Articulating - An Independent School Podcast
Articulating is a bi-weekly podcast hosted by Gina Parker Collins and Sam Osborne, focusing on equity in independent school culture. The show features conversations with guests from various backgrounds and industries, exploring topics related to diversity and inclusion in education. It is a RIISE production currently in its fifth season.
Episodes
510 Equity & AI in Education Series: Parents | Amber Berry, Middle States Association
With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the last of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for parents.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education
509 Equity & AI in Education Series: Students | Amber Berry, Middle States Association
With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the second of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for students.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and educat
508 Equity & AI in Education Series: Schools | Amber Berry, Middle States Association
With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the first of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for schools.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and educatio
507 A new DEI-rection for Articulating | Gina + Sam, co-hosts
Articulating co-hosts return to the virtual studio
with a major update that will shape the future of the podcast.
Co-written by Sam Osborne and Tyler Woods
Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!
506 Raising minimalist kids in a world of excess | Christine Platt, Afrominimalist and Author
'Twas the week before Christmas, and you still haven't done your holiday shopping yet. But hold your reindeer! We've got a special bonus episode featuring Christine Platt, author of the Afrominimalist guide to Living with Less.
This is a must-listen for those who wish to tackle overconsumption and inspire their students to embrace a more minimilast and intentional lifestyle!
ABOUT CHRISTINE PLATT
505 Inside a Black Independent School | Pat Williams, The Imani School
Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing environment that fosters
504 Fostering a love for reading in the digital era | Ramón Javier, George Jackson Academy
When was the last time you read for 30 minutes straight? Uninterrupted? Ramon Javier, Head of School at George Jackson Academy, joins Articulating to discuss the importance of literacy in academic success, developing empathy, and building critical thinking skills. Listen for strategies on how to foster a love for reading not only for your scholar but also yourself!
ABOUT RAMON
Ramón is a lifelong
503 Student-led organization for Black Joy | Black Student Coalition
Gina and Sam sit down with Summer Love and Gabby Mclain, co-presidents of the Black Student Coalition (BSC), a thriving network serving over 500 students across New York and New Jersey.
Summer is a senior at the Chapin School. At school, Summer is the DEIB president, student a cappella co-director, member of the speech and debate team, a singer in the rock band, and a student admissions ambassa
502 Combatting imposter syndrome | Dr. Kay De Simone, DSW
Dr. Kay De Simone, a wealth mindset coach and complex trauma psychotherapist, joins Articulating to discuss the concept of imposter syndrome in the context of independent schools. Imposter syndrome is often fueled by external factors such as societal biases and institutional practices rather than individual shortcomings.
Dr. De Simone shares tools and strategies families can use to support their
501 Engagement on The Vineyard | Gina + Sam
Sam Osborne and Gina Parker Collins explore the growing trend of engagement events at Martha's Vineyard, a popular vacation destination for Black families. They discuss how it has become a hub for conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities that foster community and education.
The co-hosts also celebrate two significant milestones: the 15th anniversary of RIISE (Resources In Independent
411 The Bumpy Transition to Adulthood | Alexa Juanita Jordan, Life Coach
Graduation season is upon us, students--are you ready for life after independent school. Gulp. Life coach Alexa Juanita Jordan joins us to discuss potential challenges that independent school alumni may encounter in adulthood and strategies for overcoming them.
Alexa is a certified life coach and writer. Her new book, THE START OF IT ALL, is now on sale! It's a 20-something's guide to re
410 Achieving Trans "Normalcy" | Mimi Shelton, Researcher
While gender inclusivity has made strides in independent schools, transgender students still face challenges in achieving a "normal" school experience. Mimi Shelton joins us to discuss trans belonging.
Mimi Shelton (She/Her) is currently the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Trans (NHBS-Trans2023-24) Project Coordinator at the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene where she le
409 Inside the World of Gifted Education | Christopher Federico, The Roeper School
Does it seem like every parent thinks their child is "gifted"? Well, they might be right! Even if the grades don't show it.
