The Silk Stocking Sisters

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This podcast will share information, stories and experiences both historical and current regarding school integration, desegregation, busing and related topics in the North and Midwestern United States. The podcast is an extension of topics covered in my book Desegregation of The New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters.

  1. Sep 23

    The Power of Access, Equity, and Support in Student Success with Dr. Melissa Carlo (Part 1)

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. Today, we are joined by special guest Dr. Melissa Carlo, Assistant Dean of Enrollment and Student Success at Dutchess Community College  (DCC) in Poughkeepsie, New York. Before taking on her current role, Dr. Carlo spent more than eight years leading TRIO programs at DCC, working closely with students from historically underrepresented backgrounds and advocating for the support they need to succeed. In Part 1 of our conversation, Dr. Carlo reflects on her own educational journey and what shaped her commitment to access, equity, and student success. She explains the role of TRIO programs and the difference that consistent support can make for community college students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college. Dr. Carlo was inspired by her grandmother, who came to New York from Puerto Rico, learned English, attended community college and City College, and eventually became an ESL teacher in Harlem. Her grandmother's belief in the value of education stayed with her and Dr. Carlo made her a promise to pursue a doctoral degree. Years later, she fulfilled that promise while raising her family during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting her son on the autism spectrum, and navigating the unexpected closure of her original doctoral institution. Rather than give up, she continued her studies and earned her doctorate in Leadership, Innovation and Continuous Improvement in 2023. Dr. Carlo shares how her students influenced her along the way. Watching them navigate barriers and continue moving forward strengthened her own determination and allowed her to persist through all the challenges she faced. This conversation emphasizes the critical role counselors, academic advisers, and other non-teaching professionals play in the lives of first-generation college students. For students navigating higher education without a family history of college, having someone who can provide guidance, answer questions, connect them to resources, and encourage them to keep going can make a powerful difference. Tune in for a conversation on education, access, persistence, first-generation student success, and the people who help students continue to thrive throughout their academic journey. Remember to subscribe to The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast on the ALIVE Podcast Network app for more episodes!

    The Power of Access, Equity, and Support in Student Success with Dr. Melissa Carlo (Part 1)

  2. Sep 16

    The Power of Presence: Education Leadership, Fatherhood & Mentorship with Kelin Mark Sr.

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In todays episode we welcome Kelin Mark Sr., a proud native of Gary, Indiana, accomplished school leader, keynote speaker, mentor, and author of The Dad Difference Playbook, a guide designed to give fathers practical tools to become more involved in their childrens education and more present in their school communities. With 24 years in education, Mr. Mark has built a career defined by leadership and serving his community. He made history as the first Black male principal in the Wayne Township School District and later became the first Black male principal in Park Tudor Schools history, where he currently serves as Middle School Principal. Mr. Mark  shares his journey from growing up in Gary, Indiana, as a student who was more interested in playing basketball than sitting in a classroom, to discovering a career in education and school leadership. Mr. Mark shares what it means to be the first, the challenges of being the only one in the room, and the responsibility that comes with creating opportunities for those who come after him. He shares the realities of navigating spaces where representation is limited, the loneliness that can come with those experiences, the role his family and support system have played, and the responsibility he feels to open doors for the next generation. We discuss the importance of Black men in education, involved fathers, and leaders who are willing to invest in young people. Mr. Mark emphasizes the importance of pouring into young people and shares why meaningful relationships and mentorship can be so impactful in a students life. He speaks honestly about the demands of the education profession while highlighting the fulfillment that comes from serving students and families. Mr. Mark discusses both the progress and challenges he has seen working in education. He highlights the gaps he has witnessed throughout his career, particularly when it comes to rigorous curriculum and the resources students need to compete and thrive. We discuss the importance of educational access and opportunity. Mr. Mark discusses how access is not always equal and encourages students and families to advocate for themselves. His message to families is clear: advocate for your children. Use the counselors, educators, community organizations, and other resources available to you. Parents have power when they come together and use their voice to push for a strong curriculum, meaningful opportunities, and school options that set their child up for success. Tune in for a conversation about leadership, representation, mentorship, fatherhood, educational equity, and advocacy. To learn more about Kelin Mark Sr. and his impact visit his website: https://www.kelinmark.com/ and purchase a copy of his book, The Dad Difference Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/Dad-Difference-Playbook-Winning-Student/dp/1953749046

    The Power of Presence: Education Leadership, Fatherhood & Mentorship with Kelin Mark Sr.

