Our Roots Say That We're Sisters: Recent Episodes
Marquette University
Welcome to our roots say that we're sisters podcast. This podcast series is sponsored by the Marquette forum with support from Marquette University's Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Haggerty Museum of Art. It's an extension of a Marquette University mural project to highlight and uplift diverse women identified individuals whose images and contributions have been systematically made invisible.
Dr. Abiola Keller is an associate professor who has dedicated her career to advancing health equity and promoting diversity in education. A Nigerian American, her work at Marquette University bridges her cultural heritage with her passion for mentorship and advocacy for women of color. Her academic prowess and commitment to inclusion make her an inspiring figure who is shaping the future of healthcare and academic leadership.
We navigate the journey of Dr. Abiola Keller, an influential associate professor at Marquette University's College of Nursing. Dr. Keller, with her Nigerian American identity, illuminates the challenges and triumphs of pursuing excellence in academia. She discusses the impact of visibility for women of color within the academic sphere, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of community and self-care. Join us as we uncover how individual investment, mentorship, and cultural values shape the pursuit of health equity in Milwaukee.
Episode Highlights
09:18 - I had a space where people saw me for who I was, not just the color of my skin. But it also connected me to faculty and staff who were committed to my transformation and my ability to achieve my dreams.
16:12 - He was making investments in people to come back and stay in Milwaukee and make change. And that's when I think about my decisions, that's what I think about is, you know, someone believed in me so much that they funded my education because they knew that I could make a difference.
21:04 - I think in academia, to be a woman of color and to succeed, you need that grace and that poise because there are some days when the response you want to give is not the responsible advance the agenda or the conversation.
23:22 - We are fighting while you were here because we want you to walk across that stage because your power increases exponentially when you are an alum of this institution.
Interview
What drove you to return to Milwaukee and focus your efforts on health equity?
01:30 - It was important for me to come back and contribute to the city that had invested in me. Through my work, I want to ensure that health equity isn't just an idea, but a reality we're actively building
Can you speak to the importance of visibility and role models for women of color in your field
05:45 - Seeing people who look like me in positions of influence helped me visualize my own path. It's crucial that women of color have those examples to aspire to.
What strategies do you use to inspire your students and navigate challenges
09:17 - I encourage them to rise above obstacles by focusing on their well-being and practicing resilience. It's about equipping them with the tools to succeed both academically and personally.
How has your Nigerian heritage influenced your perspective on education and success?
12:52 - My heritage instilled a strong sense of possibility and expectations. It shaped how I approach challenges and seize opportunities.
What's next for you in your mission to integrate the community with Marquette University
15:26 - I'm working towards creating a space where the community doesn't just feel welcome but also seen and heard, a true reflection of the diverse voices and experiences we value
Contact Information:
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
In this episode, we are joined by JohnRae' Stowers, the associate director of EOP Student Support Services, to share her inspiring story. JohnRae' reflects on her upbringing as the youngest of three, raised by her single mother in East St. Louis.
She highlights the pivotal role her mother played in emphasizing the importance of education and paving the way for her success. JohnRae' discusses her deep-rooted connection to her identity as a black woman and the influence of strong female figures in her life.
She also delves into the impact of the Our Roots Say That We're Sisters mural project and her hopes for the future, both for herself and for the community. Join us as we uncover JohnRae's powerful journey and the meaningful impact she continues to create in the lives of others.
Episode Highlights:
03:00 - Pathways in Education: "My first job, I was in 7th grade working as a tutor at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. And so that kinda created the foundation of, like, my love for people, education, how do I, you know, get young people to work together and connect and have fun while learning?"
06:36 - Empowerment Through Sisterhood: "When I say that you're my sister, that means I have a responsibility to you to make sure you are okay, that your needs are met."
10:18 - The Importance of Support Networks: "Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children. I have a wonderful circle of friends that are adamant about showing me that I'm I got you.
Interview
What's the story you want to share with us today?
01:21 - When asked that question, I'm thinking, like, what story do I share? I have so many. You know, it brought me back to, like, my mom, who has been a significant influence in my life.
So how how has, your identity as a a black woman really informed the choices that you've been making?
05:18 - Raised by a black woman. So, I, like I said, watched my mom go through things, hard things, easy things, fun things, sad things. My faith has been a cornerstone, guiding my actions and interactions with others.
How has the mural project resonated for you?
06:30 - The mural project just made me think about my mom, who passed away in 2014, and the impact she had on my life. It triggered the creation of the Divas Branch, a support network focused on empowering women, which has brought healing and resilience.
What would you say has been Marquette's impact on women of color?
08:26 - I think I think Marquette tries really, really hard. I think that women of color on Marquette's campus must be intentional about connecting with each other. I don't think that it's going to naturally just happen. Right? We may work in the same office and we connect that way, but across campus, I think that we have to be intentional about bringing each other together.
Other than your mother, who are some of the other women who have been inspirational for you?
09:47 - Hands down, Bridgette Johnson, my college recruiter, had a significant impact, guiding me through college and helping me navigate various challenges. Her influence and the support of other strong women have been instrumental in shaping my journey.
This the forum for this year, the theme has has been revolving around ideas of self care and wellness, balance, healing. What are some of the things that you do? ?
11:36 - I am a crybaby. I think that's how I release. Like, when I feel like, what do we call it? An empath? Like, when I feel, I feel. And so I'm gonna cry. I'm gonna, you know? But for self care, I love silence. I love, like, getting away.
What are some other things that women of color have done in support of you during your healing?
12:48 - Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color? Those who are coming behind you, those who've maybe gone before you but are looking back?
13:40 - I truly hope I inspire them to do it. I truly hope I inspire them, 1st and foremost, But let's just do it. Because if you think about it too much, you will think yourself right out of doing it. And so I hope that women see me out here being, you know, just a good person, a good spirit, a good energy that they wanna be around, that they see, like, if it's something that they won't, go get it, and that they can lean in and depend on women.
What are your hopes for the future? Not only, for yourself and for the babies that you're taking care of, both those that are yours and those that are others, and, the future of Marquette.
14:38 - I give out scholarships. And, my my dream is to give out more and to be, like, an emergency funding spot when students are are in a jam or they..... need fees .... I do have a legacy foundation in honor of my mom. And so my hope is to build that so that I can do more in the community.
Contact Information:
JohnRae' Stowers
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
Sheena Carey explores the inspiring journey of Fatima Jimenez Gonzalez, a vibrant Latina, a Dreamer, and a first-generation immigrant. Fatima opens up about her challenges, her hopes, and her dreams for the future.
As she prepares to embark on her teaching career, hear her discuss her concerns about the profession and her hopes for herself and for Marquette. Feel the strength and determination in her voice as she speaks up for herself and other Dreamers.
Remember, this is not just a story. It's a testament to the beautiful diversity of our community. Tune in to feel inspired, challenged, and hopeful all at once.
Episode Highlights:
04:30 - We've been doing a lot of advocacy in terms of really making our presence known on campus and teaching other people. You'd be surprised. A lot of people don't know what a Dreamer is. They don't know what DACA is. They barely know what undocumented means, which is really ridiculous in this day and age. But we've been able to really educate our Marquette community and just overall feel like more people see us.
13:55 - I hope that other people realize that your silence isn't going to protect you. And so, you might as well say what you want and you might as well speak up for yourself. Say what makes you uncomfortable, what's happening, and try to seek help in that way, if that makes sense.
16:36 - I think it's important for them to realize everybody's story is different, and everybody's story is unique, and everybody's story is important. And so, I would like to say that I know my story is important, and I know that my story is meaningful, and I hope that they find some truth in that as well.
Interview
What aspects of that story do you want to share with us today?
01:30 - I'm here to represent not just first-generation students, Latinas, but most importantly, my story as an undocumented immigrant, and how I've been able to persevere as a dreamer, not only in college, but in life in general.
06:16 - We started the pitch by stating a lot of the things that undocumented immigrants can't do, so we had one person pop up and say, "Undocumented immigrants can't do this," and then someone else stood up, "and they can't do this." And so, I think it really opened the eyes of everyone in the crowd.
Where do you come from? Are you a Milwaukee native?
01:47 - I've grown up in Milwaukee, pretty much lived here my entire life, but I was born in Mexico. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. And I came over here just under the age of two, but I've lived in Milwaukee, grown up here, gone to school here, worked here.
How did you get on this path?
02:20 - Everyone who is older than me was or is also undocumented or now documented. And so, I've been able to see them persevere through their status. And also my parents have always been very pro education. And so, my path has always been through education. And I think that's why I have fallen into the education field in terms of what I want to do in the future as well.
What are some of the challenges you've faced being an undocumented individual in Milwaukee, especially at Marquette?
02:59 - A lot of the challenges I face include not being able to apply to certain programs, especially within the education field. A lot of those require you to either be a citizen or have some type of like federal documentation.
You've created some programs, some opportunities for other folks like yourself. Talk a little bit about those.
04:01 -At Marquette, we started the first official Dreamers Group, and so we're called Marquette Dreamers. So, it's a group of students who welcome not just undocumented students, but anyone with DACA, anyone that comes from mixed status families or anyone that wants to be an ally to our community.
What was the program you started for undocumented students who couldn't participate in, say, paid internship programs?
05:14 - We pitched through the social impact track and we really wanted to find a way to give the students who identify like us, but are still at more of a disadvantage because they don't have DACA, to be able to receive professional work experiences, and really get a taste for what their life could be if they didn't have this obstacle of getting a work permit, just to kind of keep them encouraged.
At this point, no one's been placed in programs?
06:46 - No. We're hoping to pilot the program by the summertime.
What ways has the mural project resonated for you?
07:20 - It tries to highlight the stories of women who are systematically made invisible. And I think, not only as a Latina, but especially as an undocumented person, our community is often made invisible. And I think people often forget what it's like to live as someone who doesn't have papers or who is undocumented. And so, I think that's one of the main things that resonates with me in terms of this project of really just making our voice be heard and having people see us.
What's been Marquette's impact on the lives of women of color on this campus?
08:26 - I would say Marquette does offer a lot of opportunities for women to take charge and be leaders. It's a little harder for me to identify. I went to an all girls schools for middle school and high school. And so, I've always been in a mentality of like women can do anything and women take charge because that's what I've experienced.
What women of color have served as inspirations for you?
09:22 - I would say my mom is my biggest inspiration. I mean, like I said, she's a mother of eight, immigrated. She's really prospered in this country and has been able to give us a beautiful life despite all the challenges that have been thrown in her face.
09:51 - All the professors I've had who are people of color have always been my favorite, and I think it's because it's easier for me to identify with them. And so, I definitely see myself in them, specifically because I want to enter the education field.
How do you understand or experience or practice wellness and healing?
10:33 - I'd say my biggest way of taking care of myself and my mental health is really talking about things. And so, it's funny to me saying that because I'm a big chatterbox. I'm a very loud person. I like to talk but that's also the way that I let things out and vent.
What do you do though to take care of yourself? What are some of the things that you do that rejuvenate you, re-energize you, and give you an opportunity to decompress?
11:46 - I like to be more myself a lot. So, taking time to step away from everyone and everything to just kind of center myself and really get into a mentality of like, "Okay, how am I actually feeling? What do I want to come out of this?" Just taking time to reflect. So, I think reflecting is one of the ways that I like to take care of myself.
Are you pretty regular at doing that or do you have to remind yourself, or do you get to the brink and go, "Oh, wait a minute, I need to do something?"
12:22 - I definitely don't do it as often as I should. I'm a person that likes to keep busy and also I like to take on a lot of responsibility just because I like to help. I want to do as much as possible so I'm always going to say, "Yes I can help with this. I can do that." And so, sometimes it becomes very overwhelming.
What impact do you hope to have on other women of color, those who are following behind you, those you might meet, and those maybe who have already gone on ahead, but kind of need a little support?
13:29 - I think what I would most like to inspire other people to do is to really speak their mind and not be afraid to stand up for themselves. And I know especially as a woman, as a Latina, as a first-generation immigrant, it's something that's really difficult for most of us.
What are your hopes for the future? Not only your own, but Marquette, and for the community, and communities that you're working with and that you're a part of?
14:21 - In terms of Marquette, I really hope that they do a better job of supporting their Dreamers on campus, and offering resources, not just financially but mental-health wise and work opportunities like we've mentioned.
14:40 - I also would hope that more of our Dreamers feel comfortable coming forward to not necessarily out themselves, but be part of our community and feel supported by it, because I know it can be intimidating to join the group and have people look at you and be like, "Oh, they're a Dreamer. They're undocumented and such."
