Our Roots Say That We're Sisters

Makda Fessahaye, a Marquette Law grad who now works as the Associate Vice Chancellor and head of HR at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, talks about growing up in Milwaukee as a Black woman with Eritrean roots and how her parents’ focus on faith, education, and community helped shape who she is today.

She talks about the ups and downs of being a woman of color in school and at work, and how mentors and strong community ties have helped her along the way. She also shares how important it is to support others as you move forward in life.

Through honest and personal stories, Makda shows how her background and experiences have guided her—and how she hopes to help others on their own paths. If you're looking for a thoughtful, down-to-earth conversation about resilience, sisterhood, and making a difference, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

03:21 - I went to many different schools—parochial, inner city, and then in Whitefish Bay. As a child of African immigrants, it was hard to navigate being in African-American and then predominantly white spaces. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand what I was experiencing. Looking back, I see how resilient children are. Later in life, being a young Black woman in leadership brought challenges—imposter syndrome, figuring out how to stay authentic while navigating workplace politics. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot along the way.

09:06 - I just love that mural. It is beautiful. I think it is so reflective of the diversity of Milwaukee. It reminds me of the value of community, of being in community, to be of community, to be of sisterhood, I think is very important. And I think that that mural is so beautiful and so reflective of that.

13:59 - I hope to have the same impact others had on me—to be there when needed, to inspire, and to help others navigate challenges through my own experiences. I want to be someone who lifts others up and connects them to the resources they need.

Interview:

What is the story you’d like to share with us today and how do you identify?

01:31 We could go anywhere with this story. I identify as a Black woman of Eritrean descent, and my journey has been shaped by my immigrant family’s devotion to faith and education, as well as my upbringing in Milwaukee’s Lincoln Park neighborhood."

How did you get onto the path that you're on?

01:54 So my family, as I mentioned, is from Eritrea in East Africa. My parents immigrated here prior to me being born. They are a family that is rooted in faith, specifically the Catholic faith, and also have a major value and appreciation for education. So I grew up in a household where my summers were spent in the library and doing brain exercises and doing different workbooks and making sure that I just kept on track. I really look to my upbringing and what my parents valued as part of why I'm here today.

What kind of challenges, if any, did you face as you've sort of gone on your journey?

03:21 I went to many different schools—parochial, inner city, and then in Whitefish Bay. As a child of African immigrants, it was hard to navigate being in African-American and then predominantly white spaces. As a kid, I didn’t fully understand what I was experiencing. Looking back, I see how resilient children are. Later in life, being a young Black woman in leadership brought challenges—imposter syndrome, figuring out how to stay authentic while navigating workplace politics. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned a lot along the way.

What’s been the role of women of color in your journey, especially in navigating some of those challenges?

05:55 They’ve been incredible. One of my earliest mentors was Dee Dee Morgan at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. She gave me advice on everything from communication to handling day-to-day issues and continues to be a great resource. I’ve always been surrounded by strong Black women—in my family, church, and community—who supported and uplifted me. People like Mildred Harpole made sure I knew I was supported, even behind the scenes.

How has your identity informed the choices that you've made?

08:06 Because of how I grew up, I gravitate toward mission-driven work—in my career, volunteer efforts, and community. I’m drawn to roles and organizations focused on supporting the next generation, especially youth, because that’s what my community did for me. I feel a responsibility to give back in the same way.

How has the theme of the mural resonated for you?

09:06 I love the mural—it’s beautiful and reflects Milwaukee’s diversity. It reminds me of community and sisterhood. It’s a visual representation that we are not alone, that we’re part of something bigger. It honors those who came before us and faced similar struggles. To me, it represents unity, strength, and support.

What kind of support did you get from Marquette as a law student?

10:10 Law school is tough, but I received a lot of support from the Wisconsin Association of African American Lawyers and Black alumni who regularly checked in on us. Their presence reminded me I wasn’t alone and gave me insight into different career paths. I also had professors who supported me—as much as I was willing to accept it. I learned that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. My career path hasn’t been linear, and that’s okay.

Who are your inspirations as women of color?

11:59 There are so many. Chrissy Brown, the president of Alverno, is phenomenal. I also look up to Roberta Harris, who I admired growing up. My aunts were like big sisters. And my peer, Kristen Hardy—she’s someone I went to law school with, and we’ve supported each other through our career journeys. I learn from the women around me all the time.

What do you do for self-care?

13:20 I’m working on that. I’m trying to say no more often and set boundaries. I like to travel—though it can be exhausting. I play tennis and sing in my church choir. Most importantly, I’m learning to take time for myself.

What kind of impact do you hope to have on women of color, both those coming up and those before you?

13:59 I hope to have the same impact others had on me—to be there when needed, to inspire, and to help others navigate challenges through my own experiences. I want to be someone who lifts others up and connects them to the resources they need.

What are your hopes for the future—yours, the community’s, and Marquette’s?

14:44 I don’t have a clear answer, but I hope we continue to lean on each other during uncertain times. We’re stronger when we move together. Facing challenges alone doesn’t get us very far—community is essential.

Do you see barriers to us being able to do that?

15:34 I think we’re still recovering from COVID and the isolation it caused. It’s easy to stay behind a screen. We need to make the effort to come together in person. There’s something special and energizing about being around people—it helps us reconnect in ways technology can’t.

What would you like the community, our community, Marquette’s community to know about you and your journey?

16:25 My journey hasn’t been linear, and that’s because I’ve stayed open—even though I’m the type of person who used to plan everything. I’ve taken calculated risks in my career, and I’ve only been able to do that because of the people who supported me. I hope my journey has made a positive impact on others in a meaningful way.

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

Did you know that women of color in leadership are often labeled as “disruptive” simply for asserting their voice? In this episode, we explore what it means to lead unapologetically, despite the barriers that seek to silence strong voices.

