The Back to Me Podcast

We’re wrapping up our “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series with a powerful conversation on turning vision into real opportunities for students. Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services, Enrollment Management and Equity Initiatives at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), shares how his journey has shaped his passion for advocacy and college access. He unpacks a bold Vision 2030 plan for students and explains how guaranteed admission in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) helps remove application barriers and why helping students find their identity at WLAC is central to building authentic relationships for their future. Discover how to connect your dreams to real pathways, as this episode invites you to “say yes” to your next step at WLAC. Spring classes begin February 9th! Dr. Syms completed his Doctorate of Education in Urban Education and Leadership at University of Southern California (USC). A political and community organizer from Altadena California, he began his career as a 16 year old President of the Pasadena City College chapter of the NAACP where he worked to educate young people about leveraging their economic power while pursuing education. His activism continued at Clark Atlanta University where he worked with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP to champion restorative justice legislation throughout the southeast region. After college, Dr. Syms refined his organizing skills as a Congressional Field Representative for former Congressman Adam Schiff, where he managed federal issues in the areas of science, technology and entertainment. Following his time with congress, he returned to work with the NAACP as a youth organizer, and served on the National Campaigns team for Amnesty International. To learn more about Dr. Syms and his work, visit WLAC.edu, email him at symsw@wlac.edu, or connect with him on LinkedIn.

We hope everyone had a restful, peaceful, and joy-filled Thanksgiving! This year has given us all reason to pause, reflect, and identify our own personal calling amidst uncertain times. In this week’s episode, we welcome educator, author, and wellness consultant, Stacey Y. Clark. Stacey shares how she’s helped clients ages 17 to 70 connect their purpose to an authentic life they truly enjoy living. In her book, “Confidence in Full Bloom: A 30-Day Guide to Growing Unshakable Confidence in Uncertain Times”, she unpacks three phases of personal growth—self-worth, self-efficacy, and self-love—to help listeners make the most of their course syllabi and career paths. Discover how intentional living and simple practices can empower you to follow your calling with clarity and confidence. ⁠ Stacey completed her M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge. She is the creator of the In Full Bloom series, a collection of soulful, research-informed guides that help readers grow their self-worth, strengthen their emotional wellness, and feel grounded during every season of life. Stacey’s work blends neuroscience, design thinking, and soul care, showing readers how everyday practices—breathing, movement, reflection, and intentional choices—can activate the body’s natural calming system, the vagus nerve. Beyond writing, Stacey facilitates wellness retreats, supports professionals in career reinvention, and designs learning experiences that help people thrive through change. Her mission is simple: to help people, especially young adults, build lives rooted in confidence, clarity, and intentional wellness. To learn more about Stacey and her work, visit her website at SYMoorePub.com or connect with her on IG @symoorepub.

When was the last time you seriously considered building agency for yourself? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Dell Ivy, Program Manager for Student Experience at the University of Houston’s CT Bauer College of Business. As a second-generation college graduate, Dell draws from his journey as a TRIO Coordinator and the child of nontraditional college graduates. He highlights the importance of building agency, finding mentors, expressing your voice, and staying intentional inside and outside the classroom. Dell shares practical advice for navigating parental pressures, building reputation after setbacks, and embracing mentorship and autonomy. Find out how he reminds students to stay resilient, seek direction, and not take life too seriously as they shape their own unique path. Dell completed both his M.S. in Higher Education Leadership in Student Affairs and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. As a dedicated advocate for student development and mentorship, Dell credits much of his own success and confidence as an undergraduate to the transformative power of student success initiatives. Inspired by those experiences, he is committed to creating and sustaining programs that empower students through mentorship, teamwork, and confidence-building. Guided by these principles, he strives to exceed student expectations and ensure every student has access to meaningful, impactful experiences that foster both personal and professional growth. To learn more about Dell and his work, visit his website at UH.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to take inventory of our inner strength as we prepare to navigate societal challenges with resilience and joy! In the first episode of our new series, “Owning Your Strength,” we are joined by Kwynn Townsend Riley, Director of the Office of Black Student Services at Loyola Marymount University. This award-winning poet, author and first-generation graduate shares how overcoming doubt and honoring her inner strength helped her forge an authentic community, nurture Black student pride, and support social justice on campus. Through her own poetry, cultural events and programs like the Umoja Alliance and The Learning Community, Kwyn reminds students they are not invisible and that joy and resilience are acts of resistance. In this dream job, find out how she encourages students to believe in their unique power, and lead by being their best, irreplaceable selves. Kwyn completed her M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. This proud Southside Chicagoan is an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner and artist. As a Black Queer Feminist, she envisions a world where we all are free. Kwyn is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100), Chicago Scholars Associate Board and serves on the PAN Directorate Board for ACPA (American College Personnel Association). She is a decorated slam poet, author of two books of poetry and an award winning poetry album recipient. Kwyn has been recognized by CBS as a “history-maker” for her social justice work and organizing. She intends to help students, community and others to ignite a brighter world. To learn more about Kwyn and her work, visit her website at Kwynelizabeth.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

