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"IDENTITY TALK 4 EDUCATORS LIVE" (IDTALK4ED LIVE)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #191- "A Cameroonian Teacher's Journey to Venezuela" (Ambola Colette Nchindo)
55:23
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #191- "A Cameroonian Teacher's Journey to Venezuela" (Ambola Colette Nchindo)

In this episode, I welcomed Ambola Colette Nchindo to the podcast to talk about her early upbringing in Cameroon, navigating the international school ecosystem as an African woman, living and working in Venezuela, and so much more! To learn more about Ambola's work, you can follow her on Instagram (@ambola1990) and LinkedIn. BIO: Ambola Colette Nchindo is a Cameroonian educator who comes with over 10 years of international teaching experience. She is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Examiner and currently serves the IB Economics & Business Teacher at Escuela Campo Alegre in Venezuela. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:06 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:07-4:30 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 4:31-6:47 - Introducing Ambola Colette Nchindo 6:48-12:14 - Inspiration for becoming an educator 12:15-17:57 - Ambola's Schooling Journey 17:58-21:07 - Ambola's Transition from Cameroon to Venezuela 21:08-21:44 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 21:45-34:12 - Living & Working in Venezuela 34:13-36:51 - Differences between Cameroonian & Venezuelan Schooling Experience 36:52-37:52 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 37:53-39:38 - Differences between Cameroonian & Venezuelan Schooling Experience (cont.) 39:39-44:21 - Managing Work Fatigue & Burnout Prevention 44:22- 52:10 - How to improve recruitment & retention of African teachers in international schools 52:11-53:36 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 53:37-54:38 - How to connect with Ambola 54:39-55:23 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #190 -"Redefining DEI Work & Black Expat Experience" (Katrina Daniels-Samasa)
01:09:00
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #190 -"Redefining DEI Work & Black Expat Experience" (Katrina Daniels-Samasa)

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing Katrina Daniels-Samasa, who opened up about her early upbringing in Detroit, her life as a Black expat and international educator, her perspectives on the term "DEI", motherhood, and so much more! To learn more about Katrina's work, you can follow her on Instagram (@black_americans_living_abroad) and LinkedIn. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:02 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:03-3:50 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:51-5:59 - Introducing Katrina Daniels-Samasa 6:00-8:46 - Inspiration for becoming an educator 8:47-13:17 - Katrina's K-12 Schooling Journey 13:18-20:22 - Early Years at Michigan State University & Early Abroad Experiences 20:23-21:23 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 21:24-33:26 - Black Americans Living Abroad (BALA) 33:27-44:33 - Katrina's Perspective on the term "DEI" (Part 1) 44:34-45:11 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 45:12-53:15 - Katrina's Perspective on the term "DEI" (Part 2) 53:16-1:05:30 - Motherhood; Neurodiversity in International Schools 1:05:31-1:06:39 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:06:40-1:07:07- How to connect with Katrina 1:07:08-1:09:00 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Katrina Daniels-Samasa has over 25 years experience in education and leadership working in suburban and inner city schools in the United States, rural and city areas in the United Arab Emirates, and in Jeju, South Korea. Her most recent overseas stint was in the UK to conduct informal research for a book. Her studies in Education and Sociology as an undergraduate and Curriculum and Instruction as a graduate paired with her life as an expatriate educator has helped to shaped her understanding of creating inclusive environments for students in the classrooms and schools she has worked in globally. Outside of teaching, Katrina is the founder of Black Americans Living Abroad (BALA), a thriving community of more than 11k members who represent over 100 countries across the globe. BALA is the first and oldest expatriate group dedicated to being a resource and experience sharing space for current Black American expats. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #189 - "The Black Gaze" (Dr. Kisha Porcher & Dr. Shamaine Bertrand)
01:04:19
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #189 - "The Black Gaze" (Dr. Kisha Porcher & Dr. Shamaine Bertrand)

