In The Margins

Diverse Education

Achieving equality in higher education. The stakes have never been higher. The issues never more complex. Who graduates, and why? Who is getting hired as faculty and what is their experience? In each episode, we will look at issues surrounding students, faculty, diversity and inclusion, and skyrocketing college costs. From critical conversation to news, numbers, and analysis — we've got you covered. You can count on Diverse's In The Margins to bring you the latest, most relevant thought leadership as it pertains to diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education. As the national expert, we've been doing this for almost 40 years in print and on the web (diverseeducation.com). Now we are excited to expand the conversation via this podcast. We will tackle these topics, and more, head-on. Listen weekly for a mix of deep dives, short briefs, expert panels, interviews, and more. We are thrilled to bring it to you here, in In The Margins.

  1. 3D AGO

    EP164: Leading Through Uncertainty: Dr. Emelyn dela Peña on Mission-Driven Higher Education

    In this episode we sit down with Dr. Emelyn dela Peña, President and CEO of NADOHE, for a timely conversation on leadership, mission clarity, and sustaining equity work in a rapidly shifting higher education landscape. Drawing from her personal journey growing up in a diverse Los Angeles community, navigating loss and economic transition, and building a decades-long career across institutions like Stanford, Harvard, and Loyola, dela Peña reflects on the formative experiences that shaped her commitment to access, belonging, and student success. She shares how moments of protest, community support, and witnessing institutional responses to crisis helped define her purpose as an educator and leader. The conversation, with In the Margins, host Ralph Newell, explores the current national climate surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion work, including legal challenges, institutional overcorrections, and the growing role of fear in decision-making. And dela Peña emphasizes the importance of lawful, mission-driven leadership, deep listening, and centering those historically pushed to the margins.  She also outlines her priorities as NADOHE's new president and CEO, including professional development, coalition building, and sustaining a community of practice for equity practitioners navigating uncertainty. At its core, this episode is a call to remain grounded in values, to support the people doing this work, and to remember that changing language should never mean changing commitments to fairness, representation, and opportunity.   KEY POINTS:   dela Peña's diverse upbringing shaped her commitment to inclusion Early advocacy experiences led her to a lifelong career in higher education The pandemic revealed hidden inequities and leadership blind spots Institutions must address structural barriers, not just surface-level access Fear and misinformation are driving institutional overcorrections Lawful, mission-driven leadership remains essential for equity work Compliance often means adapting programs, not eliminating them Eliminating DEI offices can result in loss of community and support systems Coalition building and cross-sector partnerships are key to sustaining the work Students and committed educators remain the greatest source of hope QUOTABLES:   "It was such a wonderful experience to have grown up with all of that diversity… and to be welcomed by so many different kinds of families." — Dr. Emelyn dela Peña  "There's always something under the surface that we need to think about when we are leaders of organizations." — Dr. Emelyn dela Peña    "Our position has always been that we are committed to lawful mission-driven work." — Dr. Emelyn dela Peña    "Our students give me hope… they demand that we live up to the things we say are important to us." — Dr. Emelyn dela Peña    "If we shift language, we don't have to shift values." — Dr. Emelyn dela Peña   RESOURCES:    Emelyn A. dela Peña Named NADOHE President and CEO   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/The-EDU-Ledger X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheEDULedger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger Threads: https://www.threads.com/@TheEDULedger Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/TheEDULedger.bsky.social   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    55 min

  2. FEB 12

    EP163: From Credentials to Skills: Rethinking Opportunity in the Modern Economy, with NSC CEO Brooke DeRenzis

