- PA Conference for Women: Get ready for the Pennsylvania Conference for Women in Philadelphia on November 7th! Learn about empowering workshops, inspiring speakers, and networking with over 10,000 women.
- Website: www.PAConferenceforWomen.org
- Social Media: @pennwomen (Instagram, formerly Twitter), Pennsylvania Conference for Women (Facebook)
- Women Who Inspire: Meet Dean Wen Mao from the Villanova School of Business, featured in our "Women Who Inspire" series (part of our PA Conference for Women partnership).
- Villanova School of Business:
- Website: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/business.html
- Social Media: @VU_Business (Twitter), @villanovabusiness (Instagram), Villanova School of Business (Facebook), Villanova School of Business (Linkedin)
- Villanova School of Business:
- Philly Loves Fresh: Loraine visits the corner of 63rd and Spruce to explore Philly Loves Fresh, a program providing affordable produce to under-resourced communities. She speaks with:
- Abdul Jabbar - Owner/Operator, Soul Glo Produce Truck
- Ousmane Diarra - Produce Truck Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health)
- Jennifer (Aquilante) Robinson - Food Policy Coordinator (Philadelphia Dept. of Public Health)
- Website: https://foodfitphilly.org/phillylovesfresh/
- Social Media: @gethealthyPHL (Twitter & Instagram), @soul_glo__healthy_lifestyle (Instagram)
- Work Ready Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Fulton, a summer Work Ready student, as he interviews an Eagle Scout role model!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
I talk about The Trace.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
This morning, an important news site focusing on America's gun
violence crisis. I speak with Philadelphia staff reporter and Mansadan
about potential solutions for safer communities. I'm delighted to share
an interview by one of my Summer work Ready students,
Jonathan Fulton, as he interviews an Eagle.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Scout and role model.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
But first, I traveled to a very busy corner of
sixty third and Spruce to talk about a program that
offers fresh, affordable produce to under resourced neighborhoods. I have
more fruits and vegetables in my diet because I understand
that that's so important to be healthy. But sometimes it's
difficult to get adequate and affordable fruits and vegetables. That's
(00:46):
where the Philly Loves Fresh program comes in, and we're
going to talk to some folks. Are going to tell
us all about us. First of all, tell us who
you are.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Hello.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
I'm Abdul Jabbar. I'm the owner of Soblill Happy Lifestyle.
We're promoting Philly Loves Fresh Food. Alternatives in your neighborhood,
local producers, growers, farmers, and access access to fresh fruits
and vegetables in your neighborhood.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Why is it so important for folks to have more
fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
It's very important to maintain a healthy diet that consists
of fruits and vegetables to regulate your blood pressure, to
mainshame your health, all your bibles, get all the minerals
and all the health benefits that you need besides eating
junk food. And it just tastes real to do.
Speaker 5 (01:26):
Yeah, very cool.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Let's talk to someone else involved. Tell us who you are.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Hi.
Speaker 6 (01:30):
Everyone, my name is Lusman. I'm Wonderful Water Project. I
started as a young kid. I used to always go
to potence trucks, but eventually I started to see things
with disappearing and then when I got the opportunity to
work with healthy Cards.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Now, let's talk to the Philadelphia Department of Health, which
is sort of in partnership with these wonderful food truck folks.
Tell us who you are and why this campaign Philly
Loves Fresh is why it's here.
Speaker 7 (01:53):
Yeah, sure, my name is Jen. I'm with the Health
Department and the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.
And we started this initiative with Dusman Yara, who is
a Public Health AmeriCorps Service member working with us and
told us about the importance of produce trucks to him
growing up and how important they were as a access
point for healthy crush food in his neighborhood. So we thought,
(02:17):
let's look into this and see how we can promote
and support produce trucks because they typically don't get a
lot of support from the city, So how can we
make sure that they're out there getting promoted and people
know that they're there and that they have their licenses
by the city, and that they provide a lot of
good quality produce at more affordable prices sometimes. So it's
(02:40):
part of our broader efforts to promote and support access
to fresh, healthy, affordable foods in the city. It's one
of several initiatives we're working on to improve the food
environment and increase access to healthy food.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
All right, well, let's go back to some of their
food truck fellas, and so you really saw need for
fresh fruits and vegetables in the community. Both of you
now It's not only that you're bringing the fresh fruits
and vegetables. You're talking to people, You're informing them, you're
educating them as well.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (03:11):
An educated consumer a consumer is a great consumer. So
we retain information on products and fruits and vegetables to
help with health needs, dietary restrictions, improvements in your diet,
or just just eating a healthy lifestyle. So we definitely
have a lot of information when it comes to the
fruits and vegetables that I provide, and I definitely open
(03:32):
to any questions or any concerns anybody has in regards
to fruits and vegetables or to changing their diet.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Okay, how often are you here on this corner or
do you move around a different parts.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Of the city.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
I'm located on sixty third and Spruce in West Philadelphia
every day from eleven to seven. We sell produce all
year round. I sell watermelons all the way into February.
We open the season in April and we sell until
February seated watermelons on this corner here, sixty third is Spruce.
We located and also have a truck behind us, and
we keep seated on Just see the grape seed, banana
(04:03):
seeded levements who specialize in seated fruits all year round.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Right, and what about you are where are you located?
Speaker 6 (04:10):
So I'm not a posed for an operator. What I
do is that I facilitate access to these trucks and
with that the inside there's like these one truck those
trucks all over the city and they are strategically located
in the places where people need in the most if
busu stores are high or there's no access to like
fresh produce.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
So yeah, that's great. Well, that's important because there's so
many food deserts in our communities with lack of access
to healthy food, a lot of junk food that tends
to sometimes be cheaper than the produce. So it's nice
to have an affordable option. Getting back to our representative
from the health department, So if people want to know
(04:47):
where these trucks are located and also any more information
about how important it is to add more fruits and
vegetables in your diet, how do they get more information? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (04:56):
Sure, you can go to our website www dot food
Fit Build and you'll find general information there about our
other initiatives, and there's a page specifically for Philly Loves Fresh,
and you'll find info about our initiative, a map of
where the chucks are located, an individual highlights.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
About each of the operators, fresh fruits and vegetables all
available to check it out at affordable prices. Because we
know that in our community we're dying of high blood pressure, diabetes,
and a whole bunch of illnesses that are preventable and
treatable with great diets. So it's very important for all
of us to put a little more vegetables, a little
(05:37):
more fruits and our diets because that's going to help
us be healthy. Right, okay, right, see you here sixty
third and Spruce Cobs Creek Parkway and don't be late.
