Connected Conversations

Can the spaces we live and work in help us connect & heal? In this transformative episode of Connected Conversations , Ghizlaine Mallek explores the world of trauma-informed design—an approach to shaping physical environments with emotional safety, healing, and community resilience at its core. She also speaks Arabic, French, and Derja. Drawing from her own experience as a migrant from Algeria...

How does language advocacy shape national security, economic development, and AI ethics? In this insightful episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Dr. Bill Rivers, Principal at WP Rivers & Associates and Chair of the SAFE-AI Task Force (SAFE-AI TF). With over 35 years of experience in language advocacy, policy, and intelligence, Dr. Rivers shares his expertise on the critical ro...

How does fitness go beyond the gym to create lasting lifestyle changes? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Alessia Martullo , Founder and Owner of Fit Life Coaching , to explore the intersection of fitness, wellness, and personal growth. Born and raised in Italy and now thriving in the U.S., Alessia brings a global perspective on health , emphasizing the importance of mo...

How does love evolve across cultures and generations? In this heartfelt Valentine’s special, we explore love, relationships, and identity through the lens of diverse backgrounds and personal experiences. Our guests—Vince Brantley, Amparo Villar Garcia, and Paris Nia—share their unique perspectives on how love is defined, experienced, and celebrated across cultures.🔹 Cultural Perspectives on Love...

How can young leaders use creative expression to drive social change? In this inspiring episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Lily Scheckner, the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate for Montgomery County, about the power of storytelling, advocacy, and youth leadership in shaping the future. As an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and social justice advocate, Lily shares how creative expression br...

How can education empower communities and bridge global divides? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we sit down with Ramya Vivekanandan , Senior Education Specialist at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), to discuss her transformative work in international development. From advocating for girls’ education to addressing systemic challenges in global learning, Ramya shares her uniq...

How is leadership evolving in today’s world, and why are empathy and connection more important than ever? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Vince Brantley , President and Co-Owner of Veritas Culture , about his remarkable journey as a leader, innovator, and cultural change-maker. From his 28-year military career to founding Veritas Culture, Vince shares powerful insights i...

How does music bring people together during the holiday season? In this special holiday episode of Connected Conversations , we’re joined by Jackson Caesar , a talented vocalist, educator, and multilingual artist, to discuss the profound impact of music on holiday traditions and cultural connections. Jackson shares insights from his new album, 'Tis the Season Again , while reflecting on how music...

How is the voiceover and localization industry evolving in a world shaped by AI and globalization? In this episode of Connected Conversations, we sit down with Arturo Valdivia, President & CEO of Polyglot Communications, Inc., to explore his journey from interpreting and translating to becoming a leader in multilingual communications. Arturo shares valuable insights into the challenges and opp...

How can SMBs succeed in today’s globalized market with the right tools and strategies? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we’re joined by Mark Shriner , Co-Founder and CEO of Breeze Docs , a SaaS platform that helps SMBs streamline RFP responses and secure more business. Mark shares his vast experience in the translation and localization industry , where he held leadership roles at globa...

What role does language access play in advancing equity and inclusion? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we are joined by Michael Mulé, Deputy Director in the Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs. Michael shares his expertise in enforcing civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination based on language and discusses why language access i...

In this episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Lobna Ismail , founder of Connecting Cultures , an expert in cultural competence , diversity, and inclusion. As an Egyptian-American and a dedicated cultural consultant, Lobna shares her personal journey of bridging cultures and fostering understanding across diverse communities. Key Highlights: Breaking Bias and Stereotypes: Lobna shares...

How can art, language, and activism come together to create a more inclusive world? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we dive into a powerful discussion with Shana Inofuentes , founder of Ch'ama: Native Americas and The Quechua Project, and Eber Miranda , Indigenous Aymara rapper and activist. Together, they explore their journeys as language activists, using art and culture to challeng...

How can women in tech overcome bias and lead in a male-dominated industry? In this episode of Connected Conversations , we speak with Masha Sharma, a serial entrepreneur and thought leader in EdTech. As a member of the Forbes Technology Council and 500 Startups alumna, Masha shares her personal journey in the tech industry, from starting as a software engineer to leading multiple successful startu...

How can language and policy shape the future of migration and economic opportunity for low-income households? In this episode, Rebekah Smith, Co-Founder and Executive Director of LaMP, shares insights into migration policies and how language access plays a critical role in creating opportunities for marginalized communities. Rebekah discusses the challenges faced by low-income households seeking t...

How do you balance the demands of being a student-athlete while preparing for a successful career? In this episode of "Connected Conversations," we interview Rashard Doyle, a student-athlete at Colby College with an inspiring story of resilience and determination. Originally from the Canary Islands and now excelling in academics and athletics in the U.S., Rashard shares valuable insights...

How can the power of music and effective communication transform communities and inspire individuals? Jackson delves into the secrets of effective communication, the significance of musical interpretation, and his passion for community involvement. Despite facing numerous challenges, Jackson has empowered others through his education and mentorship programs. He highlights his dedication to inspiri...

How do you bridge the gap between scientific innovation and regulatory compliance in the ever-evolving field of genetics? Yuriy Shevchenko, PhD, SME & Expert Consultant at Leap, shares his extensive experience and insights. With over 20 years of expertise in genetic diagnostics, Yuriy has been at the forefront of designing clinical diagnostic assays and creating automated, high-throughput lab...

How do you overcome the toughest obstacles and grow stronger in both business and life? Lindsay Kinslow, Founder and Business Strategist at Optimal Business Solutions, shares her journey and expertise. Lindsay, a veteran community member, strategic business consultant, and best-selling author, provides valuable insights on business strategy, operational excellence, and community advocacy. Lindsay...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we sit down with John Arnott, a seasoned executive, author, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and emerging technologies. As the CEO of C1M, John specializes in leveraging ethical AI solutions, including advanced conversational AI, to drive business growth. John discusses the practical applications of ethical AI techn...

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Bill Rivers, Principal at WP Rivers & Associates, as he delves into the world of language advocacy and access. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Rivers has an extensive background as an interpreter, translator, academic researcher, intelligence community leader, and consultant. He shares his journey from earning a Ph. D. in Russian to leading...

In this episode of "Connected Conversations," we sit down with Anton Loboda, a remarkable individual whose journey spans war zones and global travels. Anton shares his experiences as an interpreter for wounded Ukrainian individuals during the Ukraine conflict and his vital role in assisting wounded warriors at Walter Reed in 2015-16. With a Master's degree in Economics and having vis...

In this inaugural episode of Connected Conversations, we spotlight Dante Whitty, an active member of and an inspiring advocate for the Deaf community. Dante, a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology, shares his unique journey, the challenges he faced during the pandemic, and the path to post-pandemic recovery. Joined by Stephen Isbell, who works closely with the Deaf community, this epi...