Every Step of the Way: Conversations that Inspire

From Stickball to Surgery

In the season finale of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Sandra Escamilla and Georgia Boothe sit down with Dr. Raja Flores, the chief of thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai and board member at Children's Aid. Dr. Flores shares his incredible journey from growing up in the Meatpacking District amidst challenging circumstances to becoming a prominent figure in the medical field. Through engaging discussions, Dr. Flores emphasizes the critical role of supportive mentors and safe spaces for at-risk youth. He recounts how sports, orthodontic care, and compassionate mentors at Children's Aid played pivotal roles in his development and confidence.

Finding My Voice

In this episode of ‘Every Step of the Way,’ host Georgia Boothe and guest host Sarah Jonas, vice president of the Youth Division at Children's Aid, engage in an inspiring conversation with Julissa Contreras, an alumna of Children's Aid. Julissa shares her inspiring journey from a student in the South Bronx to an award-winning playwright and advocate for community justice. She reflects on the essential role the organization played in her life, empowering her through after-school programs like community justice and youth leadership. Through these programs, she found her voice, passion, and a pathway to a successful career. Julissa also details her current work with nonprofits and offers valuable advice for both the new generation and staff at Children's Aid. 

Harlem: 40 Years of Hope and Change

In this inspiring episode of “Every Step of the Way,” hosts Georgia Boothe and Sandra Escamilla sit down with Casper Lassiter, the director of Children's Aid's Milbank Dunlevy Center. With over 40 years of dedication to positive youth development in Harlem, Casper shares his personal journey from a child at the center to a leader impacting countless lives. He also offers valuable advice for both program youth and staff, emphasizing the importance of leveraging resources, self-care, and the transformative power of community support. Tune in for Casper's heartfelt reflections on his life's mission and the extraordinary legacy he continues to build at Children's Aid.

Building Confidence, Giving Back

In this episode of ‘Every Step of the Way,’ host Georgia Boothe welcomes Sarah Roman, an alumna of Children's Aid, who shares her personal journey with the organization. Sarah recounts her early involvement with Children's Aid summer programs, the pivotal role of Project Live, and the impact of having two mentors from diverse backgrounds. She highlights how the various extracurricular and after-school activities helped build her confidence, transforming her from a shy student into a self-assured individual. Now a successful massage therapist and business owner, Sarah speaks about how she is giving back to the community, particularly through housing initiatives for families in need. 

Hoops, Hope and Leadership

In episode 2 of ‘Every Step of the Way,’ co-hosts Sandra Escamilla and Georgia Boothe sit down with Daniel Singleton, principal at P.S. 31 on Staten Island, to delve into his inspiring journey from a participant in Children's Aid programs to a pivotal figure in educational leadership.Daniel reflects on his challenging upbringing during the 80s and 90s, a period marked by the crack epidemic, and how Children's Aid provided him with much-needed safety, structure, and opportunities for personal and academic growth. Now, as a principal, he shares how he’s improving his school and giving back to his community, illustrating the profound effect that dedicated mentorship and community engagement can have on young minds.