In this episode, I had the honor of interviewing the dynamic duo of Dr. Kisha Porcher and Dr. Shamaine Bertrand, who are the hosts of the award-winning "Black Gaze" podcast! In our conversation, they opened up about her early childhood, the birth of the Black Gaze podcast, navigating the academic space as Black women, the importance of centering Blackness in teacher education spaces, and so much more! To learn more about their work, you can subscribe to the Black Gaze podcast on YouTube and follow them on Instagram (@blackgazepodcast). _________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:00 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:01-3:24 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:25-6:15 - Introducing Dr. Kisha Porcher ("Dr. P") & Dr. Shamaine Bertrand ("Dr. B") 6:16-11:44 - Who are your OGs in education? 11:45-19:58 - Dr. P & Dr. B's K-12 Schooling Journeys 19:59-20:58 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 20:59-26:08 - How Dr. P & Dr. B met; Beginning of academia journeys 26:09-32:10 - How academia journeys have shifted their perspectives as educators 32:11-39:51 - Academia Politics & Public Scholarship 39:52-40:29 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 40:30-45:52 - Birth & Evolution of the Black Gaze Podcast 45:53-59:00 - Unpacking the Politics of Academic Research 59:01-1:01:31 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 1:01:32-1:03:38 - How to connect with Dr. P & Dr. B 1:03:39-1:04:19 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Dr. Kisha Porcher is an associate professor of English at the University of Delaware. She is the co-creator/co-host of the Black Gaze Podcast. Her research focuses on three interrelated topics: centering Blackness in English education; best practices for being, learning and teaching focused equity and social justice; and community-engaged teacher education. Dr. Shamaine Bertrand is an associate professor of elementary education at The College of New Jersey. She is the co-creator/co-host of the Black Gaze Podcast. Dr. Bertrand’s research focuses in three primary areas: Preparing preservice to effectively teach and support Black students; Building school-university partnerships that center equity and antiracism; and Centering Blackness in Elementary Education. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #188 -"Prioritizing Student Voice & Teacher Self-Advocacy" (Eva Jean-Charles)
58:13
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #188 -"Prioritizing Student Voice & Teacher Self-Advocacy" (Eva Jean-Charles)

To kick off 2025 and the new season of the podcast, I had the honor of bringing Evalaurene Jean-Charles back on the podcast to talk about her evolution as an educator, marriage life, the growth of Black on Black Education, the need to center student voice in our schools, and much more! To learn more about Eva's work, you can go to the Black on Black Education website at blackonblackeducation.com or follow her on Instagram (@blackonblacked) and LinkedIn. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Timestamps: 0:00-1:09 - Welcome to IDTALK4ED LIVE 1:10-3:34 - Podcast Subscription Reminders & Learning to Relearn Promo 3:35-5:52 - Introducing Evalaurene Jean-Charles 5:53-8:54 - Who is Evalaurene Jean-Charles at this present moment? 8:55-13:05 - Marriage life & its impact on educator journey 13:06-17:43 - Embracing vulnerability & growth as an educator 17:44-18:43 - Identity Talk Consulting Promo 18:44-32:32 - Centering student voice in the classroom 32:33-39:54 - Teacher Action Board (Part 1) 39:55-40:32 - Thaddeus' Nature Notebook Promo 40:33-46:46 - Teacher Action Board (Part 2) 46:47-53:39 - Grief journey after Eva's mother's passing 53:40-55:17 - How do you stay true to the teacher in you? 55:18-57:24 - How to connect with Eva 57:25-58:13 - Thank Yous & Goodbyes BIO: Evalaurene Jean-Charles is a passionate educator, unapologetic advocate, and CEO & Co-Founder of Black on Black Education. Through her work, she helps schools tap into the power of student voice and student-centered practices to create classrooms that feel alive, joyful, and impactful. She is also a history teacher in the Bronx, where she loves on her students daily, reminding them that they are brilliant, worthy, and capable of changing the world. Her journey to education started at The Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services in Brooklyn, where she worked as a tutor and workshop leader for students navigating alternative sentencing programs. That experience lit a fire in her for educational equity and social justice—she realized how transformational education could be when it centers the voices of those often left out of the conversation. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies from the CUNY Graduate Center. Then, she leveled up her teaching game with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, earning Distinctions in 2022 (yes, she worked hard, and she's proud of it). Along the way, she has worn many hats, from facilitating public speaking workshops with Vocal Justice to rethinking what K-12 content should truly reflect as part of the reDesign K-12 Content Mapping Design Studio. She has spoken at conferences, sat on panels, and shared stages to challenge educators to center equity, empower students of color, and reimagine what’s possible in our schools. She also earned the "30 Under 30" Award from Ignite Caribbean. Through Black on Black Education, she is on a mission to help educators and schools not just survive but thrive. This work isn’t just her job—it’s her love letter to every student who deserves to walk into a classroom where they feel seen, heard, and valued. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #187 -"Maintaining Authenticity as an Educational Leader" (Iyabo Tinubu)
49:24
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #187 -"Maintaining Authenticity as an Educational Leader" (Iyabo Tinubu)

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Iyabo Tinubu for her very first podcast interview. In our conversation, she opens up about embracing her duality as a British-Nigerian, her early years as an international educator, her work as a DEIJ leader, transitioning from the classroom to administration, and much more! To learn more about Iyabo's work, you can follow her on LinkedIn. BIO: Iyabo Tinubu is a British Nigerian educator with extensive experience in international education. Currently at the International School of Beijing (ISB) as the Dean of Students, she has previously taught in London, Beijing, Singapore, and Berlin, where she also served as a DEIJ lead. Passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, Iyabo empowers young learners to become leaders and active contributors to global solutions. She is deeply involved in advocacy work with AIELOC. Outside of education, Iyabo enjoys yoga, music, dance, and traveling. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #186 - "Cultivating the Activist Spirit as a DEIJ Leader" (Dr. Darnell Fine)
48:15
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #186 - "Cultivating the Activist Spirit as a DEIJ Leader" (Dr. Darnell Fine)

