PolicyWise

Today's Hosts: Elli AreProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalWhat does Climate education look like in California schools these days? Bluntly, there are no climate education mandates for For K-12 or for general education at public university.For most students environmental education doesn't become accessible until you get to college and really only if that's your chosen major. Enter California Assembly Bill 1939, which aims to address this deficiency in our education system. First introduced in 2022, AB 1939 would add a science requirement to California K-12 schools addressing the causes and effects of Climate Change and offer methods to mitigate and adapt. As of the time of this recording the Bill was sent by the senate to the Committee on Education where it has sat since June 15th, 2022Today, Elli is Joined by Sage Lenier, creator of the UC Berkley course Solutions for a Sustainable and Just Future, and former Instructor of the same UC Berkeley course Anu Thirunarayanan to discuss Climate literacy, what accessible and equitable environmental education should look like, and the power of peer-to-peer/youth-led education. https://www.sustainableandjustfuture.org/historyWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Today's Hosts: Mehek KandruProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalToday on Policywise, Mehek dives into what the education system looks like for incarcerated individuals.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Today's Hosts: Demi Wack & Ellinor ArzbaecherProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalToday on Policywise Demi and Elli discuss Prop AB15O5 by Democratic Assembly member Patrick O'Donell from Long Beach CA. In 2019 California Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB15O5 into law and rewriting the state's charter school lawsWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Today's Hosts: Demi WackProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalWhenever you're ready. Hello everyone, and welcome to our next episode of Policy-Wise. I am really thrilled today to be joined by Cindy Loff, the director of the National Childcare Association. Today, we'll be talking a little bit about the state of childcare in the United States, learning what the current status is of childcare, what are some of the efforts being made, and what are some of the problems that we might be able to tackle as young folks, uh, just starting to address some of these issues and seeing these issues all around us. Now, before we jump in too much about Cindy and learning more about her, Cindy, I was wondering if you could come on and give us a little bit of a background about the National Childcare Association, uh, what it does and how it fits into policy within the United States?We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Today we'll be hearing from McLane high school teacher and Fresno Teachers Association President Manuel Bonilla and self-proclaimed troublemaker Louis Jamerson the Executive Director of the Fresno Teachers Association. Together these two are bringing big perspectives and power positions from the FTA.Today's Hosts: Demi Wack, Mehek Kandru & Ellinor ArzbaecherProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

It is so good to be back!  For our final season, we'll be switching things up. As always we'll be speaking with people who are experts in their fields, policymakers, and everyday people who are making a difference in their communities, but we'll also each be taking the opportunity to do deep dives into the areas that interest us the most. Join our hosts Elli, Mehek and Demi as they explore the policy areas that interest them most as they continue their journey to discover what makes a Policy Wise?Today's Hosts: Demi Wack, Mehek Kandru & Ellinor ArzbaecherProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Fatima Ramirez Editor: Rachel LivinalWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demetria Wack, Elli Arzbaecher, Mehek Kandru and Michael Wiafe.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockToday is Michael's last episode with Policywise (as a host anyway). Two years ago Policywise was just an idea–then came Michael and Demi. Under their leadership Policywise covered so many different issues and talked with people from so many walks of life. In that time we watched Michael grow into the passionate, hilarious, and dedicated professional that he today. We're so proud of his continued growth and wish him all the best as Policy Analyst at the Inland Empire Community Foundation. Thank you, Michael! Each of us here on the Policywise team wanted to leave you with a few words...I will sincerely miss Michael's charisma, enthusiasm, and willingness to dive deeper into each conversation. But most of all, I will miss chatting with one of the most devoted and thoughtful people I know each week. Good luck out there, friend! -DemiMichael pursued the PolicyWise vision with such skill and personality, and achieved what he set out to do with this podcast. I am so sad to see him leave the team, but am incredibly excited to watch him continue on his journey! Thank you for your support these last couple years, Michael, we got it from here

