Our Roots Say That We're Sisters

Makda Fessahaye, a Marquette Law grad who now works as the Associate Vice Chancellor and head of HR at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, talks about growing up in Milwaukee as a Black woman with Eritrean roots and how her parents’ focus on faith, education, and community helped shape who she is today. She talks about the ups and downs of being a woman of color in school and at work, and how m...

Did you know that women of color in leadership are often labeled as “disruptive” simply for asserting their voice? In this episode, we explore what it means to lead unapologetically, despite the barriers that seek to silence strong voices. Listen to Amyah Brooks, a biracial Black woman, who is majoring in Political Science and Social Welfare and Justice at Marquette University. She talks about her...

In this inspiring episode of Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters , Dr. Kimberly D'Anna Hernandez, Associate Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, shares her remarkable journey navigating academia as a Chicana, a single student-parent, and a trailblazer in stress biology research. Dr. Hernandez reflects on the intersection of her identity, life challenges, and professional aspirations, high...

Valerie Wilson Reed, class of 1979, shares her extraordinary journey from a fresh-faced student at Marquette to a trailblazer in alumni engagement and mentorship. As a proud African-American woman, Valerie reflects on her roots, the impact of her upbringing, and her enduring connection to Marquette. Over 30 years, she has dedicated herself to fostering inclusivity and empowering others, founding t...

Sheena Carey welcomes Aki Alvarez, a 4th-year International Business and Information Systems major, in a discussion about the intricacies of identity and belonging. This episode will challenge your understanding of intersectionality and highlight the significance of representation and acceptance in educational spaces and beyond. As a biracial, pansexual, and gender-fluid individual, Aki shares her...

Chief Edith Hudson, head of the Marquette University Police Department, shares her powerful story of resilience, faith, and leadership. As the eldest child of hardworking parents, Edith faced many challenges, but a pivotal moment came when a colleague questioned her ability to succeed in law enforcement. That doubt fueled her determination, leading to a successful 25-year career. Edith reflects on...

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 health...

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 d...

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...

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 s...

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 i...

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...

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...

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 text...

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...

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...

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, hea...

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 res...

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 Marquett...

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 pat...

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...

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 o...

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 an...

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 sound...

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 t...