YC & YOU - A Yavapai College Podcast

In this dynamic episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina dives into the world of cutting-edge educational technology with Ustadza White, Director of Library and Tutoring Services and a key member of Yavapai College’s Immersive Learning Team. 

Ustadza discusses AI tools like “Sophie,” a revolutionary AI tutor, as well as groundbreaking implementations of virtual and augmented reality in classrooms. Learn how these technologies are enh...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina speaks with Christina Goldsmith, an instructional designer at Yavapai College, about the exciting world of micro-credentials. Christina explains what micro-credentials are, how they differ from traditional degrees, and why they’re becoming essential in today’s education and workforce landscape. Learn how these digital badges validate specific skills, enhance employability, and provide...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina sits down with Thatcher Bohrman, a 25-year veteran of Yavapai College and leader of the Teaching and eLearning Support (TeLS) department. Thatcher shares his journey from the early days of distance learning with satellite dishes to leading cutting-edge online education initiatives. Learn how TeLS supports faculty and students in designing high-quality online courses, the role of techn...

In this inspiring episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina speaks with Deanna Baker, project manager for academic program development and advisor for Yavapai College's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter. 

Deanna shares the incredible achievements of the chapter, including national recognition as a distinguished chapter and Arizona's Outstanding Chapter of the Year. Learn how FBLA fosters leadership, business ...

In this special episode of YC and You, Michael Grady flips the mic on podcast host and Yavapai College’s Director of Marketing, Cadu Medina. Cadu shares the inspiration behind the YC and You podcast, its growth since its launch in October 2024, and the unique power of storytelling in connecting the Yavapai College community. 

Learn how this innovative platform amplifies voices from across the college—students, staff, faculty, and le...

In this enlightening episode of YC and YOU, host Cadu Medina chats with Denise Woolsey, professor and director of the Yavapai College Honors Program, as well as advisor for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). Denise shares exciting updates about the newly revamped Honors Program, set to launch in Fall 2025, which expands opportunities for both full-time and part-time students. 

She also highlights the remarkable achievements of YC’s PTK chapter,...

In this inspiring episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina chats with Liz Peters, lead faculty for Electrical Instrumentation Technology and Applied Pre-Engineering at Yavapai College.

Liz shares her journey from YC student to award-winning educator, including her recent recognition as the AACC Faculty Innovation Award recipient. Discover how Liz transforms education through hands-on learning, cutting-edge projects like Virtual Twins...

In this heartfelt episode of the YC and You Podcast, host Cadu Medina speaks with Deborah Chambers, Coordinator for Student Affairs, and Theresa Scott, Manager of Social Services at Yavapai College.

They discuss the essential programs designed to support students struggling with food insecurity, housing challenges, and other basic needs. Learn about the Yavapai College Food Pantry, off-campus housing initiatives, mental health resou...

In this captivating episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina speaks with Tim Hull, manager of Yavapai College art galleries.

Tim shares his journey from student to gallery manager and discusses how the galleries serve as a hub for creativity, inclusivity, and community engagement. Learn about the galleries' rich history, student and faculty involvement, and exciting upcoming exhibitions like the One Gallery, Two Exhibitions seri...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, host Cadu Medina chats with Erika Fisher and Tim Miller from the Yavapai College Student Nursing Association (YCSNA).

They discuss the association's mission, its impactful community outreach, and the support it provides to nursing students. From organizing volunteer opportunities to fostering collaboration across campuses and the local community, Erika and Tim share their vision for th...

In this inspiring episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina sits down with Adrian Diaz, a Yavapai College nursing student and ROTC trailblazer. Adrian shares his journey from being a fitness-focused social media creator in Florida to pursuing a nursing career in Arizona. 

Learn how he discovered the exciting opportunities at Yavapai College, including a groundbreaking partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the ROTC ...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, host Cadu Medina interviews Laura Cline, English Department Chair and Writers Read Program Coordinator at Yavapai College.

Laura shares the origins and goals of the Writers Read program, designed to bring students, faculty, and the wider community together through the power of storytelling.

Learn how books are selected, how discussions are facilitated, and how the program has sparked meaning...

In this episode of the YC & You podcast, host Cadu Medina sits down with Philip Reid, Yavapai College’s Professor of Computer Science, to discuss the college’s groundbreaking new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree. 

Phil shares his inspiring journey from Jamaica to becoming a leader in tech education, the innovative curriculum designed with real-world application in mind, and the unique opportunities for students to ...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, host Cadu Medina chats with Haley Green, Prescott Community Education Manager, and Kathleen Freed, Experiential Learning Manager, to explore how Yavapai College fosters lifelong learning and community engagement. 

From unique classes like billiards and distilling to experiential trips through Arizona’s stunning landscapes, Haley and Kathleen share insights into the diverse, non-credit oppor...

In this special episode of the YC and You podcast, Nicole Kennedy, Chief Development Officer at Yavapai College Foundation, interviews Reverend Naomi Tutu, renowned speaker, educator, and daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Reverend Tutu discusses her journey, the transformative power of compassion, and how small acts of generosity can create lasting change. She shares stories of resilience, personal rituals that keep her grounded,...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, host Cadu Medina chats with Mary Risk from Student Engagement and Leadership and Connor Bustamante, a student and ambassador at Yavapai College, about the highly anticipated event, Yavapalooza.

Scheduled for April 11th, this family-friendly spring carnival brings the Yavapai community together with games, live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for all ages.

Mary and Connor discuss t...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, guest host Mike Grady sits down with Dr. Craig Ralston, Director of Programming and Development at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center.

They discuss the flourishing performing arts scene at Yavapai College, the center’s innovative programming, and its commitment to engaging the community, from youth education initiatives to large-scale musicals.

Dr. Ralston shares insights on foster...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, host Cadu Medina sits down with James Morales, HVAC expert and instructor at Yavapai College, to discuss the transformative HVAC certification program based in the Verde Valley.

James shares insights into how the program equips students with hands-on training in cutting-edge HVAC technology, empowering them to enter the workforce with confidence and competitive skills.

Discover the high dema...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, guest host Mike Grady sits down with Brandelyn Andres, Professor of Art History and Chair of YC’s Respect Campaign, and Chief Jerald Monahan, former Chief of Police and founder of YC’s Justice Institute. 

Together, they discuss the upcoming Yavapai College Peace Summit, happening April 3rd and 4th on the Prescott campus. This transformative event explores the concept of peace through divers...