Intro: Demitria WackGuest: Eriveto "Beto" Vasquez-Sanchez, Jaylee Alacala-Lopez, Carlos Alacala-Lopez, Jax Garcia, Ja'rea Theissen, and Alexia SanchezProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockOn todays episode of PolicyWise, we'll be throwing things over to the young people from Madera to talk all things Vaccinate all 58. Please enjoy hearing from Beto, Jaylee, Jax, Ja'rea, and Alexia about their experiences throughout the pandemic and the importance of getting vaccinated because no one is alone when we are in community together. For more information: Vaccinateall58.com cdc.gov/coronavirusTo find a local texting and vaccination site visit:myturn.ca.govWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Ellinor Arzbaecher & Michael Wiafe Guest: Ashens Limon and Michael Yamamura Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockVaccinate All 58 is a movement aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters by helping to spread facts and address misinformation. yli is working with young folks across the state to create and share resources to keep Californians informed about the steps they can take to keep themselves and  their families safe. This podcast is one of those resources. We hope you enjoy hearing from Ashens and Michael from COVID-19 Youth Task Force. Stay tuned here for more on Vaccinate All 58.For more information: Vaccinateall58.com Insta: @Stopthespread_ecvWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Michael Wiafe & Ellinor ArzbaecherGuests: Troy Williams, Alissa Moore, Marvin Galdamez, Jeronimo AguilarProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Kody Stoebig & Ellinor ArzbaecherWhat do you know about modern day slavery? Sorry, we mean involuntary servitude. Article 1, Section 6 of the California Constitution currently states: “Slavery is prohibited. Involuntary servitude is prohibited except to punish crime.” Wait...what? What is this 1860?? We sat down with some folks from the grassroots campaign Abolish Bondage Collectively (ABC), a movement “working to to eradicate structural racism and erase vestiges of slavery,” to discuss what this clause means, its impact, and why it should be removed from our state constitution. Our guests detailed some of their own experiences as formerly incarcerated individuals, the deeply ingrained inequities within our justice system, and legislation they are pushing to pass statewide. ABC support ACA 3 – Abolishing Involuntary Servitude. ACA 3 would place a state constitutional amendment on the November 2022 ballot to remove a clause in California's Constitution that allows the practice of involuntary servitude as a means of punishing crimeFor more information: Abolish Bondage CollectivelyThe History of Involuntary Servitude in CaliforniaLegal Services for Prisoners with ChildrenWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Intro: Michael WiafeHost: Fatíma RamirezGuest: Evelia CabreraProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockVaccinate All 58 is a movement aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters by helping to spread facts and address misinformation. yli is working with young folks across the state to create and share resources to keep Californians informed about the steps they can take to keep themselves and  their families safe. This podcast is one of those resources. We hope you enjoy hearing from Evelia Cabrera from COVID-19 Youth Task Force. Stay tuned here for more on Vaccinate All 58.For more information: Vaccinateall58.com Insta: @Stopthespread_ecvWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria WackGuest: Maria "Masha" AruzumanovProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockMaria worked in economic research at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, undertaking projects in gender and ethnic discrimination. She also interned with the Market Research team at the Federal Reserve, and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs at the U.S. Department of State.Maria graduated from UBC with a BA in economics and a minor in business. Her dissertation focused on unequal transit access in Chicago's historically Black neighborhoods. She also holds a MSc in political science and political economy from the London School of Economics (LSE), with a dissertation in representation and accountability of US government officials.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Mehek Kandru, and Michael Wiafe.Guest:  Oakland Council Member Carroll FifeProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockTaken from Council member Fife's website"Carroll Fife is the councilmember-elect for Oakland's District 3. After decades of public service as a non-profit director and community organizer, Carroll was called to run for office by the people with whom she organizes every day. One of the founding members of Moms for Housing, Carroll has fought both in the halls of power and in the streets to protect the human right to housing. As councilmember her priorities will be to divest from police to invest in community, get every unsheltered person in Oakland into housing as quickly as possible, and create progressive tax structures to correct social and racial inequities. Her historic winning campaign, supported by virtually every endorsing organization in Oakland, was powered by over 1000 active volunteers, and has transitioned into a permanent political organization dedicated to passing transformative legislation and building a progressive majority on the Oakland City Council."We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Ellinor Arzbaecher, and Michael Wiafe.Guest:  Will WisemanProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockTaken from the Climatize FAQ"Climatize is an investment platform connecting individual investors with renewable energy projects that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) set by the United Nations (UN). Climatize operates on a crowdlending business model basis– debt crowdfunding – a community of investors collectively lending money to projects. As an investor you can lend money to project promoters in order to finance their projects, starting with as little as $5, and get a fixed return on your investment throughout the duration of the loan. As a project promoter you can use Climatize to raise money to fund your sustainable project with the help of our community of investors."To Find Out More About Climatize We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Ellinor Arzbaecher, Mehek Kandru, Demetria Wack, and Michael Wiafe.