Scholars Equity Network Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Crystal Harrell discusses Mentra, her AI-powered student navigation app designed to support first-generation and under-resourced students through Access, Affordability, and Advancement. She explains how her research and personal experiences shaped the app, the role of AI and human collaboration, and the importance of a Wellness Corner to address student mental health.
Crystal also describes building the team with support from the Pay It Forward Accelerator, plans for campus partnerships, data privacy priorities, and the challenges of developing an intuitive, community-driven product that reduces burnout and increases retention.

Host Aaron Stallworth interviews Aubrey Skeeter about the Yuchi (Uchi) Language Legend and Library Expansion Project, funded by the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator. They discuss how the grant enabled stipends for Uchi artists, the transformation of elders' audio recordings into illustrated children's books, and plans for print and digital resources.Aubrey shares her personal connection to the language, collaborations with elders and language experts, the project's impact on intergenerational learning, and how these materials support Yuchi immersion and community revitalization. Learn more at utlanguage.org.

In this episode, host Aaron Stallworth speaks with Dr. Nathaniel “Nate” Ramos about his work as Beaumont’s assistant library administrator and his Pay It Forward Accelerator project to improve multi-generational literacy. Nate explains how libraries adapt programs for different age groups—sensory-friendly story times for young children, STEAM for tweens and teens, and financial literacy for adults—and how partnerships and funding help scale impact.They discuss the role of libraries in community-building, the challenges of funding, and practical ways listeners can support local libraries through donations, volunteering, or advocacy at city council meetings.

In this episode, Kyla Stewart, a Gates Millennium Scholar and creator of the Dovecote Dance Initiative, discusses how the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator helped turn her idea into an accessible wellness program for adults impacted by family separation.Kyla explains class structure, community partnerships, early participant reactions, and plans to measure impact and expand the program to meet mental health and outreach needs.

Caminos Científicos is a Spanish-language lecture series led by Dr. Karen Perez that connects Hispanic students and their families with bilingual STEM scientists, hosted in Tucson and live-streamed for wider access.Part of the Scholars Equity Network Pay It Forward Accelerator, the program focuses on representation, parent inclusion, and practical guidance on pathways to college and careers in science and engineering.Events combine networking with short talks that map the steps to STEM careers, partner with local businesses for community hospitality, and aim to make science accessible and actionable for underserved families.

In this inspiring episode of the Scholars Equity Network Podcast, host Aaron Stallworth sits down with Naomie Droll—a proud member of the Navajo Nation, 2012 Gates Millennium Scholars Program recipient, and now Interim Executive Director of the Scholars Equity Network (SEN).
Naomie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in New Mexico’s Indian Country to becoming a leader for Indigenous advocacy and scholar engagement. What began as a surprise introduction to the Gates Millennium Scholarship in a high school computer lab became a life-changing opportunity—one that propelled her into higher education, law school, and ultimately a career dedicated to advancing tribal communities.
Listeners will hear how Naomie navigated pivots from science to international relations to tribal law, including her work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and her advocacy for the Navajo Nation. She also reflects on graduating during the COVID-19 pandemic and building a career at the intersection of policy, law, and community impact.
Now at the helm of SEN, Naomie is leading efforts to re-engage a powerful network of over 20,000 scholars and address the “brain drain” effect often associated with scholarship programs. Central to this work is the Pay It Forward Accelerator—SEN’s flagship initiative that funds scholar-led, community-driven projects through grassroots support and collective investment.
From launching innovative programs to planning the upcoming Pay It Forward Summit, Naomie offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities of scaling impact across a national network—and how every scholar can play a role.
Tune in to learn:
How a single opportunity can transform a life—and a community
Why Indigenous advocacy became Naomie’s calling
How the Pay It Forward Accelerator is redefining giving and impact
Ways you can get involved with SEN and support scholar-driven change
🎧 Whether you're a scholar, changemaker, or advocate for equity, this episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to lift as you climb.
Learn more and get involved at scholarsequity.org.

In this episode of the Scholars Equity Network podcast, Aaron interviewed Dr. Adebola Giwa, a 2005 Gates Millennium Scholar who became a pediatric endocrinologist and currently lives in San Francisco. Dr. Giwa shared his journey from growing up in Brooklyn's projects to attending Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, and completing residencies at University of Chicago and Johns Hopkins. He discussed his non-profit organization "Thy Gifted Neighbor" which provides mentorship and guidance to aspiring healthcare professionals, particularly from underserved communities. The conversation explored how mentorship plays a crucial role in career development, particularly in medicine where only 2.6% of doctors are African American men. They also discussed the importance of Gates Millennium Scholars paying it forward and the impact of recent legislation on medical education funding.

In this podcast interview, Robert Lee, a Gates Millennium Scholar and NYU graduate, discussed his journey from founding a student food rescue club at NYU to launching Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, a multi-state food rescue organization that operates in nine cities. Robert shared his background growing up in Queens, his transition from finance at JP Morgan to full-time food rescue work, and the challenges of scaling the organization while maintaining its mission. The conversation covered how food waste impacts the environment and natural resources, and Robert explained that RLC has expanded from its NYC roots to 16 locations before scaling back during the pandemic. The interview concluded with Robert discussing his recent venture into the restaurant industry with a Korean fried chicken concept in Connecticut, and his definition of "paying it forward" through immediate impact rather than waiting for retirement to create a foundation.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Scholars Equity Network podcast featuring the remarkable Ms. Cinthia Manuel, a proud 2001 Gates Millennium Scholar. With a rich educational background from Georgetown University, George Fox University, and Linfield University, Cinthia has dedicated her career to advancing leadership, equity, diversity, and inclusion through her role as the CEO and Founder of Autentica Consulting, LLC.
In this episode, Cinthia shares her journey, from her impactful work as a Senior DEI Consultant at All In Consulting Co. to her current mission of fostering inclusive environments in organizations. Cinthia engages in a thought-provoking conversation with host Aaron Stallworth about the vital role of mentorship and the persistent challenges faced by diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in today's workforce.
Don’t miss out on Cinthia's valuable insights and experiences! Tune in now on Spotify for an enlightening discussion that is sure to inspire and inform.

In this episode of the SEN podcast, Dr. Victoria Pham, an accomplished mental health professional and inaugural Gates Millennium Scholar, shares her insights on the critical role of mental health services in fostering healthy communities. With her extensive background from institutions like USC, Yale, and Western University of Health Sciences, Dr. Pham currently works with various organizations, including the New York State Office of Mental Health and Molina Healthcare. Join Aaron Stallworth as he engages Dr. Pham in a conversation about the significance of mental health for both children and adults, and how these services can positively impact communities. Don't miss this enlightening discussion!