15:04 - I hope that our society finds a way to welcome more immigrants in. I hope that government finds, opens up a pathway to citizenship or something that will be able to help the millions of undocumented immigrants.
What about your future?
15:26 - I hope that I fall in love with teaching. It's definitely a concern. I mean, I know it's something that I want to do and I know regardless, I want to be in that setting of giving back to my community and helping students and being involved with youth.
What would you like the community to know about you and your journey?
16:17 - I would like to say that as much as I am someone that is willing to tell my story and who is willing to speak out, my story does not define the same story of every other Latina, every other Dreamer, every other first-generation student. I think it's important for them to realize everybody's story is different, and everybody's story is unique, and everybody's story is important.
Contact Information:
Fatima Jimenez Gonzalez
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
In this enlightening episode, we venture into the healing universe of Parisa Shirazi Chavoya, a queer Iranian-American woman who's transforming the wellness landscape in Milwaukee with her unique blend of yoga and sound healing practices.
A double graduate of Marquette University, Parisa's incredible journey from political science to the realm of healing is a story that needs to be heard. With a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, accessible classes, her work aims to serve individuals with chronic pain conditions, disabilities, and pregnant women.
This episode is a tribute to resilience, a celebration of diverse culture, and an exploration into the power of sound healing. Parisa's journey with fibromyalgia and her mantra, "Don't be afraid of being still," serves as an inspiration to many. Tune in to discover how she leverages her experiences to foster a culture of wellness and empowerment.
Episode Highlights:
02:34 - There was this desire to learn more embodiment practices where I was able to find healing and rest through movement and yoga became that tool for me throughout my twenties.
04:52 - I think my experience of my own healing journey of learning how to better support myself and also having a chronic pain condition myself has really drawn me to being more empathetic and understanding of other people's realities. I've been doing a lot of extensive training to be able to learn how to work with people.
08:35 - Movement had become my medicine. And also when it came to the mental health aspect, I had become so busy with my life and didn't know how to really quiet my mind, and that was resulting in panic attacks, high stress levels.
Interview
What's the story you want to share with us today?
I really want to share more about my own healing journey and how wellness has played such a big role in that.
How do you identify?
01:55 - I identify as a queer Iranian-American woman.
Were you born in Iran or were you born here?
02:04 - I was born outside of Chicago. Both my parents are from Iran, came here when they were young, and my brother and I were born in the US.
How did you get on the path that you're on now?
02:16 - It's been a journey for me. I have always been really interested in movement. It comes from my culture. Iranians are very expressive people. We're very creative people.
02:54 - My chronic pain condition of fibromyalgia and then mental health concerns really drew me towards yoga and sound healing.
How did you go from being a practitioner to being an educator or a healer?
03:13 - I was feeling really drawn to working in higher ed. I had roles in different capacities and felt really driven in that way.
03:36 - I signed up for a yoga teacher training program, not really knowing where it was going to take me. And I fell in love with the practice and the idea of sharing that modality with other people.
What's been your greatest joy as a yoga practitioner?
03:56 - I love seeing people rest. The last couple of minutes during the class is Savasana, which is the time of complete rest. People are able to be still during that time and every time I get emotional seeing it.
How has your identity informed the choices that you've made?
05:11 - My background is Iranian, we're culturally very hospitable people. We love to serve other people, hold space for other people. And so, that has always naturally been a part of my journey. But now to be able to do it through yoga has been a really cool way to be able to share that.
Do you offer your courses, your classes throughout the community? Do you have a particular space that you use?
05:37 - Currently, I am at a space in Bayview, but I'll be shifting to a new space that I'm hosting my classes called Moving Galaxy in January of 2024. And I teach five times a week there. And then I also host monthly sound healing sessions at that space, but I also do sound baths at other locations all throughout the city. So, I'll collaborate with organizations. I have done some at Marquette for students and it's an opportunity for people to experience the modality in different spaces.
You said you work with children from time to time, or not?
06:23 - I've worked with high school students, but I won't do under high school right now. I really feel drawn to working with adults.
How has the theme of the mural resonated for you?
06:49 - In my senior year when this mural was created, it was this really exciting time to be able to see people like me represented. I think it's empowering for myself and so many other women, on Marquette's campus, especially young women who are in these formative years of trying to understand how do they present themselves, how do they see themselves show up in different spaces.
What women of color have served as inspiration for you?
07:19 - I've drawn inspiration for my current work from a lot of other women of color, yoga teachers, specifically Indian women.
07:35 - From Iranian women who have been at the front lines of women liberation movements for years now to historically in the US. So, many women of color being the front lines of peace movements.
How has your wellness practices really helped you overcome challenges on your path to healing?
08:12 - Yoga in particular has helped me a lot with my physical ailments and mental health. So, physically, with the chronic pain that I had, I was able to alleviate a lot of the discomforts that I was carrying in my body. I was able to find a modality that was sustainable for me where I didn't have to rely on medication and other tools.
08:52 - Yoga and meditation has helped me learn how to be still and to be comfortable with just being on my own and being with myself and really listening to myself in ways that I hadn't for so long.
09:06 - Sound healing being the practice where a practitioner plays different instruments to help someone come into a state of meditation and rest has helped me have space to process what has happened in my past, to learn how to heal from past traumas and abuse and learn how to move forward with what I want to do now.
When you talk about sound healing, is that employing like recorded music or do you play instruments in the class?
10:14 - I did a training where I was able to learn multiple different instruments. I curate a session for people where they'll be usually lying on their back. I'll walk around folks, and play instruments above them. These sound therapy sessions are where people are being exposed to frequencies that help them come into the state of rest and can be really healing for people who have experienced trauma and they're able to process and release within these sessions.
What has been the role of women of color in your healing, especially as you're trying to meet the challenges and overcome some of the ways in which they can kind of stop you?
11:08 - I'm super grateful for the women of color friends that I have in Milwaukee. I'm super grateful for my Milwaukee community of just seeing how other friends have addressed challenges they've gone through, and I've just learned a lot about patience.
11:48 - I'm really grateful for online resources and other women who have shared with me and it's been a journey that I'm continuing to learn.
Are you vegan?
12:00 - I am not vegan.
12:17 - I've been trying to be really cognizant of what I eat and I'm working with a health coach right now and take note of what feels good for me and what doesn't and a lot of plant-based stuff for sure.
What do you hope for women of color?
12:33 - I think the biggest thing for myself and for the women of color that I'm surrounding myself with is for us to learn to trust ourselves and to listen to our bodies more.
13:02 - I read this quote the other day of, it was talking about how a woman becomes her best friend when she actually cares for her own health. And it was this beautiful moment of, I can be my own best friend. I can be that person who nourishes myself.
What are your hopes for the future in your own, Marquette's, the world?
13:26 - I hope that we can learn how to be free. Free to explore what we're excited about, what it means for us to be healthy beings, for us to be able to connect and love each other well.
What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?
14:45 - What's been most important is education, furthering my own education and supporting other people. Since I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher. And it's been really beautiful and fun for me to see how that's manifested in different ways and to the space I'm in now as a yoga teacher, guide.
15:11 - I'm always learning, taking new trainings, to be able to learn more about how to serve other people in a greater capacity.
If you had to give a tip or two to other women who may be sort of struggling to find that balance, what might you suggest they do or start with?
15:43 - Learning how to say no more. For me, I had to really sit down and look at my schedule and decide what was nourishing me when it came to social commitments, when it came to life responsibilities.
16:22 - Communicate to people clearly why I was saying no; this is the time in which I'm taking to care for myself, and also to be really patient.
What would your motto be?
17:57 - The word stillness comes to mind. I think the thing that's coming to mind for me right now is don't be afraid of being still. I think for so long I viewed stillness, equating it with this laziness or this lack of drive. And I found a lot of power in allowing myself to be, to sit with myself.
Contact Information:
Parisa Yoga Shala
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
Join us for a transformative episode with Jayla Taylor, a resilient junior at Marquette University. As president of the Urban Scholars Program and a political science major, Jayla's journey is a beacon of strength and determination. Hailing from Milwaukee's diverse neighborhoods, Jayla proudly embraces her Black and Latina heritage, using it as a driving force for change. Her upbringing, steeped in Mexican and Black traditions, fuels her mission to break barriers.
Through leadership roles, Jayla fosters a sense of belonging for students of color, ensuring everyone finds their place at Marquette. Her story is a testament to the strength passed down through generations, with her mother and grandparents serving as guiding lights.
Jayla's initiatives, including MU Black Minds, aim to create a community where every student thrives, regardless of background. Tune in for insights on inclusivity, cultural strength, and uplifting the voices of tomorrow. Jayla's narrative encourages us to stand together, fostering kindness, open-mindedness, and unwavering support.
Episode Highlights:
12:13 - The first step is, of course, getting people of diverse backgrounds here. But the second step is making sure that they can be themselves and be comfortable and not feel just outcasted.
19:25 - Not having those resources to fall back on can really impact your experience that you're going to have and not being able to talk to anybody about any issues you're having or understanding why you feel a certain way towards a certain class, teacher, professor, and things like that is really important that we're having discussions with each other, so it's a you're not alone type of thing. And I think my biggest thing was if I didn't have a community around me, I would not be succeeding as well as I am now.
20:46 - I was given this opportunity, and it's important for me to make other people feel like they're also given an opportunity, and it also makes me feel good when I make somebody else feel important. And I think that just builds your community even more of people wanting to be around you, not having to be around you, and I wanted to be the role model around other students.
Interview
What's the story you'd like to share with us today?
01:24 - I'd love to share about my background growing up from the city, as well as more about my scholarship program and what that all entails.
How do you identify?
01:40 - I identify as Black and Latina. My mom is Mexican and my dad is Black, so, half and half.
Where do you come from?
01:50 - I've grown up on the south side of Milwaukee for the past 20 years.
What high school did you go to?
01:55 - I went to DSHA, Divine Savior Holy Angels. It's an all girls Catholic high school.
Tell us how you got on the path that you're on.
02:16 - It starts with my parents and my background. My mom is a first generation kind of citizen here. So, her growing up and upbringing was a little different than mine. None of my aunts, uncles or parents went to college. So, it was more of a high school graduation thing and then moving on to a family. But her main goal for all of us, me and my two older siblings, was always to go to college, get a career, and make sure we are doing what we love in life. But that just kind of motivated me to always kind of have a target on my back to push forward and find any opportunity I could. My dad also didn't go to college, so being a first generation kind of college student, they gave me the leeway to figure it out and navigate it all on my own.
03:59 - Luckily, I applied and just with all the things I was involved in and just by chance, I ended up getting a financial aid scholarship to go there, and we have a 100 percent college rate at my high school, so there was no question on whether or not I was going to college after DSHA, and I got a lot of opportunities, but Marquette provided me with a full tuition scholarship to be part of the Urban Scholars Program as a minority student, and that was something I definitely could not pass up.
What other support do they provide first gen and students of color?
05:36 - Their whole goal was to have us have advisors that looked like us in the program. Considering it only had been five previously, they only had one academic slash–not only an advisor–but he was also like the whole running of the program, just that one person. But when they upgraded us to 45 people, we got three more academic advisors that we were split between. And they were there, basically, we had to check in one on one just to see how we were adjusting, not only academically, but also just campus-wise.
06:25 - We did a lot of group retreats together, a lot of group activities together, because the whole point was that these people around you, your fellow students, fellow classmates, are your family here.
You have a bi-cultural identity. Which traditions did you follow or was there a mix of traditions? For instance, did you have a quinceañera?
06:58 - Basically, in our household, you can identify however you want to identify. It's not like a this or that type of thing. We ate both types of food. Like, maybe we'll have tacos one day, the next day you can have a burger for dinner. Like, there was no set in stone, but it was awesome because I got to look at both sides of my culture all the time. So, fitting in with one was difficult. But getting older, it just made me realize how much I appreciate both sides and how much other people don't get to experience that. And I have a big appreciation for any type of cultural backgrounds that people bring with them, just because of how different and specific they are.
How has this bi-cultural identity influenced the choices that you've made and the path that you've taken?
08:17 -It's honestly a big motivating factor for me. I've written a lot of papers and things about it because I'm a big promoter of use your culture to your advantage. Like, in an oppressed society, I think it's really important that if you are a person of color, you use the advantages that you have for good and you use the benefits that are given to you to go forward.
I've always promoted myself in a way that was like yes, I am these cultures and they're a huge part of me but I'm also breaking a lot of stereotypes and a lot of barriers to continue to excel in a lot of different areas.
