Podcasts about mikva challenge

We are thrilled to introduce Stephanie Marquis Barber, a trailblazer in the realm of education innovation, as a featured speaker on our podcast. Based in Long Beach, California, Stephanie currently serves as a Product Manager at Teaching.com, where she has made significant strides in shaping the future of learning through technology. With a robust career dedicated to advancing game-based and performance-based learning, Stephanie's work is at the intersection of project & program management, and education equity. Her passion for transformative nonprofit and philanthropic work is not just a professional calling but a personal mission, reflected in her academic pursuit of a graduate degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from USC. Before her current role, Stephanie's journey in educational technology and innovation included developing scenario-based assessments at Age of Learning and leading program management initiatives for Mikva Challenge. At GameDesk, she excelled in project management and content development, further honing her expertise in creating engaging, educational content. Beyond her professional endeavors, Stephanie's dedication to education extends to tutoring students across a wide range of subjects, showcasing her commitment to impacting learners of all ages. At Teaching.com, Stephanie has been instrumental in the successful launch of Reading.com, a groundbreaking subscription-based mobile app designed to empower parents and educators in teaching children to read. Leading a cross-functional team of developers, designers, and curriculum writers, she has employed the Shape Up product development method to bring innovative features from concept to reality. Her leadership extends to managing the customer service team, ensuring a responsive and thoughtful experience for a rapidly growing user base. Collaboration is at the heart of Stephanie's work, partnering with teams across various departments to ensure the product's voice and vision are accurately represented. Her efforts in executing product growth initiatives have been key in driving forward the mission of Teaching.com. Stephanie's deep-rooted passion for education equity, combined with her expertise in leveraging technology to enhance learning, makes her a visionary in the field. We look forward to hearing her insights and experiences, which are sure to inspire and influence the next generation of women in tech. ✉️ Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-marquis/

In this episode, Bessie sits down with ángela munguía, Executive Director at AMPT, to discuss everything from privilege and power in leadership to the importance of capacity building, managing organizational growth, and more. ángela has a passion for social justice, racial equity and community development – specifically, for Black and Brown communities. She was chief dream director for The Future Project, where she handled organizational and fundraising strategies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff development. Currently, munguía is a board member of the Chicago Freedom School where she sustains systems and structures to strengthen organizational capacity. Her prior experience includes tenures with City Year Chicago and Mikva Challenge, and assignments that include policy development focused on educational equity for historically marginalized identities within the Chicago Public Schools, cultural competency training, policies and program design, and youth and adult training programs.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives.

How can we help young people learn to care for their local communities and their natural environments?  Ethan Lowenstein believes that a big part of the answer is place-based education - a method that enables youth to explore, analyze, and begin to address local challenges.  Lowenstein is a professor at Eastern Michigan University and the director of the Southeast Michigan Stewardship (SEMIS) Coalition, which has built a broad network of educators and local organizations to foster place-based education in Michigan and beyond. In this "Best of ESD" episode, first published in 2021, Lowenstein tells Brett about how the principles of place-based education have driven the SEMIS Coalition's sustained success, growth, and sense of community. Resources Related to SEMIS:Southeast Michigan Stewardship (SEMIS) Coalition  SiteArticle about Ethan LowensteinSEMIS in the NewsSEMIS Coalition Facebook PageMore on Related Topics:Place-Based Education Videos, by EdutopiaBrett Levy's Paper on "Civic Science Education"Brett Levy's Paper on Environmental Political ParticipationBrett Levy's Other Open-Access Research ArticlesPlace-Based Teacher Preparation Program at Eastern Michigan UniversityESD Resources:ESD Episode on Mikva Challenge (mentioned by Ethan)Education for Sustainable Democracy HomepageEducation for Sustainable Democracy Facebook PageESD YouTube Channel (Please subscribe!)Support the show

