Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community

Julian Raven is an artist, activist, and relentless truth-teller whose life has been defined—again and again—by a willingness to confront power head-on. From federal courtrooms to local government chambers, from the Smithsonian battle to the unfolding DEC fight in New York, his journey has been forged in the fire of refusing to look away, refusing to comply with convenient silence, and refusing to surrender meaning to the comfort of fear.

For Raven, speaking truth to power isn’t a slogan—it’s a survival instinct. Without truth, life collapses into moral vacancy; without resistance, tyrants fill the void. That conviction has carried him across a lifetime of creative, civic, and legal struggle, and it fuels his belief that America’s greatest purpose has always been exactly this: to empower ordinary citizens to stand up, speak out, and push back. The nation’s experiment in freedom only survives when individuals exercise the courage it demands.

As Raven puts it, “You either speak, or you surrender.” His work—on canvas, in court, and in community—is a testament to choosing the former, no matter the cost.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Mark Burnett is an entrepreneur and health innovator who turned a diagnosis of Parkinson’s and early Alzheimer’s into a mission of action. After uncovering links to toxic exposure and exploring science-backed solutions, he helped develop a nutraceutical to fight back and reclaim his health. Today, Mark shares his story to inspire resilience, advocacy, and hope for others facing complex health challenges.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Esther has always been fascinated with parables and cultural folklore. Raised in the East Bay but proud to call San Jose home, she is a story seeker and writer at heart. 

In 2024, Esther received the Content Emerging Artist Award, which recognizes not only artistic achievement, but contribution to the cultural vitality of Silicon Valley. Esther is a cultural community worker by day, and she participates deeply in San Jose's creative communities as a freelance writer and open mic host.

In 2025, she released her single "Can't Be This Happy." Sometimes, choosing one's own body requires sheer tenacity -- a narrative that Esther has consistently explored in her songwriting. From the days of deconstructing religion on her album "When We Cannot Boast" to her cinematic music video for "Lilith." Today, Esther writes music under Eve's Heaven, her official band. You can find all of Esther's music projects on hyperfollow.com/estheryoung

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Dr. Eugene Manley Jr. is a biomedical engineer, cancer scientist, nonprofit founder, and health equity advocate working at the intersection of science, community, and justice. He is the Founder & CEO of the SCHEQ Foundation (STEMM & Cancer Health Equity), where he builds plain-language tools and community-centered programs that help underserved populations navigate the cancer care continuum; and helps expand who gets access to STEMM pathways and leadership.

Eugene’s work is deeply personal. Raised as a first-generation scholar in Detroit, he watched his mother struggle to understand medical notes and test results that were never written for her. More recently, after reconstructive foot surgery, he experienced bias firsthand, when pain and mobility were misrepresented in his medical record and the support he needed was put at risk.

Through SCHEQ, he creates health literacy infographics, convenes an annual lung cancer solutions summit, and equips people with practical questions and strategies to advocate for dignity, accountability, and better outcomes.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Russell Van Brocklen is a dyslexia researcher and creator of The Writing Method, a neuroscience-based approach that helps struggling students become confident writers. His work—supported by the New York State Senate and the SUNY Research Foundation—has helped students make significant gains in writing fluency through simple, science-backed routines. He now teaches parents and educators practical strategies to unlock the strengths of neurodiverse learners.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

David Deighton is the creator of Triptych Dialogue an art experiment in bridging societal divides with in person communication with strangers.

David uses art installations where thousands of visitors have discovered his work in unlikely venues such as National Park free speech areas or even on top of a mountain.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Deepika Kukreja is a poet, storyteller, and substitute teacher who brings deep compassion and reflection to everything she does. Born and raised in India she immigrated to the United States after marriage—a journey that reshaped her understanding of home, belonging, and identity. Through literature and journaling, Deepika discovered writing as a powerful tool for healing, especially as she navigated grief, loss, and transformation.

Her poetry is known for its honesty, vulnerability, and its ability to find beauty in everyday moments—whether in nature, human connection, or quiet observations of life unfolding around her. In the classroom, Deepika’s warmth and openness create spaces where children feel seen and supported. Through both her teaching and her writing, she hopes to offer others a sense of comfort, connection, and the reminder that we become more human when we share our stories.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Mathias Lemos Castillo is a seasoned consultant with extensive experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As a strategic advisor, he has helped numerous organizations develop and implement comprehensive programs that drive meaningful change. His expertise spans across cultural competency training, workplace inclusion strategies, and community engagement.

With a proven track record of bridging diverse communities and corporate environments, Mathias brings a unique perspective that blends practical business knowledge with deep cultural understanding. His consultancy work centers on building sustainable, inclusive workplace cultures where diversity drives success.

Through his collaborative approach and results-driven methodology, Mathias has successfully guided organizations through complex cultural transformations, helping them foster more inclusive environments while achieving their business objectives. His commitment to empowering underrepresented communities and promoting equitable practices has made him a trusted messenger in both professional and community settings.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Manny Faces is an award-winning journalist, TEDx speaker, and cultural strategist who helps organizations remix how they innovate, educate, and uplift by unlocking the untapped potential of Hip Hop culture. He is the host of the acclaimed podcast Hip Hop Can Save America! and author of the Cornel West–endorsed book Hip Hop Can Save America! Inspiration for the Nation from a Culture of Innovation, where he spotlights the often-overlooked ways Hip Hop drives fresh solutions in education, health, social justice, leadership, and beyond. His work bridges disciplines, dismantles silos, and challenges assumptions about culture’s role in advancing progress. With more than 25 years of experience in journalism, media, and community engagement, Manny has collaborated with mission-driven organizations and spoken at universities and conferences worldwide. He connects insight and storytelling in a way that equips audiences to challenge old assumptions and embrace bold solutions.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” – Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Guided by this belief, Trevor Welch is a passionate Bay Area community advocate rooted in his hometown of Richmond and deeply connected to Oakland and the greater San Francisco area. After earning his M.S. in Leadership & Management from the University of La Verne, Trevor committed himself to using his skills, knowledge, and mindset to rebuild his community and empower those who lack access to opportunities.

Trevor’s journey has been shaped by teaching, volunteering, grassroots activism, and even local farmwork—efforts that reflect his dedication to uplifting others and making a tangible impact. He strives to be an elevating and positive force within the Bay Area, consistently finding ways to plug himself into initiatives that foster growth and prosperity. His evolving life purpose is not only to serve but to inspire and equip others to discover and act on their own purpose, helping them develop the tools, attitudes, and plans to transform their lives and communities.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e