Plus there are lots of other locations.
Speaker 7 (05:53):
Check out that website, which is www dot Foodfitphilly dot
org slash Philly loves Fresh.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
I love it, See us soon.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
Did you know that everyday conversations can help your children
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When you get excited about pointing and counting or comparing shapes,
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The good news is that math is everywhere. Counting their
(06:25):
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tips and guides to transform everyday moments into magical moments.
(06:48):
For math, that's talking is teaching dot org, slash resources
slash math. Talking is teaching dot org slash resources slash math.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
The election in November will impact our economic opportunities, our healthcare,
and big issues like immigration, infrastructure, and education. Voting lets
politicians know Phillies, paying attention the well being of your community.
Our community, the future of Philadelphia, and the future of
the country are at stake. Find voter guides reporting about
(07:23):
how the November election will affect Philadelphia and ways to
engage in your community. At every Voice, Dash, every vote,
dot org, you're listening to what's going on. We are
absolutely thrilled to once again be a media sponsor for
the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that
(07:44):
holds an annual conference to advance women and allies professional
and personal development. It is happening on November seventh at
the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and a ticket that you buy
for this one person event also qualifies you for the
National Conference for Women, which is happening in March March fifth,
(08:04):
during Women's History Month. Well as part of our partnership
with the Pennsylvania Conference, we're very pleased to provide something
we called Women who Inspire, extraordinary women who are making
a huge difference in our lives, in our communities and
in the world. And joining us right now is Dean
when Mao, Doctor Dean when Mao. She serves as the
(08:26):
Helen and William O'Toole, Dean of the Villanova School of
Business and a faculty member of the Economics department. Now
very nice to meet you, a doctor Mao. And I
was very interested to read in your biography that you're
very supportive of the teaching part of what you do,
because so often in academics there's such an emphasis on
(08:48):
research and that sort of end of things, but you
believe that education is key. Tell us more.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Thank you, Lauren for having me here. It's a pleasure.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Villanova has always the history of student centric education, so
all that we do has a student in the center. Yes,
we do support faculty research, don't get me around. That's
a very important piece of academic But really when it
boils down to is why we are all here is
(09:20):
to educate our student that as Villanova has developed and
grown over the years, that piece of history has remained
and it's been very very.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Strong part of what we do. When I was recruited in.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
Nineteen ninety five and it's still the same right now.
We would invite faculty candidate to come and give a talk,
and so they would do a research seminar, as they
always do in almost all universities and for a faculty position.
But what's unique to Vilenova and maybe not that many
schools that I know of, is we also ask the
(09:58):
faculty candidate to come teach a live class.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Oh wow, I know right, it was.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
I was very nervous when I was a young professional,
like just coming out of a PhD program, and that
was pretty nerve wracking for someone who's never done that before.
I think that says who we are and what's important
to Villanova. A few years later, after I was hired
and one of the senior faculty members asked me, Hey,
(10:26):
when did you know why we hired you? And I
said I had no idea. I was so nervous in
that class. He says, you know what, in all your nervousness,
as you were teaching, and you've noticed the front row
student couldn't see your writing. I'm short, so write the
second half of the board. And there is a podium
that blocks the view of the front row student, and
(10:47):
you removed it from your desk so that the student
can't see. Now, you just lost your textbook to as
you're trying to teach. That's why we hired you, because
you care, because you're noticed.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
That is a very I think that's still the case.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
That's very much our tradition, and we have some amazing
researcher and scholars here, but we all have one thing
in common that is commitment to teach you to our student.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
I'd be very interested to hear a little more about
your origin story. You mentioned how you were selected to
apply and then you were put on the spot and
you apparently passed with flying colors. But for every woman
who goes through and navigates their career, their ups and
downs and challenges, things can be somewhat different in academics
(11:33):
than it is in the corporate world. But I'm very
curious to see what do you say were some of
the qualities that you brought to your career that has
helped you move up in your career.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
I would say, be open minded, don't have a sixth
version of what a great teacher is like or what
a great leader is like.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
I used to be like that. Oh, to be a
good teacher you have to be a certain type.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
Or to be a department chair you have to be
a certain type, or to be a dean, you have
to be a certain type. They come in different shapes
and sizes, and everybody has different leadership style approach to
teaching a class.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
You need to find what works for you.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Once you find that, you could be your genuine self
and do a good job. I think that is what
worked for me, and in a few critical moment of
my career, I was fortunate enough to have the right
advice from people around me, from colleagues, friends, mentors who.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Believed in me to say you could do this. Yes,
it doesn't have to be exactly like that. You could
do it your own way.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
And I think find your own voice is very important
your own style.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
Well, you talk about the importance of having that support system,
and the theme for this year's conference is power and unity,
and I think for me and my personal advancement, women
have always been a very strong support system for me,
as well as men. In addition, but I wonder if
you can talk a little bit about the idea of
power immunity and how that's helped you elevate your own
(13:15):
career and the careers of others.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
That's such a good question that the unity is really
part of the Villanova ethos. We have a very strong
shared value here in Villanova. To me personally, I view
that as being a part of something bigger and greater
than just yourself.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
It took me years to realize why I was drawn
to Villanova.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Initially, I just attributed that initially to the warmth of
the community. It's very inviting, it's welcoming, people are kind
and nice, which is all true. But over the years
I've learned that what really makes this place such a
strong community is that shared values. Years I've had my
(14:01):
share of support from all colleagues.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
As you said, men and women.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
You ask women, I would just say in the very beginning,
I was very surprised, in a pleasant way, how many
women were in the economics department. That wasn't in nineteen
ninety five when I was hired. That clearly wasn't the
case in many of the departments across the country.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
And not just that. I think what's really.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Important is the support we have for one another, the
genuine excitement when one events, when one has a publication,
when one did a good job with anything at all,
we celebrate. So you have that, and early on as
an assistant professor, I was extremely protected, I would say,
by all my colleagues, particularly female colleagues in the department.
(14:51):
They gave me, with the support of department chair, the easy,
convenient teaching schedule, the lighter service load that I could
grow I could advance. I love that, and so naturally,
when it was my turn to be the department chair,
I felt I have to say yes, because the culture
(15:13):
here is about paying forward. Right now, You've had all
the advantage and privilegious from others before me, and they
protected me. Now it's my turn to protect the younger
faculty member. And that's been the culture of the department
and the college, and that's what I love most about
this place, so it's I always say, it's not just
(15:33):
the place to work.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
It's home. I love that we protect our y'all.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
Well.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Villanova's School of Business is a supporter of the Pennsylvania
Conference for Women, and in fact, some members of your
team your faculty, will be on a panel that I
will actually be moderating reinventing your career portfolio. And I
wonder if you could talk to a woman who's thinking
about an advanced degree but is worried about the time
(15:58):
that it would take in order to commit to that.