As part of our ‘Ready, Set, Leap’ series, we welcome back Feminine Energy Therapist and Master Energy Healing Yogi, Dr. Zerri Gross. In this week’s episode, Dr. Z reveals how to identify and balance your feminine and masculine energies to boost both self-awareness and social awareness. Discover how masculine energy—driven by production, action, and survival—helps you get things done, while feminine energy—rooted in presence, alignment, and supportive connection—encourages you to slow down, see the bigger picture, and grow sustainably. Learn why vulnerability is one of your greatest strengths and how embracing the “Be-Do-Have” mindset can elevate your planning, productivity, and personal development. Get ready to explore how to balance productivity with mindfulness so you can approach your academics, your relationships, and your goals from a place of true empowerment. Dr. Z completed her Doctorate of Education in Counseling Psychology and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Argosy University. She also received her MA in Marriage and Family Therapy at University of Phoenix, Southern California Campus. Dr. Z is a 3x International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Retired Veteran but at her core, she’s a passionate advocate for helping women reclaim their power, embody their femininity, and create a holistically balanced life. As the founder of Greater Self LLC (a holistic wellness company) and Greater Self Therapy (a private psychotherapy practice), Dr. Z blends traditional therapy, alternative healing, and embodiment practices to support women, leaders, healers, and creatives in releasing overwhelm, perfectionism, compassion fatigue, and trauma responses.With over a decade as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, she specializes in feminine energy healing, yoga, and somatic-based therapy, bridging the gap between mental health and holistic self-care. She is trauma-informed, Reiki-trained, and holds certifications in Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, and Restorative yoga guiding others to reconnect with their bodies, release emotional weight, and step into the flow of empowered femininity. To learn more about Dr. Z, connect with her on IG @greaterself_dr.z or visit her website at GreaterSelf.org to get your FREE guide to unlock the power of self love.

The landscape of education is evolving in the midst of policy changes across the country. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Fatima Brunson, Tenure-track Assistant Professor of Education at Spelman College. Dr. Brunson shares how federal shifts are reshaping learning environments, disproportionately impacting students and educators. Despite this politically charged climate contributing to student and faculty stress, Dr. Brunson highlights the resilience of future educators committed to authentic transformation, justice, and culturally relevant pedagogy. Find out how she empowers students in her class to navigate funding losses, dispel policy myths, and craft student-led policy briefs of alternative solutions with potential for school adoption. Dr. Brunson completed her Doctorate of Philosophy in Policy Studies and Urban Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). As a scholar committed to advancing educational equity, her research examines how schools can strengthen teachers’ cultural knowledge and foster responsive teaching practices—critical components of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Her work focuses on urban schools where demographic divides between students and educators often exist, highlighting the conditions that support effective, equity-driven teaching. In partnership with school districts and informal learning spaces like science centers and children’s museums, Dr. Brunson explores how educators can work collectively to create humanizing, culturally affirming learning experiences. Through consulting and professional development, she supports organizations in building inclusive environments and enhancing student engagement. At the heart of her work is a deep commitment to ensuring that all children—especially students of color—receive the affirming, high-quality education they deserve. To learn more about Dr. Brunson. Work, visit her at Spelman.edu or connect with her on LinkedIn