Deesha Dyer, renowned as the former Social Secretary of the Obama Administration, has made a significant mark as a speaker and creative event strategy consultant. Originally from Philadelphia, Dyer's journey into the political realm is characterized by her unconventional path. Despite starting as a hip-hop journalist, she joined the White House as an intern at the age of 30 while attending community college.

During her tenure, Dyer spearheaded numerous high-profile events, notably coordinating the historic 2015 visit of Pope Francis. Her responsibilities extended to orchestrating State Dinners featuring distinguished guests such as leaders from China, Canada, and Italy. Dyer's knack for curating memorable experiences was evident in her bookings, which included performances by iconic figures like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and the cast of the Broadway sensation "Hamilton." Now, Dyer took center stage on "The Spark" to discuss her latest endeavor, a captivating memoir titled "Undiplomatic." In this revealing book, she chronicles her personal journey, shedding light on her transition from feeling like an imposter to making a tangible impact. With insights gleaned from her experiences, Dyer offers readers a roadmap for navigating their own paths to success.

Her narrative is not just one of professional triumph but also a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing obstacles, including her unconventional background and self-doubt, Dyer emerged as a trailblazer in her field, and through "Undiplomatic," she aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and harness it as a force for positive change. Furthermore, as a graduate of Milton Hershey School, Dyer's story resonates deeply with individuals from all walks of life. Her journey serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a willingness to challenge conventions, anyone can defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on the world.

<a href="https://www.deeshadyer.com/">Deesha Dyer</a>, renowned as the former Social Secretary of the Obama Administration, has made a significant mark as a speaker and creative event strategy consultant. Originally from Philadelphia, Dyer's journey into the political realm is characterized by her unconventional path. Despite starting as a hip-hop journalist, she joined the White House as an intern at the age of 30 while attending community college.
During her tenure, Dyer spearheaded numerous high-profile events, notably coordinating the historic 2015 visit of Pope Francis. Her responsibilities extended to orchestrating State Dinners featuring distinguished guests such as leaders from China, Canada, and Italy. Dyer's knack for curating memorable experiences was evident in her bookings, which included performances by iconic figures like Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and the cast of the Broadway sensation "Hamilton." Now, Dyer took center stage on "The Spark" to discuss her latest endeavor, a captivating memoir titled "Undiplomatic." In this revealing book, she chronicles her personal journey, shedding light on her transition from feeling like an imposter to making a tangible impact. With insights gleaned from her experiences, Dyer offers readers a roadmap for navigating their own paths to success.
Her narrative is not just one of professional triumph but also a testament to resilience and determination. Despite facing obstacles, including her unconventional background and self-doubt, Dyer emerged as a trailblazer in her field, and through "Undiplomatic," she aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and harness it as a force for positive change. Furthermore, as a graduate of Milton Hershey School, Dyer's story resonates deeply with individuals from all walks of life. Her journey serves as a reminder that with perseverance and a willingness to challenge conventions, anyone can defy expectations and leave an indelible mark on the world.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

Meet Deesha Dyer: The Former Obama Administration Social Secretary

Erik Larson is perhaps America’s preeminent non-fiction history writer. His best-selling books stand out for their storytelling narratives, but also their attention to detail, especially when it comes to what the historical characters in his books actually said or wrote. There’s no speculation – Larson only quotes what is verified.

Larson’s newest book is about the period between Abraham Lincoln’s election in November, 1860 and the start of the Civil War, with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in South Carolina.

Erik Larson was with us on The Spark Thursday to talk about The Demon of Unrest – A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.

Larson has said he would never write about the Civil War but during the COVID pandemic in 2020, came upon a book about the beginning of the Civil War and was intrigued.

The unrest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 to stop the certification and protest the election of President Joe Biden by Trump supporters also drew parallels in Larson's mind. The Vice President, who would certify Lincoln's election victory in 1861 was John C. Breckenridge, a candidate for president who Lincoln had just defeated and there was speculation the South would attack Washington to disrupt Lincoln's inauguration.

