Jessica Cherry's ReImagination Café

Jessica Cherry
  • 5.0 (26)
  • Society & Culture

Join Jessica Cherry for documentary-style interviews with people who are reimagining work for a better world. From corporate executives, to mental health professionals, to civic leaders, to owners of small businesses, there are bold individuals all around us who are challenging the status quo, building healthier workplaces, strengthening our communities, and transforming the world of work. These aren't surface-level interviews. The conversations take their time, often going places you don't expect—into the lived experiences, questions, and tensions that shape how we work and lead. Listeners come away with a fresh perspective and a deeper sense of what becomes possible when we bring more creativity, care, and honesty into our work.

  1. Sep 21

    Forklift Dance: Seeing the Beauty in Everyday Work and Sparking Change Through Creative Collaboration (Part 1) with Allison Orr

    What happens when we pay close enough attention to the movements of everyday work to see the beauty—and perhaps even the dance—in what people do? In this first installment of a two-part conversation with host Jessica Cherry, dancer, choreographer, and Forklift Danceworks founder Allison Orr shares the experiences that shaped her distinctive approach to community-based artmaking and her belief that we are all inherently creative. From an unexpected encounter with a window washer to collaborations with firefighters, sanitation workers, and electric utility workers, Allison reveals how curiosity, deep listening, and one-on-one relationship-building enable her and her community partners to co-create extraordinary performances that illuminate workers' movement expertise while bringing their stories to the foreground. The episode also features Peter Bay, longtime music director and conductor of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. While a symphony conductor may, on the surface, seem to have little in common with the essential workers at the center of many Forklift projects, in Solo Symphony, Allison brought the same curiosity to Peter's work, looking beyond the artistry audiences could already see to discover the person behind the baton. Peter reflects on a collaboration that wove together his life as a conductor and his personal story, the vulnerability he felt sharing so much of himself, and his surprise at the depth of the audience's response, which gave him a new appreciation for the impact of a conductor's work. Allison's performances offer audiences a window into work they may rarely think about and foster greater appreciation for contributions too often taken for granted. And for those performing, being seen and celebrated can offer something equally powerful: an opportunity to recognize the value of their own work and contributions in a new way. In Part 2, we continue the conversation as Allison expands her collaborative approach, bringing together broader groups of stakeholders for ambitious projects centered around place—and exploring how creative collaboration can deepen people's connection to the places they share while strengthening relationships across generations and between newer and longtime community members.

    Forklift Dance: Seeing the Beauty in Everyday Work and Sparking Change Through Creative Collaboration (Part 1) with Allison Orr

  2. Mar 29

    Building a More Hopeful and Resilient Future by Reimagining the Civic Commons (Part 2) with Bridget Marquis

    In a time of rising polarization, social fragmentation, and widespread disconnection, how can communities rebuild trust and strengthen civic life? In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Jessica Cherry continues her conversation with Bridget Marquis, Director of Reimagining the Civic Commons, exploring how public spaces across the country are being transformed in ways that bring people together in meaningful ways. Through stories from Detroit and Memphis, the episode highlights how communities are turning vacant land, underused corridors, and even historically divisive spaces into welcoming places of connection and belonging. The episode features three local leaders: Alexa Bush and Karlyta Williams in Detroit, and Carol Coletta in Memphis. Their stories show how thoughtful design, community engagement, and cultural storytelling can reshape both neighborhoods and perceptions. Together, these stories offer a hopeful vision of what becomes possible when communities invest in shared spaces that invite connection across differences—and how those everyday moments can help rebuild trust and strengthen civic life.

    Building a More Hopeful and Resilient Future by Reimagining the Civic Commons (Part 2) with Bridget Marquis

  3. Mar 9

    Building a More Hopeful and Resilient Future by Reimagining the Civic Commons (Part 1) with Bridget Marquis

    In a time of rising polarization, social fragmentation, and widespread disconnection, how can communities rediscover a sense of shared purpose and possibility? Bridget Marquis of Reimagining the Civic Commons argues that the path forward lies in revitalizing our public spaces. In this first installment of a two-part conversation with host Jessica Cherry, Bridget explores why the spaces we collectively own—our "civic commons"—matter now more than ever, and how communities across the country are transforming parks, libraries, waterfronts, trails, and other shared assets into vibrant hubs of connection, belonging, and civic life. The episode also features two local leaders in Akron, Ohio—Dan Rice and Grace Hudson—who reflect on the central role that trust plays in Civic Commons work. Their experience highlights that progress depends not only on what gets built, but on how leaders listen, collaborate, and build relationships with the communities they serve. Together, these voices paint a hopeful picture of what becomes possible when we invest not only in our civic infrastructure, but in the social fabric that allows communities to thrive—and how rebuilding trust at the local level can help communities reconnect and move forward together. In Part 2, we continue the conversation, highlighting additional cities and leaders who are transforming public spaces in powerful ways.

