Core Conversations On Immigration and Education Beyond the Schoolroom

Join Leslie Scott as she speaks to Rekha Sharma-Crawford about the difficulties immigrants have when navigating our legal system. Rekha is an attorney that specializes in immigration law and started “The Clinic” – a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization having the mission of providing low-income individuals and families (facing immigration removal proceedings with the Kansas City Immigration Court) access to pro bono or discounted fee legal representation. The Clinic opened in 2012 and has since assisted more than 7,000 individuals and/or families. Additional information about The Clinic may be obtained from their website: https://theclinickc.org/. Rekha is the President of The Clinic’s Board and is admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, District of Kansas, Western District of Missouri, and the Federal Appeals Courts for the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Tenth and Eleventh Circuits. Rekha is also a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Texas Bar Association, Kansas Bar Association, and Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

In the 2nd part of today’s program, Leslie speaks to Andrea Ellis about education opportunities beyond the traditional schoolroom here in the Kansas City metro area. Andrea is the Director of Strategic Learning for the Kansas City Public Library. Andrea initiated the design, implementation, and building of the Kansas City Digital Media Lab (KCDML). KCDML is a maker space that utilizes project-based, interest driven learning and supportive adults, to help youth level up both personally and professionally. Andrea also leads the library’s efforts to connect Kansas City youth to regional out-of-school time opportunities.


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