In this second episode of “Fanning the Flames,” Dr. Elvia Ramirez interviews two first-generation college students, Diana Rangel and Chris Nuñez, who discuss the ways that the CRISJ Mentoring Program marked a pivotal moment in their academic journeys. Both Diana and Chris describe how the program offered not just guidance, but a sense of belonging, connecting them with faculty mentors and peers who validated their goals and helped them navigate unfamiliar academic structures. Through their shared experiences, they reveal how mentorship can ease uncertainty, build confidence, and open pathways that once seemed out of reach. Their stories together show the transformative power of community and support for students carving out their place in higher education. 

Join Dr. Elvia Ramirez as she interviews Sac State alumni Demonza Hunter and Hector Rodriguez, whose experiences in the CRISJ Mentoring Program showcase the powerful outcomes that emerge when research, mentorship, and personal experience intertwine. Demonza and Hector share how the program helped them turn personal histories and research interests into meaningful research projects and transformative career paths. Along the way, they offer “nuggets of gold” on choosing impactful courses, building strong mentor relationships, leveraging campus resources, and crafting a professional network with purpose. This episode highlights the significant influence that high-impact educational practices, such as undergraduate research, have on promoting student success.

In this episode of Building Justice, hosts Dr. Susanna Curry and Dr. Arturo Baiocchi from Sacramento State’s School of Social Work are joined by Dr. Ethan Evans to explore the concept and impact of Guaranteed Income programs. The conversation highlights the differences between guaranteed and universal basic income, the effects of providing unconditional cash payments to individuals and families, and local initiatives led by United Way in Sacramento. Dr. Evans discusses research findings from an evaluation of the local initiative and reflects on the potential of these programs to reshape social services and economic equity.

Join Dr. Elvia Ramirez and Dr. Maria Vargas, faculty members at Sacramento State, for a compelling conversation on the past, present, and future of Chicanx/Latinx Studies at the university. In this episode, Dr. Ramirez traces the roots of Ethnic Studies at Sac State, spotlighting the powerful activism of Mexican American/Chicanx students who helped establish the discipline on campus. The discussion then shifts to a dynamic exchange between colleagues as they reflect on their teaching and research practices. Together, Dr. Vargas and Dr. Ramirez underscore the significance of Chicanx/Latinx Studies in shaping critical understandings of identity, power, and social justice. Whether you're new to the field or a longtime advocate, this episode offers valuable insight into why these stories—and this scholarship—are essential.

Dr. Marie L. Mallare-Jimenez hosts Professor Emeritus Daniel Phil Gonzales for a riveting breakdown of the DT 2.0 administration’s radical “Project 2025.” In this third, and last, episode of State of Affairs: Reality or Fiction, the pair critically analyzes how this sweeping policy agenda threatens civil liberties, targeting birthright citizenship, deploying mass deportation strategies, and weaponizing billionaire power through Elon Musk’s creation of DOGE. As DEI programs are dismantled and educational voices for Gaza are punished, the episode exposes the authoritarian overreach gripping the nation. Divided into three in-depth segments, this conversation invites listeners to reflect, resist, and rise. 

In this special episode of State of Affairs: Reality or Fiction, host Dr. Marie L. Mallare-Jimenez welcomes Professor Emeritus Daniel Phil Gonzales for a gripping conversation on the far-reaching implications of the DT 2.0 administration's "Project 2025." From plans to revoke birthright citizenship and enforce mass deportations, to the controversial creation of DOGE under Elon Musk's influence—this episode dissects the dismantling of democratic institutions. Together, they explore how billionaires like Musk are reshaping education and labor by eliminating DEI initiatives and silencing dissent around Gaza and Palestinian advocacy. This is not just analysis—it’s a call to awareness. Stay tuned through all three segments, brought to you by the CRISJ Building Justice podcast team.

Listen in as Dr. Araceli Feliz, Dr. Elvia Ramirez, and Dr. Heidy Sarabia, professors at Sacramento State, analyze the influence of Latino voters in the 2024 election. The significance of Latino voters has become a highly debated yet frequently misunderstood topic in the context of the 2024 presidential elections. This discussion provides insights into Latino demographics, voting patterns observed during the 2024 election, and the key issues that resonate with Latino voters.

Listen in as Victor Rodriguez Tafoya shares a conversation with Joshua “Gunner” Johnson, Director of the Underground Scholars Program at UC Davis and a key founder of Project Rebound at Sacramento State. Project Rebound provides critical educational resources and support for formerly incarcerated individuals, offering counseling, mentoring, academic services, and career development to help them transform their lives. Gunner shares his personal journey, including his 18 years of incarceration and how that led him to his work helping formerly incarcerated students succeed in higher education. Join us as we learn about the growth of these vital programs and the profound impact they have on students navigating the challenges of reentering society.

In this episode, Victor Rodriguez Tafoya interviews Coach Paul Casey, the owner of Better You Fitness in Hayward, California, who has transformed his own life after spending time in prison. Coach Paul is dedicated to helping others—particularly moms—develop strong mindsets, boost metabolism, and build healthier bodies so they can create better environments for their families. Join us as we explore Coach Paul’s mission and the impactful work he is doing to transform lives, one client at a time.