A Place to Belong: Building Sanctuary Through Radical Welcome

n this episode, host Dr. Jobi Lawrence is joined by Chandler Miranda, an educator and advocate with extensive experience supporting newcomer students and families, to explore what it means to create sanctuary in schools. The conversation centers on the concept of radical welcome and the mindset shifts educators and school communities can adopt to move beyond surface-level inclusion toward intentional, sustainable support. Chandler Miranda shares insights on fostering belonging, trust, and safety for students navigating new languages, cultures, and educational systems, emphasizing the role of empathy, culturally responsive practices, and school-wide commitment. The conversation reinforces that creating sanctuary is an ongoing, intentional practice rooted in equity, care, and belonging.