Episodes

  • Designing Change: Kean Architecture Students Are Transforming Urban Spaces
    Mar 4 2025

    Kean University students and faculty are revolutionizing urban design through innovative, community-centered learning and research. This episode highlights how architecture students at Michael Graves College are tackling real-world issues including food justice, youth empowerment and sustainable urban planning, and making a lasting impact in their communities.

    Urban Impact is recorded and produced at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university. The podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google, and at kean.edu/urban-impact.

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    38 mins
  • Urban Mayors Unite: Addressing New Jersey’s Housing Crisis
    Jan 27 2025

    Two prominent New Jersey mayors, Plainfield’s Adrian Mapp and Passaic’s Hector Lora, discuss how they are driving innovative solutions to address the state’s 200,000-unit affordable housing shortage. Learn how their collective advocacy and efforts to amplify community voices are reshaping urban policy and development across 32 municipalities.

    Urban Impact is recorded and produced at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university. The podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google, and at kean.edu/urban-impact.

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    18 mins
  • Building Courage, Confidence and Character: Natasha Hemmings' Vision for the Girl Scouts
    Dec 2 2024

    Think those iconic Girl Scout cookies are just a sweet treat? Think again. Natasha Hemmings, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, reveals how the organization is shaping tomorrow’s leaders, one badge and bold idea at a time. Tune in to learn how the Girl Scouts, in partnership with Kean University, are sparking curiosity and driving transformation—literally—through the innovation of a new mobile classroom.

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    28 mins
  • Ndaba Mandela on Legacy, Leadership and Global Impact
    Nov 18 2024

    Ndaba Mandela discusses legacy, leadership and community-driven change in the latest episode of Urban Impact. Learn about his very personal connection to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and how he’s carrying forward his grandfather Nelson Mandela’s vision for a brighter future. #Leadership #NdabaMandela #UrbanImpactPodcast #NelsonMandela

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    23 mins
  • How Anchor Institutions Help Shape Communities: A Conversation with Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D.
    Sep 30 2024

    In this special kickoff to Season Three of Urban Impact, Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., defines what it means to be an anchor institution and explains the critical role institutions like Kean play in building community partnerships and driving local development. He discusses the University’s unique contributions to the local community and shares his vision for the evolving impact of anchor institutions nationwide.

    Urban Impact is recorded and produced at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university. The podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google, and at kean.edu/urban-impact.

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    35 mins
  • Inside Kean University's Journey to Sustainability - with Felice Vazquez
    May 21 2024

    Hear how Kean University’s innovative efforts led to a prestigious Silver STARS rating for sustainability. Hosts Michael Salvatore and Barbara George Johnson talk with Felice Vazquez, Kean’s senior vice president for planning and special counsel to the president, about the importance of sustainability in higher education.

    Urban Impact is recorded and produced at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university. The podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google, and at kean.edu/urban-impact.

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    24 mins
  • Sustainability Starts with Small Changes, Featuring Allison Edgley, Ed.D.
    May 9 2024

    Sustainability ambassador Allison Edgley is back! In part two of her episode, she shares what she learned firsthand about sustainable practices in China and Iceland and discusses the small but impactful steps individuals can take to cut down on single-use plastics, food waste and overconsumption.
    Urban Impact is recorded and produced at Kean, New Jersey’s urban research university. The podcast is now available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google, and at kean.edu/urban-impact.

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    15 mins
  • Sustainability Practices That Make a Difference - With Allison Edgley, Ed.D.
    Apr 29 2024

    Sustainability guru Allison Edgley, Ed.D. discusses the keys to successful sustainability initiatives, her role as a sustainability ambassador and how small, everyday actions can lead to significant environmental impacts and contribute to a more sustainable future.



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    27 mins