Female Trouble

In their own words, Outcalls are electronic opera queens. The band is Britt Olsen-Ecker and Meliss

Dr. Kaye Whitehead is a #blackmommyactivist and an associate professor in Loyola University Maryland’s department of communication. Her research and teaching examine race, class and gender. Kaye hosts a daily radio show on WEAA called “Today with Dr. Kaye,” and before working in academia, she was a documentary filmmaker. Kaye is also the author of several books, most recently 2016’s “RaceBrave,” and an op-ed columnist for the Baltimore Sun.

Author and educator Kaye Whitehead discusses her roots in activism and the meaning of democracy.

For Sarah Walker, coffee has always been about more than just coffee. She founded Vent Coffee Roasters in 2013, with the goal of letting out the bad and taking in the good. Sarah has been the in-house coffee roaster at Argosy Cafe downtown since 2015, and in the spring she’ll be opening her first brick-and-mortar store in Union Collective, a forthcoming manufacturing and retail complex in Medfield. Sarah talked about the turning point in her relationship with coffee, the sense of community she’s passionate about cultivating, and bringing her knowledge back to Charm City.

For Sarah Walker, coffee has always been about more than just coffee.

Michelle Mendez is a senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network and manages the Defending Vulnerable Populations Project. In those roles, she trains lawyers across the country on how best to fight deportations and represents clients pro bono. Michelle’s work in the past has had a focus on providing legal assistance to detained mothers and children. Michelle is a lover of Baltimore, and she talked about the current climate around immigration, how her beliefs have evolved and her identity as an immigrant.

Michelle Mendez, immigration attorney (episode 65)

Lor Choc brings together rapping and melodies to create her unique brand of autobiographical R----B. The Baltimore native came out with a mixtape called ----Worth the Wait---- in 2016, and is set to release her sophomore effort next month. Last year, Choc broke through to a wider audience with her song “Fast Life,” which drew national praise from prominent music publications. Choc talked about the times people doubted her, drawing on real problems to make music and what it means to be a Baltimore artist.

Lor Choc, rapper and singer (episode 64)

Robbyn Lewis has always been a public servant, but it wasn’t until last year that she held elected office. Robbyn represents Southeast Baltimore in Annapolis as a state delegate for Maryland’s 46th district. Before joining the General Assembly, Robbyn spent her time as a health care professional and advocate for sustainability initiatives and the Red Line light rail. She was also a member of the Patterson Park Neighborhood Association. Robbyn was appointed to the delegation after Del. Pete Hammen joined Mayor Catherine Pugh’s administration. Now, she’s campaigning so she can keep that seat. Robbyn talked about ending up in politics and navigating identity across the globe.