Atenea Americana - by Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting - Isabel Jubes

Today, we conversation with Rodrigo Duran, the Executive Director of Carnaval San Francisco. Rodrigo Ehecatl Durán, a proud San Franciscan and the son of Mexican immigrants, and he had work for years to BIPOC cultures in the city. Armed with a Bachelor’s in Communications from UC San Diego and a Master’s in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, with a focus on Nonprofit Management, Rodrigo leads the charge in making Carnaval San Francisco the biggest and most vibrant multicultural bash in California. He is also a Commissioner for the city for the Human Rights Commission , one of 11 appointed by the Mayor to represent the diverse human rights interests of the City of San Francisco.









Carnaval San Francisco isn’t just big community party; it’s about honoring the rich tapestry of Latinx, Caribbean, and African Diaspora cultures that make San Francisco sparkle. Through dance, music, art, and community education, they create spaces where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s cherished. It started as a local representation of the international Carnaval, on fat Tuesday, but with the weather impediments of February in San Francisco, evolved in to a beginning of summer tradition, with its own personality. 















Now in its fourth decade, Carnaval San Francisco isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. It’s a melting pot of creativity where cultures collide in a beautiful explosion of expression.















Cultura y Arte Nativa de las Americas (CANA), is the powerhouse behind Carnaval San Francisco. In the last year they have secured funds from the National Institutes of Health Community Partnerships to Advance Science for Society (ComPASS). Their project, “Somos Esenciales: Community Revitalization and Health Through Arts and Entrepreneurship,” is a game-changer. By blending CANA’s cultural know-how with UC’s research muscle and the support of community partners like Friendship House and the Mayor’s Office, they’re revolutionizing health equity and community development in the Mission District.  To mark the opening of CANA, this year theme for the carnival is to “Honor Indigenous Roots”, and its Grand Marshal is Dr. Rigoberta Munchu Tum.









Dr. Rigoberta Munchu Tum is the 1992 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate of 1992, as the Grand Marshal. Menchu is a women activist from the indigenous Quiché Maya group on Guatemala, who fought for the rights of indigenous people, involved in social reform activities, the working conditions of her community, and the environment,  where later she became prominent in the women’s rights movement.









Today she has been granted many international peace awards and is part of many committees. The money from her prize founded the Rigoberta Menchú Tum Foundation,

Today we have a conversation with Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE). ​









Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools, has served in education for over 33 years. Her work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serve the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission that is centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. Dr. Dewan is a strong advocate for the expansion of early learning services, health, and education, and believes in providing each and every child opportunities that promote high quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences. ​









The Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. They directly serve students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 21 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.​







The Office of the Superintendent provides support to the County Office, school districts and other educational agencies. Our staff provides data and statistics, evaluation, research analysis, internal audit services, and planning and support services to the SCCOE, school districts and other agencies in the realm of education.​​







They are always open to the community, and showcase new events for students in public education. One of them is the incoming “Power of Democracy” “Power of Democracy: Civic Engagement Initiative” is a multi-sector coalition facilitated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The Initiative is designed to foster an understanding of the structures and processes of our democracy, share resources and best practices, encourage informed and multifaceted civic participation and build stronger communities.















Another is the Environmental Literacy Summit 2024. The Santa Clara County Office of Education is hosting our 3rd Annual Environmental Literacy Summit on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. This year’s theme is Buiding Climate Resiliency Togther, and will focus on the key themes of reducing our impact, supporting healthy school communities, and providing environmental and climate literacy education. 















Listen to the show to get more details about this and more of the SCCOE programs, and more about the County Office of Education.















As usual, thank you for listening to our show “Atenea Americana” as part of my effort at Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting.

Today, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Maestro Urs Leonhardt Steiner, a musical maestro whose journey spans continents and cultures. Originally from the quaint town of Chur, Switzerland, Steiner’s musical roots run deep, having studied at esteemed institutions like the University of Tübingen and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.









Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse.







But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America.









Under the guidance of luminaries such as James Wimer and Gustav Meier, and rubbing shoulders with legends like Andre Previn and Leonard Bernstein in masterclasses, Steiner’s musical education is as rich as it is diverse.







But it doesn’t stop there. Steiner’s own compositions, notably the operas “Il Secondo Settenio” and “Return of the Phantoms,” have garnered praise both at home and across the pond. Leading the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra in captivating performances, Steiner’s baton has danced across stages from Europe to Central America.







Today, he is following a deeper mission, colliding Steiner and the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (GGSOC). Their aim? To use the power of classical music to unite communities and kindle a love for the arts. Through accessible performances and educational outreach, they’re breaking down barriers and sharing the joy of music with all who will listen.















