Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Kassandra and Preena are joined by Shennell McCloud, a visionary leader redefining civic engagement. Together, they dive into a conversation that bridges two worlds we rarely talk about together: wellness and infrastructure and how their intersection is essential to building lasting justice. Too often, civic leadership is measured by rallies, votes, and policy wins. But what about the systems that support the people doing the work?

What if true, sustainable change means protecting not just rights, but rest? Not just momentum, but mental health? In this episode, we explore why burnout and overwork are not sustainable models for engagement and how movements can thrive when wellness is treated as a core part of organizing.

We also examine how neglecting mental health and community care weakens civic infrastructure. From physical spaces to digital platforms like The Sanctuary, we spotlight ways to intentionally build systems of care that fuel resilience and action.

Shennell’s work offers powerful insight into what it means to build structures that support both freedom and function, especially in communities that have been over extracted and under-resourced for generations. Together, this conversation reminds us that justice work isn’t just about fighting back, it's also about building up, and that starts with caring for ourselves and each other.

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Welcome back to The Round Table! In this week’s all host episode, Kassandra, Daniella, Preena and Viola dive into the current state of U.S. democracy, how it’s shifted over time, the changing roles and behaviors of public officials, and the corruption that threatens to shake the system at its core.

From the NYC mayoral race to Trump’s digital fundraising tactics to ICE detention practices, the hosts break down the latest headlines. They explore the growing public disillusionment with government, education, and immigration and the apathy that seems to be everywhere. Drawing a powerful comparison to the musical Cabaret, they ask: how do we get people to care? How do we hold leaders accountable? And what unique role do young people play in all of this?

The conversation also looks at digital political activism, the importance of real, human connection in movements, the danger of performative politics, and whether rebuilding trust in government is even possible. Rebuilding trust won’t be easy; it'll take transparency, accountability, and real systemic change. But it’s possible. And more than that, it’s necessary. Now is the time to speak up, take action, and push for a democracy that actually reflects and respects the people it serves.

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Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Kassandra, Preena, and Sauda sit down with Dr. Paul Zeitz a physician, public health expert, and democracy advocate whose work spans from global health to civic transformation. With decades of experience leading responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis and now focusing on constitutional renewal and citizen empowerment, Dr. Zeitz brings a unique blend of medical insight, political strategy, and community action to the table.
In this episode, we dive deep into what it means to radically rethink democracy in the 21st century. Dr. Zeitz talks about his mission to help everyday people reclaim power, build inclusive systems, and take bold action to heal what's broken in our society. From citizens' assemblies to new approaches to constitutional reform, he offers not only critique, but clear strategies for reimagining civic life and amplifying youth voices.
We also explore how young people can be powerful agents of change despite the challenges of polarization, disengagement, and injustice. This conversation is about possibility, action, and the future we can build together.
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Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Daniella, Kassandra, and Preena sat down with two time Emmy Award winning filmmaker Kayona Ebony Brown, whose work bridges art and activism. Known for her powerful storytelling in both sports and female centered narratives, Kayona shares how her creative journey from radio DJ to filmmaker has been fueled by resilience, purpose, and a deep belief in the power of storytelling.

In this episode, Kayona opens up about the setbacks that shaped her career and how failure can be a tool for growth, leadership, and social impact. She reflects on her work on high profile projects like Before Jackie, a Super Bowl feature starring Viola Davis, and her current fictional sports series Coach Quinn, which challenges gender norms in the NFL.

If you’ve ever wondered how creators balance big dreams with real world discipline, this one’s for you. Kayona shares the daily routines that keep her grounded, including meditation and gratitude practices, and how emotional discipline helps her thrive in a fast paced industry. With big plans to fund her first feature film and expand her company, Siingle, Kayona continues to use her platform to inspire, empower, and spark civic engagement.

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Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Daniella and Sauda speak with Corinne Lerma, a Youth250 Bureau member. She is one of 100 young adult fellows who not only advise, but also collaborate with nonprofit organizations. But, Corinne’s commitment to helping young learners doesn’t just stop there. In addition to this, she is also a preschool educator, a Cincinnati Museum Center instructor, an artist, and a writer. Together, Corinne and the hosts dive into her passions, her journey, and how she manages to balance so many roles at once.

Starting with the roots of Corinne’s interests in history, the arts, civic engagement, and education, the hosts explore how her rural upbringing shaped her perspective, her thoughts on the future of art, and her personal creative process. Corinne shares how she realized college wasn’t the right path for her, how working with 4-5 year olds helped her define her core values, and why civic education at an early age matters. She also reflects on the challenges she’s faced and the achievements she’s proud of despite them.

