Just A Thought
By Just A Thought
Just A ThoughtSep 20, 2020
No One Comes To College To Fail!
Emeka and I would like to start by thanking you all for joining us on this journey with Catalyst:ed as we unpacked some of the key areas impacting colleges/universities in the United States. There are countless barriers that negatively impact potential and current students on a systemic level, and through this work we’ve unpacked how institutions can work actively to ensure that students feel safe, seen, heard, honored, and supported throughout enrollment. On our final episode, we have the privilege of speaking with some of the dopest people uplifting academia, as they help us to better understand the role of academic advising and student support services, and provide us with creative ideas on how to support students from historically excluded communities who are most impacted when services don’t meet them at the intersection of their identities and lived experiences.
The Guests:
Melinda Anderson, Ed.D.
Melinda J. Anderson has worked in academic and student affairs in higher education for more than 20 years. Her leadership skills coupled with her passion and commitment to student success – especially in the areas of student transitions, persistence, and retention – have propelled her to the helm of a worldwide academic association.
In July 2021, Dr. Anderson was appointed Executive Director of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising, which serves more than 15,000 members globally. As NACADA Executive Director, Anderson is responsible for directing all the Association’s initiatives including its strategic efforts, professional development for members, programming, content creation, enhancing NACADA’s consulting services, member engagement and growth, and defining its research agenda. In addition, Anderson holds a teaching position in the Kansas State University College of Education’s Leadership in Academic Advising doctoral program.
Dr. Anderson graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a Master’s in Adult Education. She earned her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from the College of William and Mary. Originally from Northern Virginia, Anderson currently resides in Manhattan, Kansas.
Kayla Nelson
Kayla Nelson is a Psychology major with a concentration in Child and Family studies pursuing double minors in Sociology and Women/Gender studies. As a junior at Roosevelt University, she enjoys spending time being involved in campus programs such as the McNair Scholars Program, the Mansfield Fellowship Program, SSS STEM, MCTC, and CASSAC. She hopes to further her education and one day become a therapist for children and adolescents.
Carl Hunter
Carl Hunter is the Assistant Director of Student Equity and Inclusion at Roosevelt University. His schooling includes a B.S. The emphasis in History, a Minor in Ethnic Studies from Illinois State University and is currently enrolled in the M.A. Conflict and Mediation program here at Roosevelt. Carl is an experienced higher education administrator, leader, motivator, and mentor who is dedicated to ensuring that students reach their highest level of success. His compassion and love for people is what drive his passion for educational success. His motivation is inspired by an “Operating with Excellence” attitude and lifestyle which he pursues daily. He is excited to be a part of this awesome orientation team again and he's grateful to see all the wonderful new students in person this year. Fun fact: I am a first-generation college student
My Refund Check Ain't Hit Yet
About the Episode:
Look, finances are complicated enough on a regular day, but beloved, the minute we start factoring in scholarships, grants, loans, G.I. bills, and fees it turns into a whole different monster. This episode we’ll hear from two financial aid experts on the different ways that financial aid policies serve as barriers to degree/program completion (especially to our most vulnerable students), and learn different tips we can use to support knowledge transparency for students, their families, and administrators. But on the real, I just need them to make these refund checks hit faster than they do because we got bills to pay homie.
Our Guests:
Mrs. Denise Spellman attended Undergraduate and Graduate studies at The University of New Orleans. She is currently the Financial Aid Director at Dillard University since 2016, and although employed there as Financial Aid Director for the past 6 years, she has worked in the Financial Aid profession for 36 years. During her tenure, she has held several titles, served as Training Chair for several years for the Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (LASFAA) and presided over LASFAA as President during the 2011 year. She is passionate about her job and the success of students – her goal is to provide “Access to Success” to students and to help streamline the financial aid process in this ever changing financial aid industry. She loves to help others, cook, decorate and create floral arrangements and centerpieces for events. In addition to being the Financial Aid Director, Mrs. Spellman is also a Freelance Sign Language Interpreter and is currently teaching a beginning Sign Language class for the Education Talent Search Program at Dillard University. She is also a Breast Cancer Survivor celebrating 11 years of being Breast Cancer Free and thank God daily for His Grace, Mercy and all of the gifts, talents, skills and abilities that He has bestowed.