He comes today to tell us more about his next concert “¡Las Voces de México!.” It’s a musical journey south of the border, featuring iconic pieces like Copland’s “El Salón México” and Moncayo’s “Huapango,” alongside the world premiere of “Indigenous Symphony” by Oaxacan composer, Carlos Pazos. Add in some infectious danzones from San Francisco’s own Anthony Blea Afro Cuban Sextet and a lively Mariachi Sing Along, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect Sunday afternoon.















“¡Las Voces de México!” isn’t just about music; it’s about inclusion. It’s part of the Golden Gate Symphony’s Beyond the Border Walls Initiative, which aims to open up the world of classical music to all, providing hundreds of free tickets to every event. So, come join us as we celebrate the universal language of music and break down barriers, one note at a time.















As usual, thank you for listening to our show “Atenea Americana” as part of my effort at Stanford Hispanic Broadcasting. You can listen to all our shows here or on your favorite podcast apps. You can help to make programs like this possible by leaving your comments, subscribing to our website and podcast channels, following us, sharing links, contributing with your ideas or materials, sharing our social networks, and more. Remember to check our a href="https://stanfordhispan...

Today, we are privileged to host a panel discussion on Public Education, broadcasting live from Stanford University. Our focus centers on the pivotal role of public education as the cornerstone of equality and the linchpin of democracy’s future.







For that, we are honored to welcome some guest: Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, the Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE); Albert Gonzalez, President of the California School Boards Association; and Jessica Speiser, President of the Santa Clara California Latino School Boards Association (SCCSBA). Throughout our discussion, we aim to explore the significance of targeted groups in public education.















Dr. Mary Ann Dewan,









The Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools has served in education for over 33 years. Her distinguished work in education reform and change leadership is grounded in her commitment to serving the community and underserved, vulnerable youth and a mission centered around diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice. A strong advocate for expanding early learning services, health, and education, Dr. Dewan believes in providing every child with opportunities that promote high-quality, equitable, and inclusive experiences.









Dr. Dewan has served in a variety of leadership roles, which have led to several local and state recognitions, including the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors Commendation in 2019, the California Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (CASCD) Outstanding Instructional Leader Award, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President’s Medal for Exemplary Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, and the 2021 Region 8 ACSA Superintendent of the Year Award.







Albert Gonzalez









President of CSBA, Trustee of Santa Clara USD







Albert Gonzalez is a Santa Clara Unified School District board member and the Region 20 Director of the California School Boards Association, representing Santa Clara County. Gonzalez was elected to the Board of Directors of CSBA in 2014 after serving as a Delegate since 2010. Gonzalez has served on CSBA’s Legislative Committee since 2012 and has been a board member with Santa Clara Unified since 2008.







Gonzalez attended California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, and works in Silicon Valley. An avid soccer fan, Gonzalez has coached in youth soccer leagues and is a certified United States Soccer Federation referee.









Jessica Speiser









She is the president of the SCCSBA and a member of the LASD Board of Education. She is also a Wellesley College alumni, Class of 1997, who later graduated from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, Class of 2004, and was admitted to The California State Bar on 12/1/2004







She worked as a criminal research attorney for the County of San Mateo Superior Court, and one of her most recent positions was Chief Outreach Officer for VoterCircle (now Outreach Circle)







As a public official, in 2012, she became VP of Fundraising and joined the Los Altos Educational Foundation. In 2013, Speiser became the Executive VP of the PTA. Later, after much local educational work, she helped run the successful Measure GG parcel tax campaign for her district schools.









In late 2016,  she ran for election to the Los Altos School District Board of Trustees and joined the Board in December 2016. From December 2018 to December 2019, Speiser served as the LASD Board of Trustees Board President,

Today we are talking with Anais Amaya, from the Latino Community Foundation to talk about the Latino Giving Circles. As the Director of LGCN, Anais plays a crucial role in advancing the strategic expansion of Latino Giving Circles in Southern California for LCF. Having recently relocated her family to Los Angeles, she also embarked on the entrepreneurial journey of launching her business, Raices, dedicated to supporting indigenous artisans in Mexico.









Before her tenure at LCF, Anais earned the prestigious Heroes and Hearts Award from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. This accolade recognized her outstanding contributions as the program manager of the ZSFG Health Advocates. In this role, she led a multi-lingual program that actively screened patients to identify and address their social determinants of health by connecting them with the appropriate community resources.









