Real Talk: A Diversity in Higher Ed Podcast Southern Connecticut State University

KC and Real Talk team member, Cindy Cardozo, engages three theatre professionals—Mike Skinner, associate professor of theatre at Southern Connecticut State University; Rebecca Goodheart, producing artistic director at Elm Shakespeare; and Rachel Alderman, associate artistic director for Long Wharf Theater— in a conversation about the significance of the arts in promoting social change and initiating discussions about contemporary social justice issues. They delve into the crucial aspects of community and empathy development fostered by performing arts, along with emphasizing the importance of arts education.

KC, Danielle, and Saïeda talk with Amelea Lowery, a graduate student in Yale’s Master of Public Health program, about trauma and healing, how to tap into and create community when you’re new to town, and liberation through the land. 

KC, Saïeda, Danielle, and Zoe talk with student leader and Marisa Howard, a student resident advisor, about friendships in college — how to create community, navigate tricky situations, and make healthy connections.

Join KC, Danielle, and Saïeda as they sit down with the passionate creators behind two cherished community spaces in New Haven: Alisha Crutchfield of BLOOM and Lauren Anderson of Possible Futures. In this episode, they explore the significance of community spaces that have enriched their lives, discussing the role of plants, books, and communal gatherings in nurturing personal and collective growth.
Learn about the essential contributions of BLOOM and Possible Futures to the New Haven community. Find out more about these inspiring spaces at https://www.gatheratbloom.com/ and https://www.possiblefuturesbooks.com/.

KC, Saïeda, and Danielle talk with a panel of expert guests about affirmative action—its political history, its legal present, and the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision on our university campuses and beyond. Guests are:
Tess Marchant-Shapiro, professor of political science Andy Marchant-Shapiro, attorney at lawJulie Edstrom, vice-president of enrollment managementDiane Ariza, vice-president of diversity, equity and inclusion

KC, Saieda, and Zoe talk with Dr. June Parks, a clinical psychologist whose years of working with children and trauma have informed her current work empowering student support workers in higher ed. They talk about resilience–its possibilities and its limits—and the importance of mindset in preventing burnout.
Dr. June Parks is a licensed clinical psychologist, consultant, keynote speaker, and youth empowerment specialist who shows young people, and the professionals who provide services to them, how to obtain mental well-being and resilience. You can learn more about her and her work at https://juneparksphd.com/.