Shows
The Ednium PodcastEp. 73 The Game Giver of the Year - Tashan MontgomeryTashan Montgomery is an educator and youth council liaison for Young and Aspiring Americans for Social and Political Activism (YAASPA). Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Tashan has felt a strong connection to community building and community education. He was recently awarded with Ednium's Game Giver award, and hopes to continue his work on the ground.2024-04-2952 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 72 The Creator of the Year - Brayan Montez-TerrazasOur guest this week is Brayan Montez-Terrazas, the winner of 'The Creator of the Year' award at our 2023 Homegrown Awards.
Denver-based artist, Brayan Montes-Terrazas is better known by his alias YAMZ. Under his brand, YAMZ, Brayan’s unwavering identity-driven art stresses the importance of putting marginalized voices at the forefront of our conversations and the stories we tell.
He is driven by the essential need to tell the stories of his identity as an undocumented, queer person of color. Using art and design as the vessels, Brayan demonstrates to others that they are not alone in...2024-04-1248 min
Colorado Leadership StoriesRichard Maez: Rooted In CommunityJoin us for an enlightening conversation with 2011 Boettcher Scholar Richard Maez, deputy director of Ednium: The Alumni Collective. With his southwest Denver roots at the epicenter of his passion for community, Richard's path as an educator has been a unique one. He has served as a high school teacher, college advisor, and program manager, where he discovered the power of storytelling in connecting with students. This sentiment remains core to his work today as he empowers young alumni of Denver Public Schools to drive positive change. In this episode, Richard delves into the significance of how authentic community engagement...2024-04-0427 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 71 Education Leader - Dwight JonesIn this podcast episode, TeRay speaks with Dwight Jones, the Executive Director for the Office of Children Affairs in Denver.
Dwight Jones boasts a distinguished career spanning education and the private sector. He has served as Interim Superintendent and Senior Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, Senior Vice President at McGraw-Hill Education, and offered strategic guidance at Discovery Channel's Education Division. Notably, as Superintendent of Clark County School District, Las Vegas, he raised academic standards for over 320,000 students. Jones, the former Colorado Commissioner of Education, revamped state standards, narrowed achievement gaps, and spearheaded the Colorado Growth Model...2024-03-151h 01
The Ednium PodcastEp. 70 The Leader of the Year - Liloni RamosOur guest this week is Liloni Ramos, the winner of 'The Leader of the Year' award at our Ednium 2023 Homegrown Awards. Liloni is a 4th generation Coloradoan and 3rd generation Denverite who grew up in Denver’s Harvey Park neighborhood. Being raised by her mother and grandmother, Liloni understood the power of education, service, and human connection at a young age. Having attended Denver Public Schools, she experienced firsthand the educational disparities in the public school system. Motivated to enact change, she pursued a Bachelor’s in Human Development & Family Studies at Colorado State University (#ProudToBe), where her fervor for...2024-03-0153 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 69 The Dope Mom - Dianne MylesFor this week's episode, we had with the opportunity to sit down and talk with Dianne Myles, the CEO of Dope Mom Life. Dianne found her passion for storytelling and community. Her team fulfills the company's mission daily to tell authentic, impactful stories that shift viewers' perspectives and garner engagement. Dianne's life experiences have given her a unique opportunity to be a powerful messenger and connector. Dianne prioritizes spending time with her two adult children, DJ and Tiara, who attend CU Denver, as they are her world. She also spends countless hours volunteering for organizations and serving on boards...2024-02-161h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp. 68 The Dream Investor - Dr. Jamal BowenThis week, our podcast features Dr. Jamal Bowen, winner of 'The Dream Investor' award at the Ednium 2023 Homegrown Awards. Dr. Bowen, a dedicated father and community advocate, founded "Empowering Community Entrepreneurs" in 2016 to mentor young adults in business. He played a key role in the Women’s Situation Room during elections in Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2017, promoting women's empowerment. Dr. Bowen's commitment to education is evident in his roles at the Community College of Denver, where he served as Dean of Instruction and Program Chair, offering valuable workshops and training. His partnerships with organizations like SparqU and Ene...2024-01-311h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp 67. The New Ednium TeamWelcome to the New Year edition of the Ednium podcast! Tune in as the Ednium team reflects on the numerous triumphs and shifts of 2023, and dive into the new aspirations we've established for our growing team and Ednium in 2024!2024-01-191h 26
City Cast DenverWhy Prop HH Failed, Jumbotron Proposals, and Who’s Gonna Beat Boebert?It wasn’t the biggest election of our lifetimes. It wasn’t even the biggest election in Denver this year! But this past Tuesday’s results will reshape our lives, and our politics, in some big ways. Producer Paul Karolyi is breaking down the results and looking to the future with returning guest Joshua Emerson, a stand-up comic and the co-chair of the Denver American Indian Commission, and one of our favorite political insiders — longtime Democratic Party strategist and one of the co-hosts of the Get More Smarter podcast, Ian Silverii. And finally, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows of the W...2023-11-1040 minCity Cast DenverTom’s Starlight Closing, Food Influencer Drama, and On-Screen EatingA few years ago Tom Messina made a deal to sell off his iconic East Colfax building — then known as Tom’s Diner — and ride off into the sunset. But historic preservation got in the way of his retirement plans. The business reopened a little over a year ago as Tom’s Starlight, but it looks as if Tom is thinking about retirement again. Who will take on the stewardship of this Denver institution and take on the lease? Host Bree Davies, producer Paul Karolyi, and newsletter editor Peyton Garcia dig into the Colfax drama, along with the prickly story of...2023-11-0928 minCity Cast DenverElection Results Are In! Plus, Inside Denver’s Budget BattlesVoter turnout was unsurprisingly low for yesterday’s off-year election, but we still have plenty of results to dissect from all the hottest statewide and Denver races! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi break down the initial returns from Tuesday evening, including the fate of Prop HH and the new era for Denver Public Schools. Then, we check in with one of Denver’s new city council members, Shontel Lewis, who tells us that the new-look council’s “honeymoon period is ending.” We talk about their latest battles over Denver’s 2024 budget, her leadership on housing and homelessness, and how she...2023-11-0827 minCity Cast DenverThe Englewood Scammer Saga Continues! Plus, More Last-Minute Election NewsIt might not feel like it, but today is election day. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are sharing a juicy update on the scammer running unopposed for school board in Englewood and talking about what they’ll be watching for as the results come in tonight. Then, the trials over the 2019 killing of Elijah McClain took an unexpected turn last week, with one officer making the unusual move of taking the stand in his own defense. And finally, we respond to your questions and comments about food deserts, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and trick-or-treat candy policies. 