Finding a Way

Finding a Way Podcast Ep 11 - Andrew Jones on District Works and Place-keeping with Purpose 🌍✨

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with change-makers shaping a better future! Finding a Way Podcast Ep 11 - Andrew Jones on District Works and Place-keeping with Purpose 🌍✨ What if our cities were designed with care and culture at the center?In this episode of Finding a Way, we sit down with Andrew Jones, CEO of District Works, whose team is transforming public infrastructure into spaces that nourish connection, dignity, and belonging. From managing public restrooms for transit systems to curating vibrant cultural activations, District Works is reimagining what public space can be; responsive, inclusive, and rooted in community. Raised in Oakland and driven by a deep commitment to equity, Andrew shares his journey from entrepreneur to urban systems leader. We explore how mentorship, intention, and innovative place management are creating more humane, joyful cities one block at a time. This is a conversation about rethinking what we share, reclaiming space for care, and making the everyday extraordinary. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of changemakers creating the future from the ground up. #DistrictWorks #UrbanDesign #CommunityInfrastructure #PublicSpaceMatters #FindingAWayPodcast #SocialImpact #BayAreaChangemakers #FindingAWayMedia #AndrewJones #PlaceMaking #placekeeping #urbanplanning #positivechange CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:39 - Check-in03:02 - Overview of District Works05:43 - Andrew's Journey to Today11:36 - Recognizable Projects14:21 - Path to Achievement20:42 - Memorable Events24:30 - Oakland's Cultural Narrative29:30 - Cultural Preservation Strategies35:00 - Economic Challenges in Oakland38:02 - Grounding Techniques44:15 - Current Excitements47:18 - Andrew Jones' Vision for Community Improvement51:30 - Needs of Oakland57:05 - Understanding Ikigai59:35 - Alternative Education Paths01:03:20 - Andrew Jones' Presidential Vision for Earth01:08:50 - Actionable Steps Forward01:16:31 - Key Takeaways from Andrew Jones01:21:40 - Closing ThoughtsCollecting visions for a brighter future!Watch & listen on: https://bit.ly/m/findingawaypodcast

🎙️ Finding a Way Podcast Ep 10 - Diana Garcia Beardsley on Building Family Centered Communities

🎙️ Finding a Way Podcast Ep 10 - Diana Garcia Beardsley on Building Family Centered Communities 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping a better future! What does it look like to shape policy from the ground up—with care, compassion, and community at the center? In this episode, host Gem sits down with Diana Garcia Beardsley, a lifelong advocate for children, families, and equity, to explore how meaningful change begins when policy is driven by lived experience.Now serving as Senior Policy Administrator at First 5 Alameda County, Diana brings over a decade of experience across public health, philanthropy, education, and early childhood systems. Her work is rooted in justice and her path reflects a deep commitment to those often left out of the conversation. We dive into what it takes to shift systems thoughtfully and sustainably: listening to communities, centering equity, and creating policies that are both visionary and actionable. From addressing childcare access and educator pay to scaling community-led solutions, Diana shares powerful insights on what it really means to advocate for and alongside families.This episode is a reminder that change doesn’t start in a boardroom; it starts with people who care enough to do the hard work of transformation, together. ✨ Tune in to hear how Diana is helping build a future where every child and caregiver can thrive; and why smart, compassionate policy might just be our most radical tool for change. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of leaders, learners, and doers who are finding a way forward, one bold step at a time. #FindingAWayPodcast #DianaGarciaBeardsley #PolicyForPeople #EarlyChildhoodEquity #First5AlamedaCounty #SystemsChange #SocialImpact #CommunityPower #ChildcareAdvocacy #LatinasInLeadership #FindingAWayMedia #podcastforpositivechange 🔗LINKS🔗 : Connnect with Diana https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianagarcia0/ First 5 - https://www.first5alameda.org/ The awesome free library resource - https://www.hoopladigital.com/ (I told ya'll I was gonna remember! )CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:30 - Career Path and Purpose04:10 - Necessary Changes for Improvement11:40 - Personal Journey and Growth14:40 - Overcoming Challenges in Your Journey18:07 - Understanding Measure C19:40 - Community Listening Sessions Overview27:17 - Vision for a Brighter Future30:24 - Activating Neighborhoods for Change40:45 - Dreams for this Lifetime 42:50 - Importance of First 5 Programs47:40 - If Diana Garcia was President of the World49:50 - Common Frustrations and Concerns54:00 - Actionable Steps for Change56:20 - Staying Grounded in Life57:50 - Role of Public Libraries59:20 - Importance of Intergenerational Community Spaces1:05:25 - Final Thoughts: a Message for the Audience

Finding a Way Podcast Ep 9: Chef Nigel Jones — Building Authentic Community, One Bite at a Time 🍴✨

