Dr. Jean East, a retired professor from the University of Denver, brings over 27 years of experience in social work, teaching, and leadership. She co-founded Project WISE, empowering women, and currently supports refugees through her work with Angelica Village.

In this episode of Second Chances with Christy Belz, Christy sits down with Dr. Jean East, a seasoned social worker, academic, and co-founder of Project WISE. Dr. East shares her wisdom from a lifetime dedicated to social work, leadership, and creating meaningful change through community engagement and empowerment. From the founding of Project WISE to her current work at Angelica Village, Dr. East’s reflections on leadership, mentorship, and service offer deep insights for listeners seeking to make a difference in the world.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• The role of mentorship in shaping careers and personal growth.
• Founding and impact of Project WISE: empowering women through social change.
• The intersection of race, gender, trauma, and poverty in social work.
• Dr. East’s current involvement with Angelica Village and the work done to support immigrants and refugees.
• Insights on leadership: balancing head, heart, and soul.
• The importance of lifelong learning and finding purpose through continuous engagement.
• Reflections on aging, legacy, and the role of spirituality in leadership and service.

Learn more about Dr. Jean East & Loretto Community:

Website: https://www.lorettocommunity.org/jean-east-my-job-my-vocation/

Learn more about Christy Belz Social Communications:

Website: https://christybelz.com/influencer/oh-god-of-second-chances-here-i-am-again/

Course: https://christybelz.com/uproot/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dana Crawford is a renowned preservationist, best known for her transformative work in Denver, including the redevelopment of Larimer Square in the 1960s, Denver Union Station, and the Oxford Hotel. Her vision and leadership have made her a key figure in historic preservation, not just in Denver but across the country.

In this episode of Second Chances with Christy Belz, Christy speaks with the legendary preservationist, Dana Crawford. Dana shares her incredible journey, from revitalizing Denver’s Larimer Square to her work on iconic landmarks like Denver Union Station and the Oxford Hotel. Together, they discuss the challenges of historic preservation, the importance of collaboration and Dana’s inspiring vision for the future.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• How Dana Crawford revitalized Larimer Square
• The story behind the Denver Union Station renovation
• Why preservation matters for community identity
• Importance of collaboration in large projects
• Challenges Dana faced as a woman in a male-dominated field
• How poverty can aid historic preservation
• Value of Denver’s architectural heritage
• Dana’s advice for overcoming resistance to change

Learn more about Dana Crawford & Denver Community:

Website: https://www.urbanneighborhoods.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-crawford-63216713

Learn more about Christy Belz Social Communications:

Website: https://christybelz.com/influencer/oh-god-of-second-chances-here-i-am-again/

Course: https://christybelz.com/uproot/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joyce Foster recounts her journey from Benton Harbor to becoming the first Jewish woman on Denver’s city council. She also reflects on her vibrant life, her dedicated political career, and the challenges of aging, emphasizing the importance of love, service and activism.

In this episode of Second Chances with Christy Belz, we explore the inspiring life of Senator Joyce Foster. Joyce recounts her serendipitous meeting with her husband, Steve, a rabbi of 40 years and their dynamic partnership, highlighted in their co-authored book, “The Rabbi and the Senator Sleep Together.” She delves into her vibrant experiences in 1960s Chicago, her impactful political career, and her unwavering dedication to public service, including her efforts in resettling refugees and advocating for women’s rights.

In a candid segment, Joyce opens up about the challenges of aging and her continued commitment to personal growth and community activism. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of Joyce Foster’s remarkable life, brimming with wisdom, love and a lasting legacy of activism.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Joyce’s engagement with her husband within five hours of meeting.

• Co-authored book, “The Rabbi and the Senator Sleep Together.”

• Resettling refugees through Jewish Family Service.

• Served as a senator, focusing on local government issues.

• Aging and memory concerns.

• Strong proponent of women’s political engagement and reproductive rights.

• Personal stories highlighting the value of women’s autonomy over their bodies.

• Deep bond with grandchildren.

• The need for family and love throughout the journey.

Learn more about Joyce Foster:

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/joyce-foster-1a944710

Book: http://www.therabbiandsenatorsleeptogether.com/

Learn more about Christy Belz Social Communications:

Website: https://christybelz.com/influencer/oh-god-of-second-chances-here-i-am-again/

Course: https://christybelz.com/uproot/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.