Level Up on Presence and Belonging: Recent Episodes
Antonio Farias
A production of the the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Florida. Each week, CDO Antonio Farias interviews a member of the university community to hear their story of belonging and to learn about their work at UF. Join Antonio each week for a fresh episode of Level Up.
In this final episode of Level Up, Antonio comes full circle with Dr. Wolfgang Sigmund, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Wolfgang was one of the first people to welcome Antonio to UF when he arrived in July 2018 and has been a great supporter of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on campus. Wolfgang discusses how difference encourages critical thinking and originality and how creating belonging is a daily practice not a one-time fix. Tune in to find out how nanotechnology is helping address world problems and how students are at the forefront of these super exciting engineering solutions.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Dr. Robert Thomas, Associate Professor of Business Law and Technology and Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at UF's Warrington College of Business. Robert talks about the exciting changes taking place at Warrington and invites UF undergraduates to consider the opportunities "that are hard to pass up." He also shares that creating belonging is the responsibility of everyone in a community and it starts with taking the time to really listen.
In this episode Antonio talks with Jennifer Setlow, Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs with the College of the Arts. Jen shares how being outside the norm can provide a unique perspective that leads to innovation and change. Jen’s background as a lighting designer informs her work as someone who helps others find the stage for their talents and shines a light on their achievements.
In this week’s episode, Antonio talks with Twanna Hodge, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Librarian for the Smathers Libraries. Antonio and Twanna talk about how research and facts are the basis for any inclusion project, how being a lifelong learner helps create belonging for others and how educating oneself is a powerful act. Twanna shares that her core value of leaving the world a better place than she found it fuels her passion for her work.
In this week’s episode, Antonio speaks with Dr. David Julian, Associate Professor of Biology and Director of the SF2UF Bridge Program and the MARC GatorStar Program. David and Antonio discuss how the institutional deficit perspective encourages administrators to change policies and practices so all students succeed, and how data can help us understand where we have deficits. Learn how innovation in IDEA can help UF get to the Top 5 in this week’s episode!
As we begin the celebration of Black History Month, Antonio speaks with Dr. David Canton, the newly arrived Director of UF’s African American Studies Program. Dr. Canton is a renowned historian who brings to UF his rigorous eye for research and passion for the history of Black Studies, the commonalities across the African diaspora and for connecting the academy with the community. He talks about his vision for building a department of African American Studies at UF on the shoulders of the program’s storied 50-year history.
In this week’s episode, Antonio talks with Karissa Raskin, Civic Collaboration Specialist for the City of Gainesville. Find out how the stars aligned for Karissa after an admission’s error led her to a career she would not change for anything. Karissa also discusses how finding mutual benefit and reciprocity in community engagement is where the magic happens.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Dr. Rachel Carrico, an assistant professor of dance studies in the School of Theatre + Dance. Rachel shares her varied path to her “dream job” at UF and talks about what it means to have the freedom to belong. She also talks about her revolutionary experience with the Faculty Success Program, which she calls a “gift of support” for first-year faculty members.
Welcome to Season 5 of Level Up! In this week’s episode, Antonio catches up with Dr. Lenny Urena Valerio, Associate Director of Administration for the Center for Latin American Studies and a scholar of European history. Lenny shares that learning from students is one of the best gifts she could receive and how, as a first-generation student, she gets joy from mentoring others to help clear their paths to success. Lenny also talks about her fascinating new book, Colonial Fantasies, Imperial Realities: Race Science and the Making of Polishness on the Fringes of the German Empire.
We close out Season 4 of Level Up with our guest Lomaro Caldwell. Lomaro is a web developer with UFIT who has found a home here in Gainesville and credits his colleagues for his sense of belonging. Can you jerk vegetables? Tune in to find out!
In this episode, Antonio talks with Savanna Turner, PhD student in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications and president of the Collegiate Veterans Society. Savanna shares how the Collegiate Veterans Society gave her a sense of belonging that she did not even know she was missing when she returned to UF as a graduate student. Learn more about this great resource for student veterans in this episode of Level Up!
In this episode, Antonio talks with Audrey Gainey, Director of Talent Acquisition and Onboarding at UF. Audrey tells a story about how her 7th grade guidance counselor helped her find her identity through a language arts festival and Langston Hughes’ poem “Freedom Train.” You’ll also hear about Audrey’s amazing Gainesville non-profit Flourished, Inc. (sheflourished.org).