The conversation wraps up with a look at Corinne’s role in the Youth250 Bureau and how that opportunity came to be, before she turns the tables and asks the hosts to share their own favorite ways to stay civically engaged.

Tune in to hear what Corinne and the hosts strive to make time for and why it’s essential to nurturing civic minded communities.

Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Kassandra, Daniel, and Zarina sit down with Alice Sheehan, CFO of AllSides Technologies. Alice is passionate about promoting media literacy and works closely with teachers and students across all 50 states to encourage understanding of opposing viewpoints on important civic issues. She believes strongly in teaching young people “how to think,” not “what to think.”

During the episode, Alice shares her journey into civic engagement and explains how her early involvement in local issues shaped her passion today. She talks about the value of focusing efforts where they can have the biggest impact, starting within one’s own community. Alice also reflects on the challenges young people face when trying to prioritize so many civic and political issues at once.

The conversation highlights growing concerns around civil discourse and the decline of respectful dialogue between opposing sides. Alice discusses the role of social media in deepening political divides, pointing out how platforms are often separated into “liberal” and “conservative” spaces. This separation, she explains, makes it harder for individuals to truly understand different perspectives.

Throughout the episode, Alice offers thoughtful insights on media literacy, political discourse, and active civic engagement. Her experiences show why developing critical thinking skills and engaging thoughtfully with others is more important than ever.

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Welcome back to The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Kassandra, Sauda, and Viola sit down with Christopher Albert De La Roa, Web Producer and Content Manager at DoSomething.org. Christopher shares his personal background in art and activism as an independent broadcaster, media and content producer, storyteller, and self proclaimed “student of the absurd.”

Reflecting on his upbringing, witnessing injustice and facing family struggles Christopher discusses how he found both escape and empowerment through art. He shares his take on the evolving role of social media as a “double-edged sword,” offering thoughtful advice on how to navigate content creation and consumption. He also highlights the artists who have broken through societal barriers to bring forward stories that reflect the experiences of often overlooked communities.

Together, the group dives into media films, books, and more that portray marginalized groups with care, as well as those that miss the mark. Christopher emphasizes the importance not just of which stories get told, but who gets to tell them, and how that shapes the broader cultural narrative. The conversation rounds out with a powerful discussion on the role of humor in healing, the impact of activism on education and careers, and the need to move beyond fear, seek support, and speak your truth.

Listen in to find out why that matters and how to begin.

Welcome back to The Round Table! This week, our hosts Daniel, Inyoo, Kassandra and Sauda sat down with Emma Post and Max Szuchman, seniors at Mamaroneck High School in Southern Westchester and passionate advocates for youth voter engagement. As part of a four year civic engagement program at their school, they have dedicated the past two years to increasing voter turnout among both young people and Hispanic communities.

Emma and Max have witnessed firsthand a troubling trend: many of their peers are disengaged from the political process, with eligible students choosing not to vote in the 2024 election, often believing their vote wouldn’t make a difference. Concerned by this widespread apathy, they took action, launching initiatives to register and pre-register high school seniors while raising awareness about the power of voting.

In this conversation, they shared their experiences running a voter registration drive that successfully registered over 300 students. They also highlighted the impact of every vote, pointing to swing states like Michigan, where election outcomes were determined by just a few thousand ballots. Their efforts extend beyond their school, as they work with Assembly Member Nily Rozic to advocate for a bill allowing 17 year olds to vote in primary elections if they turn 18 by the general election.

Emma and Max’s work is a powerful reminder that young people have the ability to shape the future of voter engagement. By starting early, they are proving that every vote and every effort to increase participation matters.

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Welcome to another episode at The Round Table. This week, our hosts, Inyoo, Sauda, and Viola sat down with Devyn Inez Fusaro, the Digital & Communications Manager at New York Renews, a powerful coalition fighting for climate justice across New York.

Devyn’s journey with NY Renews began in 2019 creating impactful videos that helped shape the movement's messaging. By 2022, she officially joined the team as a coalition organizing fellow for the Climate, Jobs & Justice campaign, later leading the coalition's Video Working Group in 2023 and 2024. Now as a full-time staff member, she plays a key role in shaping NY Renews' digital strategy and outreach.