    Building a More Hopeful and Resilient Future by Reimagining the Civic Commons (Part 1) with Bridget Marquis

  4. 11/13/2025

    Cultivating Change: The Transformative Power of Care Farming with Kate Mudge and Woody Woodroof

    In this episode of the ReImagination Café, Jessica welcomes Kate Mudge, Co-Director of the Care Farming Network, and Woody Woodroof, founder of Red Wiggler Care Farm—voices behind a growing movement that uses therapeutic farming to promote health, well-being, and belonging. From one Maryland farm to hundreds across the U.S., they share stories that show how care farms heal, provide purpose, and connect people. You'll also hear from: Shawn Hayden (CEO, GAAMHA) on recovery programs that pair people in recovery with rescued farm animals. Lacey and Adam Ingrao (Bee Wise Farms) on mindfulness-infused beekeeping that supports veterans, invites honest dialogue, and builds community. Charley Schwartz (Red Wiggler) on creating sanctuary safe spaces where people feel heard, seen, and that they belong. Don't miss this conversation about: What care farming is—and the mutual benefits for participants, staff, volunteers, and communities. Red Wiggler's model: meaningful employment for people with disabilities, and community food access. How the Care Farming Network helps farms connect, share resources, mentor, and support one another. Innovative, real-world models serving people with disabilities, veterans, people in recovery, and other under-supported communities.

    Cultivating Change: The Transformative Power of Care Farming with Kate Mudge and Woody Woodroof

  5. 07/10/2025

    Building Connection & Hope Through the Universal Expression of Dance with Jonathan Hollander

    In this episode of Jessica Cherry's ReImagination Café, Jessica welcomes the visionary founder of Battery Dance Company, Jonathan Hollander — a cultural ambassador, changemaker, and global connector through the art of movement and dance.   From the streets of New York City to communities around the world, Jonathan and his colleagues Emad Salem, Robin Cantrell, and Rutkay Özpinar, share how dance has become a powerful tool for diplomacy, healing, and human connection. Their stories are a testament to the idea that creativity can bridge divides, spark hope, and transform lives.    Don't miss this inspiring conversation about: The power of dance to inspire social change. Building a global arts movement from the ground up. Reimagining what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Battery Dance Company is a New York-based nonprofit that creates lasting social impact by fostering understanding and improving lives through the universal expression of dance.

    Building Connection & Hope Through the Universal Expression of Dance with Jonathan Hollander

  6. 02/08/2025

    AI-Driven Assistive Technology: A Path to Empowerment for People with Disabilities with Tiffani Martin

    In this episode of ReImagining the Workplace, Jessica Cherry is joined by Tiffani Martin, Founder and CEO of VisioTech, a social tech company with a mission of harnessing the power of human ingenuity and AI to create a more inclusive and accessible world. Tiffani shares her remarkable personal story, which includes losing her eyesight at the age of 28 due to diabetic retinopathy. Choosing to focus on what she wanted to achieve instead of the obstacles in her path, Tiffani embraced AI-driven assistive technology, and fearlessly forged a new path forward.   Tiffani shares the various assistive technologies that empower her to perform tasks and excel at work. She also discusses some of the services that VisioTech provides, and how it is partnering with other organizations to educate marginalized communities about cybersecurity, data privacy, and accessibility.

    AI-Driven Assistive Technology: A Path to Empowerment for People with Disabilities with Tiffani Martin

  7. 11/24/2024

    Hope Is Not Silent: Forging the Path to a Trans-Inclusive Workplace with Jess Skaare

    In this episode of ReImagining the Workplace, Jessica is joined by Jess Skaare, who describes her experience transitioning and coming out as trans while working at the New York headquarters of a large corporation. Jess first shares her personal experience grappling with her gender identity, including many years of feeling like a secondary character in her own life. She then discusses various elements of a trans-inclusive workplace culture, including LGBTQ+ representation in senior leadership roles; a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect and share experiences; policies that respect the dignity of trans colleagues and make them feel like they can bring their whole selves to work; and gender diversity education and training. Jess also proposes specific actions that senior leaders, managers, and colleagues can take to help create a trans-inclusive workplace.   For a supplemental background track that provides more information about Jess's personal story, please visit the ReImagining the Workplace website at reimaginingtheworkplace.net.

    Hope Is Not Silent: Forging the Path to a Trans-Inclusive Workplace with Jess Skaare

  8. 08/16/2024

    Sparkle On! The Prospector Theater Turns Passions Into Professions for People with Disabilities with Valerie Jensen

    In this episode of ReImagining the Workplace, Jessica Cherry is joined by Valerie (Val) Jensen, the Founder of the Prospector Theater, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to providing competitive and inclusive employment to people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater. Val sets out the wide array of roles that employees - called prospects - perform at both the Prospector Theater and Val's Gemstone Farm. She also describes how she and her team tap into prospects' strengths and passions - which they call "sparkle" - empowering them to shine. Val also discusses the Prospector Theater's educational initiatives, including their service learning programs, which are custom-designed programs for businesses, schools, and other groups that educate participants about people with disabilities and showcase the vast talent that exists within this population. Jessica also has conversations with four prospects - Ali Wood, Joe Gillotti, Sam Furniss, and Rachel Wise - who describe the impact of meaningful employment on their lives.

    Sparkle On! The Prospector Theater Turns Passions Into Professions for People with Disabilities with Valerie Jensen
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About

Join Jessica Cherry for documentary-style interviews with people who are reimagining work for a better world. From corporate executives, to mental health professionals, to civic leaders, to owners of small businesses, there are bold individuals all around us who are challenging the status quo, building healthier workplaces, strengthening our communities, and transforming the world of work. These aren't surface-level interviews. The conversations take their time, often going places you don't expect—into the lived experiences, questions, and tensions that shape how we work and lead. Listeners come away with a fresh perspective and a deeper sense of what becomes possible when we bring more creativity, care, and honesty into our work.

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