Jermany Gray is a graduating senior from the City with Soul - Jackson, MS. He attends the illustrious Dillard University where he majors in Political Science with a minor focus on Criminal Justice, Urban Studies, and Public Policy. As Jermany prepares for the next chapter of his life, he hopes to be of service to his community through politics and community advocacy. "With my short existence, I can make a difference" - Connie, Steven Universe
Dr. Nia Woods Haydel serves as the Vice President for Alliance Engagement and Institutional Transformation at Complete College America. She provides leadership on initiatives focusing on strengthening partnerships with alliance members, developing strategies to build on existing college completion policy initiatives, and conceptualizing CCA’s work around institutional transformation. Prior to her current position, she dedicated over 20 years on college campuses envisioning, planning, and executing strategic initiatives designed to elevate the student experience. Her diverse experiences have influenced her commitment to crafting learning environments that address the holistic needs of students thereby increasing their propensity for success particularly for populations who have been excluded from full participation in higher education. She earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Orleans, M.S. in Higher Education Administration from Texas A & M University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies from Georgia State University. She resides in New Orleans, LA with her husband, Chase, and their 3 children, Issis, Chase, and Noelle.
Bio & Biscuits 101
I don’t care what anyone says, teaching is an art, beloved! Subject matter expertise in isolation is not enough to impart long lasting knowledge onto others while simultaneously fostering an atmosphere of creativity, innovation, and safety that students can use to run with that information to change their fields. We have to be storytellers, mentors, experts, and persons capable of accessing all of our humanity in order to support the growth and development of diverse minds. But, where do we learn to do these things? Do our institutions support this level of care and support? Can we actually inform the curriculum and by extension the climate of our universities? Find out next week on Dragon Ball Z, nah I’m playing, just listen to the brilliant minds on this week’s episode. Let’s learn a little about our guests:
The Guests:Lizmaylin Ramos
Lizmaylin graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2020 with a bachelors in biology and psychology. She is currently an NIH-PREP Scholar in the Department of Neuroscience at Brown University. She will be commencing graduate school this upcoming Fall. Beyond her work in the lab, she is deeply committed to addressing barriers to educational equity and fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment in academia.
Monica Flippin Wynn
Dr. Monica Flippin Wynn is a Senior Assistant Vice President at the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. Currently, she coordinates the Retention Performance Management Process and Equity in Retention Academy. She produces the Gardner Institute transformative Conversations, and she contributes to several Teaching and Learning Projects that include the High-Impact Online Teaching Practices for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has worked at Lindenwood University and Jackson State University (JSU) serving in several faculty and administrator capacities
Bryan Dewsbury
Bryan Dewsbury is an Associate Professor of Biology and Associate Director of the STEM Transformation Institute at Florida International University. He is the Principal Investigator of the Science Education And Society (SEAS) program, where he and his team conduct several research projects and programming that investigate the social context of teaching and learning. He has conducted over 85 professional development workshops across North America on equity-minded education practices at institutions of higher education helping faculty transform their curricula, and administrators transform their campuses. He is a Fellow with the John N. Gardner Institute where he supports institutions undergoing curricula transformation. He sits on several other advisory boards including the Improving General Education Life Sciences network (IGELS), Racially-just Inclusive Open Science (RIOS), and HHMI Biointeractive program. He is the PI and founder of the Deep Teaching Residency (DTR), a yearlong program that helps faculty transform their practice pertaining to inclusive education
That's the Best You Can Come Up With?
Just like every other facet of our lives, colleges and universities only run as well as the policies and rules that shape how those involved are able to support one another in the most equitable and inclusive ways possible. Our institutional policies are part of the backbone of how we function, they guide decisions made from the President’s Office to what’s on the menu in the cafeteria. With this in mind, we have to be able to critically unpack whether policies are actually working in service of all campus community members, and we should know how we can advocate for our most vulnerable if they’re driving inequitable outcomes. So, here’s the big question, do you know what institutional policies are being implemented on your campus, and what you can do to bring awareness to the ones that may seek to marginalize those from historically excluded communities? Stay tuned to find out what the return policy is if things don’t seem to add up. Let’s meet our guests:
Victoria Marron, Ed.D.
