NorthStar GAZE

Let us know what you thought of this episode. This episode features a compelling conversation with closing keynote speaker Vernice Miller-Travis, a pioneer in the environmental justice movement. She shares her journey from early activism to conducting groundbreaking research that exposed the link between race and the placement of hazardous waste sites. Throughout the discussion, Vernice highlights...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this inspiring episode, we sit down with keynote speaker Linda Harris, who, along with David, gave us an unforgettable experience at the NorthStar of GIS Homecoming 2024. We delve into the profound importance of understanding and experiencing freedom, drawing connections to historical figures like Harriet Tubman. Our guest shares insights on the rol...

Let us know what you thought of this episode.  In this opening keynote episode of NorthStar GAZE, Clinton Johnson sets the tone for the season by exploring the transformative power of GIS and storytelling in building equitable futures. Reflecting on the theme of Art, Afro-futurism, and Geo, Clinton highlights the intersection of innovation, cultural identity, and geospatial technology as tools to...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode captivating Homecoming keynote, Tara Roberts, shares insights from her profound underwater journey to uncover the untold stories of Black history through scuba diving, storytelling, and geospatial exploration. She shares transformative nature of her work in illuminating shipwrecks tied to the transatlantic slave trade, revealing how the...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. Join us in this special episode of The NorthStar Gaze where we celebrate the vibrant and innovative voices from the African diaspora, season 2 will debut our new hosts Yairwo from Kenya and Erica from the US. Listen to their intimate stories and aspirations for the future of geospatial equity and justice. They'll share exciting insights from the N...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this, the final episode of season 1 of the NorthStar GAZE, Aisha, along with co-founder Clinton and graphic designer Skye, take listeners on an inspiring journey recounting the creation of the NorthStar logo. They delve into the historical significance of the North Star motif, the story of the Underground Railroad quilting codes (https://youtu.be/oT...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. Join Aisha Jenkins and Clinton Johnson as they delve into the deeply personal and inspiring origins of NorthStar of GIS, a community-driven effort to create a racially just geography. From the emotional impact of Philando Castile's death to the birth of a vibrant support network, they share the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that shaped Nort...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. Celebrating Black Geographers: Dr. Gladys West's Legacy This special episode of The North Star Gaze podcast celebrates Black Geographers Day by honoring the incredible story of Dr. Gladys B. West, a hidden figure whose pivotal contributions to GPS technology changed the world. Join us as Carolyn Oglesby, Dr. West's daughter, shares intimate d...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In the closing keynote speech, Aisha Jenkins highlights the importance of representation and having the right people in the room for conversations that impact marginalized communities. She expresses gratitude to the attendees and sponsors, and acknowledges the significance of standing on hallowed grounds. Aisha emphasizes resilience and resistance in t...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of the North Star Gaze podcast, host Aisha chats with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist at ESRI. They talk about Dawn's journey in the GIS field, from her introduction to it as a doctoral student at UC Santa Barbara to her current role at ESRI. They also discuss the importance of racial equity in geospatial worlds, the impact of DEI...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this podcast episode, join Aisha as she interviews Nick Okafor, the founder of Trubel&Co , a tech justice nonprofit. They discuss the concept of liberatory innovation, the importance of amplifying the voices of those proximate to inequity, and the role of GIS in creating positive change and the role of young people in progressing change starting...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this profound conversation between Aisha and Vero, they explore the intersections of geospatial equity, leadership, and personal growth within the African diaspora. Vero, founder of Geospatial Equity Tech and the AfriTech Fellowship, delves into her journey from conservation biology to becoming a geospatial tech consultant, emphasizing the need for...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Kevin Carrington, a hospital executive and founder of the nonprofit, the C3 Initiative, Inc. , discusses his love for GIS and how it all began with his fascination for encyclopedias and maps. He talks about the importance of exposing black kids to the possibilities of STEM and navigating through systemic barriers. Kevin also shares his...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. Join Aisha as she sits down with Eric Brown of AWS to discuss career advice, the impact of GIS on communities, the importance of being reflective, and workplace diversity. Eric shares his career background in tech, his experience attending the North Star Homecoming event, and the role of AWS in GIS. They delve into the importance of soft skills for int...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Aisha and Jenn Summers discuss the National Academies' Gulf Research Program and its focus on environmental protection and stewardship in the Gulf of Mexico region. Jenn shares her career journey and her passion for using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a communication tool. They also talk about imposter syndrome, the impo...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Aisha interviews Gloria Desanker, a GIS consultant and founder of MapNerd Consulting , who shares her journey and experiences as an entrepreneur in the field of environmental and social issues. They discuss the challenges of imposter syndrome and isolation, the importance of representation in the industry, the value of smaller conferen...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. A conversation between Aisha and Margo Corum, where they discuss Margo's role as a visiting scientist at the National Academies and her current sabbatical, the workshops she is running for the National Science Foundation, the challenges of imposter syndrome, the value of smaller events for networking, and the themes of resilience and resistance. S...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. Today's podcast features an engaging conversation between Aisha and Michael Feldman. Michael shares his career path, from working on the Census of Marine Life to his current role at the National Academy of Sciences in the Gulf Research Program. The discussion revolves around the importance of addressing environmental challenges in the Gulf region...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Aisha sat down with Frank Romo , a community organizer, and activist from Los Angeles, discusses the work of Romo GIS in using technology for social change and social impact. He highlights their K-12 education program in Detroit, where they teach students and community members how to leverage GIS for community impact. Frank also emphas...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this conversation, the host interviews Dr. Amy, an Associate Professor of Africana Studies and Data Science at Howard University. They discuss Dr. Amy's career journey, the importance of owning and knowing who owns data, and the significance of ethics and trustworthiness in data science. They also highlight the unique experience of attending an...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode Aisha has a conversation with Dr. Tony Graham , a retired professor and GIS pioneer, discussing the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the challenges and significance of teaching GIS, and the future of GIS in promoting environmental justice. ‌ See the link to HBCU CEJST   Justice 40 Executive Order   Bul...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this podcast episode, Aisha chats with Dr. Linda Loubert , a political economist, GIS professional, and professor at Morgan State University discusses the intersection of economics and geography. She shares her experiences in the GIS field and highlights the importance of diversity in GeoSTEM careers. Dr. Loubert also talks about her work with the H...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of GAZE, Aisha interviews Cari Harris about her work with HEJTT, the HBCU Environmental Justice Technical Team. Cari shares her journey into the field of environmental justice and GIS, the mission of HEJTT, and the importance of diversity in the GIS space. She also highlights the value of collaboration between different generations and...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode of North Star Gaze, Aisha interviews Skye, a GIS professional with a background in graphic design and user experience. They discuss the importance of representation in the GIS industry, the power of maps in communities, and the need for diversity in the field. Skye also shares their experiences with imposter syndrome and their connectio...

Let us know what you thought of this episode. In this episode, Aisha interviews Sandra Auchter, the Director of National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Denver. Sandra shares her inspiring career path, starting as an imagery analyst and working her way up to become a senior executive in the intelligence community. They also discuss imposter syndrome, finding your voice, and the importance of attend...