Connected Conversations

Elena Petrova
Connected Conversations

Welcome to Connected Conversations, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and communities. Here, we share compelling stories, explore unique challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering a deeper understanding and connection among listeners. Our episodes feature meaningful conversations that resonate with various communities, with a particular focus on communication, accessibility, and inclusion. Join us as we highlight the experiences and insights of individuals striving to make a positive impact in their communities.

  1. Connected Conversations - Ep. 24 | War, Identity & Activism: A Ukrainian Voice from the Frontlines

    1D AGO

    Connected Conversations - Ep. 24 | War, Identity & Activism: A Ukrainian Voice from the Frontlines

    What does resilience look like in the face of war? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, we sit down with Margaryta Suvorova, a Ukrainian nurse, activist, and community advocate living in Washington, D.C., who has turned heartbreak into action since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From frontline volunteer missions to fundraising for life-saving equipment, Margaryta shares what it means to be a voice for her homeland in the U.S.—and why language, identity, and community are central to Ukraine’s resistance.She opens up about: The symbolic power of the Ukrainian language and the fight against Russian erasure.Her on-the-ground activism—supplying drones, medical equipment, and aid to soldiers and orphans.Personal stories of survival, resilience, and healing amid war and trauma.Tools for emotional wellbeing: meditation, therapy, and community support.A call to action: how listeners can help, stay informed, and advocate for Ukraine globally.🎧 Tune in for a moving conversation about identity, courage, and how even small actions can ripple into real change.  Connect with Margaryta Suvorova: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaryta.sv/   About Margaryta Suvorova:A Ukrainian who moved to the U.S. in 2008, Margaryta earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Maryland Baltimore. Currently working in medicine, she has dedicated herself to helping Ukraine by fundraising for defenders, delivering medical supplies, supporting orphans, and being a voice for her country in Washington, D.C.

    1h 5m
  2. Connected Conversations - Ep. 20 | Love Across Cultures: Relationships, Identity & Connection

    FEB 19

    Connected Conversations - Ep. 20 | Love Across Cultures: Relationships, Identity & Connection

    How does love evolve across cultures and generations?In this heartfelt Valentine’s special, we explore love, relationships, and identity through the lens of diverse backgrounds and personal experiences. Our guests—Vince Brantley, Amparo Villar Garcia, and Paris Nia—share their unique perspectives on how love is defined, experienced, and celebrated across cultures.🔹 Cultural Perspectives on Love – How love is viewed differently across generations and backgrounds.🔹 Self-Love & Identity – Why understanding yourself is the foundation of any strong relationship.🔹 Challenges & Growth in Intercultural Relationships – Insights into dating and relationships across cultural divides.🔹 The Role of Social Media & Modern Dating – Is technology helping or harming relationships?🔹 Love Beyond Romance – The importance of friendships and self-acceptance in a fulfilling life.Whether you’re celebrating love, reflecting on relationships, or embracing self-growth, this episode is for you. Tune in for an insightful and deeply personal conversation. 📢 Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments—what does love mean to you? 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring discussions! Our Guests: 1- Vince Brantley:  Vince Brantley is the President, Co-Owner, and Chief Technology Officer at Veritas Culture. He oversees the development and implementation of innovative strategies aimed at optimizing the availability of Veritas-produced products and tools. Prior to becoming the Co-Owner of Veritas Culture, Vince served as the Culture Executive at the Defense Intelligence Agency. In this capacity, he led the development and implementation of strategies aimed at addressing fundamental challenges within the organizational culture.   Over his 28-year career in the United States Army (having served over 22 years in support of Special Operations and Special Operations Organizations), Vince rose to the esteemed rank of Sergeant Major. His tenure encompassed pivotal roles across various positions, notably as Counterintelligence and Security Directorate SGM, J3X SGM, J3 SGM, and Chief of Staff Senior Enlisted Advisor/acting Command Senior Enlisted Advisor at the Defense Intelligence Agency.    2-Amparo Garcia Villar: Amparo Villar Garcia is a Cross-Cultural Communications certified trainer who brings 15 years of professional interpreting experience to her role. Her expertise spans medical interpretation (specializing in mental health), legal depositions, court proceedings, and conference interpreting. As Ad-Astra's Head of Training since 2022, she has revolutionized the department by developing 18 comprehensive training programs and spearheading the upcoming Ad-Astra Online Skills Academy. Since 2018, she has been training interpreters across sectors, delivering both 40-hour and 60-hour medical and community interpretation certificates, demonstrating her commitment to elevating professional standards in the field.   3- Paris Nia:  Paris Nia is a Persian-born multidisciplinary artist whose creativity spans across writing, illustration, tattoo artistry, nail design, painting, and music. Moving to the U.S. nearly three years ago, Paris brings a rich cultural perspective to her work, blending traditional influences with modern artistic expression. Her passion for visual storytelling is reflected in her intricate tattoo and nail art, while her love for writing and music allows her to explore themes of identity, emotion, and human connection. Paris believes that art is a universal language, a medium through which she expresses her journey, emotions, and cultural heritage.With a deep appreciation for creativity in all its forms, Paris continues to explore and refine her craft, using art as a tool for self-expression and connection. Connect with our Guests: Vince's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-brantley-95689386/ Amaparo's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amparo-villar-garcia-6515ab39/

