LPDcast stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and takes a vehement stance against racism, bigotry, and homophobia.

I created this podcast to showcase black and brown excellence. To motivate first-generation students of color to persevere despite the barriers we face in higher education and the professional landscape. To empower first-generation students of color to lean into their uniqueness and lead with their passions. To establish a community of allies and colleagues that can serve as a network for students and paraprofessionals throughout their leadership development. To encourage diversity and foster conversations that promote acceptance across ethnicities and cultures.

George Floyd is laid to rest. Another life taken senselessly by police violence. We honor him, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and the countless black lives that have been taken too soon. We honor his family and his memory, and we lend our voice as a podcast to amplify that of our friend, Dr. Anita Polite - Wilson.

This, is An Ode to George Floyd.

We continue our conversation with Cal State San Bernardino Alumni, Francisco Rodriguez. We discuss his process in curating a graduate research committee, which serves to support grad students writing their thesis. He also shares how his mentors influence and inform his teaching style.

We talk about his motives for researching colorism within the Latinx community and the importance of studying from a diverse list of authors and educators.

A resource mentioned in this episode is LinkedIn, which is a great tool to showcase skills, talents, and career aspirations with a professional audience.

I speak with Francisco about the steps he took to solidify a support system within higher education. We also discuss the benefits of mentorship in developing career readiness and academic competitiveness. A resource mentioned in this episode is the Career Resource Center at your high school, college, or university. Tune in to this story of Latin Excellence and perseverance!

Dr. Anita and I pick up our conversation from the last episode by discussing the vital role of Success Partners in leadership and professional development.

We also apply concepts from Marshall Goldsmith's What Got You Here Won't Get You There, to what Dr. Anita calls Leveling-Up at work.

She also introduces the partnerships involved in our Board of Advisors, which is a select group of individuals that are pertinent to our professional development.

To learn more about Dr. Anita, visit her website at https://www.doctoranita.com

Today's guest is my friend, Dr. Anita Polite-Wilson. She is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of deep knowledge in corporate education, training, and development. She has a B.S. in Management from Pepperdine University, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from Biola University, a second M.A. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University, and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University. I met her at the Circle of Change Leadership Conference in 2018, and I am fortunate to call her my friend and collaborate with her to facilitate leadership and professional development.

Today's episode features the first half of my conversation with Dr. Anita in which we discuss effective leadership in teamwork, the importance of seeing business as a partnership, and the benefits of networking and relationship building. We also mention Brene Brown's concept of the Power of Vulnerability and Susan Cain's book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking.

This episode features the second half of my conversation with Civil Engineer and UC Berkeley graduate Stephanie Carter. Today, Stephanie speaks to the nuances of being a woman of color in construction and engineering. She also shares communication skills that are vital to teamwork and safety while in the field.

Communication Skills discussed in this episode are Interpersonal skills and the importance of Writing well. Stephanie also shares how dependability is essential to professionalism and teamwork.

This is the introduction to LPDcast, a Leadership and Professional Development Podcast for First-Generation students and People of Color.