Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, a musical maestro whose journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from the quaint town of Chur, Switzerland, Steiner’s musical roots run deep, having studied at esteemed institutions like the University of Tübingen and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America. Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse. But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and [...]

Today, we are privileged to host a panel discussion on Public Education, broadcasting live from Stanford University. Our focus centers on the pivotal role of public education as the cornerstone of equality and the linchpin of democracy’s future. For that, we are honored to welcome some guest: Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE); Albert Gonzalez, President of the California School Boards Association; and Jessica Speiser, President of the Santa Clara California Latino School Boards Association (SCCSBA). Throughout our discussion, we aim to explore the significance of targeted groups in public education. Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools has served in education for over 33 years. Her distinguished work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serving the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. A strong advocate for expanding early learning services, health, and education, Dr. Dewan believes in providing every child with opportunities that promote high-quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. Dr. Dewan has served in a variety of leadership roles, which have led to several local and state recognitions, including the [...]

Today we are talking with Anais Amaya, from the Latino Community Foundation to talk about the Latino Giving Circles. As the Director of LGCN, Anais plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic expansion of Latino Giving Circles in Southern California for LCF. Having recently relocated her family to Los Angeles, she also embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching her business, Raices, dedicated to supporting indigenous artisans in Mexico. Before her tenure at LCF, Anais earned the prestigious Heroes and Hearts Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This accolade recognized her outstanding contributions as the program manager of the ZSFG Health Advocates. In this role, she led a multi-lingual program that actively screened patients to identify and address their social determinants of health by connecting them with the appropriate community resources. The Latino Giving Circle Network encompasses a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, spanning generations such as Baby Boomers to Millennials, and encompassing professionals ranging from CEOs to emerging talents. Inclusivity extends beyond nationality, encompassing both immigrants and US-born individuals, as well as Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Within this network, each participant has the opportunity to harness our collective influence, contributing to the [...]

The San Francisco Symphonic Orchestra will celebrate this Saturday, November 4th, the “Dia de los Muertos” concert in 2023. This special event will commemorate the Meso-American holiday, which honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away.  The orchestra will perform a range of pieces that reflect the theme of this important holiday, with a focus on MAYAN traditions this year, introducing new art and music and unique experiences with old traditions. There will be a mixture of music from traditional Mexican folk songs to classical compositions that explore the theme of life and death.  The Davis Hall lobby has been showcasing art installations and interactive experiences related to this event the whole month, and they will be there until Tuesday, November 7th.  Our conversation today is with the long-time curator of this annual event, Martha Rodríguez Salazar. She is a singer, a flute performer, a music educator, and a community organizer. She is a Mexican-born artist, a long-time San Franciscan who has been in charge of curating this event since 2008, bringing every year a unique experience and exploring different aspects of “Dia de los Muertos” traditions and history.  Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts the San Francisco Symphony in the concert program, [...]

Today we are talking with author Carmen Boullosa, in and on-air live interview on radio from New York, New York all the way to Stanford, California. Born in Mexico City, and currently residenced in New york, Boullosa is a multifaceted writer, known for her prowess as a poet, novelist, and playwright. Her literary work revolve around the intricate themes of feminism, the interaction between religion, superstition and skepticism, and the reevaluation of gender roles within the rich tapestry of Latin American culture and hispanic traditions. With an impressive oeuvre of nineteen published novels, Boullosa’s work also dwells in different periods, locations and characters, but with her unique and unmistakable stylistic imprint. In “The Book of Eve”, Carmen Boullosa reinterprets of the Book of Genesis, but from Eve’s point of view, effectively deconstructing the patriarchal norms that have long underpinned our understanding of the world. From the origins of gastronomy to the domestication of animals, and even the cultivation of land and pleasure, Boullosa weaves a narrative that shifts the focus to the feminine perspective, while explaining the stories of the creation. “The Book of Eve” traverses the narratives that have shaped perceptions of womanhood for centuries with in most cases [...]

Dr. Melissa Moreno is a CA Community College faculty. Her passion has been teaching, researching, and developing curricula in the areas of Ethnic Studies, Chicana/o Studies, Native American Studies, Education, and Leadership for over 15 years. As a first-generation college student, Ethnic Studies saved her life. Schooling became interesting, and she became a professor and leader with the support of many inspiring professors and leaders. For over a decade, she has led Ethnic Studies and taught Chicana/o Studies, History of Race and Ethnicity, Mexican-American History, and Native American Studies. She is a former community educator and faculty in Chicana/o Studies, Education, and Liberal Studies. She holds degrees in Ethnic studies, Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Education. She is a co-founder of the California Community College Ethnic Studies Faculty Council. Her publications and research interests include issues surrounding racial identity formations, subjugated knowledge, cultural citizenship, foodways, food justice education, Chicana/o indigeneity, intergenerational trauma and healing, and practices of community-based leadership. She is a member of the Indigenous Caucus for the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies (NACCS), among other associations. Painted by artist Jerry Jordan, this mural celebrating ethnic diversity is displayed in the Multicultural Student Center Satellite Office in Gordon Commons residence hall. [...]

Today, we are having an engaging conversation with Pamela Campos, a remarkable Chicana and second-generation immigrant with strong ties to San Jose and Santa Clara County. Pamela dedicated herself to education and has had a career defined by her commitment to advocating for it, housing, and improved quality of life for all. Pamela witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by educators and families grappled with the harsh reality of making a life while earning a $16 per hour salary for educating and caring for small children in the competitive Silicon Valley landscape. However, Pamela’s passion for nurturing a brighter future for children and her proficiency in policy and community development set her on a powerful path toward positive change. During our discussion, Pamela will also talk about her work with The Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF), a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) whose mission revolves around mobilizing capital and fostering partnerships to dismantle barriers and ensure equitable access to opportunities for all. This organization invests in, collaborates with, and advocates for high-quality, affordable housing, early care and education, educational opportunities, gainful employment, and access to healthcare. These initiatives are specifically designed to benefit Black, Latino, and other marginalized communities, whose [...]