Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast Cornell University, Department of Inclusion and Workforce Diversity

In the season finale, Erin and Toral are joined by Cal Walker, retiree of Cornell and longstanding citizen of Ithaca for nearly 50 years. Cal shares his journey from Civil Rights-era Alabama to New York, recalling the moments that ignited his passion for activism and social justice. Tune in to hear how Cal has embodied the mantra “blossom where you are planted,” enriching the Ithaca and Cornell communities and encouraging listeners to cultivate meaningful connections by sowing seeds of positive change wherever they can.

In this episode, Erin and Toral let listeners in on the evolving world of recruitment with Carolyn Chow (she/her/hers) and Brad Stock (he/him/his), colleagues and talent acquisition partners at Cornell. The pair share their unique journeys from applicants to recruiters at the university and how their experiences shape the way they engage with candidates today. Whether it's job seekers looking for employment opportunities or hiring managers pursuing prospective candidates, tune in to explore best practices when it comes to being intentional and inclusive during the hiring process.

Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month as we delve into this year’s theme: "Appreciating women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion." In this episode, Erin and Toral are joined by Lauren Frederick (she/her/hers), colleague and administrative coordinator in Cornell’s Department of Inclusion and Belonging. With honesty and vulnerability, Lauren takes listeners on a journey, sharing the challenges of navigating life as a first-generation professional, single mother, and being neurodivergent. From setbacks to triumphs, Lauren reveals how her life experiences have shaped and fueled her commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive world for all.

In this episode, Erin and Toral are joined by Ati Alipour (she/her/hers), assistant ombuds in the Cornell University Ombuds Office. Ati shares her rich history in the field of conflict resolution and mediation as a practicing attorney and former consultant for the United Nations. From understanding power imbalances to embracing differing perspectives, hear how to best address and navigate conflicts in our everyday work and life.

For more information on the Cornell University Ombuds Office, visit https://ombuds.cornell.edu/.

Join Erin and Toral as they delve into the dynamic world of workplace mental health with Jasmine Jay (she/her/hers) and Wai-Kwong Wong (he/him/his) from Cornell’s Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). Together, they explore the evolution of mental health awareness and share insights on fostering a supportive workplace culture. Tune in to hear the variety of services FSAP offers and inspiring perspectives on prioritizing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace as they stand by the message, “It’s okay not to be okay.”

For more information on FSAP, visit https://fsap.cornell.edu/.

According to Carl Cornell’s (he/they) surname, one would think he was destined for the university. However, Carl’s path to Cornell was anything but traditional. In this episode, Erin and Carl dive into his journey and how he’s navigated his personal and professional lives with a unique intersection of identities. Now, as the assistant director of undergraduate advising at Cornell Bowers CIS, Carl has become a leader in many communities across Cornell while advocating for himself and others along the way.