How has the Mural Project resonated for you or in what ways has it?
10:03 - I think it's amazing just because I think a lot of time we promote or we talk about diversity or diversifying, but you don't actually see it. I think there's a difference between talking about things and then seeing them actually in person and having to face it. And I think it's also much more powerful because it's women.
10:39 - Seeing not only black, brown, and different colored women, but it's seeing a representation of yourself and then those around you, and the voices that are not getting heard as often or being promoted that you have nothing to do but face them and look at them, and see them and listen.
What impact do you see Marquette having on the lives of women of color?
11:03 - I think it can have a positive or a negative impact. I can't come and say like, "Oh, it's amazing and it's without struggles," because that just wouldn't be true. I've met a lot of amazing women in big, powerful positions at Marquette, which has been great, but it's also still a place where it's not as diversified as you would want to come in and see, and I think that's why it's so important to promote programs that are for different races and different backgrounds, because if you want this campus or this university to look a certain way, it needs representation.
That feeling that some students have, some faculty, and even one staff have of not quite feeling as though they belong or are welcome, is that strictly internal, something that they're bringing to the situation, or is there something about Marquette that creates those feelings?
12:44 - I think it can be a mix of both. Luckily for me, I went to a high school that was similar, diversity-wise, it was very similar. So, I had already experienced something like this, but I will say externally, like looking across and somebody says this is a PWI. You can tell. You can look across any classroom. You can look at any directory and you can tell that it's a predominantly white institution. Professor-wise, I would feel more comfortable going to a professor that looks like me or has a relatable story to me, and I've found many that are and are there to promote the connections that they bring to students of color, and there's a lot of programs.
13:43 - Internally, they're already feeling a sense of being different from everyone else. But then externally, if you're not seeing anybody else who looks like you, then it's just kind of furthering that insecurity within yourself.
How has the university impacted your sense of self-worth?
14:53 - It's impacted me just because any time that I felt insignificant or not as meaningful, I've had opportunities to go out in the community or I've had opportunities to give a speech to a group of people. With my leadership position being the president, I found such a self-worth type of thing because I was able to present this whole program. I represented it just in my one speech, what we encompass, what we embody.
You said your mother is your greatest inspiration. Who are some of the other women who have been inspirations for you?
16:06 - My grandma on my dad's side. They are like my other set of parents basically. They are so excited for me in anything I do. And I've actually had to talk about this before where it's amazing to have people, who succeed or not, they believe in you.
This year's forum, the theme really revolved around self-care, wellness, and healing, how do you understand, experience, or practice wellness and healing within our current context because there's so much stuff happening these days?
18:09 - There's a lot, and for me personally, it is hard to wrap my head around all the different initiatives, all the different feelings, all the different strategies you have, and things like that. And I've kind of been one of those people that I always like to talk first or get my point across, or kind of like get my hand in things, and I can say this is something that I've had to really sit back and like learn from other people, or go to events. I have a few friends who started their own club at Marquette, and it's called MU Black Minds, and it's a club specifically about self-care and mental health. And getting to go to that and knowing it was started by four African-American women, and they did it all there on their own, and they've had guest speakers, and they've had different program initiatives where we've simply wrote letters to ourselves, or this is the end of a school day and we came to learn more about mental health and things like that.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color, those coming behind you and those who have gone before you that might be looking back for some inspiration?
20:05 - I think my biggest thing is I'm everyone's biggest fan. I don't do the presidency thing so I can put it on a resume or I'm the president of this or I'm the president of that. That's just a bonus for me. I was in this position as well as a few other leadership positions in Marquette Student Government, NAACP, and just board member positions. I did that all because it just allowed me to promote the people that I'm around even more.
21:08 - The sophomores and freshmen under me, they're not that far apart in age for me. So, I don't pressure them into being like, "I know so much more than you." I really don't, but I'm here as your ally to let you know that I'm the person that you can talk to, find more stuff about, and reach out to because adults are busy.
What are your hopes for the future, your future, Marquette's future, the community we live in, the world?
21:11 - My hope is always, I, of course, want to somehow have one simple person in this program that I'm in remember me or simply the group of people that I was around and being the first group of 45 minority students, I'll be, of course, want to be a part of the group that was like, "Oh, you know, they did a lot here."
23:23 - And in the future, I, of course, want to teach. That is like my biggest thing is I love kids. And I think a lot of the initiatives we have at school is, why don't students know more about my background? Why don't they diversify? Why don't we have a diversity class?
What would you like our community to know about your journey?
24:33 - I think I would like my community to know that it doesn't end here. I think my biggest thing is I always just promote more positivity around me and other people. I think a lot of people need not only to learn from somebody, you can listen to a thousand things, but if you're going to get anything out of it, you got to be able to relate. So, hopefully they can just relate to being kinder to people, being more open to new stories, being more open to those around them, being more open to women, to people of color, to friends around you.
Contact Information:
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
Sheena interviews Gadeer Ayesh, a trailblazing Neurosurgery Physician Assistant, first-generation Arab-American Muslim, and advocate for inclusivity. Gadeer's journey from a small-town school to Marquette University defied expectations, driven by her parents' immigrant experience and a determination to excel.
The passing of her grandfather due to limited healthcare access fueled her commitment to make a difference. Despite skepticism, she emerged as a beacon of representation for her culture and religion. Gadeer's involvement in a mural project at Marquette celebrating women of color showcases her advocacy for inclusivity.
She draws strength from her support system, considering her family and community as her true heroes. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience, authenticity, and a vision for an inclusive world!
Episode Highlights:
06:22 - It's really not fair that you have to represent an entire people but it is. A lot of people, especially like being at Marquette, they never encountered a Muslim before. They've never seen, they don't know what a hijab is. They don't know where Palestine is. And so just kind of being that spokesperson and embodying that in everything that I say and do, and all of my decisions. It catapults me into where I want to be and how I want to present myself.
12:43 - Each of my sisters is my therapist in a different way. I'm always able to be vulnerable with them. No judgments. Whether it's, I want to be a PA, but I don't know if I can get in, and them pushing me, striving me to be better.
18:22 - I struggled and it took a while to get to where I am today, but maybe the people after me, they don't have to go through that struggle. Maybe it'll be easier for them. The mentorship program, I would love to be a mentor.
Interview
What's the story you'd like to share with us today?
02:26 - I went to kind of a small town school, went to a private school where everyone's the same as me. They're all first generation Arab-American Muslims, so a little sheltered kind of growing up, and then I go to Marquette. Absolutely loved it. I met a lot of my super close friends there, but I learned who I was at Marquette, grew as a person, , and then became a PA, and here I am.
What set you on that path to becoming a PA?
04:50 - I learned early on that if I wanted to succeed, if I wanted to do what I wanted while looking the way I looked, it takes a little dedication, a little drive. It wasn't easy. There was a lot of pushback. There was a lot of people questioning, who I was and what I was doing there. Am I qualified? And so, that always pushed me.
What are some other ways that your identity has informed the choices that you've made in life?
05:57 - You look at me and you know exactly who I am potentially, and you've already formed judgments based on what I look like. So I am clearly Muslim. You see it by the hijab that I wear, and I embody kind of Islam in everything I do or say. And so, it's always on the forefront in terms of I'm representing myself, but I'm also representing my religion and my culture.
You've got a certain claim to fame. Which one of these are you?
07:05 - The one in the hijab. The one in the scarf.
How did you get to be a part of that and how did that make you feel?
07:13 - It's honestly the most surreal thing ever. I told you before my husband is my biggest kind of cheerleader and supporter and anybody he meets, "Did you know that my wife is on the wall? She's on the mural at Marquette. And it's like, "Oh, God, it's embarrassing."
You've referred to your husband several times. Were you married as an undergrad?
09:33 - We were not. No, but we actually went to Marquette together. We actually grew up together. He was living in Jordan for a while.
Who are your heroes or sheroes?
10:16 - It's the women in my life – my sisters, my mother, just the friends that I've made through EOP and through Marquette. We're still super close till this day, and we talk all the time. I mean, my sisters are absolutely amazing. They are mothers. They work. They have their own kind of accomplishments. And I always look to them no matter what for advice for kind of just needing to figure something out or just to look.
What role has vulnerability played in how your story has unfolded?
11:53 - Being vulnerable comes with the territory, honestly. If you are not vulnerable constantly in every decision you make, especially being first generation, being Arab, being Muslim, just not knowing what you're doing or where you're going, I make fun of myself all the time. And I say I'm in a constant state of imposter syndrome.
What role have your sisters, in terms of women of color, played in helping you navigate that vulnerability and rise to whatever challenges they've presented?
13:12 - There's that level of trust and that level of loyalty where I'm like, "I know I can be vulnerable with you and tell you what's going on in my heart or in my head, and there's no judgments. You're going to be there for me and you're going to help me throughout whatever struggle I'm going through, without kind of looking the other way, always having my back."
Practicing vulnerability in a safe space, has it made it easier for you to be vulnerable outside of those kinds of spaces?
13:40 - Yes and no. It's still difficult. It's easier to be vulnerable with the people that are closest to you. Growing up the way you do, you have hard experiences. Living under occupation and just kind of like sharing some traumatic experiences and just trying to navigate the world, you share a certain bond. But it also gives you a little bit of a harder shell.
What role has or what impact has Marquette had on who you are, where you're going, where you've been?
15:14 - It made me a stronger person because obviously most of the people that go to Marquette do not look like me. But it helped shape me into kind of the strong, kind of independent person that I am.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color? Those who are coming behind you, those who are walking with you, those who may have trod that path ahead of you.
17:41 - Women of color who have my back and who are there to help me and support me, I'm hopeful. I want to be that person for others. I want to be able to empower other people, or they know that they could reach out to other people who would be able to help them because not everybody is as blessed. I just want other women of color to be empowered.
What are your hopes for the future, your future, the future of Marquette and just the future in general for our world?
19:52 - I don't want my daughters to have to shrink back or feel, not ashamed, but like feel different. "Oh, I'm wearing a scarf. There's no one else in my entire kind of cohort, who wears a scarf," and feel uncomfortable with that. They should love their faith, love God, and love who they are, no matter where they're at, and just feel comfortable in their own skin. The sky's the limit for my daughters and for everybody else, for all future generations.
What would you like the community, and when I say community, it could be Marquette's community or community that you identify with, to know about you and your journey?
21:14 - Vulnerability is difficult, but I like to be vulnerable. I like to talk to people and I always strive to be the best version of myself. And I hope I can embody that. I hope I can make my family proud, my friends proud, Marquette proud, too. Because Marquette made me who I am today.
Contact Information:
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
Sheena interviews Rachelle Shurn, the Assistant Engagement Director of University Advancement at Marquette University. Rachelle shares her story of how she and her husband left their small predominantly black city to make a fresh start in Milwaukee. Rachelle's journey led her to Marquette, where she is now dedicated to impacting women of color both on and off campus. Rachelle describes her role as being intrinsic in diversity, which she developed while working in a similar position at a community college. She shares how working with that college helped her to understand inequities in society and opened her eyes to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. This journey has informed and sharpened her diversity lens.
The conversation shifts to the mural project on Marquette's campus, and both Sheena and Rachelle discuss the impact of this initiative. The mural is an impressive piece of art that Rachelle says is open to interpretation, and every time she looks at it, she sees something different. Rachelle also discusses her role as an alumni programmer for women's basketball at Marquette. She shares her goals of creating a following for women's basketball and building a fan base for the team. She spoke about how the women's basketball program must work harder than the men's program to attract fans, but the team is making strides, and they're getting better.
Listen in as Rachelle shares her passion for impacting women of color and bridging gaps at Marquette University. Discover how she's making a positive mark and leaving a strong legacy for future generations. Tune in to be inspired!
05:57 - So because I work closely with our ethnic groups as well as our national Board of Directors and women's basketball, and as a proud black woman, that diversity lens is intrinsic in what I do.
11:30 - The impact on me personally is I feel that I have been given an opportunity to be a voice, to help bridge gaps, to build relationships, and to just leave a mark.
13:17 - I look for nuggets in people, whether they're famous or whether it's the person that I'm sitting next to in church, a positive encounter or words of wisdom or sometimes not saying anything, just watching and observing how you engage with others. Those are the qualities in women that inspire me.
Interview
01:57 - Rachelle Shurn shares how she and her husband took a leap of faith in moving to Milwaukee without jobs.