    In this episode, The EDU Leger is excited to present the first in a series of content from our newest podcast partner, Discovering Your Mission with Dr. Mordecai.  Tune in as Dr. Mordecai Brownlee welcomes guest Brooke DeRenzis, CEO of the National Skills Coalition, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of work, skills-based hiring, and the evolving role of higher education in an economy defined by rapid change. Drawing on national policy leadership and personal lived experience, DeRenzis explores why skills: technical, digital, and durable have become the foundation of economic mobility and why credentials must evolve to reflect real workforce needs. Their conversation also examines the rise of working learners, including the growing importance of community and technical colleges and the urgent need to design education (and workforce systems) that support lifelong learning. At the center of the discussion is a clear message: workforce training is not a "second chance" system, but a first-choice investment in people, communities, and national prosperity. From skills-based hiring and workforce to equity, policy implementation, and student voice, this episode offers a human-centered, policy-informed look at how investing in skills is essential to building a more inclusive and resilient economy. KEY POINTS:   Skills are the foundation of economic mobility in today's workforce Credentials should validate skills, not act as barriers to opportunity Working learners are now central to the future of higher education Community and technical colleges play a critical role in workforce advancement Skills training should be treated as a first-choice investment, not a fallback option Skills-based hiring expands talent pipelines and reduces inequities Continuous learning and upskilling are essential in an AI-driven economy Equity must be embedded into the workforce and education policy design Student voice and lived experience are critical to effective policy implementation QUOTABLES:   "Jobs that require skills training are the backbone of our economy." – Brooke DeRenzis    "The answer, increasingly, is found in skills and opportunity and in systems that are designed to lift people, not leave them behind." – Dr. Mordecai Brownlee   "Higher education has always played a key role in unlocking opportunity and shared prosperity." – Brooke DeRenzis    "Ninety-two percent of all jobs require at least one digital skill." – Brooke DeRenzis    "Everyone deserves an investment in their potential." – Brooke DeRenzis    GUEST RESOURCES: Brooke DeRenzis - National Skills Coalition ItsDrMordecai.com - Official Website of Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/The-EDU-Ledger X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheEDULedger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger Threads: https://www.threads.com/@TheEDULedger Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/TheEDULedger.bsky.social   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode. In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    29 min

  3. JAN 29

    EP162: Sustaining HBCUs Beyond the Moment: Inside UNCF's Transformation Strategy

    In this episode of In The Margins, we are joined by Julian Thompson, Senior Director for Strategy Development, and Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang, Assistant Vice President for Transformation Support at the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, for a deep dive into what long-term sustainability truly requires for HBCUs. As the institute approaches its 20th anniversary, Thompson and Dr. Lai Fang reflect on how UNCF's work has evolved from discrete technical assistance to a holistic, networked transformation model designed to help institutions move from survival to sustained impact. Their conversation with The EDU Ledger host David Pluviose explores executive leadership stability, board governance, data-informed decision-making, and why collaboration (not isolation) is now essential in a volatile political and economic landscape. From change management and presidential support to career pathways, accreditation-aligned initiatives, and the future role of AI in higher education, this episode offers a candid, experience-driven look at how HBCUs can strengthen their foundations without losing their mission.   KEY POINTS   The founding and evolution of the UNCF Institute for Capacity Building as UNCF's innovation arm Why discrete solutions fail, and how holistic transformation drives sustainability The impact of leadership turnover and the urgent need for board governance alignment Findings from UNCF's Stable Leadership report and what it reveals about presidential tenure How networked approaches are replacing siloed decision-making across HBCUs Why institutions are seeking UNCF partnerships beyond funding alone Career pathways, accreditation, and embedding transformation into institutional DNA The next frontier: data strategy, AI readiness, and multiple revenue streams for HBCUs QUOTABLES "HBCUs are a miracle in a certain way — in terms of the way that they've been able to sustain with limited resources and still deliver transcendent value." – Julian Thompson   "Instead of focusing on what institutions do not have, we changed our language to: what can the institution do with what they have?" – Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang    "We're basically waking up every day thinking about the future of HBCUs … about the systems, the policies, the approaches, the partnerships, the technologies, the communities of practice, the cultures, the ways of being that can help HBCUs get to a place where their long-term sustainability is assured." – Julian Thompson   "We cannot continue working as if we are independent. There are healthy dependencies that we need to create." Rev. Dr. Darryl Ann Lai Fang GUEST RESOURCES:   UNCF Report Reveals HBCU Presidents Serve Nearly Two Years Less Than National Average | The EDU Ledger FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/The-EDU-Ledger X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheEDULedger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger Threads: https://www.threads.com/@TheEDULedger Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/TheEDULedger.bsky.social   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    42 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    EP161: Beyond the Politics: A New Way to Talk About Equity and Access, with Dr. Kyle Reyes

