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© 2024 We Can Make a Difference
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Hi, I am Aneesh Prasad, a 16-year-old from Massachusetts. Some of the biggest issues facing Gen-Zers today are mental health and well-being, racial equity, access to equal opportunities, social justice, and the environment. Come join me as I explore how we can tackle these issues by talking to experts in the field who have made a difference. Let's learn from them so we can make a difference too.
25 Episodes
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In this episode, I interview Elena Paolini. Elena shares her personal journey dealing with the stigma associated with menstruation and the physical and mental challenges that ensued. She also shares the field research on attitudes towards menstruation that she conducted in Nigeria. Eliana discusses the taboo in Africa against talking about menstruation, the discrimination that girls face during their menstruation cycle, and the restrictions placed on them such as not being allowed to enter sacred spaces, cook for family, needing to dress in a certain way that affects their daily life. She also shares supersitions associated with menstruation and how menstrual blood is used for black magic that leads to fear and anxiety among young girls. Finally, she shares strategies to normalize menstruation that takes into account the social and cultural norms and attitudes in Africa.
Season 3 titled "Young African Flow Feebles" is a special series of my podcast in partnership with Ruth Egbedi of the Young Africa Foundation. In this series, Ruth and I will interview young girls in Africa to provide a platform to break the myths surrounding menstruation and foster open conversations about this crucial aspect of women's health. In this introductory episode, Ruth shares her inspiration behind starting this podcast. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!
In this episode, I interview 19-year old Alya Sabira, the founder of Save the Youth Sukabumi in Indonesia. Alya shares the incredible work she is doing to tackle climate change and dismantle deep-rooted societal and cultural challenges such as child marriage and gender and education inequality. We discuss the role of government, legislation, and advocacy in driving societal change. Finally, as a Gen-Zer herself, Alya shares advice for how we can strive to have an impact in areas that we care about.
In this episode, I interview Cal St. Denis, the Global Director of Sustainability at J&J MedTech. Cal shares his journey and his transition from commercial roles to leading J&J MedTech's sustainability efforts. We discuss J&J's environmental sustainability initiatives and Cal shares his insights on the challenges and advantages of developing more environmentally sustainable business practices. Finally, Cal provides advice on how Gen-Zers like us can start to make a difference especially in the area of environmental sustainability.
In this episode, I interview the founder of Opportunity Desk and iKapture Networks, Grace Ihejiamaizu-Paul. Grace shares her journey as her a social entrepreneur and educator and discusses how both iKapture and Opportunity Desk provide a platform to help young people in Africa prepare themselves to succeed in the workplace. We discuss the educational equity challenges unique to Africa such as the lack of mentorship and resources for youth living in underserved communities. Grace shares her own challenges and obstacles in setting up her two ventures and provides great advice on how Gen-Zers like us can start making a difference. Finally Grace shares key takeaways from her book "Go Global with Opportunities". You can check out her book here:Go Global with Opportunities
In this episode, I interview Livia Maria Souza, the 19-year old founder of the Levanta Jovem Project in Brazil. Livia shares her journey as a change-maker that started when she was 12 years old and discusses the incredible work that she is doing to provide leadership training and mentorship to the Amazonian youth from the northern regions of Brazil. We discuss the challenges that the youth from these regions have had to deal with including the historical and political dynamics of the country that propagated stereotypes against the indigenous people. We discuss the educational system in Brazil that emphasizes grades over leadership skills and the importance of public policy and societal engagement to drive positive change. Livia also shares how the leadership programs at Levanta Jovem focus on self awareness and identifying one's purpose and how that has led to positive outcomes for many of the participants of the program. Finally, Livia shares great advice on how Gen-Zers like us can make a difference.
In this episode, I interview Ruth Egbedi, the founder and President of the Young Africa Foundation and an Ashoka Young Changemaker from Nigeria. Ruth shares her changemaking story that began when she was 14 years old. Still in her teens, Ruth is striving to end the stigma associated with menstruation, eliminate period poverty and advance gender equality in the workplace. In this interview, Ruth discusses the challenges that girls face in Africa, the cultural and societal norms that propagate the stigma against menstruation and the general oppression of women. We discuss the roadblocks that Ruth had to overcome to establish her non-profit and Ruth shares her vision for a world where gender equality is the norm and all girls and young women feel empowered to pursue their dreams and passions.
In this episode, I am in conversation with Ravi Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam. Mr. Ravi Prasad has held portfolios in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and has served as India's Lead Climate Negotiator under Prime Minister Modi's government. In this insightful and engaging conversation, we discuss why climate change is such a pressing issue today and the magnitude of challenges it presents. We also discuss India's push towards renewable energy and the implications on Indian businesses. We discuss the role of the UN Framework Convention of Climate Change in driving global consensus around climate change issues. Mr. Prasad also shares his insights on the challenges in acquiring global alignment on climate change issues and the importance of alliances, agreements, technology transfer and knowledge sharing required on a global scale. Finally, Mr. Prasad provides advice on how Gen-Zers like us can be leaders in driving global climate change efforts.