We come from a very small, predominantly black city, Benton Harbor, Michigan, and just saw ourselves fitting into the Milwaukee community. We did not have jobs. We literally stepped out on faith, believing that this would be a great move for us.
What has been your journey working in the area of diversity and inclusion?
04:37 - My steps were just ordered unbeknownst to me. So the part-time job that I had at the community college supporting their version of a Provost for diversity, I would go with him into organizations to help him facilitate diversity training. And that's really when my eyes started to open around inequities that are happening and that some organizations or people they don't know, it's not always coming from a place of harm. But if you don't know that you're making racist remarks or that you're not being inclusive when you're sitting around the table.
What is your role in bringing more attention and support to women's basketball and the strides they have made in building a following?
07:00 - So my role with women's basketball is around alumni programming. So part of what my personal goal with women's basketball is to continue to build a following. I always say that men's basketball sells itself. It just does. We have to work a little bit harder for women's basketball, particularly at Marquette. We know that there are programs that are selling out arenas and have a huge fan following, but if you haven't experienced a game, you're missing out on the excitement of women's basketball. So basically monthly during the season, we host pregame receptions at the annex. It's just an opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, staff, and parents over a meal before going to the game.
What is your description of the mural project and how do the vibrant colors speak to you as a woman?
09: 14 - I look at the mural quite often, and every time I look at it, I see something different, which I think speaks to how beautiful and amazing the piece is. It's not a one and done. And it reminds me of a family photo. A daughter, a mother, a grandmother. I can see all of that in the photo. I also like the vibrant colors which speak to me as a woman, just being vivid and kind of bold and out there in some regards. That's how it really resonates with me. I can see myself in any of those women.
What is your reflection on the impact of Marquette University on you and the opportunity it has given you to make a difference?
11:30 - The impact on me personally is I feel that I have been given an opportunity to be a voice, to help bridge gaps, to build relationships, and to just leave a mark so that when I'm no longer in this role, someone can say, well, I remember having a conversation with Rachelle.
Who are the women who have been an inspiration to you?
13:17 - I look for nuggets in people, whether they're famous or whether it's the person that I'm sitting next to in church, a positive encounter or words of wisdom or sometimes not saying anything, just watching and observing how you engage with others. Those are the qualities in women that inspire me.
What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?
21:43 - My journey is healing. Sometimes there's gravel. Sometimes I get off course, but I always find my way back because of, again, just beautiful people in my life, in my circle, and my path is ever changing. And I welcome that. Yeah, it's all of those things. It's not packaged in a beautiful gift box with a beautiful bow on top. It's messy because life is messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Contact Information:
Rachelle Shurn,
Engagement Officer
(414) 288-4765
rachelle.shurn@marquette.edu
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
Sheena interviews Julie Aleman and Wendy Perez. They both come from Latino and Mexican American backgrounds, respectively. Julie's goal was to help her family back home understand that limitations can be overcome with determination, while Wendy wanted to set an example for other people coming from underrepresented communities. In 2021, as freshmen, they started "Community. Books. You", a free textbook lending program at Marquette University which has since collected 400 books through donation drives as well as donations by faculty members and peers on campus.
They share how the mural resonates with them because it shows representation for women of color like themselves. It also serves as a reminder that cultures can be appreciated even when abroad or overseas studying or interning and that they can achieve great things with hard work and determination no matter their background or culture.
Tune in to hear more about the impact of Marquette University on women of color and discover how each woman's sense of self-worth has been impacted by being part of the community at Marquette due to support systems such as first-gen resources or words from affirmation from peers on campus. Listen to their powerful stories that inspire others to break out of their comfort zone and visualize the future they want.
Episode Highlights
11:48 - Seeing the mural really shows a lot of representation. Also, I see myself in the women that are there in the picture and in the painting. I really like how they all come from different backgrounds, yet we're all united. We're all one. We're all here on Marquette's campus and making a difference, and just how empowering they are, too. I think learning about different cultures is really important to me.
17:48 - I feel like there's more open spaces or safe spaces for minorities to talk. We all could improve. We just need that, and then just understanding each other, respecting and proudly taking decisions where nobody will be hurt just because they're saying how they feel, no matter how they say it.
22:54 - Having that support system really serves as an inspiration for me because I want to be that support system for other people, and just checking in with people to make sure that they are okay.
Interview
What stories would you like to share with us today?
01:48 - My little story is that when I came here, I came with just a goal, and I'm almost finishing with a lot more. But I initially wanted to help my Puerto Rican family to understand that limitations are just those that are in your head.
03:22 - I took a class in high school that was an intro to business class, and I really loved it. But I was a little bit intimidated about going into the field, just due to the stigma of business people. And so, that kind of made me hesitant a little bit, but I knew business was the route that I eventually wanted to go into.
How did you meet and become friends?
04:19 - Wendy complimented my shirt or I complimented her shirt. And then I noticed she speaks Spanish and I was like, "Are you Latina? Do you speak Spanish?" Because I was really looking for people to speak Spanish because my English was really limited at that moment.
04:40 - I think I complimented your shirt in the bathroom, and from there, it just sparked and I think you mentioned that we should get to know each other more in the basement of O'Donnell.
How have your identities informed the choices that you've made thus far?
05:46 - Everything that I do mostly is driven because I want to help people. And I do it just because that's my sort of happiness. I feel good doing it. The decision that I made just coming here came from that because I wanted to be an example for other students to learn.
06:58 - I realized that I wanted to set an example and represent my community, but also show other people that are from underrepresented communities that anything is possible and working hard, you can definitely get there. Also, being first gen has influenced a lot of our choices, I'd say for both of us.
How long have you been doing "Community. Books. You"?
08:35 - We launched it – I didn't know, when you guys launched the podcast in 2021. It's been a process.
08:45 - We competed in the Brewed Ideas Challenge, which was a Shark Tank-style competition that is held at Marquette University.
How has the mural resonated for you?
11:11 - Looking at this mural, it just feels like I'm not the only one person or woman of color.
11:52 - I see myself in the women that are there in the picture and in the painting. And I really like how they all come from different backgrounds.
What has been Marquette's impact on women of color
14:33 - I feel, what I can say for facts, we still need more diversity. But we also need the resources that come from not just the diversity. I feel that when we do that, we will be able to connect with these different people.
15:51 - I think Marquette has impacted the lives of other women of color in leadership roles. And a lot of women of color at Marquette that I've met are very passionate about certain topics, and I really enjoy that community. I think, for sure, having that community of women of color on campus really empowers these women of color to continue striving for more.
Being at Marquette, how has that impacted your sense of self-worth?
18:29 - It has improved my self-worth coming to Marquette, being first gen as we touched on, is just very challenging on navigating the different roles and obstacles that come up. But having a support system, personally for me, and resonating with other people that are students of color on campus has increased my self-image, too.
21:09 - Having those kinds of supports really make me think about myself and see how worthy I am, how much society needs me, not because of my journey, but because of the things that I'm discovering about myself that I can use to contribute to society to represent women of color, people of color, but also Latinos.
What women of color have served as inspirations for you?
22:36 - I would say my mom, because she's just very hardworking. She's caring. She always calls me about how my homework is doing, just like very small details on how life is going. So, I really appreciate that and having that support system really serves as an inspiration for me because I want to be that support system for other people.
24:46 - It will be my grandma. She passed away like four years ago. And even when I didn't grow up close to her because I used to live in Puerto Rico and she in Dominican Republic. I feel like every time that I went over there, she always had something good to say.
On self-care and wellness, what are some of the challenges for you in terms of addressing those for yourself and what are some of the things that you do?
26:59 - I work two jobs. I work at Comms Vice-President. I also work at the desk. Having meetings are really time-consuming plus classes, which is fine. I feel like I'm used to it already. I can read faster, type faster, and ask faster, too. And I feel really confident about that.
28:42 - For me, time management and the aspect of, especially last year was a really busy year for me, having a job, internships, classes, building "Community. Books. You," and also trying to be involved on campus with different organizations. Managing that was a challenge but I overcame that with learning the skills that I have learned throughout college and also being first gen, just how you always have to be on your feet. You have to think quick.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color, both on Marquett's campus and once you're out there in the world?
32:56 - I just want to share my story by just keep going and see how this will affect or impact women of color as a student, as a person, and also as a professional.
34:46 - Also, impacting women of color through my story and sharing my story, resonating with women of color. I hope to impact them. And with that, showing that it really starts from within and from your environment, that you have to know yourself from within and really get comfortable with yourself.
What do you hope for the future of Marquette as well as your own future?
38:41 - Especially resources if we are bringing more people from different backgrounds, so everyone can feel included and spaces where everyone can talk. Leaders that represent.
41:09 - I do believe that there are a good amount of resources at Marquette that target first generation students and students of color, but there is a lack of awareness, and especially for the students to learn about these resources and coming into college, too, so making sure that these resources are really pushed out there.
What do you want the Marquette community to know about you and your journey?
42:01 - I want Marquette to know that they make a strong woman of color that will represent and will be a great leader.
43:27 - One message that I would want to display is that for Marquette students to use campus and college as a safety net in a way, and that this is a place where you might feel challenged at first, but that's good, and finding a community to help you feel at home or just feel more comfortable. But taking those strides of discomfort and just really trying a lot during college because there's so many organizations out there. There's so many resources. The professors are very welcoming and supportive if you ask them for help and really knowing how to ask for help, too, is important in college and using your networking, opportunities, getting involved, and using your resources.
Contact Information:
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
In this episode, host Sheena Carey interviews Luz Chaparro Hernandez, who is a Bilingual Teacher from Milwaukee Public Schools and a treasurer for the MTEA, which is the Milwaukee Teachers' Education Association.
Luz has dedicated her career to serving others. Her involvement with organizations like the Hispanic Alumni Association has helped support engagement within diverse communities over four successful years!
Tune in to listen to Luz as she shares invaluable lessons learned over 30 years teaching in language immersion programs, along with words of wisdom such as why we should always reflect upon what sort of individuals we want to be, helping shape decisions based off that conclusion.
Episode Highlight
05:24 - And at 18 or 19 years old, I made the decision that I want to serve the Latino community, whether it's as an educator and my other option was as a social worker.
15:48 - We got together and we saw these injustices. So we wanted to press the university to do more, to be better, to provide a more welcoming environment to those of us who were not part of the majority culture.
21:30 - At the end of each day, before I go to bed, I reflect on my day, and I try to think of things that I'm very grateful for that day. Which is also part of mindfulness.
Interview
How did you get started on your journey, especially to Marquette?
03:02 - My father would have to drive my mother and the rest of the family to the south side of Milwaukee to go to El Rey. And I saw the Marquette University sign and the rec center. And I remember thinking to myself as a 10 year old, by the time we got here to Milwaukee, I'm gonna go there someday.
How would you say your identity has informed the choices that you've made in life?
04:15 - There's experiences that I had in the community of volunteering at the United Community Center and at the Next Door Foundation both as a tutor. Just all these experiences that I had as a teenager that led me to wanting to become a teacher, but not just a teacher, specifically a bilingual teacher for the Latino community that I came from.
How has the mural resonated for you?
07:03 - My roommate who's still my best friend to this day, when I was at Marquette, she is Muslim. So I was very happy to see the image of the Muslim woman. And of course, just all of the representation there.
What do you feel has been Marquette's impact on women of color?
08:27 - To develop, to flourish, to contribute to the continued growth of the Marquette community and specially for those that are women of color.
What's been the university's impact on your sense of self-worth?
08:41 - It really did a lot. I think that just the attitude with which I started Marquette.
What women of color have been inspirational for you?
18:41 - I know this is probably a cliche now, but it's always been Frida Kahlo. I've always admired her tenacity, especially coming from an era from which she came and being a Mexican woman. Also, I would say, Maya Angelou, Harriet Tubman. Their stories are phenomenal. And another artist by the name of Judy Baca, who is out of Los Angeles and she's the one that helped create the Los Angeles mural.
How do you understand that experience or practice wellness in your own life for yourself, so that you can continue to do the work that you do?
20:39 - It's very hard, because you have to make the time and I struggle with this constantly. But you do have to have self care if you want to continue to give of yourself.
Have women of color played any kind of a role in your self care in healing and wellness for you?
22:11 - My mother, she is not a woman of many words, but one of the things that she did to cope was she started going to a prayer group every Wednesday. And this is her time, this is time that she carved out for herself. So that has been an inspiration to me.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color?
24:13 - If you want to be a mother and a wife, and do whatever it is that you have chosen to do with your career, you can do it. If you just find time for yourself to provide that self care and just always be true to what it is that you want to do. To make the time to find your passions.
