Carrying the Strength of Ancestors

What does it mean to honor the past while continuing to move forward with hope?

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Dr. Diann Kitamura, educator, mentor, advocate, and lifelong champion for equity and belonging.

Diann shares the family history that shaped her life and leadership, including her mother's experience as a child incarcerated at the Amache internment camp during World War II and the discrimination her family faced after returning home. Those experiences became a powerful foundation for her commitment to education, justice, and service.

Together, Linda and Diann explore identity, resilience, healing across generations, leadership during crisis, and the enduring importance of equity and community. Diann reflects on leading Santa Rosa City Schools through devastating wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, offering lessons about courage, humanity, and hope in times of uncertainty.

The conversation also explores purpose beyond professional titles, the responsibility of mentoring future leaders, and what it means to carry the stories of those who came before us while creating opportunities for those who will come after.

This is a powerful conversation about heritage, healing, leadership, and the strength we inherit—and pass on—to future generations.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The lasting impact of Japanese American incarceration during World War II

• Family stories, identity, and intergenerational resilience

• Healing from historical and personal trauma

• Why education became a pathway for change

• Leading through wildfires, COVID-19, and community crisis

• The human side of leadership during times of uncertainty

• The evolution of equity work in education

• Mentoring the next generation of leaders

• Finding purpose beyond professional titles

• Honoring the past while moving forward with hope

A Quote to Carry Forward

"I carry with me the strength of my ancestors and the hopes of future generations."— Dr. Diann Kitamura

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

"The question is not simply, 'What am I doing?' The deeper question is, 'Who am I being?'" — Tovi C. Scruggs

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Tovi C. Scruggs—transformational coach, mindfulness practitioner, educator, and advocate for belonging—for a powerful conversation about identity, self-discovery, courage, and the lifelong journey of becoming.

For nearly three decades, Tovi has helped individuals and organizations navigate change by shifting the focus from what we do to who we are being. Her groundbreaking work on Leadership Do-ing to Leadership BE-ing challenges conventional ideas about success and invites us to look beyond titles, accomplishments, and expectations to discover the deeper values, beliefs, and experiences that shape our lives.

Drawing from her experiences as an educator, former high school principal, certified Integral Coach, and Certified Dare to Lead Facilitator trained by Brené Brown, Tovi shares insights that are both deeply personal and universally relevant.

Together, Linda and Tovi explore:

• What it means to live beyond the labels, roles, and titles that often define us

• How belonging shapes our identity and our sense of possibility

• The lessons learned from nearly 30 years of daily meditation and silent retreats

• Why many of us struggle to sit quietly with ourselves

• The connection between self-transformation and systemic transformation

• What compassion, healing, and courage have in common

• How connection can help bridge division and foster understanding

• The qualities that create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and safe

• Navigating life's transitions, uncertainty, and the "messy middle"

• What gives Tovi hope about the next generation of leaders and changemakers

• The transformative power of asking, "Who am I being?"

Throughout the conversation, Tovi reflects on the importance of authenticity, self-mastery, joy, and connection. She speaks candidly about learning to reconnect with herself, embracing vulnerability, and discovering that true leadership begins not with authority or accomplishment, but with awareness, courage, and presence.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the parts of ourselves that often get lost beneath responsibilities, expectations, and achievement. Tovi reminds us that meaningful transformation begins when we create space to understand who we are, what matters most, and how we want to show up in the world.

Whether you are navigating a career transition, retirement, loss, caregiving, personal growth, or simply searching for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation offers wisdom, hope, and a powerful reminder that who you are becoming may be more important than anything you accomplish.

To learn more about Tovi's work, coaching, speaking, and transformational leadership programs, visit:

Tovi C. Scruggs Leadership and Coaching Resources

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

"Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires informed, engaged citizens who understand both their rights and their responsibilities." — Cheryl Cook-Kallio

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Cheryl Cook-Kallio—educator, civic learning leader, elected official, and lifelong advocate for public education—for a timely conversation about democracy, citizenship, and the power of education to shape the future.

Over the course of a remarkable 40-year career in public education, Cheryl helped generations of students understand not only how government works, but why their voices matter. As a teacher, nationally recognized We the People coach, elected official, and a current board member of the Alameda County Office of Education in California, she has dedicated her life to helping young people become informed, engaged participants in civic life.

