The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B

Original Air Date: August 28, 2020

On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King, and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. 

In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life.  We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.

You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.  The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance.  His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Support Heard Em Say and you can follow Wally on Facebook.

Check out past Wally B interviews here and here.

tomearl.me/wb

Listen to "The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B" on Spreaker.

The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations with Wally B

On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. 

In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life.  We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist, to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.

You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.  The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance.  His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Check out the show notes at www.tomearl.com/wally.  

You can support by visiting their website or Facebook.  

You can listen to past episodes here and here.

Listen to "The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Youth Development and Public School Education Expert Dr. Jenn Earl Foss

Today I talk to Dr. Jenn Earl Foss, a passionate public school educator with a strong background in advocating for ALL students.  Working in the field of education since 1995, Dr. Earl’s career spans across multiple states and school districts, but she has always served Title I communities. 

Dr. Jenn Earl Foss is also my sister! 

After completing her doctorate at Arizona State University, Jennifer began her adventure in California where she became the proud Principal of Herbert Hoover High School (HHS) in Glendale, California.  

Under Dr. Earl’s leadership, HHS has received many accolades and special recognitions.  Hoover High School was named a 2015 California Gold Ribbon School, including recognition for exemplary Arts program and Title I Academic Achieving High School.  HHS has Silver recognitions from both U.S. News and World Reports and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Dr. Earl was named Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018 by Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Mayor’s Commendation via the Character and Ethics Committee for her work with the Special Olympics in Glendale Unified School District (GUSD).

In her roles as coach, teacher, Student Council advisor, student advocate and administrator, Jenn has continuously maintained a growth mindset for herself and those she serves.  She has been trained by Gender Spectrum to create gender-sensitive and inclusive school environments.  Her strong belief in ALL students is evidenced in the many clubs and programs that have been developed under her leadership, such as UNICEF and “Sneaker Culture Club”.  Dr. Earl’s students are taught to leave their legacy by creating programs and clubs that they feel fit their needs. 

A lifetime learner and health fitness enthusiast, Jenn is currently working towards becoming a Pilates Instructor.  She shares her passion with athletes at her school and has hopes of sharing with the community on a larger scale.   

Jenn’s motto is to Choose Joy & Share Joy whenever possible.

I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.

You can follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram @docjae.

Listen to "Youth Development and Public School Education Expert Dr. Jenn Earl Foss" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.