One of the heroes in the story is Major Robert Anderson, the commanding officer at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina had seceded from the United States after Lincoln's election, believing he planned to abolish slavery. Anderson was a southerner and former slave owner but was loyal to the U.S. Army and did his valiant best to keep the fort from falling into South Carolina's hands until he and his 75 men were overwhelmed and had to surrender. That sparked the beginning of the Civil War.

Erik Larson will be appearing with NPR’s Steve Inskeep Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg at 2 p.m. Tickets are still available through Midtown Scholar Bookstore.

<a href="https://eriklarsonbooks.com/">Erik Larson</a> is perhaps America’s preeminent non-fiction history writer. His best-selling books stand out for their storytelling narratives, but also their attention to detail, especially when it comes to what the historical characters in his books actually said or wrote. There’s no speculation – Larson only quotes what is verified.
Larson’s newest book is about the period between Abraham Lincoln’s election in November, 1860 and the start of the Civil War, with the bombardment of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Erik Larson was with us on The Spark Thursday to talk about <a href="https://eriklarsonbooks.com/book/the-demon-of-unrest/">The Demon of Unrest – A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War.</a>
Larson has said he would never write about the Civil War but during the COVID pandemic in 2020, came upon a book about the beginning of the Civil War and was intrigued.
The unrest at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 to stop the certification and protest the election of President Joe Biden by Trump supporters also drew parallels in Larson's mind. The Vice President, who would certify Lincoln's election victory in 1861 was John C. Breckenridge, a candidate for president who Lincoln had just defeated and there was speculation the South would attack Washington to disrupt Lincoln's inauguration.
One of the heroes in the story is Major Robert Anderson, the commanding officer at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina had seceded from the United States after Lincoln's election, believing he planned to abolish slavery. Anderson was a southerner and former slave owner but was loyal to the U.S. Army and did his valiant best to keep the fort from falling into South Carolina's hands until he and his 75 men were overwhelmed and had to surrender. That sparked the beginning of the Civil War.
Erik Larson will be appearing with NPR’s Steve Inskeep Saturday at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg at 2 p.m. <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-afternoon-with-erik-larson-and-steve-inskeep-the-demon-of-unrest-tickets-798904744597">Tickets are still available through Midtown Scholar Bookstore.</a>

Best-selling author Erik Larson discusses his new book chronicling the start of the Civil War

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Tec Centro, a division of SACA, stands as a beacon of bilingual education and vocational training, addressing the pressing need for skilled workers in the region. Annually, Tec Centro's state-of-the-art workforce programs reaches over 1,200 individuals, offering vital education and skills training to those grappling with unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. And across the United States, a significant dilemma looms over numerous businesses; a surplus of skilled trades job openings juxtaposed with a scarcity of qualified individuals to fill them. Forbes reports that over 53% of workers in skilled trades are approaching retirement age, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Shockingly, only 1 in 5 high school graduates express interest in pursuing trade jobs, exacerbating the workforce deficit and leaving employers scrambling for solutions.

National Skilled Trades Day (May 1st) emerges as a crucial initiative to shed light on the immense value of skilled trades professions in the American landscape. For decades, societal emphasis has tilted heavily towards steering young individuals exclusively towards traditional college pathways post-graduation, disregarding the immense potential and merit inherent in skilled trades. Consequently, many college graduates find themselves burdened by staggering debt and confronted by a stagnant job market upon completion of their studies. In stark contrast, trade professions often require only certification for employment, enabling individuals to enter the workforce swiftly and with minimal debt. Moreover, these roles frequently offer competitive wages, alongside benefits and healthcare coverage, further enhancing their allure and viability as viable career options.

