Leeds Scholars Program’s Post

41% of families said they didn’t attend a virtual event because they weren’t invited. Say what?! 🤯 Black families were most likely to miss out on virtual events due to communication issues, scheduling conflicts, or perceived value. Virtual events are a crucial way to engage families who cannot frequently visit campus, but how you offer and promote is just as important. Download our 2024 Family Engagement Report for more insights on how to improve your family communication plan: https://lnkd.in/gCqeQHC6

Happy Juneteenth! On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a federal holiday, marking a significant step in acknowledging the historical and cultural importance of this day. This decision came a year after the largest social protests in U.S. history, reflecting a nationwide call for justice and equality. Recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday underscores the importance of acknowledging and owning our public memory. It is a day to celebrate freedom and a moment to reflect on how the United States continues to evolve towards its ideals of democracy, freedom, and justice. Although the U.S. is a work in progress, it is through the relentless efforts of countless individuals that the nation strives to fulfill its promise: to be a place where all people can realize their unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To achieve this, we must ensure that the American narrative includes the collective journey of African Americans, particularly those descended from enslaved ancestors. One person dedicated to preserving the public record of Black lives in America, from Barack Obama to Colin Powell, is Julieanna Richardson. As the founder of The HistoryMakers, she oversees the largest collection of African American testimonies since the Works Progress Administration. I had the honor of interviewing her during the 64th annual Fulbright Association Conference, where she delivered a moving and poignant case for the necessity of documenting the Black narrative in America. Listen to our discussion about the impact of an incomplete public record of the Black experience in America. Happy Juneteenth! Let's continue to celebrate, reflect, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Sometimes #careeradvice can be helpful from a trusted source. But not when it's from the classic TV show "Candid Camera" and especially if you're on the receiving end of one of their pranks. Here's some questionable career guidance that the recently departed and hugely #innovative comedian Richard Lewis received when he was a student at New Jersey's Dwight Morrow High School in 1964. Bottom line: before considering the suggestions and recommendations that someone is offering, be sure to doublecheck the validity/credibility/expertise of the person who's offering it! https://lnkd.in/ebktWD5j

Learn more about Author Al “Hondo” Handy in his 47 ABC interview with Jordi Clarke. Order yours in time for the holidays!

Want to learn more about product carbon footprinting and how to start? We're organizing a free workshop this Wednesday! Check out the post below for info on how to sign up.

📣 Calling all professionals looking to elevate their speaking game I love speaking to a group. And it's pretty easy to do so in my work when I'm in yoga pants + hanging with my dog while speaking behind a podcast mic. But to get up in front of a large crowd to speak - to keynote 😳 - whoa nelly, I've learned it takes building something deeper inside so that confidence + enlightenment + inspiration + belonging + levity! + connection all fire at the same time. So I wanted to introduce to the queen of orchestrating alllll of the above in tandem. [enter Kishshana Palmer, CFRE] Kish is the literal master. She doesn't just speak + keynote - she gives an experience. And I've watched the audience be transformed by it. I know, because I was one of them. Storytelling isn't about telling a great story. It's about connection. And that's what Kish's taught me about stepping on stage. As one of my most trusted, respected friends + ally in this work, she's taught Jon and I so much about why connection can transform whether you're talking to a room of 10 people or 10,000. Her mantra: You’re allowed to show up powerfully as who you are … (even if you’re not entirely sure who that is yet). [insert exhale and pat down that imposter syndrome] And lucky for all of us - she's holding 10 spots for those interested in: ✅ Elevating their speaking ✅ Improving their confidence on stage ✅ Going beyond speaking to tell a story that leads an audience to action + self-worth Check out the post below for more deets👇 And One Good Thing about Kish - she's so real. I mean it. Her kindness, her joy, her compassion, her telling-the-truth-even-when-it's-not-popular, her integrity, her humanity - you get that too. Godspeed, do-gooders, and step into your story with power + confidence! #impactuprising

Yesterday we said goodbye to our lovely daughter, Jackie, for her to go back to America to attend her school. To those of you who have kids at that age might understand how my wife and I felt. But something happened that really made my day and I'd like to share it with you with hope that it will bring some joys for your day, too. For a very long time, we have this one simple rule at home. Each day, the five of us will find something good and insightful to share in our group chat. Everyday! It wasn't easy at first, but with time, we set it become our routine or for me, it's our daily ritual. It doesn't matter what "good and insightful" means as long as we think the other four will learn something out of what we share, that'd be wonderful. So yesterday, my assumption was that Jackie won't share anything due to her travelling, and I set my expectation for it. To my surprise, we got her message on our group chat. And she shared a TEDx speech by my favorite keynote speaker Simon Lancaster on the interesting topic of "How to start a speech" (link is included and will share again on the comment section). It was a brilliant talk by Simon (as usual). But here is the part that brought me my moment of happiness. Jackie told me about A NAME that Simon mentioned on this speech: Paul Zak. And she texted with pride (I assume so) that she learned about Paul Zak through the interview I had with him a while back (and I will share the link to that talk in the comment section too). How nice! So here is the thing: "Every path we walk will take us somewhere and every good thing we do will have some magical ways to bring something great back to our lives". And because of that, make sure do things with great care, and with great love. You'll enjoy its outcome if not today, then tomorrow. If not tomorrow, then somewhere in the future. Trust the process and do it. My question for you is: "What is the one good and insightful story do you want to share with the world today?" https://lnkd.in/g2CJkpbs

Did you know that September is National Courtesy Month? That's a whole month dedicated to reminding us all to be kind and courteous and, dare I say... demure!  This week's Loop News is full of thoughts and ideas about how to celebrate. For that plus your weekly list of local Happenings, follow the link in the comments below.

WE'RE TWO DAYS AWAY!!! On March 8, 2024, I have the honor of joining the ranks of TEDx speakers in Youngstown, Ohio, to tackle a topic close to my heart: the complexity of 'Chronic Niceness'. It's a deep dive into how our best intentions can sometimes lead us astray and maybe even cause harm, and how embracing Fierce Civility can lead us back. This talk is for anyone who's ever questioned the balance between being nice and being real. Ready to be part of the conversation? Head over to https://lnkd.in/eK88xDbA to stay in the loop about the live feed. Together, let's chart a course towards more meaningful interactions.

THE POWER OF EMOTIONAL AWARENESS GENERATES EFFECTIVENESS, EFFICIENCY AND EVOLUTIONARY SUSTAINABILITY IN SUCCESS AND ITS RESULT.☺️