If you are in fact a working professional, what are
some thoughts on that.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
I will start with honesty, which is what I appreciate
most of the advice that I have received in my career.
It's a lot of work, so I don't want to
give anybody illusion that it's not that much work.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
It is a lot of work. However it can be done.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
So first entering with the mindset that it will be
a lot of work. In addition to your job, now
you are adding an a juditional piece to your life.
However it can be managed. First, I would say, pick
a program that is flexible. Flexible in the sense of
scheduleible in terms of course delivery method so that you
(16:41):
could manage better. Right. So Villonovo, for example, our MBA
program is aimed at working professionals, so clearly we design
it in such a way that we know this is
for someone who has a job.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
So that's number one.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
So don't just look at the website, but really talk
to people who are in the program, who have graduated recently,
who knows just how flexible that is.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And two I would.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
Say is pick a program that has a curriculum design
that's practical. So if you could apply to what you
learned the night before in class the next day in
your work, it helps, right.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Because you need to juggle.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
If you could immediately apply, that helps your career and
that's worthwhile, so that instant return on investment. So you
need a program that teach practical knowledge and skill that's
more tuned into the industry rather than very theoretical. A
big chunk of this is really your peers, right. You're
learning from your peers and you're relying on your network.
(17:42):
So find a program that has a very broad and
strong network. Sometimes a network could be very proud but
not strong, so you don't get that kind of support system.
That you are looking for right find a program that
has a value system that will support you beyond graduation,
that network would just be there for you for life.
(18:03):
I think those are the things I'll be looking for
if I were to look for a graduate program.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Fantastic and finally and very quick, don't mind sharing something
you're looking forward to in this upcoming Pennsylvania conference for women.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
In addition to amazing, you guys always always have these
amazing programs that speakers and very inspirational. In addition to that,
I'm looking forward to meeting many many women in the
program because every year you have tons.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
It's overwhelming sometimes so many you have.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
And one thing that we're really excited about is to
provide the support, provide the professional advice to women who
attend the program. We have booths for career coaching or
professional headshots or resume review.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So if you're listening, who.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
Are all the women out there who will be attending,
please visit us at the boose. I think I think
last year or the year before, we had over seven
hundred hatshells that we provide for. Yes, Lyne is long,
but it's worthwhile.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
I was one of those people in that line, which
was very long, but it went very quickly. So it's
really awesome to be able to get a headshot to
get your resume looked over, because you always need that
fresh eye to look at your resume. Thank you so much.
We're looking forward to participation in the Pennsylvania Conference for Women,
which is happening on November seventh, Thursday, and the tickets
(19:34):
are on sale. They also give folks the opportunity to
be at the all day National Conference for Women which
is taking place on March fifth. That is virtually and
for more information, you can go to PA Conference for
Women dot org de mal. If people want more information
about the Villanova School of Business, how do they find out.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
More ww dot Villanova dot edu and we're at the
first landing page the Physics school.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
You can't easily find us there.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Fantastic doctor wyn Mao who is the Helen and William
o'tool Dean of the Villanova School of Business and faculty
member of the Economics Department at Villanova. Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Thank you.
Speaker 8 (20:20):
There are many programs provided for our youth to help
and serve and to grow. I'm John and Foe and
they work ready student at iHeartMedia. And today we have
our first Eagle Scout from e Noon Chapernaco Baptist Church
in Philadelphia. Here from Troop one twenty six. Here today
we have is Davon Bird. How are you doing today?
Speaker 9 (20:37):
I'm good? Are you good?
Speaker 1 (20:38):
So?
Speaker 8 (20:39):
I have this one question for you. How was scouting
like when you were younger?
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Oh?
Speaker 9 (20:43):
Man, it was it was great. I mean just the
youth leadership and also the adult leadership, the two of
them working in tandem and just kind of seeing things.
It's like this really really young scout in like what
first grade, second grade, and just seeing how these guys
have progressed, you know, it was e s truly inspiration
to see how they've given them back to youth. And
also having my own here and how they leave the
entire troop together, I street something to behold.
Speaker 8 (21:04):
Okay, have you had any goals? Have you ever had
a mindset for like a goal that you had when
you were a young scout.
Speaker 9 (21:12):
Honestly, my goals are shifted, like so many times throughout
the years. I'll try to give you a few of
them I can remember off the side of my head. The
first was to try to be like the guy that
was in charge, you know, the guy that the adults
always went to, the guy that you know, they would
always sit at the big grown up table, if that
makes sense. You know. So you saw all these adults
and all the older kids sending at the grown table,
and then there's this young scout sitting at the little
(21:33):
kids table. I'm was like, man, what would that be
like to really be in charge to college shots and
really hear what goes on from up top?
Speaker 1 (21:38):
You know.
Speaker 9 (21:39):
So that was one of the goals I had. Another
goal was to be like them, to try and be
in a way a reliable figure that other people that
could look up to. Really, even as I got older,
you know, having scouts are younger than me and people
that were now in my upper upper level with the
boy scouts being older or not, just being able to
be that person they can rely on.
Speaker 8 (21:59):
Okay, that's really cool because you know that people really
want scouting to be noticed more. Some people out in
you know a lot of different communities don't really know
what scouting is, but a lot of them do and
they're trying to bring it back. So having that kind
of mindset will really have that improvement. And speaking of improvement,
how did scouting as a young Scout help you improve
(22:23):
to where you are as an Eagle Scout today?
Speaker 9 (22:26):
It changed my mindset. It changed how I carry myself,
change how other people may perceive me. You know, I
know that the whole first Eagle Scout thing, it was
just it's a title that I hear so many times,
but I will rarely ever say it out of my mouth,
you know, unless someone we were just talking about scouting
for example. There's just so many times people will say
it for me. I'm just like, yeah, yeah, I did that,
but no, really it after that with Enon being such
(22:48):
a big church, and then you know, Christianity being as
scrutinized as the should be sometimes because the other people
that are crazy and chaotic, you know, but they currently
of the Christian faith. I try to carry myself that
in a way that makes both look in a positive
light and not just look but also lives the life
and talks the walks the walk that we do proclaim,
(23:08):
you know, try to be that leader and not just
the boy Scout beings, but also you know, in the
arcchenttural office in my studios back in school before I graduated,
and even just simple interactions with people, you know, just
like how I treat people trying to live a Scout
law and also live how I was taught.
