Former co-hosts (from left to right): Anthony Sis, Sherron Brown and Cornell Woodson
Click on drop-down menu below to access the description, show notes, and transcripts for all episodes of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast. You can also find the description and detailed show notes wherever you access your podcasts.
Episode 33: Let's Talk...Weight
On the season four premiere, Anthony and Toral introduce a new segment called "Let's Talk..." as well as some exciting news about the growth of the podcast.
Episode 34: Let's Talk...Microaggressions
Toral and Anthony dive deeper into the topic of microaggressions on this episode of "Lets Talk..."
Episode 35: Let's Talk...Anti-Asian Violence
Toral and Anthony explore the topic of anti-Asian violence and what it means to show solidarity with Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander communities during this time.
Episode 36: "A Disabled Person is not Disabled..." on Ableism, Disability, and Intersectionality
Toral and Anthony have an in-depth conversation on disability with Zebadiah Hall (he/him/his), Director of Student Disability Services. We talk about the impact of ableism on the Cornell community, as well as the importance of intersectionality in addressing issues related to access and disability.
Episode 37: "Health is Wealth" - Advocating for Minority Health at Work
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.
Episode 38: "Here to Stay..." - on DEI Initiatives with Our Colleagues at Weill Cornell Medicine
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.
Episode 39: "It's the Last Word...for Now" on Leadership, Legacy, and Inclusion with Angela Winfield
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).
Episode 40: AAPI at Cornell, Part I
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, and Carolyn Chow (she/her/hers), Recruiter and Inclusion Program Lead in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Episode 41: AAPI at Cornell, Part II
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/hers), Recruiter and Inclusion Program Lead in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Episode 42: AAPI at Cornell, Part III
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 Depew (she/her/hers), Financial Analyst in the College of Human Ecology and Chair of the Employee Assembly.
Episode 43: AAPI at Cornell, Part IV
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), Financial Analyst in the College of Human Ecology and Chair of the Employee Assembly.
Episode 44: "Beyond Binaries" Preview
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.
Episode 45: Beyond Binaries with Sue Brightly
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 interviews the first guest for the "Beyond Binaries" special series, Sue Brightly (she/her/hers), in honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Episode 46: Upbringing, Allyship, and Protecting the LGBTQ+ Community with Cole Johnston
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.
Episode 47: Identity, Culture, and Machismo with Christian Balmaseda
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.
Episode 48: Representation and Parenting with Michelle Wescott
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.
Episode 49: "We Are Everywhere" On Family Resistance and Advocacy with Foula Dimopoulos
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.
Episode 50: Let's Talk...Disability Independence Day
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.
Episode 51: Revisiting Imposter Syndrome
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.
Episode 52: Revisiting Body Size
Anthony and Toral revisit one of their favorite episodes from season three with a brief reflection on how the topic of body size continues to be taboo topic in the workplace.
Episode 53: What Can I Do to Make a Difference? - On Academia, DEI, and Culture with Dr. Avery August
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 related to diversity, equity, and inclusion should matter to faculty at Cornell.
Episode 54: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month & A Special Announcement
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.
Episode 55: Disability Employment Awareness
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 chair of the Employee Assembly this year.
Episode 56: Journey Back To Cornell - A Conversation with Sonia Rucker, AVP of Inclusion & Belonging
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.
Episode 16: Season 3 Trailer
Anthony Sis and Toral Patel return as hosts of the podcast with a special preview of what's to come on season three.
Episode 17: Welcoming Polyamory
On this episode, Anthony and Toral explore the topic of polyamory in the workplace with a special guest named Amanda.
Episode 18: Weighing In on Body Size, Part I
Anthony and Toral have a very brave and vulnerable conversation on the topic of body size with special guest Mia Ferraina (she/her/hers), Career Coach at Cornell Career Services.
Episode 19: Weighing In on Body Size, Part II
Anthony and Toral wrap up the conversation on body size with special guest Mia Ferraina (she/her/hers), Career Coach at Cornell Career Services.
Episode 20: Quarantine Edition
Toral and Anthony are back and creating new episodes in quarantine.
Episode 21: Decades Apart- A Conversation on the Impact of Code-Switching
This month's episode explores the complexities of code-switching and how it affects us at work and beyond. Code-switching is a well-documented term that highlights the common practice of switching languages and forms of expression in our everyday actions. We’ll be having a conversation with a very special guest- one that you’re all familiar with...
Episode 22: Expecting during a Pandemic
On this month's show, we explore what it means to be expecting a child during a global pandemic with Derrick Barrett (he/him/his), department business administrator in the Department of Microbiology.
Episode 23: Blackness at Cornell, Part I
On this episode, we launch a special series called “Blackness at Cornell" with staff member Jeremy Stewart.
Episode 24: Blackness at Cornell, Part II
On this episode, we continue the special series called “Blackness at Cornell" with staff member Anthony Bellamy.
Episode 25: Blackness at Cornell, Part III
On this episode, we continue the special series called “Blackness at Cornell" with faculty member Dr. Peggy Odom-Reed.
Episode 26: Appreciations and Updates
Co-hosts Toral Patel and Anthony Sis provide some updates and send appreciations to the most recent guests and listeners of the show.
Episode 27: “We are not a monolith”- On Xenophobia, Racism, and Asian American Identity
This month, Toral and Anthony have an honest conversation with Financial Analyst and Employee Assembly Chair Hei Hei Depew (she/her/hers) about xenophobia and racism towards Asians and Asian Americans that has increased due to the presence of Covid-19. They talk about bias, leadership, the bamboo ceiling, the model minority myth, and how to demonstrate allyship towards the community during these challenging times.
