in our tribe

Episode 102 | Season 11 with Kevin Dobson, Founder and Executive Director of Capital College & Career Academy (CCCA), in a conversation about reimagining education, empowering young people, and creating learning experiences that inspire students to thrive. As a history teacher, Kevin saw firsthand how traditional education wasn't always meeting students where they were. He believed school could be more than textbooks, tests, and classrooms—it could be exciting, welcoming, personalized, and connected to the real world. That vision led him to establish Capital College & Career Academy, an innovative charter high school bridging the gap between education and industry, where students learn through hands-on experiences, collaborate with industry professionals, and take an active role in shaping their school community. Kevin shares his passion for creating an environment where learning feels meaningful and relevant, where students can explore their interests, discover their strengths, and see the possibilities ahead of them. His journey reminds us that education isn't just about preparing young people for the future—it's about giving them the opportunities, experiences, and confidence to help shape it. 🎧 Episode 102 — Season 11 — is live!

#InOurTribePodcast #Sacramento #YDN #YouthDevelopment #CapitalCollegeAndCareerAcademy

A new season. A new chapter. In Our Tribe is back!

We're kicking off Season 11 with Episode 101, featuring Mayra Vega, Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Woodland and Deputy Director of Communications and Planning at the California Department of Health Care Access and Information, in a conversation about community, authenticity, service, and creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Mayra shares her journey as an immigrant and how her life experiences shaped the way she leads today. After falling in love with the Woodland community and making it her home, she found purpose in helping its people, youth, and local businesses grow and succeed.

She also reflects on her experience with the Creciente Latine Leadership Program—something she says she continues to think about often—and how it helped her embrace her authenticity and bring more of herself into her leadership.

From finding a sense of belonging to helping others find opportunities of their own, Mayra's story reminds us that leadership is deeply connected to the communities we choose to call home.

🎧 Episode 101 is live. Welcome to Season 11!

#InOurTribePodcast #Sacramento #YDN #CrecienteLeadership #Woodland

Episode 100 | Season 10 with Jose Bodipo Memba, Chief Diversity Officer at SMUD, in a conversation about identity, belonging, leadership, and creating opportunities for others.

Growing up as an Afro-Latino in a small town with very few people who looked like him, Jose often found himself between worlds—not fully fitting in with African American, White American, or Latino communities. Those experiences of loneliness shaped a deep sense of empathy and love for others, qualities that continue to guide his leadership today.

Jose reflects on his journey from high school teacher to becoming SMUD's Chief Diversity Officer, sharing how each step reinforced a simple but powerful lesson: titles are a blessing, but they are not what define us. What truly matters is how our family, friends, and community experience us, and the impact we leave on the people around us.

He also speaks about the importance of creating fair opportunities for everyone, believing that giving people a genuine chance to succeed is one of the most meaningful ways to create lasting change.

Grounded in humility and driven by service, Jose reminds us that leadership begins with compassion, grows through community, and is measured by the lives we help uplift.

🎧 Episode 100 — Season 10 — is live.

#InOurTribePodcast #Sacramento #YDN #CrecienteLeadership #SMUD

Episode 99 | Season 10 with Dr. Jenni Murphy, Ed.D., Dean of the College of Continuing Education at Sacramento State. Dr. Jenni shares her perspective on the evolving role of higher education and how institutions can better serve both students and communities. She reflects on why education should go beyond preparing people for the workforce and instead help develop critical thinkers, engaged leaders, and lifelong learners. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in creating stronger educational institutions and a more equitable society. She also explores how higher education, workforce development, and community partnerships can work together to create meaningful opportunities and lasting impact. This conversation is a reminder that education isn't just about preparing people for jobs—it's about empowering them to shape the future. 🎧 Episode 99 — Season 10 — is live. #InOurTribePodcast #SacramentoState #CrecienteLeadership #YDN

Episode 98 | Season 10 with Jaime Lemus, Director of the Transportation and Climate Change Division at the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District.

In this episode, Jaime reflects on growing up in Salinas, California, and how witnessing the impact of pesticides on his family and community inspired his path into environmental science. He shares what it means to navigate imposter syndrome as a Brown scientist working in government and why mentors, community, and belonging have been essential throughout his journey.

He also talks about his time at D-Q University, the role of traditional Aztec danza in reconnecting with his roots and fostering communal healing, and how sobriety and personal accountability have shaped his life and leadership.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that our lived experiences, culture, and community can become the foundation for meaningful leadership and lasting change.

🎧 Episode 98 — Season 10 — is live.

#InOurTribePodcast #Leadership #Community #YDN #CrecienteLeadership

Episode 97 | Season 10 with Christina Andrade-Lemus, Director of Substance Use and Latinx Services at CommuniCare + OLE.

