The BeneTALK Podcast!

Join the Beneficent Technology (Benetech) crew for a insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking conversations that empower learning, champion accessibility, and drive education equity. Whether we’re breaking down barriers in digital access, exploring the latest in inclusive technology, or amplifying voices that push for change, BeneTALK is your go-to space for real talk that makes a difference. Get ready for inspiring guests, fresh perspectives, and a whole lot of energy—because accessibility should never be boring!

Contributors

Host

Shareef Phillips

Shareef J. Phillips (he/him/they) is a proud military brat of two esteemed Army majors. Born in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska, and raised in Washington, DC, by way of Atlanta, GA, Shareef is an alum of Morehouse College ’17, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema, Television, and Emerging Media Studies. He later achieved a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Loyola Marymount University ’20 in Los Angeles, California.

With a background in production/marketing coordination, creative direction, and project management, Shareef thrives in creative spaces, always seeking innovative ways to streamline production workflows. In addition to his work at Benetech, he is an experienced podcast host, bringing engaging discussions and fresh perspectives to platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As the host of Odd One’s Out and The Un-edited Project, he curates compelling conversations that challenge narratives and amplify diverse voices.

Guests

Guest

Ayan Kishore

Ayan Kishore is an experienced social entrepreneur and leader in technology for social impact and international development. He has a successful record in building and growing tech organizations that have helped millions globally– particularly minorities and the disadvantaged –to learn and secure jobs. As CEO, Kishore is tasked with unlocking opportunities for large-scale systems change and driving innovation through technology to transform how students, jobseekers, and older adults across the globe read, learn, and work through inclusive and equitable access to information. Prior to joining Benetech, Kishore founded and directed a digital social innovation lab at Creative Associates International focused on global literacy and peacebuilding. [Read more]

Guest

Charles LaPierre

Charles LaPierre, Principal, Accessibility and Content Quality Architect at Benetech. Charles has over 25 years’ accessibility development experience and has been a pioneer in accessible product development since 1993. Charles currently a member of the following W3C Working Groups: Publishing Working Group, APA / Accessibility Maturity Model Task Force, as well as a member of the EPUB3 W3C Community Group, and co-chair of the Accessibility Metadata W3C Community Group. Charles is the technical architect of the new Global Certified Accessible initiative at Benetech to certify publisher content as conforming to the new EPUB 1.1 Accessibility Specification. Charles has a bachelor's and master’s degree in electrical engineering from Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada.

Guest appearance on:

Creating an Accessible Digital World: Navigating Title II Compliance in Education with Charles LaPierre

Guest

Mychal Threets

Mychal Threets (born February 13, 1990) is an American librarian. Based in Fairfield, California, he is known for his viral social media videos that feature book recommendations, library services, and affirming messages. Fairfield, California, U.S.