The podcast is a collaboration between Madison Commons, the UW-Madison School of Journalism & Mass Communication, and Root 2 Rise. Called Seeds of Leadership, these episodes highlight the mission and impact of a solutions-focused, Madison-based Root 2 Rise, a nonprofit empowering youth through mentorship, guidance, and leadership in schools. Each of these episodes features an individual who has been impacted or involved in the program in some way, sharing their stories, and showcasing the power of supporting young leaders in our community. Special thanks to Joe Thigpen of Root2Rise with SJMC students Mia Salbego and Maggie Cleary who created this series. Posted with permission from Denise Hanson, director of Root2Rise.
Table of Contents below:
Episode 1
Contributors: Joe Thigpen and Martina SanCristobal.
Description: Martina SanCristobal, who completed the Root 2 Rise program in 2023, shares her story and reflects on her experience with the organization.
Episode 2
Contributors: Joe Thigpen and guest, Olivia.
Description: Host Joe Thigpen is joined by alumni, Olivia, speaking on finding her passion for teaching and navigating her career path.
Episode 3
Contributors: Joe Thigpen, Mya Patterson, and Dexter Patterson.
Description: Dexter Patterson, founder of BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin and full-time faculty member of UW-Madison, along with his daughter Mya, shares insight on how Root 2 Rise impacted their family in a positive way.
Episode 4
Contributors: Joe Thigpen, Daniel and guest.
Description: Alumni Daniel and guest share their experiences with their involvement with Root 2 Rise, where they are now, and their hopes for the future of the program.
Episode 5
Contributors: Joe Thigpen and Chenise.
Description: Chenise, an alumni that was apart of the first Root 2 Rise cohort in 2017, shares her experience with Root 2 Rise along with her support for how she envisions the program’s future success.
