VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING

Virtual Programming

A.K.A. The Local Leader Spotlight Series

Engaging students beyond the classroom

In 2020, One Bead launched a virtual interview series, called the Local Leader Spotlight series, to connect youth with leaders in the community.


Interviews take place weekly on Zoom in front of an audience made up of students from across Boston. The series inspires conversations about equity, leadership, and identity, while also giving students the opportunity to see themselves represented in positions of power.

Live interviews hosted by youth in Boston.

Below are two examples of Local Leader Spotlight intervews.

How it Works

Enroll your child

After completing an enrollment form, parents/guardians will receive a phone call from one of our staff members, who will provide an overview of the program and answer any lingering questions.

Join us on Zoom

30-minutes before each interview starts, parents/guardians will receive a text and/or email with a Zoom link their child can use to participate.

Meet the featured speaker

During the first 15 minutes of the interview, a student co-host will ask three predetermined questions designed to provide the audience with context about the speaker.

Ask a question

Mid-way through the interview, we will open it up to the live audience for questions. Students can raise their hand to ask questions out loud, or pose questions in the chat.

Witness the impact

At the end of each interview, speakers share a few words of advice before signing off.

Explore our speaker community

Our guest speakers are leaders in their industries, but many are also Boston Public School graduates themselves.

Speakers

FAQs

  • Who can participate?

    This program is open to all students attending one of our partner schools. Students must have an enrollment form signed to particpate. 

  • What is the cost?

    This program is free for students. For information about school partnership fees, please contact us directly.

  • How many interviews do you host per school year?

    We host 30 interviews each school year–15 before winter break and 15 after.

  • When are the interviews?

    Interviews take place weekly on Zoom after school betweeen 5–7 PM. The specfic date and time of each interview varies from week to week. Parents/Guardians will receive a notification via text and/or email every Sunday that includes the date and time of the upcoming interview along with information about the featured speaker. A reminder will also be sent on the day of the interview.

  • Are students required to attend every interview?

    No! Students can attend as many interviews as they'd like. However, parents/guardians of students who attend 3 or more interviews will receive a $50 gift card.

  • Do students have to talk during interviews?

    Students are encouraged, but not required, to ask questions during each interview.

  • Who hosts the interviews?

    Interviews are co-hosted by One Bead CEO, Sara Kittle and a student. If your child is interested in becoming a co-host, please let us know!

  • How are the speakers chosen?

    The Local Leader Spotlight Series is an extension of our in-school programming. While there may be overlap in our featured speakers, we try to reserve the virtual space for leaders who aren't able to meet students in person. 

  • How do I become a speaker?

    To nominate yourself or someone else as a future speaker, please fill out our Speaker Nomination Form or contact or Local Leader Spotlight Series Director, Kouree Peeler (kouree@onebead.org).

Behind the Scenes

Kouree Peeler

Local Leader Spotlight Series Director

Having grown up in both the Dorchester and Roxbury area, I've developed a sense of empathy toward the students we serve. I believe that there are numerous non-traditional career paths available, and it's crucial for schools to make these options known.
Working at One Bead provides me with a sense of fulfillment, knowing that we are not only imparting this knowledge but also nurturing future leaders.

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