The advent of National Trades Day brings a spotlight to the trades industry, which is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly among Generation Z, affectionately termed the "tool-belt generation" by social observers. This resurgence arrives at a critical juncture, as the impending retirement wave among skilled trade workers looms large. Forbes underscores this trend, highlighting a 53% retirement age threshold among skilled trade workers. Additionally, another Forbes study reveals a 20% surge in student enrollment in vocational programs like Thaddeus Stevens College and Tec Centro, signaling a promising shift towards embracing skilled trades education. So, in essence, Tec Centro and initiatives like National Skilled Trades Day are pivotal in bridging the workforce gap, championing the value of vocational education, and empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling and prosperous careers in the trades industry.

In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, <a href="https://sacapa.org/tec-centro/">Tec Centro</a>, a division of SACA, stands as a beacon of bilingual education and vocational training, addressing the pressing need for skilled workers in the region. Annually, Tec Centro's state-of-the-art workforce programs reaches over 1,200 individuals, offering vital education and skills training to those grappling with unemployment, underemployment, and poverty. And across the United States, a significant dilemma looms over numerous businesses; a surplus of skilled trades job openings juxtaposed with a scarcity of qualified individuals to fill them. Forbes reports that over 53% of workers in skilled trades are approaching retirement age, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Shockingly, only 1 in 5 high school graduates express interest in pursuing trade jobs, exacerbating the workforce deficit and leaving employers scrambling for solutions.
National Skilled Trades Day (May 1st) emerges as a crucial initiative to shed light on the immense value of skilled trades professions in the American landscape. For decades, societal emphasis has tilted heavily towards steering young individuals exclusively towards traditional college pathways post-graduation, disregarding the immense potential and merit inherent in skilled trades. Consequently, many college graduates find themselves burdened by staggering debt and confronted by a stagnant job market upon completion of their studies. In stark contrast, trade professions often require only certification for employment, enabling individuals to enter the workforce swiftly and with minimal debt. Moreover, these roles frequently offer competitive wages, alongside benefits and healthcare coverage, further enhancing their allure and viability as viable career options.
The advent of National Trades Day brings a spotlight to the trades industry, which is experiencing a notable resurgence, particularly among Generation Z, affectionately termed the "tool-belt generation" by social observers. This resurgence arrives at a critical juncture, as the impending retirement wave among skilled trade workers looms large. Forbes underscores this trend, highlighting a 53% retirement age threshold among skilled trade workers. Additionally, another Forbes study reveals a 20% surge in student enrollment in vocational programs like Thaddeus Stevens College and Tec Centro, signaling a promising shift towards embracing skilled trades education. So, in essence, Tec Centro and initiatives like National Skilled Trades Day are pivotal in bridging the workforce gap, championing the value of vocational education, and empowering individuals to pursue fulfilling and prosperous careers in the trades industry.

On National Trades Day, TEC Centro aims to change lives through vocational work

American’s 250th birthday or Semiquincentennial will be in two years. Plans are already being made for celebrations around the country.

The State Museum in Harrisburg has gotten a head start with an exhibit called Pennsylvania in Watercolor by artist Nick Ruggieri. Ruggieri's project involved visiting all 67 counties to paint a representative scene he chose for each one – often a historic site, natural feature, or signature industry.

There’s a program at the State Museum this Sunday at 2 p.m. to highlight the exhibit.

With us on The SparkWednesday were Curt Miner, Director of Interpretation and Amy Hammond, Sr. Curator of Cultural History at the State Museum in Harrisburg, who talked about the paintings in the exhibit,"It's really versatile. There's a lot of different perspectives that you can approach this particular collection. I noticed that there were, certain themes that really stood out. Industry, which is one and it is certainly the coal mining, was an important one, but also mills and, some industries that we don't necessarily go to anymore. And there's also transportation. He addressed transportation. There's architecture from the 18th century into the 20th century. There are historic sites that he captured. And, it's really fascinating to see the different things that he was able to find within each county."

One of the unique aspects of the paintings is that they were painted with watercolors as Hammond described,"He was really a master watercolor artist. And what I think was appealing about that media was that it's portable. So he did travel to all the counties and he did preliminary sketches, and he brought his watercolors with him because they were easy to take along. And also watercolors is a great media for landscapes because it captures light. And he was able to to manipulate it and paint in a certain way that is sometimes different painting to painting, depending on what he was trying to portray."

