8 episodes

PodCASC is an ongoing series of interviews that feature the diverse stories of CASC Alumni who share highs, lows, and other revelations about community action and social change after college. Alumni discuss a range of issues, like finding a social justice community in a new city, navigating social justice language in different work cultures, finding a balance between their passion and capacity, and much more.

PodCASC Community Action and Social Change Undergraduate Minor, Amber Williams

    • Education

PodCASC is an ongoing series of interviews that feature the diverse stories of CASC Alumni who share highs, lows, and other revelations about community action and social change after college. Alumni discuss a range of issues, like finding a social justice community in a new city, navigating social justice language in different work cultures, finding a balance between their passion and capacity, and much more.

    Chloe Henderson

    Chloe Henderson

    On this episode, Chloe Henderson talks about diversity equity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Henderson reflects upon the role of mentorship, peer relationships, and role models in her development as a woman of color in engineering and the importance of empowering black women's academic excellence in STEM to advance representation. Henderson also discusses the value of outreach and recruitment efforts in engineering as an important act of service, and her vision for inclusive participation, celebration, and representation of marginalized communities in the field.

    • 36 min
    Ashley Elliston-Cowher

    Ashley Elliston-Cowher

    On this episode, Ashley Elliston-Cowher shares how she applies her CASC experience and Social Work training to work in nonprofit organizations that support aging populations. Learn how she engages in self care, approaches challenges, and maintains health, wellness and mindfulness. Since the time of this interview, she has applied her social work training and skills into the management of research grants for faculty in higher education.

    • 28 min
    Raivynn Smith

    Raivynn Smith

    On this episode, Raivynn Smith discusses early experiences in social movement organizing, approaches to campus and community organizing, as well as the role of staff in supporting student activism. Raivynn also shares aspirations to engage in social justice in library and information science by fostering community access to information, promoting inclusive and diverse representation, and creating space for communities to engage social change in local libraries.

    • 33 min
    Christopher Rapisarda

    Christopher Rapisarda

    On this episode, Faculty Director Katie Richards-Schuster, interviews Christopher Rapisarda; one of the first alumni to graduate in the inaugural class in the minor, and alumni from the U-M MSW program. Chris reflects on his critical consciousness development in the minor, and applications of community action and social change in his role as a practitioner in community agencies.

    • 44 min
    Ashley Kryscynski

    Ashley Kryscynski

    On this episode, Ashley Kryscynski shares her experience as a first generation college student and member of the first graduating class of the CASC minor program. Kryscynski reflects upon her transition to the U-M MSW program, the tools she developed around advocacy and resilience, as well as her current work, managing county level communications through public relations, lifting up marginalized voices, and creating community content in the spirit of equity, inclusion, and justice.

    • 33 min
    Kelly Pearson

    Kelly Pearson

    On this episode, academic advisor Joe Galura interviews Kelly Pearson about how she applies her experience in CASC and Social Work to foster economic mobility through community development and fundraising. Pearson also shares the importance of building meaningful relationships and centering community voice as a critical aspect of social justice philanthropy.

    • 25 min

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