In this week's episode, I had the chance to chat with Dr. Darnell Fine, who shared about his childhood in Atlanta, his early years as a teacher, and his growth as a DEIJ leader within the international school ecosystem. To learn more about Darnell's work, you can follow him on LinkedIn. BIO: Dr. Darnell Fine is the newly appointed High School Principal at Singapore American School (SAS). With academic credentials including a bachelor's degree from Brown University, a master’s from City University of London, and a doctorate from the University of Southern California, his career spans teaching, leadership, and global consultancy. Prior to joining SAS, Dr. Fine spent four years at the American School in London. His deep commitment to high-quality instruction, building strong relationships, and extensive recognition as a global thought leader in education make him a remarkable leader. He has consulted with the International Baccalaureate on curriculum review, developed advisory lessons for Emory University, and supported diverse applicants with the Council of International Schools. Additionally, he has worked with international school leadership teams to enhance systems that benefit all students. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #185 -"Cultivating Classroom Culture with Nonviolence Pedagogy" (Mike Tinoco)
52:45
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #184 - "Nurturing the Activist Spirit as an Intl Educator" (Yasmine Sadri)
56:50
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #184 - "Nurturing the Activist Spirit as an Intl Educator" (Yasmine Sadri)

This week's episode features Yasmine Sadri, who opens up about her early upbringing, being the daughter of Iranian immigrants in Belgium, transitioning from journalism to the education field, her evolution as an activist for refugees and young people from other marginalized communities, and much more! To learn more about Yasmine's work, you can follow her on Instagram (@yasmineandworld) and LinkedIn. BIO: Yasmine Sadri is a builder of bridges, using her background in media, international relations, humanitarian work, and education to promote peace and justice for children and other vulnerable groups worldwide. Currently at the International School of Geneva, Yasmine is an advisor, coach, and facilitator for several international institutions including the United Nations where she trains leadership from all over the world in transformative DEI. She is the daughter of two Iranian parents who left Iran in 1979. Since high school, Yasmine has been advocating for increased understanding of and support for Iranian youth and stories. Her thesis was on the depiction of Iran in United States media, shedding light on the different ways media are used to paint an image of countries and their people, often creating distance between citizens worldwide. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #183 - "Incorporating a DEIJ Lens to Mental Health Advocacy" (Khamisa Haugen)
50:24
Kwame Sarfo-Mensah (Identity Talk 4 Educators)

IDTALK4ED LIVE EPISODE #183 - "Incorporating a DEIJ Lens to Mental Health Advocacy" (Khamisa Haugen)

In this week's episode, I had the honor of interviewing my good friend Khamisa Haugen, who opened up about her early life as a refugee from South Sudan, adjusting to life in the United States, the ups and downs of her mental health journey, discovering her voice as an international educator, and so much more! To learn more about Khamisa's work, you can follow her on LinkedIn. BIO: Khamisa Haugen holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations and Development, with a minor in Sociology, and completed a Graduate Diploma in Psychotherapy and Counseling. She also holds a Professional Diploma in Psychotherapy, Hypnotherapy, and Counseling and is pursuing DEIJ Certification through the AIELOC/SUNY program. As a former refugee from South Sudan, her journey through displacement and resettlement has shaped her deep commitment to mental health advocacy and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Throughout her career, Khamisa has worked with vulnerable populations, from adults with disabilities to students in international schools. Her work, including roles at UWCSEA East, focuses on fostering resilience, inclusion, and well-being. Khamisa’s professional goal is to integrate her mental health training with DEIJ work to create environments where everyone can thrive, personally and professionally. Khamisa provides counselling services focused on addressing thoughts and emotions, helping clients break free from unhealthy patterns, and managing moods and behaviors for both adults and adolescents. Her therapeutic approach is inclusive, structured, and flexible to meet the client's need. She believes building genuine therapeutic relationship and fostering empathy are crucial to achieving desired outcome in therapy. Khamisa is passionate about supporting clients through challenging life events, relationship issues, mental health concerns, self-esteem challenges, anxiety, life transitions, time management, and more. She skillfully integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and in-person Hypnotherapy interventions, tailoring her approach to meet each client's unique needs. LINKS: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/identitytalk4educatorslive/ Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/identity-talk-4-educators-live/id1509599570 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/23k0HRkXxi1OJSahtqS7xO Google Podcasts - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8xMDNjZGQ2Yy9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiA6NSi6rT1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en
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