NorthStar GAZE

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Join us at the NorthStar of GIS Homecoming 2024 event as we sit down with Frank Romo to discuss his inspiring work in the geospatial field. Frank shares his passion for mentorship and community organizing, detailing how geospatial technology can empower underrepresented communities. Learn about their impactful projects from post-Hurricane Katrina efforts to initiatives in the Bronx. Do...

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In this conversation, Jason Sowell discusses the importance of GIS in education, sharing his journey and experiences in promoting GIS for young learners. He emphasizes the need for accessibility and understanding in teaching GIS, the challenges faced in schools, and the potential of GIS to empower students globally. The discussion also touches on emerging technologies, the role of alli...

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In this engaging conversation, Labdi, a talented musician and Orutu player, shares her journey in the music industry, discussing her new EP 'Parkwalk' and the cultural significance of her music. The discussion delves into the challenges of being a female musician in a traditionally male-dominated space, the role of music in addressing societal issues, and the impact of techno...

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Join us as we sit down with Toussaint Kirk as he shares his journey into the world of GIS, his inspirational experiences at NorthStar and ConocoPhillips, and his insights on how GIS can revolutionize the world. He also highlights the importance of connecting with the wider GIS community through platforms like Reddit and reflects on the historical moments at Howard University. Tune in t...

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In this episode of NorthStar GAZE, George Arterberry, Director of Global Supply Chain Operations at Bridgeport Group, shares his journey from military officer to geospatial logistics leader. We explore how mapping pharmacy deserts improves healthcare access and how Bridgeport’s partnership with NorthStar GIS is advancing racial equity and innovation in supply chain operations. George a...

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In this electrifying episode we sit down with the multifaceted Dr. Paulette Brown Hines, the founder of Voice Media Ventures and second-generation publisher of the Black Voice News. Dive into Paulette's journey from an English literature professor to a GIS enthusiast mapping Black California. Learn how her work extends to impactful historical tours following the Underground Railro...

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This episode features a compelling conversation with closing keynote speaker Vernice Miller-Travis, a pioneer in the environmental justice movement. She shares her journey from early activism to conducting groundbreaking research that exposed the link between race and the placement of hazardous waste sites. Throughout the discussion, Vernice highlights the transformative power of data,...

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with keynote speaker Linda Harris, who, along with David, gave us an unforgettable experience at the NorthStar of GIS Homecoming 2024. We delve into the profound importance of understanding and experiencing freedom, drawing connections to historical figures like Harriet Tubman. Our guest shares insights on the role of technology and GIS in advanci...

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 In this opening keynote episode of NorthStar GAZE, Clinton Johnson sets the tone for the season by exploring the transformative power of GIS and storytelling in building equitable futures. Reflecting on the theme of Art, Afro-futurism, and Geo, Clinton highlights the intersection of innovation, cultural identity, and geospatial technology as tools to amplify marginalized voices and re...

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In this episode captivating Homecoming keynote, Tara Roberts, shares insights from her profound underwater journey to uncover the untold stories of Black history through scuba diving, storytelling, and geospatial exploration. She shares transformative nature of her work in illuminating shipwrecks tied to the transatlantic slave trade, revealing how these narratives connects us all to t...

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Join us in this special episode of The NorthStar Gaze where we celebrate the vibrant and innovative voices from the African diaspora, season 2 will debut our new hosts Yairwo from Kenya and Erica from the US.

Listen to their intimate stories and aspirations for the future of geospatial equity and justice. They'll share exciting insights from the NorthStar of GIS 2024 Hom...

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In this, the final episode of season 1 of the NorthStar GAZE, Aisha, along with co-founder Clinton and graphic designer Skye, take listeners on an inspiring journey recounting the creation of the NorthStar logo. They delve into the historical significance of the North Star motif, the story of the Underground Railroad quilting codes, and the deep cultural heritage that influenced its de...

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Join Aisha Jenkins and Clinton Johnson as they delve into the deeply personal and inspiring origins of NorthStar of GIS, a community-driven effort to create a racially just geography. From the emotional impact of Philando Castile's death to the birth of a vibrant support network, they share the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that shaped NorthStar's journey. Learn about ...

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Celebrating Black Geographers: Dr. Gladys West's Legacy

This special episode of The North Star Gaze podcast celebrates Black Geographers Day by honoring the incredible story of Dr. Gladys B. West, a hidden figure whose pivotal contributions to GPS technology changed the world. Join us as Carolyn Oglesby, Dr. West's daughter, shares intimate details of her mother&apos...

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In the closing keynote speech, Aisha Jenkins highlights the importance of representation and having the right people in the room for conversations that impact marginalized communities. She expresses gratitude to the attendees and sponsors, and acknowledges the significance of standing on hallowed grounds. Aisha emphasizes resilience and resistance in the face of adversity, and calls fo...

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In this episode of the North Star Gaze podcast, host Aisha chats with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist at ESRI. They talk about Dawn's journey in the GIS field, from her introduction to it as a doctoral student at UC Santa Barbara to her current role at ESRI. They also discuss the importance of racial equity in geospatial worlds, the impact of DEI statements in organizations, and ...

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In this podcast episode, join Aisha as she interviews Nick Okafor, the founder of
Trubel&Co, a tech justice nonprofit. They discuss the concept of liberatory innovation, the importance of amplifying the voices of those proximate to inequity, and the role of GIS in creating positive change and the role of young people in progressing change starting in their own communities.

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In this profound conversation between Aisha and Vero, they explore the intersections of geospatial equity, leadership, and personal growth within the African diaspora. Vero, founder of Geospatial Equity Tech and the AfriTech Fellowship, delves into her journey from conservation biology to becoming a geospatial tech consultant, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and capacity ...

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In this episode, Kevin Carrington, a hospital executive and founder of the nonprofit, the C3 Initiative, Inc., discusses his love for GIS and how it all began with his fascination for encyclopedias and maps. He talks about the importance of exposing black kids to the possibilities of STEM and navigating through systemic barriers. Kevin also shares his approach to raising confident blac...