The Unheard Forum

Episode 26: Owning Your Story

What does it mean to truly own your story? In Part 2 of my conversation with D'Shonda Brown, we move into the specific language we use to describe difficult experiences. We specifically discuss why D'Shonda intentionally identifies as a suicide attempt survivor, and the distinction between saying someone “committed suicide” versus “died by suicide." We also explore why casual jokes about suicide can be harmful and how learning to tell your story can become an act of self-forgiveness. Drawing on her experiences as an advocate and public speaker, D'Shonda recounts the confidence that she herself has gained from owning her truth. Finally, we discuss how our language choices influences the way we interact with schools, workplaces, families, and the other institutions around us. Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide, suicide attempts, self-harm, and mental health.

Episode 25: Intentional Words in Mental Health Advocacy

In this episode, I sit down with D’Shonda Brown, a storyteller, TEDx speaker, journalist, corporate communications leader, and mental health advocate. We discuss the intentional use of language in mental health advocacy. As a survivor, D’Shonda shares how storytelling became a method of healing for her as well as a vehicle for change. She reflects when she publicly shared her experience as a survivor of sexual assault and the overwhelming response from others who felt seen by her vulnerability. We discuss how the words we choose can heavily influence perceptions and emotions, and either reinforce or challenge stigma. D’Shonda discusses the responsibility that comes with communication and how language that was once normalized can affect the way people see themselves and others. Intentional word choice matters.

Episode 24: Language Access in Court

In Part Two of my conversation with Nadia Romanazzi, Director of Legal Education and Policy at Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, we examine how language access operates within state agencies and courts. Nadia discusses Massachusetts Appleseed’s research on language access in child welfare agencies and trial courts, highlighting how the lack of interpretation and translated documents can lead to family separation and diminished parental advocacy, as well as delayed justice We also discuss why misconceptions about education justice often label marginalized communities as powerless instead of systematically excluded. This episode asks what it means to truly be heard and able to advocate within systems that were not designed for linguistic diversity, and why improving language access ultimately strengthens education for everyone.

Episode 23: Linguistic Agency and Language Access in Education

In this conversation, I had the privilege to speak with Nadia Romanazzi, Director of Legal Education and Policy at Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice. She discusses her journey into education justice, focusing on language access and the impact of language barriers on families' ability to advocate for their children. She speaks on how her journey into education justice was influenced by her teachers and mentors, and how advocacy can take many forms, including legislation and community education. It's crucial for individuals to be informed of their rights, especially in education. She emphasizes the challenges faced by non-English speaking families, and the misconceptions surrounding education justice. Nadia stresses the need for qualified interpreters and the importance of recognizing the agency of marginalized communities. Despite the challenges, she finds hope in the dedication of her colleagues and the small victories achieved in advocacy work. Thank you so much, Nadia!

Episode 22: Advice from Someone Who’s Spent a Career Expanding Opportunity

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Allison about what real leadership looks like when it’s centered on listening and elevating others. Drawing from her work with The Acceleration Project and years spent supporting women-and minority-owned small businesses, she explains how community driven solutions create meaningful impact. We also discuss her early work with CitySoft, helping people build tech skills during the dot-com era, and how those opportunities changed lives. She reflects on making hard decisions, surrounding yourself with honest voices, and choosing work you genuinely care about, within being a leader. We close with advice for the next generation stepping into a world shaped by AI, full of both uncertainty and possibility, and how to follow your path with curiosity and courage.