Sin Cuenta

A Teacher, Leader, Mentor and Friend In this second part of a two-part episode, Dr. Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, leads off with a brief discussion on her experience in the United States Department of Education as former Assistant Secretary For Elementary and Secondary Education.  Then two of her long-time and dear friends, Ofelia Lariviere and Richard Martinez, share not only what it was like to have worked with Thelma, but to know her as an "hermanita," a mentor and a friend.  You will not want to miss one of Thelma's stories about a former student, “Jesus” and how her staff came together and changed his life. Laura has Thelma treat us to some insights into her interactions with, now First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, as they gathered to celebrate teachers.  Thelma shares what might be expected for education under the Biden administration. Be sure to listen to part 1 of Thelma's episode, to hear about her personal pillars for retirement, what it's like to lead schools, and about the work that is still needed to attain equity in education. Follow us on Instagram at #sincuenta_podcast to view the Sin Cuenta commissioned Loteria inspired card titled “La Sabiduria,” meaning “wisdom,” to honor Thelma's sharing of wisdom, nurturing of aspiring educators and leader, and for the knowledge she strives to deliver to the children and communities she serves We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este episodio sea de su agrado.

This first of a two part episode, is a wonderful conversation with one of our more influential Latina educators, Dr. Thelma Melendez de Santa Ana, a student, teacher, principal, leader, mentor and former Assistant Secretary For Elementary and Secondary Education under the Obama Administration. For our #sincuentalisteners planning to retire soon or who have retired unsuccessfully and continue to work, Thelma shares her personal pillars for retirement. For those who are leading schools and teaching in classrooms, Dr. Melendez de Santa Ana reflects on the work that must continue to attain equity in education. Last but not least, she imparts wisdom about leading and having mentors. In her own life, the impact of one teacher, Mrs. Silverman, is emblematic of the great effect an educator can have on a child. Dr. Melendez de Santa Ana's impact is no different and it resonates through others she leads, mentors and befriends. We will learn more about this in Part 2. There are countless adjectives to describe Thelma and what she means and personifies. Nonetheless, Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card titled “La Sabiduria,” meaning “wisdom,” inspired by Thelma's sharing of wisdom, nurturing of aspiring educators and leaders, and for the knowledge she strives to deliver to the children and communities she has served. Follow us on Instagram @sincuenta_podcast to view the image of a woman with raised arms beaming under the fruits of wisdom borne by an orange tree rising from the proverbial book of knowledge. As a point of reference, this episode was recorded after the election in November 2020. We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este sea de su agrado.

As a young child, Richard Tauer's family, and particularly his widowed mother, faced one of our society's continuing inequities; unequal gender-based pay. Richard's strong sense for righteousness and social justice was forged by his mother's tireless work to keep the family café open while attaining her teaching credential, and eventually accepting a teaching job despite discriminatory terms and work conditions. Now a retired superintendent, education consultant and lecturer, Richard assures us that listening is perhaps one of the most important leadership skills he relies on, because sometimes, all anyone wants is just an opportunity to be heard.  He also reflects on the importance  of organizations (teams) needing to learn and understand their individual members' personalities to improve the effectiveness of the team.  Doing so helps identify members' strengths and dispels preconceived notions or attitudes that would otherwise impact future collaboration.  His experience, demeanor, approach and willingness to coach and mentor groups in this regard has served Sin Cuenta's team very well. As an educational consultant and grandparent, Richard touches on inequities presently faced by large segments of students, with the technological divide being at the forefront.  It is not only about providing students with a device but it is about ensuring reliable quality access to the internet.  The obstacles are not always economic when it is a reality that some communities still lack the necessary infrastructures for reliable service.  He predicts with his “bright glasses on” that the future of education will necessarily involve some form of virtual instruction. He notes there are exceptional teachers who already incorporate technology most effectively to enhance their students' learning, in ways that far exceed what he once did with a film projector. Richard is fond of the Santa Ana Unified School District's community of parents, and particularly the Latino community that refers to him as Ricardito.  He emphasizes that parent involvement is critical to student success. Based on his experiences, especially as modeled by SAUSD, he staunchly denies the notion that Latino parents do not care about their children's education. Richard is not only one of Sin Cuenta's thought partners and godfather but, he is the first to receive a formal invitation to be a Sin Cuenta guest.  Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card titled “El Padrino,” inspired by Richard's imparting of wisdom and blessings on the Sin Cuenta podcast. The image evokes hands in prayer bestowing a blessing, for which we are so grateful. (For context regarding social issues referenced, this interview was recorded in August 2020.) We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este sea de su agrado.