Gina went on location and visited the Roeper School,
an institution for gifted students in the Detroit area to interview Head of School Christopher Federico.
Christopher comes to Roeper from Toronto, having previously served as Head of Academics and Upper Scho
408 Equity Audits | Keeniun Brumskill, Ethical Culture Fieldston School
In recent years, schools have launched major initiatives and strategic plans around DEI. How do they hold themselves accountable to their commitments? Keeniun Brumskill joins us to discuss equity audits.
Keeniun is the Executive Director of Community and Social Impact for the Ethical Culture Fieldston School which has locations in Manhattan and the Bronx.
Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for mor
407 Parent to Partner | Leilani M. Brown
When your student graduates, that doesn't mean you have to. Leilani Brown joins to discuss how parents and guardians can become partners.
Leilani M. Brown is an advisor to a diverse portfolio of clients including private and independent schools. Her boutique consulting firm has supported strategic plans, cultural audits, and equity-related crises. For over 15 years, Leilani has served as a bo
406 The well-being of boys of color | Dwight Vidale
Dwight Vidale joins to discuss the current state of young men of color in indy schools and his upcoming annual symposium. Register for March 2nd here!
Dwight is the Assistant Head of School for Institutional Equity and Belonging for the Collegiate School. Prior to Collegiate, he spent over ten years at Riverdale Country School, facilitating equity programming and teaching middle and upper school E
405 How to lose a Black teacher, Part 2 | Hope Rias, PhD.
Gina and Sam continues its conversation with Dr. Hope Rias and dig deep into what schools and educators can do to reduce faculty of color turnover.
Hope Rias, Ph.D. is an anti-racist educator and author who teaches History at Siena College. In 2019, she published, St. Louis School Desegregation: Patterns of Progress and Peril and continues to research this subject today. She holds degrees from Sp
404 How to lose a Black teacher, Part 1 | Hope Rias, PhD.
Today we chat with Dr. Hope Rias, about Black faculty turnover and unpack Claudine Gay’s resignation through the lens of indy schools.
Hope Rias, Ph.D. is an anti-racist educator and author who teaches History at Siena College. In 2019, she published, St. Louis School Desegregation: Patterns of Progress and Peril and continues to research this subject today. She holds degrees from Spelman College
403 Students by Day, Founders by Night | Identifyou
As we struggle to address America's youth mental health crisis, it's become clear that traditional paths can fall short for students of diverse backgrounds. High schoolers Krish Mulholtra and Aaron Harrison are exploring an alternative route through Identifyou, an organization that promotes mental wellness and connects students through their digital app.
Krish and Aaron are high school se
402 Unpacking "Burnout" | Dr. Rashidah Bowen White
Is your student exhibiting signs of burnout or worse? Dr. Rashidah Bowen White, shares what families and schools can and should be doing to address this very serious issue.
Rashidah Bowen White, Ph.D. is committed to advancing the mental health of BIPOC students and families and supporting independent schools in creating equitable, affirming, learning environments. As a psychologist, educator, an
401 Perspectives from a Black Head of School
Mr. Randall Dunn, Head of the Rye County Day School in New York, joins the podcast to discuss his new role, and leadership experiences as a person of color in education.
During the span of his 35-year career in education, Mr. Dunn has been a teacher, coach, and senior administrator, and has worked in independent, public, day, and boarding schools. Mr. Dunn is also the recently elected Chair of th
306 Schools' obligation to their neighborhoods | Morgan A. Jones, Avenues World School
In this current age of gentrification, urban change and the displacement of low income communities, what obligation does an independent school have to engage the neighborhood where its housed?
Morgan A. Jones joined Avenues New York in 2019 as Director of Community Engagement and partnerships, and in addition to this role, he recently joined the admissions team. Morgan holds an MBA from Cornell Un
305 DEI in Parents Associations | Tiffany Ellis Butts, Riverdale PA
How often do we discuss representation in the Parents Association? Riverdale's PA president Tiffany Ellis Butts joins Gina and Sam to share various ways BIPOC parents can get involved and share her own leadership experiences.
