by society, and have been underserved, underrepresented and economically disadvantaged, working with them so that they can enjoy productive and personally fulfilling lives.     Currently working in the capacity of Senior Consultant in Cultural Competence and Health Literacy for Coordinated Care Services, Inc., her professional experience has included working in the Criminal Justice, Family Law, Child Protection and Advocacy, Human Services, DD/MR, and Behavioral and Physical Healthcare systems. She is a community advocate who has served on many boards and committees throughout the greater Rochester area.    Starting with a G.E.D., Nancy continued her education to receive an Associates degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelors degree in Behavioral Sciences, and a Masters degree in Management. Nancy is a Fearless Warrior and mother of 3 + 1 sons, Louis Jr., Garrison, Caiza (Kie-zah), and Michael.  Nancy is not shy to voice the unpopular view if it will improve someone’s condition, exemplifying her mission to boldly defend the disregarded and voiceless.        Links: CCSI, Inc.: https://www.ccsi.org/ Cultural Competence: https://npin.cdc.gov/pages/cultural-competence Domestic Violence Resources (Rochester, NY): https://211lifeline.org/categories.php?cat=DomAbuse Domestic Violence Resources (USA): https://www.thehotline.org/ Social Determinants of Health: https://nam.edu/social-determinants-of-health-101-for-health-care-five-plus-five/?gclid=Cj0KCQjws-OEBhCkARIsAPhOkIZGzO5lvnFQ4DfjWriZzxe26ZU1r6zedloJMZBcVu3_Mbhkcn6D8NQaAh_zEALw_wcB Starfish Foundation: https://www.starfishfound.org/   Keywords: health equity, social determinants, hope, weariness, moral, business, human services, cultural competence, domestic violence resources, trauma, healing, trauma-informed  

Are you ready to talk shop?! On today’s episode, Aria is joined by the incredible Philip Arca, a fellow capacity-building consultant. They talk shop, families, direct service, research and podcasting! Philip is the Principal at arca & associates, a capacity-building firm that provides interim leadership services to an array of organizations, performs organizational assessments, and frequently assists with executive searches. Their other services include HR audits, leadership transition consulting, coaching, board governance, and strategic and business planning. Philip and his family call California home. You can connect with Philip on his Linked In profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvincentarca/ You can listen to Philip’s podcast, NGO A GO GO, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Audible.   Links: Alliance for Nonprofit Management: https://allianceonline.org/ Arnova: https://www.arnova.org/ Avenue Q, “Everyone’s a little bit racist”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RovF1zsDoeM Black Perspectives- Alicia Garza: https://www.aaihs.org/making-black-people-powerful-an-interview-with-alicia-garza/ Chuck Collins: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Collins Decolonizing Wealth: https://www.edgarvillanueva.net/the-book-1 Fab Labs: https://www.fablabs.io/ Greater Rochester Health Foundation: https://thegrhf.org/ Hidden Brain: https://hiddenbrain.org/ Megan Rapinoe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Rapinoe Oakland Zoo: https://www.oaklandzoo.org/ Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation: https://www.rdlgfoundation.org/ Seneca Park Zoo: https://senecaparkzoo.org/ Song Exploder: https://songexploder.net/ Upstream: https://heathbrothers.com/books/upstream/   Keywords: capacity building, consultants, interim leadership, mental health, housing, zoo, advocacy, podcast, nonprofit