Listen to Amyah Brooks, a biracial Black woman, who is majoring in Political Science and Social Welfare and Justice at Marquette University. She talks about her journey on navigating identity, leadership, and advocacy. From confronting institutional challenges to carving out spaces of belonging, Amyah shares her insights on using her voice, embracing activism, and redefining leadership on her own terms.

How do you stand your ground and lead boldly when the very qualities that make you a great leader—passion, resilience, and a drive for justice—are the ones that make others uncomfortable? What does it mean to truly belong in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind, and how can we learn from those who refuse to be silent?

If you’ve ever felt the tension between fitting in and standing out, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to lead boldly and create change from within.

Episode Highlights:  

03:44 - I've heard from certain administrators telling me about my own leadership, saying that sometimes it's better if I step away from my identity in order to lead. That comment has always stuck with me because I was questioning—what does it mean to step out of my identity to lead others? It felt like they wanted me to remove myself.

08:15 - The impact I want to have is helping people discover what they’re passionate about, find their voice, and know that they can do anything they set their mind to.

10:16 - My hope for my own future is to graduate from Marquette University. Then, I hope to continue a commitment to service while helping people. That’s been my main motivation for getting involved in politics—to change the culture of politics while keeping humanity at the center of it. I also hope to do more work within immigration law. A big goal of mine is to work at the U.S.-Mexico border directly. I’ve been fortunate to visit twice with Marquette and will be going again this spring break.

Interview:

What's the story you want to share with us today?  

01:18 Today, I just wanted to talk about a little bit of my time at Marquette.

How do you identify?  

01:37 I identify as a biracial Black woman.

Are you from Wisconsin?  

01:43 I'm from Appleton, Wisconsin.

What's it like growing up there?  

01:48 Growing up there, there's really not much to do. I kind of describe it as a quaint town, kind of like Gilmore Girls-esque.

So you're the Rory in this scenario?  

01:57 Yes.

Tell us about some of your adventures. What’s the journey? Share a bit of your journey to and through Marquette.  

02:10 Well, coming to Marquette, I was always really interested in going for political science. I had a big interest in high school with forensics, debate team, and civics. So I always thought I was going to major in political science and then be right on track for law school. But then I developed a big interest in education, which then shaped into social welfare and justice because I'm really passionate about learning about different social inequalities and how I can help solve them.

And you plan to do that as a lawyer? Are you still thinking about law school?  

02:47 I am still thinking about law school. I want to do a dual program for law school and completing my master's in social work.

So what do you envision yourself doing? How does that parlay itself into a particular career or focus? Is that like family law or what kind of law would that go into?  

03:06 I'm really interested in family law or immigration law. But currently, I am working as a caseworker intern at the International Institute of Wisconsin, and our main population is refugees.

What sort of challenges have you faced being a student here at Marquette? Or have you faced any challenges?  

03:27 I think some of the challenges are really just, in a sense, feeling discouraged and being forced to be silent.

So you have been silenced. Can you give us an example of when that might have occurred?  

03:44 I've heard from certain administrators telling me about my own leadership, saying that sometimes it's better if I step away from my identity in order to lead. That comment has always stuck with me because I was questioning—what does it mean to step out of my identity to lead others? It felt like they wanted me to remove myself. And then recently, I was told I am a 'disruptive student,' which put me on edge, making me feel like I needed to stay in my place to avoid being seen as too loud.

Now, do you think that's more of a critique on your racial identity or your gender identity, or is there some combination therein? Are we talking intersectionality?  

04:40 I think there is definitely intersectionality. But from how I see it, the major part of it is more race-based.

How does your identity inform the choices that you've made?  

04:52 I think my identity as being mixed-race or biracial very much informs my choices. I can fit in with any group, but I also know how it feels to be an outsider, even within the groups I'm part of. It really makes me want to be more inclusive and make everyone feel like they belong.

You've been pretty active on campus. What kinds of things have you been doing?  

05:18 I've been very involved with Marquette Student Government in the past, as well as campus ministry, Global Village, and different affinity groups. I’ve also been working on a recent project with Bryant Ewing called Involved at Marquette, which is an online discussion board aimed at bridging students together across different groups.

When you came to Marquette, was that your plan, that you were going to get as involved as possible? Or did you kind of just find yourself in and among some of these groups?  

05:57 I think I kind of just found myself in and among these groups. A big part of my identity is being outgoing, and I love talking with people and meeting different types of people. I think that's how I ended up being part of these different groups—just my curiosity to learn. And I feel like the best way to learn is through interaction.

Have there been some ways that the mural project has resonated with you or influenced the way you see yourself on campus?  

06:31 Yes, it definitely has. I remember even when I first toured Marquette, that mural stood out to me. It made me smile as I was touring, and I thought, Oh, that’s a beautiful mural. One way it’s resonated with me is by reminding me that I do belong here and that I should take up space on campus.

What would you say the impact of Marquette has been on women of color on campus?  

07:05 I think it can be challenging, of course. I won't say that it's easy, but I also think there's a duality—it's also extremely rewarding. Marquette has molded me to become a more critical thinker. It has challenged me in discovering who I really want to be and knowing that not everyone will agree with me—and that’s okay.

Who have been some of your inspirations? What women of color have served as inspiration for you?  

07:36 Some women who have definitely shaped my life—one in particular is my grandma. She’s a major role model for me. She introduced me to service, which has always been an integral part of my life, and that’s what drew me to Marquette. I also look up to Michelle Obama and AOC—they’re women I really admire now.

What kind of impact do you want to have on the women of color, students of color, faculty, and staff at Marquette and beyond?  

08:15 The impact I want to have is helping people discover what they’re passionate about, find their voice, and know that they can do anything they set their mind to.

You talked a little bit about you embraced letting go of things. What does that mean for you?

08:44 For me, embracing letting go of things has been really freeing. I've learned in the past few months that letting go allows me to focus on the things I'm truly passionate about. It helps me hone in on discovering how I want to spend my time.

So is that about sort of winnowing out certain activities or is it a particular attitude in terms of what you're letting go of?

