Critical Conversations

In this episode, we speak with some folks from the Adult and Continuing Education department at Oakton. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for Continuing Education and Non-Credit students at Oakton College.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Delia Rodriguez, Dean of Adult and Continuing Education Itri Papanikolla, Adult Education Transitions Coordinator Elena Smoukova, Senior Manager of Adult Education Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode of Critical Conversations, we dive into the Department of Education's latest Dear Colleague Letter and its impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. With growing resistance to DEI efforts in education, we unpack the letter's key statements, analyze the broader political and social context, and explore strategies for staying resilient in this work. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on what this means for institutions, educators, and DEI practitioners.

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this brief episode, we want to share some of the holidays and observances in March, including celebrating women's identities in Women's HERstory Month. The Jewish celebration of survival, Purim, is also this month, as well as the Hindu festival starting the month of Phalguna and celebrating spring and rejuvenation. Nowruz, meaning "New Day," is also aligned with the vernal equinox (start of spring) and is celebrated with family, food, and reflection. Finally, at the end of March comes the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, "the Festival of Breaking the Fast," which is observed by attending communal prayers and sermons, and giving zakat al-fitr.

Links to more information on each can be found in your podcast player - check your app for chapter markers, custom chapter art, and links.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode of Critical Conversations, we explore the power of embracing Blackness with special guests Krissie Harris and Lindsey Hunter. Together, we discuss defining Blackness, resisting colonizer energy, and navigating spaces where it is undervalued or misunderstood. Tune in for a candid conversation on identity, community, and the joy of honoring Blackness in both personal and professional life.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Krissie Harris, Senior Manager of Student Life and Campus Inclusion Lindsey Hunter, Director of Admission and Enrollment Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

Recently, Rick Daniels, Ed.D hosted a campus-wide discussion at Oakton College on the impact of recent executive orders and their implications for our institution and community. This event was opened with remarks from President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., who reaffirmed Oakton's commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting all students, faculty, and staff through evolving policy landscapes. Oakton's new Chief of Police, Aaron Wernick, and today's guest, Assisstant Professor of Political Science, Keith Simonds, also spoke at this event. In this episode, Dr. Daniels and Professor Simonds will discuss executive orders; what they are, how they've been used throughout history, and with a focus on their implications for education, immigration, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guest: Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this brief episode, we want to share some encouragement with folks as DEI work is under attack once again, but we also want to take a moment to spotlight the holiday observances, as well as some Oakton College campus events for the month of February. We've got a full episode coming soon for Black History Month, so stay tuned!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In this episode, the goal is to foster an inclusive dialogue that highlights the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community at Oakton College. This episode will provide actionable insights for improving systems and fostering a culture that uplifts all individuals.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

In our first episode of 2025, we check in with Brenda Cruz, the Coordinator for Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Oakton College about January Holiday Observances and what we can do to recognize, acknowlege and support these holidays and those who observe them. Dr. Daniels then shares three points of encouragement to help navigate the uncertainty ahead of us, especially with regards to the work of DEI. Finally, we wrap up the episode with a brief look at the episodes coming later this season that you definitely won't want to miss!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guest: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design

As language continues to evolve, so do the ways we refer to our diverse identities. This episode will be an open dialogue about the terms "Latine" and "Latinx," how and why these terms are used, what we understand about them, and their broader implications in creating inclusive spaces, especially within institutions like ours. Let's explore together how language intersects with identity and what steps we can take to foster inclusivity in our language moving forward. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Producer: Erick Rohn, Faculty Special Guests: Gabriel Chacon, Stephanie Herrera, and ANDALE Students Jorge Tercero, Omar Alanis, Sandy Cardoso