Rachel de Cuba discusses vulnerability, grad school, her process of creating, familial connections, and being inspired by Kiki Smith, Ana Mendieta, House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, Allison Janae Hamilton, and the film Three Women. You can view the artwork we’ve discussed at Rachel’s website artrdec.com or check her out on Instagram at @palmetto_darlin

In this episode we share part 2 of our conversation with Success After 6 Coordinator at Youngstown Community School, Rilonda Neal, aka, Miss Ro.

Youngstown artist Mia Catherine Allonby discusses her education at Leeds College of Art, being new to America & married life, leaving the art world for rock stardom & her influences Paula Chambers, Diane Arbus, Nan Goldin, & Mona Hatoum. Recorded by Heather Seno as part of the Women Among Them exhibition at The Soap Gallery

Welcome back to the Youngstown Parent Storytellers Project! This episode features Success After 6 mom, Michole Cottle. Mother of 4, Michole has a 4th grader, Mekhi, and 3rd grader, Meziah, enjoying their second year of the program at Taft Elementary School.

Women Among Them exhibition led by Youngstown-area artist Heather Seno at The Soap Gallery on the evening of 3/2/18. Podcast recorded and edited by Heather Seno and Steph Blair.

Rilonda Neal, “Miss Ro” - PART 1

I am so grateful to each parent that has participated with this podcast thus far, because each of them have been so transparent and open to telling their stories. Rilonda’s story, or Ro as she’s known to many, is no different; however, hearing Ro’s story was particularly humbling for me, because the podcast you’re about to hear was my first time learning just what she’s experienced. And it’s not because she’s unwilling to share - Ro is very transparent and willing to talk about what she’s been through in efforts to show others they can choose to live on the brighter side of the pain they’ve seen. As super busy colleagues, Ro and I just never had the opportunity to sit down one-on-one to learn more about each other. Our conversation reminded me that, especially when I haven’t taken the time to genuinely get to know someone, it is crucial that I don’t: assume to understand why people make the choices they do, to have all the answers, or to think of myself more highly than I ought to and shun those whose life looks much different than mine. Ro’s life has been no walk in the park, but I am humbled by her choice to be unselfish, giving and loving, in spite of her past. I often explain the Youngstown Parent Storytellers Project as an opportunity for parents to tell their Youngstown story, not the one everyone thinks they may know. Please listen to Part One of my conversation with “Miss Ro,” and stay tuned for Part Two.

Tanisha McMullen, “Big Sis Nish”

Getting to know Tanisha McMullen is like meeting the wisest big sister or auntie you could ever imagine. And to witness the genuine connections she has with nearly everyone she comes in contact with, you understand why she’s so committed to helping others though she’s lived a life that might have left many others ready to throw in the towel. Bouts with ADHD, bipolar disorder, and even a suicide attempt are just a few of the experiences she’s helped her children overcome. After learning to manage those challenges with her children, Tanisha now possesses the impeccable skills of not only calming a child in the midst of an “uncontrollable” moment, but she also relates extremely well to parents struggling with the reality of their child’s special needs. Listen as Tanisha shares valuable words of wisdom on this edition of the Youngstown Parent Storytellers Project.

Danielle Blair, “No Days Off”

Danielle’s story gave me a huge dose of inspiration, reminding me that the best choice isn’t always the most popular choice. Danielle is a mother of five, who opened up about her decision to hold back each of her three school-aged children when they reached the 2nd or 3rd grade. I’ve had a few conversations with parents that reflected on whether having their child repeat a grade of schooling would have prevented them from struggling through following years. Lack of understanding, shame, and embarrassment are obvious reasons for hesitation to make such a choice, but for Danielle, her children’s well-being made the difficult decision much easier. Since then, she’s seen a significant and positive change in her children, including her two daughters Alaya, age 11, and Danika Rae, age 9, who are enjoying their second year of Success After 6. And Danielle is deservingly proud of her oldest child, her son Daveon, who’s now 15. After being held back in the 3rd grade, Daveon is now excelling as a student at Youngstown Early College, the district’s competitive college-prep program where students are eligible to earn enough college credits to graduate high school with an associate’s degree. Listen as Danielle shares how making the best choices for her children coupled with instilling a “no days off” mindset is really paying off.

Join us for a new episode of the United Way of the Mahoning Valley -sponsored Parent Storytellers Project with your host Tara Walker-Pollock and guest Ra'Cole Taltoan. This series primarily features parents of children who participate in the Success After 6 program and parents of students in the Youngstown City School District.

Jai Jackson talks with Cardinal Mooney high schoolers Nicolina Aiad-Ross and Angelina Aiad-Toss on a new edition of the City of Youth podcast mini-series!