Your Seat at the Table: Stories of Education, Equity, and Transformation

Did you know that Urban College of Boston has a podcast?

We are proud to introduce Your Seat at the Table, a new podcast hosted by Urban College President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fernández. Each conversational episode dives deep into the experiences of Urban College alumni, faculty, staff, and community leaders, uncovering what it means to pursue higher education, build community, and create lasting change.

From personal journey reflections to stories of fearless career pivots, this podcast invites listeners to hear how higher education shapes lives, and why it’s never too late to start on a new path.

The first three episodes are available to watch now!

Episode 1: Jerrell Cox — Legacy, Leadership, and the Power of Higher Education

In our debut episode, Jerrell Cox, CEO of United Southend Settlements (USES), shares his 30-year journey with the organization that began as a camper at USES’s Camp Hale. Raised in a family committed to education and service, Jerrell’s early exposure to community-centered work shaped his career path.

After losing his father, Jerrell enrolled at Urban College, where he found a supportive environment that ignited his passion for higher learning and set him on a leadership trajectory at USES. Today, he encourages others, especially educators at USES, to follow that same path. 

His advice to those considering going back to school? “The time is now. Don’t wait. It’s a journey, and be gentle with yourself, but the most important part is starting.”

Episode 2: Sherene Clayton — Discipline, Calculated Risks, and Starting Small

Sherene Clayton, Partner at Northwestern Mutual Insurance, began her career in tech but transitioned into finance after experiencing the illness and loss of her mother. That pivotal moment inspired her mission to help others plan for the future, build wealth, and protect what matters most to them.

A former distance runner, Sherene compares investing to athletic training: small, consistent steps add up to big wins by learning to “ride out the highs and ride out the lows.” She urges listeners, no matter what stage they’re at in life, to define their goals, take calculated risks, and run their own race. 

Her advice extends beyond financial planning to any aspect of life, including education. “Everyone’s on their own race. You cannot win by watching someone else. It’s about your time and your strategy.” By taking consistent steps and being willing to continue moving forward, anything is possible.”

Episode 3: Anna Berry — From Head Start to Higher Ed: Belonging, Growth, and Guiding Others

In this heartfelt episode, Anna Berry, Vice President of Student Success at Urban College, reflects on her own nontraditional path—from Head Start alum and first-generation college student to educator and advocate.

Growing up in New York City’s immigrant community, Anna never saw college in her future until community college changed her life. Now, she brings that lived experience to Urban College, where she helps students believe in their own potential and feel a sense of belonging. 

Coming to Urban College was an opportunity for her own growth and to utilize skills she’s developed over the years to “impact a new community of learners.”

A self-described “change junkie,” Anna encourages others to embrace growth at any age, reminding us that we’re all constantly evolving. “We are never fully formed. That idea is exciting to me.” 

Up Next on “Your Seat at the Table”:

If you’ve enjoyed the first three episodes of Your Seat at the Table, stay tuned as we’re just getting started.

Next, we’ll hear from Martha Niño, a first-generation Mexican-American who rose through the tech industry to launch her own foundation to “scale hope” and open doors to new opportunities for young people.

We’ll also chat with “mom guru” Leslie Forde, a researcher and consultant helping employers better support working mothers in their organizations. 

We’re excited to continue sharing conversations that reflect what we believe at Urban College: that everyone deserves a seat, and a voice, at the table.

Don’t miss new episodes! Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube.