Teen G.E.N. Talks

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Zara Aleksanyan-Stavrou who is a photographer.

Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) is a video talk show that focuses on empowering youth in Glendale. Presented in the video podcast (vodcast) format, Glendale Library staff members Melissa and Desiree connect youth to community resources, individuals and organizations that youth can learn from and ask questions about. The show features an interview with an individual, or individuals, from across the community and guests range from teens themselves, City of Glendale staff, teachers, professionals in various fields, and influencers!

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Calina Lawrence, Indigenous Vocalist, aspiring MC, and Music Producer. Calina shares how her passion ignited as a child and drove her to use her voice not only because she loves it but to also spread awareness.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Alexis Saenz, Creative Director, Choreographer, Dancer, Singer, Actress, Crafter, Painter, Set Designer, Teacher, Environmentalist, and Indigenous Activist. Alexis shares how her love for dance and expression in childhood influenced her as she grew up.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Dr. Lee Francis IV, author, and founder of Red Planet Books and Comics, Native Realities, and Indigenous Comic-con. Dr Francis shares how his love for comics inspired him to create the only Native American comic shop in the world as well as set up events for indiginerds everywhere!

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Jordan Marie Daniel, founder and organizer of Blazing Hearts, Board Director of the Power Shift Network and Lab 29, and outreach and project manager at UCLA. Jordan shares her work on how she coordinates programs in her community as well as helping correct native representation on different platforms.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Edit Vosganians, part of LITS and Makerspace Librarian. Edit shares how she went from browsing the shelves of the library to becoming a Librarian herself.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Eric Gomez, Librarian and Photographer. Eric discusses his interest in Photography as well as the process behind taking a good photo.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Maddie Bunting, former Library Page and undergrad Public Policy.  Maddie shares her experiences on a college campus and gives tips to high school seniors on the transition.

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Danial Golfouroush, Financial Consultant. Danial shares his journey of finding his passion after changing his major seven times in college. 

In this episode of Teen Glendale Empowerment Now Talks (G.E.N.) hosts Melissa and Desiree sit down with Alex Carmichael, Cytogenetic Scientist. Alex shares how his lifelong passion for science eventually led him to Cytogenetics.