In this, La Tamalada: The 2020 Wrap-up Episode, the Sin Cuenta team mixes up a different "masa" for your enjoyment. A roundtable style format seemed best to get a broad, cross-age perspective about 2020. It was such a strange, divisive and often depressing year, but 2020 also happened to bring so many people together in new and unconventional ways. We hope this special episode lifts our #sincuentalisteners' collective spirits as we move into 2021. Sin Cuenta is joined by three special guests at different points along their respective life journeys. Roxana "Roxy" Perez, a 17-year old high school senior from Long Beach, California; Aaron Silva, a 27 years old, who just graduated with a BA in Studio Arts from Cal State Long Beach and is Sin Cuenta's very own Resident Artist; and Dr. Ruben Diaz, Assistant Superintendent of Parlier School District, who also recently successfully completed his doctoral studies. They each share about the people and activities that brought them joy, strength, and hope during this extraordinary and unprecedented year. Roxy is a bright young woman, proud to be of Mexican descent and a role model to her 13 year old brother. She is an encouraging symbol of abundant enthusiasm for learning and pushing forward in what should be her most cherished last year in high school. Her future looks utterly promising! Aaron brings out the unique challenges of "Zoom University" as an up and coming artist whose craft depends on authentic, hands-on experience within a creative space and having to settle instead for the much less personal and highly aseptic virtual college environment. He has nurtured joyous distractions during this difficult time and through him we see how Art and Music help lead the way out of this global crisis. Ruben's voice rings with wisdom, emphasizing the critical importance of courageous leadership and mentoring of our youth. He reminds leaders to speak up for the often "voiceless" communities of color. His love for and the need to reconnect with family brings the hope we need to hold us over until we can gather with our loved ones again. Laura and Sal join in on this insightful conversation, generating some heartfelt expressions and playful banter, that feels like a typical cross-generational holiday kitchen table chat. Hagan de cuenta que somos cualquier familia platicando a gusto durante una tamalada multigeneracional. Relax and enjoy this special episode to wrap up 2020 in true Sin Cuenta style; with admiration and optimism for the good things to come in 2021! Happy New Year y Feliz Año Nuevo a todos!

From Crops to Counselling: Building Bridges For Brighter Futures (Part 2 of 2) In this second part of a two-part episode, Mr. Jack Wright bears his corazon and details how his counseling success began with respect for students and their families.  Jack tells of his students, many who are educators, professionals, elected and appointed public servants as well as highly recognized individuals.  Jack explains the vision that established the Franklin Educational Foundation's and what he sees for its future. As a leader and mentor, Jack built bridges with his colleagues at LAUSD and at the Western Association of College Admission Counselors, to influence opportunities and support students with promise. Regardless of race, ethnicity, class, or immigrant status, Mr. Wright helped open doors for students who otherwise would not have had the chance. He reminds us of the importance of the values like hard work, honesty, fortitude and working for what you deserve, while having compassion for the less fortunate. Years later his former students have expressed their appreciation for his guidance in the form of heartfelt thank you letters and significant financial support for the Franklin Educational Foundation.  After hearing this episode, Jack might as well be known as “Mr. Wright: High School Counselor of the Universe.” Be sure to listen to Part 1, where we meet Jack as a young Kansas farm boy and learn of his difficult journey, losing his parents at a young age, having a counselor who encouraged him onto college and deciding to teach and counsel in Los Angeles. It was then, in 1960, that this aspiring teacher and counselor was forged by the social equity issues of the day to develop his passion for counseling and to serve a diverse student population with respect. Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card depicting Mr. Wright, supporting the iconic Franklin High School bridge, titled “El Bridge Builder.” Resident Artist, Aaron Silva delivers an image that evokes Mr Wright's days of building bridges in Kansas and memorializes his work to support former, current and future Franklin Panthers. We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este sea de su agrado.

