Media Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler, carmen.chandler@csun.edu, (818) 677-2130
California State University, Northridge has launched a new podcast series, “Sustainability Stories” that highlights community leaders, educators, artists, entrepreneurs and community builders who are creating meaningful change.
“Our guests represent the everyday ‘superheroes’ whose commitment, creativity, and perseverance strengthen their communities,” said Sheila Lakshmi Steinberg, host of the podcast and director of CSUN’s Institute for Sustainabilityin the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. “Through stories connected to culture, the arts, education, music, workforce development, and the recent Hispanic Heritage concert in Boyle Heights, the podcast explores how local leaders turn ideas into action.”
In honor of Latinx/a/o/e Heritage Month, inaugural episodes of the podcast feature conversations with Amanda Quintero, senior advisor to CSUN President Erika D. Beck for inclusive excellence and equity innovation officer for the CSUN’s Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub; Veronica Montoya, senior director of HSI national initiatives at the Global HSI Equity Innovation Hub; Juliana Alvarez, manager of community engagement at the Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya); Marc “Mookie” Kaczor, program director for 88.5-FM The SoCal Sound; and David Gonzalez, a President of the Hispanic Outreach Taskforce, which aims to improve the quality of life of Hispanics and the community through programs in education, health, economic development, financial literacy and the cultural arts.
A central message runs throughout the series, Steinberg said, “meaningful change begins with resilience, self-belief, useful skills, and strong networks.”
“By sharing local knowledge and cultural experiences, ‘Sustainability Stories’ demonstrates that sustainability is not only about the environment—it is also about empowering people, preparing students for opportunity, and building communities where everyone can thrive,” she continued.
‘Sustainability Stories’ invites listeners to recognize their own ability to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future, she said.
Episodes of ‘Sustainability Stories’ can be found on the Institute for Sustainability’s website and CSUN’s YouTube podcast channel CSUN Conversations @ Cal State Northridge.
