Philly Goes 2 SXSW EDU, Part 2

PhillyGoes2 SXSW EDU! Part 2

Welcome back to our coverage of SXSW EDU! Over four invigorating days in March, we delved into the heart of education innovation, connecting with some of the most influential figures in the TechEd sphere. From educators to authors, professional athletes, and Grammy-nominated artists, we embarked on a journey of discovery, capturing exclusive insights and perspectives.

In this installment, we present part two of our ongoing series, offering you a glimpse into the vibrant conversations that unfolded at SXSW EDU. Join us as we explore the passion driving these thought leaders and their compelling visions for the future of education.

Our interviews showcased the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our guests, each offering a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and education. From innovative teaching methods to the transformative power of arts in learning, our discussions covered a wide array of topics that are shaping the landscape of education.

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Part 2 features:

Rapsody, renowned for her lyrical prowess and impactful contributions to hip-hop, the Snow Hill, North Carolina native, has solidified her place among music’s elite. From touring alongside icons like Kendrick Lamar and the late Mac Miller to garnering accolades such as the BET Hip Hop Awards’ Lyricist of the Year, her influence is undeniable. Media giants, including NPR and TIME Magazine, have praised her work, while XXL named her one of the 20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time. Dr. Dre himself hailed her as his “favorite female emcee.” Her album “Laila’s Wisdom” featuring collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and Busta Rhymes, earned her two Grammy nominations. Noteworthy performances include an invitation from President Barack Obama and Herbie Hancock to honor Prince at the International Jazz Fest alongside legends like Aretha Franklin. Most recently, her album “EVE” pays homage to black female culture, with each track named after a phenomenal black woman.

Rapsody was featured on a Panel Discussion entitled “Featured Session: On the Record: Music in Every Classroom”

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Bayliss Fiddiman, the Director of Educational Equity and Senior Counsel at the National Women’s Law Center, is a passionate advocate for educational policies that promote equity and inclusion. With a focus on addressing the challenges faced by girls of color, and pregnant and parenting students, as well as advocating for equal access to education for women and girls, she has made significant contributions in the field of education. Her extensive experience includes roles at the Center for American Progress, where she worked as an Associate Director on the K-12 Education team, and at the Education Law Center in Newark, NJ, as well as at the Educational Testing Service. Bayliss Fiddiman’s expertise and dedication to educational equity have led her to be a prominent speaker at events such as SXSW EDU, where she shares insights and strategies to advance equality in education.

Bayliss hosted/moderated a SXSW EDU Session entitled “Yet Unfulfilled, the Promise of Title IX: Let Girls Learn”

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Vinson “Wordsworth” Johnson, Dr. Jason Rawls, and John Robinson, collectively known as three-fourths of the Edvengers, are dynamic educators, musicians, and creative entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions to both the world of music and education.

Vinson “Wordsworth” Johnson is a multi-talented individual with a rich educational background, holding degrees in Music Business, Secondary Education, and Language Arts. His achievements span from being recognized among the Top 50 graduates of S.U.N.Y Old Westbury to landing his book “What Words Are Worth Volume 1: New Beginning” in Amazon’s Top 10 new releases in poetry. His work as a teacher stands out with his innovative music course curriculum, capturing attention from media outlets like Fox 4 News and earning him guest speaking invitations at prestigious institutions like New York’s Baruch College.

Dr. Jason Rawls, a pioneer in the #HipHopEd movement, boasts over two decades of teaching experience and is currently an Assistant Professor of Hip Hop at THE Ohio State University. He has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking programs like the first Hip Hop Studies program in a School of Music at an R1 university in the United States and the H.O.P.E. program at Ohio University, focused on Hip-Hop Based Education. Dr. Rawls is also a co-author of the book “Youth Culture Power: A #HipHopEd Guide to Building Teacher-Student Relationships and Increasing Student Engagement” and has been featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s exhibit on Hip Hop.