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Ledora Brown, Senior Publicist at Pitch Publicity and Howard University alum, and Amy Summers, Owner/President of Pitch and UF alum. Ledora and Amy find a common thread in their stories of belonging in a sense of homecoming. They also talk about their exciting collaboration with UF and Howard—a seminar series called Identifying the Elephant in the Room aimed at empowering future professionals to confront racism in communications career paths.
In this episode, Antonio is speaking with Andrew Telles, Director for Collaborative Initiatives at UF. Andrew describes his work as building capacity for the long-term benefit of the community and he talks about two innovative projects in East Gainesville that draw on the knowledge of community stakeholders to develop solutions.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Dr. Maria Leite, Coordinator for College Assessment and Diversity Initiatives in the College of Education, as well as a Campus Diversity Liaison and Crucial Conversations Trainer. Hear how Maria has found belonging by reconnecting with colleagues from her work in a theater school in Brazil and finding connections with the work she does today advancing IDEA at UF.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Virginia Grant, Executive Director of Gainesville Black Professionals and Publisher of Synergy magazine. Virginia talks about her role in breaking stereotypes about the Black community and shaping the landscape for those coming behind her.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Osubi Craig, Director of the Center for Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship in UF’s College of the Arts. Osubi talks about belonging as showing up, digging in and becoming part of your community. He brings this open spirit to CAME, which he calls a “think and do” center. Tune in to find out how this center is contributing to culture as a key economic driver in Florida.
In this episode, Antonio catches up with students Stefanie Assakawa and Gabby Whitler. Stefanie and Gabby are officers in the new student organization In Between UF, and they talk about how this student organization allows them to express all parts of their rich heritages and find belonging in difference. They also share how they are making the most of this time in quarantine through the power of habit and saying yes to things that bring joy.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Dr. Talline Martins, Director of the Office of Graduate Professional Development. Talline shares how her experience emigrating from Brazil as a teenager helped her find belonging with others who made similar journeys. She also talks about her exciting work breaking down barriers to success for UF graduate students and busting myths about graduate school for underrepresented undergraduates.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Dr. Brittany Southern, a research regulatory analyst with UF Research, and Dr. Carl Southern, a resident with the Department of Small Animal Clinical Science in UF’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Brittany and Carl talk about their formative years at Tuskegee University, where faculty are like family and where the culture of love and rigor helped them to thrive. Join Antonio for this deep dive into the mechanics of culture change with these rising stars at UF.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Wolfgang Bahr, a fourth-year anthropology major from the Dominican Republic. Wolfgang shares how learning to be vulnerable has helped him find true belonging instead of just fitting in. He also talks about his meaningful experience with the Streetlight project and how avocados are a metaphor for personal growth.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Dr. Rich Conley, Associate Professor in Political Science and incoming Director for the American, Indian, and Indigenous Studies Program at UF. Rich talks about the ways that scholarship intersects with community through an oral history project that may support the Isle de Jean Charles tribe’s bid for federal recognition.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Rabbi Jonah Zinn, Executive Director of UF Hillel, as we head into the Rosh Hashanah holiday. Rabbi Zinn talks about the role of community in helping people pursue values in ways that are transformative and bridge difference and how the strong bonds of the Gator Nation give UF the potential to tackle the tough issues facing society right now.
In this episode, Antonio catches up with Chris Adin, Chair and Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Chris talks about creating highly functional teams that are greater than the sum of their parts and some innovative solutions his department is taking to increase diversity.
Welcome to the first episode of Level Up Season 4! In this episode, Antonio talks with Alicer Andrew, a PhD student in infectious diseases and immunology. Alicer talks about finding her community through the Black Graduate Student Organization and her role as vice president. Find out how Alicer has been creating belonging in the pandemic through friendship and food. Find out more about the important work BGSO does @UF here: https://orgs.studentinvolvement.ufl.edu/Organization/Black-Graduate-Student-Organization
In this last episode of Season 3, Antonio speaks with Patty Xirau-Probert, Assistant Dean for Student Advocacy and Inclusion in UF's College of Dentistry. Patty shares how storytelling has helped her find belonging through her life's journey and how she is finding a renewed sense of focus and intention during the current crisis. We look forward to bringing you Season 4 of Level Up in August!