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockToday, we do something a little different. Michael has an idea for a policy–consider automatic enrollment from High School to College!We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockOn today's episode, we'll be sharing some very special audio from the 2021 California Economic Summit, which was hosted by our amazing partners CA Forward in Monterey. My co-hosts were lucky enough to attend and speak at the summit, and were joined by their fellow Youth Leadership Advisory Council cohort and speakers like Governor Gavin Newsom and numerous State Assemblymembers. Be sure to visit cafwd.org to learn more about their work!We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demetria Wack.Guest: Josh FridayProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockIn 1963, President Clinton required the governor of each state to create and appoint a commission to administer the new AmeriCorps program. In 2006, the reach of California's commissions was expanded by governor Schwarzenegger to respond to disasters and recovery. Now called California volunteers–the state office is tasked with engaging Californians and services, volunteering and survey action to tackle our state's most pressing challenges while mobilizing all Californians to volunteer and serve their communities Here with me today is the head of California volunteers, chief service officer Josh Fryday. As a member of the Governor's Cabinet, Fryday led the COVID-19 Task Force to support food insecure communities and food banks across the state. Since appointed, California Volunteers has launched the nation's first statewide Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll volunteer initiative, a statewide Neighbor-to-Neighbor campaign, and the #CaliforniansForAll College Program to help thousands of Californians who commit to serving for a year pay for college.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demetria Wack, and Michael Wiafe.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockWith so much is going on in the world–not to mention personal lives, the team decided to just take a step back and catch up. We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demetria Wack, and Michael Wiafe.Guests:  Mayor Farrah N. Khan and Mansi KalraProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Ellinor Arzbaecher, Raymart Catacutan, Kody Stoebig, and Tim HaydockWhat does it take to be considered electable? Experience? Leadership skills? Or is it defined by race or creed? Even more importantly, who is gets to make that call?  Join Demi and Michael as they talk with City of Irvine Mayor Farrah N. Khan and University of San Fransisco student, yli Program Coordinator and organizer Mansi Kalra about identity, engaging youth in the Irvine community and ask just who exactly is considered electable?In November of 2020 history was made as Mayor Farrah N. Khan became the 23rd Mayor of Irvine. Mayor Khan became the first woman of color to hold the position in Irvine, and the first Muslim woman to lead a large city in all the United States. Not to mention that she also received the highest number of votes for the position of Mayor in the city's history.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demetria Wack, Ellinor Arzbaecher and Michael Wiafe.Guests: Raymart CatacutanProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Ellinor Arzbaecher, and Kody Stoebig.We are so excited to introduce our newest co-host and co-editor Fresno State Student Raymart Catacutan! Parks4all Audio provided by The Know Youth Media. The full #Parks4All video can be found here.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Featuring: Demi Wack.Host: Michael Wiafe.Guests: Raymart Catacutan, Alejandra Espinosa, Michael Navarro, Daphne Ramirez.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Ellinor Arzbaecher, and Kody Stoebig.We are so ridiculously grateful for everyone who came to yli's birthday celebration in November!  We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Ellinor Arzbaecher and Michael Wiafe.Guests: Natalia Arzbaecher and Zofia TrexlerProduction and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Ellinor Arzbaecher, and Kody Stoebig.In 2018, the CDC reported that 26 percent (one in 4) of adults in the United States have some type of disability. In 2019 the US census found that over three million children in the United States had a disability in 2019, up since 2008. With the highest rate of childhood disability belonging to American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN), followed by children of more than one race and Black children. And guess what?? Today's a Surprise Sibling Episode as we are joined by Ellie's sister Natalia! Who has lived with Diabetes since she was 7 years old.Also joining us is Zofia Trexler who work with Disability Rights California as a Peer Self Advocacy Trainer, specifically working and creating content for Transitional Age Youth with mental health disabilities.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Round Table With: Demitria Wack, Ellinor Arzbaecher and Michael Wiafe.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and WELCOME TO THE TEAM KODY STOEBIG.Welcome to Season Three! On the season 3 premiere of PolicyWise, Hosts Demi, Elli and Michael get together (In Person![FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!!]) at the Youth Leadership Institute office in Fresno, California. The PolicyWise Podcast began right as the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdowns went into affect–as a result the team has never been in the same room together. UNTIL NOW!Join the team as they discuss high school dances, their personal Mt. Rushmore's, AOC's dress (yes that dress) and of course policy. 