Dr. Victoria Marron’s life goal is to serve traditionally marginalized student populations and their families by removing systemic barriers and empowering their success. As Associate Vice President of Retention and Transition Services and Chief Equity Officer at Lee College, Dr. Marron strives to meet students’ basic needs and make measurable progress toward the ideal student experience. She also works to strategically advance Lee College’s equity and anti-racism initiatives. Dr. Marron openly shares that she was raised in a single-parent home, is the product of government welfare assistance such as section 8 public housing communities, is a childhood survivor of sexual and domestic abuse, and a first-generation teen mom college student. All of these identities serves her daily as she strives to make her community and college the best community possible for students especially those like her.
Monica Parrish Trent, Ph.D.
Monica Parrish Trent, Ph.D., is Vice President, Network Engagement at Achieving the Dream, and has primary responsibility for executing a strong network experience for all ATD and prospective ATD Colleges. In this capacity, Monica leads efforts to engage colleges during their life cycle of participation with ATD; deliver learning events that inspire and mobilize college leaders across their organizations to adopt innovative, evidence-based practices that facilitate equitable student success outcomes; design and deliver programs and services that support and accelerate student success; and recruit and retain colleges into the ATD Network.
Monica has extensive experience and a successful track record leading faculty and staff in distance and digital learning; use of open educational resources; program and course redesign; enrollment management; developmental education reform; culturally responsive pedagogy; and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. With more than 25 years of experience at diverse, multi-campus community colleges, Monica has maintained a sharp focus on improving student success and reducing equity gaps for low-income students and students of color.
Monica is a 2021-2022 Aspen Rising Presidents Fellow, has served as a commissioner on the American Association of Community College’s Commission on Research, Data and Accountability and is a peer reviewer for the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Shoutout to All My Play-Cousins: We Out Here!
One of the least talked about goals of attending college is to leave having built meaningful relationships with a new group of folks that you can now call family; your new play-cousins. You spend years together figuring out your courses, your career goals, and more importantly, who you are as a person. In doing so, you get to take part in life changing experiences that have the potential to mold you into your most authentic self, and solidify who you want to be in the world around you. Yet, in order for this to happen, your campus has to intentionally provide space for you to experiment, explore, fail, and succeed safely with the support of your peers, teachers, and administrators. We recognize that this may look differently depending on the environment you’re in, but nevertheless, we all want the vibe of having felt included, encouraged, and inspired. This episode, we’ll hear directly from Stillman College junior, Hanna Fields, about what she needs from her institution in order to perceive her campus culture as equitable and inclusive, and senior administrators, Darryl Ann Lai Fang and Chanel L. Fort, on what we can be doing to instill this sense of family and protect our most vulnerable. Let’s meet our guests:
Hannah Fields - She’s a 21-year-old Junior at Stillman College. She recently became a Journalism and English major. So far in her college career, she has been a part of the English Honors Society-Sigma Tau Delta, Harte Honors, and many other academic opportunities/organizations. Outside of school, Hannah reads, writes, and spends time with her friends and family (over the phone).
Facebook: Hannah Fields
Chanel L. Fort - With 21 years of experience, Fort has made a career in designing, implementing, and evaluating sustainable learning and development, workforce education, and change management programs for private, non-profit, government, and higher education entities. Fort serves as Director of Academic Innovation at Stillman College, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Fort leads as Creator and Learning Strategist of Fortified Learning Solutions, designing and implementing equitable strategies for change, and serves as a National Designer in Residence for Education Design Lab reimagining the role of higher education to close racial and economic opportunity gaps. She’s a member of various organizations and committees and remains actively engaged in the community as Change Agent for UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Fort earned a B.S. in Health Sciences and an M.S. in Human Services Administration. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education from Pepperdine University, focusing on global leadership and change.
