Search Interviews

One Small Step partners, Venise Curry [no age given] and Kurt Madden [no age given] discuss their families, influences, and approach to different challenges within the Fresno community.

Bernice Baker interviews her friend Gloria Harris about her siblings, climbing trees and jumping trains in Petersburg, VA, and moving to California with her infant son.

One Small Step Partners Brenda Quiroz (32) and Bonnie Keller (66) reflect on the importance of uplifting others, share stories from their childhood, and talk about what influenced them to get into their line of work.

Matthew Shilo (50) interviews his friend Sylvester McGill (48) about growing up working in his parents' group homes, becoming a school psychologist and counselor.

One Small Step conversation partners and colleagues in the Washington State Senate Karen Keiser (75) and John Braun (56) discuss their Midwest origins, moving to Washington state, how their families shaped their politics, and how disagreement in legislative sessions leads...

One Small Step partners Larry Shaw (74) and Holley Hughes (32) discuss their religious upbringings, what led to both of them leaving the Democratic party and what the role of the government is.

Friends Kelly Crompvoets [no age given] and Eric Sheets (62) talk about Kelly's son Chase who passed away and donated his lungs to Eric.

United States Military Veterans Michael Johnson (74) and Hazel Diaz (36) discuss Michael's young life and upbringing in Hollywood, California, and his career in the Navy.

Friends Theo Lovett (47) and Sharon Gilbert (72) reflect on their childhoods, their spiritual journeys, and the people who have had the biggest influences on their lives.

One Small Step conversation partners Jerlena Griffin-Desta (61) and Franceen Levy (76) talked about how coming to the Bay Area influenced their perspectives and how complex and confining political labels and descriptions can be.

Brenda Barwick [no age given] and One Small Step partner Mimi Turner (36) discuss Oklahoma City changes and progress, influential people in their lives, and their political leanings.

Married couple, Fran Young (68) and Paul Young (72), recall stories and events that lead them to becoming international teachers, traveling to many countries, culture shocks, and navigating life in Springfield, Missouri after traveling abroad.

Zareen Jaffery (42) talks to her friend Huda Al-Marashi (43) about how the lack of diverse representation in books they read growing up inspired them to go into publishing and writing respectively; challenging stereotypes in publishing - particularly about a...

One Small Step conversation partners Ric Leczel (57) and Kristin Beasley (54) discuss Gen X identity, methods of advocacy and social change, race, incarceration, misogyny, and abortion access.

Victoria "Vicky" Swerdloff (54) shares a conversation with her daughter Alex Swerdloff (22) about life after college, memories of growing up, experiences in Boise, Idaho, perspectives, and their relationship.

One Small Step conversation partners Jason Williams (45) and Glen Wong (71) discuss the impact of their upbringing and parents, race, fatherhood, international travel, chronic illness, careers, and interests.

One Small Step Partners, Kendra Devejian (46) and Elliot Balch (42), discuss their current positions as they relate to the community of downtown Fresno, their families, and where community hardship intersects with business.

Coworkers and friends, Sheyla Lopez (26) and Irma Gonzalez (56) reflect on their long relationship, their many roles at KIPP, and share anecdotes from their experiences.

Friends Timothy Conley (55) and Sean Higginbotham (43) have a conversation about their lives, sobriety, and experiences through recovery center, Victory Mission & Ministry.

One Small Step conversation partners Peter Rumble (46) and Nancy Dobbs (75) talk about their influences, exposure to racism, and the role of local Chamber of Commerce.

Close friends Evelyn Abundis (28) and Isis Diaz (27) discuss being first-generation college students at KIPP San Jose and now assisting parents and students in navigating the southern California education system. The two exchange perspectives and shared work experiences.

One Small Step Partners, William Oliver (36) and Sukaina Hussain (38) discuss their families and their journey's to doing work within their communities.

One Small Step conversation partners Allison Briscoe-Smith (46) and Sue Lani Madsen (67) talk about how political labels and identity labels don't always get to the nuance of a person, and share stories about how they're teaching the younger generations...

Colleagues and community leaders Lorena Solorio (44) and Melissa Canela [no age given] talk about KIPP's advocacy, community engagement, and the partner organization Melissa works for: the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley.

One Small Step Partners, Marc Bady (38) and Keith Bergthold (72), discuss their community involvement in Fresno and reflect on the role that music, arts, and culture can play in being unifying forces.