09:14 It has been a mixture of both. I've let go of a lot of activities that were once very dear to me, but I’ve also shifted my attitude. Now, I focus on myself and on discovering—especially in my last semester—who I want to be. Am I just a reflection of how others view me, or how do I see myself? What impact do I want to have? I think I’ve found a newfound confidence in that.

When did we meet?

09:59 My sophomore year.

What are your hopes for the future,  your future, the future of Marquette, the future of the communities that you're involved in?

10:16 My hope for my own future is to graduate from Marquette University. Then, I hope to continue a commitment to service while helping people. That’s been my main motivation for getting involved in politics—to change the culture of politics while keeping humanity at the center of it. I also hope to do more work within immigration law. A big goal of mine is to work at the U.S.-Mexico border directly. I’ve been fortunate to visit twice with Marquette and will be going again this spring break.

What did you do? Talk to people? What kinds of things did you do there? Was it merely observation?

11:22 It was a mix of both. We talked to refugees, immigrants, and undocumented people, as well as organizations like NGOs. We also met with lawyers doing great work at the border, hearing about their experiences, and we even spoke with law enforcement.

What would you want our community to know about you and your journey?

11:56 I want people to know that my journey is ever-changing. It’s very fluid. As I mentioned before, I truly do feel like a bit of a chameleon—I can always fit in, but sometimes it's important to stand out and not be afraid. You belong anywhere you decide you belong. It’s about making an active choice to search for spaces of belonging. No one is always going to be there to stick up for you—you have to advocate for yourself.

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

In this inspiring episode of Our Roots Say That We’re Sisters, Dr. Kimberly D'Anna Hernandez, Associate Professor of Psychology at Marquette University, shares her remarkable journey navigating academia as a Chicana, a single student-parent, and a trailblazer in stress biology research.

Dr. Hernandez reflects on the intersection of her identity, life challenges, and professional aspirations, highlighting how her lived experiences have shaped her research into social and cultural stressors, intergenerational health disparities, and community-based mental health initiatives.

From her roots in zoology and behavioral neuroscience to her current work addressing medical violence and systemic inequities in Milwaukee’s perinatal care systems, Dr. Hernandez emphasizes the importance of community-engaged research and the power of cultural representation in higher education spaces. She also offers an honest look into her personal journey, balancing her roles as a mother, researcher, and mentor.

Episode Highlights:  

04:36 - I was trying to merge my identities because the whole time I was in graduate school, I was actually trying to leave. I couldn’t figure out where I fit. My people weren’t the people in my cohort. I was part of a single-parent group that was mainly women of color.

07:10 - Community-engaged research is about equity. You meet with community partners, talk about their needs, and design a project together that you both own and have voice in. It takes real time to build those relationships.

15:50 - I always want to show gratitude to those who came before me, whose shoulders we stand on, and whose legacy we’re lucky to be a part of. But I also want to keep DEI initiatives alive despite the fear-mongering against them. It’s dangerous not to name that we’re striving for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Interview:

What’s the story you'd like to share with us today?

01:23 - I'd like to talk a little bit about how I started out and got here because in some ways the path is traditional, and in some ways it's not. I was a zoology major. I always liked animals, and that's what I thought I was going to do. But I was also a Chicano activist when I was in undergrad. It was a real duality of identities and bringing those together. How were they going to play out? Was I going to have to choose one or the other to go forward? Along the way, something else happened to me—I was a student parent. I had my son when I was a junior in college. Unlike many of my peers who were going out and doing things, I was a single parent taking care of a kid in a one-bedroom apartment, going to class. I remember eating to stay awake, those types of things. I had a professor at the time. My son was born in April, so I wasn’t done with finals yet. I had to tell most of my professors that I was pregnant and how I was going to plan to finish the semester. One professor told me, "If you're not in class, there's nothing I can do for you." So I gave birth on Sunday, and I was back in class on Thursday. Now I know more, but at the time, I was young, I didn’t have much mentorship, and I didn’t know what to do. Putting all of those things together shaped what I do now. I had basic training in stress biology in my PhD and combined it with my roots as a Chicana and my activism to look particularly at sociocultural stressors—things like racism and discrimination—and their effects on the Latinx population and pregnant women, and how those things change and program stress responsivity and biology. This has consequences for the intergenerational transmission of health disparities and mental health risk. I think finding that has really pushed my journey forward in a way that I’m not sure would have happened without all those things coming together.

Are you from Milwaukee?

03:38 - I'm not from Milwaukee; I'm from Michigan, actually. I got my PhD in Madison, but coming back was a decision after being a professor for 10 years in San Diego at Cal State San Marcos, which is in North County, San Diego. I'd been gone for about 15 years. I'm the only one in my family who really moved away, and my kids started to not be able to tell my sisters apart. That’s when I realized it was time to go home. My family now lives in Illinois, so Milwaukee got me close enough.

Zoology and Psychology? What are you working on now in terms of research?

04:12 - Interestingly, I’ve only ever taken one psychology course. I took Psych 101 my senior year as my last course. I’m not a psychology major at all, but I did behavioral neuroscience, using animal models to understand things like maternal behavior, which was the focus of my PhD. When I went to look for a job after my postdoc, I had transitioned from working with animal models because I was done with that at the time. I was trying to merge my identities throughout graduate school, but I struggled to figure out where I fit. My lab was great, but my people weren’t in my cohort. I was part of a single-parent group that was mainly women of color, and that group got me through. I still have those friends 20 years later; one of them lives five minutes from me, and we grew up together, as did our kids. That support sustained me throughout. When I moved to human studies, it felt like getting another PhD in three years. I didn’t know how to collect data from people who could actually tell me something. I wasn’t sure where I fit because I was no longer doing pure biology, but I also wasn’t trained as a developmental psychologist. Psychology departments, though, are broad, often including social, cognitive, and neuroscience areas. Behavioral work, like early primate studies on maternal neglect, has traditionally fit within psychology, biology, and physiology, so that’s how I ended up in a psychology department.

What are you working on now in terms of research?

