L&S Elevate

UW-Madison College of Letters & Science Inclusive Excellence Collective

A podcast centering the voices and unique experiences of L&S leaders who are elevating real change and real growth on UW-Madison’s campus and beyond. Join us on this journey in expanding the community’s understanding of the broader impact of Inclusive Excellence; with invaluable takeaways that you can implement in your own work setting.

Episodes

  1. From Fieldwork to Future Medicine with Jess Randall

    FEB 8

    From Fieldwork to Future Medicine with Jess Randall

    In this episode, we sit down with L&S Dean’s Ambassador Jess Randle, a Biology and Global Health student whose experiences in Kenya, Uganda, Belize, and beyond have shaped her commitment to equitable care, ethical global health practice, and advocacy for underserved communities. From marine research and public health projects to study abroad and scuba expeditions, Jess shares how resilience, purpose, empathy, and creativity guide her path as she builds a future bridging clinical medicine and public health impact.

    32 min
  2. From Aerosols to Aviation: Tracking Weather Hazards

    JAN 17

    From Aerosols to Aviation: Tracking Weather Hazards

    Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Mayra Oyola-Merced grew up tracking hurricanes and tropical storms, and that early curiosity turned into a lifelong passion for understanding the weather shaping her island. Now an Assistant Professor of Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences at UW-Madison, she takes us behind the scenes of how satellites help scientists “see” severe storms and aviation hazards like turbulence, connecting weather research to real-world safety and smarter forecasting.

    32 min
  3. Building Tomorrow: Jack Taylor on Purpose, Passion and Place

    10/20/2025

    Building Tomorrow: Jack Taylor on Purpose, Passion and Place

    In this episode of L&S Elevate, meet Jack Taylor, a senior from Princeton, Wisconsin, who’s double-majoring in Landscape & Urban Studies and Anthropology with minors in Chican@ & Latin@ Studies and Archaeology. From shaping clay in the ceramics studio to envisioning the cities of tomorrow, Jack’s journey is all about connection between people, places, and the past. He shares how his love for urban planning and historic preservation drives his mission to create more inclusive, sustainable communities. Tune in as Jack reflects on how curiosity, creativity, and care for the world around him guide his path forward.

    19 min
  4. Episode 9 | Inclusive Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Damon A. Williams

    11/20/2024

    Episode 9 | Inclusive Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Damon A. Williams

    Dr. Damon A. Williams was UW–Madison’s inaugural chief diversity officer. He advocated for a campus where inclusion is a priority, leading to the establishment of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, which is now celebrating its 15th anniversary. Hear from Williams as he talks about the state of this work with L&S Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence DeVon Wilson.

    36 min
  5. Episode 8 | Glacial Insights & Cultural Collaboration with the Menominee Nation

    05/30/2024

    Episode 8 | Glacial Insights & Cultural Collaboration with the Menominee Nation

    Join us as we sit down with Dr. Lucas Zoet, Associate Professor in the Department of Geoscience who delves into the world of glaciology. Dr. Zoet shares his research on modern glaciers and their impact on landforms. But the journey doesn't stop there—he also highlights his collaborative work with the Menominee Nation Geoscience Program. Discover how this unique partnership fosters a deeper understanding of our natural world while respecting and preserving cultural heritage.

    30 min
  6. Episode 7: The Wisconsin Idea: Through the Lens of Black History

    02/27/2024

    Episode 7: The Wisconsin Idea: Through the Lens of Black History

    In this episode, Historian, Professor and Chair of the Department of African American Studies, Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara discusses the exploration of the Wisconsin Idea as it relates to uncovering and understanding the legacy of Black people and Black culture that has shaped Wisconsin; past, present and future.

    36 min
  7. Episode 6: DEIB and the Wisconsin Idea

    01/02/2024

    Episode 6: DEIB and the Wisconsin Idea

    Eric M. Wilcots, Dean of the College of Letters & Science shares how his approach to advancing DEIB within the college is deeply connected to the Wisconsin Idea. In 2020, he launched the Dean’s Initiative for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, created the L&S STEM Scholars program, and kicked off new engagement activities for L&S alumni of color.

    27 min
  8. Episode 5: Activating the Wisconsin Idea: Reclaiming the Narrative

    10/16/2023

    Episode 5: Activating the Wisconsin Idea: Reclaiming the Narrative

    L&S Elevate Host DeVon Wilson led a dynamic panel discussion on activating the Wisconsin Idea, recorded live during [RE] Connect weekend in September 2023. The conversation ranged from an honest look at the campus’ history with underrepresented communities to the important work being done today to make the University a place where everybody can flourish. For the visual recording of this episode, click here.

    29 min
  9. Episode 4: Cultivating Valuable Student Connections

    01/22/2023

    Episode 4: Cultivating Valuable Student Connections

    Dr. Tony Chambers is the Director of Equity, Inclusion and Innovation at UW-Madison’s Center for Healthy Minds. Listen in as he shares his academic journey as it relates to the role mindfulness plays in a diverse and inclusive workplace with host DeVon Wilson.

    36 min

  10. 11/22/2022

    Episode 3: Reimagining Native Representation at UW

    In honor of Native American Heritage Month, UW-Madison’s Director of Tribal Relations, Aaron Bird Bear gets candid with host DeVon Wilson about reimagining Native representation at UW. In a compelling conversation about land acknowledgements and advancing the university’s reconciliation with its occupation of Ho-Chunk land, learn how Aaron – for more than 20 years, has been instrumental in centering indigenous people and culture at UW.

    38 min

  11. 10/27/2022

    Episode 2: Paying it Forward: DEI & Sociology

    Social scientist, Dr. Alex Hanna shares her personal and academic journey through the lens of a transgender woman, and talks about the scholarship she created for UW-Madison sociology students supporting the LGBTQ+ community with host DeVon Wilson.

    30 min

  12. 09/19/2022

    Episode 1: DIY Department DEI Committees

    Welcome to our very first episode, featuring Lori Lopez, Professor of Communication Arts, talking with host DeVon Wilson about how to make the most of a DEI committee.

    25 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A podcast centering the voices and unique experiences of L&S leaders who are elevating real change and real growth on UW-Madison’s campus and beyond. Join us on this journey in expanding the community’s understanding of the broader impact of Inclusive Excellence; with invaluable takeaways that you can implement in your own work setting.

Information

  • Creator
    UW-Madison College of Letters & Science Inclusive Excellence Collective
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UW-Madison College of Letters & Science Inclusive Excellence Collective
  • Show Website
    L&S Elevate