2023-11-0724 minCity Cast DenverHow Will CO’s Ski Biz Navigate Growth, Housing, Labor This Season?Between the ongoing I-70 traffic conundrum, housing affordability issues in basically every ski town, pricey passes to overcrowded lift lines, resort workers unionizing left and right, and, of course, the imminent threat of changing climate, the ski world seems to touch every aspect of life in Colorado. So as resorts open across the state, producer Paul Karolyi sits down with the ultimate ski industry insider, Luis Benitez, to talk through the civic, environmental, and labor issues at stake on the slopes this winter, and share insight into the plans and operations of some of the biggest resort operators in...2023-11-0626 minCity Cast DenverUnmasking the 'Rat' in the Weed Biz, Bye Bye Ken Buck, and Is Denver Unfriendly?Epic weed drama erupted this week, with the outing of a “rat in the community” who allegedly made dozens of complaints about public consumption to city officials, which led to the massive crackdown on not-quite-legal weed parties over the summer. With weed sales still trending down, we’re asking: Is this the last gasp of the Green Rush? Or a mess we voters made for ourselves? Our green chile and politics correspondent Justine Sandoval joins producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love to sort through the drama and the state of legal weed. Then, our Rocky Mountain Highs and Lows o...2023-11-0338 minCity Cast DenverJapanese Food Old and New, the Rise of Bodegas, and Cozy VibesIt’s Thursday, and we are so ready for the weekend. So as usual, newsletter editor and our resident foodie Peyton Garcia joins to talk through Denver’s hottest food news: first, a Japanese restaurant that claims to be the oldest in the state is closing in Cherry Creek, while a hot new Japanese place called Kumoya is promising to change the game in Highland. And speaking of everything old being new again, we dig into the recent explosion of interest in neighborhood markets, aka bodegas, and ask: can they thrive in car-centric Denver? Finally, we share our picks for...2023-11-0225 minCity Cast DenverYour Guide to November in DenverWelcome to November, the month of 5 p.m. sunsets, extended family visits, early holiday shopping, and colder temps. Newsletter editor Peyton Garcia and producer Olivia Jewell Love rounded up their top picks to help you figure out how to entertain that random cousin visiting for a long weekend and drum up some unique ways to make this the best Friendsgiving yet! Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi weigh in to help decide on our official City Cast Denver “Maybe” for November — as in maybe you’ll see us there! For even more news from arou...2023-11-0127 minCity Cast DenverDark Money, the Scammer Running Unopposed, and Is Denver in the Midwest?Election day is just a week away and while it’s an off-year, there are plenty of important races and issues at stake across the metro area. So host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi are talking about the unique character running unopposed in Englewood, a potentially pivotal measure on homelessness in Boulder, and all the dark money swaying the races for the Denver Public Schools Board. Then, Paul and Bree respond to your comments on Hawaiian food, Fort Collins, and whether or not Denver is part of the Midwest. For more on the DPS...2023-10-3129 minCity Cast DenverHow To Save Denver’s NightlifeWith Halloween coming up tomorrow, we’re thinking about everything that goes bump in the night. But the importance of Denver’s nighttime economy far exceeds the one-night-only, trick-treat trading that’ll be going down tomorrow evening. For years our nightlife has been both a big business and the scene of high-profile violence — particularly around let-out time late at night in LoDo. Youth on Record co-founder Stephen Brackett saw the nightlife conundrum first-hand coming up in Denver’s music scene — then he picked up some innovative ideas while touring the world with his band Flobots. Now he’s bringing it all togethe...2023-10-3018 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE At-Large Candidate: John YoungquistJohn Youngquist has been an educator for 35 years in Denver, Aurora, Breckenridge, and Cherry Creek schools. He is a Denver Public Schools graduate, parent, volunteer, former teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent, and is running for a seat on the DPS Board of Education. In his heart he is a principal. He has been a principal for 18 years and for every day of those 18 years he walked up to the school asking himself two questions: Have we done all of the work necessary to make certain that we are safe today? Have we done all of the work that we n...2023-10-271h 01
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE At-Large Candidate: Kwame SpearmanKwame’s roots in Denver run deep. He was born at Rose Hospital on Denver’s east side and was raised in the Montclair neighborhood.
Kwame attributes his successes to Denver Public Schools. His mom has worked with Denver Public Schools as a Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for over 37 years. Kwame is also a graduate of Denver Public Schools. He attended Montclair Elementary, Smiley Middle School (now known as McAuliffe), and East High School.
With his DPS education, Kwame was able to attend Ivy League Schools, work for some of the top companie...2023-10-2755 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE District 5 Candidate: Charmaine LindsayCharmaine has volunteered many hours to teach reading to elementary school children below grade level. When her grandchildren fell behind during the pandemic, she read the encyclopedia out loud with them every night. They each took turns picking a topic. She started this because they could not identify the United States on a map. Charmaine sees reading as a child’s most crucial skill because it can exponentially increase their knowledge while preparing them for educational achievement. During the many school visits she did in the past year, one of the biggest concerns expressed by school leaders was how the pan...2023-10-2451 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE District 5 Candidate: Adam SlutzkerAdam Slutzker is a father of 3 school age children who all attend their neighborhood school—Columbian Elementary. Adam has served the last 2 years as the chairperson of the Columbian Elementary Collaborative School Committee. Adam and his family have lived in northwest Denver since 2019 but have been Denver residents since 2009. Adam has a Master's in Education (emphasis in elementary math and science) from UC-Denver and taught in Jefferson County elementary schools from 2010-2014. Since 2014, he has been self-employed as a realtor, carpenter, and contractor, which allowed him to focus on being the primary parent to his three kids as his wife, att...2023-10-2448 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE District 5 Candidate: Marlene De La RosaMarlene De La Rosa is a 4th generation Denverite and mother of two DPS graduates who is running for the Denver Public School Board to bring focus back where it belongs - on the kids. Marlene has lived in Northwest Denver for almost 30 years with her family going back four generations. Marlene raised her two twin children as a single mom - TaShina and LaPhonso Salas - who graduated from East and North High School. Marlene’s son is now a firefighter and 5th generation homeowner in Northwest Denver, and her daughter works for a non-profit organization.
