SoCal Voices

Most people don’t know what it’s like to be President of the Community College campus where they once walked the halls as a student, but Dr. Mark Sanchez knows exactly how that feels. He is President of Southwestern Community College in San Diego, and his leadership style is challenging the status quo. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Dr. Sanchez describes how he and his team lead with intention,...

As the pandemic appears to wind down and people begin living their ‘post-pandemic’ lives, record numbers of employees are quitting their jobs. Last week’s episode, “Back to the Office?” looked at the implications of these resignations. In this episode, “Back to the Office, Part II,” Miriana Gonzalez discusses what it has been like to navigate the pandemic as Deputy Director of Human Resources for...

The US labor department recently reported that 4 million people quit their jobs in one month. It’s the highest number of resignations in two decades, and it’s happening as companies are requiring employees to return to the office after a year of working from home.  In this episode of SoCal Voices, San Diego Workforce Partnership Senior Economist Daniel Enemark, discusses what’s driving this “Great...

Maxie Blasini is a health coach who knows that real quality health care has to be about more than treating illness and being accessible only when someone is sick. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Maxie discusses the experiences that informed her choices to improve her own health, how she serves her clients as a health coach, and her vision for how health care can be reconfigured to better serve pe...

The Listening Post Collective offers resources, tools, peer-to-peer support and a shared learning space for journalists, newsroom leaders and community groups looking to revitalize their local news and information ecosystems. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Quinn Mays discusses what drew them to The Listening Post Collective’s efforts in Inland Southern California, how self-representation is chan...

When she first started writing, no one suspected that Celeste Barclay was penning what she calls “R-rated historical romance novels.” She didn’t tell anyone what she was doing. But the teacher turned author knows what she’s doing. Yes, her novels, “bring the steam,” but Celeste also brings a well-honed knowledge of European history, and her life experience as a woman of English and Moroccan herita...

In a special election on November 2, voters in the City of Moreno Valley’s second district will choose their next representative on the city council. Keri Then — a past Commissioner on the Riverside County Commission on Women and a former Chair and two-term appointee to the Moreno Valley Unified School District Measure M Citizens Bond Oversight Committee — is a candidate for this council seat. In...

The rising majority in Southern California and across the nation is more racially diverse than ever. This group’s impact on society is becoming more evident every day. That’s a long overdue change for some but for others, the growth in numbers and power of people of color is perceived as a threat and continues to feed the racial divide. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Alex Jun, a professor at Azu...

Rachel Shemirani is a leader with heart. As Senior Vice President for Barons Market in San Diego, Rachel has worked hard to help create a community-oriented company that leaves a positive impact on workers and patrons. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Rachel discusses her history with Barons, and how her leadership style and the company’s values have contributed to the market’s success. Resources...

With the guilty verdict in the Derrick Chauvin trial now behind us, what’s next in the push for equity and justice? Corey Jackson, founder and director of the Center Against Racism and Trauma (CART), and Janice Rooths of Anti-Racist Riverside discuss where we go from here in the continuing fight for equity and justice in Southern California and across the USA. Resources Visit the CART website . Em...

As Executive Director of Inlandia Institute, Cati Porter oversees a special gem in Southern California’s Inland Empire. An advocate and supporter of literary arts, Inlandia publishes books and programs that deepen people’s awareness, understanding and appreciation of inland Southern California. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Cati discusses her journey into the literary world, Inlandia’s history...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, Angela Ross chats with singer and DJ Myra Washington. Originally from Port Arthur, TX, Myra followed her dreams to come to Los Angeles and pursue a music career. It wasn’t always easy but her tenacity paid off and continues to help her thrive through the pandemic.  Additional Resources Myra's Instagram Myra's Facebook Support the show

In the final installment of her series on local, self-published, African American authors, Angela Ross speaks with James Otis Harris, author of Corey’s Courtroom. The book is a series of fun stories helping kids resolve conflict, maintain friendships and develop problem-solving skills. Resources Amazon.com:  Corey's Courtroom Author's Instagram   Support the show

In the third installment of SoCal Voices’ local African American author series, we meet James Coats, a poet with a deep, abiding love and message to share. Learn more about his work and perspective and what’s coming next for this talented and promising poet. Resources Author's Facebook Author's Instagram Support the show

The second installment in Angela’s series on local African American self-published authors features Monica Woodruff. She brings her lived experience, including her roles in law enforcement and counseling to her writing and shares an inspiring story about the power of saying “no” and “enough,” and focusing on the importance of self-care. Resources Author's Facebook Books by Monica Woodruff Sup...

Angela kicks off her series on local African American self-published authors with a fun interview with Dwayne Shigg, author of the book EncourageMINTS for Tough Times. Sometimes you need a breath mint; sometimes you need an encourageMINT. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Shigg discusses how his book helps you “go through” so you can “get to.” Resources Author's Facebook Books by Dwayne Shigg...

Live music performances? There is almost no such thing during the pandemic. If music lovers have missed attending concerts, musicians have missed performing even more. In this episode of SoCal Voices, electric violinist and vocalist Ginny Luke discusses the future of live music. Resources Visit Ginny Luke's website . Social media: @ginnyluke Support the show

As the pandemic continues to claim lives in Southern California, many families find themselves scrambling to pay for funeral and burial services. This sudden, unexpected need can leave grieving families more vulnerable to aggressive up-selling and overspending for these services, or force them to rely on others for monetary donations that may not over all costs. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Bi...

Throughout her career, award-winning singer, songwriter, musician and producer Sheree Brown has collaborated with multiple artists including Patrice Rushen, Zhane and Syreeta Wright. Her latest work, a music and literary project entitled Messages From the Spirit: The Collective, features a stellar collection of uplifting songs including her hit, Take A Walk with Love. In this episode of SoCal Voic...

For over a decade, Greg Lee served as the City of Riverside’s economic development manager. For 13 years he served as the City’s Technology Ombudsman where, among other things, he spearheaded several of the City’s technology initiatives. He hosted a weekly radio show and podcast called “Explore Riverside Weekly,” that highlighted all the things that make Riverside a great place to live work and pl...

In San Bernardino and Riverside counties, over 400,000 people experience food insecurity. One in four children in the Inland Empire experience food insecurity, and the pandemic has only made things worse. In this episode of SoCal Voices, Feeding America Riverside| San Bernardino CEO Stephanie Otero discusses how her organization helps feed people in need and what we all can do to help alleviate hu...

Rima Nashashibi is the founder and president of the Orange County based nonprofit GlobalHope 365, dedicated to ending harmful practices toward women and girls such as Child Marriage and Sex Trafficking. In this edition of SoCal Voices, Nashashibi discusses the factors that contribute to these abuses and what can be done to help end them. Additional Resources For help text: Be Free to 23733 Nationa...

Noble Drakoln is a crowdfunding and capital raising consultant who knows his way around trading, commodities, crypto coin and more.  In his late teens, he was homeless, but his strong interest in commodities and futures and a little help from someone who shared his vision set him on a path to become a best-selling author, managing director of Drakoln Capital, and a sought-after radio and televisio...

In this episode of SoCal Voices, San Bernardino native Brandon Watts, a first year law student at Howard University, shares his thoughts about the January 6 insurrection, double standards in policing, and whether equity can be achieved in America. Support the show

The storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021 revealed a lot about the ongoing political and racial polarization in this country. Will this nation ever live up to its stated ideals? In this episode of SoCal Voices, host Angela Ross shares her thoughts on the insurrection and what she believes needs to happen next.  Support the show