What are your hopes for the future, your own, Marquette, the community?
26:01 - Well, for the future, I hope to continue to be involved in Marquette.
What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?
27:06 - I would like my community to know that I have never forgotten where I came from.
Contact Information:
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
In this episode, host Sheena Carey interviews Dr. Anita Manogaran, who is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Marquette University. Dr. Manogaran has faced challenges with representation throughout her career as a woman of color in STEM. Despite the lack of diversity she experienced growing up, she remained determined to succeed and found mentors along the way that helped her to realize her potential.
Dr. Manogaran now strives to pay it forward by serving as a mentor for students, particularly first-generation college students and women in science. The mural on Marquette's campus has been meaningful for her as it represents progress in terms of inclusion and diversity within the university community.
Tune in to listen to Dr. Manogaran talk about how the collegial atmosphere and support of other women has impacted her sense of self-worth. She also discusses the importance of self-care, wellness, and balance in one's life. She hopes to impact future generations by instilling confidence in them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to despite any adversity or failures along the way.
Episode Highlight
5:47 - My goal was to be their cheerleader, right? And say, "You know what? If you fail, it's okay. Just get up, dust yourself off, and try again. Everyone has to try again. You learn from failure.
11:23 - It took that long for me to see representation in my own community that was actually integrated as part of art. So, I think it's extremely important that we have it, not only for new girls, young women on campus who are minorities, but for everyone to see that this is actually part of our culture.
20:57 - The first two years are so critical, especially for women minority students. We see so much attrition, and just providing them the mentorship resources because that's what they need.
Interview
What is the story you'd like to share?
1:24 - My story, I think, is one that I think about is representation. A story of seeing people who look like you, cheering people that look like you, and experiencing the experiences of people who look like you.
How did you get on this path of Associate Professor of Biological Sciences STEM field that doesn't have a whole lot of women representation?
3:46 - It's those key mentors. Those people that were just pivotal in whispering in your ear and saying, "Just ignore all the noise and push forward."
How would you say your identity has influenced the choices that you've made?
6:40 - The identity as a woman, identity as a minority of someone that doesn't look like everyone else, takes a lot of confidence and it took a while to build that up.
Does the discipline give you that freedom to fail as a woman, as an underrepresented individual within that field?
8:30 - I just recently learned this that in science, there's no wrong answers. It's just experiments that don't support your hypotheses, and so then you just try again.
What are some of the ways that Marquette has impacted your sense of self-worth?
12:02 - When you go out in the real world and you start experiencing other places, and different ways of people, how they do science, how they interact with each other, it really made me realize how special Marquette was, especially, in our area of Biological Sciences, it was really a collegial atmosphere. It was very supportive. And going into a department that had almost 50% women at the time was a game changer to me.
This year's forum, the theme was a around self care, wellness, healing, how do you understand or practice or experience well-being and wellness?
15:36 - It's okay not to be completely involved in everything because that time to reflect, time to heal, time to make sure that you're mentally and physically okay is such an important part.
What impact do you hope to have on women of color that are coming behind you, that may have gone before you?
17:06 - It's all about self-confidence and self-care, and you can do it. Failure is okay.
18:03 - It's when we give up that things kind of end up falling around us.
What are your hopes?
19:20 - I think there's not one answer, but there's so many different ways. I mean, as a scientist, we're interested in understanding protein aggregation diseases, and there's a subset that we work with that affects African-American populations. We're very interested in how that works. We're interested in kind of neurodegeneration. As a scientist, unlocking some of those mysteries is what keeps me going absolutely.
19:50 - For my graduate students, my goal for them is to provide them with a network so that they can succeed, making sure that our graduate students have the resources so that they can really compete in the workforce, right? Especially women in science, I always think of.
What would you like our community to know about you and your journey if they were to walk away from this podcast with one thing about Dr. Anita Manogaran?
22:05 - If you're not represented or if you don't have representation, find your network.
Contact information:
Dr. Anita Manogaran
Department of Biological Sciences
Wehr Life Sciences, 313
(414) 288-4580
anita.manogaran@marquette.edu
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)
In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to LuVerda Sayles Martin. LuVerda is a Certified Nurse Midwife with experience in full scope practice, management, and academia. Specialties: Health care for women of childbearing age including preventative care and health promotion, contraceptive management, and STI diagnosis and management; prenatal care & Labor and Delivery Management for normal, healthy women; breastfeeding.
Episode Highlight
04:30 - That has shaped how I am because I always have felt that I have to be who I am, speak who I am and speak my truth.
09:06 - Being seen by those professors, especially those who I found extremely supportive, I did feel seen.
14:03 - Staying physically active and as physically well as I can through good diet and through exercise but just making sure those basics are covered so that I can be as well as I can for my family and for my patient.
22:04 - I truly believe that religious institutions are in a good position, community institutions are in a good position to have an impact on our children.
Interview
What's the story you want to share with us today?
02:59 - I always say that my path has been uncertainly certain because I always certainly know what I wanted to do and became uncertain and it was never my intention to be a nurse even in my vision or my goal, I thought I was going to be a physician.
How does your identity inform the choices that you've made about career and other things in your life?
03:39 - I am visibly an African American woman and that has always been a part of me that I hold as central because I know that`s how the outside world sees me first.
How has this identify shape how you approach the patient or clients that you working with?
05:07 - They dont realize that I am who they are here to see and its an interesting challenge and it`s tickles me a little bit because again sometimes the expectation is different from what sees on the outside.
How has the mural project resonated for you?
05:45 - I think it`s the most beautiful thing that I have seen, because there is so much that's being spoken through the brush. You see women, the religious diversity, all of whom have some history with Marquette.
What has been the impact that Marquette has had on women of color?
07:27 - African American mortality is so high, especially when it comes to the maternal focus, that was a really big deal and I hit the ground running just really want to focus on making an impact being a person of color.
How would you say Marquette has impacted your sense of self-worth?
10:24 - She definitely lifted me up and said a lot of people are cheering for you.
Who would you say is your inspirations have been among women of color?
11:05 - The exterior doesn`t matter as much as what the interior is. So I definitely had that foundation between my grandmothers and my mother.
How do you understand, experience or practice wellness and healing within our current context that we are living right now?
13:35 - Wellness is very important, self care is very important and that is something that I had to learn along my way. Fatigue is very real.
Did women of color play any role in some of the challenges that you faced on the road to well-being and health?
17:16 - She would say, darling you need to sit down somewhere, you need to take a minute, you need to rest your mind and she planted those seeds of wellness even before self care or...
In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to the Aunties Circle about their journey and how their roots have come together to be of service and hope for the future of Marquette. Episode Highlights: 04:48 I didn’t wanna be involved in something deep to be the native person and, it’s really driven my career path in helping others that maybe didn’t have the opportunities that I had, have the resources I had so, it’s certainly driven me in that way. 10:42 Our roots connected in really different ways, you know very desperately, not knowing each other and not growing up together but our roots found each other and really kind of connected together in service. 17:44 Women of color that attended Marquette have had a significant impact on women of color in this community. 25:27 Our roots, you know, finding them and connecting to each other has really impacted my life enormously. 28:25 Reflection of all those different areas is probably the most important because most people know what they need to do but are you really doing it, until you take that moment everyday and reflect on what you did for every role. Interview How did you get on your path that you’ve embarked on? 02:24 I spent my childhood on the north side and then I went to Marquette and spent about five years in Seattle and then moved back here with my husband. 02:42 Born, raised and we also continue to live here in Milwaukee. I, too, attended Marquette University and graduated several years ago. 02:53 I am actually born and raised in Milwaukee as well, so we’re urban Indians, I guess. 03:28 I made my journey down here in about 1990 and I landed at Marquette. What are some of the ways in which your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made? 03:55 I didn’t really experience a whole lot of traditional native cultures growing up and I feel like my family really strives for education. 04:15 Growing up in Milwaukee, I think it was tough. I was very connected to the native community for my entire life. 05:14 Our roots go back to our grandparents, our ancestors, and my grandmother is the most major axis, the biggest influence on me. 06:21 I always knew that I wanted to be, I think in my heart, in service to indigenous people. What are your hopes for the future of Marquette? 31:20 I really, really hope that Marquette continues to get students that push back and fight. 34:03 They do continue to be strong and are also aware of the strength of our ancestors and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them now. 35:26 My hope is that not just women, and women of all colors, but men as well that they do come to realize that there’s also strength in being tender and caring, and thoughtful and nurturing. Contact Information Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net)) Jacqueline Schram Director of Public Affairs Specialist Assistant for Native American Affairs Marquette University Tracie Sparks Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager for North America Natalie Hanson Registered Nurse Nursing Instructor Kitty Hill Member of the United Nation of Wisconsin
In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to Dr. Karen Robinson, interim Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs and Associate Professor for the College of Nursing at Marquette University. She is the first African-American woman to earn tenure in the College of Nursing. Episode Highlights: 03:00 I literally have grown up at Marquette. I went on to earn my Master’s degree in Nurse Midwifery at Marquette, and in 2010 earned my Ph.D. in Nursing also at Marquette. 04:42 Having one African-American professor throughout my entire education at Marquette was always upfront - front and center - that there were no role models for me. 07:08 Healthcare has been shown to be better when folks receive care from people that look like them. 13:05 Those women of color that I’ve had the experience of being with really influenced me and really was part of the reason I wanted to come back and give back. To continue to make change and to continue to make progress. 21:39 I hope to be a role model or inspiration, that it can happen. That if this is your purpose, if this is your path, that there will be obstacles but you can overcome them. Interview What's the story you want to share with us today? 01:42 Born and raised in Gary, Indiana and growing up in a predominantly urban, African-American environment, I never thought I’d end up here at Marquette at a predominantly white institution. 02:25 I felt it was unattainable being from a low income family, would be first generation. I didn’t believe that having a Marquette education was for me. How has your identity informed the choices you’ve made and the paths that you’ve taken? 03:56 Our identity was always at the forefront with us when our parents were teaching us about who we are, where we come from, the struggles that our people have gone through and how they want us to be better. Folks wanted us to do better and education was one of those ways we could do better. How has the College of Nursing changed to be more inclusive? 06:56 There is so much change and so much acknowledgement that we haven’t done enough for our students of color, that we don’t have enough students of color. 07:23 The College of Nursing has really recognized the need for recruitment, retention, and matriculation and what that entails and that students of color have other supports that they need outside of academics. In what ways does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? 11:36 It shows solidarity and I think that has always been important, that we support each other, uplift each other and now it’s front and center. How has Marquette impacted women of color on this campus and what are the ways in which Marquette has impacted you? 11:57 Marquette has been a part of my life since age 17. Who are the women of color who’ve inspired you? 14:36 I would always start with my mother and grandmother who were always hard working, God fearing women who instilled in us to strive and use the talents and gifts that God had blessed you with. 16:52 My students inspire me to continue to do what I’m doing. That is my purpose, to be there to show them that there are people who look like them who can stand in front of the class and to educate the next wave of nurses. What role has vulnerability played in your own story? 17:59 I would use more “marginalization”. Being on the outskirts as an undergrad student who was one of two Black folks who graduated. It was stressful. What impact do you hope to have on women of color? 20:54 I hope to be an example of perseverance. What are your hopes for the future? 23:18 I hope that we truly continue to move in a more swift fashion towards our mission of social justice. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/...
In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to Sr. Anne Arabome. She is presently the Associate Director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University.
Episode Highlights:
01:32 – I identify myself as a beloved child of God. This identity is what has shifted my personality and outlook in life.
03:53 – My parents pray the rosary every day without fail, so this set me on the path to my vocation as a religious woman and the kind of work that I do today.
04:50 – Every decision I have ever taken was inspired by my desire. I think it's all because of this direction that God has sent me.
09:00 – It is hard to win as a person of color. You’re either judged mean, angry, or dismissed as irrelevant and incompetent.
10:09 – Despite all the negative stereotypes, I believe in my roots as an African Nigerian woman so I celebrate and showcase it.
Interview
Whats story would you like to share with us today?
02:17 – I want to share my story of being a child of God of African descent.
How did you get on your path?
02:35 – I belong to a very small community called The Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles, California, so my vocation to religious life began in my childhood.
What are some of the ways in which your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made?
04:21 – I desire to give life to others, I truly desire to be life-giving as much as humanly possible.
Whats been Marquettes impact on the lives of women of color and in what ways has the university impacted your sense of self-worth?