Hi Everyone! You might be wondering where this week's episode is...After 16 Episodes we've decided to mark the end of Season two!But don't worry PolicyWise People, PolicyWise will be back for Season three in just a couple weeks! But first we're getting back in the lab and planning out the best season yet! In the meantime, tell us what you think using the feedback survey in the description of every episode or message us on social media and tell your friends! We have lots of previous episodes that you may have missed for you to enjoy during this break.  Stay Tuned! And Stay Wise… PolicyWise that is. We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Michael Wiafe.Guest: Jim Keddy and Sarah-Michael Gaston.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and Abby Pugh.The roots of racialized drug laws and drug enforcement are deeply ingrained into our criminal justice systems. The War on Drugs starting in the 1970s drove this discrimination against people of color, specifically Black deeper into families, communities, and institutions--driving families into poverty, separating children from their families , and creating generations of cumulative disadvantage. The enforcement of marijuana laws has played a particularly large role in this process. As an increasing number of states legalize majauana, there is debate where money raised from this industry should be spent. Youth Forward is an organization dedicated to improving the health, education, and wellbeing of our most vulnerable children and youth through policy advocacy, education and community action. They have become a leading voice for racial equity and community reinvestment in regards to cannabis legalization in California Resources:California ForwardYouth Leadership Institute We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Elli Arzbaecher.Guest: Jacob Martinez.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and Abby Pugh.In California, though broadband subscriptions were at record height pre-pandemic, significant gaps still exist, with diminished broadband access within low-income, minority, and rural communities. Considering the ever-expanding reliance on technology within education and workforce development, it is vital to close the digital divide to give underserved communities and youth equal opportunity for success and achievement. A few episodes back, we talked to Prince Ogidikpe and Sunne Wright McPeak about legislative efforts to tackle the digital divide. Today we will be approaching the issue from a new angle, learning from an organization who works directly with young people throughout California and beyond. The DigitalNEST aims to create economic equality for the residents of low income and rural regions and teach young people the technical skills needed to become competitive and self-sufficient in the digital future. The Digital NEST's model for tech equity has received national recognition for conquering the digital divide in underserved communities throughout the U.S. We will be talking to the DigitalNest Founder, Jacob Martinez. Before starting Digital NEST, Jacob spent nearly 10 years running a program funded by the National Science Foundation, to encourage underrepresented Latina girls, and later boys as well, to study computer science. Jacob currently sits on several community boards and has  received many leadership awards, such as being named one of TechCrunch's 2014 “Top 10 Men in the Country Supporting Women in Technology.” Resources:DigitalNEST.orgWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Mehek Kandru.Guest: Jewel Hurtado.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and Abby Pugh.Jewel Hurtado was born and raised in the Central San Joaquin Valley. At the age of 22, Jewel is the youngest elected official in the Valley and a powerful voice for young people in her community and beyond. She is currently an undergraduate student majoring in Sociology at California State University Bakersfield. She has chosen to pursue her education locally with the desire to continuously give back to the community that saw her grow up.Jewel recently proposed an official recognition of Pride Month to the City of Kingsburg, and was very surprised when it was met with resistance and effectively killed.So...now what? Today, we get Jewel's thoughts on being a new mother, a student (among other identities), what she thinks life experience brings to decision-making tables and how to move forward from here.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Michael Wiafe.Guest: Michael Tubbs.