Resilient Voices & Beyond
Resilient Voices & Beyond is a podcast that amplifies the voices of those who were once silenced and aims to empower a new generation of foster care alum leaders. Through conversations with community partners, leaders, advocates, and activists, this podcast educates listeners on reforms, policies, and advocacy related to foster care, adoption, kinship, CCIs, JJ, and the child welfare system. The podcast challenges stigmas and labels surrounding these topics and creates a dialogue on reform and advocacy that is already happening or needs to happen. The core values of Resilient Voices & Beyond include empowerment, inclusivity, education, collaboration, authenticity, and innovation. The mission of the podcast is to create a platform for silenced voices to be heard and received, while the vision is to inspire and empower a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive change in the world.
Episodes
February 5, 2024 • 66 mins
"Be the Difference for a Child: The Joan E. Ulsher Story"
Episode Description:
In this deeply inspiring episode of "Resilient Voices & Beyond," we sit down with Joan E. Ulsher, a figure of resilience, hope, and unwavering dedication to child advocacy. From surviving child abuse and navigating the challenges of foster care to serving as a beacon of light for countless children in the foster care system, Joan's life journey embodie...
Episode Description:
In this deeply inspiring episode of "Resilient Voices & Beyond," we sit down with Joan E. Ulsher, a figure of resilience, hope, and unwavering dedication to child advocacy. From surviving child abuse and navigating the challenges of foster care to serving as a beacon of light for countless children in the foster care system, Joan's life journey embodie...
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January 27, 2024 • 71 mins
In this empowering episode of "Resilient Voices & Beyond," 🎙️ we delve into the inspiring journey of Miranda Mizla, from her challenging beginnings in foster care 🏠 to her remarkable transformation into a Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW) 💼. Join us as Miranda shares her story of resilience, determination, and the belief in one's inherent worth, encapsulated by our episode title, a poignant quote from Bréne Brown: "My st...
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January 20, 2024 • 44 mins
Title: "Never Lose Faith and You Will Make It Through"
🎙️ Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring journey on episode 28 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, titled "Never Lose Faith and You Will Make It Through." In this powerful episode, we sit down with the incredible Tamisha Macklin, a woman of many titles and a beacon of resilience.
Tamisha Macklin wears many hats - Wife, Mother, Foster care/Juvenile Justice Alumni, System Ch...
🎙️ Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring journey on episode 28 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, titled "Never Lose Faith and You Will Make It Through." In this powerful episode, we sit down with the incredible Tamisha Macklin, a woman of many titles and a beacon of resilience.
Tamisha Macklin wears many hats - Wife, Mother, Foster care/Juvenile Justice Alumni, System Ch...
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Episode 27 Title: "Everything can be taken from a person except for one thing; the freedom to choose one’s attitude in any given situation."
Episode Overview: Episode 27 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast unravels the incredible saga of Nick Vasquez. His journey from a tumultuous childhood to a figure of change in mental health is an extraordinary display of human resilience and determination.Guest Spotlight: Nick Vasquez In t...
Episode Overview: Episode 27 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast unravels the incredible saga of Nick Vasquez. His journey from a tumultuous childhood to a figure of change in mental health is an extraordinary display of human resilience and determination.Guest Spotlight: Nick Vasquez In t...
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December 11, 2023 • 55 mins
🎙️ Episode 26: Be the Black Sheep but Not a Statistic ~Shinedown
In this captivating episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond, we delve into the extraordinary life journey of Aiden Russell Abruzzino, a resilient 24-year-old with a powerful story of triumph over adversity.
🌟 Topic of Discussion:
Explore Aiden's inspiring journey navigating life's adversities and not just surviving, but thriving. Discover how he emerged as a beacon of...
In this captivating episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond, we delve into the extraordinary life journey of Aiden Russell Abruzzino, a resilient 24-year-old with a powerful story of triumph over adversity.
🌟 Topic of Discussion:
Explore Aiden's inspiring journey navigating life's adversities and not just surviving, but thriving. Discover how he emerged as a beacon of...
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December 5, 2023 • 61 mins
Welcome to a poignant episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! 🎙️ In Season Three, Episode 25, we embark on an inspiring journey with Brandon Youngblood, exploring his life's challenges and triumphs in the episode titled "Until then… I just keep moving forward."
