in our tribe

In the 50th episode of in our tribe, we are honored to be joined by Tina Dyer to discuss the power of holding space in difficult moments. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher! 

In Episode 49 of in our tribe, Alma Elizabeth López joins us to shine a light on the function and offerings of Brown Issues.  

In Episode 48 of in our tribe, we are joined by Julius Austin to have a real transparent conversation regarding the Sacramento Promise Zone led by the Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency.

In Episode 47 of in our tribe, we are joined by Sara Bernal to discuss her work as Program Manager for The West Sacramento Urban Farm Program, a program of the Center for Land Based Learning.

Heads up, in this episode we discuss very real topics. This episode contains explicit language and the content may be triggering, including violence, abuse and use of marijuana In Episode 46 of in our tribe, we are honored to be joined by Henry Ortiz to have a transparent discussion on his experiences with resiliency. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher!

In episode 45 of in our tribe, we are joined by Sacramento County Office of Education's Mark Drewes and Monica Gonzalez to discuss the state of expanded learning in the Sacramento region. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher!

In Episode 44 Pt. 2 of in our tribe, we discuss Sacramento Chief of Police Daniel Hahn's upcoming retirement and a reflection on his impact on Sacramento. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher!

In Episode 44 Pt. 1 of in our tribe, we discuss Sacramento Chief of Police Daniel Hahn's upcoming retirement and a reflection on his impact on Sacramento. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher!

In Episode 43 of in our tribe, we are joined by changemaker Armoni Easley to discuss Project Optimism, a nonprofit organization focused on being the catalyst that will properly equip community members with an optimistic mindset, to be productive contributors to society. 

In Episode 42 of in our tribe, we are honored to be joined by Dr. Lisa Cardoza who shares her story of triumph and resiliency. Listen to the newest episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Stitcher!

Welcome back to in our tribe! We are launching Season 5 with a Sacramento hero--Brent "Trayce" Sands! Sands is the creator, writer, and illustrator behind iMPOUND Comics, the story of a former MMA fighter turned superhero who develops his strengths to seek vengeance in his hometown of Sacramento, California. Sands shares his inspiration in creating iMPOUND and why he does what he does.

In episode 40 if in our tribe, Adrian is joined by his son Adrian to discuss his journey of being a young male dancer growing up in Sacramento.

In episode 39 of in our tribe, Nueva Epoca Gerardo Cabral and Rosa Flores share their experience as Nueva Epoca Fellows of Cohort One. The Nueva Epoca Early-Career Development Program is designed to establish a network of high potential professionals to strengthen Latinx engagement in leadership for the post-pandemic world

In episode 38 of in our tribe, Northern California Dance Conservatory Founder and Executive Director Jen Bradford shares NCDC's mission, vision, and triumphs in a love letter to the dance community.

In Episode 37 of in our tribe, we are joined by educator, producer, and host of AFROSAYA Alex Gutierrez to have a transparent and real conversation on the Afro-Latino/Latinx experience.

YDN Camp Alumni Olivia Contreras Fernandez, Quincy Brown, and Nicoda Adams join host Adrian Ruiz to have a reflective conversation on their experiences at YDN's youth leadership camp. Thanks to all of our supporters and staff who lead the charge to create the magic of camp! It couldn't be done without the heart and soul you've poured into it all these years.

In Episode 35 of in our tribe, we have a discussion with Roberto Rivera on his work, approach, and views on education and youth development.

In Episode 34 of in our tribe, Executive Director Imani Lucas shares about United and Guided--it's philosophy, approach, and reason for existence.

In Episode 33, we have a conversation with Library Director & CEO Rivkah Sass regarding The Sacramento Library - its offerings, its approach, challenges, and future endeavors.

In Episode 32, we are joined by YDN Youth Development Specialist/Trainer Meg Birmingham to discuss why there is a drop in youth engagement in school and community programs based on data from YDN's Sacramento Youth Engagement Report.

In episode 31 of in our tribe, we are joined by Paul Willis to discuss his new album Wonderland and his story as an educator, artist, and activist.

Thank you for listening to Season 3 of in our tribe. We hope you enjoyed listening as much as we enjoyed recording. Join Adrian Ruiz and Nicoda Adams in reflecting on Season 3 of in our tribe.

In episode 30 of in our tribe, Maria Madril Hernandez shares her story growing up and her advocacy in the community to assist Native American youth succeed despite a lack of supports and opportunities for them.

In Episode 29 of in our tribe, Alexsys Thompson discusses creating A White Space and it's goal of assisting white people and others become anti racist. Alexsys Thompson, MLC, BCC is the creator of the Trybal Gratitude Journal, a keynote speaker, executive coach, a certified Soul Language Practitioner, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council.

In Episode 28 of in our tribe, Kevin McCarthy emphasizes on how leaders can bring the public square back and what is the danger of a world without it. This episode also addresses how to navigate the vast sea of separate echo-chambers during this moment of disruption and agitation.

