Season 9 Episode 89 Ashanti Branch
in our tribe
Episode 89 features Ashanti Branch—Founder and Executive Director of Ever Forward Club—in a conversation centered on healing, connection, and youth mental health. A former math teacher raised in Oakland by a single mom, Ashanti saw too many students ready to drop out—not because they lacked ability, but because they didn’t feel safe, seen, or heard. Those moments shaped his life’s work. Now a nationally recognized leader, Ashanti is the creator of the award-winning #MillionMaskMovement, engaging over 75,000 participants worldwide to help young people explore and express their...
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Season 9 Episode 88 Dr. Tina Torres
in our tribe
Episode 88 features Dr. Tina Torres, Creciente Fellow and Director of the K–16 Collaborative at Sacramento State, in a conversation rooted in truth, growth, and transformation. A high school dropout and teenage mom, Dr. Torres didn’t begin her college journey until she was 30. She came up in difficult environments, often without steady support and in spaces where she felt out of place. Those experiences didn’t stop her—they shaped her. Now a doctor and education leader, Dr. Torres reflects on resilience, gratitude, and the support of her husband, while sharing a message for...
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Season 9 Episode 87 Juan Novello
in our tribe
Join us for a powerful conversation with Juan Novello, a nationally recognized Latinx leader, Vice President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other leadership roles, and a proud Senior Fellow of the Creciente Latinx Leadership Program by YDN. Juan shares his journey, from his childhood and immigration to the U.S. to navigating life as a DACA recipient and becoming a proud U.S. citizen —and how those experiences shape his approach to leadership, power, and community today. We talk about identity, responsibility, and what it really means to lead institutions...
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Season 9 Episode 86 Misty Avila
in our tribe
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Misty Avila, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the James B. McClatchy Foundation, whose work is bringing “sunshine” to California’s Central Valley. ☀️ With over 15 years supporting nonprofits, Misty shares her journey from community organizing to funding initiatives that strengthen local journalism, multilingual education, and nonprofit leadership. She reflects on how leadership, relationships, and storytelling are central to creating lasting community impact. #InOurTribePodcast #JBMF #MistyAvila #Leadership #CommunityImpact...
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Season 9 Episode 85 Rudy Corpuz
in our tribe
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rudy Corpuz Jr., founder of United Playaz, a violence-prevention and youth leadership organization serving San Francisco’s SoMa community. Since 1994, United Playaz has supported the city’s hardest-to-reach youth through street outreach, case management, in-school services, recreational programs, and support for incarcerated young people. What began as Rudy’s effort to create a safe after-school space has grown into a powerful movement transforming lives in one of San Francisco’s most challenged neighborhoods. In this episode, Rudy shares his...
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Season 9 Episode 84 Carlos Kandia
in our tribe
Join us for a powerful conversation with Carlos Kandia, a Sammie Award Winner and Artist of the Year recognized by the Midtown Association in Sacramento, California. A multi-genre singer, percussionist, dancer, actor, business owner, nonprofit leader, teacher, and father, Kandia has built an artistic career spanning over 15 years. Originally from Colombia, he has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists such as Julieta Venegas, Enanitos Verdes, Tony Vega, Charlie Aponte, and La Sonora Dinamita, among many others. With more than 2,000 live performances and appearances in major...
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Season 9 Episode 83 Armoni Easley
in our tribe
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Armoni Easley, a Social Impact Entrepreneur and Empowerment Facilitator with over 16 years of experience making a difference in communities. As the Co-founder of Project Optimism, Inc., Armoni has helped shape the lives of thousands of youth through mentorship and leadership programs that foster growth, resilience, and purpose. Building on that success, he founded Easley Done & Company, delivering high-impact workshops, keynote speeches, and consulting services across California with the same energy and dedication, whether in large auditoriums or...
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Season 9 Episode 82 Lydia Ramirez
in our tribe
In this episode of In Our Tribe, we’re honored to welcome Lydia Ramirez, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Five Star Bank. A corporate trailblazer and inclusive thought leader, she shares her journey through the financial sector, her passion for empowering women in leadership, and her commitment to creating space for Latinx voices. Named one of ALPFA’s 50 Most Powerful Latinas and a member of the Program Advisory Committee for YDN’s Creciente Latinx Leadership Program, she brings insight, heart, and purpose to every conversation. This episode is a powerful reflection on resilience,...
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Season 9 Episode 81 Sergio Robles
in our tribe
In this episode of In Our Tribe, we welcome Sergio Robles — Vice Mayor of Elk Grove, Senior Fellow of YDN’s Creciente Latinx Leadership Program, and member of the National Guard. Sergio opens up about his path to leadership, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the importance of creating space for Latinx voices in our communities. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about service, resilience, and leading with heart.
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Season 8 Episode 80 Dr. Ernest Uwazie & Julius Austin
in our tribe
We are so excited to share in this episode the important work that Afripeace from Sacramento is doing to provide life transforming experiences for youth through a cultural exchange program. The Youth Peace and Cultural Education Program aims to promote global education and conflict resolution among the youth through exchanges between US and African youth. The year- long conflict resolution orientation and cultural immersion program culminates in a 4 week summer trip to a select African country by 10-15 students with 2 teachers as guides. A special thank you to Dr. Ernest Uwazie, Founder and...
info_outlineJoin us for an inspiring conversation with Armoni Easley, a Social Impact Entrepreneur and Empowerment Facilitator with over 16 years of experience making a difference in communities. As the Co-founder of Project Optimism, Inc., Armoni has helped shape the lives of thousands of youth through mentorship and leadership programs that foster growth, resilience, and purpose. Building on that success, he founded Easley Done & Company, delivering high-impact workshops, keynote speeches, and consulting services across California with the same energy and dedication, whether in large auditoriums or intimate settings. In this episode, Armoni shares his journey, insights on leadership and empowerment, and the strategies that have allowed him to create meaningful social impact. #Leadership #SocialImpact #Empowerment #Mentorship #ProjectOptimism #Podcast #Creciente #YDN #youthdevelopment