Episode 28: A Special Bonus Episode
On this special bonus episode, Toral and Anthony answer a question that Financial Analyst and Employee Assembly Chair Hei Hei Depew (she/her/hers)asked during her interview on the podcast.
Episode 29: A Focus on Wellbeing for Working Families, Caregivers, and Teams
Toral and Anthony have an amazing, intimate, and vulnerable conversation on wellbeing with a focus on families and caregivers with Michelle Artibee (she/her/hers), Director of Workforce Wellbeing.
Episode 30: Making Meaning of Religion, Faith, and Spirituality
On this show, we talk about the differences and similarities between religion, faith, and spirituality, and how we make meaning of all three terms with Oliver Goodrich (he/him/his), Associate Dean of Spirituality and Meaning-Making and Director of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW).
Episode 31: Social Change through the Lens of Religion, Faith, and Spirituality
We continue our conversation with Oliver Goodrich (he/him/his), Associate Dean of Spirituality and Meaning-Making and Director of Cornell United Religious Work (CURW). We go in-depth on how religion, faith, and spirituality can be a part of the problem- and solution- in addressing current social issues such as racism, fundamentalism, and Covid-19.
Episode 32: Her Journey and Passion to Create a Culture of Belonging with Mary Opperman
On the season three finale, we have an intimate conversation where we get to learn more about Mary Opperman (she/her/hers), Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Cornell University.
Episode 5: What’s Going On? A Hair Affair
Sherron Brown kicks off a new season of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast with a new co-host, Anthony Sis, and a new segment called "What Going On?" This week, Sherron and Anthony talk about hair discrimination and their experiences related to this topic.
Episode 6: More of What’s Going On? A Hair Affair
Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis introduce a new segment called "More of What Going On?" with special guest Trisica Munroe (she/her/hers), program manager for feminist, gender, and sexuality studies and LGBTQ studies. This week, Sherron, Trisica, and Anthony continue to talk about hair discrimination in the workplace and their experiences related to this topic.
Episode 7: What’s Going On? Veterans at Work
Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis kick off the month of July by providing a brief recap of the Inclusive Excellence Summit back on June 11. This week, Sherron and Anthony talk about the benefits of working with veterans, as well as provide ways to support them here at Cornell.
Episode 8: More of What’s Going On? Veterans at Work
This week, Sherron and Anthony continue talking about the strengths and advantages that veterans bring to the workplace with two special guests: Craig Wiggers (he/him/his) and Amber Alpizar (she/her/hers). Craig is the Director of Administration in the Department of Physics in the College of Arts and Sciences. He served in the U.S Marine Corps. for 25 years. Amber is the Human Resources Director for Alumni Affairs and Development. She served 10 years in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Episode 9: What’s Going On? Working Across Generations
On this episode, Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis participate in a lively conversation around how to engage multiple generations in the workplace. Sherron and Anthony bond over many cultural and historical events and share their suggestions on how people and teams at Cornell can look across difference when it comes to working in a multigenerational workplace.
Episode 10: More of What’s Going On? Working Across Generations
On this episode, Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis participate in a lively conversation around how to engage multiple generations in the workplace with two special guests. The guests on this episode are Dane Cruz (he/him/his), Director of the Cornell Interactive Theatre Ensemble and Clayton Covington (he/him/they/them), Research Aide for the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research.
Episode 11: Beyond Borders- Where Culture Meets the Workplace
Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis engage in a conversation about some of the challenges faced by international populations, as well as the benefits of hiring and working with them here at Cornell. They also share some responses to two "Question of the Day" prompts that were asked at Staff Development Day back in August 2019. Be sure to listen to the end for a special announcement as well!
Episode 12: Do You Have An Accent?- Perspectives on Engaging the International Workforce
Sherron Brown and Anthony Sis are excited to continue the conversation on supporting and engaging the international workforce with two special guests, Lily Rice and Pilar Thompson. Lily Rice (she/her/hers)is the Assistant Director of Student Services in the College for Architecture, Art and Planning. Pilar Thompson (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of International Affairs & Professional Programs in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Episode 13: I, Imposter
On this episode, Anthony Sis introduces their new co-host, Toral Patel (she/her/hers) to the podcast. Anthony and Toral then engage in an honest conversation on the topic of imposter syndrome and how they've experienced it in both their personal lives and professional settings.
Episode 14: “Am I Good Enough?” Overcoming the Imposter Within
Toral and Anthony continue talking about imposter syndrome and how to overcome it with two special guests: Jennifer Majka and Jessica Krom. Jennifer (she/her/hers) is the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business. Jessica (she/her/hers) is the Associate Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the Johnson Graduate School of Management.
Episode 15: From Law to Belonging- A Conversation with Angela Winfield
On the season finale of the podcast, Anthony and Toral have a candid conversation with Angela Winfield (she/her/hers), Associate Vice President for Inclusion and Workforce Diversity. She shares some information about her upbringing and her journey into diversity and inclusion (D&I) work. She also shares some valuable information regarding upcoming D&I initiatives for Cornell staff to look out for in the next few months.
Episode 1: The Pilot
The first episode of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast with former co-hosts Cornell Woodson and Sherron Brown.
Episode 2: Inclusive Excellence Network
A discussion of the series of programs known as the Inclusive Excellence Network.
Episode 3: Transitioning and Gender Affirmation
Introduction the Cornell University Guide to Transitioning and Gender Affirmation in the Workplace - Guests Christopher Lujan and Luca Maurer.
Episode 4: Does Diversity Include White People?
Introducing Sarah Jefferis, Visiting Lecturer in the Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences and Mike Bishop, Director of Student Leadership in the Office of Engagement Initiatives on a conversation regarding white privilege.