In the season finale, Erin and Toral are joined by Kyle Kimball, Vice President for University Relations at Cornell. Together, they explore the evolving role of higher education in today’s complex and often polarized climate. Kyle shares insights into how universities engage with topics like diversity, equity, and inclusion, the importance of storytelling in shaping institutional impact, and the responsibility of higher education to foster meaningful dialogue. The conversation also highlights the value of intellectual debate and the idea that universities are not here to tell us what to think — but to teach us how to think. From communications strategy to public trust, Kyle offers a thoughtful look at how institutions like Cornell navigate challenging conversations while staying grounded in their core mission.

Erin and Toral sit down with Dr. Omari Keeles, Senior Director for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Cornell Tech, for a candid and thoughtful conversation about what it truly means to do DEI work. Omari reframes DEIB as “mission-driven work”, challenging the idea that it fits neatly into a single definition. He explores how context (particularly within a globally diverse campus like Cornell Tech) shapes how individuals experience identity, belonging, and inclusion. Drawing on research, lived experience, and practical insight, Omari offers a grounded perspective on the current DEIB landscape—one that moves beyond performative actions and toward meaningful, sustainable change.

In this episode, Erin and Toral are joined by Jada Hamilton, Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Cornell Health; Qiana Watson, First-Gen/Low-Income Community Liaison and therapist at Cornell Health; and Herb Alexander, Chief People Officer and Chief Diversity Officer at Centralus Health, to discuss the roles universities and communities play in advancing health equity. Together, they explore the historical roots of healthcare inequities, ongoing barriers to access and trust, and the steps healthcare systems and providers can take to create more equitable systems. The conversation highlights how collaboration, accessibility, and community-centered approaches are essential to building a healthier campus and community for all.

Sometimes the best way to build community is simply to start at the table. Josh Holden, Senior Chef for Cornell Dining, joins Erin and Toral to share how campus dining has evolved to create spaces where students feel welcomed, represented, and connected. Through culturally significant meals, student collaborations, and community partnerships, Cornell Dining has embraced food as a powerful tool for building belonging. Chef Josh shares how working with students, staff, and community members from different cultural backgrounds helps ensure authenticity in the dishes served while also creating meaningful learning experiences in both the kitchen and at the table. From Indigenous dinners to global cuisines inspired by the Cornell community, these meals are more than food — they’re immersive experiences that celebrate curiosity, culture, and connection.

In this episode, Annie Heckel, Electronic Information Technology Accessibility Manager, and D Krahmer, Diversity and Inclusion Research Librarian at Catherwood Library and Cornell University Library Disability Services representative, explore how accessibility transforms productivity, creativity, and belonging — and why designing for access benefits everyone. From screen readers to AI tools to simple formatting habits, discover how small changes can make the digital world of work more inclusive.

In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Jeff Benton and Brett Weinroth, co-founders of Paragon Performance Evolution, to explore the science and practice of “coherence” – a physiological state where the heart, brain, and nervous system are aligned. Jeff and Brett unpack how chronic stress quietly shapes our behavior, limits empathy and trust, and impacts decision-making in the workplace. Through research, real-world examples, and personal stories of growth, this conversation highlights why self-regulation is foundational to effective, inclusive leadership and why meaningful culture change starts from the inside out.

As 2026 begins, cohosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel return with a reflective conversation on the assumptions we often make about holidays, cultural observances, and availability at work. They explore how religious, spiritual, and cultural identities, like other aspects of our lives, will intersect with our work experience. From scheduling meetings and planning events to fasting, flexibility and time off, this episode unpacks how our “default” workplace practices can unintentionally leave people feeling unseen or excluded. Tune in to hear more about the power of humility, thoughtfulness, and intention in creating workplaces where inclusive excellence can be practiced every day just by looking at a different calendar.

In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with Basil Safi, Executive Director of the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, for a closer look at community-engaged learning — an approach that goes beyond traditional volunteerism. Basil explains how Cornell empowers students to work with communities, not just for them, and why curiosity is key to understanding differences. Tune in to hear about Cornell’s global partnerships, the vital role of staff, and Basil’s insights on burnout, balance, and replenishing oneself while doing service-oriented work.

Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision for cultivating belonging and describes how mentorship has shaped her approach. Cameron reflects on entering Cornell during the pandemic, the challenges of finding connection, and how the fellows program has provided him and others empowerment and purpose. Together, they all discuss why intentional care, community, and holistic support are essential to helping students and staff thrive.

Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo (he/him/his), Area Director for Cornell Custom Executive Education, leads and lives. Erin and Toral welcome him to the podcast to discuss how that experience transformed not only his personal journey but also his approach to leadership. Mark reflects on the years he spent hiding parts of his identity and how embracing them brought new confidence, empathy, and vulnerability to his work. Together, they explore what authentic and inclusive leadership truly looks like, and how creating space for others to show up fully can unlock potential across teams and organizations.