On today's program: Eating disorders uniquely affect women over age 40; mentorship at Brashear came from an unexpected place; what it will take for lawmakers to consider raising the state minimum wage; and why A+ Schools changed its annual report to focus on pockets of success.
Many women struggle with eating disorders, and a growing number are over age 40
(00:00 — 13:30)
Dr. Jamesena Talbott has built a career on research in women’s health, aging and leadership development, something she's referred to as an interprofessional ecology of care. But her latest research builds on something more personal—how women at mid-life experience eating disorders and disordered thinking.
Dr. Talbott says this project was borne from a personal struggle—in her case, binge eating. She says she dealt with its highs and lows privately for years, because like many women, she felt a deep sense of shame about why and how she ate, how she was aging and why she wasn't able to "manage" it successfully on her own. She shares her story with 90.5 WESA's Megan Harris, and offers tools for others looking for help.
Her work is available through the Institute for Social Innovation at the Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, Calif., as well as Point Park University where she's a professor of leadership and community engagement in the Rowland School of Business.
Brashear security officer transcends his title through mentorship
(14:30 — 18:09)
A security officer at Pittsburgh Brashear High School goes above and beyond her job title. Hear Nikkia Ingram, founder of Cultivating Resilient Youth, talk about how herinformal mentoring sessions during lunch breaks and weekends have grown into a nonprofit.
Pennsylvania’s lowest-wage workers *may* have a raise coming
(18:10 — 22:32)
Over the last decade, every state surrounding Pennsylvania has raised its minimum wage, while commonwealth workers still make just $7.25 an hour. Now after years of resistance, the Republicans who control the state Senate have softened their opposition to a hike and passed a new $9.50 minimum. But WESA’s Katie Meyer reports, there’s no guarantee the House will follow suit.
A+ Schools wants to change the narrative around Pittsburgh schools
(22:37 — 39:01)
What will it take to replicate best practices across Pittsburgh Public Schools? A+ Schools executive director James Fogarty says step one is shining a light on pockets of excellence.
The city school advocacy group has published an annual report detailing comparative PPS achievement data for more than a decade, but Fogarty says they wanted to tweak the formula in the latest edition released last month. In it, educators like Patti Camper, principal of Arsenal 6-8, and Dr. Monica Lamar, assistant superintendent and acting acting principal at Dilworth Pre-K-5, share how shifts big and small are creating opportunity and helping others reconsider their own challenges.
The Confluence, where the news comes together, is 90.5 WESA’s daily news program. Tune in weekdays at 9 a.m. to hear newsmakers and innovators take an in-depth look at stories important to the Pittsburgh region. Find more episodes of The Confluence here or wherever you get your podcasts.
