Stone Written

S1E16: Krystal Lacayo-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Krystal Lacayo, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Krystal is a powerhouse advocate, including her role as the Founder and President of HBUNC Media Group. She is passionate about holistic community development, blending sustainability, media, and social advocacy to create lasting change. We’ll discuss her journey as a student leader, her global perspective gained through study abroad, and her vision for the future of equitable and sustainable development.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

S1E15: Christopher Williams-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Christopher Lee Williams, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who majored in Peace, War, and Defense with a minor in Entrepreneurship. As the Student Body Vice President, an advocate for financial literacy, and a leader in the Union of Black Men, Christopher dedicated his time at Carolina to service, mentorship, and institutional change. We discuss the state of the Black community at UNC, the importance of financial literacy for students, and the challenges of navigating leadership and advocacy in a changing political climate. Christopher also shares his thoughts on mentorship, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and advice for students looking to step into leadership roles. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, service, and creating lasting impact!
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

S1E14: Brooklynn Barnett-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Brooklynn Barnett, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology with a minor in Health & Society. Brooklynn will soon take the next step in her journey at the #1 pharmacy school in the nation, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She shares insights on navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her passion for health advocacy. Brooklynn also highlights her experience as a mentor in the SPARK program, empowering underrepresented women at UNC, and reflects on her favorite Carolina memories.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero
Guest Editor: Tobi Onsanya

S1E13: Nia Satterfield Brown-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nia Satterfield Brown, a recent graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a dual focus in EXSS Sports Administration and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Nia is a force in sports media, having covered UNC football and basketball for three years while also serving as the President of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists. Outside of journalism, she wears many hats—working as a Peer Financial Coach, a cycling instructor, and balancing a full student life. In this episode, we’ll explore her journey as a woman in sports media, how she navigates imposter syndrome, her experience as an out-of-state student, and how she manages it all while prioritizing self-care and personal growth.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

S1E12:Nigel Parker-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nigel Parker, a Morehead-Cain scholar and UNC grad majoring in Management & Society with minors in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and History. Nigel is dedicated to fostering understanding and impactful change on campus, co-founding the Food for Thought civic discourse speaker series, working as an Intern for Honors Carolina, and serving as Chief of Staff in the Undergraduate Student Government Executive Branch. We explore his perspectives on civic discourse, student activism, the role of student government, and what it takes to be an effective advocate for historically underserved communities.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

S1E11:Joann Obioma-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Joann Obioma, a powerhouse leader at UNC-Chapel Hill. Joann shares her journey of finding her voice as a first-generation student, navigating a predominantly white institution, and transforming self-doubt into self-assurance. From serving as President of the Black Student Movement to co-founding the Black Pre-Law Association, Joann has dedicated her time at Carolina to advocacy, equity, and uplifting marginalized communities. Tune in as she reflects on how her upbringing shaped her pursuit of higher education, the lessons she wishes she learned, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. This conversation is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to make the most of their college experience while staying true to their roots and values.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero
Guest Editor: Seton Pajibo

S1E10:Connor Barnes-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this third episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Connor Barnes, a graduating senior from Frederick, Maryland. Connor is a content creator who has built a personal social media presence with over 100,000 followers. He's also a savvy creative strategist and problem-solver with experience in social media, digital marketing, and sports media. Passionate about sports media, Connor hopes to join a professional sports organization’s media team after graduation. In this conversation, he shares insights on stepping outside of your comfort zone, mental health, social media, and the Black community at UNC.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero
Guest Editor: Tobi Onasanya

S1E9: BJ Tillman-Stone Senior Stories

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this second episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with BJ Tillman. From founding a nonprofit that has registered thousands of voters to crafting economic policy with senators, BJ Tillman has made her mark on UNC and beyond. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her journey—how she stepped outside of her comfort zone, built a legacy of civic engagement, and balanced policy work with sports journalism. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the power of student advocacy.  
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero