cultur(ED)

Melissa talks with Edmund Burke School's Steve McManus, Head of School, and Sharielle Applewhite, Burke's Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Civic Engagement about creating a community where every student, teacher, and employee can be their full selves every day.

Melissa chats with Tess Hanson and Yağmur Halezeroğlu, the co-founders of Dance For All Bodies, about how their nonprofit is building accessible dance spaces in-person and virtually.

Melissa sits down with Lauren Morris, the founder and Executive Director of Move Inclusive Dance, to talk about creating a dance studio specifically for people with disabilities of any kind.

Won’t you be my neighbor? We know the beloved Mister Rogers’ quote well, and in this episode, Melissa chats with Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions about how we can keep asking those big questions of ourselves—whether we’re in tv production or accounting—to encourage childhood wonder and enthusiasm every day.

How did Dave McKee build a winning culture over his 32 years as Marching Band Director at Virginia Tech? He shares how to hit the right notes for building strong relationships and leaders.

Melissa sits down with Hugh Schulze, author, movie director, and owner of c|change, to discuss how he gets the most from his movie crews and creative professionals to produce award-winning results.

In this episode, Chef Rebecca Reed speaks about inclusivity, being a woman in the food industry, how a culture of service and family banding together during tough times can ultimately strengthen the business.

Melissa sits down with esteemed Executive Chef and owner Charlie Foster to discuss how strong culture at his restaurants drives low employee turnover.

Why are energy and empowerment key ingredients for building a more inclusive restaurant industry? Kelly Fields, author and chef/owner of New Orleans’ Willa Jean, shares.

More than a beloved eatery, Ben’s Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. is a cultural landmark. Owner Virginia Ali shares how culture—and, of course, delicious chili dogs—has helped her family’s restaurant become a pillar of the community on our latest episode.