Season IV / Episode 1: Transformation Collab—Redefining Health, Safety, and Justice.

Design Influence

In this episode, host Isabelle Swiderski is joined by Alexzandria Poole, Director of Defender Initiatives at Zealous, as she shares her journey from being a public defender to spearheading systemic advocacy.

Through her personal story and work at Zealous, Alexz highlights the power of storytelling, education, and media in challenging systemic injustices from the inside and fostering community-led change.

00:00 A Touching Encounter with a Client

00:26 National Advocacy and Zealous Organization

00:54 Transition from Public Defender to Systemic Advocate

01:43 Community Initiatives and Systemic Advocacy

02:54 Teaching and Training Public Defenders

03:25 Police Accountability and Legal Reforms

04:49 Community Defense Center in Roseland

07:58 Challenges and Innovations in Public Defense

09:21 Storytelling and Shifting Narratives

19:49 Empowering Communities and Building Trust

21:08 Training New Defenders and Collaborative Efforts

26:52 Reflections on Systemic Change and Hope