05:26 – It's a struggle for a woman of color to be noticed and respected and invited to share unless she's seen as a powerful or influential person.
Who are the women of color that serve as inspiration for you?
06:19 – I think of you Sheena, Ive always admired you when you showed in our programs and how you shared so freely. Your presence reminds me of the freedom that each person needs to feel and experience in their life.
What role has vulnerability played in the path that you’ve taken and the story you are telling?
07:41 – My experience of racism and exclusion is a constant source of desolation and lamentation. Yes, I cry when it happens but I make sure I rise to the height of my dignity as a woman of color.
What role have other women of color played in helping you negotiate these vulnerabilities?
09:39 – They have influenced me as much as I have influenced them to carry themselves with dignity and pride.
What are your hopes for the future of Marquette?
10:49 – My hope for today and the future is that all of us will grow in the consciousness of our calling to walk with each other.
What would you like the community to know about you and your journey specifically?
12:17 – I would like everyone to know that I have gifts to offer and I`m also open to receiving and learning.
Contact information:
Jacki Black
pronouns: she/her/hers
Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives
Marquette University
454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201
414-288-4118
http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/)
Credits:
The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode, host Sheena Carey talks to Evelia Guerrero, a recent Marquette alum in Nursing and now a Registered Nurse at Children’s Wisconsin. Evelia served as the first Latina student body president at Marquette University, was the first in her family to go to college, and the first to graduate. Episode Highlights: 02:13 I’m the first one in my family to go to Marquette, the first one to graduate and have a Bachelor’s degree, and I think it holds a lot of weight on who I am and decisions I have made. 03:13 I saw the nurses care for him (my brother) and my family and me in such a holistic way that I realized that service is my path and the way that I can mix college and schooling and the American Dream is to go to school to be a nurse. 03:46 I see nursing as not just being a bedside nurse and offering direct patient care but nursing is also a work of advocacy especially for populations that are underserved by our health care systems. 07:16 Not only could I run and win for a position like this, but my university is willing to back me up and place a physical representation of that on our campus for everyone to see. 11:38 Often we are labeled as “stone cold” and you don’t want to share your feelings because people will see you as weak. I think that being vulnerable with those around me helped them understand where I was coming from. 15:08 It’s so empowering to see nurses of color interact with patients of color, so that’s kind of my biggest hope to see that diverse nursing workforce grow. 17:50 Success doesn’t only mean graduating from college and getting a job; it means being able to leave Marquette and see the world with a different lens. 20:36 For your student to be successful in college, it really takes a village, and that family unit is so important because they need your support. Interview: 01:26 What is your story? - I want to talk about the word “first” and the significance of it. It encompasses a lot of my identity. 01:50 How do you identify? - I identify as a first generation US Citizen, both of my parents are from Mexico and I was born in the United States. I also identify as a first generation college student. 02:22 How did you get onto this path? - Growing up, my parents always instilled how important education is and following the American Dream. 03:33 What are some of the ways in which your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made? - My identity drives a lot of my passions that have now become my career. 05:00 Are there ways in which you mesh the western ways, or the way in which health care is provided in the United States, with some of the expectations especially around Mexican immigrants who are coming to the United States for help? - I grew up with my mom using a lot of home remedies when we were sick that played into the idea that we didn’t go to the doctor because we had things that we could use at home to help us feel better. 06:32 What are the ways in which the mural project has resonated for you? - The mural is another first on campus. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this. 07:41 What has been Marquette’s impact on women of color? - The impact is slow and steady over the years. We’ve become a place that’s more open to uplifting and amplifying the voices of women of color on our campus. 08:43 Are there specific ways in which Marquette has impacted your sense of self worth? - Through my work with student government, it has taught me that I am valuable and that I do bring something to the table. 09:46 Who are some of the women who have inspired you, women of color or otherwise? - The first person who comes to mind is my mom. 11:11 What’s the role of vulnerability in this growth that you are experiencing? - As a daughter of immigrants, you are often taught not to share your feelings and kind of hold it back for the good of your family. 12:35 How have other women of color helped you navigate or...
In this episode, our host Sheena Carey talks to Leen Mortada, a sophomore majoring in International Affairs, Criminology and Law Studies at Marquette University. Episode Highlights: 4:12 Marquette offers so many ways to help people that are around us to actually start programs that will uplift those who are like me. Marquette gives you the opportunity to lead and be that difference in your own community. 7:34 My younger experience has made me very independent and confident in how to approach and answer situations where I might be confronted about my own identity. It also made me feel closer to my people, culture and religion. 14:15 Marquette offers so many people that want to help you succeed. I feel like that is the number one thing Marquette wants you to do, succeed. They give you the means and ways to do so once you step into one role in the community. 17:15 However, I feel like vulnerability is something that’s essential in making others see that you’re just like them. It can help people that might be against you understand that you two are the same way, you feel those emotions that they feel as well. 21:37 I want them to know that I was uncomfortable, I also went through a lot of hardships. I just want them to know that when they see me, hopefully succeeding in my career, that they too will also be able to do that. Interview: 1:20 What’s the story you would like to share with us today? – I’m excited to share a story about a girl who lives in America with parents that are from outside of the country, from Syria. 1:58 What’s the story behind your name? – My last name is an Arab name and it stems from my religion, the Prophet, Muhammad’s family. It means strong, chosen, uplifted and powerful. 2:41 What does it mean to be a Syrian-American student in Marquette? – Being Syrian is sometimes hard because of being different or a minority. However, it’s also exciting, it gives me an opportunity to teach people about who I am, where I’m from and what that means. 3:45 How did you get on your path to Marquette? – Marquette is very close to my home which is important because in Arab’s culture, family always comes first. It’s a priority to take care of those people around you, to be there for them and to be near them. It gave me the perfect opportunity to be with my family. 4:42 What are some ways that you’ve taken advantage of those opportunities? – One of them is being part of the Office of Engagement and Inclusion where we deal with a lot of cultural program planning. It also gave me this opportunity to start this Talk Circle where I can have Arab women and Muslim women talk about what they go through daily. 5:40 So the Talk Circles are primarily for Marquette students, do you ever bring in folks from the wider community? – Yes, we can bring in folks from the wider community. However, right now, I want to start with just the Marquette students and slowly build that connection and friendship, which is essential in order to feel more confident in yourself and to go and lean on other people that are around your age. 6:25 What are some of the ways in which your identity has influenced the choices that you've made not only in terms of area of study, but just in terms of life choices? – When I was young, I had to wear my Hijab at age seven, which is very young for any Muslim in general and because of that, I had to be independent at an early age. 9:11 So what are the ways in which the mural project and just the visual of the mural, how did that resonate for you? - I love the mural project, I remember when it was started last year, there were so many people painting the mural project together and it was such a beautiful experience to watch it happen and to physically see it every time I walk past it is just amazing especially since there's representation, I can see myself there. I can resonate with that mural. 11:10 What would you say...
In this episode, our host Sheena Carey talks to Jaileen Diaz, a recent graduate from Marquette University in Criminology and Law studies. Jaileen is currently a Business Teacher at St. Augustine Prep. Episode Highlights: 03:43 - I realized that if I want to succeed in life and be able to make that difference, I need to start with myself. 04:47 - I was struggling at a young age and I wanted to make sure that I worked hard in order to go to a school that had a good education. 05:23 - I led the Minority Scholars Program (MSMP). 10:40 - I knew that in myself sometimes I would be a little down or a little hard on myself, but just knowing that I can always start anew the next day has really helped me as well. 12:28 - No matter where you are in life, or where you start, do not let that impact the path that you choose. You are able to do that, you just need to work hard and be able to collaborate with people around you. Interview: 01:30 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? - My story begins right here in Milwaukee. I was born and raised on the south side, not too far from Marquette. 02:45 - How do you identify? - I am Puerto Rican and Filipino. 03:14 - How did you get onto your path? - My path was a little rough. After graduating high school, I didn’t attain the grades I wanted so I had to start MATC for a year. 04:57 - How would you say your identity has informed the choices that you’ve made? – I’d say that my identity has steered me on a path that I want to work harder and to make it known that there is a need to diversify and make sure that there is a need for students of color at Marquette. 06:13 - So this is the program that you helped found? - I was the president after the two co-founders. 06:55 - Tell me a little bit about St. Augustine Prep. - They were founded in 2017. They service low-income families, the majority of the population there. 07:26 - In what ways has the mural project resonated for you? – I feel like the mural project was something that Marquette needed. 08:21 - What are the ways in which Marquette has impacted your sense of self-worth? - Marquette has made me more confident as a person. The faculty invests so much time in you. 09:12 - Who are the women of color that serve as inspiration for you? – The first one is my mom. I appreciate the example that she set for me because now I hold myself to a higher standard as a woman. 10:05 - What role has vulnerability played in the path that you’ve taken and the story you are telling? – At first, my relationship with vulnerability was a little complicated. Because a lot of times you see a woman who is distraught and you think that she is just moody. But you need to realize that something is wrong. 10:55 - What has been the role that women of color have played in helping you navigate through these vulnerable times? - I had a college counselor that was very important in my success. 11:37 - What is the impact that you have had and that you hope to have on women of color? – First of all, I know it is going to be tough, ladies, but you’ve got this! 13:00 - What do you hope to do with a law degree? - I hope to serve in my community first. My ultimate goal would probably be to advocate for civil rights and immigration. 13:33 - What are your hopes for the future, not only your own but the future of Marquette and our community? – I hope that Marquette continues the organizations that they have. 14:25 - Are there some other things that Marquette could be doing to ensure that all feel included? - I was a commuter. That made me feel not really connected to the Marquette community. Definitely check out O-Fest. 16:05 - What else would you like the community to know about the work that you’re doing and the plans that you have? – Even though success may be hard to attain, even when you get there
In this episode, our host Sheena Carey is joined by Dr. Joya Crear acting vice-president for the Inclusive Excellence in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion of Marquette University. Her humble beginnings transpired in Detroit, Michigan. She had amazing memories of her childhood with her close-knit family where she was the only child. Episode Highlights: 04:50 Psychology sounded interesting. I decided to take a psychology course in high school. I didn't see myself in that just yet. At that point, they're talking about Freud talking about a lot of males, a lot of white males, and it figures that they will eventually get to me as a black woman. 05:59 Me being a black person, who's part of the diaspora was a different identity that I hadn't thought about until I left Michigan. And so it opened my eyes to just the level of diversity within my own community, which I thought I had on lock-in Michigan. 08:05 I think between being in a small town and being black and wanting to see other people who look like me, I was going to be affirmed as a black woman, really driving my decision to go to Howard. 9:19 There were just so many different perspectives of blackness that I wanted to explore. 11:11 It allowed me to feel seen as a black woman on that campus. Marquette is a predominantly white institution. I will say even as a professional, you don't often see other colleagues or other students who look like you. 12:14 There's just something about it that on one hand disrupts the whiteness at Marquette, but also affirms its diversity. 15:22 I can't say overall, there are spaces where I feel affirmed all the time, but there are times and instances where I feel like this is what God has called me to do. To be disruptive and to be affirmed in what I'm bringing to the table. 16:09 It's not women's work. It's everybody's work. And it's not just women of color who work for all of us to live in an inclusive society. We all have to be equally invested and equally active and equally engaged. 17:12 And I think that's the toll it takes on women of color who do this work, as well as men of color. We're doing the work we're paid to do and asked to do, but we also have to do it at home. We have to do it at home to literally survive. 17: 42 When you see a mural like this, You're like, I want you to have markers on-campus that remind you that you're here for a reason. Your brown body is important. It is not a mistake that you're here. 21:57: Those times where I have not been comfortable are the places where I've had the most growth. 24:30 My hope for black women is that they have the confidence to be themselves. 27:00 The definition for women of color is so vast. It does not fit into a phrase or a sentence. Interview : 02:30: What is the story that you want to share with us today? - The story I like to share is how I got to this point in life. 03:44 What part of the south do your parents come from? My father is from Alabama and my mother is from Georgia 03:56 How do you identify? I identify as an African-American female. 04:00 How'd you get onto this particular path that you're on right now?- It started when I was young. I've always been that person that people ask for advice. I am usually the listening ear. I ended up going into psychology. 06:27 How has your identity informed the choices that you've made? - I think between being in a small town and being black and wanting to see other people who look like me, I was going to be affirmed as a black woman, which really drove my decision to go to Howard. 10:20 How has this mural project resonated for you especially when you were talking about seeing folks that kind of look like you? - It allowed me to be seen as a black woman on that campus. 12:25 What is Marquette's impact on women of color? - I hear a lot of students questioning whether Marquette is really for them. They wonder
