The Pinnacle Pod

Elizabeth Valle, director of the Conservatory Academy at UMKC, joins Maurice Waston on “The Pinnacle Pod.” From a young age, Elizabeth's passion for music, ignited by the beauty of the harp, propelled her towards a career dedicated to nurturing aspiring musicians. Elizabeth's commitment to providing access to music education through programs like Conservatory Bridges is not only transforming the lives of students but also opening doors to fulfilling development and careers in the arts. Tune in for a conversation about the power of music to inspire, uplift, and reshape individuals and communities alike. 

A champion of educational opportunities for Kansas City's Latino youth, John Kearney talks with “The Pinnacle Pod” about his journey from teacher to executive director of the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Development Fund (HDF). John is dedicated to helping students and their families achieve higher education goals through engaging fundraising campaigns that strengthen community ties. This year the HDF awarded more than a million dollars to college-bound students. The Pinnacle Pod is hosted by Maurice Watson.  

Rachel Jefferson zooms into “The Pinnacle Pod” to talk about her impactful initiatives with Groundwork Northeast Revitalization Group (Groundwork NRG) and advice on combating burnout as a public servant. From fostering environmental and climate justice to advocating for housing and land sovereignty, Rachel’s work is helping reshape Kansas City, Kansas for a more equitable future. Rachel is a 2022 Pinnacle Prize winner and interviewed by host Maurice Watson. 

In this episode of “The Pinnacle Pod” Tricia Rojo Bushnell, Executive Director of the Midwest Innocence Project (MIP) and 2021 Pinnacle Prize winner, speaks with host Maurice Watson about her journey to fighting wrongful convictions. Tricia also discusses MIP’s work preventing injustices through policy change, empowering those impacted by the system, and how community support can be a catalyst for justice. 

This episode of "The Pinnacle Pod" features Josh Henges, a passionate advocate dedicated to ending homelessness in Kansas City. In addition to discussing his commitment to the cause, Josh speaks to the needs of the unhoused, the challenges communities face, and the path toward a "functional zero" solution. Josh, 2023 Pinnacle Prize winner, currently works as the Houseless Prevention Coordinator at the City of Kansas City, MO and is interviewed by Pinnacle Pod host Maurice Watson.

Recorded on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 2023 Pinnacle Prize winner Kyle Hollins reflects on Dr. King’s legacy and shares his approach to reducing violence in Kansas City through cultural intervention programs. Kyle's organization, Lyrik’s Institution, works with teens and young adults to rework destructive thought patterns and redirect mental energy toward productive, creative outlets and opportunities. "The Pinnacle Pod" is hosted by Maurice Watson.  

"The Pinnacle Pod" host, Maurice Watson, speaks with 2021 Pinnacle Prize winner Tara Raghuveer, founding director of KC Tenants. 

Starting with eviction work in college to building a tenant union network of 10,000+ members in Kansas City, Tara talks about the importance of grassroots organizing, calling for federal intervention on housing protections and putting those experiencing housing insecurity at the center of determining their own solutions. 

In this inaugural episode of "The Pinnacle Pod", host Maurice Watson speaks with 2022 Pinnacle Prize winner Brandon Calloway, CEO and co-founder of KC G.I.F.T. (Generating Income For Tomorrow).

Through the conversation, we hear from Brandon on historic redlining, discriminatory lending practices and the racial wealth gap in KC. Brandon also explains how G.I.F.T. works to tackle systemic disparities through resources and grants for Black-owned businesses, converting economically disadvantaged areas into areas of economic opportunity.