2022 Mentor Speaker Series – Culturally Responsive Mentoring and Strategies
September 29, 2022
6:30-7:30 p.m. EST
Workshop Details:
An exploration of youth development through culturally responsive hands-on activities that positively impact students’ sense of belonging and promote inclusivity in a classroom, workplace, or at home. In this workshop, we will lead participants through an exploration of culturally responsive strategies, using creativity to foster positive mindsets across disciplines, age groups, and the role creative youth development plays in achieving greater justice and equity in education. Participants will understand the definition of intersectional mentorship, what’s happening with our brains now, and practical applications of culturally responsive strategies.
Facilitators:
James Miles worked as an educator in the New York City public schools for almost 20 years prior to moving to Seattle in 2016. Before joining Mentor Washington as Chief Executive Officer, Miles served as the Executive Director of Seattle-based Arts Corps. Originally from Chicago, Miles has worked internationally as an artist and educator, who was inspired to foment change after seeing so many children that looked like him, get disregarded and treated like criminals by our educational systems. His acclaimed TedX Talk focuses on his mission to narrow achievement gaps using the arts as a tool to navigate inequitable educational systems. Miles is a Mayoral Appointee to the Seattle Arts Commission, a Trustee on the Board of the Frye Museum, and on the advisory board of SXSW EDU. A former accountant, model, and actor, Miles has facilitated workshops and designed curriculum for the New Victory Theater, Roundabout Theatre, Disney Theatrical Group, Village Theatre, Arts Impact, Denver Performing Arts Center, Impact Schools, and others. Previously an adjunct professor at NYU, James taught a myriad of classes, ranging from Acting and Directing to EdTech and Special Education. A graduate of Morehouse College and Brandeis University, James has presented at SXSW EDU, NYU’s IMPACT Festival, NYU Shanghai, New York Creative Tech Week, EdTechXEurope, Google Educator Bootcamp, UAEM North America, UAEM Europe, National Guild, ITAC, and provided professional development to teachers across the world. His work has been featured by Pie News, New Profit, Complex Magazine, National Guild, Seattle Times, KOMO, KEXP, NPR, CBS, NBC, US Department of Education, and ASCD. James is a consultant with Continua Consulting, and is the co-founder of LeadersDontLead.com, a leadership coaching agency. Learn more about James Miles and his work at www.freshprofessor.com
Since 2012, Laura Mendoza has worked alongside youth, families, and communities focusing on creating programs that empower, nurture, and provide connection and belonging for youth, focusing on those experiencing homelessness, involved in the juvenile justice system, and as a school partner. Prior to moving to Seattle to work with MENTOR Washington, Laura was a part of various non-profits in both Salt Lake City and Dallas where her ability to build strong relationships fueled the creation of spaces and programs that helped young people to be heard, grow, and thrive in their communities. Laura is a Texan at heart and is passionate about her University of Alabama roots (ROLL TIDE)! Being active and spending time in nature with her husband and 6-year-old boxer give her life and energy. Laura earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington and believes that consistent, authentic, and supportive adult connections will help youth change their worlds.
This workshop is open to all Tuesday’s Children Mentors. To register, please RSVP at jillian@tuesdayschildren.org.
