I am so proud to welcome my samba mama, my mestra to the podcast to reflect on the spirituality of samba. She is a deeply rooted and radiant guest whose life work flows at the intersection of movement, memory, and Ancestral healing.

Jazz-Ylaine Baptiste is a second-generation dancer, Cultural Arts Educator, and Visionary Entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience in Brazilian Samba. She is the Founder and Director of Samba Journeys, a dance school and healing practice dedicated to honoring the roots of Samba through in-person and online classes, cultural immersions, and transformational retreats.

Her journey has taken her from stages across the U.S. and around the world, to the sacred grounds of Bahia, Brazil, where she lived for two years deepening her connection to Samba through the wisdom of the land and the stories of her Ancestors. It was there that Samba became magnified as a living portal to Ancestral remembrance and liberation.

Over the years, Jazz-Ylaine has trained, mentored, and nurtured countless dancers through schools she’s founded, including Alegria Samba Dance School, Samba Queens Academy, and now Samba Journeys. She’s also the Creator of the upcoming Rooted in Samba Summer Retreat, a sacred weekend immersion grounded in joy, community, and the spiritual medicine of Samba.

Whether she’s dancing, teaching, or holding space in ceremony, Jazz-Ylaine carries the heartbeat of her lineage in every step. Please join me in welcoming a true keeper of rhythm, roots and remembrance—Queen Jazz-Ylaine Baptiste.

Space is still available for this weekend's retreat. Sign up for it and other offerings at

https://www.sambajourneys.com/offerings

A companion piece to Episode 44, the cohost of Empowered Conversations with Elin and Christina, Dr. Christina Macalino discusses her spiritual journey and how prioritizing her values shapes all aspects of her life. We also discuss the importance of retreats for educators.

After a hiatus, the podcast returns for its final season with another special guest. I am joined by Dr. Elin Peinado Cervantes of Empowered Educational Conversations with Elin and Christina for a conversation about retreats for educators and how considering student wellness has shifted post pandemic.

Elin Peinado Cervantes has a rich and diverse background in education, spanning over 18 years as a high school counselor, assistant principal, CSUEB adjunct professor, and an Educational Consultant & School Leader Coach and currently serving as a COSA District Counselor. This extensive experience underscores Elin's expertise in educational leadership, counseling, and advocacy for effective school systems. She is also a mom and a book lover.