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Judge Maxine White, the first African American woman on the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. She was born in rural Mississippi and raised in a family of cotton sharecroppers as the eighth child. Episode Highlights: 02:24 – I still, with three college degrees (one from Marquette University Law School), feel and experience the kinds of feelings that I had as a child, that is, being misunderstood, being disregarded, being invisible and having to fight even to this day. 06:35 – It’s that community aspect that I want people to hold on to. You can’t do it alone, you don’t have to be alone, even if you feel lonely. 11:34 – I’ve had so many opportunities to reach out and improve the lives of other people, which I think, is my calling. 13:40 – My life has always imitated things that I valued a lot. And so, I didn’t try to change myself. I fought against trying to change myself so much. 21:45 – I see myself as a fighter for the little guy or girl. I think that I have the strength and capacity to take on the things that other people may shy away from. And that’s part of the gift of feeling free through a solid good education, strong family unit, and faith in God. Interview: 01:09 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – It is quite an amazing one. It’s a journey that’s a testament to the strength of African Americans and Africans. My parents were sharecroppers. There were 11 of us, I’m number 8 in the family, and it was a hard life 03:06 - How have those challenges as well as your identity influenced the choices that you’ve made? – Certain people in my life, and my parents, led me to believe that rather than feeling sorrow and fear we should feel empowered to do something about it. 04:18 – Tell us a little bit about this journey from Mississippi sharecropping farm to Wisconsin Court of Appeals? – My parents always said – You got to work with what you got. - You got to have people pushing you up close and from afar. 11:40 - How has the theme of the mural project resonated for you? – That is huge, that is gorgeous, that will be seen, and if it is not understood, it’s the viewer’s problem. 18:34 – Who’ve been the women of color who’ve served as inspiration for you? – At the top of that group is my grandmother. And my mother and my father were very strong. They are my champions. 22:05 - What role has vulnerability played in your journey? – If anyone says that sticks and stones don’t hurt, they’re just kind of masking it – it hurts. When you see people who are disregarded, or not respected, the thing that rises up in me most is – even if they don’t feel like fighting, I still do. 23:40 - What impact do you hope to have on women of color? – I want them to feel comfortable in themselves. 26:03 – What are your hopes for the future? – I hope that people stay hopeful, because if we don’t, we’re doomed. 28:20 - What would you like the community to know about you and your journey? – I want them to know that regardless of how hard the moment is, the joy comes in the morning. I’m never going to give up or give in to those things that nag at me, I’m going to use all my strength to work on those things that really further all of us, because it’s really about all of us, not just one of us. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Cori Thompson, senior in the College of Health Sciences. Cori is the founder and president of the Campus Curlz chapter at Marquette. Cori identifies as a black woman. Episode Highlights: 01:55 – I think it really took a lot of looking outward and realizing what I wanted to be and what I wanted to look like. 03:32 – It is important that we all work to define those standards of what we need to look like, to be in certain standards or in certain circles. Academics don’t need to look a certain way. I’m very intelligent and my curly hair does not change what I’m capable of in a classroom setting. 06:04 – You have to break down those feelings and images of yourself to find the ones that you love the most. 14:15 – It’s not our responsibility to help you figure out what you need to do to become a better person. That’s on you. And it’s not our job to speak out when something goes wrong. You have to do the work yourself. I’m here as a student, just like you, and I don’t want that to be my job of being a black student advocate. I’d like to do other things. I’m proud to be black, but it’s not my entire identity. Interview: 01:09 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – I want to talk about self-love. Being a black woman and looking at societal standards, it can be hard to love yourself for what you look like because you may not fit that beauty standard. 02:20 - How has your identity informed the choices that you’re making? – Focusing on what’s important in my identity has made me make certain choices. 03:49 – In what ways does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? –It’s good to see those images because we don’t have to cover up who we are 04:23 – How has Marquette impacted women of color? – You look around and you see people that don’t really look like you, and you realize, well, should I conform to that or should I continue to be myself? 05:00 – What women of color have served as inspiration for you? – I am a big fan of Michelle Obama, she is very educated and very poised, that’s something that I really admire. 05:43 - What role has vulnerability played in the journey that you’re taking? – You definitely have to be vulnerable to find love for yourself. 06:17 – What’s the role of other women of color in helping you negotiate some of the challenges that you’re facing? – It’s nice to know that other people are going through these experiences, and not just you. 07:27 - There are two women that I really enjoy talking to because they understand the struggles: My Hall Director, Whitney Woodson, and my advisor in the Biomedical Science Department, Dr. Makky. 07:42 – Tell us a little bit more about this organization you started? – It’s called Campus Curlz – it is a national organization. It is a group for anyone who has curly hair. 08:57 - What impact do you hope to have on women of color? – I would love to be a role model, someone that can show women that there is a lot they can accomplish. 09:50 - What are your hopes for the future? – I’m hoping that Marquette starts to let in more students of color. And for myself to continue to be in my field. 11:10 – What are some suggestions you might make to Marquette to help students of color feel more at home, here on campus? – They kind of leave that up to the students themselves, which is not always fair. If they make a more conscious effort to connect black students, I think that would be helpful. 12:45 – Would you make Marquette your choice again? – I would. It’s been hard, but I’ve met a lot of great people, and I’m very passionate about my major. 13:28 – What do you want the community to know about you and your journey? – I want them to know that we are here, I’m here, and that my journey isn’t typical of every other Marquette student, and students of color blend in because we have to either blend in...
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Dr. Terrie Garcia, Coordinator of the Project BEYOND-2 at the College of Nursing. Episode Highlights: 01:25 – I have many identities, and my identities have evolved throughout my lifetime. I am a mother, I’m a daughter, I’m a wife, I’m a nurse, but I think that the identity that I carry most with me, that’s most deeply rooted, is being Mexican American, because I think that I can walk into a room and people may not know that I am a mother, or a nurse, but they can speculate that I am perhaps a woman of color because of the way I look. 04:50 – There were very few Hispanic nurses, and as a result of that I started to investigate and figure out what I could do to support people of color to become nurses. 09:35 – I think that Marquette’s impact is the people, the individuals, the relationships that they build with each other and with the students. 11:05 – I think it’s how we respond to those challenges, that is key. We can do this by conveying a sense of self-assurance, developing our emotional intelligence, and a strong understanding of who we are: stay genuine, be yourself, don’t change to please others. I think that establishing a strong sense of identity is important. Interview: 01:10 - What is the story you’d like to share? – I think I’d like to share the story about my identity, growing up as a first-generation Mexican American woman. 01:56 – Where do you come from? – I come from a small town in Texas, Crystal City – It’s known for its spinach, and it also has a lot of political history. 03:05 – How did your identity put you on the path that you’re now on? – Honestly, for years I did not know what path I was on. I did not really have a path. The people that I came across in my life helped me navigate that. 07:00 – What are the ways in which this mural project resonates for you? – The mural project reminds me of the long history of strong women in my family who fought for equity and social justice. 07:53 – Are there other women of color who have inspired you? – I keep going back to my family: my aunt Irene Santos, my mother, and my grandmother, my cousin Barbara Medina, and her mother. 09:06 – What’s been Marquette’s impact on the lives of women of color? – I think I have been very positively impacted by Marquette. I’ve had mentors within the University that have really seen my potential and have guided and supported me to be able to pursue my doctoral degree. 09:45 - What role has vulnerability played in the story that you’re sharing with us today? – I have realized it can be one of many great strengths, because it allowed me to grow emotionally, professionally. It helped me to share my story with students of color. 10:33 – What’s been the role of women of color in helping you negotiate some of these challenges? – Women of color have been marginalized for a very long time. We need to advocate, nurture, encourage and implant the seeds in the younger generation so they can see their beauty, strengths and potential. 12:33 – Can you tell us a little bit about the program that you are director of? – We recruit graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in nursing. We have 111 students in the program. And we offer programming from individual advising to tutoring to structured programming. 14:26 - What are your hopes for the future? – I hope that all those biases and isms that affect our students will cease to exist. I hope for many things. 15:45 – Is there anything else you'd like our community to know about your journey? – My life has been an interesting, messy, complicated journey with many dead ends that have rerouted me to where I am today. My migrant activist aunt taught me to never forget where you came from and help others along the way. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for...
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Shivani Chokshi, CEO of https://www.impactionable.com (Impactionable). Shivani Chokshi is a social entrepreneur who leads a social enterprise,https://www.impactionable.com ( Impactionable), which helps people find jobs and funding opportunities in the social impact space. Episode Highlights: 01:40 – I came from a very conservative Hindu sort of household where we’re taught to live life according to a series of checklists. But my checklist looked very different from the very beginning. 06:25 – Essentially, there’s two sides of being Indian American. - It helped me to see the third space that I wanted to create for myself. Maybe I can take some from this culture, and some from this culture and make something of my own. 10:55 – Lot of curricula in English, literature, history, were taught from certain perspectives that were very problematic, and you had to specifically choose to take social justice classes that weren’t required, if you wanted to learn about a topic at all. 20:50 – Love actually isn’t really encompassed into any person, or thing, or goal, or whatever you want to achieve, but is actually more encompassing sort of concepts, like, being courageous, being brave, being open no matter how many times you’ve been hurt. 21:20 – There is this dichotomy between fear and love. And I think the world teaches you to fear at a very early age, but if we lean more towards love - love for ourselves, love for others - our communities will only grow. Interview: 01:10 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – I want to share a little bit about pushing the boundaries as an Indian American woman. 01:30 - How did you get onto your path, and what is that path? – I started my journey at Marquette thinking that I was going to be a doctor. I majored in biological sciences and … 06:00 - How has your identity helped you to disrupt that checklist? - My identity has shaped everything that I have done to this point, and everything more that I can potentially do in the future. 07:23 – Tell us a little bit about https://www.impactionable.com (Impactionable) – We help people find jobs, funding opportunities and networking opportunities specifically in the social impact space. – Anyone, no matter who they are, can make a social change, can make a social impact. 09:10 – In what ways does the theme of the mural resonate for you – I love the fact that essentially this mural puts the people who are traditionally marginalized and ostracized, especially within Marquette, they are now front in center. 10:30 – What do you feel has been Marquette’s impact on women of color? – During my time at Marquette I would see the outward signs of racism and sort of oppression that was not only seen within the student body but within administration and professor levels as well. 12:45 – In what ways has that impacted your sense of self-worth? – It made me question the brownness of my skin and what my place really is in the world. 14:10 - Who have been women of color who’ve served as inspiration for you? – No. 1 is my mom. She’s always been a sort of inspiration to me. The second one is the ex-CEO of Pepsi, Indra Nooyi. And the third is my sister. 16:20 - What role has vulnerability played in the journey that you’re on? – At first, I was taught it was a weakness, but now I’m seeing more and more that it’s actually a strength. 17:45 - What impact would you like to have or hope to have on women of color? – It goes back to challenging the norm. I think it’s really about challenging the expectations that have been given to you from the very beginning and really relying on your gut for things that do feel right to you. 18:55 – Are there any suggestions that you would give to women who have heard this idea of creating the third space? – When you start asking ‘why’, you’ll be able to see certain layers...