Tiffany Ellis Butts is a Riverdale Country School parent who has held a variety of leadership positions at the NYC institution, but is currently serving as the first Black pr
304 From Adolescent Diaries to Top Memoir of '22 | Kendra James, Author
A young woman of color became the first Black American legacy at her independent boarding school. Her experience was not as smooth sailing as one might assume and, thanks to her love of journaling, she documented it all in her debut book.
Joining us today to chat is Kendra James, author of Admissions: A Memoir of Surviving Boarding School! Admissions was just named one of the ten best
303 Alumni-led Hackathon | Delonte Egwuatu, Black Alumni Collective
While most schools across the country are strategizing how best to engage BIPOC alumni, St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Maryland has already partnered with several of its graduates to launch the Black Alumni Collective. Delonte Egwuatu is a cofounder and joins Gina and Sam to chat about HackBAC--a social justice hackathon for youth.
When not volunteering, Delonte Egwuatu serves as the Assistant D
302 Faculty Diversity at Birch | Curtis March, Upper School Director
Why does faculty diversity matter? And how can schools attract and retain diverse talent?
Curtis March - Director of Upper School for the Birch Wathen Lenox School - joins Gina and Sam to share BWL's efforts and progress.
Curtis March, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with an MFA from Sarah Lawrence College, has worked in education for over thirty years. He and his wife, who is also an
301 Understanding the Black Boy Scholar | Naledi Semela, DEI Leader
The jock, the prepster, the delinquent. Black male students are often regarded by their peers and educators through a unique lens. How can they successfully navigate this social landscape and also be a student and—most importantly—be happy?
Naledi Semela—an Antiracist Educator and the Browning School's Director of Equitable Practices and Social Impact—joins us to understand the social elements fam
211 St. Hilda's Approach to Inclusivity | Virginia Connor, Head of School
How does an Episcopal day school like St. Hilda's and St. Hughs in NYC foster inclusivity for its mixed-faith student population? Head of School Virginia Connor joins us to discuss the school's current efforts, which includes a strategic plan and new role for family engagement.
Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!
210 WTF is Grit | Akil Bello
"Grit" and "exceptionalism" are frequently used in education to praise BIPOC students who face adversity, but what does grit actually mean? And is resilience an appropriate measure of competitiveness in school admissions?
Testing prep expert Akil Bello joins us for a part two!
Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!
209 Not-So-Standardized Testing | Akil Bello, Testing Expert
Despite the widespread adoption of test optionality, families continue to spend jaw-dropping sums on test prep to improve their students' chances. But are the tutors, classes, books and software actually worth the investment?
Akil Bello—a test prep expert best known for his appearance Netflix's "Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal"—joins us to explore standardized testing's cos
208 Prep for Prep's New Chapter | CEO Ruth Jurgensen
Educator Ruth Jurgensen joined Prep for Prep in July 2020 as CEO--the first person of color in that position. Jurgensen was tasked to reimagine the organization's vision and mission through the lens of equity, wellness, and innovation.
Ruth joins Gina and Sam to share insights from the org's recently completed strategic plan, several key initiatives the plan has spawned, and the power of Prep's ex
207 How to Raise a Token | Cole Brown, Author
For many BIPOC children, attending PWI schools without proper support can be psychologically harmful.
Families today are using Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World as a reference tool for how to raise their token students. Author Cole Brown joins the pod to share his thoughts on this phenomenon and detail his journey from indy school, to management consultant, to published author.
Follow us
206 Black-ish Tips for College Applicants | T. Fields and S. Herndon-Brown
If you have a BIPOC indy school family, mainstream admissions resources might not speak directly to your needs. "The Black Families Guide to College Admissions" answers your burning questions about HBCU v. PWI, defining success for your student and beginning to lay the foundation towards generational wealth.
Admissions experts Timothy Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown join the show to discuss this
205 Reflecting on Prep School Negro | André Robert Lee
André Robert Lee’s documentary “Prep School Negro” made waves throughout the independent school circuit a decade ago.