Marlene De La Ro...2023-10-2058 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE District 1 Candidate: Scott BaldermannWe are excited to release the first episodes in the DPS Board Candidate Series! This week we are sitting down with the candidates looking to represent District 1 (Southeast Denver). The community has the opportunity to hear the vision and the stories of Scott Baldermann and Kimberly Sia. Whether you live in District 1 or not, we hope you give both candidates the time to hear from them in more depth than you would in other spaces.
Support for this series comes from The Denver Foundation: Through gifts of cash and stocks or more complex assets, The Denver Foundation h...2023-10-131h 03
The Ednium PodcastDPS BOE District 1 Candidate: Kimberlee SiaWe are excited to release the first episodes in the DPS Board Candidate Series! This week we are sitting down with the candidates looking to represent District 1 (Southeast Denver). The community has the opportunity to hear the vision and the stories of Scott Baldermann and Kimberlee Sia. Whether you live in District 1 or not, we hope you give both candidates the time to hear from them in more depth than you would in other spaces.
Support for this series comes from The Denver Foundation: Through gifts of cash and stocks or more complex assets, The Denver Foundation he...2023-10-131h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp 59. Did My School Prepare Me Enough?In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with a few of our graduates from Leadership Launchpad cohort 4: David Martinez, Kiara Chavez, Angelica Granados, and Hanna Celis. Together, we reflect on our experiences in school and life beyond the classroom.
Join us as we dive deep into candid conversations, sharing personal stories, and exploring how our educational journey shaped us. From the highs to the lows, we unpack it all. 2023-09-211h 21The Ednium PodcastEp. 57 - Who is mayoral candidate Kelly Brough?Kelly Brough worked for former then-Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper from 2003 to 2009, finishing as his chief of staff. Brough later worked as president and C.E.O. of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce from 2009 to 2021, and chief strategy officer at Metropolitan State University of Denver from 2021 to 2022.
Kelly Brough is a candidate in the 2023 Denver Mayoral Election finishing in second place in the initial round of the election on April 4.
2023-05-1943 minThe Ednium PodcastEp. 58 - Who is mayoral candidate Mike Johnston?Michael C. Johnston is an American educator and politician who served as a Colorado state senator representing the 33rd district from 2009 to 2017. A member of the Democratic Party, he was a candidate for governor of Colorado in 2018.
Mike Johnston is a candidate in the 2023 Denver Mayoral Election finishing in first place in the initial round of the election on April 4. 2023-05-1940 minThe Ednium PodcastEp. 56 - Are We Fighting the Same Battles? w/ DPS Deputy Superintendent Dr. Tony SmithDr. Smith is the Deputy Superintendent of Schools for the Denver Public Schools. He returned to Denver Public Schools in January 2022 after serving as the Superintendent of KIPP Texas Dallas Ft. Worth. Dr. Smith previously served as an Instructional Superintendent of Turnaround and 6-12 schools, as well as the Regional Instructional Superintendent of the Far Northeast region of Denver.
Dr. Smith has also served as the Executive Director of School Turnaround and Instruction for the Adams 14 Schools District, and as Turnaround Principal in the Denver Public Schools at Montbello and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Early College. H...2023-04-201h 02The Ednium PodcastEp. 55 - Is There Any Hope Left For Our Students? w/ Theresa PeñaTheresa Peña has an extensive career in the public and private sector. She retired in February 2022 from Denver Public Schools where she was the regional coordinator of outreach and engagement for the Food and Nutrition Services team. Prior to joining DPS Theresa worked with Hunger Free Colorado, the Colorado Children’s Campaign and the City of Denver. Theresa was elected to the Denver Public School Board of Education as an at-large representative in November 2003 and was reelected in November 2007 for a second four-year term; she served as president of the board for four years from 2005-2009. Before serving on...2023-04-0651 minThe Ednium PodcastEp. 54 - Erik CarrascoErik Carrasco is a comprehensive health and fitness coach at Abraham Lincoln High School. He started his career in 2013 and has been able to serve every age group in the same content field throughout the southwest Denver area. He has a passion for athletics and helping students develop lifelong healthy habits that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.
Denver Public School Teacher and Coach |
Teacher leader at Generation Teach |
Co-Director of Copa Alianza Soccer Tournament Denver2023-03-2951 minThe Ednium PodcastEp. 53 - Lauren Sisneros | Executive Director of Latinas First FoundationLauren Sisneros is a Colorado native, born and raised in the San Luis Valley. Lauren is the Executive Director of the Latinas First Foundation. Lauren has a long history supporting educational access in Colorado. She has worked with universities and the Colorado Department of Higher Education as a pre-collegiate advisor and college advisor working with first generation, low-income students. She also served as the Director of Programs at Prosperity Denver Fund where was responsible for developing and implementing the Fund’s program services working with scholarship organizations. Lauren began her career working for Colorado Legislative Council Staff, the non-partisan res...2023-03-1450 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 51 New Year New Faces W/ Richard Maez, Kathe Traore, & Alonso JuradoNew year, new faces, same focus. We are excited to introduce the new squad: Richard, Kathe, and Alonso!
