Beyond What You See

In this episode of Beyond What You See, host Emir Çakaroz sits down with Steven Robertson to talk about what college readiness really means for first-generation and low-income students. From the hidden challenges of the college transition to the power of pre-college programs and community, this conversation goes beyond grades and test scores—focusing on confidence, mindset, and belonging. A must-listen for high school seniors, educators, and anyone supporting students on their path to college.

Beyond What You See — Featuring JohnRae’ Stowers

In this episode, we sit down with JohnRae’ Stowers, a leader in college access and student success who is committed to helping students and communities grow with purpose.

JohnRae’ describes herself through her work as a caring connector — someone who builds relationships, cultivates growth, and supports others in becoming their best selves.

We talk about:
• Leading with care and connection
• Balancing multiple roles while maintaining peace
• The importance of faith, family, and grounding
• Normalizing struggle as part of growth
• Creating impact through education and community

As an educator, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, JohnRae’ shares how she navigates it all with intention and purpose.

This conversation will encourage anyone striving to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Because what you see… is not all there is.

Steve Robertson recites a poem called "Equipment" by Edgar Albert Guest, related to Black History Month.

In this episode of Beyond What You See, we sit down with Kenyatta Sinclair, Chief People Officer at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, to explore the journey behind the title.

From her early days in pre-college programs at Marquette University, to a formative summer in Upward Bound and SAM, Kenyatta reflects on leadership, equity, purpose, and what it means to grow in a city experiencing both opportunity and challenge.

This is a powerful, full-circle conversation about becoming, belonging, and the impact of investing in young people—then and now.

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, we just want to say — thank you.
Thank you for being part of our first season of Beyond What You See. This year has been full of growth, purpose, and perseverance. We’ve seen trials, triumphs, and transformation — but most of all, we’ve seen you keep going.

Dreams don’t have an expiration date. In this episode, we talk about dreaming at any age—and finding the strength to keep going, even when the path gets hard.

Dr. Howard Spearman reflects on attending Marquette University’s UBMS Program during the same summer the Jeffrey Dahmer case broke nearby. This is a story of purpose, mentorship, faith, and the unseen moments that shaped his path to becoming a college president.

This week, Steven Robertson sits down with Teon Austin, Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Marquette University School of Dentistry — a TRIO alum whose journey embodies resilience, belonging, and purpose.

Teon shares how Upward Bound Math Science (SAMS), EOP-SSS, and his years as a counselor shaped his leadership. He reflects on 11+ years at Cardinal Stritch and the lessons he now applies in the Dental School through cultural humility, diversity, representation, and student-centered leadership.

This episode encourages anyone passionate about equity, education, and building environments where people can thrive.

Key Themes:
• Cultural humility & competence
• TRIO pipeline: UBMS → SSS → professional leadership
• Transformational student support
• Representation in higher education
• Belonging, identity, and leadership

In this episode of Beyond What You See, we unpack the moments when life said “no” — and how those very moments became the soil for purpose, growth, and clarity.

How do you help young people not just go to college — but believe they belong there?

In this episode of Beyond What You See, we sit down with Ashlie Dulaney — small-town Wisconsin native, lover of history and the royal family, AmeriCorps alum, and now Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs at Marquette University EOP.

Ashlie’s path took her from studying abroad in London to serving Milwaukee students through College Possible — and now leading a team impacting over 1,000 youth every year through college access and leadership development. Her story is one of purpose found through service, students, and a deep belief in possibility.

🎯 In this episode:

• Small-town roots → UW–Stevens Point → London study abroad
• Falling in love with culture, history, and purpose
• Serving students at Milwaukee Hamilton High School through AmeriCorps
• A student story: from ACT prep to QuestBridge to Tufts University
• Leading with conviction + empowering students at a PWI
• Watching former students return to mentor the next wave
• Balancing mom life, Bravo TV, and meaningful mission work

💡 “Purpose is often found while helping someone else discover theirs.” – Ashlie

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