06:02 - Currently, I’m working on several projects. One is a birth cohort study in California where we recruited about 400 women during early pregnancy and followed them until their children were six years old. We’ve been measuring discrimination, acculturative stress, mental health, and stress-related hormones like cortisol to understand how these factors influence infant emotional regulation at birth and beyond. Here in Milwaukee, I’ve become more interested in medical violence and obstetric racism during the perinatal period. We’ve partnered with community organizations like UCC and 16th Street to recruit women and reflect on their experiences with medical providers, doulas, and midwives. We’ve been examining how these experiences affect postpartum depression and cortisol levels to explore stress relationships. This work is community-based, meaning we approached the community with an idea and found partners, as opposed to community-engaged work, where you collaborate with key stakeholders to design a project equitably. In our community-engaged project, we’re working with UW-Milwaukee and St. Aldebert Church, one of the largest Spanish-speaking parishes in Milwaukee, to develop a community mental health program that could be disseminated to other institutions. These projects take a long time, and I’d say that only in the past year have these efforts started to take off. It’s all about relationships. I think about community-engaged research all the time because the community isn’t just a subject—they’re equal partners and beneficiaries of the work. It’s not about something you write up in a journal. I struggled with this for years. When I transitioned to human work, I wondered who was actually reading the research. So, we’ve been working on a mental health series to share these findings with the community. If it’s just sitting in a journal, what’s the impact it’s actually having? That’s the question I keep asking.

How has your identity informed the choices that you've made career-wise and otherwise?

09:15 - I think my identity has greatly informed what I do. Like I said, I was always trying to reconcile these two things, and I still struggle with it. Just because I’m a Chicana doesn’t mean I have to focus on that, right? I could have been a Chicana doing animal work, and that is needed too because the way questions are asked and answered is very different when there are diverse voices at the table. Sometimes I wonder if I should have stayed there, but for me, the satisfaction in my job and the impact I’m having comes from rolling my identity into my work, which has made it incredibly meaningful for me. I work with graduate students and undergrads, and we’re an entirely Spanish-speaking lab. We amplify the voices of students who have those lived experiences—about half of our lab is from Milwaukee, specifically the South Side. These students engage with their community, drawing on the resources and experiences they’ve had, and many have recruited participants from places they’ve lived, schools they attended, and community centers they’ve been a part of. Some students have said there’s no other space at Marquette where they can have this kind of discourse or cultural connection. Being a part of that with students who share my identity is a really powerful thing.

Where are you situated on Marquette? 

10:51 - We’re situated in Kramer for the most part, and we actually have what we call a dry lab and a wet lab. In the dry lab, we handle all of our surveys and related materials, while in the wet lab, we have the capability to process all of our own samples with centrifuges, freezers, and beakers. I have students working in both labs. My team includes students from biology, nursing, sociology, and psychology because the work we do spans many different disciplines.

Tell me about how the mural project has resonated for you and what's the impact?

11:28 - When I came to Marquette, I was looking at the different spaces, and I think the mural had such a large impact on me. Oftentimes, I’m not walking on that side of campus, but if I am, I make it a point to pass by the mural. I think it’s important for students to see themselves reflected, and honestly, for faculty like me to see ourselves reflected too—because there aren’t that many of us. We recently got an NSF grant for a project called Persist, which stands for Positionality, Empowerment, and Research in STEM. It’s a program for first- and second-year students of color in STEM, because we know that students of color often leave STEM after their first year. Research suggests this happens because there’s no discussion about race and ethnicity. STEM is often portrayed as neutral or colorblind, but that’s obviously not true because it doesn’t reflect the real world. These students often move to other majors that address those issues. The Persist program is an 18-month initiative that supports Black and Latinx students from their freshman year through the end of their sophomore year. When we started and introduced ourselves, the students said, "This is what we’ve been looking for. This is what we want—a space where we can gather and be together." For me and Blake Turner, another professor involved, it was just as exciting to see that space being created. Thinking about the mural and how it inspires these kinds of spaces at Marquette is impactful. It reminds us that we need to think about these things all the time. We need to be culturally auditing—not just the spaces but also the places—and the murals are such an inspiring representation of that.

What women of color have been inspirational for you?

13:23 - I think I’ll give a somewhat obvious answer and then some less obvious ones. So much of my Chicano identity was shaped by the Chicano movement. Dolores Huerta is obviously a huge influence. When I was really starting on this journey, she was someone we looked up to. I haven’t "met her, met her," but I did see her talk and shook her hand. We shared a space for a moment, and it was incredible to see how hard she worked alongside Cesar Chavez. She’s still doing the work—she’s a lifelong activist—and that’s what I hope to be. Beyond that, part of the reason it’s so important for me to create spaces like Persist and another program I run called URISE, which is for juniors and seniors, is because of the impact of a program I was part of at Michigan State called Charles Drew. Charles Drew was an African American doctor, and the program was entirely for Black and Latinx students. All the TAs, professors, and staff were also Black and Latinx. We lived in the dorms together, had smaller classes, and were cohorted. The woman who ran the program, Dorothy—I can’t remember her last name—made such an impact. But the most important person for me was a Biocalculus teacher. Coming into a university with 40,000 students, she got me through. Without that program, where I was primarily taught by Black women, I don’t think I would have made it.Now, when I think about my contemporaries and teach culturally validated pedagogy to faculty, I reflect on how I wasn’t taught about many pioneers. I didn’t necessarily have access to them, but that’s different now. When I think about guest speakers or the people I teach about, I’m uncovering historical women and teaching about them. But I’m also calling on people I know right now—like my friends Bianca, Fantasy, and Erica—to come and talk to my classes. I show students the women of color who are currently doing this work and succeeding. I think of these women constantly as sources of inspiration.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color, not only those coming behind you but those who have already sort of gone ahead of you but are looking back?

