Confluence Conversations

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and Walker’s Winners and the shared belief that every child deserves to be recognized, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.  Founded by St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker and his mother, Katrina M. Walker, Walker’s Winners is a youth development program missioned to promote...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and the American Red Cross and how this collaboration supports student wellness, community health, and life-saving service. This conversation explores the critical importance of blood donation—especially within the African American community—and the life-saving impact it has for indivi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Confluence Conversations , we highlight the unique partnership between Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)—and how it creates real-world opportunities for students across Confluence Academies. Maureen Byrne of the SLSO joins the conversation alongside GCAA student Denim Browder and faculty member Kirk Hanser to share how...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Confluence Conversations , host Dr. Lewis-Kelly sits down with Michael Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dream Builders 4 Equity (DB4E), to discuss DB4E’s partnership with Confluence Academies through the Summer Youth Academy. This eight-week program supports underserved youth ages 16–24 through paid employment, mentorship, and personal and professiona...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Confluence Conversations , we spotlight the growing athletics program at Confluence Academies and the role sports play in building leadership, community, and opportunity for student-athletes. Athletic Director Angela Prebianca and host Haley Brewick discuss the fifth annual Confluence Academy Golf Tournament Fundraiser now the program’s largest annual fundraiser...

Send us Fan Mail The Harris-Stowe State University Hornet Boutique provides free, professional clothing and accessories to students preparing for interviews, internships, career fairs, or professional events. Through Confluence Academies’ partnership with Harris-Stowe—supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund—CPA scholars gain meaningful exposure to building a professional wardrobe, understa...

Send us Fan Mail Esports is more than gaming—it’s a fast-growing global industry creating pathways in technology, design, broadcasting, analytics, and business. In this episode, we explore how Confluence Academies is using Esports to build real-world skills and open new career doors for students. Orlando highlights the innovation and workforce opportunities emerging in today’s Esports economy, whi...

Send us Fan Mail Saint Louis University’s School of Education is deepening its commitment to preparing impactful urban educators through the new StayTeachLead Scholarship Program . This episode explores how the initiative strengthens the local teacher pipeline by partnering directly with St. Louis area schools to identify and support future educators. Through StayTeachLead, partner schools nominat...

Send us Fan Mail Overview: In this episode of Confluence Conversations , host Haley Brueck sits down with Dr. Ava Smith , an influential educator and community advocate, to discuss her journey in shaping equitable opportunities for students. Dr. Smith shares her perspective on leadership in education, the importance of mentorship, and the power of creating learning environments where every student...

Send us Fan Mail In 2022, educators across St. Louis launched Educators for Gun Safety (EGS) in response to rising youth gun violence. Supported by the Mayor’s Office, the St. Louis Board of Mental Health, SLMPD, and Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, EGS focuses on proactive education, awareness, and free gun lock distribution to help save lives. At the center of the work are the EGS Stude...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores how Ranken Technical College prepares students for high-demand, high-wage careers through hands-on learning, industry-aligned programs, and comprehensive student support. We’ll highlight the pathways Ranken creates—from dual credit and early college to apprenticeships and employer partnerships—and how Student Success initiatives help learners persist, complet...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores how 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis goes beyond hospitality to serve as a cultural and community hub in the heart of downtown. With a contemporary art museum, locally inspired dining, and inclusive community programming, 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis is redefining what a hotel can be. Joining us is Christopher Randall, Director of Community Impact for 21c Museum Hote...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Dr. Terrance Peterson, an experienced educator, certified administrator, and life coach with over 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations set and achieve positive goals for change. Dr. Peterson’s work spans trauma recovery, stress management, team building, equity practices, family dynamics, and conflict resolution. He has presented both...

Send us Fan Mail This episode spotlights Ready Readers , a St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to inspiring a love of reading and strengthening early literacy through classroom read-alouds, high-quality books, educator support, and family engagement. Guests Maggie Strube, Lauren Campbell, and Erin Fisher share how Ready Readers partners with early childhood centers and elementary schools, mobilizes trai...

Send us Fan Mail Host: Haley Brueck Guest: Dr. Ava Smith Overview: In this episode of Confluence Conversations , host Haley Brueck speaks with Dr. Ava Smith , an educational leader and innovator, about how podcasts are transforming classroom engagement and student learning. Dr. Smith shares how educators can integrate podcasting into the curriculum to inspire creativity, develop communication skil...

Send us Fan Mail Columbia Public Schools (CPS) is committed to providing students with transformative learning experiences—both inside and outside the classroom. Through CPS Online and MOCAP, students have access to flexible, personalized learning opportunities that meet diverse needs and prepare them for success. In this episode, we highlight CPS as an expert voice on online education, exploring...

Send us Fan Mail The Fabulous Fox Theatre is proud to offer Educational Encores, a signature post-show opportunity designed to deepen the theatrical experience for student groups. These sessions provide students the unique chance to engage directly with members of the cast and crew from Broadway touring productions. Through thoughtful dialogue and behind-the-scenes insights, students gain a greate...

Send us Fan Mail Mr. Lennox Forrester leads the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex YMCA and has played a vital role in expanding youth access to swimming, fitness, and life-saving skills across the St. Louis community. For several years, Confluence Academy’s Old North and South City students have participated in swimming lessons through the Summer Journey program at this YMCA location. These lessons are mo...

Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights The Black Rep and its dynamic impact on students through arts education. As a national leader in African-American theatre, The Black Rep engages youth through programs that blend cultural storytelling with creative expression—helping students develop confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of identity. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Miranda Walker Jones, President & CEO of The Little Bit Foundation, joins us to discuss how this leading St. Louis nonprofit supports under-resourced students by providing clothing, meals, mental health services, mentorship, and academic tools—helping them thrive from early education through graduation. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Confluence Conversations , host Haley Brueck sits down with Julius B. Anthony, Founder of The Believe Projects™, to explore how joyful and inclusive literacy experiences can radically transform a child’s relationship with reading. Recorded in person at Confluence Academy, this conversation unpacks how culturally responsive books, music, art, and media c...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores The Sophia Project, a transformative initiative dedicated to empowering girls through a holistic, trauma-informed model that fosters academic achievement, emotional wellness, and leadership development. The Sophia Project provides a safe and nurturing space for girls to thrive through consistent mentorship, restorative practices, and community-based support s...

Send us Fan Mail This episode highlights the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’s Save Our Sons (SOS) program, a transformative initiative designed to empower economically disadvantaged men by helping them secure stable, well-paying employment. Through job readiness training, mentorship, financial literacy, and access to employer networks, SOS is creating meaningful pathways to long-term succe...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Confluence Conversations delves into STLCC’s TRIO program, a federally funded initiative designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds in achieving academic success. Host Christopher C. Miller will be joined by Laura Modrcin, Manager of TRIO, to discuss the program’s mission, the impact it has on students, and the vital academic, financial, and career...

Send us Fan Mail Confluence Conversations is a podcast dedicated to insightful discussions about education, community, and the pressing issues shaping our schools and society. Each episode is hosted by a different educator, expert, or advocate, bringing unique perspectives to critical topics that impact learning environments, student safety, and public policy. Through engaging conversations, we ai...