On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson has a powerful conversation with Susie Jaramillo, an Emmy nominated director, artist, storyteller and entrepreneur who uses the power of media to introduce diverse cultures to children. Influenced by her Venezuelan roots, Susie noticed a lack of inclusive representation in storytelling for her two young kids. According to the US Census, Gen Alpha will be the most diverse generation in history, yet they remain severely underrepresented in the media.

Susie hopes to change that as the Co-founder and CEO of Encantos, a children’s entertainment company that tells purpose-driven stories inspired by cultures all over the world. Encantos features books, puzzles and games, and an app called Canticos, which allows children to learn both English and Spanish through vibrant storytelling and songs. As the first Latina CEO of a children’s entertainment company, Susie shares how storytelling can inspire, teach and help us understand other cultures. Through her work, Susie is encouraged to unite families through culture, and draw together communities.

“It's so rich. It's so fun. It's the spice of life. And so, I kind of have made it my mission to really just showcase how gorgeous all the different aspects of our culture are and to use that in media, and in children's media.”

For more, check out Susie and her work on...

Instagram - @sujaramillo & @canticosworld

X - @sujaramillo & @canticosworld

TikTok - @sujaramillo & @canticosworld

LinkedIn - /susanjaramillo

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Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.

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B The Way Forward Is…

Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson

Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond 

Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski 

Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki

Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine 

Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org

Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org

Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions

For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org