John Robinson, hailing from the South Bronx and Central NJ, has made his mark both as a musician and educator. With a prolific career spanning over two decades, he has released more than 25 albums and collaborated with renowned artists such as MF DOOM, Talib Kweli, and Madlib. As an educator deeply rooted in Hip-Hop Based Education and Youth Culture Pedagogy, Robinson has co-authored books with Dr. Jason Rawls and co-founded Its Jay ARE EDU, a company focusing on innovative approaches to Professional Development workshops for adults working in youth spaces.

Together, these three educators bring a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and passion to their work, impacting both the realms of music and education with their innovative approaches and dedication to empowering learners.

The EdVengers led a SXSW EDU Workshop entitled “Bigger Than Hip-Hop: Why Folks Say It Controls Your Brain”

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Kelis Barton, a former student-athlete at Washington State University and the University of Central Florida, has a background in Journalism & Media Production. During her time as a student-athlete, she interned with Voice in Sport, worked for the National College Players’ Association (NCPA), and held leadership roles within WSU Athletics social media and student organizations. Additionally, she co-founded the WSU Black Student-Athlete Association. Kelis pursued her soccer dreams in England but faced setbacks due to injury. Currently rehabbing in the USA, she remains passionate about soccer and activism. Recently, she shared her experiences and insights on a panel at SXSW EDU.

Kelis was a featured speaker on a panel at SXSW EDU entitled “Accidental Activists: Student-Athletes Fighting for Change”

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Shalin Jyotishi is a prominent figure in the fields of education, labor, and the future of work, currently serving as Senior Advisor at New America. As a Forbes Contributor focusing on workforce and education innovation, Jyotishi’s insights have been featured in notable publications such as NPR, Washington Post, and Financial Times. With over 350 speaking engagements, he has addressed prestigious platforms including the United Nations, Davos, and OECD.

Jyotishi brings extensive board leadership experience, having contributed to organizations like the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator and MIT Science Policy Review. Previously, he was the first civil society Fellow in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at the World Economic Forum, leading research on AI and job quality. His background includes overseeing labor economics research at the Burning Glass Institute and serving as Program Director at the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities.

Notably, Jyotishi has been recognized for his contributions to academia, having served as CEO of the Journal of Science Policy and Governance and as a Visiting Scholar in Science Policy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He holds a B.S. from the University of Georgia and an M.S. from Arizona State University. Jyotishi’s expertise and leadership make him a sought-after speaker, including appearances at events such as SXSW EDU.

Shalin was a featured speaker at the SXSW EDU Live Podcast entitled “EdSurge Podcast: Examining the Impact of the ‘College is a Scam’ Narrative”

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Kate Colbert and Dr. Joe Sallustio are the co-authors of “Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education.”

Kate Colbert is a renowned higher-education thought leader and marketing expert, having consulted for prestigious institutions like Northeastern University and UC San Francisco. She is also the author of “Think Like a Marketer,” and her insights on the future of higher education have been featured in numerous media outlets.

Dr. Joe Sallustio, an esteemed higher education expert, holds an EdD in organizational leadership and has led various educational institutions. Co-founder of “The EdUp Experience,” a leading higher education podcast, Joe has curated conversations with over 100 college and university presidents, providing valuable insights into academic leadership. With over two decades of experience in higher education operations, Joe’s expertise spans marketing, enrollment, finance, and student services, contributing significantly to the success of institutions he’s served. Together, Kate and Joe offer a compelling vision for the future of higher education in their book.

Joe and Kate led a SXSW EDU Workshop and Panel entitled “Navigating a New Era in Higher Ed: Facts About the Future”

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As we continue our series, stay tuned for more captivating conversations with trailblazers who are shaping the future of education. Be sure to check out the videos below to catch a glimpse of the enriching dialogue that took place at SXSW EDU.

Join us as we embark on this enriching adventure, closing with Part 2 of our series below. Let’s ignite the conversation and pave the way for a brighter future in education. Until SXSW Edu 2025, enjoy!