In this episode of the WWN podcast, Kate talks with artist, traveler and teacher Sontina Reid about her creative process, how she aims to bring order out of chaos, where she finds hope and inspiration, and the importance of speaking the truth in challenging times. Enjoy! This conversation has been edited to beep out some […]
As a high school student, John Wessel-McCoy witnessed sweeping strikes at three of the four large manufacturing plants in his hometown of Decatur, Illinois. Observing who came out on top, who stood together, and where power came from would later inform John’s own work and life. He engaged in organizing work in places like Chicago, […]
On this episode of the Western Wayne News podcast, Kate talks with Nathan Hogg, a sophomore at Indiana University East. Nathan reflects on being in the workforce from a young age, being held up and supported by various members of the community who have become his mentors, and growing a culture of inclusivity on the […]
“We all have a struggle. We all have a challenge. You’re not going to get from birth to the grave without dealing with a hardship. And we all share that.” In this episode of the WWN podcast, Dr. Erika Brandenstein talks with Kate about creating welcoming and supportive local spaces for women of all ages […]
In this episode of the WWN podcast, host Kate Jetmore chats with Rebecca Gilliam, executive director of the Wayne County Foundation, about her journey of returning to her hometown of Richmond, and the deep sense of community that drew her back. Rebecca shares her experience of becoming a mother through adoption and how it shaped […]
Dana North grew up in a huge family with a mother who knew how to cook for a crowd. Her mom also was known to feel her way through a recipe, and by watching and experimenting Dana picked up her own culinary skills. These days, Dana Bakes Gluten Free can be found every week at […]
When Pamela Zelaya looks back on her early years growing up in Peru, what stands out most for her is a sense of connection — with her extended family, her classmates and the local community. Her passion for building bridges and facilitating connection shines through in her work as a Latin American advocate and Spanish […]
When Ali Carter’s father passed away in 2016, she embarked on a journey of discovery. After a DNA test confirmed family rumors that her paternal grandfather was a light-skinned Black man who had changed his name and passed for a white person, Ali’s thoughts on race evolved. In this episode of the WWN podcast, Kate […]
Kate first discovered Henry Freeman when her husband received one of Henry’s handmade knives as a gift. It is now a treasured possession in their home, and they use it every single day. When Kate sat down to talk to Henry for this episode of the Western Wayne News podcast, he described the satisfaction he […]
For Roxie Deer, the line between community and family has never been a clear one. Growing up in Richmond, she was surrounded by her mother, her grandparents, and a whole bevy of aunts and uncles. A “family tree” project at school revealed that many of these people were not blood relatives, but it made no […]