Lee joins Gina and Sam to talk about the film’s reception, his evolution since its release, and how PSN continues to impact budding filmmakers, authors, and indy school families today.
Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!
204 CBS's Special on CRT | Gina Parker Collins
Today, we have a great guest joining us. Dare we say the best guest ever?
Gina Parker Collins is chatting with Sam to dish about her recent appearance on CBSN’s “The Trials of Critical Race Theory.” In this special, a dozen parents, students and experts like Gina discuss the facts, figures, and philosophies around this hot button topic.
Have you watched it yet? Well spoiler alert, there were a lot
203 A Look Inside @Blackatprivateschool | Aja Moore-Ramos
Imagine being voiceless and then one day an Instagram account amplifies your story. Then your story and others like you become the catalyst for the biggest DEIB evolution in the history of independent schools.
Black at Private School was created to support Black Students, Faculty/Staff members, Parents, and Alumni of Private Schools. Its aim is to make all of our educational institutions equitable
202 Behind the Brochures | Jan Abernathy
Episode Two, Season Two is here!
How do schools articulate "Belonging" in their print and digital media? And at what point does featuring underrepresented students become exploitive? In recent years, independent school marketing and communications teams have had to reckon with how their images and language potentially mis-portray the student experience. Jan Abernathy, Chief Communications Officer
201 Admissions Etiquette | Sharrie Varroux-Renaud
Welcome to season two of Articulating!
Do your appearance, actions, and background impact the odds of your child gaining admission? What do you do if you're running late? How should you dress? Sharrie Varroux Renaud of the Avenues: The World School joins Gina and Sam to explore the do's and don'ts of "Admissions Etiquette".
Sharrie joined Avenues in 2020 and has been particularly passionate about
116 Summer Scholar Takeover | Ellie
The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like Ellie!
Today marks our final episode of the Summer Scholar takeover for @artic.ulating and we couldn't end with a better scholar.
Ellie is a recent indy school graduate who's accomplished so much already as a student leader. As she embarks on the next chapter of her academic c
115 Summer Scholar Takeover | Jada
The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like Jada!
Starting today they’re TAKING OVER @artic.ulating telling their own short-form stories about navigating, negotiating & WINNING!!!
Jada is a rising Senior and as a Black girl at a PWI, she is leaning more into her Blackness and the opportunity to learn new perspectives. She
114 Summer Scholar Takeover | James + John
The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like brothers James and John!
Starting today they’re TAKING OVER @artic.ulating telling their own short-form stories about navigating, negotiating & WINNING!!!
6th grader John, 11, likes all sports especially American football and basketball. He stayed up beyond his bed time to watch
113 Summer Scholar Takeover | Dariana
The podcast is super excited to introduce you to some brilliant folx this summer you’ll be glad you heard from, like the one and only rising senior, Dariana!
Starting today they’re TAKING OVER @artic.ulating telling their own short-form stories about navigating, negotiating & WINNING!!!
Get ready to hear from rising indy school senior, D.A.R.I.A.N.A, as she Takes Over and ARTICULATES her bold
112 Summer Break - A Rewind with Gina & Sam
We did it! Join Gina & Sam for a recap of the last six months. We could not have had the same impact without our wonderful guests, and you the listeners!
Thank you for being on the independent school journey articulating the joy, challenges, outcomes, and wins as Black & Brown stakeholders! We're excited about the Summer Takeover of Articulating with our Black and Brown Scholars! StayTuned
111 Avenues Multi-Campus Strategy for Belonging and Becoming | Kym Ward Gaffney
In today’s episode, we welcome Avenues School’s Global Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and parent, Kym Ward Gaffney. Kym joins us to discuss how Avenues' data-driven approach to diversity translates across their multinational campuses. And how a school's becoming and Black & Brown family's belonging requires work.
Kym Ward Gaffney has been the Global Head for Diversity, Equity, and
110 Horace Mann’s Approach to DEIB | Head of School, Dr. Tom Kelly
In today’s episode of Articulating, we are thrilled to welcome our first head of school, Dr. Tom Kelly, from Horace Mann in the Boogie Down Bronx!