Kathe is a Denver native raised by African immigrant parents. She is an East High School Alumni and earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations with minors in Psychology and Communications from the University of Colorado Denver. After graduating, Kathe started her career in the nonprofit world wanting to serve the communities she grew up within. Helping to create and develop programs, opportunities, and resources for communities in need has become a passion of hers and it is tr...2023-02-011h 03
The Ednium PodcastEp. 50 Getting Up W/ Ousman BaOusman Ba is originally from Senegal. He is a graduate of Colorado State
University with a degree in political science and international studies. Upon graduation, Ousman committed to a year of service with Americorps City Year, where he worked at Miami Central High School preparing students with the social, emotional and academic skills and mindsets to succeed in school and in life. After City Year, he moved back to Denver and worked in the banking industry as a treasury management representative with FirstBank. During his time at FirstBank, he volunteered with ALG as the Youth Empowerment Program facilitator. After two...2022-10-0457 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 49 Grit W/ David LopezDavid Lopez is the co-founder and CEO at Gritly. Based in Denver, he grew up in a family-oriented household that gave him his passion for serving those in his community. Like many entrepreneurs, David's path began as early as high school when he worked on building his first company. During college, David began working on what would become the first version of his first scalable company. Gritly started off as a tech sales bootcamp aimed at helping diverse communities gain access to training, hands-on experience, and employers in order to find employment opportunities that generated economic mobility for their candidates...2022-09-2156 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 48 Changing Financial Legacies W/ Tiffany AskinsTiffany Askins is an educator with over 13 years in education, 11 years proudly serving the community in Denver Public Schools. During her tenure, she has taught elementary through middle school, been a mentor to teachers in-training and opened her classroom to host PEBC Learning Labs to teacher residents throughout the Denver-Metro area. She is an educator that continuously works to deepen her knowledge around effective instruction that promotes student learning. She establishes high expectations for students and herself when it comes to being the best version of ourselves and she seeks opportunities to grow personally and professionally. Now that Tiffany has t...2022-08-231h 03
The Ednium PodcastEp. 47 Linear W/ Dan WalshDan Walsh is the Principal of Kepner Beacon MS in Southwest Denver. He has been the driving force behind the rejuvenation of Kepner. In 2016 then Superintendent Tom Boasberg came to the Beacon Network looking for a district-run school to turn around Kepner. Kepner Beacon was founded later that year and Dan was a founding member of the leadership team.
Principal Walsh is a Denver Public Schools product and has spent his entire educational career serving in his hometown district. Dan was born in the Westwood neighborhood in Southwest Denver and attended nearby Knapp Elementary School. He was nearly a student at...2022-06-151h 03
The Ednium PodcastEp. 46 Build Your Own W/ D.R. XIX & A MeazyD.R. XIX (dee-arr one nine) is a multi faceted creative who specializes in music production, audio engineering, and videography. He's worked with local artists such as A Meazy, Old Man Saxton, Jay Triiiple, Danae Simone, and others alike. His most recent work is on an upcoming compilation album called "Already On: The Verge" set to release on June 17th, 2022.
A Meazy was born and raised on the east side of Denver, Colorado. Born Alexander Jiles, A Meazy started making music in the 4th grade alongside his best friend and music influence, Darius Campbell. After Darius passed aw...2022-06-0959 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 45 Yo Soy Chicano W/ Dr. Antonio EsquibelDr. Esquibel is a current member of the Servicios de La Raza Board and has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of La Escuela Tlatelolco and as a board member of the Adams State College Alumni Association, Colorado Minority Engineering Association, Hispanic League of Colorado, Denver Public Schools Hispanic Educational Advisory Council, The Latino Education Coalition, Southwest Family Resource Center, and Rishel Middle School Collaborative Decision Making Committee (Chair 1991-93) and the Educational Opportunity Center Advisory Board Member.
Dr. Esquibel traces his family background to the 1693 Spanish colonizers of New Mexico more than 321 years...2022-05-261h 01
The Ednium PodcastEp. 44 Live on Purpose W/ Representative Leslie HerodRepresentative Leslie Herod (HD-8) was elected in 2016 as the first LGBTQ African American in the General Assembly, while receiving the highest number of votes of any candidate running in a contested election. She serves as the Chair of the House Finance Committee, Vice Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and Chair of the Committee on Legal Services. Rep. Herod also chairs the Colorado Black Democratic Legislative Caucus and the Arts Caucus.
Since her election in 2016, Herod has sent 68 bills to the Governor’s desk, marshaling through numerous pieces of legislation addressing criminal justice reform, mental health & substance ab...2022-05-1844 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 43 The Ideas Bender W/ Jadyn NguyenJadyn believes the key to this universe is living and being your full self. He is the Ideas Bender at the Youth Empowerment Broadcasting Organization (YEBO). At YEBO, Jadyn is responsible for ensuring the YEBO learning spaces include elements of Belonging, Wellness, and Independence. With the support of YEBO, he also launched a podcast: ‘The Superhero Mindset’. In the summer of 2019, Jadyn co-founded Future10X, a fellowship to ‘reimagine the future of education’ for young leaders. Denver grown, when Jadyn isn’t working he enjoys spending time with loved ones, playing Valorant, or reading books. YEBO is hosting a Release Par...2022-05-041h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp. 42 Yamz World of Color W/ Brayan Montes-TerrazasDenver based Artist Brayan Montes-Terrazas, is better know by his alias YAMZ. Under YAMZ, Brayan’s unwavering identity-driven art stresses the importance of putting marginalized voices at the forefront of our conversations and the stories we tell.
He is driven by the essential need to tell the stories of his identity as an undocumented, queer person of color. Using art and design as the vessel to show others that they are not alone in the fight toward equity justice and sound mental health.
While he continues to develop the YAMZ: World of Color as both an...2022-04-2752 min
The Ednium PodcastEp. 41 Oso Meals W/ Dom Barrera & Felipe VieryaOso Adventure Meals:
Oso Adventure Meals provides a brand of culturally authentic food and beverage products for the everyday adventurer. Current meal brands do not meet the needs of a growing and diverse outdoor market. Oso Meals is diversifying the outdoors by bringing delicious, spicy, and authentic meals to the backcountry. Oso allows customers to take their favorite recipes with them on the go, at home, or off the beaten path.
Felipe Vieyra:
A proven leader with Expertise running large advocacy organizations within the k-12 education space. Felipe serves on multiple board of...2022-04-2056 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 40. Slow Down & Make Yourself Proud W/ Jazmin Bojorquez EstradaJazmin is passionate about disrupting traditional ways of thinking about water, food systems, our relationship to land, and societal development through a lens of empathy and equity.
