Amelia Headly Lamont interviews Rudean Leinaeng, a chemist, college professor, and author, about her life in science, her teaching and research (including work on lead in Bronx Zoo animals), and a film her son is making, "My Mother, the Scientist," to inspire more people of color to enter STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

They also discuss Rudean’s writing, including the novella "Cousin’s Sister" about an enslaved healer and "Coal, War, and Love," which describes her grandfather’s experiences with the Harlem Hellfighters. She also speaks about her years living with her husband in South Africa and her perspective on science, healing, and history.

Host Amelia Hedley-Lemond interviews Yvonne Peterson, executive director of Beyond Visions Foundation, about her decades of nonprofit leadership, grant writing and training, and efforts to build local capacity across the U.S. Virgin Islands.

They discuss practical tips for aligning missions with funders, preparing competitive grant applications, the importance of collaboration, and special education approaches (including IEPs and lessons from Finland). Beyond Visions Foundation is located on both St. Thomas and Croix, and their phone number is (340)-714-2830.

Archie Jennings and Shammi Carr discuss National Disability Employment Awareness Month, explaining employer-focused resources such as ODEP, JAN, EARN, and EEOC guidance on reasonable accommodation and return-to-work strategies.

They also outline services for job seekers and beneficiaries — Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Labor, Ticket to Work, Island Therapy Solutions, and My Brother’s Workshop — and share how DRCVI supports employers and employees in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information contact DRCVI or visit drcvi.org.