Listen in as Tom ardently articulates his perspective and leadership style prioritizing the relevance of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at a time when there is intense pushback to the evolution of long-overdue racial reckoning and progress
109 Pursuing a Startup Career | Mapate Diop
Independent schools can open up a world of opportunity and careers for students of color-but what about creative careers? On today’s episode, we chat with designer and indy school alum Mapate Diop about his path from attending Riverdale Country School to launching the streetwear brand DIOP.
Mapate Diop is a Detroit-based fashion designer who has raised more than $100,000 for social-justice causes
108 Liberating Souls: Safe Spaces + Self-Care | Dr. Cristina
On today’s episode, we chat with Dr. Cristina Melendez, the Parent Whisperer, about how hard-working parents can practice self-care and empower their children to self-advocate in the classroom.
Dr. Cristina interrupts a parents’ need to raise their kids how society wants and teaches them to raise their kids how they choose to so they can succeed in school & life. In short, she helps families r
107 Anti-Racism | Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
In this episode, we had the awesome privilege of articulating with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.
We really needed his voice in response to the recent backlash to the anti-racist curriculum many of our independent schools are instituting in alignment with their mission statements and DEIB commitments.
What we value about Dr. Moore's voice is that he gives the facts straight and no chaser. However, his passio
106 Pt. 2 Curricular Concerns + Parent As The Cure | Dr. Marta Effinger-Crichlow
As promised, here's the second half of ep. 5 and equally as good!
Thank you, Marta!
In part one we discussed educator accountability. This hits home with parents having agency in supporting culturally responsive and anti-racist curriculum for our young scholars, and their peers.
Highlights
*what wakes Marta up,
*choosing indy school education,
*the personal power narratives as armor,
*LITTLE SALLI
105 Teaching "Fences" + Other Curricular Concerns | Dr. Marta Effinger-Crichlow
The bottom line is, August Wilson’s Fences and other literary or interdisciplinary works where race is central, or undeniable, requires utmost care, respect, historical context, responsive research, and educators humble enough to dig deep and tell the full truth -before it is taught in our classrooms.
This episode is so good it has to be a two-parter! Our guest is the phenomenal Dr. Marta Effinger
104 Uncovering Your Passion for STEM + Alumni Involvement | Nathaniel Garcia
Come on in for some indy school joy, transparency, power, and sage advice for the newly admitted enrolled, and those families of color thinking independent schools.
👏🏾NATHANIEL X. GARCIA👏🏾is an indy school alum and a scientist with Pfizer researching and developing the COVID Vaccine!
He is BUSY.
Nat is also gracious and passionate about articulating his story as the son of a Jamaican mom and a Pue
103 Kindergarten Admission Decisions | Nina Hanlon
On today’s episode, Greenwich Academy’s Nina Hanlon is chatting with us about Kindergarten admissions and how families of color should interpret the decisions they receive.
Thousands of prospective families are about to find out whether or not their Kindergarten-aged children have been admitted to their desired independent schools. For many February 4th is a very emotional day and parents may feel
102 Enrolling As An Act Of Resistance | Akim St. Omer
Episode 2 is here!
We are so delighted to introduce our first guest, Akim St. Omer, independent school alum, advocate, educator, and Brunch Gawd (yep, he resides in Brooklyn!)
This episode is about applying and enrolling in independent schools as an act of resistance for black and brown people. We were not originally part of the design.
Yet, we are here and transforming and shifting paradigms a
Articulating Season 1 - Ep 1 - The Launch
Welcome to the very first episode of Articulating - An Independent School Podcast.
The anticipation for this podcast has been terrific! Thank you. The first 100 to subscribe will be entered to win a Vibrant Gift Basket from Launch Sponsor: Vibrant Health | Nutrition You Can Trust www.vibranthealth.com
In this episode, Gina & Sam introduce themselves, share how they met, and their intentions for
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