Beyond What You See

In this episode of Beyond What You See, host Emir Çakaroz sits down with Steven Robertson to talk about what college readiness really means for first-generation and low-income students. From the hidden challenges of the college transition to the power of pre-college programs and community, this conversation goes beyond grades and test scores—focusing on confidence, mindset, and belonging. A must-listen for high school seniors, educators, and anyone supporting students on their path to college.

Beyond What You See — Featuring JohnRae’ StowersIn this episode, we sit down with JohnRae’ Stowers, a leader in college access and student success who is committed to helping students and communities grow with purpose.JohnRae’ describes herself through her work as a caring connector — someone who builds relationships, cultivates growth, and supports others in becoming their best selves.We talk about:• Leading with care and connection• Balancing multiple roles while maintaining peace• The importance of faith, family, and grounding• Normalizing struggle as part of growth• Creating impact through education and communityAs an educator, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, JohnRae’ shares how she navigates it all with intention and purpose.This conversation will encourage anyone striving to grow, lead, and make a difference.Because what you see… is not all there is.

Steve Robertson recites a poem called "Equipment" by Edgar Albert Guest, related to Black History Month.

In this episode of Beyond What You See, we sit down with Kenyatta Sinclair, Chief People Officer at the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, to explore the journey behind the title.From her early days in pre-college programs at Marquette University, to a formative summer in Upward Bound and SAM, Kenyatta reflects on leadership, equity, purpose, and what it means to grow in a city experiencing both opportunity and challenge.This is a powerful, full-circle conversation about becoming, belonging, and the impact of investing in young people—then and now.

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, we just want to say — thank you.Thank you for being part of our first season of Beyond What You See. This year has been full of growth, purpose, and perseverance. We’ve seen trials, triumphs, and transformation — but most of all, we’ve seen you keep going.

Dreams don’t have an expiration date. In this episode, we talk about dreaming at any age—and finding the strength to keep going, even when the path gets hard.

Dr. Howard Spearman reflects on attending Marquette University’s UBMS Program during the same summer the Jeffrey Dahmer case broke nearby. This is a story of purpose, mentorship, faith, and the unseen moments that shaped his path to becoming a college president.

This week, Steven Robertson sits down with Teon Austin, Director of Inclusion and Belonging at the Marquette University School of Dentistry — a TRIO alum whose journey embodies resilience, belonging, and purpose.Teon shares how Upward Bound Math Science (SAMS), EOP-SSS, and his years as a counselor shaped his leadership. He reflects on 11+ years at Cardinal Stritch and the lessons he now applies in the Dental School through cultural humility, diversity, representation, and student-centered leadership.This episode encourages anyone passionate about equity, education, and building environments where people can thrive.Key Themes:• Cultural humility & competence• TRIO pipeline: UBMS → SSS → professional leadership• Transformational student support• Representation in higher education• Belonging, identity, and leadership

In this episode of Beyond What You See, we unpack the moments when life said “no” — and how those very moments became the soil for purpose, growth, and clarity.

How do you help young people not just go to college — but believe they belong there?In this episode of Beyond What You See, we sit down with Ashlie Dulaney — small-town Wisconsin native, lover of history and the royal family, AmeriCorps alum, and now Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs at Marquette University EOP.Ashlie’s path took her from studying abroad in London to serving Milwaukee students through College Possible — and now leading a team impacting over 1,000 youth every year through college access and leadership development. Her story is one of purpose found through service, students, and a deep belief in possibility.🎯 In this episode:Small-town roots → UW–Stevens Point → London study abroadFalling in love with culture, history, and purposeServing students at Milwaukee Hamilton High School through AmeriCorpsA student story: from ACT prep to QuestBridge to Tufts UniversityLeading with conviction + empowering students at a PWIWatching former students return to mentor the next waveBalancing mom life, Bravo TV, and meaningful mission work💡 “Purpose is often found while helping someone else discover theirs.” – Ashlie🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes with leaders, educators, and change agents.🎧 Stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more.

In this inspiring episode of Beyond What You See, host Steven Robertson sits down with Vondale Singleton — award-winning educator, mentor, husband, father, and founder of the CHAMPS Male Mentoring Program in Chicago.Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Vondale faced the pain of a father incarcerated and the loss of his mother to addiction. Yet through faith, mentorship, and perseverance, he transformed his challenges into a mission — helping young men discover their purpose and potential through CHAMPS.

In this episode of Beyond What You See, Steven Robertson sits down with Mario Hamilton — Milwaukee native, artist, and Upward Bound Classic Advisor at Marquette University.From Milwaukee Marshall High School to Marquette’s College of Art & Design, Mario’s story is one of creativity, redemption, and purpose. A proud participant in GEAR UP and the P.E.O.P.L.E. Program, Mario turned his artistic gift into a platform for mentorship and empowerment.Today, he helps first-generation and low-income students design their futures and believe in the masterpiece within themselves.

In this powerful episode, Steven Robertson shares how the power of belief, mentorship, and TRIO’s Upward Bound program changed the course of his life. From being nearly dismissed as a struggling ninth-grader with anger and self-esteem challenges — to becoming a college graduate, educator, and mentor in the same program — this story is living proof that transformation happens when someone chooses to see beyond what others see.

Beyond What You See – Episode 6 is here!This week’s conversation features Alexander Peete—Marquette EOP alumnus, longtime educator, and guide who has spent over 30 years walking alongside students to help them discover new ideas and new possibilities. From his own journey through Upward Bound and SSS to decades teaching sociology at Marquette and MATC, Mr. Peete shares how theory, lived experience, and even elephants have shaped his approach to guiding others.Tune in and be inspired to go beyond what you see.

On this episode of Beyond What You See, Kevin Ingram shares his journey from growing up in Milwaukee and being a first-generation college student at Marquette to shaping educational equity across Wisconsin. His story is one of resilience, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to opening doors for others.

Christian Golden opens up about speaking to the “old version” of himself—the one marked by failure, dysfunction, and doubt. In this powerful Beyond What You See episode, discover how faith for the future.

This week, we feature Mauricio Campero, Advisor with Marquette University’s EOP College Bound Scholars Program. Mauricio’s journey represents the power of opportunity coming full circle. From participating in Upward Bound and graduating from Student Support Services to now guiding the next generation of scholars, his story is one of persistence, representation, and giving back. In this episode, Mauricio shares: His path from Milwaukee classrooms to Marquette University. The challenges and growth of being a first-generation student. Why representation matters in mentorship and advising. How his passion for counseling shapes his work with students today.

Americans Smell Good: Journey of resilience, culture, and potential.