Overview

In this episode of the "Rooted2Thrive," host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari speaks with Maya Stewart, Chief of Strategy and Professional Learning at Lee Montessori PCS , about her journey as an educator and the "leadership trifecta": do the thing, say the thing, be yourself. Stewart shares her professional path from Arcadia University to becoming a school principal in Washington, D.C., emphasizing the importance of authentic leadership. She recounts a "season of self-betrayal" where not speaking her truth led to physical and emotional distress , contrasting it with a transformative experience where she directly but supportively confronted a teacher about his fear of Black students. The conversation highlights that creating inclusive and humane environments requires leaders to be courageous, model honesty, and prioritize their own well-being by setting firm boundaries to avoid burnout.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The Leadership Trifecta 

• Authenticity vs. Self-Betrayal 

• Confronting Educator Bias 

• The Physical Toll of Withholding Truth 

• Setting Boundaries for Well-Being 

• Leadership Growth Through Coaching

  
  

Guest Information:

Maya StewartChief of Strategy and Professional Learning

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Overview

In this episode of "Rooted2Thrive," host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari interviews author, educator, and her former student, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, about the power of diverse literature as "love letters to our children." Reynoso-Morris shares that her journey as an author was inspired by her grandmother's storytelling and a desire to see her Dominican and Puerto Rican culture reflected in books, a reality she found lacking. She discusses how her books, such as "Platanos Are Love," are written to be both "mirrors" that allow Black and Brown children to see themselves and feel limitless, and "windows" that help adults and other children build empathy and cultural competence. The conversation also delves into the challenges within the publishing industry, where a lack of marketing and support for diverse authors creates a self-fulfilling prophecy of lower sales, reinforcing the need for authors like her to advocate for their work. Ultimately, both speakers emphasize that reading diverse stories year-round is crucial for developing anti-racist perspectives, understanding universal human themes, and preventing the repetition of historical injustices.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The role of books as "mirrors" for representation and "windows" for empathy.

• Inspiration drawn from family, storytelling, and cultural heritage.

• Inequities and marketing challenges for diverse authors in publishing.

• Introducing complex social issues to young readers in a hopeful way.

• The importance of reading diverse books with universal themes year-round.

Guest Information:

Alyssa Reynoso-Morris

Author, Educator, and Mother

Social Media:

Instagram: @AReynosoMorris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssa-reynoso-morris/

Website: www.alyssaauthor.com

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Overview

In this episode of the "Rooted2Thrive," host  Professor P (Rochelle Peterson-Ansari) speaks with Yolanda Booker, a mental health therapist and the founder of the nonprofit organization Grief Speaks. Drawing from the profound experience of losing her son to cancer, Booker introduces the often-overlooked stage of grief: insecurity, which arises from the significant life changes and identity shifts that accompany loss. She critiques traditional support groups for sometimes being exhausting and emphasizes her organization's focus on providing tangible coping skills and building a supportive community. Booker advocates for grievers to find personal, practical ways to cope—such as journaling, lighting a candle, or caring for plants—and to embrace vulnerability by articulating their needs. The overarching message is that grief is a continuous journey, and through intentionality, community, and self-compassion, it is possible to grow through the pain and find a meaningful "life after loss".

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Insecurity as an overlooked stage of grief 

• Navigating the identity crisis that follows a loss 

• The importance of community and tangible coping skills 

• Giving a voice to grief beyond emotion 

• Practical ways to support a grieving person 

• The role of vulnerability in the healing process

  
  

Guest Information:

Yolanda Booker

Mental Health Therapist, & President and Founder of Grief Speaks Non-profit Organization

Social Media:

Facebook : Yolanda Grief Speaks

Instagram : @GriefSpeaks1

Website: www.griefspeaks1.com

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Overview

In this episode of "Rooted2Thrive," host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari speaks with Luca Poxon, Project Coordinator at Temple University and Philly Children's Movement, about the importance of integrating joy and justice-centered practices into education to combat dehumanizing systems. Poxon shares their personal journey, which began with witnessing educational inequities in high school and led to a focus on anti-racism in their studies and work. The conversation explores common challenges educators face, such as large class sizes, scripted curricula, and a lack of community support, which hinder the humanization of both students and teachers. As a practical solution, Poxon details the "Radical Morning Meeting," a framework developed by the Philly Children's Movement that intentionally centers student identity, joy, and justice, even within structural constraints. The dialogue emphasizes that sustainable change comes from long-term, community-based work and that starting small with self-reflection is a crucial first step for educators to foster more inclusive and affirming learning environments.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Countering Dehumanizing Practices in Schools 