This episode hits so many of Aria’s high points: understanding Indigenous culture, honoring everything those of us in North America have because of Indigenous communities, storytelling, education, care for the community, inter-cultural exchange. Aria is so lucky that Perry Ground entered her life when he did- he has been an educator and mentor to her throughout the most recent phase of her career. Perry Ground (Turtle Clan, Onondaga) presents traditional Native American stories about the beliefs, customs, and history of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people. Perry brings his stories to life through vivid descriptions, his rhythmic voice, and energetic stage presence. He also explains the tradition and history of storytelling itself. He has been telling stories for over seventeen years as a means of educating people about his culture. Perry learned most of the stories he shares from elders. Professionally, he served as the Director of the Rochester City School District's Native American Resource Center. He has worked in several museums and taught at Syracuse and Cornell Universities, and spoken at museums, historical sites, indigenous nations, and institutions of higher learning. Perry now devotes all of his time to storytelling, traveling around the world sharing Native American stories. You can hear Perry’s stories and stay updated on his travels and appearances on his Facebook page: Perry Ground- Talking Turtle Stories, https://www.facebook.com/TalkingTurtleStories   Resources: Facebook page: Perry Ground- Talking Turtle Stories, https://www.facebook.com/TalkingTurtleStories American Indian Movement: http://www.aimovement.org/ Onondaga- Turtle Clan: https://www.onondaganation.org/culture/ Haudenosaunee Confederacy: https://www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/ Legends of the Longhouse: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/827563.Legends_of_the_Longhouse Rochester Museum & Science Center: https://rmsc.org/ New York State Museum: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/ Iroquois Indian Museum: https://www.iroquoismuseum.org/ Myth of the “Vanishing Indian”: https://pluralism.org/myth-of-the-vanishing-indian       Keywords: Native American, Indigenous, American Indian, Iroquois, Haudenosaunee, Turtle Clan, Onondaga, museum, longhouse, Vanishing Indian, storytelling, liberation, lacrosse, education

This is an important podcast episode to Aria. Ashley is a friend, teammate, teacher and constant source of inspiration for Aria. Ashley’s influence runs deep and wide in Aria’s life, and she is so grateful to share Ashley’s wisdom with all of you! For over a decade Ashley has worked in the heart of the social justice movement in Rochester, New York. She began first as an Advocate with Refugees helping Refugees, then as the Fight for 15 Lead Organizer and Racial Justice Organizer for Metro justice, then the state-wide Lead Organizer on criminal justice reform on the FREENY campaign at Just leadership USA. Ashley is currently the Lead Organizer for NYCLU- Genesee Valley chapter. She joined Aria Strategies in October 2018 as Operations Manager while continuing in her capacity as a criminal justice reform advocate and community organizer. Ashley shifted her focus at Aria Strategies to Special Projects in February 2019 where she provides essential consultation and advice to our team.  Ashley serves as chair of the Advisory Board for the YWCA of Rochester where she works with families directly affected by homelessness, addiction, re-entry and domestic abuse. She is the co-leader and Diversity Chair for Action Together Rochester, where she fights for progressive causes through collaboration, education, equity and advocacy in our community.  Ashley strives every day to love mercy, pursue justice and walk humbly before her God.   Links: Danielle Ponder: http://danielleponder.com/ Defund Police/Refund Communities: https://www.publicbooks.org/defund-the-police-and-refund-the-communities/ Free the People Roc: https://www.facebook.com/ftproc/ New York Civil Liberties Union- Genesee Valley: https://www.nyclu.org/en/chapters/genesee-valley Refugees Helping Refugees: https://rhrroc.org/ The New Jim Crow: https://newjimcrow.com/ 13th (documentary): http://www.avaduvernay.com/13th     Keywords: activist, advocate, school, education, justice, organizing, criminal justice, police violence, proximity violence

Sarah Adams is a ray of Light, a voice of her generation, a force for justice in the world. She’s an incredible youth activist and leader, and her journey is just beginning.   Sarah Adams is a poet, community organizer, social justice activist and leader. Most of her work is centered around anti-Black police violence as well as education. In fact, Sarah’s advocacy and activism began when she organized a student walk-outs to protest impending teacher layoffs. She is a freshman at East High School, an Avenue Fellow at the Avenue Blackbox Theatre, a Youth History Ambassador with Teen Empowerment, and leader of Youth Advocacy Committee.   Link to: Defund Police/Refund Communities: https://www.publicbooks.org/defund-the-police-and-refund-the-communities/ East High: https://www.rcsdk12.org/east Free the People Roc: https://www.facebook.com/ftproc/ New York Civil Liberties Union- Genesee Valley: https://www.nyclu.org/en/chapters/genesee-valley Rochester City School District: https://www.rcsdk12.org/ Teen Empowerment: https://teenempowerment.org/rochester/     Keywords: youth, activist, advocate, teens, teenagers, school, education, justice  