In this conversation, Devyn breaks down what NY Renews is currently organizing for, from advancing the rollout of the Cap-and-Invest program to securing funding for critical climate programs through the Fund Climate Campaign. She also highlights the coalition’s priorities around Indigenous solidarity and explains how climate justice is deeply connected to social and economic equity. But this episode isn’t just about policy it’s also about storytelling and activism. Devyn shares her personal journey, from her background as a narrative and documentary storyteller with experience producing for HBO and BRIC TV to the books and resources that have shaped her approach to advocacy.

For students and young changemakers, Devyn offers insights on getting involved in climate advocacy, sharing practical advice on how to effectively push for climate policies and make real impact.

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Welcome to another episode ofThe Round Table! This week, Daniella, Preena, Kassandra, Inyoo and Sauda discussed the power of story-telling, intersectional identities, the role of youth in bringing about societal change, and so much more. They spoke with Dr. Rob Carpenter, a UCLA Professor and author, who has worked in the White House, Hollywood, tech and transportation, and who is a self-described “firm believer in the power of creativity and storytelling.”

The hosts learned how Dr. Rob’s intersectional identity -- as a part Black, White, and Native man who grew up in a fully White household, in a predominantly Latinx neighborhood, with Jewish and Asian best-friends -- shapes his writing and allows him to empathize with many diverse groups of people. They question whether today’s world lives up to Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream, share hope for the future through collective youth organizing, and even ponder how idealism grapples with reality in the possibility of creating a utopian world. 

Passionate for the virtue of stories over statistics in all levels of education, Dr. Rob shares how often, as early as 2nd Grade, students are “educated out of their creativity” -- teachers forced to teach to the test are unable to incorporate stories or the arts, contributing to the attendance crises across many schools. Yet the system is possible to reform if politicians are made to understand it needs changing, and on a smaller level, Dr.Rob describes how he, utilizing his curriculum freedom as a College Professor, makes sure every lesson includes reflection questions giving students the opportunity to relate their personal experiences to class-content.

Asked about his suggestions to fix the educational system, Dr. Rob mentions increasing inter-subject integration, role-playing in the classroom, and teaching “from the outside in.” The conversation wraps up with hosts sharing their “why” for participating in these late-night conversations and staying involved overall, and giving their advice for the generation coming up behind them. 

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Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniella, Preena, and Zarina are joined by Andrew Einhorn, the CEO and co-founder of LevelFields, an AI-powered app designed to simplify investment research for users. Andrew takes us on a fascinating journey through his career from studying psychology and cultural anthropology to leading groundbreaking public health initiatives, advising startups, and ultimately co-founding a company that merges AI and finance.

In this episode, we dive into the challenges of building financial trust in an era of misinformation, the transformative role of AI in finance, and how LevelFields is leveling the playing field for investors. Andrew shares how AI is revolutionizing the industry by analyzing massive data sets at lightning speed, predicting trends, and making complex investment strategies accessible to everyone. But with innovation comes complexity. 

Andrew offers a thoughtful perspective on the intersection of political and market instability, the ethics of AI, and the influence of big tech on government. He explores the delicate balance between fostering innovation and implementing effective regulation, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving landscape.  

Andrew’s insights leave us inspired by the potential of AI to empower individuals while reminding us of the importance of responsible innovation. As we navigate the intersection of technology, finance, and ethics, it’s clear that the decisions we make today will shape the future of these industries. This episode challenges us to think critically about the role of AI in our lives and how we can use it to drive positive change.

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Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Daniel, Preena, and Viola sit down with C. Evan Stewart, author of The Worst Supreme Court Decisions Ever! and a professor at Cornell University. Stewart delves into America’s legal history, examining cases like Dred Scott v. Sanford and the importance of addressing the uncomfortable truths of the legal system.

Stewart discusses the role of lawyers, explaining that their job is to represent clients rather than determine guilt or innocence, which is the responsibility of the jury and judge. He underscores how this distinction is vital to maintaining fairness and integrity in the legal system, even when cases involve contentious or morally complex issues. As a professor, Stewart highlights the need to teach history in its entirety, including its darker moments. He emphasizes that avoiding uncomfortable truths risks creating a distorted view of history, which hinders society’s ability to learn from past mistakes.

Stewart also stresses the significance of civic engagement, encouraging people to get involved in local elections and explore a variety of sources to understand history and legal cases. Informed voting and critical thinking, he argues, are crucial for shaping a more equitable and effective legal system. Despite its flaws, there's optimism about America’s legal system and its potential for positive change. The system’s resilience, he believes, comes from its ability to evolve through democratic processes and active participation from citizens.

