Nova West (They/Them) is a pioneer and up-and-coming filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist. Nova's career has been working in the oceanography/marine sciences industry as an expedition documentarian and an independent filmmaker focusing on LGBTQIA representation in science and marine science advocacy topics through beautifully compelling imagery that is sure to inspire.

In this episode, Kacey and Nova talk about careers blending arts and science as well as how showing up authentically can sometimes be the best inclusive representation of the LGBTQIA community in STEM spaces.

Learn more about Closing the Gap at our website https://www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/

Dr. Robin Barre is a psychotherapist and depth psychologist specializing in Internal Family Systems (IFS). Robin has built a career working with adolescents, young people ages 11-20 starting her journey as a high school educator. In her prolific blog, The Shiftless Wanderer, Robin covers topics of common issues and conflicts caregivers, mentors, and educators often face when stewarding adolescence into adulthood.

In this episode of Closing the Gap, Robin touches on learning and validating students' parts and fostering a safe space for students to develop their self-energy; shepherding students' success in school, STEM, and into rewarding careers. Together we will explore the concept of trauma and how childhood traumas play into the way they interact with the world as teens and adults.

Learn more at https://www.midvalleystem.org/2024/09/24/unlocking-potential-closing-the-gap-podcast/

#STEM #IFS

Take a moment.

Do you know what feminism is? If so, what does feminism mean to you? From your point of view, what is the Feminist movement about? What role does feminism play in your life?

In this episode, Lauren Visconti, a women’s studies and anthropology instructor at Linn-Benton Community College corrects the misconceptions of what feminism is and is not, as well as touches on what equity and inclusivity can look like in the classroom and workplace.

Resources:

The Need for Feminism in 2024 - Closing the Gap Podcast - Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub (midvalleystem.org)

Charity Bowers (she/her) is a second-year welding student at Linn-Benton Community College. Charity started the program directly out of high school, a proud Harrisburg High School alumni. In this episode, Charity talks about how the skilled trades industry and culture are evolving as well as her experience stepping outside of her comfort zone to attend college.

Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org

Music by Bosnow

Happy Earth Day Closing the Gap listeners!

Joining us in the studio today is Gabrielle McNally, Director of Women for the Land, a sector of American Farmland Trust. Gabrielle will be discussing the resources that American Farmland Trust has to offer, as well as why you should support your local farms. We will wrap up our chat by talking about the wide variety of careers in agriculture, and some of the pros and cons of the industry.

Thanks for tuning in. To learn more about us visit www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/

Music by Bosnow

"It's not about perfection, it's about perseverance," says Kristi Lebkowsky, STEM educator at Henley High School in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Henley High School provides a career technical education experience for their students that is producing high rates of students entering college and high-paying positions in the workforce post-graduation due to the high caliber of employability skills Henely students are developing during their high school career.

Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org

Music by Bosnow

In this episode, we talk about creating community, collaborating for diversity, and growing where you are planted. Sprinkled throughout listeners can hear insights as to what it is like to own a small business, both the positives and negatives.

Visit us at www.midvalleystem.org.

Music by Bosnow.

Professional in the field of semiconductors, Sarala Paliwal, joins us today on Closing the Gap. Listen along as we define what a semiconductor is, discuss the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry, and how taking a holistic approach to your education will set you up for success.

To learn more about Closing the Gap visit us at https://www.midvalleystem.org/closing-the-gap/

Music by Bosnow