Jania Pagan, Janaya Merced, Jada Merced, and Kendrick Long Lead with Empower

Jania Pagan (Penn Foster HS), Janaya Merced (Penn Foster HS), Jada Merced (SABIS International Charter School), Kendrick Long (Springfield Renaissance School), and James Lightfoot (Urban League of Springfield) join the Lead with Empower Podcast. Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick are all young adults living in Springfield, MA. who participate in youth development programming with James Lightfoot - Director of Youth and Education Programs with the Urban League of Springfield. The Urban League of Springfield is a community outreach organization working to empower the African American community in greater-Springfield. James' work focuses on providing essential resources (i.e. college preparation/awareness and educational equity) to youths and young adults. Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick are special and unique to James in that they have lofty goals for themselves and have shown an uncommon determination and drive to achieve those goals! Here are our topics of discussion and highlights from our episode: 00:00: We kick off the episode by asking the students to introduce themselves and share their thoughts on the pending election results Sharing a sense of pride, empowerment, promise, and hope: "There's a greater sense of possibility for people who are minorities." 08:45: James highlights the mission of the Urban League of Springfield and shares why he chose Jada, Janaya, Jania, and Kendrick to be on the Lead with Empower Podcast "These four young adults have set goals for themselves and have demonstrated a level of determination and drive to achieve those goals." 12:15: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick reflect upon the issues of racial injustice and inequality experienced in 2020 and share why they are inspired by the pending election of Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. "We have always seen racism because we are black. We are not looking at it from outside the box, we are in the box living it. Our work is never done, but we are not going to stop!" "I am a young woman of color and to see a grown woman of color do that lets me know that the possibilities for me are endless!" 28:51: The students discuss some of the challenges (both academic and social) they have faced due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies they have implemented to overcome those challenges "I'm not going to give myself any excuses; I want to learn and I am going to persevere!" "I don't know how I'm going to make it, but I know I am going to; I won't let myself give up." 41:39: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick reflect on their experiences in 2020 and the valuable lessons they will take from those experiences "Life experience - I want to do everything I can to make sure that everything we have faced is easier for the next person." "Never give up, never stop fighting for what you deserve. It will change and I want to be part of the change!" 49:26: The students discuss the importance of recognizing and leveraging support systems and available resources 53:19: The students describe someone or something in their personal lives that inspires and motivates them to be their best "Everyone I come across inspires me in their own unique way. They are all giving me a flower and I am trying to turn those flowers into a bouquet!" 58:51: Jania, Janaya, Jada, and Kendrick share their goals and dreams and discuss what they need to do to achieve their goals and realize their dreams "You are truly in control of your future, you just have to be willing to work for it!" 67:25: Episode Closure - the students discuss how they can have a positive impact on their community and share wisdom and inspiration for young adults who may be struggling "Any person, no matter their background, experiences, race, sexuality, can make it to the top!" Speaking with Jada, Kendrick, Janaya, and Jania was an absolute inspiration. It is important for all adults to get to know the youths in their communities - they are what our futures hold and they will use their talents to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create a better tomorrow for us all! Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot https://soundcloud.com/matt-jaskot