Her experience in the professional realms of government affairs, urban planning, and education have helped her understand the mechanics of oppressive institutions.
She uses yoga, the wisdom of herbs, exploring nature, and dancing as ways of reconnecting to her body. She believes breaking ancestral trauma and healing community starts with self. For her, a big part of this journey was to release the expectations of her family to m...2022-04-1357 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 39. Leadership W/ Papa DiaPapa Dia is Founder and President of the African Leadership Group (ALG), an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for African immigrants and members of the diaspora. A native of Senegal, Papa immigrated to Denver in 1998. He used his first job, stocking books, to teach himself how to read, write, and speak English. Beginning with an entry-level position in a local bank, over the next 17 years, Papa ultimately climbed the ranks to become a regional vice president. In 2017, Papa left his banking career to focus his full attention on running and growing ALG.
Through...2022-04-061h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp 38. Street Team W/ Yasmeen CofieldYasmeen Nashay Cofield is a Sales Representative for Revenue Enterprises (2 Years)
She currently works for a company that handles collections/outside billing for various hospitals across the country. Her team handles University of Colorado hospital as well as Children's Hospital directly.
She has goals to finish her bachelors degree in Business Economics. After that is to figuring out what type of work field would fit and make her happy as a career that she can retire in. Another goal of hers is to have her own car within the next 3 years.
Her proudest accomplishment is buying/owning a house at...2022-03-301h 00
The Ednium PodcastEp 37. Creating Our Own Story W/ Tay AndersonTay Anderson is a father, community organizer, and educator. He is a product of Denver Public Schools and is a proud graduate of Manual High School.
After working in the Colorado legislature, he dedicated his life to serving students across Denver Public Schools. He became an educator serving in various roles across Denver Public Schools, prior to his election to the Denver School Board. In various capacities, Tay has advised lawmakers, policy makers, and community leaders on issues such as educational equity, gun violence prevention, and human rights. His dedication and service to community has been recognized...2022-03-231h 00
The Ednium PodcastEp 36. Open Systems W/ Landon MascareñazLandon is the Vice President for Community Partnerships at The Colorado Education Initiative. In his role, he is responsible for district implementation work in the Denver Metro Area, Northeastern Colorado and Southwestern Colorado. His projects include the Homegrown Talent Initiative (focused on rural economic development), Youth Connections (Social Emotional Development) and launching local efforts for community-driven change. He also leads the organizations efforts rethinking accountability in Colorado and how we might reframe the questions toward what families and communities need from the system. He leads the organizational partnership initiatives and integrating how we might work with communities to open s...2022-03-161h 04
The Ednium PodcastEp 35. Lost History W/ Kai VongKai Vong is a current student at Western Colorado University and is honored to be a member of the Denver Asian American Pacific Islander Commission. Kai is the founder and former president of the Asian Pacific Islander Student Alliance (APSA) at East High School, an organization that creates an outlet for Asian Pacific American students. It also provides an opportunity for all students to learn about new cultures, express their curiosities, and share their own personal experiences. He is also currently a part of the Asian Pacific Islander Club at Western Colorado University.
Outside of school, Kai enjoys numerous activities...2022-03-0959 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 34. Expectations W/ Ale VenzorAlejandra Venzor is a school counselor at Excel Academy, an intensive pathway school located in Southwest Denver. Ale was born in Chihuahua and raised in southwest Denver. As a first-generation student, she graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School, received her bachelor's from MSU Denver, and later on received her master's in Counseling from CU Denver. Prior to Excel, Ale worked at the Colorado Department of Education where she started as a Youth Advisor and eventually became the Youth Mental Health First Aid Coordinator. Her work ranged from gathering feedback from youth about what was working or missing around accessing me...2022-03-021h 10
The Ednium PodcastEp 33. Embrace Discomfort W/ Carlos Villagran-JuárezCarlos Villagrana-Juárez is part of the Culture Team, specifically one of three Restorative Practices coordinators at the newly unified West High School. Prior to this role Carlos served as a math intervention fellow for DPS and a social-emotional learning program instructor through the YESS Institute at West Leadership Academy. Currently Carlos is pursuing his masters degree at the Morgridge College of Education studying Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Carlos was born and raised in the Westside of Denver and is one of three 1st generation college graduates of his family from Valparaiso, Zacatecas, México. When he...2022-02-241h 07
The Ednium PodcastEp 32. Creating Learners W/ Michelle QuattlebaumBorn and raised in Colorado, Michelle Quattlebaum specializes in addressing communication barriers, building relationships, and forging unique ally partnerships. Michelle has an extensive background in Banking ranging from customer service to management. Ms. Quattlebaum holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, focused on Intercultural Communications, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, specializing in Human Resource Performance. Through intentional and creative coaching, Michelle has successfully motivated individuals to achieve their professional goals. Using story sharing and creative inclusive workshops, Michelle inspires change and continued self-growth. Michelle’s focus is on changing the world one conversation at a time. Michel...2022-02-161h 06
The Ednium PodcastEp 31. Avoid Autopilot W/ Dr. Bailey LovingBailey Loving grew up in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Montbello High School. His undergraduate major was in Molecular Biology at The University of Denver, where he had early exposure to Radiation Biology. He then completed his medical doctorate at the University of Colorado, where he further pursued his interest in oncology. He is grateful for the opportunity to train at Beaumont and is excited to further develop his experience using diverse radiation modalities to treat complex cases. He is interested in combining his basic science research with translational research.
Timestamps:
4:30 what pushed you through your...2022-02-091h 06
The Ednium PodcastEp 30. Running v Governing W/ Dr. Anne KekeThis week we sit down with Dr. Anne Keke. She is a community leader, a teacher, and newly elected school board member of Aurora Public Schools. Dr. Anne has worked in the fields of education, social work and criminal justice. She has served as a restorative justice coordinator, K-12 tutor, and peer counselor, as well as being a key member of the African Leadership Group.