🚀 Join us as we delve into Brandon's incredible journey from a consistently chaotic childhood marked by domestic violence and substance use to becoming a Foster C...
🚀 Join us as we delve into Brandon's incredible journey from a consistently chaotic childhood marked by domestic violence and substance use to becoming a Foster C...
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December 4, 2023 • 52 mins
Welcome to Episode 24 of Season Three of Resilient Voices & Beyond, marking our 113th overall episode!
🎙️ In this empowering installment titled "God Brings Beauty from Ashes," we dive into Milizhia Mills' transformative journey—a dynamic professional and former foster youth, sharing her resilience and commitment to positive change.
🌟 Title: "God Brings Beauty from Ashes" Join us as Milizhia unfolds her resilient spirit and comm...
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November 11, 2023 • 65 mins
Welcome to "Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast" Season Three, Episode 23, titled "Aint No 2 Days The Same"! 🎙️ Join us on this remarkable journey as we explore Jonathan Norris's life, navigating challenges and triumphs.
Our guest, Jonathan Norris, Foster Care Specialist for Wayne County and DEI Core Team Member, shares profound insights into his impactful work. From investigating abuse and neglect to fostering familial unity, Mr...
Our guest, Jonathan Norris, Foster Care Specialist for Wayne County and DEI Core Team Member, shares profound insights into his impactful work. From investigating abuse and neglect to fostering familial unity, Mr...
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November 11, 2023 • 42 mins
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! 🎙️ In Season Three, Episode 22, we delve into the remarkable journey of Alexia Roberts, exploring life's challenges and triumphs in the episode titled "The Way I See It: Embracing the Rainbow After the Rain."
🌧️ Join us as we navigate through Alexia's resilient narrative, titled after her uplifting perspective on life. As a mother of two, advocate, futu...
🌧️ Join us as we navigate through Alexia's resilient narrative, titled after her uplifting perspective on life. As a mother of two, advocate, futu...
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November 10, 2023 • 60 mins
🎙️ In Episode 21, join us for another impactful conversation on Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, titled "Navigating Challenges: Samantha Siers' Continued Journey." Our remarkable guest, Samantha Siers, the Program and Operations Coordinator at LIFT-Chicago, and Board Chair at San Miguel School, opens up about the ongoing challenges she faces while pursuing her MSW at The University of Chicago.
🌟 Discover the resilience and d...
🌟 Discover the resilience and d...
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November 10, 2023 • 54 mins
🎙️ Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast: Season 3, Episode 20 - "If you don't ask, the answer is always no." Nora Roberts 🌟
In this empowering episode, we delve into the inspiring life journey of Jena Piazza Braunsberg, Esquire (she/her), a remarkable Legal Training Specialist with Voce, Attorney Advisor with the SSA, and dedicated advocate for child welfare. Join us as we unravel her resilience through adversity, exploring her r...
In this empowering episode, we delve into the inspiring life journey of Jena Piazza Braunsberg, Esquire (she/her), a remarkable Legal Training Specialist with Voce, Attorney Advisor with the SSA, and dedicated advocate for child welfare. Join us as we unravel her resilience through adversity, exploring her r...
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October 28, 2023 • 21 mins
Welcome to Resilient Voices & Beyond, where silence transforms into strength, and personal revolutions unfold. I'm Michael D. Davis-Thomas, the founder of MDDTSpeaks, and this podcast is our commitment to amplifying the voices that were once muted. Join us as we serve as a beacon for individuals with live experience, community leaders, advocates, policymakers, and more.
In each episode, we showcase the hard work of community par...
In each episode, we showcase the hard work of community par...
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October 21, 2023 • 78 mins
Welcome to an empowering episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! 🎙️ In Season 3, Episode 19, we're diving into the captivating life story and expertise of Shanita Perdomo, a multifaceted individual bearing the titles of Lover of Jesus, Social Entrepreneur, Aspiring Author, and Business Owner. 🌟
Our title, "Treat yo’self. Don’t cheat yo’self," sets the tone for a conversation that explores Shanita's journey, filled with r...