• The Role of Joy and Justice in Education 

• Challenges in Anti-Racist Education 

• The "Radical Morning Meeting" Framework 

• Sustainable, Long-Term Community-Based Initiatives 

• The Importance of Educator Self-Reflection

  
  

Guest Information:

Luca PoxonProject Coordinator

Social Media:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-poxon/

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Overview

In this episode of "Rooted2Thrive," host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari speaks with poet, author, and cultural worker, J Mase III about the deep-seated connection between trans solidarity and racial justice. J Mase III argues that these movements are inseparable, tracing the historical erasure of trans and gender-nonconforming leaders in Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities back to colonialism in the 1500s. The conversation unpacks the numerous systemic barriers that prevent trans people, particularly Black and Brown trans individuals, from thriving, including discrimination in housing, employment, education, and healthcare, as well as over-policing. J Mase III asserts that anti-trans rhetoric and legislation ultimately harm all marginalized people, especially Black and Brown cisgender women, and calls for a solidarity that moves beyond low-bar victories like gender-neutral bathrooms toward more radical actions like supporting abolition, reparations, and the direct reallocation of resources.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Historical Trans Leadership Roles 

• Colonialism and Trans Erasure 

• Systemic Barriers to Survival 

• Anti-Trans Policies and Racial Impact 

• Actionable Steps for Radical Solidarity

  
  

Guest Information:

J Mase IIIPoet/Author/Cultural Worker

Social Media:

Instagram : @jmaseiii

Website: www.jmaseiii.com

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Overview

In this episode of "Rooted2Thrive," host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari speaks with Dr. Bill Ayers, a retired distinguished Professor of Education, about the concepts of freedom, abolition, and collective liberation from his latest book. Dr. Ayers explains that freedom is a contested term, often meaning cruelty for the conquered when claimed by the conqueror, and is best understood by examining its opposite—unfreedom. He argues that true liberation is a collective "world-building" process that balances individual worth with community, moving beyond simply erasing oppressive systems to creating a society where they are unthinkable. The conversation emphasizes that teaching should foster agency and discovery, and that social change requires recognizing one's own privilege, maintaining hope without being a determinist, and taking collective action in "a million experiments" of joy and resistance.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• The contested meaning of freedom 

• Abolition as a world-building project 

• Teaching for agency and discovery 

• Balancing individual and collective liberation 

• Privilege, hope, and social action

Guest Information:

Bill AyersDistinguished Professor of Education (retired)

Social Media:

Facebook : Bill Ayers

LinkedIn: William Ayers

X: @BillAyers   @underthetree

Website: BillAyers.org

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Overview

In a crucial conversation, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson-Ansari) and Executive Coach & DEI Consultant, Vanity Jenkins of ShiftEd Consulting delve into the complexities of diversity, equity, and inclusion. They explore why DEI initiatives often fall short, how the current sociopolitical climate is leading to the erasure of DEI efforts, and, most importantly, what individuals and organizations can do to continue to advocate for meaningful change and equity with real power.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Equity vs. Performance

• Backlash Against DEI

• Strategic Resistance: Countering DEI Backlash

• Actionable Advice and Resources for mission and financial goal alignment

• Practical steps to build knowledge of law, critical collectivism and commitments to move through the current chaos

Key Words: #EquityWithPower #Leadership #CounteringDEIBacklash #BusinessLeaders #Rooted2Thrive

Guest Information:

Vanity Jenkins,Founder & Principal Consultant, ShiftED Consulting

Social Media:

• Website: http://www.shiftedconsulting.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiftEDConsulting

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftedconsulting

• LinkedIn:  Vanity Jenkins | LinkedIn

• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vanityjenkins3500

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Overview

Dr. Corinne Green of HRMOM, LLC (Human Resources Managers On the Move LLC) joins Professor P to dive into the vital connection between data and empathy in building thriving and equitable workplaces. Discover how understanding individual experiences and leveraging data – including insights from those on the ground – can drive meaningful change and foster human dignity in organizational cultures. Dr. Green also discusses her upcoming book for Black Christian women, focusing on balancing identity, faith, and well-being.