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock, Mehek Kandru, Elli Arzbaecher, and Abby Pugh.Instead of getting policymakers to listen to the youth voice, Michael Tubbs brought the youth voice directly to the table--actually the very front of the decision making table. In 2016, The election of Michael Tubbs as Mayor of Stockton, made him the youngest Mayor of any major city in American history at only 26 years old, as well as Stockton's first African-American Mayor. As Mayor, he was known for his dedication to education programs, crime reduction, and for leading the nation's first-ever mayor-led guaranteed income pilot. Under his leadership, Stockton was named an All American city in 2017 and 2018, and named the second most fiscally healthy city in California. Stockton also led the state in the decline of officer-involved shootings in 2019, and saw a 40% drop in homicides in 2018 and 2019 under his leadership. Tubbs was named a member of Fortune's Top 40 under 40,  a Forbes 30 under 30 All Star Alumni, the “Most Valuable Mayor” by the Nation Magazine, the 2019 New Frontier Award Winner from the JFK Library and the Institute of Politics, as well as several other recognitions. Currently, Michael Tubbs serves as a statewide appointee of Governor Gavin Newsom on the Commission for Police Officer and Standards Training (POST) and as a member of the National Police Foundation's Council on Policing Reforms and Race.We'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Michael Wiafe.Guest: Dr. Joseph Castro.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock and Abby Pugh.The California State University public university system consists of 23 campuses  enrolling around a half a million students, the largest four-year public university system in the United States. Altogether, about half of the bachelor's degrees, a third of the master's degrees, and almost two percent of the doctoral degrees awarded each year in California are from the CSU. Plus, as both Michael and I demonstrate, clearly the most promising and humble graduates in the world. Today we have the pleasure of talking to one of my greatest role models and friends who we have mentioned in a few podcasts recognizing his amazing leadership skills.Dr. Joseph I. Castro serves as the eighth chancellor to lead the California State University (CSU). He is the first Californian and first person of color to serve in this role. The grandson of immigrants from Mexico and the son of a single mother, Dr. Castro was the first in his family to graduate from a university. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Ph.D. in higher education policy and leadership from Stanford University. ​He is a renowned and gifted scholar in the fields of leadership and public policy, and has mentored hundreds of other scholars and practitioners, including many university presidents and senior officers. Prior to his appointment as CSU chancellor in September 2020, Dr. Castro served as president of California State University, Fresno, beginning in 2013. He also worked in the University of California system for 23 yearsWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Hosts: Demitria Wack and Michael Wiafe.Guest: Gia Vang and Wenda Fong.Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock and Abby Pugh.Gia Vang is an emerging leader in news broadcasting Previously having worked in Arizona, Missouri, and Oregon, she is Now the news anchor for Kare 11 based out of the twin cities of Minnesota, where she covers a wide variety of topics including politics, weather and sports. She is the first Hmong American anchor in the Twin Cities providing representation for by far the largest metropolitan population of Hmong in the United States.  Before that,  she was an anchor in Fresno just a little closer to those of us in California and she graduated with her degree in Journalism from Sacramento State University.Wenda Fong is an inspiring media trailblazer. She has produced and directed awards and talk shows, musical and reality specials, sitcoms, documentaries and more. She is the first person of color and only woman to have produced the Emmy awards and launched productions across the world. Wenda spearheaded diversity at Fox broadcasting and was the first vice president of creative diversity development. She launched and oversaw American Idol in 2002 and moved on to supervise all reality series including American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef and many other shows that some of us grew up watching, . She is the co-founder and chairperson emeritus of the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment which is the largest, long-running and most influential organization for Asian American Pacific Islanders in entertainment. Among SO many other accomplishments, leadership, community service she is the Vice Chair of the California State University Board of Trustees and got her degree in Asian American Studies from University of Southern California.Resources and Links:Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE)Stop AAPI HateHappy AAPI Heritage Month PSAWe'd Love to Hear from You! Clink the link below to fill out a quick survey and let us know what you think!https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QLVPBCTFollow us on social @policywisepod on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! And don't forget to subscribe and rate us on iTunes. See you next time on PolicyWise!

