Inclusive Excellence Podcast
Join Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel from the Department of Inclusion and Belonging for a monthly podcast series where they unpack various topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at work. During each episode's interview, they provide a platform for campus colleagues in various roles to share their lived experiences, thoughts, and ideas around how we can create cultures of belonging, especially in our workplaces. You can listen to this podcast on your phone, at your desk, on your way to work, while you are taking a break, even while you get ready for bed! They also provide a great and free of charge professional development and DEI learning opportunity for people leaders and employees to engage with during team meetings and retreats!
See below for the latest season of episodes and search our Podcast Library on the left for past episodes by overall topic. Do you have a topic you would like us to discuss on the podcast? Have someone we should highlight for their awesome work around campus? Feel free to send us an email at ie-academy@cornell.edu.
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Season 7 Transcripts
For transcripts of previous episodes, please visit the Episode Archive page.
Episode 88: Bridging Campus and Community with Cornell and Ithaca Police Chiefs
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 of balancing community engagement with enforcement, fostering inclusivity and wellbeing, and collaborating on public safety to serve everyone in the community.
Episode 87: Today's Child Care Desert - A Community Challenge
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 affects every employee, parent or not. Tune in for personal stories and professional insights on supporting families and caregivers in the workplace and learn why "leaving loudly" is key.
Episode 86: Breaking the Silence: How to Support Colleagues Experiencing Domestic Violence
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Erin and Toral are joined by Michelle Artibee (she/her), director of workforce wellbeing at Cornell, and Lyn Staack (she/they), director of education at the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County. Together, they discuss the critical resources available for employees experiencing domestic violence, consider various factors that impact assistance options and access, and explore ways managers and colleagues can appropriately provide support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. You are not alone - support is available 24/7.
Episode 85: Thanks Bert! A Farewell to Our Sound Engineer
In this heartfelt episode, Bert Odom-Reed, director of Cornell Broadcast Studios, shares an announcement with our audience. As he celebrates his seventh season producing the Inclusive Excellence Podcast and 35 years at Cornell, Bert takes us down memory lane, highlighting his favorite episodes and the most impactful moments along the way. He leaves listeners with inspiring words of wisdom and a glimpse into the exciting future that lies ahead. Join us for one last "Thanks, Bert!"
Episode 84: What Does Inclusive Excellence Really Mean?
In the season 7 premiere, the Inclusive Excellence Podcast returns with hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel reflecting on their summer and sharing an exclusive preview of what's to come. In this episode, they take a closer look at the foundation of the podcast by exploring the true meaning and history of the term "inclusive excellence." Plus, don't miss their special message to listeners as they kick off an exciting new season.