Relando sits down with Surabhi Pandit, Macro Social Worker, equity advocate, and personal friend, to discuss the powerful role leveraging her networks in student government to organize dialogues on race and equity at The University of Michigan School of Social Work had on her journey. They reflect on their shared experiences in grad school, including the catalytic moments that led to the creation of the ‘Making Race Heard’ Monthly series and the culminating summit at the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2011.

Surabhi also shares her insights on inside/outside strategy for working in and organizing within institutions, equity work within philanthropy, being a person of color and navigating various roles in the philanthropic sector in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing systemic issues, leveraging privilege, and the critical role of rest and self-care on the path to systemic change.

What you'll learn in this episode

00:00 Finding Your Place in Social Justice

02:44 Guest Introduction: Surabhi Pandit

03:51 Grad School Reflections and Race Dialogues

07:09 The Impact of Harmful Classroom Experiences

08:31 Organizing for Change: Making Race Heard

13:04 Navigating Systems and Creating Change

34:51 The Why Behind Philanthropy

43:14 Embracing Discomfort and Growth

44:57 Influences and Inspirations

45:40 Cultural Heritage and Family Values

51:48 Women in Literature and History

57:31 Navigating Privilege and Oppression

01:09:48 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care

01:18:43 Final Reflections and Gratitude

01:23:23 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.