Ep 16: Fresh Perspectives with James Miles

<p>During this episode of <em>Why Change?</em> co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss new perspectives brought about by big ideas. Ashraf interviews James Miles, an actor, teaching artist, arts administrator, and nonprofit executive who shares his professional story and history contributing to systemic change to support youth through the arts, youth culture, and beyond. The episode concludes with a discussion of vulnerability and the self-examination necessary to effectively support young people as our next leaders.</p> <p>In this episode you’ll learn:</p> <ol> <li>Why the arts should intertwine with other sectors for mutual benefit;</li> <li>How to connect our work to other work through the lens of care and cultural responsiveness; and</li> <li>About the role of vulnerability and self-examination in finding our authentic selves in leadership roles.</li> </ol> <p>Please download the transcript here.</p> <p>ABOUT JAMES MILES<strong>: </strong>An educator in the New York City public schools for almost 20 years prior to moving to Seattle in 2016. Before joining Mentor Washington as the Executive Director, Miles served as the Executive Director of Seattle based Arts Corps. Originally from Chicago, Miles has worked internationally as an artist and educator, who was inspired to foment change after seeing so many children that looked like him, get disregarded and treated like criminals by our educational systems. His acclaimed TedX Talk focuses on his mission to narrow achievement gaps using the arts as a tool to navigate inequitable educational systems. Miles is a Mayoral Appointee to the Seattle Arts Commission, and on the advisory board of SXSW EDU. A former accountant, model, and actor, Miles has facilitated workshops and designed curriculum for the New Victory Theater, Roundabout Theatre, Disney Theatrical Group, Village Theatre, Arts Impact, Denver Performing Arts Center, Impact Schools, and others. Previously a professor at NYU, James taught a myriad of classes, ranging from Acting and Directing to EdTech and Specia