Peter Palandjian is Chairman and CEO of Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, an SEC-registered real estate investment manager with a portfolio of over 36 million square feet across 155 properties, over 15,000 multifamily units and current NAV of $10 billion+ and GAV $14 billion+. Peter oversees the affiliated Intercontinental operating companies, with primary responsibility for strategic planning and direction of all company activities. Intercontinental's sole strategy it its flagship vehicle, United States Real Estate Investment Fund (“U.S. REIF”), currently the 7th-largest member of the NCREIF ODCE fund index (Open-Ended Diversified Core Equity). Prior to joining Intercontinental in 1993, Mr. Palandjian worked as the assistant to the CEO of Staples, Inc. and as an Associate Consultant with Bain & Company. Mr. Palandjian holds memberships with the Pension Real Estate Association (PREA); the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP); and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Managers (NAREIM). Mr. Palandjian has also been active on a number of corporate and not-for-profit boards, presently serving as a board member of several institutions including: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, O'Neill & Associates, Leader Bank, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (“LAANE”), Mikva Challenge, Harvard's Varsity Club, the Taubman Center at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and the Purple Heart Service Foundation. Mr. Palandjian is also Trustee Emeritus at The Fessenden School and works on behalf of Harvard University as a volunteer undergraduate admissions interviewer. Peter earned his B.A. from Harvard University and M.B.A. from Harvard Business School, and was a two-time Harvard tennis Captain and world ranked player on the ATP tour. Our conversation with Peter begins with a discussion about his family, including his Armenian-Irish heritage and upbringing in Belmont, Mass. The family business, then known as Continental Construction, was started by his father who emigrated from Armenia with an accordion and $500 in his pocket. We pressed Peter on his illustrious tennis career, which he humbly described as a “journeyman” career but from which he took the tenets of resilience and rigorous effort into the real estate industry. Peter shares with us his time at Bain & Company, Staples Inc. and Harvard Business School, as well his entry into the real estate business alongside his father, who had been diagnosed with stomach cancer. A leadership transition occurred ahead of schedule, as Petros A. Palandjian's health deteriorated and his cancer became terminal, and Peter was thrust into a tumultuous chapter involving numerous partnerships to unwind in a difficult market. We then dive into the tremendous growth of Intercontinental, with a focus on the evolution of its core business from fully integrated services and investment partnerships to private equity real estate, structured in fund-based investment management services. In 1999, Intercontinental became an SEC-registered Investment Advisor, clearing the path for a prolific but disciplined rise as a manager of institutional capital. Peter shares with us lessons learned along the way, including the early days of raising institutional money and the firm's leadership in both private and public pension fund capital management. While Intercontinental is a household name in New England real estate circles, its national prominence is perhaps lesser known to Boston market participants. Peter was refreshingly candid, speaking openly about a few “bloopers”, life and deal lessons along the way, the importance of culture and teamwork at Intercontinental, and much more. He defers credit to his teammates and more than once references the “family” at Intercontinental. Of course, we also take Peter's...

his week's guest is Elizabeth Mhangami, social entrepreneur.Lizz grew up in Zimbabwe and moved to the US when she was 19. After working in various jobs including at the Chicago Athletic Foundation, she also earned her bachelor's degree at Loyola University. She then started the job that would define her career so far, working with young people from underserved communities. Prior to moving to the states the first time, Lizz was part of the Rotary international as a youth. Her later work with Rotaract started her thinking more about youth communities, especially at home. She founded Vanavevhu, a 5013c for kids in Zimbabwe, many who are heads of household. She ran the organization for 7 years and has handed over the day to day operations. Now, she is back in the US and heading up major gifts at the Mikva Challenge in Chicago. We talk about her childhood through adulthood and the influences and experiences that led to to a path of working in and leading service organisations. Topic we discuss:Youth service organizationsImpact of having a mother who was engaged in serviceImmigrating to the USPoverty in AmericaWorking with underserved communitiesBeing a founder and what that entailsNote from Rabiah (Host): This conversation was a long time coming since Lizz and I became acquaintances, virtually, and would often joke around but then would also get into serious conversations. It was a pleasure to bring this experience to More Than Work to share with you! She is a wonderfully interesting and intelligent person who has dedicated her career to serving youth. I learned so much about her experiences moving to the US from Zimbabwe and you will too. I hope you enjoy this insightful and also joyful discussion. Maybe it'll inspire you too. +++++ Find ElizabethLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emhangami/ +++++ Mentioned in this episode:Vanavevhu: http://www.vanavevhu.org/Rotary International: https://www.rotary.org/en bell hooks: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell_hooks Mikva Challenge: https://mikvachallenge.org/ +++++ More than Work Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @morethanworkpod Please review and follow anywhere you get podcasts. Thank you for listening. Have feedback? Email morethanworkpod(at)gmail.com!

