Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Hannah, Kassandra, and Emily were thrilled to welcome two exceptional guests whose dedication to social justice and civic engagement is truly inspiring. Naya Houchen, the Call For Kindness Program Coordinator at Riley's Way Foundation, and Ranen, a current C4K Fellow and the co-founder of OutVote, join us to discuss their impactful work and the broader issues of community-building and advocacy.
Naya Houchen is a dynamic force in promoting kindness and empathy through her role at Riley's Way. As the Call For Kindness Program Coordinator, Naya plays a pivotal role in mentoring young people across the nation, encouraging them to foster positive change within their communities. Her work emphasizes the importance of inclusive, youth-centric leadership and addresses the diverse needs of the younger generation. In our conversation, Naya shares her insights on the intersection of social justice and kind leadership, and the essential role of creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued.
Joining Naya is Ranen Miao, a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and the co-founder of OutVote, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the LGBTQ+ vote across the country. With a background that includes a degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Washington University in St. Louis, Ranen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. His work with OutVote focuses on building a youth-led culture of civic engagement, aiming to enhance electoral power and advocate for leaders who reflect the rich diversity of our nation. During our discussion, Ranen delves into the current state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the United States, the challenges young people face in engaging with the voting process, and the historical context of LGBTQIA+ activism. He also highlights the exciting initiatives of OutVote and how it collaborates with the Call For Kindness program.
From the impact of kind leadership to the mobilization of youth voices in the electoral process, Naya and Ranen offer valuable perspectives on building a more equitable and inclusive society. Thanks for listening!