Sometimes people come into your life and you don’t know that they’ll do big, important things for your development and growth as a human. Star is one of those people for Aria.   Starlyn D’Angelo grew up in Colorado and developed a love of history while listening to her grandmother tell family stories. She started volunteering in museums when she was 16 and went on to obtain a M.A. in Museum Studies from the Cooperstown Graduate Program. She previously served as Executive Director of the Shaker Heritage Society and Curator of the Shaker Museum Mt. Lebanon. She recently changed direction and started working as the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Planning for the Palace Performing Arts Center.    Throughout her career, she has worked to build a strong sense of community while cultivating a greater appreciation of history and culture. Her volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Museum Association of New York and working with a reproductive surgeon to provide online information and support for women with mullerian anomalies. Starlyn lives with her husband and 12 year old daughter in Kinderhook, New York. She enjoys hiking with her family, crawling around old buildings, and practicing yoga.   Links and Resources: Albany Education Foundation: https://albanyeducation.org/ Museum Association of New York: https://nysmuseums.org/ Palace Theater: https://www.palacealbany.org/ Save Our Stages: https://www.saveourstages.com/ Shaker History and Information: https://www.nps.gov/articles/history-of-the-shakers.htm   Keywords: history, education, arts, culture, economy, COVID-19, theater, Shakers, honesty, vulnerability, transparency  

Nita’s creativity, intelligence, experiences and insights inspire Aria on the daily. She’s been a great friend for a decade and a half, and provides care and goodness that nurtures the people around her.   MansaWear owner and fashion designer Nita Brown was born in Ghana. As the daughter of a diplomat, she left for her first overseas trip at the age of seven, traveling to the Czech Republic. Nita completed her secondary schooling in Ghana, received a B.A. in History from Columbia University and an M.B.A. in International Management from Georgetown University. She speaks Ashanti (Twi) and French.    Brown’s passion for fashion was ignited by her mother. She grew up surrounded by the constant interactions and discussions of her mother and her couturiers about fabric choices and current styles. Her mother’s innate eye for color, quality fabrics and tailored looks influenced MansaWear’s structured pieces, bold colors and varied fabric prints. MansaWear designs and manufactures tailor-made and ready-to-wear clothing using vibrant colors and bold pattern Ghanaian prints that provides maximum versatility, flexibility & economical. It’s about being uniquely you and the art of the mash-up. That is mixing and matching your Ghanaian-inspired MansaWear outfit with items already existing in your closet to create endless styles for daily and special occasions. Her goal is to create an enduring branded clothing line using high-quality Ghanaian fabrics and tailoring sensibilities.    MansaWear is a permanent fixture at Rochester Fashion Week, where Nita debuts each year’s fabric and style collection. MansaWear is sold at Memorial Art Gallery’s museum shop, or at the full-fledged retail site www.mansawear.com or in person at 367 Park Ave, Rochester. MansaWear has been featured in numerous media outlets including, the Rochester Business Journal, The Democrat and Chronic and Chanel 8 CBS’s Be Inspired Show and twice on News 10 NBC’s Spotlight segment.   During her spare time, Ms. Brown runs, raises funds for building and supporting schools for the FST Sisters, a community of nuns based in Ghana. She is active at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, where she has served on Parish Council and now assists as a lector and communion minister.   Links and Resources MansaWear: https://mansawear.com/, https://www.facebook.com/MansaWear Ghana: https://www.ghana.gov.gh/ Columbia University: https://www.columbia.edu/ Georgetown University: https://www.georgetown.edu/ Rochester Fashion Week: http://www.fashionweekofrochester.org/   Keywords: education, anti-racism, parenthood, parenting, Black History, African American History, business, art, fashion, politics     