Our title, "Treat yo’self. Don’t cheat yo’self," sets the tone for a conversation that explores Shanita's journey, filled with r...
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October 19, 2023 • 65 mins
Welcome to Season Three, Episode 18 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode titled "We all have a purpose to which we are called to; it’s up to you to answer it,” your host, MDDTSpeaks (Michael D. Davis-Thomas), takes a courageous step from behind the mic to share his powerful journey as a survivor, advocate, and catalyst for change. Joined by guest host Isabel Rodriguez, get ready for an intimate exploration ...
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October 16, 2023 • 86 mins
Welcome to Season 3, Episode 17 of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast! 🎙️ In this empowering episode titled "Keep Getting Into Good Trouble," we dive into the remarkable journey of resilience with the incredible Kenisha Coon.
Kenisha, a powerhouse in the field, shares her profound lived experience within the child welfare system. Armed with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expe...
Kenisha, a powerhouse in the field, shares her profound lived experience within the child welfare system. Armed with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Psychology, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expe...
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October 14, 2023 • 63 mins
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Welcome to Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast Season 3, Episode 16 - "My Life is My Testimony." 🎙️
In this inspiring episode, we're joined by the incredible Whitney Nicole Penn, a Foster Care Alumni and advocate for change. From facing the challenges of foster care since the age of seven to triumphing over thyroid cancer, Whitney's journey is one of resilience, wisdom, and hope.
Whitney, a ...
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October 11, 2023 • 61 mins
🔊 Welcome to Episode 15 of Resilient Voices & Beyond, where we embark on a heartfelt exploration of breaking generational trauma and fostering healing. Our resilient guide for this episode is the extraordinary La Tika Jeffery, a Youth Development Specialist and SPEAKOUT Liaison for the state of Virginia.
🌈 In this continuation of La Tika's incredible journey, we uncover the depths of her triumph over challenges. Entering foste...
🌈 In this continuation of La Tika's incredible journey, we uncover the depths of her triumph over challenges. Entering foste...
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October 9, 2023 • 107 mins
Welcome to a transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast - Season Three, Episode Fourteen! 🎙️
Title: "Lead with Data, Follow with Passion." 📊❤️
In this episode, we are honored to host Mercedes O’Bryant-Gruzeski, a Field Operation Specialist, Child Welfare, and Lived Experience Expert. Join us as we explore the dynamic interplay of data-driven decision-making and the profound impact of passionate advocacy in the ...
Title: "Lead with Data, Follow with Passion." 📊❤️
In this episode, we are honored to host Mercedes O’Bryant-Gruzeski, a Field Operation Specialist, Child Welfare, and Lived Experience Expert. Join us as we explore the dynamic interplay of data-driven decision-making and the profound impact of passionate advocacy in the ...
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October 5, 2023 • 61 mins
Welcome to another empowering episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast - Season Three, Episode Thirteen! 🎙️
Titled “Helping Those Who Have Lived Experience from Foster Care Go From Surviving to Thriving.” 🌈
In this edition, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredible Joscelynn Murdock, Founder and Executive Director of Awakening Giantz, foster advocate, and speaker. Join us for a deep dive into Joscelynn’s inspiring...
Titled “Helping Those Who Have Lived Experience from Foster Care Go From Surviving to Thriving.” 🌈
In this edition, we have the pleasure of hosting the incredible Joscelynn Murdock, Founder and Executive Director of Awakening Giantz, foster advocate, and speaker. Join us for a deep dive into Joscelynn’s inspiring...
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September 21, 2023 • 67 mins
Welcome to a milestone episode of the Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast – Season Three, Episode Twelve, and our 100th episode! 🎉
Titled: "Sharing Your Story Can Inspire Others to Enact Change." 🎙️
In this very special edition of our podcast, we are delighted to have an exceptional guest who embodies the theme of our episode. Allow us to introduce the extraordinary Arminta Damken-Navarro, an Award-Winning Youth Advocate, Foster ...
Titled: "Sharing Your Story Can Inspire Others to Enact Change." 🎙️
In this very special edition of our podcast, we are delighted to have an exceptional guest who embodies the theme of our episode. Allow us to introduce the extraordinary Arminta Damken-Navarro, an Award-Winning Youth Advocate, Foster ...
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