What’s important to me are the community, equitable higher education, and social change strategies for closing racialized opportunity gaps.
Twitter: @clfort5 & LinkedIn: Fortified Education Solutions
Darryl Ann Lai Fang - ICB Director of Strategy Execution and is responsible for implementing strategies for the institutional transformation of Black colleges and universities. She oversees the fastest-growing service vertical of program managers assigned to institutional cohorts. Don’t mess with her. Darryl Ann is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She leverages the discipline, hard work and attention to detail that she learned in the military to propel higher education institutions toward transformational change. Darryl Ann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of from the Interdenominational Theological Center (UNCF Member)
Twitter @Watkins1024 & TikTok Darryl Lai Fang
The Avengers of Academia w| Rashida & Jalen
As a student, it's not enough to have visible representation on campus, you must also feel a sense of belonging, there must also be safety, and there must also be tangible support at each step of your journey. With this in mind, Rashida and Jalen have joined our hosts as they explore the need for post-secondary institutions to be intentional in their approach to supporting historically excluded students. We dive into the importance of mentorship; the need to ensure campus resources and support services are accessible and equitably useful; and how to build rapport and trust with our most vulnerable. What student support-based ideas do you have that center the unique experiences of marginalized students on-campus?
The Guests:Jalen Alexander
[He|Him] A researcher, project manager, and problem solver, Jalen Alexander conducts applied research to impact policy and empower people to own their data stories. He works to continually connect his profession, research, and service within the classroom to his passion for education and desire to reach real-world solutions to today’s big problems. Jalen has published in the fields of education, public health, and neurosurgery bringing attention to systemic inequities and analyzing new paths forward. He currently serves as a Research Analyst at MDRC, a leading policy think tank committed to finding solutions to improve the lives of low-income individuals, families, and children. Outside of work, Jalen makes time for gaming, all Shonda Rhimes TV shows, and being a plant dad.
Rashida Welbeck
[She|Her] A wife, mother of three, and lifelong lover of learning, Rashida Welbeck has brought these and other intersectional identities into her education policy research work over the last 14 years. With empathy as her starting point, Rashida centers racial and social equity in the research efforts she leads with the dual goal of helping postsecondary institutions better serve the needs of their marginalized students while amplifying the voices of students to be better understood by their institutions. Currently at MDRC, Rashida leads the Equity Collaborative, a cross organization group of researchers working to strengthen how equity is applied to research and technical assistance. Rashida also leads the Men of Color College Achievement (MoCCA) project, which is learning about the effectiveness of student support services targeting male students of color.
Social Media:Jalen
- Instagram: @Jalen2Kool
- Twitter: @HouseofJ_Tweets
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalenalexander2014/
Rashida
- Instagram: @MochaMontessorian
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashida-welbeck-9764a07/
Emeka & Leila
- Twitter: @JustAThoughtE
- Instagram: JustAThought_EL
This season is sponsored by Catalyst:ed
Flewed Out w| Tyffany Wilson
My Agency came out of my experiences traveling abroad for about 10 years now and realizing I didn’t want to wait until I had more vacation time set aside in order to take my next trip.
Along the way I discovered the quality of life I think we all dream of.
During my time traveling and now living between Bali and London I am constantly asked the question....How do you do it? How can I do it?
I took a step back, and amassed all of the resources I collected on my journey to share with you, helping you to discover the many Options that exist to create that dream vacation, permanent vacation, move abroad, or sabbitical you never knew how to exactly pursue.