JACK WRIGHT - From Crops to Counselling (Part 1 of 2) In this first of a two part episode, we meet Jack, a Kansas farm boy who grew up on his family homestead and becomes Mr. Jack Wright, an inspirational educator and both a literal and figurative bridge builder. Mr. Wright is a retired high school college and financial aid counselor from Franklin High School, in Los Angeles, CA. Our Co-host Sal Holguin was a member of Mr. Wright's last graduating class of Panthers in 1992. No introduction does Mr. Wright justice. In Part 1, Mr. Wright takes us on a virtual auto-biographical journey, including how his family was among the first homesteaders, through the worst day of his life as a 10 year old boy, to establishing himself as a teacher and later a counselor in the 1960's and early 70's. The social and equity issues of those days influence him to find that all students and their families must be treated with respect. Thanks to his beloved high school coach, Kayo McGilvary, Jack visited, applied, and attended the Fort Hays campus of Kansas State University. We learn that on his journey, building bridges in the summer motivated Jack to do his best in college. We hear our friend Sal connect the words he often read inscribed in Mr. Wright's college office, “If you don't like the smell of sweat, go to college,” to his counselor's inspirational life story. Well-founded and long lasting relationships are key in Jack's success and keen ability to help others. In Part 2, Building Bridges For Brighter Futures (Part 2 of 2), we will learn more about Mr. Wright's relationships with former students and now well-known individuals, who helped establish and fund the Franklin Education Foundation's endowment of now over $4 million dollars, which awards a number of annual scholarships to graduating Franklin seniors. Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card depicting Mr. Wright, supporting the iconic Franklin High School bridge, titled “El Bridge Builder.” The image evokes Mr Wright's days of building bridges in Kansas and reminds us of all of his work to support current and future Franklin Panthers. We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este episodio sea de su agrado.

Michele Broadnax “La Cultivator”  As an avid gardener, Michele Broadnax loves getting her hands in soil; it provides for much needed “self-care.” But she also cultivates funds, human resources and dedicated professional leaders in her more than 25 years experience in public relations and program development initiatives. This work has earned Michele the position of Chief Executive Officer for Los Angeles Educational Partnership (LAEP). She is now only one of a handful of black female non-profit CEOs in California. Michele comes from a long line of educators, creatives, and social activists. By the age 15, Michele, the niece of a Black Panther and cousin of a west coast engagement coordinator for the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X, was blessed at a Thanksgiving dinner by her grandmother for having a voice that would surely speak out for social justice.  Michele shares a thoughtful and candid discussion about black female identity with our #sincuentalisteners. She explains how it informs both big and small decisions and interactions in her world. Michele's successful fundraising efforts are based not just on data and research, but also on a deeply steeped recognition that the cause must be greater than any one person or organization. Her direct approach and intentional steps to grow people and organizations fosters and improves their development and ultimately supports communities of color in need.  Michele's daughter, Aneesah, joins in to share her admiration and love for her mother and her work. Michele's passion influenced Aneesah's own trajectory in contemporary art and womanist theology studies. This mother-daughter combo will help us reflect and get through this unprecedented social and viral “muck,” through creativity and activism.  Sin Cuenta has commissioned a loteria inspired card titled, “La Cultivator” to honor Michele Broadnax for her life's work and way of being. Follow us on Instagram @sincuenta_podcast to view this image created by rising artist, Aaron Silva.  Sin Cuenta thanks Javier Solis, Technical Producer and Editor, Aaron Silva, Resident Artist, and all of our family and friends who support us on this journey. Be sure to rate us and write a review. We would love to hear from you and share some of your posts on future podcasts.  Esperamos que Sin Cuenta sea de su agrado. We hope you enjoy Sin Cuenta.