Today we'll be talking with Josh Chan and Ashley Mills about the creation of a state office of suicide prevention within the office of public health in addition to California’s Strategic Plan for Suicide Prevention.

Welcome Mehek and Ellie!!!

In honor of National Sibling Day, this week we will have two episodes featuring PolicyWise host's Siblings! With us today is Michael's sister Adwoa Wiafe to talk about her experience as a Medical student in her final year on the front lines of the pandemic.

In honor of National Sibling Day, this week we will have two episodes featuring PolicyWise host's Siblings! With us today is Demi's brother Morgan Wack, doctoral student in the Department of Political Science at the University of Washington, to talk about broader issues with social media regulation and the impact of misinformation surrounding the insurrection.

With us today, we have Kindra F. Montgomery-Block discussing the complex relationship between race, health and economics.

Today Demi and Michael talk to two Central Valley Leaders, Ashley Swearengin and Dr. Tania Pacheco-Warner, involved in the The DRIVE Initiative which hopes to break cycles of economic and racial disparity by focusing on: economic development, human capital, and neighborhood quality.

As the winners of the 2020 elections take their seats, and we move on to a new era of political leaders, we have the opportunity to speak with a young member of the Republican party to talk about the future of the Republican party in California.

Today’s episode is about creating an inclusive K-12 curriculum and educational equity in California, focusing on proposed changes to education to include ethnic studies in the curriculum and the "education to end hate" initiative

Today's episode will be audio from the Main Stage of the 2020 California Economic Summit, hosted by California Forward. We had a panel conversation between former PolicyWise guests Elli and Jade, with Michael, about what we learned during 2020 and what it means for our view of California’s future. This was Moderated by Daisy Castellón of Lucas Public Affairs.

Today the PolicyWise Team reflects on the passed year and the first season of PolicyWise

We are taking the week off, thank you for your support!

Today Demi and Michael talk with Nick Jasso, UCLA student and Youth Voice Fellow for Fresh Lifelines for Youth, about growing in up the Bay Area, youth incarceration and School Resource Officers.

Today's episode will be audio from the 2020 California Economic Summit, hosted by California Forward. The Young Leaders Advisory Council hosted an associated event that culminated in a panel with Julia, Ashley, Stephanie and Mehek moderated by Candice Mays of Voice Media Ventures focused on discussion designed to explore the social implications of failing to properly invest in Black Indigenous People Of Color and underserved communities. The discussion explores the impact of external social narratives in supporting systemic racism through education, social inclusion and mental health. These points have become an undeniable focus in the national dialog in response to the Black Lives Matter movement and the resounding call for social justice and systemic change.

Hosts Demi and Michael talk with Jacqueline Martinez-Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation about representation and the Latino/x vote.Hosts: Demitria Wack and Michael Wiafe. Guests: Elli Arzbaecher and Grant Mack. Production and Marketing: Jarrett Ramones, Tim Haydock and Abby Pugh.

Hosts Demi and Michael talk with YLI's Tim Haydock to discuss and introduce a recording of The 2019 California Economic Summit.

Hosts Demi and Michael welcome Jade and Micah to the show to talk about The 2020 California Economic Summit.

Hosts Demi and Michael welcome Elli and Grant to the show to talk about environmental justice and California energy policy.

Hosts Demi and Michael welcome Noel and Aidan to the show to discuss encouraging the youth vote, Prop 18 and more.

Hosts Demi and Michael welcome Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber and Isaac Alferos to the show to discuss Proposition 16, the ways that equity is on the ballot in California this November and all things education.

Welcome to the first PolicyWise pod! We bring on Youth Leadership Institute CEO Patty Barahona to discuss what YLI does and we share the vision for the podcast and why it's more important than ever to include young people in policy discussions.