  3. Sep 9

    Digital Learning, Access & Action: Creating New Pathways to Success with Nicole Thomas

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. Today, we are joined by special guest Nicole Thomas, learning and development leader, goal achievement coach, founder of Goal Achievers LLC, author, and host of Lets Talk: Passion & Purpose, for an insightful conversation about digital learning for people of color and digital learning as the new educational focus. Ms. Thomas discusses the value of computer-based training and asynchronous learning, emphasizing that meaningful learning requires more than simply watching a recording. In order to truly learn we must be present, engaged, and actively interact with the information. She shares how technology can support self-paced learning and accommodate different learning needs, while highlighting that for young people and adults to stay focused and turn knowledge into results, it requires intentional systems and support to be in place. Ms. Thomas shares practical strategies for making digital learning more effective and impactful, such as taking notes, establishing consistent routines, building accountability, and community. This conversation highlights the digital divide and the reality that digital access goes far beyond having a device or Wi-Fi connection. Reliable technology, internet access, time, mentorship, accountability, and support all play a critical role in whether individuals can successfully engage in digital learning. Ms. Thomas emphasizes the importance of becoming technologically equipped and savvy in todays society while acknowledging the barriers that can make that goal difficult to achieve. Dr. Canada and Ms. Thomas also discuss how digital learning can foster connection, community, and opportunity, particularly for people of color and Black communities. They share how technology can help level the playing field and be expansive for women of color while emphasizing the importance of pouring into one another and creating structures that address the basic needs of young people and adults so they can truly thrive. There are many open educational resources, online learning platforms, and libraries that provide greater access to information and learning opportunities, and it is important to utilize these tools to expand knowledge and develop new skills. Tune in for a conversation about digital learning, education equity, access, community, and the systems people need to thrive. To learn more about Nicole Thomas and Goal Achievers LLC, visit her website https://www.iamnicolethomas.com/. Listen to her podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-passion-purpose-with-nicole-thomas/id1785083772

    Digital Learning, Access & Action: Creating New Pathways to Success with Nicole Thomas

  4. Sep 2

    Inclusive Education & Black History: Challenging Bias, Building Belonging & Embracing Discomfort

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by special guest Lillah Penddah, Founder and CEO of AFRO FACTS, for an insightful conversation about identity, education, inclusion, belonging, and the importance of learning Canadian Black history. Born in Canada to Ghanaian parents, Ms. Penddah shares her personal experience growing up in Edmonton, Alberta, and navigating predominantly white spaces as a Black woman. She reflects on what it was like to often be the only Black person in the room and how those experiences shaped her understanding of identity, culture, and belonging. Ms. Penddah also discusses the inspiration behind AFRO FACTS, a collection of game-based educational tools designed to bring Canadian Black history, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into classrooms and workplaces. After recognizing gaps in her own education as she grew older, Ms. Penddah became passionate about helping others learn about Black history and difference at an earlier age. Referring to the experiences she discusses in her TED Talks, Ms. Penddah shares the importance of diverse friendships and the gratitude she has for friends who created space for her to share her heritage and perspective. These relationships gave her an opportunity to teach others while continuing to learn more about her own history and identity. This conversation highlights how learning Black history helped Ms. Penddah better understand microaggressions, unconscious bias, and the factors that contribute to systemic racism. Dr. Canada and Ms. Penddah discuss why these conversations should begin early, giving students opportunities not only to learn history, but also to recognize bias, question assumptions, think critically, and understand experiences different from their own. Conversations about racism, unconscious bias, microaggressions, and systemic inequality are not always easy. They can challenge what we believe, expose gaps in our understanding, and require us to sit with perspectives that may be unfamiliar. Tune in for a conversation about education, Black history, and how a willingness to sit with discomfort can help create more informed, inclusive, and empathetic communities. To learn more about Lillah Penddah and AFRO FACTS, visit her website https://afrofacts.ca/ and to explore resources that support learning about Canadian Black history, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

