“Pull up a chair”
Milan was born in Seattle, WA, raised in Waco, Texas, grew up in Berkeley, CA and has lived extensively in The Town (East + North + Oakland, CA). He has 20+ years of experience working with people and organizations that serve the social and emotional needs of students and their families in the Bay Area and beyond.
Milan’s work spans providing support services to transfer students + supporting formerly incarcerated/system impacted students and students from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Milan has participated in work to dismantle the poverty-to-prison pipeline and all things prison industrial complex, through learning-based alternatives to jail and/or prison time for transition age youth. Milan has successfully integrated research-based practices to deliver holistic/human-centered services and curriculum in the areas of abolishing academic inequities, exploring the sociology of education, race and culture, culturally relevant career development, and social-emotional learning.
As a reentry, student-parent, transfer, Milan received his BA in Social Welfare (with an emphasis on Education) from UC Berkeley. Milan is also a husband, father, servant, book club member, podcaster, truth seeker, that can be found partaking in fine music and metaphors. Milan remains the only mortal to have completed their Grand Master Jedi training in the highest mountains of Wakanda.
Landon is a Christ follower, husband, father, educator, and uplifter of all things Black people and culture. Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Landon strives to create the structures and opportunities for his students--specifically those in his hometown--to reach their maximum potential. He has over 15 years of experience serving young people of all ages, from kindergarten to college-aged students.
Landon’s research is dedicated to identifying ways to bring Black students’ culture into the classrooms to support academic achievement. His research interests include the language and literacy practices of African American students, hip hop pedagogy, critical race theory, triple quandary, and culturally sustaining pedagogy. He utilizes his research to develop curriculum and programming for his students, as well as instruct undergrad students seeking careers in education.
When he’s not working, volunteering, or recording podcasts, Landon tries to simply chill with family, except when he’s doing his civic duty by arguing with Milan off-air so you all aren’t exposed to half the wild things that are trapped within the Mind of Milan. You’re welcome for my service.
Deven born and raised in Los Angeles, CA grew up in many sub-cities that are part of Los Angeles County as a result of having to move a lot. Those cities include but are not limited to (Venice, Compton, Culver City, West LA, Inglewood, and Long Beach). Growing up he was able to experience many different geographical settings in which black & brown folks have strived to find socioeconomic peace. Deven developed a love for all people having to face the realities of certain conditions