UTalks

In this heartfelt episode of UTalks, host Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins sits down with Senora Toni Fink, a 25-year veteran educator at Milwaukee Spanish Immersion School and the 2023 ULC Alumna of the Year. Toni shares her inspiring journey from doubting her ability to become a teacher to achieving her dream through the Urban Learning Collaborative's alternative licensure program. Toni reflects on her...

In this inspiring episode of UTalks, host Dr. Clavon Byrd welcomes 2023–2024 Teacher of the Year, Roxanne Heard, from the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA). Roxanne shares her unexpected journey into teaching, starting as a para and office assistant and rising to become an award-winning educator. She reflects on the importance of building connections with students, the value of mento...

In this UTalks episode, Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins interviews Joshua Capodarco, the 2024 Alum of the Year and agricultural educator, who shares his journey from a city background to a passion-driven career in agriculture education. Capodarco discusses his transition into teaching, inspired by work on various farms and at a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on food justice, and highlights his efforts to ma...

In this episode of U-Talks, Deanna Singh discusses her purpose-driven career focused on shifting power to marginalized communities through education, leadership, and social entrepreneurship. She shares her diverse background in education, ranging from teaching to administration and authorship, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities and access to high-quality education for all. Singh...

In this episode of U-Talks, Dr. Clavon Byrd interviews Dr. Ramard Wright, a Milwaukee-born veterinarian and owner of Wright's Brown Deer Animal Hospital. Dr. Wright shares his journey from growing up in an urban environment to running a successful clinic while balancing a large family and a love for animals. He discusses the challenges of being a minority in the veterinary field, the importance of...

In this solo episode of UTalks, Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins, Executive Director of Urban Learning Collaborative, explores the first of the top five skills essential for effective leadership: communication. She breaks down the key components of leadership communication, including nonverbal cues, articulating a clear vision, setting goals, and active listening. Dr. Laci emphasizes the importance of emp...

In this episode of UTalks, Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd discuss the excitement surrounding the upcoming 2024 Fall Ball hosted by Urban Learning Collaborative. They reminisce about the success of last year's event and share their anticipation for this year's celebration, which will be held at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel. Dr. Laci highlights her passion for the event's live auction,...

In this episode of UTalks, part of the Leadership Defined series, host Dr. Clavon Byrd shares five key leadership behaviors that all effective leaders should embrace: clear and transparent communication, collaboration, empathy, constructive feedback, and accountability—not only to others but also to oneself. Dr. Byrd wraps up the episode by introducing Leadership DevelopU, a leadership development...

In this episode of U Talks, Dr. Clavon Byrd discusses the concept of leadership for individuals who may not yet hold formal leadership titles. Drawing inspiration from a Harvard Business Review article, Dr. Byrd emphasizes that leadership is about growth, strengths, and connection. He encourages aspiring leaders to focus on daily personal growth, developing their strengths rather than weaknesses,...

In this episode of UTalks, Dr. Clavon interviews Dr. Laci Coppins-Robbins, Executive Director of the Urban Learning Collaborative (ULC), about the organization’s mission and its evolution from the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC). Dr. Laci discusses ULC’s programs, including Leadership DevelopU, which fosters leadership skills for educators and those in education-adjacent fields. She shar...

This episode of UTalks, hosted by Dr. Laci C. Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd, focuses on leadership, specifically the concepts of leadership trip-ups and triumphs. The conversation begins with defining leadership, emphasizing that leadership is about action. Both hosts share personal experiences to illustrate these concepts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the inaugural episode of the Urban Learning Collaborative podcast, UTalks, hosts Dr. Laci Coppins Robbins and Dr. Clavon Byrd introduce listeners to the mission of their organization, which focuses on leadership development within the education community and beyond. The episode highlights the collaborative's various programs, including the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy and the new Le...