Today, Cheryl continues that work as California's We the People and Project Citizen Coordinator, supporting civic education programs that empower students to explore the Constitution, public policy, and democratic participation.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Cheryl offers thoughtful insights into the enduring importance of the Constitution, civic responsibility, and the role education plays in sustaining a healthy democracy.

Together, Linda and Cheryl explore:

• Why education and democracy are deeply connected

• The importance of civic learning in today's world

• What the Constitution can still teach us 250 years later

• Lessons students have taught her about leadership, citizenship, and hope

• The value of civil discourse and respectful disagreement

• The role public education plays in strengthening democratic institutions

• What young people need to understand about their power to make a difference

• Why Cheryl remains hopeful about the future of civic engagement in America

Throughout the conversation, Cheryl reflects on the educators, experiences, and students who shaped her own journey and shares why she believes civic education remains one of the most important responsibilities of public schools. She speaks passionately about helping young people discover that their voices matter, their participation matters, and their engagement can help strengthen the communities and democracy they will one day inherit.

This episode is a reminder that democracy is not something we simply inherit. It is something each generation must learn, practice, strengthen, and pass forward. As our nation reflects on 250 years of history, Cheryl challenges us to consider not only what democracy has given us, but what responsibilities it asks of us in return.

Whether you are an educator, student, parent, community leader, or citizen seeking reasons for hope, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that informed, engaged people remain the foundation of every healthy democracy.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

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"Technology will continue to change, but the human qualities that matter most remain timeless." — Peter Cuneo

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Peter Cuneo — acclaimed business leader, turnaround expert, Navy veteran, and former Vice Chairman of Marvel Entertainment — for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, resilience, purpose, and the human qualities that matter most in times of change.

Peter's journey spans decades of leadership across industries, including roles at Clairol, Black & Decker, Remington, and Marvel. Best known for helping guide Marvel from bankruptcy to becoming one of the most successful entertainment companies in the world, Peter has spent his career helping organizations navigate uncertainty, rebuild trust, and create a vision for the future.

But as Peter shares throughout this conversation, successful leadership is rarely about strategy alone.

Drawing from experiences that began at Alfred University and continued through military service and the corporate world, Peter reflects on the values that shaped him long before the titles and accomplishments arrived. He discusses the importance of character, integrity, relationships, and the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks.

Together, Linda and Peter explore:

• The experiences and values that shaped Peter's leadership journey

• Why culture and trust are often more important than strategy

• What people misunderstand about the Marvel turnaround

• The leadership lessons that took the longest to learn

• How adversity and setbacks can become powerful teachers

• Why relationships are often the true measure of success

• The importance of creativity, teamwork, and collaboration in today's world

• How young people can balance technology with curiosity, learning, and human connection

• The skills that will remain essential no matter how much technology advances

• What it means to build a life of purpose beyond titles and accomplishments

Throughout the conversation, Peter offers practical wisdom gained from a lifetime of leadership while reminding us that success is not defined solely by what we achieve, but by how we treat people, the trust we build, and the impact we leave behind.

This episode is a powerful reminder that while industries, organizations, and technologies continue to evolve, the qualities that make great leaders - character, curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and service to others — remain timeless.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

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Creativity, Courage, Authenticity, and the Relationships That Matter Most

What defines a successful life?

Is it the titles we hold, the awards we earn, or the accomplishments others can see?

In this heartfelt conversation, George Anderson shares a journey that began in a small town in New Jersey and led to a remarkable career helping shape campaigns for some of the world's most recognizable films and entertainment brands. But this episode is about far more than Hollywood.

George reflects on growing up in Rockaway, the influence of a young and resilient mother, the complexities of family, the discovery of his artistic gifts, and the courage it took to live authentically at a time when acceptance was far from guaranteed.

Together, we explore identity, belonging, creativity, leadership, love, and the relationships that sustain us through every season of life.

As George prepares for retirement after more than four decades in the entertainment industry, he shares a powerful realization: in the end, it isn't the campaigns, titles, or accomplishments that matter most—it's the people whose lives we touch and the relationships we build along the way.