2:32 differences in running and governing
6:05 the journey
13:30 defining your community
17:53 the big picture
27:30 collecting information differently
39:02 on equity
42:20 on policy governa...2022-02-021h 01
The Ednium PodcastEp 29. Move Steady W/ Dr. Antwan JeffersonThis week we sit down with Dr. Antwan Jefferson, a Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. In his work, Antwan teaches in the Human Development and Family Relations program and the Urban and Diverse Communities concentration of the Leadership for Educational Equity doctorate (EdD) program. His teaching emphasizes interrogating race, class, and gender arrangements; achieving social justice; increasing an asset-based emphasis on diverse families; and supporting stronger and deeper community engagement in the schooling education of students through the pre-service training of helping professionals and teachers. His research...2022-01-261h 13
The Ednium PodcastEp 28. Story Matters W/ Melanie AsmarThis week we sit down with Melanie Asmar, Senior Reporter at Chalkbeat Colorado. Melanie covers education in Denver and other cities in the metro region. We discuss her journey and why it’s important to tell stories. 3:40 chalkbeat start
10:50 interviewing tips
13:03 how has media changed?
23:10 real people telling stories
28:17 what news to run?
42:47 what does it mean to be a journalist?
46:10 how do you define success?2022-01-1954 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 27. One by One W/ Superintendent Dr. Alex MarreroThis week we sit down with the new Denver Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Alex Marrero. We discuss his story, his process, and how he seeks to lead the district as a whole. 2022-01-1258 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 26. What's Success W/ Nate CadenaThis week we sit down with Nate Cadena. He is the Chief Operating Officer at Denver Scholarship Foundation and Board Chair of Ednium: The Alumni Collective.
We discuss his story along with a research project Ednium and DSF partnered on exploring post-secondary experiences of Latino males in Denver. We reflect on the qualitative research, how to shift systems, and how we think about success.
Show notes:
2:30 - Intro
8:30 - Growing up
10:55 - Slow Grind
33:03 - DSF Research Reflection
48:00 - Reach2021-12-301h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp. 26 Model of Authenticity W/ Amanda GonzalesThis week we sit down with the cofounder of Be The Change Community School, Amanda Gonzales. We discuss her journey as an educator and administrator and her vision for creating authentic spaces for students, teachers, staff, and the community as a whole.
Learn more about Be The Change here.2021-12-1657 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 25. Front of the Line W/ Alvaro Marquez GandaraWe get the honor of running it back with the original Ednium Podcast Guest, Alvaro Marquez Gandara who recently served as a campaign manager for DPS Board Member Dr. Carrie Olson.
Alvaro also runs a successful concrete business and brand (Paying Dues).
We reflect on his experience being front row for the first time during a board election cycle and discuss what it means for our communities to show up. 2021-12-081h 01
The Ednium PodcastDPS School Board Candidate Series: At LargeThe Denver Public Schools Board Candidate Series is a conversation with those running for DPS school board. In 2021 there are 4 seats open (At-Large, District 2, District 3, and District 4) for election with 13 total candidates vying for those positions.
This series is not an endorsement for any of the candidates interviewed. We reached out to each candidate and sat down with everyone who was willing and able.
Our goal for this series is to get insight into the human beings themselves, understand what it is like to run for school board, and learn more about our communities in D...2021-10-231h 00
The Ednium PodcastDPS School Board Candidate Series: District 2The Denver Public Schools Board Candidate Series is a conversation with those running for DPS school board. In 2021 there are 4 seats open (At-Large, District 2, District 3, and District 4) for election with 13 total candidates vying for those positions.
This series is not an endorsement for any of the candidates interviewed. We reached out to each candidate and sat down with everyone who was willing and able.
Our goal for this series is to get insight into the human beings themselves, understand what it is like to run for school board, and learn more about our communities in D...2021-10-2245 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS School Board Candidate Series: District 3The Denver Public Schools Board Candidate Series is a conversation with those running for DPS school board. In 2021 there are 4 seats open (At-Large, District 2, District 3, and District 4) for election with 13 total candidates vying for those positions.
This series is not an endorsement for any of the candidates interviewed. We reached out to each candidate and sat down with everyone who was willing and able.
Our goal for this series is to get insight into the human beings themselves, understand what it is like to run for school board, and learn more about our communities in D...2021-10-2153 min
The Ednium PodcastDPS School Board Candidate Series: District 4We are back with a brand new series!
The Denver Public Schools Board Candidate Series is a conversation with those running for DPS school board. In 2021 there are 4 seats open (At-Large, District 2, District 3, and District 4) for election with 13 total candidates vying for those positions.
This series is not an endorsement for any of the candidates interviewed. We reached out to each candidate and sat down with everyone who was willing and able.
Our goal for this series is to get insight into the human beings themselves, understand what it is like to run...2021-10-201h 07
The Ednium PodcastEp 24. Flow W/ Sia Chandler-GarciaThis week we sit down with Sia Chandler-Garcia. She was born and raised in Denver Colorado. Has a B.A. in Behavioral Science, a Masters in Counseling of Education, a postgraduate degree in Principal Administration, and a graduate from Denver Seminary with a certificate in Chaplaincy. She is currently working as the Principal at Emily Griffith High School in Denver.
Sia has worked in education for over 26 years and has a counseling business named With Love. Her latest adventure is Sia’s Bean Pies. She loves to bake!
Sia co-founded Watch Me Grow Mentoring Program for girls ag...2021-08-131h 00
The Ednium PodcastEP 23. Taking Punches W/ Luis AntezanaWelcome Back!
This week we sit down with Founder of Juntos 2 College, Luis Antezana Alba.
He was born in Bolivia, raised in Los Angeles, and has called Colorado his adopted home since 2015. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Honors College at the California State University of Los Angeles. His professional career began as an educator in Colorado Springs, teaching high school Language Arts and AVID. In recent years, Luis has focused on college access for Seniors as a Denver Scholarship Foundation College/Career Advisor at Abraham Lincoln High School. Wi...2021-08-061h 12
The Ednium PodcastEp 22. Built W Trev RichThis week we connect with Trev Rich, a Grammy-Nominated songwriter and artist from Denver. We discuss what it takes to define and achieve success for yourself, how schools tend to create workers (not bosses), and how we can build an ecosystem around a collective vision.