In this episode, Antonio talks with Dr. Katrice Graham, Director, Knight Division for Scholarships, Career Services and Multicultural Affairs, in the College of Journalism and Communications, and President of the Association of Black Faculty and Staff. Antonio and Katrice talk about the ways in which belonging is community based and intergenerational. Listen in to be among the first to hear about an exciting new project that ABFS is working on to showcase the history of black students at UF.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Evie Cummings, Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online. Evie talks about the power of online education to provide flexible, accessible and customized pathways to higher education and how the lessons we are learning in the COVID-19 crisis will help us to adapt to a "new normal."
In this episode, Antonio catches up with Nicole Stedman, Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. Nicole shares how she is using the COVID-19 crisis as a teaching opportunity to discuss how systems change and how we build community resilience. Join Antonio and Nicole as they consider how we will emerge from this time as a stronger and more connected community.
In this special episode of Level Up, we have pulled together excerpts from some earlier interviews with exceptional Gator women in honor of Women's History Month and #ufcelebrate2020, the University's yearlong celebration of the passage of the 19th amendment. We hear from Trustee Anita Zucker, Dean Onye Ozuzu, Assistant Professor Porchia Moore, Dr. Sindia Jimenez-Rivera and student Brittany Bryant, a group of inspiring leaders and change makers who are moving the Gator Nation forward. https://cdo.ufl.edu/ufcelebrate2020/
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Curtis Taylor, Associate Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Curtis shares his recipe for belonging with three magic ingredients and explains why it is so important to doing our best work.
In this episode, Antonio is talking with Kat Garcia, 4th year pre-med student, President of the new student organization Unity in Diversity and organizer of the group’s inaugural 5K run, walk, roll event on April 4. Kat talks about her Cuban heritage and how allowing herself to be uncomfortable has helped her grow and find joy in the process.
In this episode, Antonio is talking with Laurie Brown, Assistant Director, Custom Solutions and Community Engagement, in the Office of Professional and Workforce Development. Laurie shares her excitement for the upcoming Inspiring Women Leaders Conference, happening March 9 and 10, here at UF. Laurie is a lead organizer of this sellout event and lets us know why this work brings her joy.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Paloma Rodriguez, Director of the Office of Global Learning at UF's International Center. Paloma talks about how her sense of belonging has shifted through her global travels and how she brings this multifaceted perspective to bear in her work with international students and study abroad programs. Tune in to find out what Antonio and Paloma love about the Spanish language!
In this episode, Antonio talks with Kate Ratliff, associate professor of psychology and executive director of Project Implicit. Antonio and Kate consider why the IAT is a valuable tool for exploring biases and disrupting disparities. Tune in to find out what Kate loves about Gainesville!
In this episode, Antonio is talking with Laura Blecha and Katia Matcheva, both astrophysicists and professors in UF's Department of Physics. Laura and Katia take us from Earth's backyard, the solar system, to deep space and the realm of super massive black holes. They also tell us about some exciting events much closer to home--UF's celebration of the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a full week of events February 13-19 with free public lectures and hands-on events for kids. Find out more at www.phys.ufl.edu/womeninscience2020
In this episode, Antonio talks with Alex Hernandez, a 4th year graduate student studying comb jellies at the Whitney Lab in St. Augustine. Alex is also President of the UF chapter of SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanons/Hispanic and Native Americans in Science) and is currently organizing the Southeast Regional Conference (February 28-29). Are comb jellies the earliest animal on the Tree of Life? Tune in to find out!
In this episode, Level Up has a very special guest--UF President Kent Fuchs. For President Fuchs belonging starts with family and takes root in the formative years of higher education. Find out about a day in the life of a university president and the location of the best secret selfie op with President Fuchs!
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Mikaela David-John, 1st year graduate student in Family, Youth and Community Sciences, and Brendan David-John, 3rd year graduate student in computer science. Brendan is from Salamanca, NY, representing the Seneca Nation of Indians and Mikaela is from Syracuse, NY, and is a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. As married graduate students, Mikaela and Brendan share how they found belonging through the Native American Students Association as undergraduates and are paying that forward by establishing an American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) chapter here at UF.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Krista Vaught, Director of Academic Strategic Initiatives and Compliance at the Levin College of Law and President of the Academic and Professional Assembly (APA). Krista tells us how she found belonging through joining the APA and is now fostering belonging for others through innovative programs including the APA Ambassadors, the Warm Welcome and Bowling with Strangers.
