In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Danoff-Burg, an Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, to explore the critical intersection between human behavior and biodiversity preservation.

Dr. Danoff-Burg shares powerful insights on how community-led conservation is reshaping the future of environmental sustainability. From his work with the Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change (CSS–BC) to global partnerships with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he emphasizes how social science and behavioral change are essential to protecting ecosystems worldwide.

We discuss inspiring examples like the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa—an unarmed, all-female team redefining conservation through education—and The Living Desert’s initiatives in Southern California that promote sustainability and environmental awareness among youth.

Join us as we dive into the power of collaboration, the role of education in conservation, and the importance of hope in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

https://www.livingdesert.org/

In this special episode, we sit down with Taliah Givens, Senior Director of UNCF’s Student Professional Development Programs, and Jaydon Molando, a graduating senior from Morehouse College, to explore the transformative power of the 15th Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC).

The 2025 SLC will convene nearly 140 high-achieving HBCU students for an immersive, real-world career prep experience. From high-impact business simulations and mentorship “speed dating” to a student-led podcast production track, this year’s expanded curriculum is all about preparing students not just for jobs—but for purpose-driven leadership.

Taliah, an engineer turned workforce strategist, shares how she has helped design and lead more than 40 internship programs serving over 1,600 students nationwide. She also speaks candidly about her journey from Paterson, NJ to the forefront of youth and career development.

Jaydon reflects on how SLC opened doors that the classroom alone couldn’t—especially as a student-athlete juggling academics and sports. His internship with BD through the program has positioned him for post-grad success and personal growth.

Learn more by visiting https://uncf.org/pages/uncf-spdp-student-leadership-conference-slc

In this compelling episode, I had the honor to speak with Ms. Michelle Jones Galvin, where we discussed her ancestry as a descendant of Harriet Tubman. The conversation explores how preserving African American history through institutions like the Harriet Tubman Home and National Historical Park shapes national identity and informs our understanding of American history. Topics include the importance of local government involvement in historical preservation, the intersection of race and gender in museum storytelling, and the power of Tubman's legacy. Ms. Jones Galvin also reflects on how cultural institutions can support modern-day advocacy, entrepreneurship, and education, especially for women of color.

Learn more by visiting www.mosesofherpeople.com