    1h 4m
  3. Connected Conversations - Ep. 19 | Youth Leadership, Advocacy & Creative Expression w. Lily Scheckner

    FEB 5

    Connected Conversations - Ep. 19 | Youth Leadership, Advocacy & Creative Expression w. Lily Scheckner

    How can young leaders use creative expression to drive social change? In this inspiring episode of Connected Conversations, we speak with Lily Scheckner, the 2025 Youth Poet Laureate for Montgomery County, about the power of storytelling, advocacy, and youth leadership in shaping the future. As an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and social justice advocate, Lily shares how creative expression bridges political and cultural divides, empowering young voices to influence change. Key Themes: Youth Leadership & Advocacy: The role of young leaders in addressing societal challenges with courage and empathy. Creative Expression as a Tool for Change: How writing, filmmaking, and storytelling drive advocacy and social impact. Community Engagement & Social Justice: Grassroots activism, inclusion, and the role of diverse voices in societal progress. Bilingualism & Advocacy: How language shapes communication, bridges cultural gaps, and expands opportunities. Women’s Rights & Gender Advocacy: The importance of gender equity, legal protections, and policy reform. Challenges of Today’s Society: Political and social divisions, the need for unity, and the impact on marginalized communities. The Role of the U.S. in Global Leadership: Why international cooperation and leadership matter in an interconnected world. Lily’s episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth leadership, activism, and the power of creative expression in shaping communities. Connect with Lily Scheckner: Website: ⁠https://lilyscheckner.wixsite.com/lily-scheckner⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lily_eames⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-scheckner-a00490321/⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gfabOuS3azmi_su6GVuZQ⁠ Learn More About the SHIELD Act & Women’s Rights: ⁠https://cybercivilrights.org/⁠

    45 min
  4. Connected Conversations - Ep. 18 | Education, Equity, and Global Change with Ramya Vivekanandan

    JAN 22

    Connected Conversations - Ep. 18 | Education, Equity, and Global Change with Ramya Vivekanandan

    How can education empower communities and bridge global divides?In this episode of Connected Conversations, we sit down with Ramya Vivekanandan, Senior Education Specialist at the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), to discuss her transformative work in international development. From advocating for girls’ education to addressing systemic challenges in global learning, Ramya shares her unique perspective on the power of education to drive societal progress. Key Themes: Global Perspective: Ramya’s multicultural upbringing and career highlight the importance of fostering global understanding and bridging cultural divides. Education for Change: Insights into improving access, equity, and quality in education systems worldwide. Empowering Women Through Education: Advocating for girls’ and women’s education as a catalyst for community and economic development. Community Engagement and Data: The role of citizen-led initiatives and grassroots mobilization in informing policy and driving change. Resilience and Recovery: Stories from Ramya’s involvement in community recovery efforts in Jamaica after a natural disaster. Storytelling and Writing: Ramya’s journey as a writer and poet amplifies diverse voices and perspectives. Tune in to discover how education, equity, and storytelling can shape a more inclusive and connected world. Connect with Ramya Vivekanandan: Substack: https://ramyavivekanandan.substack.com/ GPE: https://www.globalpartnership.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramyaviv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramyaviv/

    47 min
  5. Connected Conversations - Ep. 17 | Leadership, Culture, and Change with Vince Brantley

    JAN 8

    Connected Conversations - Ep. 17 | Leadership, Culture, and Change with Vince Brantley

    How is leadership evolving in today’s world, and why are empathy and connection more important than ever? In this episode of Connected Conversations, we speak with Vince Brantley, President and Co-Owner of Veritas Culture, about his remarkable journey as a leader, innovator, and cultural change-maker. From his 28-year military career to founding Veritas Culture, Vince shares powerful insights into what it takes to lead with empathy and adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Key Themes: Leadership Evolution: How modern leadership emphasizes trust, empathy, and active listening. Cultural Change in the Military: Vince’s experience driving diversity, equity, and inclusion during his Army career. The Power of Connection: Building trust and fostering community in diverse environments. Soft Skills in Leadership: Why empathy and communication are essential for today’s leaders. Founding Veritas Culture: The vision behind creating a company focused on leadership and cultural transformation. Navigating Challenges: Reflections on how societal shifts and global crises demand new leadership approaches. Whether you’re a seasoned leader or someone aspiring to make a difference, Vince’s wisdom offers actionable insights for leading in today’s dynamic world. Connect with Vince Brantley: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vince-brantley-95689386/⁠ Veritas Culture: ⁠https://www.veritasculture.com/⁠

    46 min

    Ratings & Reviews

    3.7
    out of 5
    3 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to Connected Conversations, a platform dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and communities. Here, we share compelling stories, explore unique challenges, and celebrate successes, fostering a deeper understanding and connection among listeners. Our episodes feature meaningful conversations that resonate with various communities, with a particular focus on communication, accessibility, and inclusion. Join us as we highlight the experiences and insights of individuals striving to make a positive impact in their communities.

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