15:42 - I always want to show gratitude for those that came before us, whose shoulders we stand on and whose legacy we’re lucky to be a part of. For those coming up, things are changing so much, and it’s happening fast. I want to keep that change going amidst everything happening right now. The government has come out saying to back off of DEI initiatives. There was even a report saying the NSF was doing too many DEI initiatives. I have an NSF grant that is one of those initiatives. Blake Turner and I put in a five-million-dollar grant to fight systemic racism in STEM at Marquette. I’m not going to back off doing that work because it honors those who came before us and those who are going to come up behind us. I struggle with it sometimes because I know people are averse to conflict. For example, when people were

Valerie Wilson Reed, class of 1979, shares her extraordinary journey from a fresh-faced student at Marquette to a trailblazer in alumni engagement and mentorship. As a proud African-American woman, Valerie reflects on her roots, the impact of her upbringing, and her enduring connection to Marquette.

Over 30 years, she has dedicated herself to fostering inclusivity and empowering others, founding the Ethnic Alumni Association (now Black Alumni Association), publishing Black Marquette, and paving the way for future generations. She also shares her passion for cooking, weaving her southern Creole influences into her cookbooks and YouTube channel, Valcooks Kitchen.

Valerie's story is a testament to resilience, community, and the transformative power of mentorship. Her hope for the future is simple yet profound: for alumni of color to return and support the next generation, ensuring that their contributions create lasting change. Listen to Valerie’s inspiring story today!

Episode Highlights

06:24 - We called it Black Marquette, and inside it were stories. I didn't write anything other than the foreword, etc. But I invited everyone to send in their stories regarding their experience at Marquette. Some people had a great time, others had a difficult time, and some found it very difficult to even write about. But at the end, they were very happy that they did, because it's kind of like a release. And I think it also helped students who were currently going through those issues to realize that you will get past this and come back and change it.

08:06 - Looking at the faces of all the women reminded me that we all came here from somewhere else—unless you're Native American, we all have different stories. One thing that felt strange to me was why it’s on the back of the building instead of the front on Wisconsin Avenue, where everyone could see it and think, “Wow, everybody’s represented here.”

16:44 - The impact that I would like to have, especially for Marquette women of color, is for them to come back and help the young African-American female students that are here. If they don’t come back, everything I’ve been doing for the last 30 years is pretty much lost. If someone has imparted knowledge to you, it’s important to pass it on—that’s what our ancestors would have wanted. That's one of the things that I'm most interested in. Come back and help. We can’t do it alone.

Interview:

What stories are you going to share with us today, Val?

01:25 - I have a lot of them.

So, what would you like to share with us today?

01:5 - Well, I guess the most important thing is I'm a native of Tampa, Florida and I came up to Marquette's site on scene and I did not know that Marquette was going to be not just 4 years, but most of my life.

How do you identify, Val?

01:5 - I identify as a very proud African-American female.

So how’s that informed the choices that you’ve made in your life?

02:02- There’s a lot of things that are reflected when you’re outwardly an African-American female; you really don’t have a choice. Sometimes people expect you to act a certain way. All I know how to be is myself.

Tell us about this path that you’ve taken to get here from a fresh-faced freshman to owner and author.

02:27 - I wanted to go far away for college. My parents said I could go as far as my brother. He ended up going to Notre Dame. And so I got a map and a ruler, and I measured from Tampa to South Bend because I’m kind of the defiant one, and ended up in Milwaukee. I knew they loved Jesuit institutions—my brother had attended Jesuit schools—so I thought, oh, Marquette sounds good. They had a dental program, and at the time, I made them believe I wanted to study dentistry. I mentioned their dental school and everything, so I ended up at Marquette. During my first semester, I met Dr. Shuter and took one of his interpersonal communications classes, and I was sold. That started not just a teacher-student relationship but a lifelong friendship. Years later, he and his wife became close friends with my husband and me, and we stayed connected until his passing a few years ago.

What are some of the ways in which you’ve given back to Marquette?

03:31 - It’s been 30 years—I initially thought 26, but it’s been longer. Father Raynor, a mentor of mine, stayed in contact with me after college. I often talked with him about Marquette, sharing my experiences and observations, including the lack of representation in the literature and newsletters sent to prospective students. One day, he told me, “Val, instead of telling me about it, how about you come back and volunteer and you tell them about it? They'll kinda listen to you just more than they will listen to me.” That led me to Dean Elliott, who encouraged me to join the College of Communications board. Around the same time, my classmate Douglas Kelly approached me about starting a Black Alumni Association, initially called the Ethnic Alumni Association. I became a founding member, served as president, and eventually joined the national board, becoming its first Black female president. I traveled nationwide, meeting alumni of all races and encouraging them to reconnect with campus. During this time, I realized many accomplishments of African-American students hadn’t been recognized in class notes. We called it Black Marquette, and inside it were stories. I didn't write anything other than the foreword, etc. But I invited everyone to send in their stories regarding their experience at Marquette. Some were great, some people had a great time, others had a difficult time, and some found it very difficult to even write about. But at the end, they were very happy that they did, because it's kind of like a release. And I think it also helped students who were currently going through those issues to realize that you will get past this and come back and change it.

The Ethnic Alumni Association, what was the charge there? What were you hoping to accomplish?

07:07- We aimed to engage more African-American alumni to return to the university. At many events, I noticed the lack of people of color and often asked, “Why weren't you at that event?” The response was usually, “Well, you know, I didn't think I was gonna be feel comfortable or feel welcome, etcetera.” My reply was, “You’ll never know unless you come.” Gradually, more alumni started attending. When we launched the alumni association, we organized galas that encouraged more participation. Once they came back, they saw all the differences that had been happening on campus. And some of them decided to come back and volunteer and do other things.

How has that mural resonated for you?

07:56 - I went past it again today. I wanted to take it all in and forgot how big it is on campus. Looking at the faces of all the women reminded me that we all came here from somewhere else—unless you're Native American, we all have different stories. One thing that felt strange to me was why it’s on the back of the building instead of the front on Wisconsin Avenue, where everyone could see it and think, “Wow, everybody’s represented here.” When I mentioned this podcast to someone, they asked, “Mural? What mural?” I told them it’s the one behind, near Schroeder, and they said, “I never saw it.” I’m glad this podcast is helping to promote it because it’s beautiful.