As a visitor here, you are part of a large community that believes in living the dream.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
Options
Contact: https://options.international/
Instagram: @FoodTravelViews
The Defense Rests w| Ra’Shya Ghee
Attorney Ra’Shya Ghee practiced criminal defense and family law in Ohio at the municipal, state, and appellate levels for several years. She has tried both misdemeanor and felony cases to verdict in jury and bench trials and successfully briefed and argued appellate cases. In addition to private practice, she has worked as a part-time law professor since 2017. Her work considers the tangible ways in which the law legitimizes identity as a social reality and as a hierarchal system. After private practice, attorney Ghee worked as a senior staff attorney for a non-profit law firm, Advocating Opportunity, representing human trafficking survivors and operationalized their anti-racism commitment. Since disengaging practice entirely, she facilitates cross-racial coaching and helps organizations center racial equity and operationalize anti-racism frameworks. She’s been an expert witness on cultural competency in custody proceedings, frequently provides media commentary on race, and regularly publishes and lectures about race in America. Attorney Ghee attended college and graduate school at University of Toledo, earning her BA in Political Science and an MBA in Finance. After earning her master’s degree, she moved to Minneapolis, MN where she graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School
If Johnny Has Two Apples! w| Joshua Goode
Joshua Goode is an educator, photographer, and business owner whose main goal is to educate, support, and inspire young people to discover themselves and live prosperous lives. He is currently working on developing a non profit organization that will provide opportunities in education, leadership, and the arts for inner city youth in Phoenix.
It Wouldn’t Have Happened Without Me w| Faith Crittenden
Faith Crittenden, a fourth-year medical student at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine and recently received her Masters of Public Health from Yale School of Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy Class of 2021, 2020 respectfully. She is the Past National Liaison for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) to American Medical Association-Medical Student Section (AMA-MSS). She has worked on passing resolution ideas such as Racism is a Public Health Crisis, Combating Natural Hair Discrimination and Cultural Headwear Discrimination in Medicine and Medical Professionalism and more much. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, minor in Molecular and Cell Biology with Honors. She is also a 2010 Gates Millenium Scholar. After graduating from medical school, Faith would like to pursue a career in Pediatrics.
Currently she hosts Coloring Health Policy podcast, which centers on topics highlighting how health policy impacts minority communities. During her freetime, she enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and traveling .
Listen to Black Women w| Jessica Harris LCPC
Deep In the Den w| Chavaughn Gibson
Chavaughn Gibson is a Product Owner, of financial technology at McKesson Pharmaceuticals. She leads efforts with software engineers, data analyst, healthcare business leaders, and government affairs teams to bring technological financial solutions to life.
Her early exposure to healthcare exploration, at age 14, as a biomedical engineering intern was monumental in building her unique perspective on opportunities within her industry. She believes that data driven decision making and innovation are the keys to solving complex problems and strengthening partnerships.
Chavaughn has 13 years of non-profit leadership experiences and continuously contributes to furthering the advancement of Health, Technology, Education, Economics and Government Affairs. She is a Board member and Chief Operations Officer for The Daughters Den. A non-profit organization dedicated to innovative approaches to intergenerational healing for Black women and girls. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the National Association of Health Service Executives and currently serves on the National Board of the African American employee resource group at McKesson Pharmaceuticals.
She was named as one of Northeast Ohio’s top 20 under 30, and American College of Healthcare Executives Northeast Ohio’s Regent Award for Future Healthcare Executives.
Interconnectivity and holistic approaches to life that encompasses mind, body and spirit, have led to her long term yoga practice, and 1st place awards in a national physique competition.
As a mom, mentor, content contributor and speaker; She is dedicated to developing future leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs, as they pursue their passion, create paths to transcend their barriers while changing the world and our lives for the better.
Yuck Mouf w| Ifunanya Okeke
Ifunanya Okeke is a 2016 graduate from Arizona State University; she received her B.S in Human Nutrition. She is wrapping up her 4th year of dental school and graduating with a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from UCSF this June. After graduation, Ifunanya will be starting her orthodontic residency and is looking forward to being an advocate for all communities who deserve orthodontic treatment! Serving as her class president and leading other organizations has equipped her with the tools to fulfill her passion for impacting how dentistry is viewed in healthcare. She is excited to be transforming smiles and participating in philanthropic projects that serve the Black community.
When she is not in the clinic, you will find her volunteering in her local neighborhood garden, finding new recipes, or fighting for the causes near and dear to her.