Three days...100 youth from all over the nation... acquiring advocacy skills...delivering social justice speeches...connecting with elected leaders...and so much more took place during Mikva Challenge's First National Youth Summit, held in Washington, DC. Mikva Challenge is a civic education organization that aims to develop empowered, informed, and active youth. This episode covers the youth summit and gives a glimpse into the Mikva organization. This episode contains sensitive material and may not be appropriate for all audiences. Listeners should know this episode includes sensitive topics, trigger warnings, and derogatory names.If you or someone else need youth support, please reach out to the resources below: -Teen Tallk App: Get help with various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, & more. Take control of your social and emotional health with a free mobile app just for teens. -Teen Line: CALL 866-465-0083 Nationwide (6 PM - 10 PM PST) Every Night. Text 839863 (6 PM - 9 PM PST). Email or use the message boards via https://www.teenline.org.-The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project Provides Crisis Support Services For LGBTQ Young People. Call, Chat, or Text for 24/7 Crisis Support Services, https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Jon Quinn shares on Engaging Multiple Generational Giving through Family Foundations About: Jon joined Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors in May 2014 and is based in the Chicago office. He works with individual, family, institutional, and corporate donors across the Midwest, around the country, and around the world. He serves on the board of Crossroads Fund, a public foundation that funds racial, social, and economic justice work in the Chicago area; the advisory board for the Illinois chapter of Mikva Challenge, a civic engagement organization that brings young people into the democratic process; and the advisory board of the Just Transition Fund, which funds economic transition efforts in coal-impacted communities across the United States. He was a member of the 2020 class of the Emerging Leaders program at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs.

This episode features a series of comments and reflections and perspectives on the power of youth voice in helping young adolescents figure out what they care about and who they are, and the worth they see in themselves. First, we hear from Juleny Santa Cruz, Youth Council and Project Manager for Mikva Challenge, a Chicago-based organization that pioneered a type of experiential civics learning programming they call “action civics.” We also hear from researchers and program professionals from the University of Virginia's Youth-Nex Center for Effective Youth Development: Abby Gillespie, Director of Strategy and Engagement, and postdoctoral research associates Faith Zabek and Ashlee Sjogren. Together, they share the core elements of the Mikva program as well as some of the broader research base on youth voice, calling out its importance in early adolescent development, the role of educators in making room for and amplifying youth voice, and setting up learning environments where youth voice can be elevated to authentic youth participation. We then mostly hear from young people. Ten young adolescents - Hailey, Da'una, Amya, Nelly, Liz, Honesty, Michelle, Xitlali, Luis, and Laurice - talk about their experiences participating in the Mikva Challenge program. They share how Mikva offers a venue for them to engage in issues important to them and their community, for fostering positive relationships, and for developing confidence and a positive self concept. Additional Readings and ResourcesMikva ChallengeAction CivicsProject SoapboxYouth CouncilsElections and Campaign Experiences“Youth Voice in the Middle Grades."Ladder of Meaningful Youth Involvement.“Motivation, Engagement and Student Voice.""Measuring and Understanding Authentic Youth Engagement: The Youth-Adult Partnership Rubric."“Youth-adult partnerships: Entering new territory in community work and research.""Strengthening student voice initiatives in high schools: An examination of the supports Needed for school-based youth-adult partnerships.""The adoption of innovation in youth organizations: Creating the conditions for youth-adult Partnerships."“The psychology and practice of youth-adult partnership: Bridging generations for youth development and community change."Remaking Middle School is launching a Middle School Listening Tour! If you are a parent, teacher, administrator, youth development professional, policy maker, or youth advocate of middle grade students, we would love to hear from you. Please visit http://RemakingMiddleSchool.org and click “Sign Up” for the Listening Tour.