The Latino Giving Circle Network encompasses a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, spanning generations such as Baby Boomers to Millennials, and encompassing professionals ranging from CEOs to emerging talents. Inclusivity extends beyond nationality, encompassing both immigrants and US-born individuals, as well as Latinos and non-Latinos alike. Within this network, each participant has the opportunity to harness our collective influence, contributing to the growth of our community and fostering personal and civic leadership development. With over 500 Californians having joined this network, together, we exemplify the transformative power of generosity, cultural richness, and people-driven social change.









Participating in a Giving Circle provides an ideal platform to collaborate with leaders and organizations at the forefront of community-driven solutions, engaging in local civic action alongside like-minded individuals. The Latino Community Foundation (LCF) and its Latino Giving Circles (LGC) currently has more than 20 active circles, with new circles launched annually.









LCF realizes its mission by fostering a movement of actively engaged philanthropic leaders, directing investments towards Latino-led organizations, and amplifying the political involvement of Latinos across California.









LCF initially emerged as an affinity group under the United Way of the Bay Area, aiming to boost workplace donations to Latino organizations. In 2003, Sandra Hernandez, then President and CEO of The San Francisco Foundation (TSFF), transformed LCF into a supporting organization of TSFF, ushering in new leadership and expanding its scope of work.









Under the guidance of Board Chair Aida Alvarez and Vice Chair Arabella Martinez, LCF embarked on a trajectory of growth. Later, the Foundation spearheaded numerous initiatives enhancing the health and well-being of countless Latino families in the Bay Area. By 2016, LCF transitioned into an independent statewide foundation with a dedicated mission to unleash the collective power of Latinos in California. Positioned uniquely at the intersection of corporate, political, and grassroots influence, LCF cultivates and nurtures relationships, aiming to accelerate impact in unprecedented ways.







a href="https://i0.wp.

The San Francisco Symphonic Orchestra will celebrate this Saturday, November 4th, the “Dia de los Muertos” concert in 2023. This special event will commemorate the Meso-American holiday, which honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away. 









The orchestra will perform a range of pieces that reflect the theme of this important holiday, with a focus on MAYAN traditions this year, introducing new art and music and unique experiences with old traditions. There will be a mixture of music from traditional Mexican folk songs to classical compositions that explore the theme of life and death. 







The Davis Hall lobby has been showcasing art installations and interactive experiences related to this event the whole month, and they will be there until Tuesday, November 7th. 







Our conversation today is with the long-time curator of this annual event, Martha Rodríguez Salazar. She is a singer, a flute performer, a music educator, and a community organizer. She is a Mexican-born artist, a long-time San Franciscan who has been in charge of curating this event since 2008, bringing every year a unique experience and exploring different aspects of “Dia de los Muertos” traditions and history. 









Miguel Harth-Bedoya conducts the San Francisco Symphony in the concert program, which includes music by Clarice Assad, Arturo Márquez, Alfonso Leng, Silvestre Revueltas, and Arturo Rodríguez. Vocalist Edna Vázquez also joined the symphony to perform a selection of songs. Dancers from Casa Círculo Cultural and performers from Canción de Obsidiana are featured throughout the concert.







Canción de Obsidiana was created in 1989 by its director, Victor-Mario Zaballa. The ensemble strives to create an atmospheric landscape of timeless sounds with original compositions incorporating traditional Mexican hand-made acoustic indigenous instruments and electronic musical instruments. The wind and percussion instruments are replicas of pre-Columbian pieces made by Mr. Zaballa from museum collections. The ensemble has performed at the Lincoln Center, Theater of the New City in New York, deYoung Museum, Mexican Museum, Intersection for the Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission Gallery, The Lab in San Francisco, Monterey World Music Festival, Tucson Museum of Art, and Oakland Museum.







SAN FRANCISCO, CA Performers attend SF Symphony Dia de los Muertos







Miguel Harth-Bedoya recently completed seven years as chief conductor of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and 21 years as music director of the Fort Worth Symphony where he continues as music director laureate. He was previously music director of the Auckland Philharmonia and Eugene Symphony. Harth-Bedoya regularly appears with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic, and Sydney Symphony. Recent engagements include the New Zealand Symphony, BBC Scottish Symphony, Munich Philharmonic, Dresden Philharmonic, Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra, Danish National Symphony, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, NHK Symphony, and Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony. He makes his San Francisco Symphony debut with this concert.







Edna Vázquez is a fearless singer, songwriter, composer, and guitarist whose powerful voice and musical talent transcend the boundaries of language to engage and uplift her audience. She is a creative musical artist with a vocal range that allows her to paint seamlessly with her original material, an intersection of Mexican tradicional, rock, pop and other genres. Vázquez’s passion for music and performance grew from her bicultural roots and,