Speaker 8 (23:23):
Okay, that's really good. How does Scouting impact your life
and teach you lessons as you were growing?
Speaker 9 (23:32):
It's number of things, whether it be for just overall
survival or literally just being that one guy in the
room that just knows first aid and you know, just
you see this surprise look on people's faces, like wait,
how do you know that? Like, yeah, I did a
little bit with boy Scouts. I was kind of taught that.
But overall, just some things that non and Scouts will
teach you that maybe other Boy Scout troops won't teach,
(23:52):
you know, such as how to be a young black
man in not just Philly but also America. You know,
how to carry yourself in a way that allow you
to be seen beyond just the stereotypes.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
You know.
Speaker 9 (24:03):
It's just some kid that was, you know, growing up
in North Philly or uptown Philadelphia. They already have their
own preconceived notions and then they get surprised with them
when they hear me talk. And number two, just the
way you know, we just interact with each other you know,
just it's great to go beyond what's expected. And I
think that's one thing that has definitely helped me with
e Noon Scouts.
Speaker 8 (24:24):
Who were the most important people that helped you in scouting.
Speaker 9 (24:29):
You know, it's just it's funny, uh, the Eagle Scouts cremon.
I always think back to this, you know, big Court
Vonder that that whole event that went on in the sanctuary.
I looked out when I stood in that pulpit and
I saw a full sanctuary as it was Sunday morning service,
and I was like, oh my God, like, this is
what the villas look like. So it's so hard to
answer that question because all the people you saw, I'm
(24:51):
going to guarantee at least ninety five percent of those
people in there had something to do with it, whether
it be someone like Pastor Waller or Scout Master Bart,
my own parents, people that even sit around us in church,
even people are even in the church seventeen nineteen AM
called First Methodists of a German town. You know, their troupe.
I remember I had some different events with them as well.
(25:12):
They came out to support me, and they're not even
part of the troop. They're not even part of the
church for that matter. You know, just people that I've
encountered on whether it be a week to be basis,
or just every now and then or maybe just once
a year for example, some many people that help in
that walk, you know, just it's hard to narrow down
a few. But if I were to, then you Scouts,
the bar pastor Waller, my parents, and just give media village.
Speaker 8 (25:34):
Okay, that's really cool. As an Eagle Scout, what do
you hope to teach and inspire young scouts? The things
that you learn so they can reach their goals and Scouts, I.
Speaker 9 (25:47):
Want to teach them that it's possible, okay, whatever they
want to do, whatever they want to put their minds to.
Because you know, we've already heard the stat fifty million times.
You know, we have x amount of Black Eagle Scouts
within Philadelphia, x amount Black Eagle Scouts in America. It's
such a rare statistic that we're slowly starting to climb
that with e Noon Scouts and all that, But beyond
the whole ego scout thing, I want to show them
that it is possible. You know, it is possible to
(26:08):
go on and do whatever you want to do. It
doesn't have to be something related to dribbling or throwing
a ball. It doesn't have to be something related to
singing or wrapping, you know, anything like that. Whatever you
want to do, you can do it as long as
we your mind to it, you know, put the education
and put in the work, put in the mental stream
that is required to do these things beyond just eco scout.
Speaker 8 (26:27):
That's really cool. And how can scouting scouting in general,
because you mentioned that there's more to scouts than just
coming together and coming around the table. You mentioned that,
but you also said that scouting can also help them
just achieve whatever they want to do. How can those
things change lives? Do you think that it would have
(26:48):
an impact on them, like with their career goals or
anything like, how can they use scouting like material to
use that in their career?
Speaker 9 (26:57):
Well, I think the first answer that immediately came to
mind when I was say in your question was all
the merit badges we have, you know, their merior badges
that specialize in so many different industries, even my own
industry architecture. If you're going to music, they got something
for that. In medicine they got something for that. Law
met something fact, it's just so many different things that
are included in the Boy Scouts and their merit badge
programs that if you really do take an interest in something,
you can dabble in it real quick without them to
(27:18):
spend thousands of dollars actually went to college university. You
can go into a merit badge college for example, one
hundred dollars or so, and then going into the course
and maybe not even that, you know, maybe you just
have it for even less, just accountil you run into
and you can just go in and take the course.
I think another thing that Scouting has helped with real
life professions was the leadership aspect of it. You know,
so many professions we have now require that aspect of leadership,
(27:39):
and I think that's a great base for any young
person to start off with in terms of gaining that
leadership taste, if you will, you know, trying to get
give them a little introduction because you've seen it. You know,
even just summer camp for example, you know, just leading
that group of boys. You know, it really is a challenge,
but that prepares you. It prepares you for those business meeting,
it prepares you for those higher up there or even
(28:00):
older than you, for example, but think they know everything,
but then you go ahead and tell them wavement, you
may not know everything. So it's a great introduction to
how you can lead in a professional environment. One last thing,
how did scouting improve you for your career goals? Now?
It definitely inspired the creative part of me, because you know,
even with leadership, you do require a bit of creativity
(28:23):
and how you want to lead, how you want to organize.
Architecture is so much built on structure and organizing and creativity.
There's so many things expected of an architect, just like
how there's so many things expected from senior patrol leader.
You know, you're expected to have all these different hatches,
supposed to wear and put them more and rip them
off at any given time. That whole multitasking aspect of it.
(28:44):
Some little kid over there not supposed to doing something.
I have to get everyone ready for this, or you
don't have to organize that. It reminds me so much
of the duties of an architect when a project is
already underway, and even back in school, when I already
have these different duties from different professors. One professor wants
me to do X, Y and Z, a pfessor wants
me zya and one fests. We can do one, tw
three for five, you know. So it's like it's just
trying to multitask, trying to jog at the same time.
(29:05):
I think that has really helped me, and that development
helped me kind of navigate that crazy artist of world.
Speaker 8 (29:12):
That's all we have. I thank you for being here
so much. This is Dave von Bird, first Eagle Scout
of Troop one twenty six in Philadelphia, enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, PA.
Speaker 9 (29:23):
Thank you for being here with us the problem. Thank
you ever.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in keyword Community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app key Words Philadelphia
Community Podcast. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard.
I'm Lorraine Ballard Morrow, and I stand for service to
our community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(29:47):
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
Good morning, and welcome to Insight, a show about empowering
our community. I'm Lorraine Balladmorrow.
Speaker 2 (00:05):
I talk about The Trace.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
This morning, an important news site focusing on America's gun
violence crisis. I speak with Philadelphia staff reporter and Mansadan
about potential solutions for safer communities. I'm delighted to share
an interview by one of my Summer work Ready students,
Jonathan Fulton, as he interviews an Eagle.