What has been Marquette’s impact on the lives of women of color, do you think or do you feel?

09:08 - I know it has had a great impact on me. I’ve recruited quite a few African-American women to campus. Some had great experiences, while others faced challenges, but they finished and made it through. As a Catholic Jesuit institution, I believe they’re proud to hold degrees from Marquette because it opens doors. People don’t always realize it’s not just about what you go through but how you finish. Having a Marquette University degree means something—not just to employers, but also to alumni when they see each other out in the world.

What other women of color have served as inspiration and models for you?

11:10 - My mother is 95. She always embodied strength to me. She’s always embodied strength to me—the kind of strength that never gives up. She taught me to fight for your children, your rights, and to stand up for what’s right. Both my parents were involved in the civil rights movement, and they believed in staying and fighting rather than leaving. That remarkable strength from my mother, along with my dad, has always been inspiring. As for women, my mother stands out the most. Believe it or not, my deceased mother-in-law was also very wise. I often reflect on things she told me—things even my husband doesn’t know about. My grandmother was equally wise, teaching me lessons I carry with me. So, the three women closest to me and who have influenced me deeply are my mother, my grandmother, and my late mother-in-law.

What have you passed on to your daughter, Francesca?

12:24 - She did go to Marquette. I instilled in her that go-getter spirit. While she was at Marquette, she served as the president—well, general manager—of the television station there and was very involved in the College of Communications. I’ve always taught her to stand up and fight for herself and that there’s nothing she can’t accomplish if she puts her mind to it. That’s just the backbone we have. I’m very proud of her, and she’s doing quite well for herself.

How do you understand and practice wellness?

13:10 - For me, I pretty much take that on my own. While people often say I’m very outgoing, I truly value taking time for myself to reflect on what I want to focus on. Prayer plays a big role for me; even if I’m not at church all the time, I’m a prayerful person, and I believe prayer always helps. I do try to meditate and just believe in taking good care of myself. I focus on eating right, enjoy spa days, and stay grounded in my religion.

Are you Catholic?

13:50 - Yes, I am. Several generations.

Valcooks, why don't you talk a little bit about that?

13:56 - Valcooks is an entertainment cooking platform I started years ago. A former Marquette classmate once said, "Oh, Val, you're always cooking—Valcooks," and I decided to embrace that as my moniker. Over the years, I’ve built on it, starting with hostess aprons that even made it to the Home Shopping Network. Later, I began creating cookbooks and just released my second one. I worked on it during COVID, at the same time I was writing The Black Marquette book, so I stayed very busy during that time. It has a Southern flair with a Creole spin, inspired by recipes I’ve collected from my travels around the world. I love all kinds of food and decided to put a collection together. To make the cookbook more interactive, I added a QR code—an idea I discussed with Dr. Shuter during our last conversation before he passed. He said, “Val, that’s a great idea. You’ve got to do it.” So I did, and now the cookbook works hand in hand with my YouTube channel, Valcook’s Kitchen.

What about some of the lessons that you’ve learned from women of color about self-care, wellness, and healing?

15:52 - I’ve had many strong Black women in my past, including my grandmother and other ancestors. I like to think I still draw strength from them, even those who are no longer here. I feel supported by their presence, as if they’re always with me. My mother is still here, and I’m able to draw on her wisdom while I have her. I always feel surrounded by the spirit of my ancestors. Even when I cook, I think of them. I ask myself, “Is that enough? Is that too much? How would you like this? You would love this meal.” When I'm cooking, I'm always thinking of them.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color?

16:42 - The impact I hope to have, especially for Marquette women of color, is to encourage them to come back and support the young African-American female students currently on campus. If they don’t come back, everything I’ve worked on for the past 30 years will be lost. When someone imparts knowledge to you, it’s important to pass it on—that’s what our ancestors would have wanted. This is something I feel strongly about: come back and help. We can’t do it alone. I’ve done my 30 years, and it’s time for the younger generation to step in. Some have come back, but it’s not enough. Regardless of whether your experience at Marquette was good or bad, come back and and help change it.

What are your hopes for the future?

17:41 - For my future, I plan to spend time with my grandson, Anthony, watching him grow into a wonderful young man—hopefully, one day attending Marquette when it’s time for college. As for me, I’m ready to step back and hand over the reins to others. It’s time for new people, new ideas, and fresh energy to come in and support African American students or just students in general. When you impact someone, it's going to affect everyone. If people come back and make a difference in the lives of those they want to impact, it can change the entire system at Marquette.

Is there a particular hope you have for Marquette's future?

18:26 - I think Marquette's future is bright. We have people at Marquette doing great things. Losing President Lovell was hard, but Dr. Ayun, the acting president, is doing a great job. The students love him, which is key since they’ll eventually become alumni. I hope to see increased enrollment of students of color from all backgrounds, just like the diversity represented in the mural. It’s important for students to see themselves reflected here. One story from the book really struck me—someone shared they went through four years at Marquette without making a single white friend. I was so puzzled that I started asking others, and some said the same. That points to an issue at Marquette. There needs to be more effort to ensure students meet and learn about each other. It has to go beyond programs or specific floors. When you leave Marquette, you’ll work with people from all walks of life, and you need

Sheena Carey welcomes Aki Alvarez, a 4th-year International Business and Information Systems major, in a discussion about the intricacies of identity and belonging. This episode will challenge your understanding of intersectionality and highlight the significance of representation and acceptance in educational spaces and beyond.

As a biracial, pansexual, and gender-fluid individual, Aki shares her challenges of navigating multiple identities and how her experiences at Marquette helped her build a sense of belonging. She speaks candidly about finding community, both at Marquette and abroad in England, and how these experiences have shaped her understanding of who she is.