In this episode, I interview Rebecca Bratspies, Law Professor at CUNY School of Law and founding Director of the Center for Urban Environmental Reform. We discuss the role of legislation and advocacy in driving environmental justice. Professor Bratspies provides insight into the impact of individual choices, systemic change and education to address the climate crisis. She discusses her environmentally themed comic book series Mayah's Lot and Bina's Plant and her goal of promoting environmental literacy to the new generation more comfortable with visual learning. Professor Bratspies also shares with us fun facts from her latest book, Naming Gotham: The Villians, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York Place Names. We discuss the impact of the recent supreme court ruling on Affirmative Action in College Admissions. Finally, Professor Bratspies provides us with great advice on what we can do as Gen-Zers to make a difference. You can check out Professor Bratspies' books here:Mayah's LotBina's PlantWe All CountNaming Gotham: The Villians, Rogues and Heroes Behind New York Place Names
In this episode, I interview Corrina Grace, entrepreneur, consultant and author of The Weaver's Way. Corrina shares her inspiring journey from Australia to Guatemala where she now helps indigenous women and young people become leaders and entrepreneurs within their communities. We engage in a wide ranging conversation on leadership, climate justice, and racial equity. Corrina discusses her motivation for writing The Weaver's Way and shares some key insights from the book. Finally, Corrina has some great advice for young Gen-Zers on how can become change agents by "finding the story that we have a personal connection with."To learn more about Corrina Grace and her work please visit:https://www.corrinagrace.com/
In this episode, I interview Dheeraj Batra, Founder and CEO of The Propel Labs. Dheeraj and I engage in a wide-ranging conversation on how companies can think about sustainability, the trade-offs involved, and the role of government and policy in promoting sustainability. Dheeraj also shares how his consulting firm incorporates human centered design and systems thinking to help organizations come up with creative and innovative sustainability focused solutions. Finally, Dheeraj offers advice on how Gen-Zers can play their part in making an impact in areas they are passionate about.
In this episode, I interview author and advocate, Melissa Lombardo. Melissa shares her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and how she found the courage to move from healing to thriving. We discuss the power of storytelling and how Melissa was inspired to author her book Hurt, Healing, and Hope to support and help others who have experienced similar trauma. Melissa also shares her advice on how Gen-Zers can use their experiences to bring about positive change. You can learn more about Melissa and her work at writehealthrive.com
In this episode, I interview mother and daughter duo, Claire and Amaranthia Sepia. Claire and Amaranthia are the founders of Sista Creatives Rising, an organization devoted to promoting accessibility and visibility of marginalized women and marginalized genders in the arts. We discuss the unique challenges they faced as black women with disabilities in getting their initiative up and running. They also share how art can be used as a form of self-advocacy and expression of the challenges marginalized groups face. Finally, Claire and Amaranthia share their advice for Gen-Zers on how they can make a difference by pursuing their passions.
Short teaser on what to expect in Season 2 of We Can Make a Difference
In this episode, I interview author Jacci Turner. Jacci has written a number of books for children and young adults with social justice themes. In this interesting episode, we discuss a myriad of topics ranging from social media addiction, teenage mental health issues and racial injustice. Finally, Jacci shares her advise for aspiring writers and Gen-Zers who want to make a difference but don't know where to start.
In today's show, I interview author Carmen Leal. In this insightful episode, Carmen talks about how she found hope and purpose through the adversities that she has faced. We talk about how she discovered her passion for rescue dogs and her work and advocacy for rehoming them, connecting people with dogs and how that has helped her and people overcome mental and physical health challenges. Carmen also shares the importance of storytelling at the individual and corporate levels and how that allows companies and people to appear real, transparent and authentic. Finally, Carmen shares her advise for young Gen-Zers who want to have an impact and make a difference.
In the episode, I interview Stephanie Duesing, author and CVI advocate. CVI is the number one cause of visual impairment in the world, yet not many people have heard about it. In this interview, Stephanie shares her journey and challenges as a parent of a child with CVI. She discusses how she has built awareness for the condition and the challenges she has faced in the process. She also shares what young people like us can do to bring light to the issues we care about. If you want to learn more about CVI, check out the links below:https://www.nei.nih.gov/about/news-and-events/news/vision-loss-children-whose-eyesight-may-be-2020-requires-new-diagnostic-and-teaching-strategieshttps://www.optometrytimes.com/view/getting-to-the-heart-of-pediatric-vision-loss-and-blindnesshttps://cviscotland.org/https://www.perkins.org/our-work/cvi/https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0028393221002359https://www.aph.org/product/vision-and-the-brain-understanding-cerebral-visual-impairment-in-children/
In this episode, I interview the founder of Tech Now Global, David Onilude from Lagos Nigeria. David Onilude is 21, and a Nigerian Digital Literacy Advocate, Front-end Developer, Internationally acclaimed Social Entrepreneur, Ambassador for TheirWorld, Ashoka Young Changemaker, and Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 Honoree. David and his team of Gen-Zers are working with children in underserved communities to ensure that they have the resources, digital skills, and social skills to be successful in our rapidly changing world. In this episode we discuss the inequity present in Africa's education system and the challenges with promoting skills such as digital literacy.
In today's episode, I interview Tiffany Janel Frey, the founder of Breath Expressions. Tiffany shares her insights on the importance of practicing self-awareness and mindfulness to connect with ourselves and others. We discuss specific techniques to promote greater self-awareness. We also have a conversation on the pressures that young Gen-Zers face, the impact of these pressures on their mental health and how being connected with ourselves facilitates overall well-being.If you would like to learn more about her work then check out her website: http://breathexpressions.com/
In this episode, I interview Monisha Kapila, the founder and co-CEO of ProInspire, a non-profit focused on delivering resources and programs to empower BIPOC social impact leaders. Monisha shares her journey and what inspired her to create ProInspire. We also discuss important issues related to racial equity in the non-profit sector, the unique challenges that BIPOC leaders face and the importance of equipping leaders with the skills required to close the racial gap in society. Monisha also shares important insights on how Gen-Zers can make a difference by focusing on volunteering and activism.
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