Welcome to Season 3 of Level Up! In this episode, Antonio talks with Jodian Blake, Community Health Resource Coordinator for the UF Health Cancer Center. Jodian, a recent immigrant from Jamaica when she arrived for her first year at UF, shares how CaribSA, the Caribbean Student Association, gave her a feeling of home and helped her thrive. Today, Jodian finds joy through her family and connecting with the community.
In this episode of Level Up, Antonio talks with Herby Zephir, a 3rd year Haitian American student in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conversation. Herby shares the story of his journey from his urban upbringing in Homestead, Florida, to a life of adventure as a wildlife ecologist. We close out season 2 with a wide ranging discussion that touches on the experience of low-income students, code-switching, the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars program, and kayaking the Potomac.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Anita Marshall, lecturer in the Department of Geological Sciences and Director of Operations for the International Association for Geoscience Diversity. Anita shares how a near-fatal accident led her to a new found passion for finding ways to say "yes" to geology students with disabilities. What is Anita's favorite volcano? Listen to the end to find out!
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Carrie Blanchard Bush, UF's Director of Strategic Initiatives. Carrie provides a glimpse into the future of the campus and how the university sets and evaluates its institutional priorities. She also offers her super practical strategies for cultivating joy in your daily life.
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Ron Anderson, University of Florida's ombuds. Ron talks about his student centered mission, the power of networks and the joy of having a lasting impact on students' lives. Ron closes with a powerful testimonial from an alumni that you won't want to miss.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with PhD candidates Ellen Bledsoe and Kelsey Lewis. Ellen, a 5th year graduate student studying wildlife ecology, and Kelsey, a 7th year graduate student researching the biology of sex determinants, discuss practical actionable steps to creating inclusion in the laboratory and why this makes for better science.
In this episode, Antonio welcomes new faculty member, Dr. Porchia Moore, assistant professor of museum studies in the School of Art + Art History. Dr. Moore discusses how engaging with her ancestry has evolved her sense of belonging and shares her enthusiasm for helping shape a new generation of museum professionals who are prepared to act as provocateurs, a role she herself relishes.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with UF Trustee Anita Zucker, Anita talks about her journey from being a student leader, to public school teacher, to CEO and member of the UF Board of Trustees. She shares her passion for early childhood education and for the "hidden gem" that is the University of Florida.
In this episode, Brittany Bryant, a third-year transfer student, talks to Antonio about how overcoming obstacles, finding her vocation and being the light for others fuel her journey at UF.
In this episode, Antonio welcomes Dr. Carlos de la Torre, the new director for the Center for Latin American Studies, back to the University of Florida. Dr. de la Torre talks about his plans to further diversify the Center and how his work studying populist regimes in Latin America informs his understanding of modern global politics.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Gaby Hernandez, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Art + Art History. Gaby talks about two characteristics for belonging--love and representation and how she has found this through the different chapters of her life from her childhood in Costa Rica to coming to UF as a graduate student.
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Alexandra Bitton-Bailey, Academic Innovation Specialist with the Center for Teaching Excellence. Alex shares her passion for helping people find their place and how education has been her gateway to belonging.
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Mark Kaplan, Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the University of Florida. Mark explains how his experiences being bused to a diverse middle school and later working in affordable housing helped shape his commitment to building community.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Leanne Dumeny, an MD PhD student working in genetics and genomics. For Leanne, coming to UF opened doors to belonging through friends who shared her interests and mentors who helped her find her passion for research.
In this episode, Antonio talks with LaKendra Cook, program assistant for the Integrated Product and Process Design Program in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Find out what the drive-through window at McDonald's and a top-notch engineering program have in common in this week’s episode of Level Up.
In this episode, recorded in spring 2019, Antonio sits down with Nikole Miller who is now starting her second year at the Levin College of Law. Nikole tells an inspiring story about her work with a creative writing program for prisoners that shaped her view of law and helped her find her passion.