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table! This week, Daniella, Kassandra and Kassandra sit down with Kelly Davis, the Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy at Mental Health America. In her role, Kelly focuses on expanding peer support mental health programs and championing policies driven by lived experiences.

In our conversation, Kelly sheds light on how peer support functions and emphasizes the critical need to break down barriers that limit access to mental health assistance. While acknowledging the challenges that remain in addressing youth mental health, we also highlight the range of treatment options available through schools and how they can serve as a foundation for progress.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into the multifaceted nature of mental health. We explore generational stigmas, the influence of social media and online mental health spaces, and the persistent disparities in mental health support for men and women. Additionally, we examine the unique challenges faced by immigrants and first-generation children, offering insight into how cultural backgrounds shape their relationship with mental health.

Kelly shares practical ways for youth to engage in mental health advocacy through local and national organizations, highlighting how passionate young people are driving much of today’s progress. We close by reflecting on our hopes for the future: greater accessibility to support, more open conversations breaking mental health taboos, and leaders prioritizing this critical issue.

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At this week’s Round Table, Inyoo and Kassandra engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. William T. Armaline, a Professor in the Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at San José State University. Dr. Armaline is the founder of the Human Rights Minor at SJSU, a dedicated educator, and the author of several influential works on human rights and politics. Drawing from his working-class roots and extensive experience in academia and activism, Dr. Armaline offers a unique and insightful perspective on the evolving political landscape.

The discussion explores the potential for a Great Realignment in the U.S. party system, the critical role of organized labor, and the impact of state-level violence on society. Together, they examine the United States' historical engagement with violence, particularly state-sanctioned violence, and how various demographics perceive and experience these issues today.

Dr. Armaline also highlights how both major political parties have often fallen short in addressing the concerns of the American people, missing crucial opportunities to connect with voters on a deeper level.

Throughout the episode, he shares heartfelt advice for young activists, expressing his unwavering belief in their ability to drive meaningful change. He underscores the importance of self-education, staying informed, and organizing to create social and political transformation. Dr. Armaline’s message is clear: the future belongs to those who are committed to shaping it through action and education.

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At this week’s Round Table, Heba, Inyoo, Kassandra, and Preena unpack the results of the 2024 elections. They analyze the surprising performance of Donald Trump and the strong showing of down-ballot Republicans, exploring the factors that contributed to these outcomes. The hosts also dissect the strategies employed by various campaigns, with a particular focus on where Kamala Harris may have fallen short in reaching key voter groups.

The conversation shifts to the ongoing impact of race and gender in American politics, examining how these issues continue to shape election outcomes and influence public perception. The hosts then explore the economic concerns that dominated the election, such as inflation, the rising cost of living, and immigration. They evaluate how candidates communicated their positions on these issues and consider the effects of these messages on voter behavior. The hosts also discuss how voters’ economic struggles may have influenced their choices at the polls.

They go on to reflect on the media’s role in shaping public opinion during the election cycle. The hosts assess how misinformation and a lack of media literacy may have impacted voters’ decisions, highlighting the need for a more informed electorate that can navigate political narratives with greater discernment. 

Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of media literacy, civic engagement, and cross-partisan dialogue. They encourage listeners to focus on understanding diverse viewpoints instead of dismissing those who disagree. 

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At this week’s Round Table, Inyoo, Kassandra, and Preena were joined by Ken W. Good, a legal expert and member of the Board of Directors for the Professional Bondsmen of Texas, to explore the complex and often contentious world of bail reform. With a law degree from Texas Tech and years of experience arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Texas and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ken brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion.

Throughout the episode, we delve into the critical role the bail industry plays within the criminal justice system, discussing the real-world implications of zero-bail policies and their impact on public safety and recidivism. Ken offers a balanced perspective on the conflicting studies surrounding bail reform—some of which show alarming re-offense rates among those released on zero-bail, while others, such as those from New Jersey, suggest that eliminating cash bail does not necessarily lead to an increase in violent crime.

We also explore the methodology behind these studies, questioning the validity of their conclusions and what they mean for future policymaking. With the continued rise of bail reform across the U.S., understanding the full scope of its impact has become crucial for lawmakers, law enforcement, and the public alike. Ken provides important insights into how these studies shape the conversation, and what is at stake for communities across the nation.