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping a better future! Finding a Way Podcast Ep 9: Chef Nigel Jones — Building Authentic Community, One Bite at a Time What happens when food nourishes more than just our bodies? In this episode, host Gem sits down with Chef Nigel Jones—restaurateur, cultural storyteller, and community leader—to explore how food can be a force for connection, identity, and local change. Born in Kingston, Jamaica and raised in the Bay Area, Chef Nigel left a corporate career to open Kingston 11 and Calabash, two Oakland restaurants rooted in bold flavors and Black joy. His mission? To create spaces that feel like home—especially for people of African descent—and use culture, cuisine, and conversation to strengthen community ties. We dive into his journey from self-taught chef to advocate, his leadership of a coalition of 400+ local businesses, and how he uses food, music, and civic dialogue to inspire action. Through everything, Chef Nigel reminds us of the power of showing up locally, leading with intention, and honoring our differences as strengths. ✨ Tune in for a rich conversation about food, identity, and the joy of building community from the block up. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories of changemakers shaping a more connected and compassionate world. #FindingAWayPodcast #ChefNigelJones #Kingston11 #Calabash #OaklandEats #BlackOwnedBusiness #FoodAndCulture #CommunityLeadership #SocialImpact #CivicEngagement #FindingAWayMedia CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:24 - Chef Nigel's Busy Day06:14 - Chef Nigel Jones: Culinary Journey10:34 - Entrepreneurship: Behind the Scenes16:50 - Early Life and Community Impact20:30 - Business Ownership and Community Engagement27:10 - Engaging with Mayoral Candidates30:11 - Cultural Assimilation34:10 - Chef Nigel's Vision for the Future43:00 - Staying Focused on Work44:52 - Driving Positive Change48:16 - Favorite Dish to Cook51:58 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways54:57 - Outro

Finding a Way Podcast Ep 8 with Keith Carson: Legacy, Leadership, and the Power of Community

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping a better future! Finding a Way Podcast Ep 8 with Keith Carson: Legacy, Leadership, and the Power of Community What does it mean to serve your community for over three decades—and still believe the best is yet to come? In this powerful episode of Finding a Way, host Gem sits down with Keith Carson, longtime Alameda County Supervisor and dedicated public servant, for a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and people-first leadership. From his early days growing up in South Berkeley to representing District 5 and serving more than 1.7 million residents, Keith’s journey is rooted in equity, access, and action. Whether knocking on 20,000 doors in his first campaign or spearheading efforts around health care, housing, and economic justice, he’s never lost sight of who he’s fighting for—or why it matters. We explore how Keith’s background growing up around activism and mentorship shaped his leadership style. We also dive into how he navigated challenges with grace and grit, and what it takes to build trust and drive lasting change. With stories that span from the halls of government to the heart of the community, Keith reflects on a lifetime of public service—and the legacy he’s still writing. ✨ Tune in for an authentic, deeply inspiring conversation about building systems that serve everyone, leading with humility, and believing in the power of people. 🔔 Subscribe to Finding a Way for more stories from those shaping a future rooted in compassion, justice, and collective impact. #FindingAWayPodcast #KeithCarson #AlamedaCounty #CommunityLeadership #PublicService #EquityInAction #BayAreaChangemakers #LegacyOfImpact #SocialJusticeLeadership #CommunityPower #ResilientLeadershipCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:49 - Current Projects and Activities06:35 - Early Life Influences in Berkeley20:00 - Berkeley, CA as an Activism Hub24:05 - Journey to Political Career35:30 - Collaborative Design Approach42:24 - Proud Accomplishments in Service49:07 - Lesser-Known Facts About Keith Carson57:40 - Future Plans for Keith Carson1:00:20 - Vision for a Better Future1:10:26 - Staying Grounded in Life1:17:10 - If You Were President of the World1:19:03 - Actions for Positive Change1:21:53 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

Finding a Way Podcast Ep 7 - Shomari Carter and How Community Connection Can Change Everything 🌟

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with changemakers shaping a better future! Finding a Way Podcast Ep 7 - Shomari Carter and How Community Connection Can Change Everything 🌟 What happens when we center relationships in our approach to change? In this episode of Finding a Way, our host Gem sits down with Shomari Carter—social entrepreneur, systems thinker, and bridge-builder—to explore how deep community connection is the foundation for lasting transformation. Raised in West Oakland, Shomari brings a rare blend of lived experience and institutional insight to his work. Having served in executive roles across government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors, he now works as a liaison between communities, businesses, and policymakers—making sure real voices shape real solutions. Whether he’s launching housing initiatives, supporting public health efforts, or creating opportunities for lifelong learning, Shomari’s focus remains the same: build trust, share power, and uplift people. In this conversation, we unpack what it means to show up with intention, why small gestures matter, and how fostering collaboration across silos can unlock collective impact. Shomari shares practical insights on navigating complex systems with compassion—and how to reimagine community not just as a place, but a practice. ✨ Tune in to hear how leadership grounded in love, listening, and local wisdom can reshape what’s possible. 🔔 Subscribe for more stories from changemakers who are finding a way to move us all forward. #FindingAWayPodcast #ShomariCarter #CommunityLeadership #SocialImpact #WestOakland #SystemsChange #BridgeBuilder #CollectiveImpact #PublicHealth #HousingJustice #PurposeDrivenWork #EconomicEmpowerment #CommunityHealing #FindingAWayMediaCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:20 - Who is Shomari Carter05:53 - Shomari's Journey to Success15:04 - Working for an Elected Official20:50 - Challenges in Public Service23:06 - The $500 Story: A Lesson Learned27:05 - Leaving a Lasting Impact30:40 - Staying Grounded in Your Work34:04 - Learning from Everyone37:58 - Importance of Revisiting Notes38:52 - The I Am Planner: Organizing Your Life42:20 - Connecting with People and Passions46:03 - Understanding Your Audience51:20 - President of the World52:58 - Societal Changes for a Better Future54:37 - Focus Areas for Community Improvement1:00:00 - How to Get Involved in Your Community1:03:40 - Exploring Archery Class1:07:52 - Community Involvement Opportunities1:07:52 - Building a Distributed City1:12:14 - Primary vs. Secondary Research1:14:30 - City’s Approach to IoT1:17:00 - Importance of Practical Skills1:21:14 - Creating a Bright Future1:23:17 - Mindset Shift for Success1:23:51 - Final Thoughts and Reflections