In this inspiring episode of "Builders," we engage with J'Neil Gibson, a passionate Program Coordinator at Youthworks in North Dakota. J'Neil is fervently dedicated to supporting marginalized youth, focusing on those who are struggling, homeless and at-risk. Our conversation dives deep into the essence of J'Neil's work: forging strong relationships as the cornerstone of empowering young lives.

We explore the three innovative programs J'Neil helps to lead, each crafted to elevate and provide essential resources to these young individuals. J'Neil recounts inspiring stories and experiences from this mission, emphasizing the vital role of empathy, understanding, and support in making a real difference.

Furthermore, we delve into J'Neil's role in the Umoja Writing Workshops (UWW), a comprehensive 16-week leadership program. J'Neil discusses how UWW not only enhances writing abilities but also cultivates leadership skills and a sense of belonging among its participants.

This episode of "Builders" is a compelling listen for anyone passionate about youth advocacy, community engagement, and the transformative power of positive relationships in fostering change. Join us in discovering the challenges, victories, and relentless commitment of J'Neil Gibson in his endeavor to empower the youth of North Dakota.

Welcome to the Builders Podcast, where we engage in thought-provoking conversations with inspiring individuals who are making a real impact and helping to build a more trustworthy world. In this episode, we're joined by Shannon Watson, the Founder and Executive Director of Majority in the Middle.

With over two decades of experience in electoral politics, she has advised candidates and worked on campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota. Her commitment to bridging the political divide and fostering constructive dialogue is evident in her work.

But Shannon's impact extends beyond politics. She has held key policy and public affairs roles at prominent organizations, including the Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. Her diverse experiences have given her a unique perspective on the intersection of policy, advocacy, and leadership.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shannon is an op-ed writer who shares valuable information, and combat online trolling. Her dedication to building a more civil and informed online discourse is truly commendable.

Shannon's dedication to community and leadership has not gone unnoticed. She was a member of the MYALP cohort in 2022 and a Humphrey Policy Fellow from 2020 to 2021. Her efforts have earned her recognition as an #MNCivicLeader by the Citizens League and a spot on the MinneInno 50 On Fire list.

Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She currently resides in Minneapolis, where she continues to drive change and build bridges in her community.

Join us in this enlightening conversation with Shannon Watson as we explore her remarkable journey and the important work she's doing through Majority in the Middle. To learn more about Shannon and her organization, visit [Majority in the Middle](https://www.majoritymiddle.com/shannon-watson). Don't miss this inspiring episode of the Builders Podcast!

**Spotlight Interview with Kurt Russell, 2022 National Teacher of the Year**

Join us as we sit down with Kurt Russell, the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, a dedicated educator with 25 years of enriching the minds of students at Oberlin High School in Oberlin, Ohio. Journey with us through Kurt's inspiring story, from the day he was deeply impacted by his early inspirations to his passion-driven efforts to make classrooms a reflection of the diverse identities of the students they serve.

Discover the world of his classroom, where subjects like African American history come alive, and delve into his groundbreaking course on Race, Gender, and Oppression. We'll also explore his role as faculty advisor for the  Black Student Union and how their initiatives have made waves of positive change for students of all backgrounds.

But Kurt's influence doesn't stop at the classroom door. As the head coach for Oberlin's varsity basketball team, he seamlessly merges sports with education, teaching young athletes about teamwork, resilience, and growth.

With accolades from the Oberlin Heritage Center, NAACP, and various basketball associations, Kurt’s commitment to excellence is evident. And with degrees from the College of Wooster and Ashland University, as well as ongoing studies at Oakland City University, Kurt's lifelong commitment to learning is nothing short of inspiring.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with a true beacon of the teaching profession!

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In this episode of the Builders Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Delson Saintal (@dsaintal1 on Instagram), the remarkable founder of Xperience Barbers, a venture that has been making an impact in the Fargo-Moorhead area since its inception in 2021.

Having successfully expanded to the vibrant Detroit Lakes location in 2022, Delson's impact continues to grow. However, his aspirations reach beyond the realm of business alone. As a part-owner of Dakota Barber Academy, he actively contributes to the development and education of aspiring barbers, passing on his invaluable knowledge and passion to the next generation.

A graduate of Concordia College, Delson's journey is deeply rooted in his dedication to personal growth, continuous learning, and positively influencing those around him. 

To delve deeper into Delson's remarkable journey, we highly recommend reading the blog entry titled "Let's Cut to the Good Stuff" on the StartupBREW blog, where his innovative business model and determination to make a positive impact are eloquently highlighted.

Join us on the Builders Podcast as we gain invaluable insights from this inspiring entrepreneur. Delson Saintal's  story will leave you inspired and motivated to make a difference in your own sphere of influence.

Make sure to subscribe and share this podcast with a friend. For more information about the Lorentzsen Center, please click the link below: 

https://www.lorentzsencenter.com/

Welcome to the Builders Podcast, brought to you by the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work. In each episode, we dive deep into the stories of people who are building organizations, businesses, and movements that are helping to build a more trustworthy world. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of Amy Longtin, the founder and CEO of Tech4Kids.

Amy Longtin is a trailblazer who has combined her entrepreneurial spirit and tech expertise with a passion for improving the lives of children. With Tech4Kids, she has created an organization that harnesses the power of technology to enhance education and foster creativity in young minds. 

In this captivating podcast episode, Amy Longtin shares her personal and professional experiences, offering insights into the challenges she faced while building Tech4Kids from the ground up. 

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, a parent looking for innovative educational solutions, or simply curious about the incredible journey of a changemaker, the Builders Podcast is your gateway to wisdom and insight. Amy Longtin's incredible story will inspire you to dream big, embrace challenges, and build a better future for generations to come. 

To learn more about Tech4Kids and the incredible work Amy Longtin is doing, visit their website at tech4kidsfgo.com. Tune in to the Builders Podcast and be inspired by the remarkable individuals who are shaping the world we live in.

Introducing our latest podcast episode, where we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Ken Foster, professor of political science and Director of Community Engagement. In this episode, we explore the release of Concordia College's Climate Action Plan. 

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Foster provides valuable insights and perspectives on this critical topic, drawing on his considerable experience in academia and community engagement. 

Tune in to our podcast to learn more about Concordia College's Climate Action Plan and join the conversation. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion with an expert practitioner in the field of political science and community engagement.

https://www.concordiacollege.edu/about/campus-sustainability/climate-action-plan/

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https://www.lorentzsencenter.com/

This week features Jenny Sheets, Director of Startup Programs at Emerging Prairie. Jenny's work focuses on energizing the startup community in Fargo-Moorhead. In that capacity, she leads StartupBREW, "A weekly meetup for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members to connect and explore the entrepreneurial journey." 

This week's conversation features Cory Hepola--high-impact communicator,  strategic connector, innovative storyteller, and founder of CSS Media+. Cory has received awards and commendations for his accomplishments as a Concordia College alum, television news anchor, and storyteller. Learn more about Cory at this link.

To learn more about the Lorentzsen Center for Faith and Work, click here.