As bail reform continues to be a hotly debated topic, Ken offers valuable insights into potential alternatives and compromises that might bridge the divide between differing viewpoints. His thoughts on how to ensure both public safety and fairness within the justice system provide a fresh perspective on how these issues could be addressed in the future. Tune in for an engaging conversation with Ken W. Good as we tackle the complexities of bail reform and its impact on our society. Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Daniella, Hannah, Heba, Inyoo and Preena come together for an all-host discussion on the role of the media in political campaigning. With the 2024 Presidential Election fast approaching and weighing heavily on everyone’s minds, understanding how media shapes voting behavior, staying informed, and remaining civically engaged has never been more crucial.

In this episode, the hosts explore how misinformation and disinformation impact candidates' campaigns and influence voting outcomes, diving into the ways media shapes political conversations, especially in such a polarized climate. They also discuss the role of peer influence on voting decisions and the effect of our inherent biases on the news we choose to consume.

The conversation extends to the pros and cons of America’s two-party system, Gen Z’s perspectives on critical issues, and the tough question of how much one vote really matters—especially when faced with candidates who both may support causes you find deeply troubling.

The hosts share practical strategies to strengthen your media literacy and tips on effectively cross-checking information. 

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Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Heba, Kassandra, and Daniella welcome Taina B. Wagnac, Senior Manager of State and Local Policy at the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). Taina shares her inspiring journey from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to becoming a powerful advocate for immigrant rights in New York State. With her extensive experience in legislative strategy and policy analysis, Taina has been at the forefront of initiatives that enhance language access, expand civic participation, and ensure equitable protections for immigrant communities.

During our conversation, we dive deep into critical topics such as the influence of pop culture on political views, the importance of youth voter mobilization, and the role of immigrant voices in politics. Taina provides insightful perspectives on the Trump-Haiti dynamic and discusses the significance of breaking down language barriers in elections, particularly for Black immigrants.

We also explore the vibrant intersection of Caribbean culture and New York identity, highlighting what it truly means to be a "true New Yorker." Tune in as we unpack the complexities of politics through the lens of current TV shows and movies, and discuss how they shape the beliefs and activism of younger generations.

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Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, our hosts Daniel, Daniella, Kassandra and Preena engage in a thoughtful conversation with Shadae McDaniel, Senior Vice President of the Program of Strategic Initiatives at the All Stars Project, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth through the arts. Shadae shares how her experiences growing up—whether in dance classes or influenced by her mother’s work as a nurse shaped her belief in the importance of performing, building connections, and supporting underserved communities. Inspired by these values, Shadae has dedicated over 20 years to working in the nonprofit sector, channeling her passion for helping others rather than pursuing a career in the for-profit world.

In this episode, Shadae discusses her work with the All Stars Project, an organization founded in 1981 in New York City to give young people the opportunity to explore their talents and passions. The program has since expanded to six other cities across the U.S. Shadae shares insights into her dedication to empowering others and offers valuable advice, such as the importance of channeling effort into work that makes a meaningful difference in the community.

As a vocal advocate for after-school programs, Shadae emphasizes their significance, stating that they provide crucial opportunities for students to explore their interests, often offering more value than classroom learning alone. She also underscores the need for government funding and nonprofit support to sustain these vital programs. Throughout the episode, Shadae offers inspiring advice for young people passionate about advocacy, community empowerment, and pursuing careers in service.

Welcome to another episode of The Round Table!

This week, Heba, Inyoo, and Kassandra engage in a compelling conversation with Johanna Garcia, Chief of Staff to State Senator Robert Jackson. Johanna's journey into public service began with her unwavering commitment to justice and equality in her community. With a strong foundation in grassroots organizing, she was inspired to step into the political arena after witnessing the transformative power of local activism during a pivotal community movement. This experience ignited her passion for amplifying the voices of those often unheard and set her on a path toward government and leadership.

In this episode, Johanna offers incredible insights on navigating the complexities of government work while remaining true to your values. We discuss the significance of representation, the potential for creating real change from within the system, and the critical role of teamwork in making a lasting impact. Johanna even shares a glimpse into her daily routine and how she maintains motivation in the face of challenges, all while keeping a sense of humor and optimism!

Currently, Johanna is focused on several exciting initiatives, including advocating for a new policy to address educational inequities and tenant protections in New York. She’s also leading efforts for an upcoming community forum designed to strengthen civic engagement across the district. There’s so much on the horizon, and we can’t wait to see the incredible work she continues to accomplish!

Thanks for listening!