Scholars Equity Network Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Crystal Harrell discusses Mentra, her AI-powered student navigation app designed to support first-generation and under-resourced students through Access, Affordability, and Advancement. She explains how her research and personal experiences shaped the app, the role of AI and human collaboration, and the importance of a Wellness Corner to address student mental health. Crystal...

Host Aaron Stallworth interviews Aubrey Skeeter about the Yuchi (Uchi) Language Legend and Library Expansion Project, funded by the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator. They discuss how the grant enabled stipends for Uchi artists, the transformation of elders' audio recordings into illustrated children's books, and plans for print and digital resources. Aubrey shares her personal co...

In this episode, host Aaron Stallworth speaks with Dr. Nathaniel “Nate” Ramos about his work as Beaumont’s assistant library administrator and his Pay It Forward Accelerator project to improve multi-generational literacy. Nate explains how libraries adapt programs for different age groups—sensory-friendly story times for young children, STEAM for tweens and teens, and financial literacy for adults...

In this episode, Kyla Stewart, a Gates Millennium Scholar and creator of the Dovecote Dance Initiative, discusses how the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator helped turn her idea into an accessible wellness program for adults impacted by family separation. Kyla explains class structure, community partnerships, early participant reactions, and plans to measure impact and expand the p...

Caminos Científicos is a Spanish-language lecture series led by Dr. Karen Perez that connects Hispanic students and their families with bilingual STEM scientists, hosted in Tucson and live-streamed for wider access. Part of the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator, the program focuses on representation, parent inclusion, and practical guidance on pathways to college and careers in sc...

In this inspiring episode of the Scholars Equity Network Podcast, host Aaron Stallworth sits down with Naomie Droll—a proud member of the Navajo Nation, 2012 Gates Millennium Scholars Program recipient, and now Interim Executive Director of the Scholars Equity Network (SEN). Naomie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in New Mexico’s Indian Country to becoming a leader for Indigenous advo...

In this episode of the Scholars Equity Network podcast, Aaron interviewed Dr. Adebola Giwa, a 2005 Gates Millennium Scholar who became a pediatric endocrinologist and currently lives in San Francisco. Dr. Giwa shared his journey from growing up in Brooklyn's projects to attending Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, and completing residencies at University of Chicago and Johns Hopk...

In this podcast interview, Robert Lee, a Gates Millennium Scholar and NYU graduate, discussed his journey from founding a student food rescue club at NYU to launching Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, a multi-state food rescue organization that operates in nine cities. Robert shared his background growing up in Queens, his transition from finance at JP Morgan to full-time food rescue work, and the challe...

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Scholars Equity Network podcast featuring the remarkable Ms. Cinthia Manuel, a proud 2001 Gates Millennium Scholar. With a rich educational background from Georgetown University, George Fox University, and Linfield University, Cinthia has dedicated her career to advancing leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion through her role as the CEO and Founder of...

In this episode of the SEN podcast, Dr. Victoria Pham, an accomplished mental health professional and inaugural Gates Millennium Scholar, shares her insights on the critical role of mental health services in fostering healthy communities. With her extensive background from institutions like USC, Yale, and Western University of Health Sciences, Dr. Pham currently works with various organizations, i...

Join us for the latest episode of the Scholars Equity Network Podcast featuring the incredible Aliesha Maye! 🌟 A proud 2004 GMS scholar, Aliesha began her journey as a Spanish teacher and has since risen to become the Chief Operating Officer of a charter school network in DC. In this insightful conversation, Aaron and Aliesha dive into topics like humility, hope, and the importance of paying it f...

🎙️ Exciting Announcement! 🌟 Scholars Equity Network Podcast Interview with the Co-Founders of YourPath.ai - Christopher Gray and Chandler Malone!⁣ ⁣ Join us on the Scholars Equity Network podcast as we sit down with the brilliant minds behind YourPath.ai, Christopher Gray and Chandler Malone. Chris is a 𝗚𝗠𝗦 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝘂𝘀 btw!⁣ ⁣ Get ready to dive into their journey, innovative solutions, and insights o...

Chau Dang is a founding board member of the Scholars Equity Network. She lends her voice to the SEN podcast to share why the pillars of the organization are important to her and many of her fellow Gates Millennium Scholars alumni. She also talks about AI and why she likes lifesaver gummies. Listen in! #linkinbio⁣ ⁣ #scholarsequitynetwork⁣ #ScholarsUnite #EquityNetwork #Achievement4All #LegacyLifts...

Meet Dr. Juan Pablo Sanchez, DrPH, MPH, CPH! Juan is a 2014 Gates Millennium Scholar and graduate of the University of South Florida and Mercer University. Juan Pablo currently works with USAID, in their Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, as a Response Operations Center Manager. Dr. Sanchez joined the SEN podcast to share his knowledge of SEN, his personal and professional interests, and his expe...

Monica Moya is an inaugural board member of the Scholars Equity Network. Monica shares her take on the mission of SEN, and she lends her voice to the SEN podcast to share insights about her journey to earning her Ph. D. Monica actively “pays it forward” through mentoring students from communities similar to the one she is from, and raises awareness about the path to becoming a leader in the field...