Christina shares her work leading programs that support individuals and families on their journey toward recovery, healing, and overall well-being. She discusses the increasing need for substance use treatment and mental health services, and the importance of providing culturally responsive care that meets people where they are.

She reflects on how mental health challenges have been shaped by generations of trauma, tracing their roots to colonialism and other historical experiences that continue to impact our communities today. Christina also discusses the stigma, fear, and shame that often prevent people from seeking help, and why creating safe spaces for healing is so important.

Throughout the conversation, she highlights the power of reconnecting with our ancestral roots, nature, and the earth as pathways to wellness, balance, and healing. She reminds us that mental health is not something we have to navigate alone and that seeking support is an act of strength.

This conversation is a reminder that healing happens through community, culture, connection, and compassion.

🎧 Episode 97 — Season 10 — is live.

#InOurTribePodcast #ChristinaAndradeLemus #MentalHealth #CrecienteLeadership #YDN

Episode 96 | Season 10 with Wendy Aguilar, Media & Communications Specialist for the Office of the Chief at the Sacramento Fire Department.

Wendy shares her journey from a curious child wondering how people fit inside a television screen to building a successful career in journalism, communications, and public service. She reflects on the power of storytelling, her passion for travel, and the leadership lessons she's gained along the way. She also talks about how the Creciente Leadership Program helped her find community, strengthen her voice, and grow as a leader. This conversation is a reminder that leadership starts with curiosity, connection, and the courage to tell meaningful stories.

🎧 Episode 96 — Season 10 — is live.

#InOurTribePodcast #WendyAguilar #Storytelling #Leadership #FireDepartment #Sacramento #CrecienteLeadership #YDN

Episode 95 of Season 10 features Gareth Love, Principal, and Jim Vetter, Visual Art Teacher at the Performing and Fine Arts Academy at Natomas Charter School, in a conversation about creativity, culture, and community through Hip Hop Goes Global. Now in its 11th year, Hip Hop Goes Global continues to bring together students, educators, artists, and the community through the many elements of hip hop integrated into education — including graffiti, breakdancing, beat making, DJing, and more. The program creates spaces where young people can express themselves, build confidence, and connect through culture and creativity. Gareth Love and Jim Vetter reflect on how the program has evolved over the years, the impact it has had on students and teachers alike, and how hip hop can be a powerful tool for education, collaboration, and community building. Their conversation is a reminder that when culture, creativity, and education come together, students and communities thrive in meaningful and lasting ways.

🎧 Episode 95 is live.

🎥 Watch the short documentary YDN created about Hip Hop Goes Global: https://youtu.be/DLcPBu8NTMY

#InOurTribePodcast #HipHopGoesGlobal #NatomasCharterSchool #YouthDevelopment #YDN

Episode 94 | Season 10 with Giselle Garcia, Program Director at NorCal Resist, in a conversation rooted in community, humanity, and the values that sustain collective growth. Giselle shares how the strength of an organization comes from the people behind it—the commitment of her team, the support they give one another, and the shared belief that communities thrive when we move together. Through her leadership, she reminds us that true impact is built through trust, mutual aid, and staying grounded in the people we serve. She speaks on hope and humanity not as abstract ideas, but as something deeply personal—forces that continue to guide her work, her purpose, and her way of showing up for others. From mutual aid to community building, Giselle reflects on resistance not only as action, but as a way of living with intention, dignity, and compassion. This conversation is about more than leadership. It's about creating spaces where people feel supported, valued, and empowered to keep moving forward together. 🎧 Episode 94 — Season 10 — is live. #InOurTribePodcast #GiselleGarcia #NorCal Resist #Community #MutualAid #Leadership #Humanity #Resistance #Hope #YDN #CrecienteLeadership

Episode 93 | Season 10 with Cathy Rodriguez in a conversation rooted in leadership, community, and the power of connection. As President & CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cathy shares how strong, connected communities are the foundation for thriving businesses across the Sacramento region. From her upbringing to her leadership today, her journey reflects resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. Cathy speaks on the strength and impact of Latinx small businesses, emphasizing how they are not only contributors—but essential drivers—of Sacramento's economic and cultural growth. She highlights the importance of networking, building relationships, and creating spaces where collaboration leads to collective success. This conversation goes beyond titles. It's about leadership in action—about showing up, bringing people together, and understanding that we are always stronger when we move as a community. 🎧 Episode 93 — Season 10 — is live. #InOurTribePodcast #CathyRodriguez #Sacramento #CommunityLeadership #LatinxBusiness #StrongerTogether #Networking #YDN #CrecienteLeadership