Moving Forward - Change, Purpose and Possibility

In this episode of Moving Forward – Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Sri Narayanan, founder of Kodely and co-creator of Nala AI. After the pandemic, many students faced academic gaps, social isolation, and challenges with confidence. Sri responded by launching Kodely, a program that reimagines after-school, intersession, and summer learning through design thinking and tech literacy. In just one year, Kodely has reached more than 2,100 students across 45+ districts in California, Washington, and New York City.

Sri and I also share a special connection through our time at Rutgers University—a shared foundation that shaped both of our journeys. Today, I also serve on the Kodely Advisory Board, giving me a front-row seat to the powerful impact of her work.

Sri’s story is one of innovation, resilience, and vision. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of learning, this conversation will leave you inspired about what’s possible when creativity and equity drive change.

Listen now to hear how Kodely and Nala AI are helping shape the next generation of problem solvers and leaders.

You can connect with Sri:

Website: Kodely.io

If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Jason Muñiz, Site Director of the UC Berkeley History–Social Science Project. Since taking on this role in Fall 2023, Jason has been leading efforts to expand Ethnic Studies education, support educators of multilingual and newcomer students, and connect schools with UC Berkeley’s rich academic and community resources.

Jason shares how his own journey—as a classroom teacher in South Florida and East Oakland—shapes the way he approaches both education and leadership. He speaks to the importance of identity and background in shaping our work with students, colleagues, and communities, and offers insights into how inclusive teaching and leadership practices can transform not only classrooms, but also workplaces, into spaces where more voices and histories are recognized, valued, and empowered.

We also explore projects like the Freedom Mapping Project, which connect local communities with broader historical narratives and movements.

To learn more about Jason’s work, visit:

If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

Today’s guest is someone especially meaningful to me—Teresa Colaneri. Teresa and I first met in high school, and after years apart, our paths crossed again just when I needed it most. What began as a search for a life coach turned into a powerful reconnection—and today, I’m honored to share her story with you.

Teresa is a transformational coach, speaker, and the author of She Made It Happen!. After 15 successful years as a VP in the fashion industry, she made a bold leap into entrepreneurship, becoming a pioneer in Feng Shui and founding the first Feng Shui school in New Jersey. Her work now blends spirituality, neuroscience, and business strategy to help visionary leaders step into courageous leadership and align with their soul purpose.

She’s also one of only 200 people globally certified in Conversational Intelligence®, a neuroscience-based communication method that transforms how leaders build trust and connection.

 What redefining courage looks like—and why it’s not what you think
Turning feelings of anger and unworthiness into empowerment
The leap from corporate VP to entrepreneur—and why Teresa chose Feng Shui
Leading yourself before leading others: the foundation of courageous leadership
How neuroscience and spirituality work together to transform communication and leadership
What high-level leaders often realize when they’re ready to change
What She Made It Happen! really means—and how to make it happen in your own life
Teresa’s personal rituals for staying aligned with her soul purpose
Her best advice for anyone feeling stuck or seeking a more purposeful path
Whether you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or simply someone seeking clarity and courage in your next chapter, this conversation will spark something in you.

• Website: https://www.teresacolaneri.com/

• Book: She Made It Happen! – 

• Instagram:@teresa_colaneri

• Linked In: teresacolaneri
  

 Favorite Quote:

“You can never truly lead another without first leading yourself.” – Teresa Colaneri

Listen & Subscribe:

Subscribe to Moving Forward – Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope on [Apple Podcasts], [Spotify], or your favorite podcast platform.

Thank You for Listening

Reconnecting with Teresa was a true gift, and I hope her insights stay with you long after the episode ends. Until next time, may you continue moving forward with courage, clarity, and hope.If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward – Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Eddie Velez, an educator and Solution Tree Associate who has dedicated his career to transforming school culture.

As principal of Kennedy High School in Fremont, CA, Eddie and his team created PRIDE — Prepared, Respectful, Impact, Discipline, Explore — a shared vision that reshaped discipline, reduced suspensions by 40%, and built a more inclusive school community. Now, as a national consultant, Eddie helps schools across the country strengthen culture, equity, and collaboration.

Eddie’s insights extend far beyond schools — offering lessons for anyone leading with purpose and vision.

Learn More: 

• Linked In 

• Solution Tree - Professional Learning Communities

If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

We’re kicking off the podcast with a deeply powerful conversation about burnout, boundaries, identity, and healing with the incredible Nicole Steward — a social worker, educator, speaker, and the author of Radical Self-Care: For Helpers, Healers, and Changemakers.

After two decades in social work and education, Nicole experienced multiple burnouts that forced her to reexamine not just how she was working, but why. In this episode, we explore how those pivotal moments led her to write Radical Self-Care — a guide to transforming self-care from a buzzword into a practice of resistance, restoration, and liberation.

Whether you're a therapist, educator, advocate, or simply trying to survive a demanding world, this episode offers insight, validation, and tools to help you care for yourself in sustainable, courageous ways.

Nicole Steward is a trauma-informed social worker and mindfulness educator with more than 20 years of experience in housing, education, and advocacy. Through her workshops, writing, and public speaking, she empowers helpers and changemakers to center rest, boundaries, and community care as acts of liberation.

Get the book: Radical Self-Care on Bookshop.orgLearn more: nicolesteward.com

If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

After 32 incredible years in education as a teacher, coach, principal, director and mentor-I’ve stepped into a new chapter. My journey has been shaped by personal and professional transformation: leading schools, navigating loss, advocating for equity and raising a bi-racial family.

Welcome to the Moving Forward Podcast. Each episode will be a safe space where honest voices will explore real topics in education, identity, mental wellness, leadership, and everything in between. We’ll have courageous conversations and reflect on how we can all keep moving forward, no matter the path we’re on.

If you have a comment or question please email us at [email protected]

Follow us on:

Instagram: @lluande1

Facebook: @Linda Unrath-Anderson

LinkedIn: @Linda Anderson

Podcast cover art provided by Marisa Miranda

Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez