In this episode, host Jobi Lawrence welcomes Rosmery Milczewski, Assistant Principal at Flushing International High School in New York City and a member of the International Network for Public Schools. Rosmery shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. as a teenager from Colombia to becoming a leader in multilingual and immigrant-centered education.

Together, Jobi and Rosmery explore identity, language, and the power of lived experience in shaping compassionate leadership. This conversation centers on empathy, resilience, and what it truly means to create educational spaces where students—and educators—feel seen, valued, and supported.

n this episode, host Dr. Jobi Lawrence is joined by Chandler Miranda, an educator and advocate with extensive experience supporting newcomer students and families, to explore what it means to create sanctuary in schools. The conversation centers on the concept of radical welcome and the mindset shifts educators and school communities can adopt to move beyond surface-level inclusion toward intentional, sustainable support. Chandler Miranda shares insights on fostering belonging, trust, and safety for students navigating new languages, cultures, and educational systems, emphasizing the role of empathy, culturally responsive practices, and school-wide commitment. The conversation reinforces that creating sanctuary is an ongoing, intentional practice rooted in equity, care, and belonging.

In this episode of the ASSETS Podcast, host Dr. Jobi Lawrence sits down with Sam Finn, Director of Newcomer Policy and Practice at Californians Together and a leader with the California Newcomer Network (CANN). Sam shares insights from his work supporting educators who serve immigrant and newcomer students, discussing how policy, research, and practice intersect to create more equitable learning environments.

Together, they explore what defines a "newcomer" student, the challenges these students face entering U.S. schools, and the policies that most impact their educational experience. Sam also highlights how the California Newcomer Network empowers teachers with tools, strategies, and advocacy to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and successful.