NorthStar GAZE

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 NorthStar of GIS 2024 Homecoming event as we delve deeper into conversations about Afrofuturism, ma...

02-18

17:46

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, and the deep cultural heritage that influenced its design. Clinton and Sky share their creative process and the ri...

11-19

26:08

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 NorthStar's journey. Learn about the principles of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibil...

11-18

36:00

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 details of her mother's journey from a Virginia farm to becoming a key player in global positioning innov...

10-27

47:10

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 the face of adversity, and calls for the opening of gates and the amplification of marginalized ...

10-15

19:52

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 statements in organizations, and the need for resilience in the face of challenges. Dawn sheds ligh...

10-01

38:12

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 in their own communities. Support the show

09-17

35:41

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 inclusive leadership and capacity building in the STEM fields. Through stories of resilience an...

09-03

43:54

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 approach to raising confident black children and the value of community and teamwork. The episo...

08-20

21:05

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 introverts and provide insights on navigating perceptions as an introverted Black woman. The conve...

08-06

29:53

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 importance of cultural competency in engaging marginalized communities, and the shift towards including ...

07-23

19:58

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 conferences, and navigating the pandemic as a consultant. Gloria also provides career advice for young p...

07-10

18:49

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. Support the show

06-25

20:06

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 and supporting its communities for a sustainable and resilient future. They also delve into topics l...

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 emphasizes the importance of data ownership, freedom of information, and the role of GIS in empowering...