Miner said Ruggieri was well known in Harrisburg as the art director of the Harrisburg Patriot-News newspaper,"He comes to the Harrisburg area as a 12 year old immigrant from Italy. His father was a shoemaker. Nick is unusually talented at art and he goes to William Penn. Graduates from William Penn High School in Harrisburg, then goes to art school in New York, actually goes to Italy to study as well, and returns in the 1940s to get his first hitch in the newspaper business in Harrisburg. But he develops a very strong attachment to Harrisburg and Pennsylvania. And in 1971, four years, five years out from the Bicentennial, he proposes a project to his publisher, which is this idea of traveling across Pennsylvania and visiting all 67 counties to do one particularly iconic scene for each of those counties. And, this is his passion for four years. Take some four years to complete this, what he ends up with, I think over 80 paintings. So he did two or more for some counties, in particular. And the exhibit premieres at the then William Penn Memorial Museum in September of 1975. It's the first that we're aware of statewide art project completed by a single artist. And it gets rave reviews because Nick understood Pennsylvania as a series of places that were often highly localized."











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American’s 250th birthday or Semiquincentennial will be in two years. Plans are already being made for celebrations around the country.
The State Museum in Harrisburg has gotten a head start with an exhibit called <a href="https://statemuseumpa.org/ruggieri/">Pennsylvania in Watercolor by artist Nick Ruggieri</a>. Ruggieri's project involved visiting all 67 counties to paint a representative scene he chose for each one – often a historic site, natural feature, or signature industry.
There’s a program at the State Museum this Sunday at 2 p.m. to highlight the exhibit.
With us on The Spark Wednesday were Curt Miner, Director of Interpretation and Amy Hammond, Sr. Curator of Cultural History at the State Museum in Harrisburg, who talked about the paintings in the exhibit,"It's really versatile. There's a lot of different perspectives that you can approach this particular collection. I noticed that there were, certain themes that really stood out. Industry, which is one and it is certainly the coal mining, was an important one, but also mills and, some industries that we don't necessarily go to anymore. And there's also transportation. He addressed transportation. There's architecture from the 18th century into the 20th century. There are historic sites that he captured. And, it's really fascinating to see the different things that he was able to find within each county."
One of the unique aspects of the paintings is that they were painted with watercolors as Hammond described,"He was really a master watercolor artist. And what I think was appealing about that media was that it's portable. So he did travel to all the counties and he did preliminary sketches, and he brought his watercolors with him because they were easy to take along. And also watercolors is a great media for landscapes because it captures light. And he was able to to manipulate it and paint in a certain way that is sometimes different painting to painting, depending on what he was trying to portray."
Miner said Ruggieri was well known in Harrisburg as the art director of the Harrisburg Patriot-News newspaper,"He comes to the Harrisburg area as a 12 year old immigrant from Italy. His father was a shoemaker. Nick is unusually talented at art and he goes to William Penn. Graduates from William Penn High School in Harrisburg, then goes to art school in New York, actually goes to Italy to study as well, and returns in the 1940s to get his first hitch in the newspaper business in Harrisburg. But he develops a very strong attachment to Harrisburg and Pennsylvania. And in 1971, four years, five years out from the Bicentennial, he proposes a project to his publisher, which is this idea of traveling across Pennsylvania and visiting all 67 counties to do one particularly iconic scene for each of those counties. And, this is his passion for four years. Take some four years to complete this, what he ends up with, I think over 80 paintings. So he did two or more for some counties, in particular. And the exhibit premieres at the then William Penn Memorial Museum in September of 1975. It's the first that we're aware of statewide art project completed by a single artist. And it gets rave reviews because Nick understood Pennsylvania as a series of places that were often highly localized."
 
 
 
 
 
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Meet Deesha Dyer: The Former Obama Administration Social Secretary

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