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Kristina Callahan, Residence Hall Director, graduate student in the MBA program, set to complete this summer. Kristina identifies as a Hispanic Latino woman and she shares her story. Episode Highlights: 03:15 – My mom is a strong independent woman who said: Education is the one thing that no one can take away from you. And I held on to that. 03:58 - My campus tour was looking for a job. The only priority I had was: which building was the cheapest to live in and where can I find a job. 06:08 – My college experience was shaped by me trying to figure out who is Marquette, and should I be here and can I be here. 12:00 – There’s tons of women of color who are fighting the fight, who are showing us how to take care of ourselves, who are reminding us that we matter. 18:15 – You are Marquette, it does not matter your race, your ethnicity, your religion, your background, your experiences. You are here for a reason. Interview: 01:14 - What is the story you’d like to share today? – I’d like to share the story of how I got onto my path. 01:27 – How do you identify? – I am Hispanic Latino woman. 01:32 – Where do you come from? – I come from strong independent women, from a long line of loud Hispanic families and a biracial divided household. 01:55 – Are you bilingual as well? – No. I understand it. It’s something I want to work on. 03:00 – How does your identity form the choices that you’ve made or the path that you’ve taken? – Working multiple jobs, working late hours, and not having the typical Marquette experience made me understand some of the challenges that happen on our campus. 07:35 – As a graduate student now, do you feel any more Marquette? – I wish I can say yes. I think it’s hard. 08:09 – In what way does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? – To me it’s finally seeing myself on campus. 09:07 – What do you feel has been Marquette’s impact on women of color? – I have had wonderful mentors at Marquette. I found the RA position; I found the office of residence life and that shaped my career. 10:30 – What about your sense of self-worth. In what ways has Marquette impacted that? – I think it’s taking me a long time to come to terms that I get to be Marquette and I can still be upset that we’re not where we need to be. 11:45 – What women of color have served as inspiration for you? – Michelle Obama, AOC, Sonia Mayor, the list is endless. 12:10 – As a woman of color, what impact would you like to have on other women of color? – I want them to know they are not alone. They do not have to fight this battle alone. 13:20 – What are your hopes for the future? – We need to first recognize the harm before we can move forward. 14:15 – What are the ways in which Marquette can acknowledge and in fact own what they’ve learned? – They have just to say it, to acknowledge that we are not the safe campus. 15:57 – Do you think the Marquette has the infrastructure needed to address this issue? – No, this week, and many other weeks have highlighted that. 17:45 – What would you like our community to know about you and your journey? – I’m here. I’m here if you need someone. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Oluwapelumi Oguntade, a junior in the College of Business Administration. Oluwapelumi identifies as Nigerian American and as a brown woman, and just as a unique individual – Oluomo – one of a kind. Episode Highlights: 02:35 – I was born in Nigeria. I come from the US as well. When I look at the way I think, my values, it reflects both countries. 06:43 – I find myself always trying to blend both cultures and bring them in, even in my styles. 12:07 – On my hand, where I work, I’ve had a positive experience. I think that’s also because I just try to see the positive side of things. I strive really hard to have a great day. 17:25 – We just need to listen more, and stop talking as much as we do. 20:55 – Let’s remember the people that love and support us, and use that energy to bring us to the next level, to the next generation, with positive vibes. Interview: 01:10 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? - I identify as brown because I was having a conversation with my mom and she was, like, why are we called black – our skin is not near that color. 05:15 – How would you describe the path that you’re on? – The closer I get to it the more I see what’s ahead. Paying attention to my likes is helping me get on my path. 07:45 - What women of color inspire you? – From a fashion perspective there is this Indian fashion influencer, Masoom Minawala and Michelle Obama. 09:50 - What has been Marquette’s role or impact on women of color? – For myself particularly, I feel it’s made me more confident in myself. – No one’s experience is the same. 14:04 - What impact do you want to have on women of color? – I would like to inspire them, in the little things, like finding your own style. 15-00 - What are your hopes for the future? – I hope that we can stand next to our brothers and sisters, fathers, mothers, siblings, and it doesn't necessarily be from the same race. We can stand next to each other and look each other in the eyes, and have respectable conversations. 17:35 - What would you like our community to know about you and your journey? – I face challenges along the way. One of them was language. And along with the challenges come the allies and supporters. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode our host Sheena Carey welcomes Samantha Majhor, Assistant Professor of English at Marquette University. Samantha is Native American, and her area of focus is Native American literature. Episode Highlights: 01:40 – Anything that’s lost can come back. 03:30 – I was looking into literature to find what I was unable to get from my family. 03:58 – It wasn’t until my graduate work at the University of Minnesota, where I had the opportunity to take the Dakota language, that I really felt like I understood the Dakota thinking and Dakota philosophy, and it really opened up the channel for my family history. 10:38 – I think it is so important, knowing from my students and my own experience as a student, that to see people like you being honored, being visible on the campus, is incredibly important. 15:57 – Learning history through art is the best way to learn history. Interview: 01:10 – What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – I would like to share a story about growing up in a mixed-race household and finding my roots through literature and language after, like many native American families, my family lost touch with much of our culture through generations of assimilation policies. 01:44 - How do you identify? – I am Dakota and Assiniboine descendancy. 02:48 - How did you get on to your path? – I love poetry and I’ve always loved literature and language and I majored in sociology and in English. 06:33 - How does your identity influence the choices that you’ve made? – My work concentrates on, or draws from a particular part of my identity. For me, there’s a real family connection in learning about and teaching about Native American heritage. 09:55 – How has the mural project resonated for you? – I was so excited by the different representations in the mural. I think it is so important, knowing from my students and my own experience as a student, that, to see people like you being honored, being visible on the campus, is incredibly important. 10:54 - What has been Marquette’s impact on women of color? – I’m somewhat new to Marquette. I’m still learning what the Marquette is. As with any institution, I know there are alumni that have paved the way for our students of color, for me. 12:00 - How has Marquette impacted your sense of self-worth? – I’m doing some really exciting work, I think there are really lovely people at Marquette, there’s good work to be done. 13:08 - Who are the women of color that inspired you? – I could list a whole number of Native American writers, Joy Harjo, Louise Erdrich, my mentor… 15:00 – What role has vulnerability played in the path that you’ve taken? – Vulnerability does come in when you decide to study something that is personal to you. 16:44 - What impact do you hope to have on women of color? – I hope to be the kind of mentor that I’ve had, which is someone who looks for opportunities, for others, and for those coming up behind. 18:05 - What are your hopes for the future? – My hope is that we come out on the other side having made actually a lot of progress. My hope is to be a part of that. 20:40 - What would you like our community to know about you and your journey? – We can learn a lot through literature. Nothing is ever lost. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Sonia Escamilla, Assistant Director of Inclusive Programs at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Sonia is a Latina woman and a Marquette University Master of Education graduate. Episode Highlights: 02:00 – I moved around a lot, probably 20 plus times and had attended about 15 different schools. 08:15 – There were definitely moments during my undergraduate career, and my graduate and my master’s career, where I really considered leaving Marquette, and it wasn’t because of those women, for sure. 09:10 – In my mind, at that point of the time, education was the only way for me to move up in this society. 18:36 – It is tough, and by no means was this journey easy, but it’s worth it and I hope that my community people, people like me will step out of their comfort zone and continue achieving their goals, because it is possible. Interview: 01:15 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – I grew up in a low income, single parent home, and I’m the youngest of four. 05:10 - How does your identity influence the choices that you’ve made? – it is no secret that women are underrepresented in STEM, let alone women of color, so doing my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences it was never just for me, it was always for the bigger purpose. 06:30 - How does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? – It resonates deeply. – It is so empowering. 07:20 – What has been Marquette's impact on the lives of women of color? – I do not want to say Marquette as a whole, but I think there’s definitely women of color at Marquette that do their job well, they do their job amazing, they go above the extra mile… 08:35 – Why did you choose Marquette? – EOP (Educational Opportunity Program). 10:05 – Are there women of color outside of Marquette that serve as inspiration for you? – My family - my mom, my sister; my friends… 11:00 - What role has vulnerability played in your own story? – There were times I felt like I had to be strong, independent. - It helped me step out of my comfort zone and really grow as a person. 13:46 - What impact do you hope to have on women of color? – I hope women of color always choose the road of empowerment. 16:02 - What are your hopes for the future? – I’d like to go back to school one day, and get a doctorate degree. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this episode our host Sheena Carey talks to Yasmeen Atta, senior in the College of Nursing, set to graduate this May. Yasmeen was born and raised in Milwaukee, Glendale, and her parents and grandparents come from Palestine. Episode Highlights: 02:05 – I feel responsibility to speak up for our rights, and to speak up for the rights of anyone who is oppressed. 03:37 – When you are surrounded by faculty, as much as you would look up to them and appreciate them, if they do not look like you, or if you do not see yourself in your faculty and staff, you will start to lose your sense of confidence, simply because of who you are. 06:33 – We may have different backgrounds, we are of different faith, of different cultures, but the bottom line is our values and how we see the world. 08:08 - You cannot be successful without vulnerability. It’s just part of the process, it’s part of the journey. Interview: 01:10 - What is the story you’d like to share with us today? – I would like to share the story of my Marquette journey. 01:17 - How do you identify? – I identify as a Palestinian American and Muslim woman. 01:36 - How does your identity influence the choices that you’ve made? – From a young age my parents and my grandparents have always instilled in me to be proud of who I am, proud of where I come from and to stand for myself. 06:10 - How does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? – I absolutely love the theme and I think it just comes down to the fact that our bonds really are tied in our roots. 07:29 - What role has vulnerability played in the journey that you’re on? – In more than one way, actually. You cannot be successful without vulnerability. 09:44 - Who are the women of color that serve as inspiration for you? – There are two women that come to mind: Noura Erakat and Bilqis Abdul Qadir. 11:03 - What impact do you hope to have on women of color? – Keep going. If I could instill that in others, that would be a form of success for me. 12:00 – What are the ways in which you feel Marquette has prepared you for? – In terms of self-worth, Marquette has played a big role – if I look back to who I was as a freshman and who I am now as a senior, the difference is incredible. 14:46 - What are your hopes for the future? – I really hope that the University makes a stronger commitment to listening to students of color. In terms of my future, I hope to improve as a person. 15:56 - What would you like our community to know about you and your journey? – That’s definitely more to it than meets the eye. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (http://www.podcasttown.net/ (www.podcasttown.net))
In this very first episode our host Sheena Carey welcomes Nakia Gordon, associate professor of psychology. Dr. Nakia S. Gordon earned her doctorate in behavioral neuroscience at Bowling Green State University. While there, she studied emotion in both human and non-human animals using a variety of techniques. She then received additional training in neuroimaging as a post-doctoral fellow in Michigan State University’s Neuroscience Program. Prior to joining the faculty at Marquette, Dr. Gordon was on faculty at UNC Charlotte. Episode Highlights: 03:55 – One of my first social science classes was about sociology of race and gender, and everything in that class was like: women are at the bottom, black people are at the bottom, black women are at the bottom, and again, it wasn’t my lived experience. 07:30 - One of the projects that we’ve done recently with 371 productions and the Chicago police and other Chicago community organizations was to develop a virtual reality scenario. Our goal was: can we build empathy within the virtual reality scenario. 08:35 – Participants who reported empathy showed reduction in implicit racial bias, increased desire to engage in peace circles and in crisis intervention training. 14:18 – I tell my story to students exactly the way I am, because that’s the only way that I can be, and I also hope that that gives them a sense that they can be exactly who they are and the way they want to be. 22:25 – You should never elevate your greatness over anyone. Interview: 01:14 – What is the story you’d like to share today? - This morning I was reminded about how much I think that coming from Detroit really plays a role in who I am and where I am. 03:05 – How do you identify? – I identify as a black woman. 03:09 – How did you get on to your path? – I was interested in psychology, in the way that people are. 05:10 – Are there some ways in which you’ve tried to pull those disparate views of race-gender identity? – I had a period of time when I did neuroimaging and I was very clear that I did not want race kind of work with neuroimaging. 09:45 – In what ways does the theme of the mural project provide the space for representation and celebration of diverse women. What ways does it resonate for you? – When I come to that place I’m always inspired, but it also forces me out of my little tiny bubble. 11:05 – What do you feel has been Marquette’s impact on the lives of women of color. – I would say it is really now that we’re starting to see this kind of highlighting and elevating of women's voices. 12:20 – What are the ways in which Marquette either emphasized, reinforced, or impacted your sense of self-worth? – You grow up with this strong sense of self, and then later you understand people see you in different way. 17:43 – Who inspired you? Who are the women of color that you look to for inspiration? - I do not necessarily look outside for inspiration, or look to other people, but I can for sure identify people whose work I really value, people like Octavia Butler. 20:00 – What impact do you hope to have on women of color? - For them to be their full selves. 21:20 – What hopes do you have for your future? And the future? - To keep finding those parts of me, to be able to share, that are maybe underdeveloped or untouched as of yet. And for the future, all of us, really dig in to seeing each other’s humanity more. 21:48 – Is there anything else the Marquette community should know about you? - I would want Marquette to understand that we all have this greatness. Contact information: Jacki Black pronouns: she/her/hers Associate Director for Hispanic Initiatives Marquette University 454 Zilber Hall | PO Box 1881 | Milwaukee, WI 53201 414-288-4118 http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/ (http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/) Credits: The Our Roots Say That We're
Welcome to Our Roots Say That We're Sisters podcast. This podcast series is sponsored by the Marquette forum with support from Marquette University's Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and the Haggerty Museum of Art. It's an extension of a Marquette University mural project to highlight and uplift diverse women identified individuals whose images and contributions have been systematically made invisible.