Speaker 2 (00:23):
Scout and role model.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
But first, I traveled to a very busy corner of
sixty third and Spruce to talk about a program that
offers fresh, affordable produce to under resourced neighborhoods. I have
more fruits and vegetables in my diet because I understand
that that's so important to be healthy. But sometimes it's
difficult to get adequate and affordable fruits and vegetables. That's
(00:46):
where the Philly Loves Fresh program comes in, and we're
going to talk to some folks. Are going to tell
us all about us. First of all, tell us who
you are.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
Hello.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
I'm Abdul Jabbar. I'm the owner of Soblill Happy Lifestyle.
We're promoting Philly Loves Fresh Food. Alternatives in your neighborhood,
local producers, growers, farmers, and access access to fresh fruits
and vegetables in your neighborhood.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Why is it so important for folks to have more
fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Speaker 4 (01:11):
It's very important to maintain a healthy diet that consists
of fruits and vegetables to regulate your blood pressure, to
mainshame your health, all your bibles, get all the minerals
and all the health benefits that you need besides eating
junk food. And it just tastes real to do.
Speaker 5 (01:26):
Yeah, very cool.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Let's talk to someone else involved. Tell us who you are.
Speaker 3 (01:29):
Hi.
Speaker 6 (01:30):
Everyone, my name is Lusman. I'm Wonderful Water Project. I
started as a young kid. I used to always go
to potence trucks, but eventually I started to see things
with disappearing and then when I got the opportunity to
work with healthy Cards.
Speaker 1 (01:41):
Now, let's talk to the Philadelphia Department of Health, which
is sort of in partnership with these wonderful food truck folks.
Tell us who you are and why this campaign Philly
Loves Fresh is why it's here.
Speaker 7 (01:53):
Yeah, sure, my name is Jen. I'm with the Health
Department and the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.
And we started this initiative with Dusman Yara, who is
a Public Health AmeriCorps Service member working with us and
told us about the importance of produce trucks to him
growing up and how important they were as a access
point for healthy crush food in his neighborhood. So we thought,
(02:17):
let's look into this and see how we can promote
and support produce trucks because they typically don't get a
lot of support from the city, So how can we
make sure that they're out there getting promoted and people
know that they're there and that they have their licenses
by the city, and that they provide a lot of
good quality produce at more affordable prices sometimes. So it's
(02:40):
part of our broader efforts to promote and support access
to fresh, healthy, affordable foods in the city. It's one
of several initiatives we're working on to improve the food
environment and increase access to healthy food.
Speaker 1 (02:53):
All right, well, let's go back to some of their
food truck fellas, and so you really saw need for
fresh fruits and vegetables in the community. Both of you
now It's not only that you're bringing the fresh fruits
and vegetables. You're talking to people, You're informing them, you're
educating them as well.
Speaker 3 (03:11):
Is that right?
Speaker 4 (03:11):
An educated consumer a consumer is a great consumer. So
we retain information on products and fruits and vegetables to
help with health needs, dietary restrictions, improvements in your diet,
or just just eating a healthy lifestyle. So we definitely
have a lot of information when it comes to the
fruits and vegetables that I provide, and I definitely open
(03:32):
to any questions or any concerns anybody has in regards
to fruits and vegetables or to changing their diet.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Okay, how often are you here on this corner or
do you move around a different parts.
Speaker 3 (03:42):
Of the city.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
I'm located on sixty third and Spruce in West Philadelphia
every day from eleven to seven. We sell produce all
year round. I sell watermelons all the way into February.
We open the season in April and we sell until
February seated watermelons on this corner here, sixty third is Spruce.
We located and also have a truck behind us, and
we keep seated on Just see the grape seed, banana
(04:03):
seeded levements who specialize in seated fruits all year round.
Speaker 1 (04:07):
Right, and what about you are where are you located?
Speaker 6 (04:10):
So I'm not a posed for an operator. What I
do is that I facilitate access to these trucks and
with that the inside there's like these one truck those
trucks all over the city and they are strategically located
in the places where people need in the most if
busu stores are high or there's no access to like
fresh produce.
Speaker 1 (04:26):
So yeah, that's great. Well, that's important because there's so
many food deserts in our communities with lack of access
to healthy food, a lot of junk food that tends
to sometimes be cheaper than the produce. So it's nice
to have an affordable option. Getting back to our representative
from the health department, So if people want to know
(04:47):
where these trucks are located and also any more information
about how important it is to add more fruits and
vegetables in your diet, how do they get more information? Yeah?
Speaker 7 (04:56):
Sure, you can go to our website www dot food
Fit Build and you'll find general information there about our
other initiatives, and there's a page specifically for Philly Loves Fresh,
and you'll find info about our initiative, a map of
where the chucks are located, an individual highlights.
Speaker 1 (05:14):
About each of the operators, fresh fruits and vegetables all
available to check it out at affordable prices. Because we
know that in our community we're dying of high blood pressure, diabetes,
and a whole bunch of illnesses that are preventable and
treatable with great diets. So it's very important for all
of us to put a little more vegetables, a little
(05:37):
more fruits and our diets because that's going to help
us be healthy. Right, okay, right, see you here sixty
third and Spruce Cobs Creek Parkway and don't be late.
Plus there are lots of other locations.
Speaker 7 (05:53):
Check out that website, which is www dot Foodfitphilly dot
org slash Philly loves Fresh.
Speaker 1 (06:00):
I love it, See us soon.
Speaker 5 (06:03):
Did you know that everyday conversations can help your children
build math skills. Discovering numbers and shapes with your child
is a great way to make math fun in any language.
When you get excited about pointing and counting or comparing shapes,
your child will follow your lead and love to learn math.
The good news is that math is everywhere. Counting their
(06:25):
little toes, bouncing the music, and identifying shapes throughout the
grocery store will get their brains ready to learn math
and they are never too young to start. Visit. Talking
is teaching dot org slash resources slash math for free videos,
tips and guides to transform everyday moments into magical moments.
(06:48):
For math, that's talking is teaching dot org, slash resources
slash math. Talking is teaching dot org slash resources slash math.
Speaker 1 (07:02):
The election in November will impact our economic opportunities, our healthcare,
and big issues like immigration, infrastructure, and education. Voting lets
politicians know Phillies, paying attention the well being of your community.