Ever felt the pressure to "prove" your identity to others? Discover how Aki navigates this complexity and the strategies they use to maintain authenticity and self-worth.

Episode Highlights

09:03 - I feel like I've gotten to be more of a leader and I feel a little more appreciated because of all the different projects, groups, and clubs I've been a part of. I feel like it allows me these avenues to explore myself, but also to find a little bit of purpose. I've done some LGBTQ protests and found community in LGBTQ or POC spaces, which kind of validate me as well. Being active in those communities gives me purpose, but also makes me feel valid. I don't need to prove that I'm POC enough or trans enough or gay enough—it's validating. So, I think it really helps with my self-worth and whatnot.

16:19 - The world is a bit chaotic at the moment, especially American politics. I really hope it goes in a better direction for the majority of people. It seems like it's moving forward a little, then backwards a lot, and then forward a little, backwards a lot. So I hope things become easier for people of color and LGBTQ people in general. I really hope that, in a sense, something gets done properly.

18:13 - I wanted to talk about identity in a sentence, because I really did struggle with that. But I want people to take away that you don't have to prove your identity. If you're POC, if you're a woman, if you're LGBTQ in any capacity, you don't need to prove that you are those things. You can just say you are, and you shouldn't feel the need to prove it.

Interview

What is that story?

01:33 - I have many different identities. I’m pansexual, I’m under the trans umbrella, so I’m gender-fluid. I’m also biracial—I’m white and Filipino. I wanted to talk about how having these clashing or mixed identities can be a struggle.

How would you describe the path you're on right now and your journey overall?

02:24 - I still don’t 100% know exactly who I am in every aspect. Identity evolves with what you learn and go through. Ten years ago, I wouldn’t have identified as LGBTQ, but with time and experience, I’ve started to better understand who I am and that has guided me in what I want to do.

Where are you originally from?

03:22 - I’m originally from a really small town in Oregon called Myrtle Point. People have probably never heard of it, but it’s really out in the middle of nowhere.

In what ways does the theme of the mural project resonate for you? How does it speak to you?

03:48 - When I toured Marquette, the mural was still being painted, but it was mostly done. I thought it was really neat to see because I came from a place with very little diversity—there were only three Asians, and two of them were my brother and me. Seeing more diversity so visibly displayed was really cool for me. I didn’t want to go to university in Oregon because I wanted to experience newer people and more diversity. In Oregon, there aren’t many international students or people from all over America at the universities. I wanted something like Marquette, in the middle of a big city, where I could meet all sorts of people from around the world. Seeing the mural reassured me that I would get what I was looking for.

Do you feel you've gotten what you were looking for?

05:38 - Yeah. I was able to build a pretty good sense of community at Marquette. I met a lot of people in the LGBTQ community, which helped me figure out who I was. I also met international students from all over, and that helped me understand more about where I belong.

How are you experiencing yourself being in England?

06:25 - I wanted to study abroad to get more experiences, meet new people, and experience different cultures. I really wanted to understand what it would be like to go to university in England. I’m having a fairly similar experience to what I had at Marquette. But being an American in England is interesting because people often ask, 'Oh, so are you American?' It’s a bit weird to have people point that out. I sometimes think about saying I’m Canadian since they can’t really tell the difference, but I usually just say I’m American.

What has been Marquette's impact on the lives of women of color?

07:59 - From what I’ve seen, it’s gotten a bit better. They definitely provide more opportunities for younger women of color, especially through clubs and student organizations. These spaces allow people to build a community, take on leadership roles, and organize things. I think that’s a pretty nice opportunity that Marquette offers.

What are some ways that Marquette has impacted your sense of self-worth?

09:01 - I feel like I’ve been able to become more of a leader and feel appreciated. Being part of different projects, groups, and clubs has given me purpose. I’ve participated in LGBTQ protests and found community in both LGBTQ and POC spaces. It validates me and makes me feel like I don’t need to prove I’m "POC enough, trans enough, or gay enough." So, I think it really helps with my self-worth and whatnot.

Are there some women of color that have served as inspiration for you?

10:33 - I would say I had three, but I can only remember two right now. I grew up watching Zendaya and Selena Gomez. They really inspired me because I kind of wanted to be an actor when I was younger, but I didn’t pursue that. I just thought it was really neat that they had the opportunity. Zendaya, especially, has built a really big career, and she’s in a lot of my favorite movies, like Dune.

Did you see Malcolm and Marie? She was in that.

11:36 - Yeah. She’s been in a lot of really cool things recently, like Spider-Man and whatnot. It’s really neat to see someone I looked up to when I was younger being in things that I love and still really like.

Is there something about the way they’re navigating their worlds that speaks to you?

12:01 - Yeah, I identified with Zendaya because one of her parents is white and one is Black, which is similar to my family. I remember seeing her talk about that when I was younger, and it resonated with me. It was neat to see her struggle with the idea of having two sides.

What are some of the ways that you've experienced these feelings, thoughts, and actions? In other words, how do you take care of yourself? What's your approach or your orientation toward healing and wellness?

13:32 - I try to stop doing classwork and worrying about things after a certain time and just clear my head. I don’t think it’s healthy to stress all the time. I also do Tai Chi, which is like yoga and meditation combined. It’s a nice way to relax, though I haven’t done it much while I’ve been in England.

What impact do you hope to have on other women of color?

14:56 - I hope I can inspire people to be more confident and set boundaries. Friends have told me that I inspire them to be more confident. Just by being myself and believing in myself, I hope others feel inspired to be themselves too.

Just simply by being, right?

15:55 - Yeah. Just by being myself and not caring too much about what other people think, I hope it inspires others to be themselves.

What are your hopes for the future--your future, Marquette's future, and the future of other women of color?

16:17 - The world is chaotic right now, especially with American politics. I hope things go in a better direction, particularly for people of color and LGBTQ people. I hope things get easier for them in the future.

Is there a role you'd like to play in that?