    Inclusive Education & Black History: Challenging Bias, Building Belonging & Embracing Discomfort

  5. Aug 26

    The Impact of the Urban-Suburban Program: Educational Access, Student Achievement & Family Support (Part 2)

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In Part 2 of our conversation with Felicia Smith, Director of the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program, and Latasha Pride, an Education Specialist and proud alumna of the program, we continue our exploration of the Urban-Suburban Programs success, core values, and lasting impact on students and families throughout Rochester, New York. In this episode, we discuss how the Urban-Suburban Program defines and measures student success, including academic achievement, graduation rates, and the recognition of students who have excelled academically. We also discuss the gender gap within the program, examining why more female students apply and participate than male students.   Ms. Pride shares her perspective as both an alumna and Education Specialist, highlighting her commitment to the student experience and ensuring students receive the academic, emotional, social, and personal support they need to thrive. Ms. Smith also shares success stories of male students who have benefited from the program and gone on to thrive both during and beyond their Urban-Suburban Program experience. We continue to emphasize the critical role of parents and families. From helping families navigate the program to addressing transportation challenges, the Urban-Suburban community demonstrates the power of collaboration and support. Ms. Smith states, the program is more than an educational opportunity, it is one big family, where participating families work together to help ensure students can fully access and benefit from the opportunities available to them. Tune in for a conversation about academic achievement, parent engagement, and the lasting impact of a program committed to helping students succeed. To learn more about the Urban-Suburban Program, support its mission, or make a donation, visit their website https://us.monroe.edu/ or contact the program directly at (585)-249-7045.

    The Impact of the Urban-Suburban Program: Educational Access, Student Achievement & Family Support (Part 2)

  6. Aug 19

    The Urban-Suburban Program: Expanding Educational Access & Opportunity

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we explore the history, impact, and importance of voluntary school integration with special guests Felicia Smith, Director of the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program, and Latasha Pride, an Education Specialist and proud alumna of the program. Based in Rochester, New York, the Urban-Suburban Interdistrict Transfer Program, formerly known as Project U.S., is the first and oldest voluntary desegregation program in the United States. For decades, its mission has remained focused on reducing racial isolation while expanding access to educational opportunities, resources, and experiences that can positively shape students futures.  Ms. Smith and Ms. Pride discuss the essential role that transportation, educational access, parent involvement, and community support play in the success of the Urban-Suburban Program. The program works closely with families through meet-and-greets, family orientations, and ongoing engagement, recognizing that parents are an important part of a students experience and success. Ms. Smith emphasizes that the parents are the heartbeat of the Urban-Suburban Program. Ms. Pride brings a personal perspective to the conversation, sharing how her experience in the Urban-Suburban Program prepared her for future academic opportunities and expresses gratitude for the support and encouragement her parents provided throughout her time in the program. She shares how their involvement helped shape her success and contributed to the opportunities she had beyond the classroom. At its core, the program focuses on exposure, opportunity, and educational access, while supporting the whole child and giving students the confidence, perspective, and opportunities to see what is possible for their future. We also discuss the impact of charter school growth and declining enrollment in public and urban districts. These changes continue to shape communities and schools today and have us questioning what these changes mean for the future of school integration and educational access.  Tune in for a conversation about educational equity, family engagement, and the power of access to change a students future. To learn more about the Urban-Suburban Program, support its mission, or make a donation, visit their website https://us.monroe.edu/ or contact the program directly at (585)-249-7045.