This episode is a reminder that our greatest legacy is not what we create, but how we show up for others.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up in Rockaway, New Jersey and the people who shaped George's life

• Discovering artistic talent and following a creative path

• Lessons learned from a career in the entertainment industry

• The importance of authenticity and finding the courage to be yourself

• Love, partnership, belonging, and chosen family

• Why relationships matter more than achievements

• Reflections on retirement, purpose, and life's next chapter

Whether you're navigating a career transition, embracing your authentic self, reflecting on your own journey, or simply wondering what truly matters in the end, this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and hope.

Because moving forward isn't about leaving the past behind. It's about carrying forward the people, lessons, and love that helped shape who we are.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, I sit down with Karen Sakata, former Superintendent of the Contra Costa County Office of Education, whose career in public education has spanned more than four decades and nearly every level of educational leadership.

Karen reflects on her journey from Speech Language Pathologist to Superintendent and shares how her early experiences supporting students with learning challenges shaped her lifelong commitment to advocacy, belonging, and strengths-based leadership. Throughout our conversation, she speaks about the importance of seeing the whole child and keeping relationships, empathy, and humanity at the center of education.

We also discuss what it meant to break barriers as one of the first Asian American administrators in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, the first Asian and first woman in cabinet-level leadership within the Contra Costa County Office of Education, and the first Asian County Superintendent in California.

As a third-generation Japanese American (Sansei), Karen also shares reflections on her family’s experience with the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and how those experiences shaped her understanding of resilience, identity, justice, and belonging across generations.

In addition, Karen talks about the importance of mentorship, professional community, and the evolving challenges facing public education today. She also shares how coaching basketball and playing traditional taiko drums continue to bring joy, rhythm, and connection into her life beyond leadership.

This conversation is a thoughtful reflection on leadership, service, identity, history, and the responsibility of helping others feel seen, valued, and supported.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

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In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with Jeff Schinkel—artist, designer, storyteller, and Creative Director for Kid Scoop.

Jeff’s career has spanned newspapers, illustration, marketing, educational media, and community storytelling. Before joining Kid Scoop full time in 2004, he served as Creative Services Director for Bay Area News Group, where he developed campaigns and community projects connected to organizations including the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Beyond his professional work, Jeff has remained deeply connected to local history and community through projects with the Washington Township Museum of Local History, Candle Lighters, and Niles Rotary. Through illustration and design, he has helped preserve the stories, history, and identity of the Tri-City area for future generations.

Together, this conversation explores:

• How creativity shapes identity and human connection

• The importance of storytelling across generations

• Why preserving local history matters within communities

• The role curiosity and creativity play in learning

• How creativity can become a source of healing, belonging, and hope

• What it means to move forward while staying connected to purpose and community

Thoughtful, reflective, and grounded in both creativity and service, this episode is a reminder that storytelling is not simply about preserving the past—it is also about helping people feel seen, connected, and understood.

Thank you for joining us on Moving Forward.

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

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Today’s episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope invites us to think more deeply about leadership—not simply through policies, systems, or structures, but through the human experiences that shape the way people feel seen, valued, and supported within them.

My guest is Joaquin Noguera, an educator, scholar, and practitioner whose work centers on how schools and communities can respond to poverty, marginalization, and inequity through culturally and locally responsive approaches.

Joaquin earned his Ph.D. in Social Science and Comparative Education from University of California, Los Angeles with a specialization in race, ethnic, and cultural studies. He later served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Black Studies Research and as a Visiting Professor in Black Studies at University of California, Santa Barbara, and now serves as an Assistant Professor at Loyola Marymount University.

His professional journey spans roles as a social worker in Harlem, a K–12 teacher and school leader in New York City, and now a scholar preparing future educators and leaders. Across each of these experiences, Joaquin’s work has remained grounded in a central question:

How do we create systems that not only serve people—but truly see them, understand them, and honor their humanity?

In this conversation, Joaquin reflects on the experiences that shaped his understanding of culture, identity, and leadership responsibility. Together, we explore what it means for schools and systems to move beyond surface-level acknowledgment of culture and toward genuine responsiveness and accountability to the communities they serve.

We also discuss the impact on students when they feel unseen or misunderstood, the role healing plays within education, and what leadership requires in this moment—not through grand statements, but through the everyday choices that shape belonging, opportunity, and human connection.

Thoughtful, reflective, and deeply grounded in both scholarship and lived experience, this conversation reminds us that leadership is ultimately relational. It asks us to examine not only the systems we build, but the humanity we bring to them.

Thank you for joining us on Moving Forward.

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez