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The Congressional Award Foundation (CAF) and The DC Office of Cable Television Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) are pleased to present the third season of the podcast Elevating DC Youth hosted by local DC students in the Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program, run by DC’s Parks and Recreation Department.

 

The Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program equips students with essential skills in research, communication, and interviewing, preparing them for careers in journalism or other fields. It fosters a supportive community, providing direction and opportunities like exposure to industry leaders and even college scholarships.

 

The partnership with CAF offers students mentorship from board members and the chance to earn Congressional Award Certificates and Medals. The program not only uplifts Black and Brown youth, but also aims to increase their representation in media and journalism, creating a lasting impact on their futures and the industry.

 

Elevating DC Youth allows these students to interview prominent figures and leaders from various industries. For the third season of the podcast, all podcast guests were CEOs from diverse companies and sectors, with students taking turns conducting the interviews for each episode.

 

Read and click on each episode below to listen. Don’t forget to tune in on Apple and Spotify now!

Barbara Humpton is the U.S. CEO of Siemens Corporation and is passionate about diversity and STEM education. Previously, she contributed to new business development for the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security and oversaw essential security programs at Lockheed Martin. She shares her story and offers valuable insights for young people pursuing STEM careers.

Jason Levien, the managing general partner and CEO of D.C. United, played a crucial role in constructing Audi Field, a 20,000-seat stadium and host of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game. In this conversation, he discusses his sports experiences, passion for life, world travels, and journey to top sports management.

Dr. Jean Accius is President & CEO of Creating Healthier Communities and is a leader in building sustainable health systems. He has served on the policy team for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and as Senior Vice President of International Affairs and Global Thought Leadership at AARP. Dr. Accius’s journey highlights the importance of tenacity, hard work, and community service.

Deborah Rutter is the President of the Kennedy Center, a historic “living memorial” honoring President John F. Kennedy. Since 2014, she has been instrumental in establishing REACH, an innovative space for artistic development, and DIRECT CURRENT, a series spotlighting new art across disciplines. She discusses the value of art in the human experience and her journey working with talented individuals.

Christopher Dunlavey is the CEO of Brailsford & Dunlavey and the owner of CENTERS, LLC and has a background in architecture and advanced real estate development and finance. He is renowned for managing sports venues and “quality of life” projects in higher education. Dunlavey shares insights on the business of sports, entrepreneurship, and sports team ownership.

Captain Lena Kaman is the first woman to command the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kaman has flown over 4,200 hours in naval aircraft, including 100 combat hours during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, for which she was awarded the Air Medal. Kaman shares her journey and insights as a trailblazing Commanding Officer.

Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program with Salih E. Williams

bootsy vegas

Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program | Washington, DC

Program Director:  Boosty Vegas – Salih “E” Williams

The program was created in 2016 to educate young adults about the importance of broadcast journalism, while learning to advocate for their communities through media.  The program serves 40 teens from Wards 7 & 8 in Washington, DC.  Since 2016, the program has sent 21 students to college to major in mass communications or broadcast journalism.  The program receives no funding and is run out of the Deanwood Recreation Center by the director, Bootsy Vegas.

In partnership with the Congressional Award Foundation, students will gain direct access to members of the Board of Directors, who will serve as mentors and guide the students through the Congressional Award program.  Students will set personally challenging goals in four program areas:  Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Explorations.  Upon completion of goals, students will earn Congressional Award Certificates and Medals to be presented by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

The mentorship program is a part of the CAF Board’s initiative to reach more students of color and make an impact in the DC community.  Deanwood will serve as a pilot for a plan to serve additional communicates that include Detroit, Baltimore and Houston.

Bootsy Vegas, known in the DMV as Salih “E” Williams the pride of DC Public Schools. Bootsy Vegas is a graduate of McKinley Tech and AAMA Broadcasting School. By day Mr. Williams is a teacher educating young people within the Washington, DC school system where his motto is “Saving the Youth one young person at a time” but by night he is known as “E” aka “The 5th Letter” lead talker, go-go legend and party starter for OP Tribe, Obsession and LISSEN go-go band based in Washington DC.

In his travels, Bootsy Vegas has had the privilege to work for the musical legendary group Earth Wind and Fire as a marketing promotions rep where he was mentored by Maurice White, Verdine White, Phillip Bailey and Ralph Johnson. He was also heard on The Donnie Simpson Morning Show as he showed his ultimate DC sport team pride with his famous Redskins Song, this experience provide inspiration to achieve his goal of being on Radio.