America at 250: PennWest Stories That Shape Us

As we mark the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, this special episode brings together three members of the PennWest community whose work reflects the depth, complexity and evolution of the American story.Today we’ll speak with one faculty scholar, whose journey bridges generations, and shaped by a pivotal immigration story. Another faculty member guest connects local experiences to national narratives, illuminating World War II, labor and immigration while showing how history lives in everyday communities. Finally, our student scholar amplifies citizen voices, championing inclusive storytelling and elevating women’s history. Today's guests include:Dr. Azadeh Masalehdan Block is a Southwestern Pennsylvania native whose story reflects America’s evolving journey, rooted in 1799 ancestry and a pivotal 1965 immigration chapter. A social work scholar, she has served multiple universities and is now associate professor at PennWest California, specializing in cultural humility, group practice, and immigrant and refugee mental health research.Dr. Marc Sanko is an associate professor of history at PennWest whose work highlights American story, including World War II. He researches U.S. immigration, labor and foreign policy, and has written on Erie, Pennsylvania women during the war. He mentors students and creates public history projects that connect local experiences to broader national narratives.Elyssa Baczynski is a PennWest student of history whose work reflects America’s 250-year story through citizen voices. A major in U.S. and women’s history, she researches museum representation, advocates for a national women’s history museum, and serves as Clarion History Club president while leading campus organizations and connecting inclusive narratives past and present.