Go On & Clock Out For Me Beloved w| Joel Todd
You Grown, So Just Go w| Marco McNeil
Free Yo Mind, & The Rest Will Follow w| Jackie Darby
All For One & One For All w| Albert Furlow
Prior to matriculating through the process of the Ph.D. the program, he earned his M.B.A in Business Administration in Sports Management from the University of the Incarnate Word. Here, opportunities were given to perform at multiple conferences, the presentation of “Shikata”, to a Japan Conference, in Okinawa, Japan and at the San Antonio River Walk in San Antonio, Texas. Before it all began, Mr. Furlow started his undergraduate years at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. This is where he received a B.A. in Speech Communication and Minor in Lifetime Fitness. With a more worldly vision, Albert has developed a passion for the continued development and elevation of the whole of mankind. With a multicultural manifestation vision within his life philosophy statement “All for one, and One for all.” Albert has also suggested a couple of book suggestions to accompany this week’s episode (we’d like to thank Trici for suggesting we add some reading suggestions to the episodes for added learning opportunities):
Faces at the bottom (Derrick Bell)
Race Matters (Cornel West)
Miseducation of the Negro (Carter G. Woodson)
Started From The Bottom Now We Here w| James Johnson
Nah You Can’t Spend Da Night w| Kellye Winbush
She held a contract with Progressive Careers and Housing Inc and was hired on as a full-time employee to help them bring their behavioral services in-house. She played a rather important role in reinstating the department that had been previously dismantled due to changes within the company. Kellye built out the departmental operations and got it up and fully functioning in a span of 30 days. She created a uniform system for a team of behavior analysts to apply to their caseloads in regard to everyday operations. She has augmented the behavior data collection across the agency. She has also been assisting in the selection, onboarding and mentoring of clinical and support staff thus aiding the Illinois state credentialing process.
She has been previously associated with various organizations. She also has a background in clinical psychology. She has developed strong physician relationships and engendered trust. Her past success in physician alignment with the history of developing physician leaders and therapists in assisting with coordination of care efforts makes her stand out from the crowd.
She coordinates the work of various behavioral health programs, identifying their needs, and developing programs within the agency and with community organizations. Interacting and functioning in such situations always requires skills in counseling, instruction, persuasion, and negotiation in which she is proficient. Some of her key traits include Strong analytical and problem-solving skills | Strong Operation management skills | Organized | Effective leadership | Strong communication skills | Proficient in the use of technology | Provide excellent and courteous customer service | Work within team framework | Budget Management.
She has gained her Master of Arts Clinical Psychology w/ Applied Behavioral Analytic Specialization from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, IL and Bachelor of Arts Psychology from Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA. She also holds various certifications.
To know more, reach her @ 312-523-0728 | kwinbush@keytohope.org
I Want All The Smoke w| Tramaine Presley
Now baby listen, I know I got some intelligent people in my life, but the way Dr. Presley's brain works is a thing of beauty. The way she makes associations, breaks down constructs, pulls in historical context, all while helping you get your life together in the present day is UNMATCHED. I know I say this every week, but I can't wait for y'all to hear my good sis learn ya a lil sumn sumn. This was a word y'all!
Dr. Tramaine Presley is a graduate from Wright State University School of Professional
Psychology in Dayton, Ohio, where she received a doctorate degree in clinical psychology
(Psy.D). She currently works as a mental health professional in Indianapolis, IN, providing an
array of clinical services in private practice, schools and college counseling settings. Dr. Presley
is trained to work across populations. While she primarily works with children, adolescents, and
families through various modalities, she also works with young adults. She has a particular
passion and commitment to working with individuals from marginalized and underrepresented
groups. Her work is aimed at helping individuals locate themselves within the realm of wellness.
Aside from her clinical work, Dr. Presley serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching undergraduate
psychology courses. She has a special research interest in first-generation college students. She is
attracted to research that aims to increase retention rates among first-generation college students.
She shares a special interest in developing assessment instruments, capturing the experiences of
first-generation college students.
Lastly, Dr. Presley has a deep understanding and sensitivity to issues concerning
multiculturalism and diversity. Her understanding and sensitivity of multiculturalism and its
impact on the therapeutic process is a prominent part of her work. “Preparing tomorrow’s
psychologists for a diverse world” is the motto of her alma mater. Consequently, she integrates
diversity and multicultural considerations into every aspect of clinical care. Diversity and
multiculturalism are fundamental to her clinical approach as true informed psychological care
begins with a genuine and curious understanding of cultural identity and its influences on one’s
current functioning.