This episode examines the ways organizing develops a strategy to bring about change, the kinds of tactics used to achieve change, and the different kinds of democratic action involved in moving from the world as it is towards a more just and generous one. To ground the discussion it focuses on the initiation, development, and success of a campaign run by Common Ground in Milwaukee which addressed the foreclosure crisis there in the wake of the 2007-08 financial crisis. This serves as a case study through which to stage a wider reflection on the relationship between strategy, tactics and different forms of shared action in organizing.GuestsKathleen Patrón has been an organizer since 2011 and is currently the lead organizer of Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) where she has been organizing around issues of police reform  and accountability and healthcare.  She is also leading a process of reorganizing GBIO. Prior to her work in Boston she worked with Common Ground in Milwaukee which is the focus of the conversation.Sanford Horwitt has a wide ranging background. A long time reside of Chicago, he began his career teaching at the University of Illinois in Chicago, he was then a legislative aide and press secretary for Congressman Abner Mikva. Later he was an advisor in the national gun control movement and directed the Citizen Participation Project at People for the American Way where he founded the First Vote program. Sandy is also an author, his books include "Let Them Call Me Rebel," the definitive biography of the godfather of community organizing, Saul Alinsky. And alongside that he is also executive producer of a new PBS documentary, "Mikva! Democracy is a Verb" and the founder of the Mikva Challenge, one of the country's leading youth civic education organizations. Sandy joined the conversation via phone so the sound is a little muffled.Resources for Going DeeperSanford Horwitt, "Alinsky, Foreclosures and Holding Banks Accountable," Huffington Post (2012)Saul Alinsky, Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals (1971, various editions); Gene Sharp/The Albert Einstein Institution, “198 Methods of Nonviolent Action” (1973);  Michael Beer, Civil Resistance Tactics in the 21st Century (ICNC Press, 2021); Lee Staples, Roots to Power: A Manual for Grassroots Organizing, 3rd edn (Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger, 2016), Chapters 4 & 5;Bobo, Kim, Jackie Kendall, and Steve Max, “Part 1: Direct Action Organizing” in Organizing for Social Change: Midwest Academy Manual for Activists, 4th ed. (Santa Ana, CA: Forum Press, 2010), 1-105; Ed Chambers, “The Practice of Public Life: Research, Action, and Evaluation,” Roots for Radicals, Chapter 5.

In this episode, we hear from a co-teaching team of Modern Classroom 6th grade educators on how they serve students in their inclusion classroom. Show Notes Co-teaching models (https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-choose-co-teaching-model) Teacher Tip from my Modern Classroom: Differentiation and Student Choice (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOoY-h3KUj0) (Meg's video) Universal Design for Learning (https://udlguidelines.cast.org/) Motivational Tik Toks: Good morning from Ms. Scott! (https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeSXDfBo/) * Good work, Team GWU! (https://www.tiktok.com/@alisonrice2014/video/6896244125797043462?sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6941349527812523525&is_from_webapp=v1&is_copy_url=0) (or “Mrs. Rice dances in pajamas and a moustache”) Mrs. Rice becomes a Christmas tree (https://www.tiktok.com/@alisonrice2014/video/6903630884977593606?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESMgowr5vECWyAUh44gx%2BOKhdWpvM%2FBr4xpxg0Tpj671bgUG1FJfTbbY5X%2BpGATBk8ckiYGgA%3D&language=en&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAriD1BPqT-jvJoH3uo5d7qAuRDoNgFoZ3lVvkNEJlWS8PCrEFOEMrW0qEy7URffW_&share_link_id=9110617C-98FA-4C74-B72E-F64AAC5648EC&share_music_id=6903630872440818438&tt_from=copy&u_code=dbi1cil961egbl&user_id=6810748672382370822&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=copy&source=h5_m&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6941349527812523525) Mikva Challenge (https://mikvachallenge.org/) and Mikva Project Soapbox (https://mikvachallenge.org/soapbox-nation/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9GCBhDvARIsAFunhsmkgCznpa3cW3VMv99b4jrkUhUA9yGHi5Rf_-karBKoyilPHaWQtaMaAsQmEALw_wcB) Follow us online and learn more: Modern Classrooms: @modernclassproj on Twitter and facebook.com/modernclassproj Kareem: @kareemfarah23 (https://twitter.com/kareemfarah23) on Twitter Kate: @gaskill_teacher (https://twitter.com/gaskill_teacher) on Twitter The Modern Classroom Project (www.modernclassrooms.org) Modern Classrooms Online Course (learn.modernclassrooms.org) Take our free online course, or sign up for our mentorship program to receive personalized guidance from a Modern Classrooms mentor as you implement your own modern classroom! The Modern Classrooms Podcast is edited by Zach Diamond: @zpdiamond (https://twitter.com/zpdiamond) on Twitter and Learning to Teach (https://www.learningtoteach.co/)