Key Takeaways:

• Powerful combination of personal stories with organizational data

• Navigating the return to the office and workplace culture

• HR department’s role in gathering on-the-ground data and advocating for employees

• The "strong Black woman syndrome"

• Practical strategies for empathy-driven leadership and inclusive decision-making

• Examples of successful policy changes that prioritize employee well-being

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Powerful combination of personal stories with organizational data

• Navigating the return to the office and workplace culture

• HR department’s role in gathering on-the-ground data and advocating for employees

• The "strong Black woman syndrome"

• Practical strategies for empathy-driven leadership and inclusive decision-making

• Examples of successful policy changes that prioritize employee well-being

KEYWORDS: Data, Empathy,Workplace Culture, Inclusive Leadership, Equity, Human Dignity, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari, Corinne Green, Rooted to Thrive

Guest Information:

Dr. Corinne Green: Founder & CEO, HR Mom, LLC

 Author of "Becoming God's Girl" (forthcoming)

Social Media:

• Website: https://hrmomllc.com/

• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/HRMOMLLC/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hrmom4u/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hrmomllc

• X: https://x.com/hrmom4u

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Overview

Mariah Wilson, National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, joins Professor P to explore how better communication can revolutionize patient care. They discuss overcoming biases, the power of empathy, and practical coaching techniques for healthcare professionals to build trust and truly connect with patients. Learn from Mariah’s lived experience in clinical settings, as a coach as as a patient, particularly her birthing experience.  And don’t miss her Practical Communication Rx to elevate humanity in healthcare!

Key Discussion Points:

• The Communication Gap: Why patients often feel unheard and unsupported post-diagnosis.

• Personal Impact: Mariah's powerful birthing experience highlighting communication failures.

• Unpacking Biases: How assumptions affect patient interactions (age, race, etc.).

• Practical Communication Rx: "Coaching presence," active listening, empathy, and flexibility.

• Time Management & Connection: Strategies for respectful and effective communication within time constraints.

• Building Trust: The professional's role in setting the tone and fostering open dialogue.

• Cultural Competence: How mindful communication promotes inclusivity and equity in healthcare.

• Motivational Interviewing: A key resource for patient-centered communication.

Guest:

• Mariah Wilson: National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach (NBCHWC) Specializing in social and emotional coaching, pain management, and chronic conditions

•  Host of "Reclaiming Your Health" Podcast.

• YouTube: Reclaim Your Health Podcast

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: (27) Mariah Wilson | LinkedIn

• YouTube: Reclaim Your Health Podcast

Keywords:

Patient experience, healthcare communication, empathy, bias in healthcare, health coaching, cultural competence, motivational interviewing, Rooted to Thrive, Mariah Wilson, Professor P.

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Overview

Join Professor P. Rochelle Peterson-Ansari in a rich and insightful conversation with her former student and esteemed colleague, Amber Williams. This episode delves deeper into three powerful pathways to fostering deeper human connection: understanding, dialogue, and cultural competence. Amber shares her journey into this crucial work, rooted in her own experiences and fueled by a passion for social justice. Expanding on intergroup dialogue, Amber also unpacks the principles of restorative practices and group relations, offering practical strategies for repairing relationships, understanding systemic dynamics, and cultivating more meaningful connections in various settings, from learning environments to the workplace.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

🌍 1. What Happens When We Really Listen?

Explore powerful lessons from facilitating dialogue that foster deeper understanding, connection, and inclusion across differences.

💼 2. Dialogue at Work: More Than a Buzzword

How intentional conversations transform team dynamics, reduce friction, and improve outcomes—especially in high-stakes environments.

🧠 3. Group Behavior & the Unseen Forces at Play

Why unconscious patterns shape group dynamics—and what you can do to surface them with relational practices that build trust.

🛠 4. From Practice to Habit: Living the Work

Simple, daily ways to apply dialogue and cultural competence in leadership, classrooms, clinics, and beyond.

🔑 5. Trust Isn’t Optional—It’s Foundational

How modeling relational leadership and cultural understanding builds resilient teams, especially in times of conflict or crisis.

Guest Information:

Amber Williams 

Director of College Houses and Academic Services 

Pre-major Advisor for Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania 

Doctoral Candidate at Johns Hopkins University.

Social Media:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ambernw414/

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