Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast

In the season finale, Erin and Toral are joined by Kyle Kimball, Vice President for University Relations at Cornell. Together, they explore the evolving role of higher education in today’s complex and often polarized climate. Kyle shares insights into how universities engage with topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion, the importance of storytelling in shaping institutional impact, and the r...

Erin and Toral sit down with Dr. Omari Keeles, Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Cornell Tech, for a candid and thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to do DEI work. Omari reframes DEIB as “mission-driven work”, challenging the idea that it fits neatly into a single definition. He explores how context (particularly within a globally diverse campus like...

In this episode, Erin and Toral are joined by Jada Hamilton, Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Cornell Health; Qiana Watson, First-Gen/Low-Income Community Liaison and therapist at Cornell Health; and Herb Alexander, Chief People Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at Centralus Health, to discuss the roles universities and communities play in advancing health equity. Together, they explore...

Sometimes the best way to build community is simply to start at the table. Josh Holden, Senior Chef for Cornell Dining, joins Erin and Toral to share how campus dining has evolved to create spaces where students feel welcomed, represented, and connected. Through culturally significant meals, student collaborations, and community partnerships, Cornell Dining has embraced food as a powerful tool for...

In this episode, Annie Heckel, Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Manager, and D Krahmer, Diversity and Inclusion Research Librarian at Catherwood Library and Cornell University Library Disability Services representative, explore how accessibility transforms productivity, creativity, and belonging — and why designing for access benefits everyone. From screen readers to AI tools to sim...

In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Jeff Benton and Brett Weinroth, co-founders of Paragon Performance Evolution, to explore the science and practice of “coherence” – a physiological state where the heart, brain, and nervous system are aligned. Jeff and Brett unpack how chronic stress quietly shapes our behavior, limits empathy and trust, and impacts decision-making in the workplace. Thr...

As 2026 begins, cohosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel return with a reflective conversation on the assumptions we often make about holidays, cultural observances, and availability at work. They explore how religious, spiritual, and cultural identities, like other aspects of our lives, will intersect with our work experience. From scheduling meetings and planning events to fasting, flexibility...

In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with Basil Safi, Executive Director of the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, for a closer look at community-engaged learning — an approach that goes beyond traditional volunteerism. Basil explains how Cornell empowers students to work with communities, not just for them, and why curiosity is key to understanding differences. Tune in to h...

Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision for cultivating belonging and describes how mento...

Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo (he/him/his), Area Director for Cornell Custom Executive Education, leads and lives. Erin and Toral welcome him to the podcast to discuss how that experience transformed not only his personal journey but also his approach to leadership. Mark reflects on the years he spent hiding parts of his identity and how embracing them brought new confidence, em...

In part two of the 100th episode celebration, Erin and Toral continue their conversation with the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, Sherron Brown, and Anthony Sis. The group reflects on the roots and ripple effects of the podcast by sharing more behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the laughter and moments that shaped it all. Tune in to a conversatio...

In a special two-part celebration marking 100 episodes of the IE Podcast, Erin and Toral welcome back the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (he/him/his), Sherron Brown (she/her/hers), and Anthony Sis (he/they). Together, they revisit the untold stories behind the podcast’s humble beginnings, the “scrappy” days with a single Yeti mic, and the community that trans...

As the IE Podcast approaches its 100th episode, we’re catching up with three familiar voices: Caleb Yu (Season 4), Mia Ferraina (Season 3), and Cyrus Hamilton-Ferguson (Season 5). In this special conversation, they reflect on how their lives and perspectives have evolved since their first appearances, what being on the podcast meant to them, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way about iden...

In this season opener of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast, co-hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel pause to reflect on their podcast journey as they approach a major milestone — 100 episodes. They share why they keep showing up behind the mic, how their approach to hosting has evolved, and what they’ve learned from the many voices and stories shared over the years. From personal moments of vuln...

As her impactful term comes to a close, Dean Kathryn Boor ’80 joins Erin and Toral for a powerful season finale. From earning her undergraduate degree in food science at Cornell to becoming a trailblazing researcher, professor, and academic leader, Dean Boor reflects on her remarkable journey. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, championing inclusive excellence, and supporting a diver...

In this episode, Erin and Toral are going back to the basics. Today, the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are taking center stage in many conversations and debates. However, much of the discourse and media representation is muddled by misunderstandings and inaccurate definitions. Erin and Toral break down what each of these terms truly mean, why they’re interconnected, and how they are...

Allyship is more than just a buzzword—it’s about action, accountability, and showing up in meaningful ways. In this episode, Sam Benson, Assistant Director for Graduate Affairs for MS and PhD Students in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Perdita Das, Assistant Dean of Hans Bethe House, discuss what allyship really means, how to navigate mistakes, and the ways we can all create more inclusi...

Join Erin and Toral for an inspiring conversation with Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish, President of Ithaca College, as she shares her journey from the front of a sixth-grade classroom in Baltimore to the helm of a higher education institution. Discover the pivotal mentors who shaped her path, the power of authentic leadership, and why creating “brave spaces” is essential for true belonging. Dr. Cornis...

Julie Edwards, Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellbeing at Cornell, joins Erin and Toral for a powerful conversation about building a health-promoting campus. She shares how the adoption of the Okanagan Charter is shaping Cornell’s holistic approach to wellbeing, why fostering a culture of health is a shared responsibility, and the real impact of systemic changes like implementing...

In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Thomas Jones (he/him/his), fair employment practice specialist at Cornell, to explore the transformative impact of the Restorative Record Project. Thomas shares his personal journey from incarceration to higher education and his role in helping justice-involved individuals highlight their skills and potential in the job market. Thomas discusses overcom...

What does it look like to create spaces that welcome all forms of spiritual exploration on such a diverse campus? Join Joel Harter (he/him/his) and Saorsa Wissman (she/her/hers) from Cornell’s Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making as they dive into the intersection of faith, identity, and belonging. Reflecting on their personal and professional journeys, they share the challenges they’ve faced...

Join Erin and Toral for a compelling conversation with Eve De Rosa, dean of faculty at Cornell, as she reflects on her journey to the university and her impactful work fostering inclusivity. Eve shares insights into her role, her commitment to equity and belonging for faculty at all levels, and the importance of involving staff voices when designing inclusive systems and cultures. From laboratory...

In this episode, Erin and Toral welcome Alexis Boyce, manager of Cornell’s Asian American Studies Program and co-chair of the A&S Staff Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. A recipient of the Employee Assembly Award for Staff Inclusion and Integrity, Alexis shares how her committee’s initiatives are driving meaningful change. She reflects on her commitment to equity and belon...

In this episode, Erin and Toral welcome Cornell Chief of Police Anthony Bellamy and Ithaca City Chief of Police Thomas Kelly. The chiefs discuss their paths to leadership, guiding philosophies on policing with empathy, and efforts to build trust within Ithaca and Cornell’s diverse communities. With a unique mix of a small-town atmosphere and a large student population, they explore the challenges...

In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Ruth Merle-Doyle, Work Life Program Manager at Cornell, and Melissa Perry, CEO of the Child Development Council of Central New York, to discuss the urgent issue of child care accessibility. With the nation – especially Tompkins County – facing a severe shortage, they explore the impact on working parents, available resources, and why this challenge aff...