This episode contains multitudes. Callid and Aria are an unlikely combination, but they came into each other’s lives at a time when life circumstances created opportunities for engagement. And thank goodness! They hold each other in dear care. In this episode, Aria and Callid talk about the role of higher education in the contemporary American experience, power and privilege (in everything), parenting and families, democracy and spirituality.     Callid Keefe-Perry is a proud father and husband. He serves in the traveling ministry within and beyond The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), often working as an organizational consultant, retreat leader, or workshop facilitator for faith communities and non-profit organizations. Originally trained as a Communication and Media Theorist, he served as one of the two Co-Executive Directors of ARC: Arts | Religion | Culture until November 2020, an organization committed to supporting individuals and organizations whose work is at the intersection of spiritual and creative practices, especially as those practices are done for community-building and work towards justice. Organizationally, he focused on helping groups clarify their goals and make sure that their commitments to justice and equity become more than just aspirations and good intentions. He currently serves as Senior Editor of the academic journal "The Arts in Religious and Theological Studies (ARTS Journal). He works with ARC to steward that publication in collaboration with The Society for the Arts in Religious and Theological Studies and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Callid is also a Lecturer in Practical Theology at Boston University’s School of Theology. Academically, his research is about encouraging ways that religious and spiritual perspectives can be discussed in the public square in ways that support pluralism, democracy, and social justice. He publishes on issues related to the ways that schooling affects the interior life of children as well the importance of imagination and creativity in spiritual life.  Previously, Callid has been a public school social studies teacher, the co-founder of a community theater in Rochester, NY, and the Executive Director of The Transformative Language Arts Network. He thinks it is OK for people to laugh a lot, that power cedes nothing without demands, and that creativity is a vital quality of adaptive and effective leadership. More about Callid is at CallidKeefePerry.com   Resources & Links:  Callid’s Website: https://callidkeefeperry.com/ Callid’s Poem: https://artsreligionculture.org/blog/2020/10/19/chronicles10-19-20 Boston University School of Theology: http://www.bu.edu/sth Kimberlé Crenshaw (originated term: intersectionality): https://aapf.org/kimberle-crenshaw Intersectionality: https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality?language=en     Keywords: education, anti-racism, higher education, college, university, practical theology, arts, spirituality, democracy, intersectionality, privilege, marginalized identity 

TW: Aria and Husna discuss pregnancy and infant loss in this episode.    Aria and Husna met at a time when they needed each other, and their friendship grew into a practice of mutual admiration and care. They talk about families, education, loss, holding space for the stuff in life that feels not great and amplifying- intentionally- the good stuff.    Husna is a first generation Pakistani-American who has lived in NYS from birth. She spent her early life learning to navigate between disparate cultural identities. Like many children of immigrants, Husna grew up holding dear the value of a good education.    Husna graduated with distinction from the University of Rochester earning a B.S. in biomedical engineering and secondary coursework in economics. She later returned to graduate school at Syracuse University and earned, cum laude, a Juris Doctorate and Masters in Public Administration. She practiced as a laboratory robotics engineer, patent and intellectual property attorney, and most recently mother of two boys and a girl. She currently owns and directs the Kumon Math & Reading Center of DeWitt, an academic enrichment program geared toward developing self-learning abilities in children.    In her spare time, Husna enjoys creating art of all kinds. She loves to draw, paint, dance, cook, and make music. Always a student, nothing brings her greater joy than applying principles of learning to any new skill or hobby.   Link to:  Kumon Dewitt: https://www.kumon.com/dewitt   The Egg- story: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Egg_(2009_short_story)#:~:text=In%20popular%20culture-,Summary,(in%20the%20first%20person).&text=The%20entire%20universe%20was%20created,be%20born%20as%20a%20God.    Keywords: education, anti-racism, pregnancy loss, infant loss, immigration