    The Urban-Suburban Program: Expanding Educational Access & Opportunity

  7. Aug 12

    From Harvard to Neurosurgery: Dr. Craig Yorke on Excellence, Education & Finding Your Place

    Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Craig Yorke, retired neurosurgeon and author of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeons Journey, we discuss the experiences, sacrifices, relationships, and unexpected turns that shaped his life and career. Dr. Yorke reflects on what drew him to neurosurgery and his love for the nervous system. He shares a perspective that has influenced the way he approaches life: steep yourself in the experiences of life, remain open to the unexpected, and dont be afraid to let life surprise you. From Boston Latin School and Harvard College to Harvard Medical School and UCSF, Dr. Yorke discusses what it was like to move through elite academic and medical institutions as a Black student and physician when representation was limited. He also talks about how the Vietnam War shaped the career paths available to young Black men of his generation. Dr. Canada shares how she resonated with Dr. Yorkes story and considers the drive, expectations, and sacrifices that helped him succeed. In Steep: A Black Neurosurgeons Journey, Dr. Yorke highlights the generations who came before him, their sacrifices, aspirations, and belief in what education could make possible. He shares stories about his family, including his familys connection to Malcolm Little, later known as Malcolm X, and the influence his parents had on his ambitions and sense of responsibility. From Boston and Harvard to neurosurgery and eventually building a life in the Midwest, Dr. Yorke describes the unexpected sense of community he discovered after moving to Topeka, Kansas. Join us for a conversation about education, identity, achievement, belonging, and family influence. Pick up your copy of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon's Journey to learn more about Dr. Yorke's inspiring story. Visit https://www.craigyorke.com/.

    From Harvard to Neurosurgery: Dr. Craig Yorke on Excellence, Education & Finding Your Place

  8. Aug 5

    Childhood Expectations, Identity, and Success with Dr. Craig Yorke | Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey

    Welcome to another episode of The Silk Stocking Sisters Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by special guest Dr. Craig Yorke, retired neurosurgeon and author of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeons Journey. Dr. Yorke shares the incredible story of how childhood expectations, racial identity, and perseverance shaped both his personal life and his distinguished medical career. Growing up in Roxbury, Massachusetts, Dr. Yorke shares his journey through Boston Public Schools, Boston Latin School, Harvard College, and Harvard Medical School before building a successful career as a neurosurgeon in Topeka, Kansas. He discusses the unwavering commitment of his parents, whose discipline and belief in his potential prepared him to overcome barriers and pursue excellence. He says, "His parental directive insisted he avenge centuries of bigotry with a life of infinite success." Dr. Yorke reflects on the sacrifices he made throughout his childhood, the impact of his parents' rigorous expectations, and the lasting lessons their discipline instilled in him, including resilience, a strong sense of identity, and the pursuit of excellence. Dr. Yorke wrote Steep: A Black Neurosurgeons Journey as a letter to his two sons, hoping to preserve his family's story and the lessons that shaped his life. In this conversation, he discusses the meaning behind the book's title, which reflects the process of tea steeping over time. Just as tea clarifies as it steeps, he describes his own journey of self-discovery and how his understanding of himself evolved over time. His memoir discusses questioning the labels others placed on him and discovering who he wanted to be beyond those expectations. Tune in for a conversation about achievement, education, perseverance, and the lasting influence parents have on shaping a child's future. Purchase a copy of Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon's Journey to learn more about Dr. Yorke's inspiring story. Visit https://www.craigyorke.com/.

    Childhood Expectations, Identity, and Success with Dr. Craig Yorke | Steep: A Black Neurosurgeon’s Journey
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This podcast will share information, stories and experiences both historical and current regarding school integration, desegregation, busing and related topics in the North and Midwestern United States. The podcast is an extension of topics covered in my book Desegregation of The New York City Schools: A Story of The Silk Stocking Sisters.

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