During this episode, Monica Blanco is referred to as the Interim Youth Division Manager. She has now taken the position and is officially the Youth Division Manager for the City of Sacramento's Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment.  Listen in to hear Monica Blanco share what it takes to create and facilitate excellent social spaces and places for people to thrive and succeed in this time of disruption. We also touch on the challenges Sacramento's Parks and Rec department faces in the constantly-changing world during the pandemic and how to redesign and redefine programs and practices.

Garth Lewis serves as the Yolo County Superintendent of Schools.  He was elected to this position in 2018.  Over the course of his 23-year career in K-12 education, Superintendent Lewis has served as a para-educator, teacher, site and district administrator, and Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services and Equity at the Yolo County Office of Education. Listen in as Yolo County Office of Education Superintendent Garth Lewis considers equitable education during a pandemic and the possibility of a Yolo County Master Plan for Youth. During this episode, there is mention about the "equity metric” that California governor Gavin Newsom was on track to approve. This has been delayed pending further discussion. Again, we thank you for your grace and mercy during these fast-changing times.

In Episode 25 of in our tribe, Adrian is joined by Greg Garcia of Cities Rise to discuss mental health in the climates in which young people live, learn, play, and work. Tune in for dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts while also incorporating how hip hop collective action movements are related to mental health.

Dr. Addie Ellis is a committed sustainability-focused, systems transformation leader. She has successfully led schools, governmental agencies, nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Listen in to hear Dr. Addie Ellis share on navigating and leading the world of education during this perfect storm of racism, a pandemic, and unemployment. 

In Episode 23, the James B McClatchy Foundation's CEO Priscilla Enriquez helps us take a look at the world of philanthropy and the hurdles that are faced in order to create more equitable communities. We also touch on opportunities that have surfaced due to this moment of disruption we are experiencing.

In Episode 22, Adrian is joined by Doni Blumenstock and Larry Garcia to discuss leadership best practices and the establishment of a new latinx leadership network in the Sacramento Region. Thank you for tuning in to “in our tribe” podcast.  In this episode you will hear from two leadership masters.  Please keep in mind that this was recorded in the early stages of quarantining using basic recording tools. Think of it as listening to your favorite show on a vintage transmitter radio while driving across the heartland. Through the static there is a message for us all.

Improve Your Tomorrow's Michael Lynch and Michael Casper engage in a real transparent conversation with Adrian regarding their journey as Co-Executive Directors of IYT and how they are ushering the next wave of boys and men of color who will contribute to society greatly.

Adrian and Nicoda sit down and talk about the roller coaster of creating season three and the rockstars who joined us during this monumental moment of change.

Join Adrian and Nicoda as they reflect back on Season Two of in our tribe.

In this episode of in our tribe we continue investigating youth active civic participation with guest Jesse Salinas. Jesse oversees the Yolo County Assessor/ Clerk-Recorder/ Registrar of Voters Department for all of Yolo County in California. Tune-in to see how Jesse and his community partners are engaging youth of Yolo county in the voting process in a new and exciting way.  Make no mistake about it Jesse Salinas is a true Youth and Community Developer not afraid to speak and partner with our greatest resources- our young people. 

In Episode 19 of in our tribe we shine a light on what it takes to create a strengths-based culture on campus with Principal of Montgomery High School, Louie Zumstein. Principal Zumstein has dedicated the last three years to sharpening his skills as a strengths-based leader and creating a school culture where all can be there best and valued for who they are and where they want to go in life. If you are ready to take your team to the next level of strengths development on your campus then you will surely want to tap into the knowledge and expertise of Strengths Extraordinaire, Louie Zumstein.

In episode 18 of in our tribe we shine a light on the powerful work of LGBTQ Plus Youth Advocates P.R.I.D.E P.A.K. with Founder Lori Vine, Coordinator of Equity and Student Achievement for San Juan Unified School District. Listen in to hear how she amplifies student voice and makes decisions based on what students need to be successful. Perspective Respect Individuality  Diversity  Equity  with a  Purpose  Around Knowledge and Kindness

In episode 17 of in our tribe we are joined by Jose Gonzalez, Founder of Latino Outdoors. During our time together Jose shared how Latino Outdoors is fulfilling a vision where all Latino communities enjoy nature as a safe, inclusive, and welcoming place- a world where the outdoors is a place to share and celebrate stories, knowledge, and culture, while growing leadership and an active community of Latino outdoor users, mentors, and stewards. Latino Outdoors has 19 chapters throughout the United States and growing fast. Listen in to see how you can get involved. 

