EdCast Defining American in the Classroom Posted September 2, 2015 By Matt Weber How does one empower undocumented students? How does one get them to think about furthering their education beyond high school? These questions are at the forefront of Karen Willemsen's mind as education director for Define American, a media-culture organization that uses storytelling as a way to shift the conversation around identity, citizenship, and what it means to be an American."For us, it's about putting stories and putting correct information out so that people get a better, more nuanced, fuller picture of who undocumented Americans are," says Willemsen, Ed.M.'94. "The more you get to know people, the more they are people to you."In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Willemsen discusses her role at Define American, and how the organization can help educators keep undocumented students informed and empowered regarding their schooling.About the Harvard EdCast The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iTunes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field. EdCast An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities Explore All Articles Related Articles EdCast Keeping the DREAM Alive Jesus Cisneros, cofounder of DREAMZone, discusses the unique challenges facing undocumented students and higher education EdCast HBCUs, Higher Ed, and Democracy’s Future How HBCUs represent a model of higher education desperately needed to save the future of democracy EdCast Unveiling the Invisible Tony DelaRosa, Ed.M.'18, unpacks how educators teach Asian American Pacific Islander narratives — and how that can be transformed