Our community, the future of Philadelphia, and the future of
the country are at stake. Find voter guides reporting about
(07:23):
how the November election will affect Philadelphia and ways to
engage in your community. At every Voice, Dash, every vote,
dot org, you're listening to what's going on. We are
absolutely thrilled to once again be a media sponsor for
the Pennsylvania Conference for Women, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that
(07:44):
holds an annual conference to advance women and allies professional
and personal development. It is happening on November seventh at
the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and a ticket that you buy
for this one person event also qualifies you for the
National Conference for Women, which is happening in March March fifth,
(08:04):
during Women's History Month. Well as part of our partnership
with the Pennsylvania Conference, we're very pleased to provide something
we called Women who Inspire, extraordinary women who are making
a huge difference in our lives, in our communities and
in the world. And joining us right now is Dean
when Mao, Doctor Dean when Mao. She serves as the
(08:26):
Helen and William O'Toole, Dean of the Villanova School of
Business and a faculty member of the Economics department. Now
very nice to meet you, a doctor Mao. And I
was very interested to read in your biography that you're
very supportive of the teaching part of what you do,
because so often in academics there's such an emphasis on
(08:48):
research and that sort of end of things, but you
believe that education is key. Tell us more.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Thank you, Lauren for having me here. It's a pleasure.
Speaker 3 (08:58):
Villanova has always the history of student centric education, so
all that we do has a student in the center. Yes,
we do support faculty research, don't get me around. That's
a very important piece of academic But really when it
boils down to is why we are all here is
(09:20):
to educate our student that as Villanova has developed and
grown over the years, that piece of history has remained
and it's been very very.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
Strong part of what we do. When I was recruited in.
Speaker 3 (09:36):
Nineteen ninety five and it's still the same right now.
We would invite faculty candidate to come and give a talk,
and so they would do a research seminar, as they
always do in almost all universities and for a faculty position.
But what's unique to Vilenova and maybe not that many
schools that I know of, is we also ask the
(09:58):
faculty candidate to come teach a live class.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
Oh wow, I know right, it was.
Speaker 3 (10:05):
I was very nervous when I was a young professional,
like just coming out of a PhD program, and that
was pretty nerve wracking for someone who's never done that before.
I think that says who we are and what's important
to Villanova. A few years later, after I was hired
and one of the senior faculty members asked me, Hey,
(10:26):
when did you know why we hired you? And I
said I had no idea. I was so nervous in
that class. He says, you know what, in all your nervousness,
as you were teaching, and you've noticed the front row
student couldn't see your writing. I'm short, so write the
second half of the board. And there is a podium
that blocks the view of the front row student, and
(10:47):
you removed it from your desk so that the student
can't see. Now, you just lost your textbook to as
you're trying to teach. That's why we hired you, because
you care, because you're noticed.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
That is a very I think that's still the case.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
That's very much our tradition, and we have some amazing
researcher and scholars here, but we all have one thing
in common that is commitment to teach you to our student.
Speaker 1 (11:12):
I'd be very interested to hear a little more about
your origin story. You mentioned how you were selected to
apply and then you were put on the spot and
you apparently passed with flying colors. But for every woman
who goes through and navigates their career, their ups and
downs and challenges, things can be somewhat different in academics
(11:33):
than it is in the corporate world. But I'm very
curious to see what do you say were some of
the qualities that you brought to your career that has
helped you move up in your career.
Speaker 3 (11:45):
I would say, be open minded, don't have a sixth
version of what a great teacher is like or what
a great leader is like.
Speaker 2 (11:59):
I used to be like that. Oh, to be a
good teacher you have to be a certain type.
Speaker 3 (12:03):
Or to be a department chair you have to be
a certain type, or to be a dean, you have
to be a certain type. They come in different shapes
and sizes, and everybody has different leadership style approach to
teaching a class.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
You need to find what works for you.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Once you find that, you could be your genuine self
and do a good job. I think that is what
worked for me, and in a few critical moment of
my career, I was fortunate enough to have the right
advice from people around me, from colleagues, friends, mentors who.
Speaker 2 (12:41):
Believed in me to say you could do this. Yes,
it doesn't have to be exactly like that. You could
do it your own way.
Speaker 3 (12:48):
And I think find your own voice is very important
your own style.
Speaker 1 (12:52):
Well, you talk about the importance of having that support system,
and the theme for this year's conference is power and unity,
and I think for me and my personal advancement, women
have always been a very strong support system for me,
as well as men. In addition, but I wonder if
you can talk a little bit about the idea of
power immunity and how that's helped you elevate your own
(13:15):
career and the careers of others.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
That's such a good question that the unity is really
part of the Villanova ethos. We have a very strong
shared value here in Villanova. To me personally, I view
that as being a part of something bigger and greater
than just yourself.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
It took me years to realize why I was drawn
to Villanova.
Speaker 3 (13:41):
Initially, I just attributed that initially to the warmth of
the community. It's very inviting, it's welcoming, people are kind
and nice, which is all true. But over the years
I've learned that what really makes this place such a
strong community is that shared values. Years I've had my
(14:01):
share of support from all colleagues.
Speaker 2 (14:04):
As you said, men and women.
Speaker 3 (14:06):
You ask women, I would just say in the very beginning,
I was very surprised, in a pleasant way, how many
women were in the economics department. That wasn't in nineteen
ninety five when I was hired. That clearly wasn't the
case in many of the departments across the country.
Speaker 2 (14:25):
And not just that. I think what's really.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
Important is the support we have for one another, the
genuine excitement when one events, when one has a publication,
when one did a good job with anything at all,
we celebrate. So you have that, and early on as
an assistant professor, I was extremely protected, I would say,
by all my colleagues, particularly female colleagues in the department.
(14:51):
They gave me, with the support of department chair, the easy,
convenient teaching schedule, the lighter service load that I could
grow I could advance. I love that, and so naturally,
when it was my turn to be the department chair,
I felt I have to say yes, because the culture
(15:13):
here is about paying forward. Right now, You've had all
the advantage and privilegious from others before me, and they
protected me. Now it's my turn to protect the younger
faculty member. And that's been the culture of the department
and the college, and that's what I love most about
this place, so it's I always say, it's not just
(15:33):
the place to work.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
It's home. I love that we protect our y'all.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
Well.
Speaker 1 (15:38):
Villanova's School of Business is a supporter of the Pennsylvania
Conference for Women, and in fact, some members of your
team your faculty, will be on a panel that I
will actually be moderating reinventing your career portfolio. And I
wonder if you could talk to a woman who's thinking
about an advanced degree but is worried about the time
(15:58):
that it would take in order to commit to that.
If you are in fact a working professional, what are
some thoughts on that.
