NorthStar GAZE

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In this episode, we meet Rashida Ferdinand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SankofaLA.  The Sankofa Community Development Corporation (CDC) founded by Rashida Ferdinand in 2008, with the support of Lower Ninth Ward residents and stakeholders, is a 501 (c) 3 non – profit organization. Initially incorporated as the Historic Lower Ninth Ward Council for Arts and Sustainability our ...

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In this episode of North Star Gaze, Erica Phillips and guest host Dr. Adrienne Hollis are joined by Maria and Michael Payan of the Sussex Health and Environmental Network (SHEN) and Sentinels of Eastern Shore Health (SESH). Through deeply personal stories and groundbreaking community-led research, the Payans reveal how industrial poultry farming has transformed rural life on the Delmar...

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In the opening episode of North Star Gaze Season 3, host Erica Phillips welcomes Dr. Adrienne Hollis—environmental toxicologist, attorney, and nationally recognized leader in environmental justice—as co-host for a quarter focused on GIS and Environmental Justice. Together, they explore how mapping, data access, and storytelling can expose historic inequities, prepare communities for cl...

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In this closing keynote episode of NorthStar GAZE, Clinton Johnson reflects on the transformative potential of GIS in addressing justice and equity while exploring the unique power of Black geographies. Highlighting the intersections of innovation, storytelling, and community empowerment, Clinton emphasizes the importance of reimagining the future through geospatial work that centers m...

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In this episode we sit down with Karen Bett, Kenyan economist, data policy powerhouse who shares a transformative vision of how citizen data and mapping can reshape the world. From pushing governments to publish open budgets to helping to put entire communities like Kibera on the map, Karen is on a mission to ensure no one remains invisible. With clarity and conviction, she unpacks the...

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Join us for a powerful and thought-provoking panel discussion, featuring an esteemed panel of geospatial changemakers: Dr. Linda Loubert, Autrice Thornton, Cari Harris, and Dr. Tony Graham.

In this episode, our panelists explore the evolving role of GIS and artificial intelligence, diving into how these technologies shape environmental justice, community resilience, and Black ...

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In this thrilling episode of North Star Gaze, we delve into the career of GIS pioneer Biyi Fafunmi from Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics. Discover how Biyi introduced GIS technology to revolutionize data collection and analysis, significantly improving the quality and timeliness of national statistics. With an impressive blend of statistical expertise and advanced tech know...

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The Intersection of Data Science and Humanities, join us as we dive into the innovative research of Dr. Abraham Liddell, a historian and data scientist whose work merges GIS, machine learning, and historical records to reconstruct powerful stories from the past. We unpack how Dr. Liddell tracks social networks and mobility of free and enslaved Africans in the Spanish Caribbean and West...

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Join us for an insightful episode where we discuss the pivotal role of GIS in conservation with wildlife geographer Christian May. Christian shares his remarkable journey from a self-taught ranger to an influential researcher creating protected area maps in the Congo. We dive into his PhD work on decolonizing conservation practices, the importance of integrating GIS from a young age, a...

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In this episode of The North Star Gaze, we welcome Stella Mutai, Co-Founder of Women in Space Kenya, a trailblazer shaping how we see and respond to the world through satellite imagery and GIS. As a champion for geospatial equity and justice, Stella shares her journey in space technology, the role of Black women in mapping the future, and the intersections of Afrofuturism, feminist uto...

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Join us at the NorthStar of GIS Homecoming 2024 event as we sit down with Frank Romo to discuss his inspiring work in the geospatial field. Frank shares his passion for mentorship and community organizing, detailing how geospatial technology can empower underrepresented communities. Learn about their impactful projects from post-Hurricane Katrina efforts to initiatives in the Bronx. Do...

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In this conversation, Jason Sowell discusses the importance of GIS in education, sharing his journey and experiences in promoting GIS for young learners. He emphasizes the need for accessibility and understanding in teaching GIS, the challenges faced in schools, and the potential of GIS to empower students globally. The discussion also touches on emerging technologies, the role of alli...

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In this engaging conversation, Labdi, a talented musician and Orutu player, shares her journey in the music industry, discussing her new EP 'Parkwalk' and the cultural significance of her music. The discussion delves into the challenges of being a female musician in a traditionally male-dominated space, the role of music in addressing societal issues, and the impact of techno...

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Join us as we sit down with Toussaint Kirk as he shares his journey into the world of GIS, his inspirational experiences at NorthStar and ConocoPhillips, and his insights on how GIS can revolutionize the world. He also highlights the importance of connecting with the wider GIS community through platforms like Reddit and reflects on the historical moments at Howard University. Tune in t...

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In this episode of NorthStar GAZE, George Arterberry, Director of Global Supply Chain Operations at Bridgeport Group, shares his journey from military officer to geospatial logistics leader. We explore how mapping pharmacy deserts improves healthcare access and how Bridgeport’s partnership with NorthStar GIS is advancing racial equity and innovation in supply chain operations. George a...

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In this electrifying episode we sit down with the multifaceted Dr. Paulette Brown Hines, the founder of Voice Media Ventures and second-generation publisher of the Black Voice News. Dive into Paulette's journey from an English literature professor to a GIS enthusiast mapping Black California. Learn how her work extends to impactful historical tours following the Underground Railro...

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This episode features a compelling conversation with closing keynote speaker Vernice Miller-Travis, a pioneer in the environmental justice movement. She shares her journey from early activism to conducting groundbreaking research that exposed the link between race and the placement of hazardous waste sites. Throughout the discussion, Vernice highlights the transformative power of data,...

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with keynote speaker Linda Harris, who, along with David, gave us an unforgettable experience at the NorthStar of GIS Homecoming 2024. We delve into the profound importance of understanding and experiencing freedom, drawing connections to historical figures like Harriet Tubman. Our guest shares insights on the role of technology and GIS in advanci...

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 In this opening keynote episode of NorthStar GAZE, Clinton Johnson sets the tone for the season by exploring the transformative power of GIS and storytelling in building equitable futures. Reflecting on the theme of Art, Afro-futurism, and Geo, Clinton highlights the intersection of innovation, cultural identity, and geospatial technology as tools to amplify marginalized voices and re...