Welcome Kevin Martin to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Kevin Martin serves as the Senior Recreation Supervisor/Intramural Sports for UCR Recreation. In this episode, Kevin discusses his growing up in both Louisiana and Texas, and explains how this experience contributed to his educational endeavors. Listen as Kevin speaks on being a college athlete, and his intentional decision to diversify both his knowledge and himself. In his current position, Kevin makes a conscious effort to bring people together through sports. Listen as Kevin discusses his commitment to bettering recreation and the Black student experience at UCR.

Welcome Michelle Burroughs to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Michelle services UCR as the Director of Community Engagement & Outreach for the Center of Healthy Communities as well as Finance Administrative Officer, for the Department of Social Medicine. In this episode of our podcast we are going to learn more about Michelle and her journey through higher education and how attending an HBCU shaped her world view. Listen as Michelle explains the importance of ethically providing medical and health care services to communities of color and how it is critical to be culturally competent when servicing communities of various backgrounds. Michelle is one of the leading people in the School of Medicine establishing critical relationships with the communities of Riverside.

Welcome Paige McGee to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast! Paige works as a Research Administrator in the Entomology Department and is also a UCR Alumni. In this episode of our podcast, Paige talks about her upbringing and the experiences in her life that have helped shape her identity. Listen as she talks about her experience as a UCR student and how she also serves students as a Research Administrator and how the Entomology Department is creating opportunities for Black Students and Students of Color.

Welcome Keona Henderson to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Keona Henderson is the current president of the UCR Black Alumni Chapter. Keona Henderson comes from a background of various neighborhoods and has a passion for Black culture. Keona is not only a leader, but an entrepreneur. She owns her own company, is a realtor, as well as a motivational speaker and life coach, and participates in many other endeavors. Tune in, as Keona Henderson dives into her educational experiences involving community college, and her commitment to being a change agent for the Black Community.

Welcome Victor Moreira to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Victor is an Academic Advisor for the College of Humanities Arts and Social Science(CHASS). In this episode, Victor speaks on his experience of growing up in the Inland Empire in a diverse neighborhood and how that helped shape his identity. As a UC Riverside alumni Victor was an active member of the Black community as a student and continues his dedication to UCR into his professional life. Hear as Victor Moreira discusses his interesting educational journey and his insights on mentorship.

Welcome Chanel Parrish to the Blue, Gold and BLACK Podcast. Chanel works in the Career Center here at UCR as a Financial and Administrative Coordinator and is also the Chair of the Black Faculty and Staff Association. Listen as Chanel tells us about her upbringing and some of the challenges she faced with identity and how UCR served as a catalyst for overcoming those challenges. Chanel not only works for UCR but also attended UCR as a student! She has incredible insight and knows the Career Center like the back of her hand and uses that knowledge to advocate not only Black students, but for faculty and staff as well.

Welcome Leslie Settle to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Leslie works as the Access Services Desk Coordinator in the Rivera Library, and is a proud UCR alumni. In this episode of our podcast Leslie talks of her experience as a student and its influence on her work ethic today. Leslie practices an ethic of uplifting those around her, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. She also highlights the significance of community, and its impact on an individuals perspective. Listen, as Leslie Settle tackles some of the tougher aspects of college life, and offers helpful advice to the student listener.

Welcome Gabriel Maldonado to the Blue, Gold & BLACK Podcast. Gabriel is a UCR alum and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of TruEvolution, a non-profit organization that fights for health equity and racial justice to advance the quality of life and human dignity of LGBTQ people. Listen as Gabriel talks about his upbringing and experiences at UCR that shaped his identity and his journey.

Welcome Dennis McIver to the Blue, Gold and BLACK Podcast. Listen in as Dennis tells of his childhood in Baltimore and his collegiate journey. Dennis utilizes his extensive education and experience within higher education to serve as an Academic Adviser for UCR’s Honors Program. He is intentional in being a visible and present resource at UCR, while promoting the importance of progress even in the face of adverse circumstances. Tune in, and you’re not only sure to learn about the various benefits of our Honors Program, but you might also take away some great new insights.

Welcome Dr. Ayoka Bell to the Blue, Gold and BLACK Podcast. Dr. Bell is a licensed clinical psychologist who currently works in the UCR Counseling and Psychological Services. Recalling her roots, she guides us through a childhood immersed in the Black Panther Education Program and touched by the mature realities of early race consciousness. Enveloped by a strong family tradition of education by any means, obtaining a Ph.D. might have been destiny, but the journey there was an Adventure rivaling the Odessey. Empathy for self and others is key in Dr. Bell’s practice. Empathy used to build bridges across communities and spaces could be the element that creates trust in our socially divided world.