Civically Grown shares the stories of leaders whose early steps in civic engagement began in youth leadership and have grown into legacies of lasting community impact. Dr. Shaniece Criss, a former youth governor turned health scholar and public servant, hosts this podcast. It is your source for inspiration, insight, and actionable strategies that fuel your momentum and amplify your influence.

Each episode blends uplifting conversations with tools to help you overcome obstacles, strengthen your leadership, and spark meaningful change. Whether you’re looking to deepen your impact or build a lasting legacy, Civically Grown equips you to grow as a leader and empower the next generation. Join a community of passionate changemakers committed to making a difference that endures.

In this episode, Dr. Kirsten Naomi Chapman shares her journey from a middle school teacher in Hawaii to a leader in community impact. She discusses her experiences in youth leadership, her role in saving band funding by engaging with local government, and her efforts to respect Hawaiian culture in educational reporting. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of deep listening and community support in leadership.

Insights:

- Kirsten Naomi Chapman began her career as a middle school teacher in Hawaii.

- She emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the classroom to the systems that shape children's lives.

- Kirsten played a key role in saving band funding by engaging with local government.

- Her youth leadership experiences included roles in student government and as a field commander in marching band.

- Kirsten highlights the significance of respecting Hawaiian culture in educational reporting.

- She advocates for deep listening and understanding in leadership.

- Kirsten's leadership style is likened to the interconnected root system of Aspen trees.

- She stresses the importance of community support and feedback in personal growth.

- Kirsten believes in the power of words and community support to empower youth.

- Her leadership journey is marked by a commitment to making systems work better for people.

Host:

Dr. Shaniece Criss

In this episode of Civically Grown, Tom Dursina, a humanitarian program planner with the United Nations World Food Programme, takes us through his journey from his first steps in humanitarian work to leading on the ground today. He shares how action, integrity, and listening shape his leadership, the guidance he received from his mother, and the insights gained while supporting refugees. Tom also gives advice for young leaders navigating uncertainty and failure. His leadership is like a tree, rooted in making a positive impact while adapting to change.

Insights:

- Tom's early experiences in humanitarian work shaped his leadership style.

- The importance of action over feelings in leadership.

- Listening to others is crucial for effective leadership.

- Tom's mother instilled values of integrity and action in him.

- Building a refugee camp taught Tom about resilience and community.

- Uncertainty is a constant in leadership and must be accepted.

- Failure is part of the learning journey for leaders.

- Young leaders should experiment and explore their interests.

- Tom emphasizes the need to address problems directly.

- His leadership style is adaptable, like a tree that changes with the seasons.

Host: Dr. Shaniece Criss