In this episode, Antonio talks with Dean Onye Ozuzu of the College of the Arts. Dean Ozuzu describes how language and literacy provided access and belonging as a child and how dance and movement gave her a new sense of belonging as a young adult. She also talks about the new Center for Diaspora Arts and Entrepreneurship.
In this episode, Antonio turns the tables on a group of Bob Graham Center Fellows--Kahyla Borges Santos, Eli Nir and Gloria Li. Antonio appeared on their podcast last semester and was so inspired by their commitment to public service and the community that he decided to learn more.
Welcome back to Season 2 of Level Up! In this episode, Antonio is speaking with Bianca Quinones, the new Program Director for Hispanic-Latinx Affairs, with Multicultural and Diversity Affairs at the University of Florida.
Join us for the last episode in season 1 of Level Up! Antonio talks with Dr. Katie Vogel Anderson, clinical associate professor in the College of Pharmacy and chair of the Faculty Senate. Find out why attending her first faculty senate meeting was such a powerful moment of belonging for Katie.
In this episode, Antonio is talking with Val Raymond, 4th-year economics student and Student Government Diversity Affairs Executive Secretary. Learn how Val’s appreciation for the journey lead him to the UF Hall of Fame.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Dr. Jeremy Waisome, postdoctoral associate with the Department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering. Find out why Jeremy is known as the poster child for the College of Engineering’s outreach opportunities and how she is paying it forward.
In this episode, Antonio sits down with Sindia Rivera-Jimenez, a chemical engineer and a lecturer for the Institute for Excellence in Engineering Education. Find out why Dr. Rivera is a happy engineer and learn about an amazing carbon capture project on this episode of Level Up!
In this episode, MBA candidates Chris Salinas and Michael Gordon share that their sense of belonging comes from working with small, close-knit teams working toward a common purpose.
Dr. Donna Parker, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for Diversity and Health Equity with the College of Medicine, tells us how a family tragedy sparked her interest in medicine and how she found belonging in the United States after emigrating from Jamaica as a college student.
In this episode, Dr. Feihong Wang, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology, tells us how the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity’s programs have given her a sense of empowerment and control over her long-term personal and professional goals.
Trokon Johnson, a fourth year graduate student in Electrical and Computer Engineering, shares how vulnerability is a source of strength and joy and gives us a glimpse into the future of super computers.
In this episode, Antonio is speaking with Dr. Michael Bowie, Assistant Professor and Director for Community Engagement and Diversity Outreach in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Michael walks us though his journey to belonging from Washington, DC, to Swaziland, to his home at UF.
In this episode, Antonio speaks with Naz Erenguc, Associate Director of Admissions for the MBA program and President of the Association for Academic Women. Naz shares how her deep ties to Gainesville and the university have forged her sense of belonging.
In this episode we hear from Jania Lowe, a second year journalism student, who tells us how participating in Gatorship, a social justice and inclusion retreat, was a transformative experience that gave her a deep sense of belonging at UF.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Hazel Levy, a professor in the Department of Pediatrics, whose research interests include molecular biology and gene therapy vector development. Hazel talks to us about how great teams and strong leaders spur innovation and discovery.
In this episode, Mary Kay Carodine, UF's Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, introduces two key concepts: stepping in and the power of “I don’t know.”
Michelle Smith, Assistant Dean for Inclusion with the College of Health and Human Performance and the Levin College of Law, is a triple Gator who recently returned to UF after serving as the Chief Change Agent for Gainesville Regional Utilities. In this episode, Michelle shares how creating belonging for others became her life’s work. We’ll also hear how heavy lifting and belly laughing are two of Michelle’s secrets to finding joy.
Gerardo (Gerry) Altamirano, Assistant Dean and Director of the Disability Resource Center, talks about finding belonging through his first-gen, Mexican American and queer identities. He also tells us about the secret / not-so-secret agenda of the DRC.
Diedre Houchen, a postdoctoral fellow with the Center for Race and Race Relations at the Levin College of Law at UF, shares how a personal connection with a professor gave her, as a nontraditional student, a sense of belonging in the academy. Diedre also discusses how she replicates that experience with her own students today.
In this episode, we hear from Will Atkins, Associate Dean and Director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, MCDA. Will talks about his experience with PAACT—a three-day program that focuses on the successful transition of incoming Black first-year students at UF that Will calls his place of belonging. Will also talks to us about his vision for MCDA as a model for the campus.