We Can Make a Difference

In this episode, I interview Dheeraj Batra, Founder and CEO of The Propel Labs. Dheeraj and I engage in a wide-ranging conversation on how companies can think about sustainability, the trade-offs involved, and the role of government and policy in promoting sustainability. Dheeraj also shares how his consulting firm incorporates human centered design and systems thinking to help organizations come up with creative and innovative sustainability focused solutions. Finally, Dheeraj offers advice on how Gen-Zers can play their part in making an impact in areas they are passionate about.

In this episode, I interview author and advocate, Melissa Lombardo.  Melissa shares her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and how she found the courage to move from healing to thriving. We discuss the power of storytelling and how Melissa was inspired to author her book Hurt, Healing, and Hope to support and help others who have experienced similar trauma. Melissa also shares her advice on how Gen-Zers can use their experiences to bring about positive change. You can learn more about Melissa and her work at writehealthrive.com

In this episode, I interview mother and daughter duo, Claire and Amaranthia Sepia. Claire and Amaranthia are the founders of Sista Creatives Rising, an organization devoted to promoting accessibility and visibility of marginalized women and marginalized genders in the arts. We discuss the unique challenges they faced as black women with disabilities in getting their initiative up and running.  They also share how art can be used as a form of self-advocacy and expression of the challenges  marginalized groups face. Finally, Claire and Amaranthia share their advice for Gen-Zers on how they can make a difference by pursuing their passions. 

Short teaser on what to expect in Season 2 of We Can Make a Difference

In this episode, I interview author Jacci Turner. Jacci has written a number of books for children and young adults with social justice themes. In this interesting episode, we discuss a myriad of topics ranging from social media addiction, teenage mental health issues and racial injustice. Finally, Jacci shares her advise for aspiring writers and Gen-Zers who want to make a difference but don't know where to start.

In today's show, I interview author Carmen Leal.  In this insightful episode, Carmen talks about how she found hope and purpose through the adversities that she has faced. We talk about how she discovered her passion for rescue dogs and her work and advocacy for rehoming them, connecting people with dogs and how that has helped her and people overcome mental and physical health challenges. Carmen also shares the importance of storytelling at the individual and corporate levels and how that allows companies and people to appear real, transparent and authentic. Finally, Carmen shares her advise for young Gen-Zers who want to have an impact and make a difference.

In the episode, I interview Stephanie Duesing, author and CVI advocate. CVI is the number one cause of visual impairment in the world, yet not many people have heard about it. In this interview, Stephanie shares her journey and challenges as a parent of a child with CVI. She discusses how she has built awareness for the condition and the challenges she has faced in the process. She also shares what young people like us can do to bring light to the issues we care about.

If you want to learn more about CVI, check out the links below:

https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/vision-loss-children-whose-eyesight-may-be-2020-requires-new-diagnostic-and-teaching-strategies

https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/getting-to-the-heart-of-pediatric-vision-loss-and-blindness

https://cviscotland.org/

https://www.perkins.org/our-work/cvi/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028393221002359

https://www.aph.org/product/vision-and-the-brain-understanding-cerebral-visual-impairment-in-children/

In this episode, I interview the founder of Tech Now Global, David Onilude from Lagos Nigeria. David Onilude is 21, and a Nigerian Digital Literacy Advocate, Front-end Developer, Internationally acclaimed Social Entrepreneur, Ambassador for TheirWorld, Ashoka Young Changemaker, and Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 Honoree. David and his team of Gen-Zers are working with children in underserved communities to ensure that they have the resources, digital skills, and social skills to be successful in our rapidly changing world. In this episode we discuss the inequity present in Africa's education system and the challenges with promoting skills such as digital literacy.

In today's episode, I interview Tiffany Janel Frey, the founder of Breath Expressions. Tiffany shares her insights on the importance of practicing self-awareness and mindfulness to connect with ourselves and others. We discuss specific techniques to promote greater self-awareness.  We also have a conversation on the pressures that young Gen-Zers face, the impact of these pressures on their mental health and how being connected with ourselves facilitates overall well-being.

If you would like to learn more about her work then check out her website: http://breathexpressions.com/

In this episode, I interview  Monisha Kapila, the founder and co-CEO of ProInspire, a non-profit focused on delivering resources and programs to empower BIPOC social impact leaders. Monisha shares her journey and what inspired her to create ProInspire.  We also discuss important issues related to racial equity in the non-profit sector, the unique challenges that BIPOC leaders face and the importance of equipping leaders with the skills required to close the racial gap in society. Monisha also shares important insights on how Gen-Zers can make a difference by focusing on volunteering and activism.