The Key and the Kite

Colorado Representative Leslie Herod

“Forget political stereotypes: This history-making legislator is unapologetically progressive, is insistent that state government can be bipartisan (even now), and wants to transform the criminal justice system.“ - 5280 Magazine. Leslie Herod is the first LGBTQ African American in Colorado’s General Assembly. Her Dad works in law enforcement. When George Floyd was murdered, her leadership resulted in Colorado passing the most far reaching, bipartisan, police reform in the country. Others say it could be a model for other states. We talk with Rep. Herod about what Colorado did, why she cares so much about criminal justice reform, and what comes next.

Jim McCorkell

Jim McCorkell is the founder and former CEO of College Possible, a national nonprofit organization making college admission and success possible for low-income students through an intensive curriculum of coaching and support.  He currently consults with a variety of clients, with an emphasis on helping social entrepreneurs create, grow and scale their efforts.As CEO at College Possible, Jim was responsible for leading strategic organizational development, engaging and building relationships with national partners and championing the organization’s commitment to creating more college graduates. Over his 20 year tenure, the organization grew from a start-up in his spare bedroom into a national organization operating in eight American cities, reaching 25,000 low-income students, with an annual budget of $30 million. Under Jim’s leadership, the organization helped 98% of its students earn admission to college, and he helped raise nearly $150 million.

Jeni Grouws - Avey Grouws Band

“It’s been a while since a vocalist gave me the chills. Grouws digs deep and you can’t turn away. She’s a belter with deep rooted soul.” (Martine Ehrenclou/ Rock and Blues Muse)
Jeni Grouws writes roots and Americana music for Avey Grouws Band as well as for her solo project. Working as a songwriter and performer, Jeni released her solo EP “Scenic Route” in 2008. In 2017, Jeni co-founded Avey Grouws Band. Avey Grouws Band went on to twice win the Iowa Blues Challenge, they landed on the Billboard Blues Album charts at #10 and #7 for their two full length albums and the band continues to tour nationwide. Jeni won top honors in the Unsigned Only Songwriting Competition in 2020 and in the 2021 International Songwriting Competition and continues to write for a variety of projects while touring. Jeni has recently accepted a residency in Omaha, NE where she will be living and working on her own artist solo project from September 2024-May 2025. Grouws continues to tour solo and with Avey Grouws Band.

Julie Becker

Julie Becker is the CEO of Saint Francis House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where they help people transition from homelessness to hope.  Every day, Julie helps people find their new path in life.  She told KELO TV, "That’s kind of what my job is to show them that they have abilities. They are good people; they’ve maybe made some bad decisions or life circumstance have led them down the wrong path. I’m here to let them know that they’re valued and they’re appreciated. That’s why we call the people we serve at the St. Francis house guests because they are guests in our home,” 
 

Kevin Tuerff

As we approach the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we visit with Kevin Tuerff.  Kevin's experience of being stranded in Gander, Newfoundland was one of the true stories that inspired the Tony award winning musical, "Come From Away."  It is also the basis for his book, "Channel of Peace, Stranded in Gander on 9/11.  Kevin is using his experience now to inspire others though his kindness focused charity, Pay It Forward 9.11.  

Crystal Echo Hawk

 Crystal Echo Hawk is an indigenous leader working to advance authentic, contemporary stories of Native Americans in an effort to shift public perception and increase support for Native peoples and issues.
Crystal directs IllumiNative, an organization that is turning research into action and building a movement of Native leaders and non-Native allies working to drive narrative change around Native Americans. She previously co-led the Reclaiming Narrative Truth project, the largest public opinion research and strategy-setting initiative led by and for Native peoples on harmful Native Americans narratives. Crystal has dedicated her career to shaping the perspectives of influential institutions and industry leaders in media, pop culture, and K-12 education.
Today, the majority of Americans know little to nothing about Native peoples, and Crystal’s work aims to address that. She seeks a world where Native histories and contemporary contributions are taught in all schools and Native peoples have increased representation in television and film, a world where they are authors of their own stories, able to build awareness and power to advance self-determination and equity for all Native peoples.