Speaker 3 (16:05):
I will start with honesty, which is what I appreciate
most of the advice that I have received in my career.
It's a lot of work, so I don't want to
give anybody illusion that it's not that much work.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
It is a lot of work. However it can be done.
Speaker 3 (16:19):
So first entering with the mindset that it will be
a lot of work. In addition to your job, now
you are adding an a juditional piece to your life.
However it can be managed. First, I would say, pick
a program that is flexible. Flexible in the sense of
scheduleible in terms of course delivery method so that you
(16:41):
could manage better. Right. So Villonovo, for example, our MBA
program is aimed at working professionals, so clearly we design
it in such a way that we know this is
for someone who has a job.
Speaker 2 (16:53):
So that's number one.
Speaker 3 (16:54):
So don't just look at the website, but really talk
to people who are in the program, who have graduated recently,
who knows just how flexible that is.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
And two I would.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
Say is pick a program that has a curriculum design
that's practical. So if you could apply to what you
learned the night before in class the next day in
your work, it helps, right.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Because you need to juggle.
Speaker 3 (17:20):
If you could immediately apply, that helps your career and
that's worthwhile, so that instant return on investment. So you
need a program that teach practical knowledge and skill that's
more tuned into the industry rather than very theoretical. A
big chunk of this is really your peers, right. You're
learning from your peers and you're relying on your network.
(17:42):
So find a program that has a very broad and
strong network. Sometimes a network could be very proud but
not strong, so you don't get that kind of support system.
That you are looking for right find a program that
has a value system that will support you beyond graduation,
that network would just be there for you for life.
(18:03):
I think those are the things I'll be looking for
if I were to look for a graduate program.
Speaker 1 (18:08):
Fantastic and finally and very quick, don't mind sharing something
you're looking forward to in this upcoming Pennsylvania conference for women.
Speaker 3 (18:15):
In addition to amazing, you guys always always have these
amazing programs that speakers and very inspirational. In addition to that,
I'm looking forward to meeting many many women in the
program because every year you have tons.
Speaker 2 (18:33):
It's overwhelming sometimes so many you have.
Speaker 3 (18:36):
And one thing that we're really excited about is to
provide the support, provide the professional advice to women who
attend the program. We have booths for career coaching or
professional headshots or resume review.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So if you're listening, who.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
Are all the women out there who will be attending,
please visit us at the boose. I think I think
last year or the year before, we had over seven
hundred hatshells that we provide for. Yes, Lyne is long,
but it's worthwhile.
Speaker 1 (19:13):
I was one of those people in that line, which
was very long, but it went very quickly. So it's
really awesome to be able to get a headshot to
get your resume looked over, because you always need that
fresh eye to look at your resume. Thank you so much.
We're looking forward to participation in the Pennsylvania Conference for Women,
which is happening on November seventh, Thursday, and the tickets
(19:34):
are on sale. They also give folks the opportunity to
be at the all day National Conference for Women which
is taking place on March fifth. That is virtually and
for more information, you can go to PA Conference for
Women dot org de mal. If people want more information
about the Villanova School of Business, how do they find out.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
More ww dot Villanova dot edu and we're at the
first landing page the Physics school.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
You can't easily find us there.
Speaker 1 (20:02):
Fantastic doctor wyn Mao who is the Helen and William
o'tool Dean of the Villanova School of Business and faculty
member of the Economics Department at Villanova. Thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (20:14):
Thank you.
Speaker 8 (20:20):
There are many programs provided for our youth to help
and serve and to grow. I'm John and Foe and
they work ready student at iHeartMedia. And today we have
our first Eagle Scout from e Noon Chapernaco Baptist Church
in Philadelphia. Here from Troop one twenty six. Here today
we have is Davon Bird. How are you doing today?
Speaker 9 (20:37):
I'm good? Are you good?
Speaker 1 (20:38):
So?
Speaker 8 (20:39):
I have this one question for you. How was scouting
like when you were younger?
Speaker 1 (20:43):
Oh?
Speaker 9 (20:43):
Man, it was it was great. I mean just the
youth leadership and also the adult leadership, the two of
them working in tandem and just kind of seeing things.
It's like this really really young scout in like what
first grade, second grade, and just seeing how these guys
have progressed, you know, it was e s truly inspiration
to see how they've given them back to youth. And
also having my own here and how they leave the
entire troop together, I street something to behold.
Speaker 8 (21:04):
Okay, have you had any goals? Have you ever had
a mindset for like a goal that you had when
you were a young scout.
Speaker 9 (21:12):
Honestly, my goals are shifted, like so many times throughout
the years. I'll try to give you a few of
them I can remember off the side of my head. The
first was to try to be like the guy that
was in charge, you know, the guy that the adults
always went to, the guy that you know, they would
always sit at the big grown up table, if that
makes sense. You know. So you saw all these adults
and all the older kids sending at the grown table,
and then there's this young scout sitting at the little
(21:33):
kids table. I'm was like, man, what would that be
like to really be in charge to college shots and
really hear what goes on from up top?
Speaker 1 (21:38):
You know.
Speaker 9 (21:39):
So that was one of the goals I had. Another
goal was to be like them, to try and be
in a way a reliable figure that other people that
could look up to. Really, even as I got older,
you know, having scouts are younger than me and people
that were now in my upper upper level with the
boy scouts being older or not, just being able to
be that person they can rely on.
Speaker 8 (21:59):
Okay, that's really cool because you know that people really
want scouting to be noticed more. Some people out in
you know a lot of different communities don't really know
what scouting is, but a lot of them do and
they're trying to bring it back. So having that kind
of mindset will really have that improvement. And speaking of improvement,
how did scouting as a young Scout help you improve
(22:23):
to where you are as an Eagle Scout today?
Speaker 9 (22:26):
It changed my mindset. It changed how I carry myself,
change how other people may perceive me. You know, I
know that the whole first Eagle Scout thing, it was
just it's a title that I hear so many times,
but I will rarely ever say it out of my mouth,
you know, unless someone we were just talking about scouting
for example. There's just so many times people will say
it for me. I'm just like, yeah, yeah, I did that,
but no, really it after that with Enon being such
(22:48):
a big church, and then you know, Christianity being as
scrutinized as the should be sometimes because the other people
that are crazy and chaotic, you know, but they currently
of the Christian faith. I try to carry myself that
in a way that makes both look in a positive
light and not just look but also lives the life
and talks the walks the walk that we do proclaim,
(23:08):
you know, try to be that leader and not just
the boy Scout beings, but also you know, in the
arcchenttural office in my studios back in school before I graduated,
and even just simple interactions with people, you know, just
like how I treat people trying to live a Scout
law and also live how I was taught.
Speaker 8 (23:23):
Okay, that's really good. How does Scouting impact your life
and teach you lessons as you were growing?
Speaker 9 (23:32):
It's number of things, whether it be for just overall
survival or literally just being that one guy in the
room that just knows first aid and you know, just
you see this surprise look on people's faces, like wait,
how do you know that? Like, yeah, I did a
little bit with boy Scouts. I was kind of taught that.
But overall, just some things that non and Scouts will
teach you that maybe other Boy Scout troops won't teach,
(23:52):
you know, such as how to be a young black
man in not just Philly but also America. You know,
how to carry yourself in a way that allow you
to be seen beyond just the stereotypes.
Speaker 1 (24:03):
You know.
Speaker 9 (24:03):
It's just some kid that was, you know, growing up
in North Philly or uptown Philadelphia. They already have their
own preconceived notions and then they get surprised with them
when they hear me talk. And number two, just the
way you know, we just interact with each other you know,
just it's great to go beyond what's expected. And I
think that's one thing that has definitely helped me with
e Noon Scouts.
Speaker 8 (24:24):
Who were the most important people that helped you in scouting.
Speaker 9 (24:29):
You know, it's just it's funny, uh, the Eagle Scouts cremon.
I always think back to this, you know, big Court
Vonder that that whole event that went on in the sanctuary.
I looked out when I stood in that pulpit and
I saw a full sanctuary as it was Sunday morning service,
and I was like, oh my God, like, this is
what the villas look like. So it's so hard to
answer that question because all the people you saw, I'm
(24:51):
going to guarantee at least ninety five percent of those
people in there had something to do with it, whether
it be someone like Pastor Waller or Scout Master Bart,
my own parents, people that even sit around us in church,
even people are even in the church seventeen nineteen AM
called First Methodists of a German town. You know, their troupe.
I remember I had some different events with them as well.
(25:12):
They came out to support me, and they're not even
part of the troop. They're not even part of the
church for that matter. You know, just people that I've
encountered on whether it be a week to be basis,
or just every now and then or maybe just once
a year for example, some many people that help in
that walk, you know, just it's hard to narrow down
a few. But if I were to, then you Scouts,
the bar pastor Waller, my parents, and just give media village.
Speaker 8 (25:34):
Okay, that's really cool. As an Eagle Scout, what do
you hope to teach and inspire young scouts? The things
that you learn so they can reach their goals and Scouts, I.
Speaker 9 (25:47):
Want to teach them that it's possible, okay, whatever they
want to do, whatever they want to put their minds to.
Because you know, we've already heard the stat fifty million times.
You know, we have x amount of Black Eagle Scouts
within Philadelphia, x amount Black Eagle Scouts in America. It's
such a rare statistic that we're slowly starting to climb
that with e Noon Scouts and all that, But beyond
the whole ego scout thing, I want to show them
that it is possible. You know, it is possible to
(26:08):
go on and do whatever you want to do. It
doesn't have to be something related to dribbling or throwing
a ball. It doesn't have to be something related to
singing or wrapping, you know, anything like that. Whatever you
want to do, you can do it as long as
we your mind to it, you know, put the education
and put in the work, put in the mental stream
that is required to do these things beyond just eco scout.
Speaker 8 (26:27):
That's really cool. And how can scouting scouting in general,
because you mentioned that there's more to scouts than just
coming together and coming around the table. You mentioned that,
but you also said that scouting can also help them
just achieve whatever they want to do. How can those
things change lives? Do you think that it would have
(26:48):
an impact on them, like with their career goals or
anything like, how can they use scouting like material to
use that in their career?
Speaker 9 (26:57):
Well, I think the first answer that immediately came to
mind when I was say in your question was all
the merit badges we have, you know, their merior badges
that specialize in so many different industries, even my own
industry architecture. If you're going to music, they got something
for that. In medicine they got something for that. Law
met something fact, it's just so many different things that
are included in the Boy Scouts and their merit badge
programs that if you really do take an interest in something,
you can dabble in it real quick without them to
(27:18):
spend thousands of dollars actually went to college university. You
can go into a merit badge college for example, one
hundred dollars or so, and then going into the course
and maybe not even that, you know, maybe you just
have it for even less, just accountil you run into
and you can just go in and take the course.
I think another thing that Scouting has helped with real
life professions was the leadership aspect of it. You know,
so many professions we have now require that aspect of leadership,
(27:39):
and I think that's a great base for any young
person to start off with in terms of gaining that
leadership taste, if you will, you know, trying to get
give them a little introduction because you've seen it. You know,
even just summer camp for example, you know, just leading
that group of boys. You know, it really is a challenge,
but that prepares you. It prepares you for those business meeting,
it prepares you for those higher up there or even
(28:00):
older than you, for example, but think they know everything,
but then you go ahead and tell them wavement, you
may not know everything. So it's a great introduction to
how you can lead in a professional environment. One last thing,
how did scouting improve you for your career goals? Now?
It definitely inspired the creative part of me, because you know,
even with leadership, you do require a bit of creativity
(28:23):
and how you want to lead, how you want to organize.
Architecture is so much built on structure and organizing and creativity.
There's so many things expected of an architect, just like
how there's so many things expected from senior patrol leader.
You know, you're expected to have all these different hatches,
supposed to wear and put them more and rip them
off at any given time. That whole multitasking aspect of it.
(28:44):
Some little kid over there not supposed to doing something.
I have to get everyone ready for this, or you
don't have to organize that. It reminds me so much
of the duties of an architect when a project is
already underway, and even back in school, when I already
have these different duties from different professors. One professor wants
me to do X, Y and Z, a pfessor wants
me zya and one fests. We can do one, tw
three for five, you know. So it's like it's just
trying to multitask, trying to jog at the same time.
(29:05):
I think that has really helped me, and that development
helped me kind of navigate that crazy artist of world.
Speaker 8 (29:12):
That's all we have. I thank you for being here
so much. This is Dave von Bird, first Eagle Scout
of Troop one twenty six in Philadelphia, enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, PA.
Speaker 9 (29:23):
Thank you for being here with us the problem. Thank
you ever.
Speaker 1 (29:26):
You can listen to all of today's interviews by going
to our station website and typing in keyword Community. You
can also listen on the iHeartRadio app key Words Philadelphia
Community Podcast. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at Lorraine Ballard.
I'm Lorraine Ballard Morrow, and I stand for service to
our community and media that empowers. What will you stand for?
(29:47):
You've been listening to what's going on, and thank you
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