Have you ever went to a party and the DJ was so good that they took the people on an emotional musical journey that you will soon not forget? Similarly, have you ever gone to a training or learning community when the facilitator was so dynamic that they changed the course on how you do things and think about your field? Turns out that both the DJ and the facilitator tap into the same dynamics of human emotion to turn the party out, move the crowd, and learn out loud.    In episode 16 of in our tribe we mix it up a bit with one of Sacramento's great DJ's- DJ Anthony Vincent to tap into the gears of connecting with your audience by stimulating their hearts and minds and connecting them to each other. 

Consider Episode 15 (season two) of in our tribe a love letter to the community of North Highlands/Foothill Farms. Nestled in on the Northside of Sacramento County- North Highlands/Foothill Farms has often been overlooked by local government and seen as "just outside the lines" to participate as an active partner in regional youth development efforts. Gladly all of that seems to be changing and North Highlands/Foothill Farms is showing that they can turn a youth development party out given an opportunity and resources. Join us for a fun and passionate conversation with Crystal Harding and Paris Dye from The Black Child Legacy Campaign as they share how youth development and authentic youth voice/choice is alive and well on the North Side of Sacramento County. 

In Season 2 Episode 14 in our tribe welcomes the superintendent of Galt Joint Union Elementary School District--the incomparable Mrs. Karen Schauer. Karen shares her insights on creating a strengths-based school district that pays attention to the engagement of its students and staff. We also touch on the lessons learned from The Galt Youth Master Plan and what's next for the wonderful City of Galt--a city that creates amazing places and spaces for youth to thrive and succeed. Tune-in to a superintendent that is a true leader and knows how to dream, design and disrupt.  

In season two - episode 13 of in our tribe we sit down with Frank Pisi, Director of History-Social Science for Sacramento County Office of Education to discuss how the school subject of History has advanced in the last decade or so. It turns out that this isn't our grandmothers' history lessons anymore. In California History has become more engaging, equitable, and relevant. Enjoy our conversation with a true Youth Development Pioneer who is ensuring that all young people not only know history but also know their own story. 

Welcome back to another episode of in our tribe, a podcast brought to you by YDN. If you are new to our show thanks a million for tuning in! In Episode #12, we spend time with Brandon Miller, CEO of 34 Strong and author of Play to Their Strengths, discussing parenting through a strengths-based lens.

We are back! In episode 11, we sit down with G.A.B.Y. program representatives Heidi Elneil and Solana Torres to explore the world of youth philanthropy.

A quick thank you from our host.

Yolo County is in the midst of a strengths renaissance. With over 700 of its employees trained and properly uploaded, Makayle Leigh sits down with us to share why strengths is catching on and what Yolo County is doing to make sure that the strengths culture they are creating is sustainable. It has been a blast for YDN to be part of this journey with Yolo County and we are sure that you will gain valuable insights and new momentum from this conversation with Makayle Leigh- Strengths Extraordinaire! Thanks for tuning in to dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts. 

Welcome to another episode of in our tribe, a podcast brought to you by YDN. If you are new to our show thanks a million for tuning in! In Episode #9, we are joined by YDN's trainers and youth specialists Trao Thao and Heidi Elneil who help us take a look at youth voice and choice--the how's, why's, what's, and buts of it all. Get ready for dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts. 

In episode #8 of in our tribe, Dr. Tico Zendejas gives us his unique insight into the Latino  leadership pipeline in Yolo County. What are the lessons learned, opportunities missed, and the new hope for an emerging leadership pathway for Latinos? As a non-profit executive, former school board member, and entrepreneur - Dr. Zendejas studied the current state of Latinos in leadership while receiving his doctorate from UC Davis. His findings are not only on-point academically but felt and experienced by him as a lifelong citizen of Yolo County. Get ready for dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts. 

As Sacramento anxiously awaits the District Attorney's decision relating to the deadly officer involved shooting of young Stephon Clark, in our tribe sat down with Board Member of Sacramento ACT- Pastor Les Simmons to learn more about what is being done to strengthen the weakened relationship between the community and law enforcement. What is the dream moving forward? How do we design it? And how do we disrupt the current negative feelings and misunderstandings that exist on both sides?   “Heads up” to all of our listeners - you are about to listen to real talk about a defining moment  for our city and region. We encourage you to suspend your assumptions and listen with an open heart and an open mind. With that, please step inside into episode #7 of in our tribe with special guest, Les Simmons.  

Episode #6 is for all the leaders out there who are trying to figure out how to adapt to a world where change is fast, constant, and furious.  Joining us to make sense of it all and to give you The 4 Keys of Agile Leadership is Dr. Jessica Kriegel. Dr. Kriegel works as a Senior Organizational Development Consultant. She acts as an adviser and strategist in matters of organizational development, change management and talent development. 

Welcome to another episode of in our tribe, a podcast brought to you by YDN. If you are new to our show thanks a million for tuning in! In episode#5 of in our tribe Jennyann Gallo, Program Coordinator at First Star, shares her background growing up in Sacramento and her adventures all over the west coast using the Youth Development Network approach and the strengths approach.