How can we help young people learn to care for their local communities and their natural environments?  Ethan Lowenstein believes that a big part of the answer is place-based education - a method that enables youth to explore, analyze, and begin to address local challenges.  Lowenstein is a professor at Eastern Michigan University and the director of the Southeast Michigan Stewardship (SEMIS) Coalition, which has built a broad network of educators and local organizations to foster place-based education in Michigan and beyond. In this episode, Lowenstein tells Brett about how the principles of place-based education have driven the SEMIS Coalition's sustained success, growth, and sense of community. Resources Related to this Episode:SEMIS:Southeast Michigan Stewardship (SEMIS) Coalition  SiteVideo Overview about SEMISArticle about Ethan LowensteinSEMIS in the NewsGreat Lakes Stewardship InitiativeConnecting:SEMIS Coalition Facebook PageEducation for Sustainable Democracy Facebook PageMore on Related Topics:ESD Episode on Mikva Challenge (mentioned by Ethan)Place-Based Education Videos, by EdutopiaBrett Levy's Paper on Environmental Political ParticipationBrett Levy's Other Open-Access Research ArticlesPlace-Based Teacher Preparation Program at Eastern Michigan UniversityAnd Of Course:Education for Sustainable Democracy HomepageSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/esdpodcast)

How can young people learn to engage actively and competently in public issues, including elections? What steps can educators take to support this type of learning? In this episode, Brett talks to Jill Bass, the Chief Education Officer of Mikva Challenge, a non-profit organization that develops and enacts engaging experiential civics curricula with thousands of youth each year. Jill describes the process of fostering young people's sense of empowerment and how Mikva Challenge helps to get youth involved in elections, even if they can't yet vote. Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Mikva Challenge WebsiteMikva Challenge Election HeadquartersEducation for Sustainable Democracy SiteSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/esdpodcast)

July 30, 2020 Michelle Morales – President – Woods Fund Chicago Michelle Morales Michelle Morales is the President of the Woods Fund Chicago. She is a first-generation US born Puerto Rican. Prior Woods Fund, she led the Illinois chapter of the Mikva Challenge, an organization that leads the field of civics by developing young people […]

Khiry Johnson is a comedian, motivational speaker, and WE Ambassador based in Los Angeles, California. Khiry grew up on the west side of Chicago and his life was changed by participation in the Mikva Challenge. Through this organization, he was part of the Mikva Education Council, where he advised then-CEO of Chicago Public School’s and future Secretary of Education under Barack Obama – Arne Duncan. He has hosted big We Day events and works as a comedian and motivational speaker.   Links Mikva Challenge: https://mikvachallenge.org Watch Khiry’s appearance on KTLA to talk about We Day: https://ktla.com/tag/khiry-johnson/ We Movement: https://www.we.org Mikva Challenge Alum of the Month Article and Video: https://mikvachallenge.org/blog/khiry-johnson-alum-month/ Follow Khiry Johnson on Instagram @kyriedacomic Khiry’s Website: https://www.kyriedacomic.com   Subscribe to our Newsletter at: www.schoolofthoughtproductions.com/contact/   We would love to connect with you! Please email us at schoolofthoughtpodcast@gmail.com to tell us who you are, what you think about the show, and who we should talk to next.   Connect with us and the rest of our tribe by searching for School of Thought Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Khiry Johnson is a comedian, motivational speaker, and WE Ambassador based in Los Angeles, California. Khiry grew up on the west side of Chicago and his life was changed by participation in the Mikva Challenge. Through this organization, he was part of the Mikva Education Council, where he advised then-CEO of Chicago Public School’s and future Secretary of Education under Barack Obama – Arne Duncan. He has hosted big We Day events and works as a comedian and motivational speaker.   Links Mikva Challenge: https://mikvachallenge.org Watch Khiry’s appearance on KTLA to talk about We Day: https://ktla.com/tag/khiry-johnson/ We Movement: https://www.we.org Mikva Challenge Alum of the Month Article and Video: https://mikvachallenge.org/blog/khiry-johnson-alum-month/ Follow Khiry Johnson on Instagram @kyriedacomic Khiry’s Website: https://www.kyriedacomic.com   Subscribe to our Newsletter at: www.schoolofthoughtproductions.com/contact/   We would love to connect with you! Please email us at schoolofthoughtpodcast@gmail.com to tell us who you are, what you think about the show, and who we should talk to next.   Connect with us and the rest of our tribe by searching for School of Thought Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Project Soapbox, a public speaking competition facilitated by Mikva Challenge, calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. We went out to the Overture Center on March 14 to get a closer look at the competition and hear the students' speeches. Included in this episode are interviews with students LaNia Byrd, Cece Maravilla, and last year's winner Lilyana Sims; staff members Marty Moe and Creed Hanson; and judge Lynne Banks. We are proud of all of our amazing middle and high school students who participated!  *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

