Shining Stars

With the intention to inspire the future leaders of Michigan to achieve their fullest potential in education and employment, Youth Solutions has grown from roots in Benton Harbor to a statewide initiative. Through experiential learning, career exploration, coaching, and mentoring, the organization helps to level the playing field for the disadvantaged and raises the voice of a young Michigan. In this episode, I (Daedalian) had the opportunity to chat with Youth Solutions Executive Director, Mollie Waller about the invaluable service and dedication that she and her team are providing towards the future of our Great Lakes State and America.

Website: Youth Solutions

Like many U.S. cities, since the beginning of the pandemic, Lansing experienced a surge in violence. During 2020 and 2021, the Capital City witnessed a record number of homicides. The Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI) has partnered with Advance Peace to begin the work of ending gun violence in the Capital City. I (Daedalian) was pleased to have the opportunity to connect with MPHI Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Paul Elam to gain more insight regarding the strategies and goals behind this crucial initiative.

Website: Michigan Public Health Institute

Website: Advance Peace Lansing

Website: Advance Peace National

Augustine "Auggie" Martinez and I (Daedalian) have run in the same circles for years. He is often the sound engineer at live music events around Lansing and many know him as the singer for the band Global Village. However, I recently found out he made a career change as the Call Center Manger for 311, Lansing's new information quick dial service. I invited him into the studio to chat more about this helpful service, how 311 works to be the Capital City's "one call to city hall", and on a personal level, we talk about Auggie's natural propensity to be accommodating.

Website: Lansing 311

Part 2 of an interview with Jerry Norris, Founder and CEO of The Fledge of Lansing, an incredible resource in our community that fuels that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity.

Shining Stars, Episode 18 - The Fledge: Radically Inclusive, Pt. 1

Email: Jerry Norris

Website: The Fledge

Facebook: The Fledge

Twitter: The Fledge

Instagram: The Fledge

YouTube: The Fledge

The Fledge is a unique resource in Lansing that fosters engagement, development, and opportunity within our community. With the goal of creating "a zero barrier to entry", The Fledge Founder and CEO, Jerry Norris explains the origins of this valuable resource, what it does for our community, and why he embraces chaos.

Email: Jerry Norris

Website: The Fledge

Facebook: The Fledge

Twitter: The Fledge

Instagram: The Fledge

YouTube: The Fledge

Ronald McDonald House Charities is an organization that on the national level, has been creating a home away from home for families with sick children since the mid 70s. Carolyn Hurst, the Executive Director of our Mid-Michigan chapter joins me (Daedalian) to explain how this valuable resources helps families with sick children, what motivates her, and how she experienced being a recipient of what she does.

Website: Ronald McDonald House of Mid-Michigan

Email: Info at RMHMM

RMHMM on Facebook

RMHMM on Instagram

RMHMM on Twitter

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary cites 1991 as the first known use of the word “cybercrime”. Now, just over three decades later, technology has developed to the point where most of the electronic devices we use today would hardly be understood by someone in 1991 and along with it, cybercriminals attacks have become more prevalent and more sophisticated. In this episode of Shining Stars, I (Daedalian) invite Paul Schwartz, Lansing Community College's Director of Information Security and host of LCC Connect's The Safety Plan, to chat about cybersecurity in the modern age.

LCC Connect Podcast: The Safety Plan

Website: LCC Computer Information Technologies

A home is something many of us take for granted, but what happens when you find yourself in a situation where you’re displaced and no longer have a place to call ‘home’? This is a challenge that refugees, asylees, migrants, and many of our U.S. citizens face every day. Here in Lansing, the Umoja House is a nonprofit that has made it a goal to create a welcoming and safe place for these types of people; individuals fleeing violence and persecution, or at the very least, need a temporary place to call home. Dr. Charla Burnett talks with me (Daedalian) about the how the unique concept of Umoja House came to be.

Website: Umoja House

Facebook: Umoja House

Phone: (517) 667-8178

The impact of the pandemic on our economy is clear, from soaring gas prices to overwhelming inflation and while it isn’t the sole factor to our economic woes, it has definitely been a contributing factor, especially for those at risk of losing their home. The Ingham County Treasurer’s Office is making an assertive effort to inform the public about the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHAF), an option available to those that have been directly affected by the pandemic. Ingham County Treasurer, Alan Fox joined me (Daedalian) on Shining Stars to explain what it is and how it is a valuable resource for those at risk of losing their home.

Website: Ingham County Treasurer's Office

Website: Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MHAF)

Mental health is a subject that has been largely overlooked in the U.S. and probably most of the world as well. However, as the pandemic became a part everyone’s day-to-day lives, the story of mental health changed as many began to struggle with the inherent anxiety, depression, and frustration that came with it; showing us that mental health isn't just limited to the few, it affects us all. I (Daedalian) was thrilled to have the opportunity to invite Marianne Huff, President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in Michigan (MHAM) to talk about what this invaluable resource does.

Website: Mental Health Association in Michigan