in our tribe

YDN
  • 4.6 (9)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to in our tribe, where we shine a light on the hearts and minds of creative youth developers, strengths enthusiasts, and community changemakers. Plug into dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts. New episode every other Tuesday.

  1. JAN 27

    Season 9 Episode 90 Chaez Boswell

    *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:5a4650f3-fc91-49f4-90cc-0b6c6ae82d4f-3" data-testid= "conversation-turn-8" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Episode 90 features Chaez Boswell, owner and operator of The Rink Studios, in a conversation grounded in gratitude, purpose, and people-centered leadership. With an extensive background in youth development, Chaez brings a human-first lens to the entertainment and concert events industry—an industry not often known for prioritizing internal growth. He shares how he takes a non-traditional approach to developing his team, investing in people, leadership, and well-being behind the scenes while navigating a fast-paced, high-demand environment. Deeply grateful for life and proud to be part of the momentum along Del Paso Boulevard in Sacramento, Chaez reflects on building something bigger than events—contributing to a community, creating opportunity, and showing that how you treat people matters just as much as what you produce. As the final episode of the season, this conversation closes us out with a powerful reminder: leadership rooted in humanity creates impact that lasts well beyond the moment. 🎧 Episode 90 — the season finale — is live. #InOurTribePodcast #ChaezBoswell #TheRinkStudios #ConcertEvents  #TeamDevelopment #YouthDevelopment #DelPasoBoulevard #Sacramento #YDN

    55 min

  2. JAN 13

    Season 9 Episode 89 Ashanti Branch

    Episode 89 features Ashanti Branch—Founder and Executive Director of Ever Forward Club—in a conversation centered on healing, connection, and youth mental health. A former math teacher raised in Oakland by a single mom, Ashanti saw too many students ready to drop out—not because they lacked ability, but because they didn't feel safe, seen, or heard. Those moments shaped his life's work. Now a nationally recognized leader, Ashanti is the creator of the award-winning #MillionMaskMovement, engaging over 75,000 participants worldwide to help young people explore and express their emotions. A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General's Medallion recipient, Fulbright Fellow, and 4x TEDx speaker, his work as an "emotional locksmith" reminds us that emotional literacy saves lives. 🎧 Episode 89 is live.

    51 min

  3. 12/30/2025

    Season 9 Episode 88 Dr. Tina Torres

    Episode 88 features Dr. Tina Torres, Creciente Fellow and Director of the K–16 Collaborative at Sacramento State, in a conversation rooted in truth, growth, and transformation. A high school dropout and teenage mom, Dr. Torres didn't begin her college journey until she was 30. She came up in difficult environments, often without steady support and in spaces where she felt out of place. Those experiences didn't stop her—they shaped her. Now a doctor and education leader, Dr. Torres reflects on resilience, gratitude, and the support of her husband, while sharing a message for anyone striving for more: progress is possible, and change is earned step by step. Her story is a reminder that leadership can rise from the hardest beginnings. Episode 88 is live. #InOurTribePodcast #DrTinaTorres #Creciente #CrecienteFellow #LatinxLeadership #Resilience #SacState #YDN #Sacramento

    48 min

  4. 12/16/2025

    Season 9 Episode 87 Juan Novello

    Join us for a powerful conversation with  Juan Novello, a nationally recognized Latinx leader, Vice President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, among other leadership roles, and a proud Senior Fellow of the Creciente Latinx Leadership Program by YDN. Juan shares his journey, from his childhood and immigration to the U.S. to navigating life as a DACA recipient and becoming a proud U.S. citizen —and how those experiences shape his approach to leadership, power, and community today. We talk about identity, responsibility, and what it really means to lead institutions while staying rooted in the people they serve. Thoughtful, real, and deeply human. #InOurTribePodcast #JuanNovello #SacHispanicChamber #LatinxLeadership #YDN #Creciente #Sacramento

    51 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Season 9 Episode 86 Misty Avila

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Misty Avila, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of the James B. McClatchy Foundation, whose work is bringing "sunshine" to California's Central Valley. ☀️ With over 15 years supporting nonprofits, Misty shares her journey from community organizing to funding initiatives that strengthen local journalism, multilingual education, and nonprofit leadership. She reflects on how leadership, relationships, and storytelling are central to creating lasting community impact. #InOurTribePodcast #JBMF #MistyAvila #Leadership #CommunityImpact #Storytelling #Education #JBMFoundation #CentralValley #NonprofitLeadership #JBMF

    41 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Season 9 Episode 85 Rudy Corpuz

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Rudy Corpuz Jr., founder of United Playaz, a violence-prevention and youth leadership organization serving San Francisco's SoMa community. Since 1994, United Playaz has supported the city's hardest-to-reach youth through street outreach, case management, in-school services, recreational programs, and support for incarcerated young people. What began as Rudy's effort to create a safe after-school space has grown into a powerful movement transforming lives in one of San Francisco's most challenged neighborhoods. In this episode, Rudy shares his journey, the roots of United Playaz, and how community, accountability, and second chances can change the future for an entire generation. #UnitedPlayaz #RudyCorpuzJr #Creciente #YDN #InOurTribePodcast #YouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #ViolencePrevention #SoMaSF

    41 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Season 9 Episode 84 Carlos Kandia

    Join us for a powerful conversation with Carlos Kandia, a Sammie Award Winner and Artist of the Year recognized by the Midtown Association in Sacramento, California. A multi-genre singer, percussionist, dancer, actor, business owner, nonprofit leader, teacher, and father, Kandia has built an artistic career spanning over 15 years. Originally from Colombia, he has shared the stage with internationally acclaimed artists such as Julieta Venegas, Enanitos Verdes, Tony Vega, Charlie Aponte, and La Sonora Dinamita, among many others. With more than 2,000 live performances and appearances in major festivals and productions from Broadway to Buenos Aires, Kandia continues to inspire through music, education, and community impact. In this episode, Kandia opens up about his creative journey, the balance between art, entrepreneurship, and family, and how he uses his platform to elevate Latin culture and empower the next generation.

    43 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    Season 9 Episode 83 Armoni Easley

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Armoni Easley, a Social Impact Entrepreneur and Empowerment Facilitator with over 16 years of experience making a difference in communities. As the Co-founder of Project Optimism, Inc., Armoni has helped shape the lives of thousands of youth through mentorship and leadership programs that foster growth, resilience, and purpose. Building on that success, he founded Easley Done & Company, delivering high-impact workshops, keynote speeches, and consulting services across California with the same energy and dedication, whether in large auditoriums or intimate settings. In this episode, Armoni shares his journey, insights on leadership and empowerment, and the strategies that have allowed him to create meaningful social impact. #Leadership #SocialImpact #Empowerment #Mentorship #ProjectOptimism #Podcast #Creciente #YDN #youthdevelopment

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to in our tribe, where we shine a light on the hearts and minds of creative youth developers, strengths enthusiasts, and community changemakers. Plug into dialogue that dreams, designs, and disrupts. New episode every other Tuesday.

Information

  • Creator
    YDN
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Youth Development Network 2020
  • Show Website
    in our tribe