    Meet Dr. Kyle Reyes, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and former Chief Inclusion Officer at Utah Valley University, whose work sits at the intersection of student success, cultural understanding, and leadership in politically charged times. In this episode, Reyes explores his groundbreaking framework from his book Lenses of Humanity: How Reflection, Connection, and Empathy Can Heal Our World. Drawing from his own lived experience as a former college dropout and first-generation student advocate, Reyes offers a powerful roadmap for navigating higher education's most difficult conversations – especially amid national DEI rollbacks. His discussion with The EDU Ledger host Ralph Newell also unpacks how campuses can continue to support students when identity-based programs are dismantled, why empathy and genuine inquiry matter more than ever, and what it truly means to lead with humanity in polarized environments. Tune in as Reyes dives into the shifting landscape of student support and practical frameworks for educators in higher education despite political pressures. KEY POINTS:   Reyes's journey from struggling student and graffiti artist to higher-ed leader How his mixed-race upbringing shaped his work in intercultural understanding The origin of Lenses of Humanity and why reframing DEI through humanity is essential Navigating anti-DEI legislation (while still supporting students effectively) The power of storytelling, empathy, and genuine inquiry to bridge ideological divides The role of institutional culture and cross-training in a post-DEI environment Why identity-based support still matters; and how to sustain it without labels The future of TRIO, GEAR UP, and federally funded access programs  Student resilience and the need for holistic advocacy in higher ed QUOTABLES:   "Students can perceive care, and they know authentic care when they see it." – Dr. Kyle Reyes   "I wanted to dedicate my career to helping students become authors of their own stories." – Dr. Kyle Reyes   "This is not some radical agenda. This is a humanity-based effort." – Dr. Kyle Reyes GUEST RESOURCES:   Dr. Kyle A. Reyes - Lenses of Humanity  LINK TO SPECIAL BOOK OFFER:   Purchase The Student Debt Crisis from The EDU Ledger Shop today and receive a signed copy, while supplies last, and a one-year digital subscription to The EDU Ledger. Link: https://shop.theeduledger.com/site/?product=the-student-debt-crisis FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/The-EDU-Ledger X/Twitter: https://x.com/TheEDULedger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger Threads: https://www.threads.com/@TheEDULedger Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/TheEDULedger.bsky.social   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and a live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    58 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    EP160: Investing in Native Futures: How Native Forward Is Empowering 22,000+ Scholars, with Sara LaBarge

    Only 16 percent of Native Americans hold a bachelor's degree, but one organization is rewriting that story. In this episode of In the Margins, we sit down with Sara A. LaBarge, M.S.Ed., CFRE, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Native Forward Scholars Fund, the nation's largest direct scholarship provider for Native students. A proud citizen of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and an alum of the program herself, Sara shares how Native Forward is breaking barriers in higher education through culturally relevant support, strategic philanthropy, and transformational alliances with federal agencies, tribes, and corporate partners. LaBarge discusses how Native Forward has more than doubled its revenue, expanded its reach across all 50 states, and helped over 22,000 Native students from 500 tribes pursue degrees with financial and emotional support tailored to their needs. She also discusses the impact of major philanthropic gifts, such as MacKenzie Scott's $50 million donation, the power of allyship, and the urgent need to fund basic necessities like housing, transportation, and food security to support students' success. Key Points:    - Native student enrollment decline and its root causes - How Native Forward has grown its impact and scaled nationwide with 22,000 Native students supported across 500 tribes - Tackling food, housing, and transportation needs that hinder degree completion - Sara's Story: From Menominee roots to higher-ed changemaker - The role of representation and belonging on campus - Rising demand, 35% more scholarship applications this year - Building cross-cultural alliances and advocating for policy change - Transformative Giving: $50M gift fuels scholarships and growth - The lasting impact of MacKenzie Scott's trust-based philanthropy - How listeners can become allies and support Native education - Future Vision? Closing the $150M funding gap for Native scholars. Resources:   Scholarships For Native Students | Native Forward Scholars Fund   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/The-EDU-Ledger X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheEDULedger Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger Threads: https://www.threads.com/@TheEDULedger Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/TheEDULedger.bsky.social   WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    46 min