A CLEAR Leader, Dr. Ken Magdaleno - “El Winner” (Pt. 2 of 2) In Part 1 of his interview, Dr. Ken Magdaleno gives us an orientation into informed action through leadership. and about growing up in a small Ventura County town with angry emotions, as he opens up about losing his mother and being subjected to emotional abuse and a brief but positive foster family experience, that was difficult for him to process. His leadership journey takes him from the military to civil service, from walk-on football coach to unexpectedly becoming a teacher, guidance counselor, and school administrator. Ken redefined himself, and restarted his college career at age 38, Through his doctoral research the frustrating findings lead him to form the CALSA Mentoring program and others. In this episode (Part 2), this now retired professor from Fresno State and CEO of the Center for Leadership Equity And Research reflects on how the mentoring programs he developed have strategically formed current educational and social justice leaders. Among other things, these programs seek to develop role models who espouse moral values of dignity and respect. Former CALSA mentoring proteges and succeeding CALSA Mentoring Program Directors Soccorro Shiels and Dr. Juan Santos, make a special appearance to honor Ken with palabras de corazon for their mentor and inspirational leader. Ken beams with pride at how much they have already influenced others and will continue to do so on their journeys. This fan of Carlos Santana is most proud of his family and great-grandparenting. Ken only discriminates between flour or corn tortillas depending on the dish. Ken's life work makes him "El Winner” who can walk through any door to face all forms of inequities, institutional and systemic racism and oppression. Ken has mentored an army of other similar leaders and together they make an incredible difference. Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card, titled “El Winner”, in Ken's childhood dream image of himself as a baseball player. Follow us on Instagram @Sincuenta_Podcast to view this memorable image created by rising artist Aaron Silva. You can find Ken Magdaleno at: www.clearvoz.com and by e-mail at kmagdaleno@clearvoz.com

A CLEAR Leader, Dr. Ken Magdaleno - “El Winner” The first Sin Cuenta Podcast guest is Dr. Ken Magdaleno, whose name has become synonymous with the word “Praxis,” which the great educator Paulo Freire described as “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.” In Part 1 of a 2-part interview, Ken gives us an orientation into informed action through leadership.  He tells of growing up in a small Ventura County town with angry emotions, as he opens up about losing his mother and being subjected to emotional abuse and a brief but positive foster family experience, that was difficult for him to process. His leadership journey takes him from the military to civil service, from walk-on football coach to unexpectedly becoming a teacher, guidance counselor, and school administrator.  Ken redefined himself, and restarted his college career at age 38.  His challenging search for data to complete his doctoral work on mentoring and leadership for Latinx educators and the frustrating findings leads him to form the CALSA Mentoring program and create and consult on the formation of others. Ken is recognized as the CALSA's initial Mentoring Program Consultant and Director.  Ken went on to retire as professor and director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. In Part 2, this now retired professor and CEO of the Center for Leadership Equity And Research reflects on how the mentoring programs he developed have strategically formed current educational and social justice leaders.  Among other things, these programs seek to develop role models who espouse moral values of dignity and respect.  Former CALSA mentoring proteges and succeeding CALSA Mentoring Program Directors Soccorro Shiels and Dr. Juan Santos, make a special appearance to honor Ken with palabras de corazon for their mentor and inspirational leader.  Ken beams with pride at how much they have already influenced others and will continue to do so on their journeys. This fan of Carlos Santana is most proud of his family and great-grandparenting.  Ken only discriminates between flour or corn tortillas depending on the dish.  Ken's life work makes him "El Winner” who can walk through any door to face all forms of inequities, institutional and systemic racism and oppression.  Ken has mentored an army of other similar leaders and together they make an incredible difference. On behalf of Sin Cuenta, we have commissioned a Loteria inspired card, titled “El Winner”, in Ken's childhood dream image of himself as a baseball player.  Follow us on Instagram @Sincuenta_Podcast to view this memorable image created by rising artist Aaron Silva. You can find Ken Magdaleno at: www.clearvoz.com and by e-mail at kmagdaleno@clearvoz.com

Sin Cuenta episode one with Laura and Sal

The Sin Cuenta Podcast has been in development for well over a year and a half.  We conceived it as a podcast to share countless stories of sacrifice, struggles, inspiration and success.  The podcast is a tribute to the cultural experience of passing down “countless” family stories and cultural lore through oral history. We hope to reach across age, professions, and experiences and invite you to share and like our podcast with your family and friends.  Sin Cuenta's countless stories will uncover how the Latino/Latinx experience is not the same for all.  Latinos have different immigrant experiences, come from different countries, share different political views, spiritual and religious philosophies, as well as speak different languages and often with different accents, regionalism and curiously different vocabulary.  Unlike mainstream portrayals of Latinos, Sin Cuenta will show how Latinos are educators, professionals, artist, creators, mentors, leaders and entrepreneurs.