I Wanna See The Receipts! w| Emeka Ikegwuonu
Y'all we got a special treat this week. My co-host, one of my fav humans, a dope as academic, and all-around wonderful person, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ikegwuonu is the special guest for our 3rd episode. When I say his work was eye opening as hell when it comes to the financial breakdown of education systems, calling special attention to how confusing it can be for the professionals; so just imagine if school is new to you and you're figuring it out on your own...All I can say is SHOW ME THE MONEY AND CLARIFY WHERE IT'S GOING SINCE THIS COST SO DAMN MUCH!
Dr. Chukwuemeka (Emeka) A. Ikegwuonu is a quantitative researcher that investigates internal and external influences on institutions of higher education (IHE), and how these factors influence institutional policies that impact student behavior. His interest stems in understanding how the current political and financial climate can price out students from entering public universities through the organizational reactions from the state and federal environment. Professionally, Emeka previously served as an student affairs administrator serving overseeing student activities, leadership development, conduct, and principle investigator in a programmatic grant that increases the retention and graduation of African American Men at Arizona State University.
The Doors of the Church Are Now Open w| Brandon Tucker
Let's talk about pipelines to higher ed, cohosting marginalized student groups, getting buy in from university leadership to integrate programs geared towards supporting students with intersecting margnalized identities that will actully help them get to graduation. And while we're at, let's make these institution-wide initiatives with short- and long-term implications instead of just lip service. Sounds like a bunch of big constructs, but guess tf what...Rev. Tucker is going to help us unpack it. Let's go!
Brandon Roderick Tucker, a United States Air Force veteran, is the Associate Vice President of
Workforce and Community Development at WCC overseeing the college’s strategy for corporate and
community engagement. He previous was the Dean of Advanced Technologies & Public Service Careers
also at WCC. Brandon has received numerous awards for his service to the community and contributions to the
profession of Workforce Development including the Emerging Leader Award (AA Legacy Project), the
2011 Edward Schmidt Outstanding Young Alum (University of Toledo Alumni Association), 20 Under 40
Award (Toledo Business Journal), and 40 Under 40 (Crains’ Business Detroit).
Brandon is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where he holds or has held several local,
regional, and national offices including Chapter President (Toledo Chapter), Past Ohio District Director
and Immediate Past National Chairman of Leadership Development. He currently serves as the Senior
Pastor of Transformation Church in Toledo. He holds a Bachelors of Arts in HR Management, Master of Organizational Leadership and is currently a
candidate for a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Higher Education.
Brandon is happily married to Tia Nicole and the father of Layla Grace.
Being Black Is A Full-Time Job w| Suraju Jolaoso
Let's go! Ya favorite podcast is back! Welcome to Season 2 of Just A Thought with your hosts Dr. Chukwuemeka Ikegwuonu and Dr. Leila Ellis-Nelson. It was dope as hell to meet with Dr. Suraju Jolaoso to talk more about education, mentorship, closing the gap of achievement and holistic support, and recognizing how to let others know just how phenomenal you are! We can't wait for you to hear this one.
Suraju Jolaoso is a doctoral candidate in his third year with Baylor University's online Learning & Organizational Change program. His dissertation topic focuses on the perceived efforts and effectiveness of recruiting and retaining Black faculty at predominantly white institutions (PWIs). Suraju also works for an online program manager, providing service to online students in other graduate programs.