  6. 10/30/2025

    EP159: How the Kaplan Leadership Program Redefines Community College Transfer Success, with Nolvia Delgado

    What if community college could serve as a launchpad to the nation's top universities?   In this episode, we sit down with Nolvia Delgado, Executive Director of the Kaplan Educational Foundation (KEF), a former KEF scholar herself, to explore how the foundation's Kaplan Leadership Program helps first-generation and low-income students transfer from community colleges to some of the most prestigious four-year institutions in the country.   Delgado shares her own journey from Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to Smith College, and the life-changing mentorship and financial support that made it possible. In conversation with The EDU Ledger host David Pluviose, she unpacks KEF's innovative programs: from the Community College Bridge Program to the digital Transfer Hub, which are closing knowledge gaps, reshaping perceptions of community colleges, and proving that access and excellence can coexist.    Don't miss this episode as it offers a masterclass in what real transformation looks like.   Key Points:    Delgado's Journey: From Dominican-born first-gen student at BMCC to Smith College alumna How KEF is reframing community college as the first two years of a four-year degree, not a lesser path. While only 14% of community college students nationwide earn a bachelor's, over 90% of KEF scholars do. Secret to success: intensive mentorship, transfer guidance, and ongoing support through bachelor's completion. A forthcoming digital platform giving nationwide access to transfer resources and partner school connections. The myth? Elite schools often meet full financial need; KEF scholars graduate with little to no debt. Delgado aims to scale KEF's model so every community college student has a clear, supported path to a bachelor's degree.   Quotes:   "For us, I think part of our magic sauce is closing that knowledge gap and really working with the scholars so that they understand all the different steps that are required for them to transfer and continuing to support them beyond graduation…we stay with them until they graduate [with] a bachelor's degree."    "We teach our scholars that they need to advocate for themselves and make sure that they have everything that they need from their institutions when they get there. That's also part of it."    "The goal is really to reach as many students as possible who are entering Community College, and to equip them with the tools, the resources, and the knowledge that they need to close that gap. So, of the 80% of students who are aspiring to earn a bachelor's, we don't have just 30% who are transferring."  Resources:   Kaplan Educational Foundation Taps KEF Alum Nolvia Delgado as its Next Leader   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-edu-ledger  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheEDULedger    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    27 min

  7. 09/25/2025

    EP158: Unpacking Americans views on higher education, with Sophie Nguyen of New America

