Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast

A reunion of friends opens up a conversation that digs deeper than nostalgia. Longtime Cornell employees, Anu Lyons and Ben Ortiz join Erin and Toral to dive into their shared past, discovering what exactly has contributed to them changing professional roles yet staying with the same employer for so long. From tapping into the local community, receiving support from mentors, and being transparent...

Erin and Toral wrap up the “CNGs Mini-Series” with a conversation about the complexity of experiences and identities within the CNGs. Steph Cowling-Rich (she/her/hers) of the Women of Color CNG and Debra Howell (she/her/hers) of the Veterans CNG speak of the intricate and unique challenges that members of their CNGs face and how these groups help to find and foster throughlines that employees can...

In part two of the “CNGs Mini-Series,” Erin and Toral speak with Ashlee Cherry (she/her/hers) of the Disability CNG and Ten Van Winkle (she/they) of the Young Professionals CNG. Ashlee and Ten invite listeners to honor and acknowledge the unique experiences and identities that exist within the CNGs while leaving behind all assumptions. Their conversation ponders the ever-evolving world of work and...

Tune into part one of the three-part mini-series that will feature members of Cornell’s six Colleague Network Groups (CNGs). In this first episode, Erin and Toral talk with Crissi Dalfonzo (she/her/hers) and Victor Younger (he/him/his) about their experiences working at Cornell and participating in the LGBTQ+ Colleague Network Group and Men of Color Colleague Network Group. Crissi and Victor share...

Toral Patel and Bert Odom-Reed kick off season five by welcoming back Erin Sember-Chase (she/her/hers), who will be stepping into her new role as co-host of the IE Podcast. Erin shares a little about her professional journey and discusses the importance of creating inclusive spaces across Cornell’s campus for staff, students, and faculty. She also teases the new season’s theme, “What is inclusion...

Toral and Bert have an engaging conversation with Sonia Rucker (she/her/hers), the new AVP of Inclusion and Belonging and member of the Presidential Advisors for Diversity and Equity (PADE). Sonia worked at Cornell 2003-2011 and rejoined in 2021. Toral and Bert talk to Sonia about her journey back to Cornell and how issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion impact all staff at Cornell.

Toral Patel and Bert Odom-Reed have a great conversation with Erin Sember-Chase (she/her/hers) and Andrea Haenlin-Mott (she/her/hers) regarding disability employment. Erin works in Student Disability Services and serves as one of the co-chairs of the Disability Colleague Networking Group at Cornell. Andrea is the ADA Coordinator for Facilities and Campus Services and serves as the executive vice c...

Toral Patel and Bert Odom-Reed take the lead as co-hosts on this episode with a very special guest from the Cornell community. There's also a special announcement at the end of the episode that you won't want to miss. To learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources

Toral and Anthony have a great conversation with Dr. Avery August (he/him/his). Avery is a Professor of Immunology in the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. He's also a member of the Presidential Advisors for Diversity and Equity (PADE). Toral and Anthony talk to him about his journey into academia and get a glimpse into his perspective about why issues relat...

Anthony and Toral revisit one of their favorite episodes from season three with a brief reflection on how the topic of body size affects them on a personal level and continues be taboo topic in the workplace. To listen to part two of this conversation, please visit: https://soundcloud.com/iepodcast/episode-19-weighing-in-on-body-size-part-ii

Anthony and Toral revisit one of their favorite episodes from season two with a brief reflection on how the topic of imposter syndrome continues to affect them at work.

Anthony and Toral reunite for another "Let's Talk..." episode to discuss the history and impact of National Disability Independence Day on their lives. They also share a number of resources and ways that you can celebrate this day on July 26. For more information and resources about National Disability Independence Day, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-reso...

Anthony Sis (they/them) interviews the fifth and final guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Foula Dimopoulos (ze/hir/hirs | he/him/his/), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources For more information on PFLAG, please visit: https://pflag.org/ To a...

Anthony Sis (they/them) interviews the fourth guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Michelle Wescott (she/her/hers), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources

Anthony Sis (they/them) interviews the third guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Christian Balmaseda (he/him/his), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources

Anthony Sis (they/them) interviews the second guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Cole Johnston (he/him/his), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources

WARNING: This interview contains a brief conversation on the topic of suicide, which may be upsetting to some listeners. For resources on this topic, please view our show notes for this episode. Anthony Sis (they/them) interviews the first guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Sue Brightly (she/her/hers), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBT...

A sneak preview at our new series, "Beyond Binaries," in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. A new episode will be released every Friday during the month of June. For more information on resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, please visit: https://diversity.cornell.edu/our-community/dei-celebration-resources

This episode is part three of a four-part special series celebrating AAPI staff members at Cornell. On this episode, Toral has a conversation about AAPI heritage and traditions with Caleb Yu (he/him/his), Graduate and International Student Career Coach at Cornell Career Services, Christina Liang (she/her/hers), Interim Judicial Administrator in the Office of the Judicial Administrator, and Hei Hei...

This is the final episode of a four-part special series celebrating AAPI staff members at Cornell. On this episode, Toral has a conversation about with Caleb Yu (he/him/his), Graduate and International Student Career Coach at Cornell Career Services, Christina Liang (she/her/hers), Interim Judicial Administrator in the Office of the Judicial Administrator, and Hei Hei Depew (she/her/hers), Financi...

This episode is part two of a four-part special series celebrating AAPI staff members at Cornell. On this episode, Toral continues the conversation with Perdita Das-Humphrey (she/her/hers), Assistant Dean at the Hans A. Bethe House, Jamie Hom (she/her/hers), Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Aaron King (he/him/his), Assistant Dean at the William Keeton House, and Carolyn Chow (she/her/he...

This episode is part one of a four-part special series celebrating AAPI staff members at Cornell. On this episode, Toral has a conversation about AAPI heritage and traditions with Perdita Das-Humphrey (she/her/hers), Assistant Dean at the Hans A. Bethe House, Jamie Hom (she/her/hers), Assistant Director of New Student Programs, Aaron King (he/him/his), Assistant Dean at the William Keeton House, a...

On this episode, we have a conversation with Angela Winfield (she/her/hers) on leadership, legacy, and inclusion as she transitions into her new role as the Chief Diversity Officer for the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). To learn more about Angela's new role and her impact at Cornell, please visit: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/03/winfield-become-chief-diversity-officer-law-school-ad...

Toral and Anthony talk to their DEI counterparts at Weill Cornell Medicine: Jamal Lopez (he/him/his), Senior Director of Institutional Equity and Fanesse George (she/her/hers), Manager of Diversity, Inclusion & Engagement. They talk about how their work is similar- and different- while also sharing their hopes and dreams about the future of DEI initiatives. For more information on the Office of In...

Toral and Anthony have a conversation about the importance of minority health in honor of National Minority Health Month with Jeremy Stewart (he/him/his), Nutrition and Health Outreach Coordinator at Cornell Wellness. For more information on the resources provided by Cornell Wellness, please visit: https://recreation.athletics.cornell.edu/wellness Click here to learn more about "The Unapologetic G...