Fam! We Getting Them Tron Cars w| Allanté Whitmore
Ginger Ale & A Nap Dont Cure Everything w| Faith Crittenden
“I Brought You Into This World & !” Y’all Know The Rest...w| Monica Evans
Get Ya Head Right w| Briana Martinez
At Ease Soulja w| Shieka Glenn
Shieka Glenn is a native of South Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at South Carolina State University in 2011. She went on to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Adler University, where she is currently pursuing a Doctor of Psychology degree in Clinical Psychology with a Military Psychology emphasis. Shieka is currently a doctoral psychology intern at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, OH and recently took a post-doctoral position at Georgetown University, in Washington D.C. which she will start this August. She is also a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and June 6th will make 14 years! Shieka has previous experience working with clients of all ages in a community mental health setting, and working with college students at a college counseling center. She enjoys working with clients from all walks of life. Shieka approaches therapy through a cognitive-behavioral lens. Her areas of interest include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, mindfulness, dual-diagnosis, and outreach. Personally, she loves going to concerts, spending time with friends and family, eating good food, and thinking of ways to make more money!
Ep.9: Don’t Be Trash w| Vanessa Hintz
Dr. Hintz works actively to achieve understanding of each person's unique circumstances, all while ensuring one's individual values and beliefs are respected within the therapeutic relationship. She believes the ultimate goal of therapy is to empower individuals to confront problematic circumstances in their lives, and to work collaboratively toward furthering health and wellness.
Dr. Hintz is an active proponent of multicultural counseling and theory, and works dynamically to understand how individuals make meaning of the world within their various cultural contexts. Dr. Hintz is also a self-proclaimed "Geek Therapist," and incorporates elements of popular culture into treatment and training, when beneficial. Dr. Hintz has been a contributing author to two different books in the Popular Culture Psychology Series, to include, Black Panther Psychology: Hidden Kingdoms and The Joker Psychology: Evil Clowns and the Women Who Love Them.
In addition to working as an Assistant Professor at Alverno College, Dr. Hintz maintains a private practice at Cornerstone Counseling Services in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
That SciFi Shit w| Evvan Morton
Twitter: @E_doubleV_PhD Here are some resources for you:
BioGals
www.biogals.com
www.facebook.com/biogals
Instagram and Twitter: @thebiogals
Environmental Justice
Sunrise Movement
Deep South Center for Environmental Justice
HBCU climate change conference
Dr. Robert Bullard- the father of environmental justice
Climate Change and Science Policy Resources
Carbon180
Center for Negative Carbon Emissions (my lab)
Professor Katharine Hayhoe (she is very good at explaining climate change issues for a broad audience)
Arizona Science Policy Network
National Science Policy Network
This Ain’t Ya Daddy’s Lean On Me w| Leila Ellis-Nelson
The Effects of Internalized Racism and Family Values on Higher Education Degree Attainment for African Americans was defended and passed in April of 2014, by Dr. Leila Ellis-Nelson. This was an academic showcase focused on the enduring impact of slavery, systemic oppression, microaggressions, and disparate treatment towards the Black community and its impact on how some see themselves as whole cultural beings, and how it impacts their career and educational opportunities as they progress through life. Like our other guests, this is definitely sequel worthy, but be ready to learn, empathize, and be in yo feelings when we drop our latest episode this Sunday at noon!
The Miseducation of Lauryn & ‘Nem w| Dawn Demps
Dawn developed her own youth initiative called Eyes on the Prize (EOTP) that used the fine arts to reach out to resource denied young people in urban communities to help them reach their full potential academically, emotionally, and creatively. Over 10 years, EOTP served over 2500 at-promise youth. 8 years after dropping out of high school, Dawn entered a community college and continued on to complete her studies at the University of Michigan-Flint as a double major in Africana Studies and Social Sciences. While working towards her undergraduate degree, Dawn noted the profound effect education was having on her life and knew others from her community also needed this access. She started a campus club called The Shariki Group, dedicated to serving as a bridge between academia and the citizens of Flint.
Dawn served as the Executive Director of Leadership Development In Interethnic Relations (LDIR), an organization dedicated to nurturing citizen leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of -isms that separate individuals in an effort to build strong intergroup collaborations. She was Director of Youth, Education and Community Projects for the Urban League of Flint and served nearly 400 youth and families every year through afterschool and summer programs, parent workshops and community advocacy trainings. She was the Executive Director of the Urban Center for Post-Secondary Access and Success (UPASS) which helped students successfully navigate high school and tackle postsecondary challenges and opportunities.