    In this episode, Sophie Nguyen, Senior Policy Manager in the Education Policy Program at New America, joins Diverse (soon to become The EDU Ledger) to unpack the findings of Varying Degrees 2025 – the latest national survey exploring how Americans view higher education.   From her start as an intern to her current role leading research on affordability, accountability, and public opinion, Nguyen shares her personal journey into higher education policy and why she believes access to transformative education must be protected. She explains the survey's biggest takeaways: cost as the persistent driver of dissatisfaction, the partisan and demographic divides shaping perceptions, and the surprising common ground between Republicans and Democrats on making college more affordable.   In conversation with host Ralph Newell, she digs into the growing polarization, the challenges facing institutions, and the urgent need for colleges to reclaim the narrative, rebuild trust, and demonstrate real value to students and society.   If you've wondered where Americans agree, and where they sharply differ, on the future of higher ed, this discussion sheds light on the trends shaping tomorrow's colleges and universities. Tune in and explore what the data tells us, and why it matters for the future of students, families, and the nation. KEY POINTS:   - Nguyen's journey from college student to Senior Policy Manager at New America - Why transformative college experiences should be accessible to more students - Overview of the Varying Degrees 2025 survey and its role in shaping public debate - Key long-term trends: Americans value higher ed's ROI but remain dissatisfied with cost - Bipartisan concerns about affordability, accountability, and transparency in outcomes - Where Democrats and Republicans converge [and sharply diverge] on solutions - The outsized influence of elite institutions in shaping higher ed's public image - Why local colleges often enjoy more trust than "higher ed in general" - The role of policy, institutional narrative, and support services in rebuilding public confidence - The call for colleges: to be more transparent, proactive, and student-focused to rebuild trust   Quotes:    "New America is a think tank, a space in Washington, D.C. We work on a variety of issues, providing policy analysis, also advocacy on a variety of issues, such as domestic policy related to children, family, part of the education program."   "I think what I'm most proud of is... not in terms of any particular work, but I realized that higher ed is actually a very nimble... even though there has been criticism that it's very slow to change and adapt, but I think during my time learning about the sector, I have seen institutions that prove that they can adapt, they can grow, they can deal with the challenges that they face with and still support the students in the meantime."   "Colleges and universities now need to be more active in telling those stories—what they actually do, how they actually help students, how they actually help and support students... to be more transparent, to be able to regain public trust and public confidence."   Resources:   New America | Sophie Nguyen  The EDU Ledger | Linktree   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-edu-ledger  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheEDULedger_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEDULedger X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/TheEDULedger    WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEDULedger   Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by The EDU Ledger and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    50 min

  8. 08/14/2025

    EP157: Navigating Access and Opportunity in STEMM with Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez

    In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez, Director of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), sits down in the pod to talk about STEMM education, workforce development, equity, and policy advancement.    From growing up in Indiana to earning her PhD in immunology, Rodriguez shares how a teacher's spark changed the trajectory of her life — and informs her work to empower future scientists.   In this conversation, with Diverse host Ralph Newell, she dives deep into the challenges and opportunities facing STEMM education, including funding cuts, threats to DEI, as well as the crucial role of community colleges.    Rodriguez explains how she leads SOA's national strategy to create seamless, equitable STEMM pathways, especially for underrepresented communities, and shares how 280+ organizations are supporting in coalition to build a more inclusive, innovative STEMM future.   Ready to understand the movement building tomorrow's diverse scientific workforce?  Press play and be informed.   KEY POINTS:   - Rodriguez's Midwest upbringing and the reason behind her passion for science - Her transition from immunology research to policy, education, and systemic change - Why she believes "luck" shouldn't determine access to STEMM careers - The STEMM Opportunity Alliance's mission: to grow a diverse STEMM workforce by 2050 - The five pillars of SOA: engagement, inspiration, discovery, innovation and opportunity - How funding cuts are impacting research, equity, and student opportunity - The critical and evolving role of community colleges in STEMM training and apprenticeships - Facing challenges in DEI efforts and how SOA is helping partners to adapt and persist - What's next? Implement co-created strategies and build coalition resilience    Quotes:    "If your organization is involved in helping people get from curiosity to learning to career in STEMM, then there are resources and community available inside of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance." – Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez "The goal here is to make sure that the needs of one are being supported by the system that is doing the work — downstream and upstream." – Dr. Stephanie Rodriguez   Resources: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) | Stephanie Rodriguez   FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA:   LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/ X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation   Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.   In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

    41 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Achieving equality in higher education. The stakes have never been higher. The issues never more complex. Who graduates, and why? Who is getting hired as faculty and what is their experience? In each episode, we will look at issues surrounding students, faculty, diversity and inclusion, and skyrocketing college costs. From critical conversation to news, numbers, and analysis — we've got you covered. You can count on Diverse's In The Margins to bring you the latest, most relevant thought leadership as it pertains to diversity, inclusion, and equity in higher education. As the national expert, we've been doing this for almost 40 years in print and on the web (diverseeducation.com). Now we are excited to expand the conversation via this podcast. We will tackle these topics, and more, head-on. Listen weekly for a mix of deep dives, short briefs, expert panels, interviews, and more. We are thrilled to bring it to you here, in In The Margins.

Information

  • Creator
    Diverse Education
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    164
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    In The Margins