Denver Artist Spotlight: Trev Rich - "24-8" from his 2021 album "Out the Dark"
Website: www.iamtrevrich.com
YouTube: Link
Instagram: @trevrichhd
Twitter: @trevrichhd
Spotify: Link
Apple Music: Link2021-05-1249 min
Too Dope Teachers and a MicBreaking News! Finishing the Game with the Ednium Alumni CollectiveAfter months and months of discussion, community listening, planning, and research, the Denver Public Schools Board of Education stands poised to make a decision that could improve the future prospects of countless young people of color in our city. With the support of Ednium, the non-profit alumni collective organized by TeRay Esquibel, Denver could have graduation requirements in Ethnic Studies and Financial Literacy as early as 2023. All that remains is an important Board vote in June, and it could happen.
Ednium threw up the TooDope Bat Signal, and we are here to amplify this work. Listen to...2021-04-2800 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 21. Tattered Cover W/ Kwame SpearmanThis week Lilloni Ramos sits down with Kwame Spearman, a Denver native, who graduated from East HIgh School. He is a son of a DPS educator of 35 years, and the new owner / CEO of Tattered Cover.
Tattered Cover Bookstore - Website
Denver Artist Spotlight - IamMTG - "Big Bag" 2021-04-251h 07
The Ednium PodcastEp 20. Counseling our Communities W/ Ellie Mata-BustillosThis week we sit down with Ellie Mata-Bustillos, Founder of Latino Counseling where she strives to provide services to those who have limited access to mental health interventions specifically targeting the Spanish speaking community. With over 12 years of experience, her education background includes a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and she is also a certified Addiction Counselor (CAC III) with specialties in depression, anxiety, trauma and sexual abuse.
Contact:
Latino Counseling
12101 E. 2nd Ave. Suite 205 Aurora, CO 80011
(720) 524.6874 office
(720) 810.4063 cell
Ellie@latinotx.net Email
@latinocounseling Instagram
Denver...2021-04-141h 10
The Ednium PodcastEP. 19 Right Here W/ Bobby LeFebreThis week we sit down with Bobby LeFebre, an award winning writer, performer and cultural worker fusing a non-traditional multi-hyphenated professional identity to imagine new realities, empower communities, advance arts and culture, and serve as an agent of provocation, transformation, equity and social change. LeFebre’s work has appeared in The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Guardian, American Theater Magazine, NPR, and Poets.Org. In 2019, LeFebre was named Colorado’s 8th Poet Laureate, making him the youngest and first person of color to be appointed to the position in its 100 year history. LeFebre holds a bachelor’s degree in Psycholog...2021-04-0758 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 18. World Wide W/ Sofia Romero CampbellThis week we sit down with Sofia Romero Campbell a Denver Center for International Studies grad and Senior at Smith College. We get to learn about how travel and experiencing different cultures shaped her vision, her work in supporting sustainable food, and get to hear her share her talent as our Denver Artist Spotlight.
Alma Del Folklore: https://www.facebook.com/mariachialma.delfolklore.5
Outside/In Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C77Rj86ZVejOxfG9yxXyC?si=qNqae6ZJR4KtOEP_VyvaVQ&nd=1
Denver Artist Spotlight: Sofia Romero Campbell - "Cucurrucucu Paloma"2021-03-241h 09
The Ednium PodcastEp 17. Define Success W/ Kai SuematsuThis week we sit down with Kai Suematsu. A George Washington grad and current CU Boulder Student, Kai also runs the KOBU Foundation where he serves meals and provides college scholarships. Learn more at kobufoundation.org.
After we recorded this episode we were made aware of the lives lost in Atlanta, Georgia. We thought it necessary to start this podcast off with a separate conversation addressing the underlying illness in the country and to honor those we have lost.
This weeks episode is also sponsored by Paying Dues, a clothing line created by Ednium Alumni P...2021-03-181h 24
The Ednium PodcastEP 16. Letem' Know W/ Xochitl Ramirez AmaroThis week we sit down with Xochitl, a DPS Alumni from Dr. Martin Luther King Early College and graduate from Colorado State University. We chop it up about he experiences being a first generation student and supporting students in school today.
Denver Artist Spotlight: Zanib - "Catch me if you can" https://open.spotify.com/track/7a3De00xVgkyeieXXJEBLP?si=560bdf7939ea427d2021-03-101h 11
The Ednium PodcastEp 15. Energy W/ 3lackThis week we sit down with Denver Artist 3lack. He puts us on game around creating and protecting your energy and building things that can out live us.
Denver Artist Spotlight: 3lack - "Manifest" from his 2021 album "No Feelings 2"
https://open.spotify.com/track/2lrPeMbtFSG5zIOLiOyfZP?si=6772af47ced9442f
Social: @3lackmusic
Website: https://www.3lackmusic.com2021-03-0354 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 14. I am W/ MTGThis week we sit down with iamMTG a talented artist who shares her story and her vision. She reminds us that you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else.
Denver Artist Spotlight - iamMTG - "Do You Remember"
https://open.spotify.com/album/1uUhE0aOB40jaJ0CDXmlIE?si=1ZUuKAkVQUm8cb2H1InZCw&nd=1
2021-02-241h 04
The Ednium PodcastEp 13. The Book W/ Duane RichThis week we sit down with Duane Rich, An Abraham Lincoln High School Grad and long time DPS high school football coach. We discuss balance, the information that was hidden from us, and how to thrive.
Denver Artists Spotlight: Taurean - "Deja Vu" from his 2020 album Houdini
https://open.spotify.com/album/1lWdoHWNtg6EHxpza9gOtx
Ednium.org2021-02-171h 05
The Ednium PodcastEp 12. Love v Fear W/ Ruben HeloThis week we sit down with Ruben Helo who gives us game on achieving mindfulness and the real estate game.
