In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I sit down with award-winning creative arts teacher and advocate for amplifying Black voices, Chay Ross. Chay shares her powerful journey from growing up in Los Angeles, navigating the challenges of being a teen mom, and almost getting caught up in gang life to becoming a passionate educator dedicated to serving her community.

Through candid reflections, Chay discusses the systemic barriers in education, the importance of equity over equality, and how the recent cuts to DEI programs are impacting students and communities in need. She also explores how art can be a powerful tool for healing in the wake of personal and collective traumas, such as the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

This is an episode filled with resilience, inspiration, and a call to action to fight for accessible resources and fair opportunities for all students, no matter their background.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Chay Ross: A Journey from Teen Mom to Teacher

01:56 Overcoming Adversity: Chay's Story

05:33 The Reality of Teaching

07:03 Navigating Bureaucracy in Education

11:17 Returning to the Community

15:59 Impact of Government Cuts on Education

21:16 The Devastating Fires in Los Angeles

26:39 The Healing Power of Art

28:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow Eddie and Chay:

Connect with Eddie: 

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Chay: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chalon-l-ross-5442415b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chayarts_edu/