Speak For Change With Thomas Sage Pedersen Thomas Sage Pedersen

Contact Cyn: 
https://www.instagram.com/whisper_sf
About Cyn
Cyn is a San Francisco native. Who moved to Santa Cruz 5 years ago. She has worked in healthcare for 15 years and is a proud mother of two and a grandmother. Aside from her family, her passion is in creating art. Her medium is acrylic on wooden canvas. 
She is just here to share love and art, nothing more nothing less. 



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About Episode
As the sun sets on Ellen Primack's storied career at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, she graces us with her profound insights into the festival's tapestry, woven with innovation and community spirit. 

Reflecting on her 32-year tenure, Ellen opens up about the festival's metamorphosis from its bohemian inception to a bastion of contemporary composition; a journey marked by the birth of new music and the nurturing of artistic careers. 

Our conversation traverses the festival's pivotal moments, understanding its heartbeat through the shared passions and collective efforts that have solidified its place in Santa Cruz's cultural landscape.

Ellen and I cast a light on the transformative power of music, especially poignant during times of adversity like the recent pandemic. The festival's ability to reconnect and reinvigorate not only musicians but also the community at large stands as a testament to its foundational role within the arts. 

As Ellen speaks of the festival's impact, it's clear that it transcends the stage, embedding itself in the personal narratives of those it touches, inspiring growth, and defining careers.

The finale of our dialogue with Ellen unveils a vision for the future, one where the baton of leadership is passed to invigorate the next wave of artistic directors and community leaders. 
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Support Project
https://www.hookoutlet.com/

https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/support-wamm-a-champion-of-medical-cannabis-access-and-community-safety-in-santa-cruz

About Bryce Berryessa/Episode
Bryce is the owner of The Hook outlet and Treehouse Dispensary. He is in partnership with WAMM Phytotherapies. 
This episode is part of our Speak For Change Live series which we partner with Indexical to host live events with live music, and conversations in front of a live audience. Today we spoke with Bryce Berryessa in regards to cannabis in Santa Cruz county. 
Bryce is the owner of Treehouse dispensary and the Hook Outlet. We also discuss his current project which he is partnering with WAMM phytotherapies to open a dispensary on the Westside of Santa Cruz in the old Emily’s bakery location to provide cannabis to low income terminally ill patients.
 As you will hear there has been resistance to this by parents & school officials based on misleading data, falsehoods, and just good old fear of change. If you would like to support this project pleas show up this Thursday March 7th at 809 Center street at 7pm to voice your support.


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Find Rebecca
Instagram: Indigevegan
About Rebecca Hernandez
Rebecca Hernandez, PhD (she/her), is the new Community Archivist at the UCSC University Library where she partners with local stakeholders to promote the acquisition, preservation, and use of archival materials that document the communities of Santa Cruz County. She has worked in higher education administration for over 15 years. Rebecca served as Director of the UCSC American Indian Resource Center from 2014-2021, where together with the team, she created successful collaborative programs across campus including the People of Color Sustainability Collective and the UCSC Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Series. She holds an MFA in Design from CSU Fullerton, is a graduate of the UCLA American Indian Studies MA Program and earned her PhD in American Studies at the University of New Mexico.  Rebecca is a member of the Rise Together this year. Rise Together is an intercultural coalition of 32 members, led by People of Color and working collaboratively to advance racial equity in Santa Cruz County.
Ignite Nexus Consulting, life & executive coaching for organizations & individuals. Start the journey today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Find DeAndre
https://pvhealthtrust.org/
Instagram: @pvhealth
Facebook & Twitter: pvhealthtrust
Linkedin: Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley

About
Often, we are left wondering how to navigate the murky waters of the corporate world while being a person of color. How can we persevere through the darkness and everyday challenges that come with it? There’s no one better to answer these questions than DeAndre James, the executive director of Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley. 
DeAndre puts his heart on the line as he shares his personal experiences as a Black CEO. His insights into staying resilient even when faced with adversity are not only enlightening but also empowering.

Racism, unfortunately, is a reality many people of color face in the workplace. But how do you handle it? This episode takes you into personal stories of overcoming such harsh realities. We also highlight the role of nonprofits in society, including their dilemma of donor focus versus community focus. 

Balancing these two aspects could be instrumental in dismantling systems of racism and inequality. By opening doors to opportunity, we believe positive change can be brought into our society.

The power of advice should not be underestimated and can indeed transform lives, as you'll hear from DeAndre's experiences. We also discuss strategies to manage personal desires versus community obligations, and how the transformative potential of music and conversations can bring about personal growth.

DeAndre talks about his ‘go-to’ stress relievers, books, movies that inspire him, and how astrology and power animals have been a source of motivation. Join us for this insightful conversation with DeAndre James and gain a fresh perspective on resilience, perseverance, and empowerment.
Ignite Nexus Consulting, life & executive coaching for organizations & individuals. Start the journey today!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

About
What if the business you've worked so hard to build faces the threat of being torn down by racial discrimination and power dynamics? This is the lived reality of Michelle and Lasalle Strong, owners of Capitola Bar & Grill, who found themselves embroiled in a tense standoff with a hostile, possibly racist, landlord.

Throughout this episode, you'll walk a mile in their shoes, experiencing their trials and tribulations, from the hurdles of starting a business to the struggle of maintaining it amidst racially tinged landlord disputes.

The Strongs share the raw truth about the power dynamics that overshadow their journey, from their landlord's attempts to default their lease to the bureaucratic difficulties in proving racism.

As we journey deeper into their compelling narrative, we also examine the broader societal issues at play. We challenge the norms established by patriarchal society and racial biases, questioning the entitlement to wealth and success.

We also discuss the role of corporate giants like Verizon in supporting financial bigotry and the importance of community-driven change.

But it's not all about struggle and strife. Amidst these tumultuous times, the Strongs have managed to launch a culinary adventure - the Firehouse Pizza Company.

Stand with us against individuals who threaten to dismantle progress towards unity and inclusivity. Be inspired by Michelle and Lasalle's resilience, and let their story fuel your desire to spark change. After all, every voice can make a difference, and yours could be the one that tips the scales towards a more equitable future.

Find The Strongs
https://capitolabarandgrill.com/save-capitola-bar-%26-grill
Instagram.com/capitolabarandgrill
Ignite Nexus Consulting, life & executive coaching for organizations & individuals. Start the journey today!Everyone's Music School Creating positive and lasting change in people's lives with music!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show