James Roy article on Legacy of Redlining: https://denver.cbslocal.com/2021/02/01/legacy-redlining-denver-black-latino-families-leaving/
Denver Artist Spotlight - Ramond - 'Kings & Queens' from his 2018 project 'Seeds'
Recorded at Urbanity Live Studio - Book now at https://urbanity.live2021-02-1058 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 11. What's Real W/ Shawn GreeneThis week we sit down with Shawn Greene. A George Washington High School Alum, and long time resident of Denver's Park Hill neighborhood. We get some real insight into the realities of the profiling, and get put onto game about the ways by which we can become full participants within our democracy.
Denver Artist Spotlight - A Meazy - "Absolutely"
https://open.spotify.com/album/62m8JV9HujKomLsHqnmViJ?si=y7TWf9UyQPSjiN2RQkQ2Kw2021-02-031h 29
The Ednium PodcastEp 10. Homecoming W/ Liloni RamosThis week we sit down with Liloni Ramos, a John F. Kennedy grad who has returned to Denver to reinvest in her home city and advocate for the next generation of Denver Public Schools students. She gives us game and shares her journey through the education system and how navigating two worlds throughout her college experience has shaped her vision. Excited for Liloni to be back in the city and to see how we collectively grow from her brilliance!
Denver Artist Spotlight: Ronny Flukes ft. 3lack - "Da Mans" from his upcoming album 'Insecure' dropping in May!2021-01-271h 01
The Ednium PodcastEp 9. Seen & Heard W/ Perla BustillosThis week we sit down with Ednium's Cofounder and Engagement Manager Perla Bustillos. She shares with us her journey to Ednium, her why behind supporting those who are undocumented, and her vision to help people be seen and heard.
Denver Artist Spotlight - Kid Astronaut (Feat. Mayzin) No Consequence from his 2021 project entitled 'Cosmos'2021-01-2056 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 8. Stay Ready W/ Mawukle YebuahHappy New Year! We are excited to kick off 2021 with this week's special guest Mawukle Yebuah Founder and Owner of Flare and Square. A Denver South graduate gives us a peak into his experience in the public education system and how his professional experiences led him to Found his own formal wear company along side his business partner Fatima Rashad. Kick back and relax as we continue to hear amazing stories and achievements from Denver's homegrown talent!
Flareandsquare.com
Denver artist spotlight: Mawule - 'Black is Beautiful' from his 2016 project 'Chosen'
https://open.spotify.com/track/5tM7aUTY3D8nB86tC...2021-01-131h 15
The Ednium PodcastEp 7. Teacher of the Year W/ Gerardo MunozThis week we have the pleasure of connecting with Gerardo Munoz who was recently named the Colorado Teacher of the Year. We speak about his approach to teaching, how his upbringing informs his perspective, and learn about his platform heading into 2021.
This week's Denver Artist Spotlight is Taurean ft Wil Guice - Dreamer
https://soundcloud.com/taureannelson/taurean-ft-wil-guice-dreamer2020-12-211h 12
The Ednium PodcastEp 6. Representation Matters W/ Jennifer BaconThis week we sit down with current Vice President of the Denver Public Schools Board of Directors and new elected State Representative. We share with her the priorities of Ednium: The Alumni Collective, learn about what it means to lead in this city particularly for Black Women, and get a chance to see how Jen's journey informs her thinking with is community and student focused first.
Denver Artist Spotlight: Ronny Flukes - "Pressured Diamond" from his recently released EP entitled "Channel Enlightenment"
https://open.spotify.com/track/5U4k3pDOoYBs2iszYLMxuJ?si=2_R...2020-12-141h 22
The Ednium PodcastEp 5. The Lessons W/ Danny RodriguezThis week we sit down with Danny Rodriguez, a Abraham Lincoln Alum, who is currently in branch leadership at Canvas Credit Union. We talk about fatherhood, experiences growing up, and how we are looking to move forward and build.
Denver Artist Spotlight: TeeRay Esq - "The Cave" - from the 2019 project entitled "The Imposter Phenomenon"
https://soundcloud.com/teerayesq/the-cave-imposter-phenomenon-teeray?in=teerayesq/sets/imposter-phenomenon-ep-teeray
2020-12-0759 min
The Ednium PodcastEp 4. Continuous Growth W/ Stephanie LopezThis week we connect with Stephanie Lopez a woman who always finds a way to help others find confidence and greatness. We touch on what it means to be a good ancestor, the responsibility of growth, and the pains of no longer being hip (ha). Overall Stephanie speaks to continuous growth and the supports that enabled her to live out her passion.
Denver Artist Spotlight: TheycallhimAP - "Space Jam" from his 2020 project "Dedicated2020-11-301h 19
The Ednium PodcastEp 3. - Love Leads W/ James ColemanThis week we sit down with State Senator Elect James Coleman. From East Denver, Senator Coleman has dedicated his life to service and building Denver. We talk about his journey, what leadership means to him, and what is needed to move things forward.
Denver artist spotlight: Lecrae - "Nuthin" from his 2014 album entitled "Anomaly".
https://open.spotify.com/track/1eQVJBZgGIfd37vI63cR4f?si=WwQDtvFzRHONc1s-nJSiUA2020-11-231h 03
The Ednium PodcastEp 2. - East End Visions W/ Elijah HuffThis week we connect with Elijah Huff Manual HS Alum and founder of Eastend Visions serving the Five Points Community. We dive deep into his story and the process of making change vs simply making change. Denver artist spotlight: Jacob Campbell - “Live in this Moment” from his 2019 project entitled “Who am I” - https://open.spotify.com/album/2ehQZkFTxWeNgP0hdFfS7X?si=pF95IByxTXe0zaRG6ss7Tg2020-11-1654 minThe Ednium PodcastEp. 1 - More Leaders. Less Bosses. W/ Alvaro MarquezWelcome to the Ednium Podcast. Today we connect with Alvaro Marquez a Denver entrepreneur who owns a local family owned construction company and is founding a new apparel brand. An Abraham Lincoln Alum. We dive into the mentality of his entrepreneurial spirit and his perspective of what it takes to grow. Denver Artist Spotlight: A Meazy - Busy Livin’ https://music.apple.com/us/album/busy-livin/1502859957?i=15028599592020-11-0848 min