(New Orleans – Sept. 6, 2024) — NOLA Public Schools (NOLA-PS) proudly announces the launch of its Voices of Future Leaders (VOFL) podcast and townhall series for the 2024-2025 school year. Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, this compelling series amplifies the voices of NOLA-PS scholars, creating a platform where students engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, community service, and the future they are helping shape.
Each episode features scholars from across the district in dialogue with Dr. Williams, exploring topics such as civic engagement, social justice, and mental health. More than just a podcast, Voices of Future Leaders is a call to action—empowering young people to lead, inspire, and make a difference within their communities. The town halls are equally engaging and include a panel discussion followed by Q&A from a live student audience.
"We created Voices of Future Leaders to provide a space where our students can express themselves freely and share their vision for a brighter future," said Dr. Williams. "It's incredibly powerful to hear their stories, challenges, and dreams. These young leaders are shaping our city today."
The season's inaugural episode, recorded at John F. Kennedy High School, kicked off with a special guest appearance by legendary New Orleans rapper, Mia X, who helped host an engaging conversation with student leaders who shared their unique "superpowers" and insights on pressing issues such as education, community service, and youth empowerment.
During the conversation, student leaders addressed several key topics:
- Leadership & Civic Engagement: When asked what they would do if they were in charge, one scholar shared, "If I were to be in charge and change things, I would lower the voting age."
- Mental Health Awareness: When asked what they would share with future scholars, one scholar shared, "The lesson I've learned is to speak up for yourself and to not let anyone take your voice away."
- Violence Prevention: When asked to share their call to action, one scholar shared, "There's a lot of gun violence…we need help getting kids off the streets."
"These young leaders are not just the voices of our future—they are leaders in their own right today. Their ideas, passion, and commitment to making a difference are truly inspiring, and I am honored to provide a platform where their voices can be heard," said Dr. Williams, as she praised the students for their thoughtfulness and leadership.
"I am very impressed and inspired," said Mia X as she listened to the inspiring conversation from JFK scholars. "My call to action is to remain boots to the ground. In the community, in the schools…being hand to hand with people." Mia X stated.
Having launched during the 2023-2024 school year, the VOFL podcast is part of NOLA Public Schools' ongoing commitment to student engagement and leadership development. By providing a space where scholars can openly discuss their ideas and concerns, the district aims to foster a more inclusive and responsive educational environment.
Special guests this year will include author and entrepreneur Sevetri Wilson-Taylor, activist Set Shakur, Senator Royce Duplessis, and Chef Reagan Sidney. In addition to the podcast, the Voices of Future Leaders townhalls will feature live panel discussions and interactive Q&A sessions with a student audience, further fostering direct engagement and dialogue.
Episodes of Voices of Future Leaders will be available monthly on the NOLA-PS YouTube channel and across social media platforms. NOLA-PS encourages scholars, families, educators, and community members to tune in and support these dynamic young leaders as they share their visions for the future.
For more information and to listen to the latest episodes, please visit the NOLA Public Schools YouTube channel.
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About NOLA Public Schools: NOLA Public Schools is the public school district for Orleans Parish. It includes the district's administration and elected school board, known as the Orleans Parish School Board. NOLA Public Schools currently oversees 67 public schools and is led by Superintendent Dr. Avis Williams, the first woman in the District's 181 years to serve as its permanent superintendent.
For more information, visit www.nolapublicschools.com. For updates, follow NOLA Public Schools on Facebook @NOLAPublicSchools, Instagram @nolaps and Twitter @NOLAPSchools.