she/her
I am a storyteller, an interviewer, and a public health professional. After working in public health in communities, local government, and state government for 20 years, I expanded my work to incorporate storytelling and narrative to highlight voices and organizations doing critical work in our communities.
In addition to my work creating narratives, I also work professionally as a facilitator and a consultant.
When I am not making stories, I am gardening, cooking delicious food, and playing with my two wayward dogs.
The pieces listed below aired on WPKN. Listen to them here, or click through to individual episodes to listen and get additional background information.
What do you do when you are in a town that is politically polarized? Join Isabelle as she navigates bridging in a purple town. john a. powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, provides sage advice to help Isabelle along.
Maria Hinojosa is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, founder of Futuro Media, and anchor of Latino USA. She sat down with Isabelle Barbour for this feature interview that aired on WPKN Community Radio in Bridgeport. The conversation includes reflections on changes to the democratic presidential ticket in the Summer of 2024 as well as an update on Maria's time at a MAGA gym.
The Brennan Center has reported that in 2023, there were at least 356 voter suppression bills considered by lawmakers in 47 states. No matter what Nancy Pelosi tells me in her emails, chipping in five bucks is not going to increase the health of our democracy. Let's talk about what will and also about how the health of democracy impacts our health as Americans. We'll talk to folks from Fair Count, Healthy Democracy, Healthy People, the ACLU and more.
Dry butts don't just happen, it takes resources for us to be dry and healthy. Essential supplies like diapers, and menstrual products are expensive and are not included in any governmental support programs for low income families. Diaper banks are making a difference but the need outstrips the supply for these products. This story includes the voices of people impacted by and working on this issue and explores potential policy solutions.
Small groups of vocal people around this country are working to make schools and libraries a battle ground for parental rights and restricted access to books and ideas. This played out in a big way in the small town of Old Lyme, Connecticut. What happened there looks likely to shape local politics in the town for years to come.
What do you want for your community? What would it look and feel like? Where would your kids play? How hard would you fight? What would you sacrifice? Members of the New London Connecticut People's Budget have had to deeply consider these questions and more. Come listen to their story.
This piece focuses on the humanness of Human Services with a sprinkling of policy for good measure. What does it take to truly support each other? Join staff at Madonna Place for a compelling look at the perils and possibilities of taking care of people amidst policy failures and tight budgets. Sue Murphy from the New London Human Service Network is also featured.
What is it like to be a queer religious leader in Ron DeSantis' Florida? What are the implications for the rest of the nation? Come to the Sunshine Cathedral, #myqueerchurch, in Fort Lauderdale Florida to find out. This piece aired on 89.5 WPKN Bridgeport CT on 3/5/23.
Changes in federal policy around the child tax credit and school lunches are poised to exacerbate already rising levels of hunger and food insecurity. Come hear how FRESH New London, a small but mighty organization, is working to take care of people, build power, and change systems in New London, Connecticut.
Isabelle Barbour, Mic Check, WPKN, 2/5/22
Step Up New London is a Black and Brown parent led organization that fights for equitable solutions that address injustices that New London, Connecticut community members experience in accessing quality education and housing. This podcast tells the story of how and why Step Up was developed. It includes content about the group's campaign to address problems in New London Public Schools.
This podcast focuses on the Witness Stones project occurring in Old Lyme, Connecticut. It's an opportunity to think about what it means to take a look at the history of enslaved people in a community that is mainly white. We'll take a look at the successes and the challenges.
The Southeastern Connecticut Organization for Racial Equity (SCORE) is a nonpartisan organization committed to anti-racist action with the ultimate goal of making people of color feel heard, safe, and welcome in southeastern CT. This podcast explores how SCORE came together to forward racial equity in East Lyme.