Category: Community
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Endurance, formal and informal learning opportunities, and the ability to digest fear
In this episode, I speak with Ann—the first American Paralympian to represent Hawaii, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and now a farmer—about her earliest memories of being formally and “informally” educated. We talk about how the education system does and does not prepare students for the real world, and what kind of mind shifts we…
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Joy, incremental improvement over perfection, and the will to just start
In this episode, I speak with Rohit—a finance executive and podcaster based in India—about how his family’s definition of success emphasized the importance of influencing the culture and environment in the home. We talk about his journey of becoming a finance executive, and starting a couple of podcasts, one in Hindi, and one in English.…
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Friendships, our Own Normal, and the tolerance for unresolvable conflicts exist
In this episode, I speak with Mel—an educator, artist, interculturalist, and reader—about her earliest memories of growing up as the gifted, oldest daughter of 6 children. We talk about her experiences of making friends—and making bullies—across the US, England, Korea, and Germany, and what perspectives she gained by living within multiple cultures. We also discuss…
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Determination, gender equity, and the social latitude to pursue our own interests
In this episode, I speak with Harshi—a designer, artist, and illustrator—about her earliest memories of attending a convent school in India, pursuing her curiosities, and learning what she wanted on her terms. We talk about the gender discrimination she experienced while working as an architect, the social and systemic expectations of women and their value…
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Advocacy, leadership, and an ability to find the strengths of every student and their families
In this episode, I speak with Antoinette—the current principal of the elementary school I attended in the late 80s and early 90s. We talk a little about how her early memories of standing up for other people and correcting injustices in school and society might have led her to a career in education, in both…
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Communication, opportunities, and the freedom to connect with like-minded peers
In this episode, I speak with Yonny—a paralegal and immigration justice advocate—about his earliest memories of growing up in Mexico, and being raised by his grandparents for most of his childhood. He compares the education systems between Mexico and the United States, and how the differences informed the types of activities he chose to pursue.…
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Inclusion, differentiated support, and a plan for leading with our strengths
In this episode, I speak with Tim—an educator, podcaster, and the Director of Communications for the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education. We talk about his journey from considering a career in family counseling to becoming a special education teacher working with families and then schools for 16 years. We also discuss the shift in his…
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Community, love, and time to prioritize rest
In this episode, I speak with Nikiea—a filmmaker, graphic designer, and motivational coach to authors—about her earliest memories of growing up in a home led by strong women who served their community. We talked about her being the oldest child, and the weight of responsibility that came with assuming those roles, and how the things…
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Intercultural awareness, belonging, and the safety to express our identities
In this episode, I chat with SJ—a former classroom teacher, LGBTQ+ Inclusion Expert, and DEIB trainer—about their experience being “the new kid.” We talk about how their experience of moving across states every few years impacted their social relationships, and how their biracial and transgender identities didn’t make it easier. We discuss what led them…
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Introspection, social connection, and the freedom to be authentic
In this episode, I speak with Paula—a writer, reader, and polyglot—about her memories of being stubborn and opinionated growing up, and how her introspective abilities fueled her curiosity and drive to pursue self-improvement as an adult. We talk about the obstacles that get in the way of showing up authentically as ourselves, the charm of…