Project Soapbox, a public speaking competition facilitated by Mikva Challenge, calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. In this episode, you'll hear the top ten finalists' speeches from the March 14 competition at the Overture Center. Congratulations to our winners: 2nd Place - Jonah Gulisano 1st Place - Claire Neblett Student Voice Award - Aria Bowman Aria will have the opportunity to participate in the national competition in Washington DC. The top 10 finalists also won two tickets each to a performance of their choice at the Overture Center. *** Credits: Intro/Outro music by MicroSchool students Cheviest and Montevious. *** To request a written transcript of this episode, please email mmsdnews@madison.k12.wi.us.

This episode focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, EDI for short and features three guest who've been working tirelessly in this arena. Amita Lonial leads our conversation. Amita, (she/her/hers) is currently the Principal Librarian for Learning, Marketing, and Engagement at San Diego County Library. She also currently serves as the co-chair for the PLA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. Racial and social justice is something she have always been passionate about. Prior to becoming a librarian she spent 8 years in the non-profit sector working with organizations engaged in direct action organizing and policy reform. Working in public libraries has deepened her commitment to doing liberation based work in our communities and with library staff. Katie Dover-Taylor is a Reference Librarian at the William P. Faust Public Library in Westland, Michigan, where she focuses on library technology and digital literacy training. Katie has developed her understanding of power and oppression in public libraries through both community organizing and scholarship. In 2015 and 2016, Katie co-coordinated the Radical Librarianship Track at the Allied Media Conference, bringing the first official gathering of library-centric content to an annual conference which draws a diverse spectrum of creative and technology-savvy people engaged in social justice work. In 2017, Katie co-authored the chapter "Disrupting Whiteness: Three Perspectives on White Anti-Racist Librarianship" for Topographies of Whiteness: Mapping Whiteness in Library and Information Science. She is currently a member of PLA's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Task Force. Mia Henry (she/her/hers) is the Executive Director of the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership. Mia joined the team in 2014 with over 18 years of experience in nonprofit management, training facilitation, intergenerational community organizing, and civic and history education. Mia was the founding director of the Chicago Freedom School (CFS), a nonprofit organization that supports youth-led social change and youth-adult partnerships in community organizing. Since her work with CFS, Mia has been a consultant nationally with Safe Places for the Advancement of Community and Equity (SPACEs), and in Chicago with the Chicago History Museum, Chicago Public Schools, the University of Chicago Hospital, and the University of Chicago Oriental Institute. Mia is the owner and operator of Freedom Lifted, a small business dedicated to providing civil rights tours. She is also the founder of Reclaiming South Shore for All, a diverse, grassroots group of residents committed to mobilizing the South Shore (Chicago) community and institutionalizing systems that promote peace, youth leadership, and political accountability. She has been a visiting lecturer at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Harold Washington College, as well as a high school history teacher and International Baccalaureate (IB) program coordinator for Chicago Public Schools. Mia is deeply passionate about social movement history, positive youth development, and civic engagement through an anti-oppression lens. She serves on the Boards of Directors for the Mikva Challenge and the Community Justice for Youth Institute. Mia earned her B.S. from Rutgers University and her M.S.Ed. from the University of Pennsylvania.

This weekend all eyes were on the National Mall as hundreds of thousands of people attended the March For Our Lives. At the march two local students spoke out against gun violence, and prior to the march students and local lawmakers highlighted gun violence in D.C. at the Rally for D.C. Lives. City Paper’s arts editor Matt Cohen was at both of these events and he joins the podcast to discuss pro-gun control activism. But first, students who have been researching gun violence for a project with the nonprofit Mikva Challenge share their thoughts and feelings about gun violence in D.C. and the nation as a whole.

Brought to you by ubackforgood.com Today's episode features Michelle Morales, Executive Director of the Mikva Challenge – a youth-serving organization that is challenging the status quo and helping young people to develop into informed, empowered, active citizens and community leaders. Michelle became the Executive Director of Mikva about a year and a half ago – and offers some great reflection on her transition into the role. We also hear about: Mikva’s efforts to demystify civic and political engagement, as well as activate youth voice in community change; Michelle shares what inspires her about youth work, and how they are breaking down barriers that allow youth to flourish; and we dig into some interesting reflections on how she’s evolving her leadership and management style, along with her perceptions of gender dynamics in leadership.