17:07 - When I was in America, I did some activism, like little protests. But it can feel a bit hopeless at times. I think there needs to be a really established group of people if real change is going to happen. I would do it, but I don’t have the resources for that. I don’t have the time or the money, but I hope someone does organize something like that.

What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?

18:12 - I really wanted to talk about identity because I struggled with it. But what I want people to take away is that you don’t have to prove your identity. If you’re a person of color, a woman, or part of the LGBTQ community, you don’t need to prove that you are those things. You can just say you are, and that should be enough. I felt like I had to prove my identity in many parts of my life, but I want others to know they don’t have to justify who they are.

Did you have to sort of explain why you are here?

19:12 - Yeah. In some sense, it feels like you have to prove to other people that you are the way you are. You have to be like, "Yeah, this is who I am,"' and keep trying to convince others to believe you. But I don’t think you need other people to believe you. You should just be able to say who you are, and it should be accepted.

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

Chief Edith Hudson, head of the Marquette University Police Department, shares her powerful story of resilience, faith, and leadership. As the eldest child of hardworking parents, Edith faced many challenges, but a pivotal moment came when a colleague questioned her ability to succeed in law enforcement. That doubt fueled her determination, leading to a successful 25-year career.

Edith reflects on how her identity as a Black woman and her deep faith in God have shaped her compassionate, community-focused approach to policing. She talks about Ignatian-inspired policing, where recognizing God in everyone guides her to treat people with dignity and respect.

Edith also highlights the importance of self-care, through practices like silence and forgiveness, and hopes to encourage more women of color to enter law enforcement and drive meaningful change from within. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and insights that could reshape your perspective on leadership and community policing.

Episode Highlights

03:00 - I have many layers to my identity, as many women do. But I think my faith, my relationship with God, and my adoration and love for Jesus are really the foundation of my identity. I identify as Black, African American, because that’s what this country defines me as. I also identify as a woman, with many layers—mother, friend, and my work is another layer. I think responsibility for many people is also part of those layers. But my faith in God is truly the foundation of who I am and what I enjoy most about my identity.

09:13 - One of the things that was really appealing to me about Marquette's police department was that it was new and different. I refer to it as Ignatian-inspired policing, and I believe that existed before I came there. Being a student and immersed in the spiritual exercises has really helped me understand that God truly is in everything. He is in all people, and if we take the time to look for God in everyone, we treat others differently. The individuals who come to us—whether they are homeless, in the midst of a mental health crisis, or struggling with drug addiction—they're God's children too. They need respect, to be treated fairly, and to be seen. In my opinion, if we don't subscribe to the Ignatian values that our university stands on, then we're not doing our community the service they deserve.

21:13 - My hope for the future is that women of color realize the exercises are for you too. There's no specific group of people the exercises are made for; it's not just for Catholic women or Catholic men. The exercises are for everyone, and there's something freeing in them. My hope is that more women of color will take advantage of the exercises and receive that free gift that God gives us

Interview

What is your story?

01:28 - My story, I think, is very much like many of the stories of women that we see, not only at Marquette, but across the city of Milwaukee and across the country. I didn’t find my current job, my current vocation, until some things happened in life that really weren’t the easiest of things. So I can't say it was an easy journey, but it truly has been a very fulfilling journey. Hopefully, it's a story that will help other women. I had the privilege of being the child of two very hard workers who came up through Mississippi and ended up in Gary, Indiana. We moved around a little, and we ended up here in Milwaukee. Along the way, we really experienced the highs and lows of life, but through faith, family, and love, we made it to a good place.

How do you identify?

03:00 - I have many layers to my identity, as many women do. But I think my faith, my relationship with God, my adoration, and my love for Jesus is really the foundation of my identity. I identify as Black African-American because that’s the construct this country uses. I also identify as a woman. There are many layers—mother, friend, and work is one of those layers. Responsibility for many people is another part of my identity. But my faith in God really is the foundation of who I am and what I enjoy most about my identity.

How did you get on your path?

4:06 - Life has been pretty challenging at times. I was married very young—I got married when I was 18. On my journey, my ex-husband worked for the police department, and one day, he and his partner came by for lunch. His partner made a comment about how the police department was hiring and that they were looking for new people. He said, "I think you’d be great at it," but then he laughed, implying it wasn’t a job I could do. That stirred a "holy anger" within me. Not only did I apply, but even though I failed the first time around, I persisted. I became a police officer and ended up, through 25 years of law enforcement in Milwaukee, becoming an Assistant Chief of the Police Department. I think being told I wasn’t good enough really made me want it more, and I didn’t even know I wanted it.

How have these various layers of identity informed the choices that you've made in life?

05:29 - I am the oldest child. I’m a first-generation child, so there’s always a responsibility that comes with being the first generation. Because of that responsibility, I’ve always thrived in positions of authority, or positions where I’m responsible for helping and caring for others. It’s something I enjoy doing, and I feel grateful for being placed in those roles.

In what way does the theme of the mural project resonate for you?

06:31 - I love the fact that the roots are clearly displayed because we’re all tied together. We all need one another in the community, and that connectedness helps us all to achieve. No single one of us can accomplish anything great on our own. We need to be connected to one another, and I love the way the mural shows that.

What have you seen or felt to be Marquette's impact on women of color?

07:13 - Marquette can be a challenging place at times for women of color. Sometimes, it appears that we’re not at the table, and who knows the reasoning behind that. Sometimes there’s a feeling that you’re not fully supported, but I’m very thankful for the community of women of color at Marquette, and others as well, who provide support. From my perspective, they’ve helped us succeed.

What are some of the ways in which Marquette has influenced your sense of self-worth?

08:13 - The greatest gift that Marquette has given me has been the spiritual exercises. I didn’t know about Saint Ignatius and the spiritual exercises, nor did I fully understand Ignatian spirituality until I came to Marquette and had the opportunity to experience it. I wasn’t just exposed to it—I was immersed in it. It impacted me so much that I took classes, and now I provide spiritual direction and accompaniment through the spiritual exercises. It had a life-changing and truly profound influence on me.

How has it connected to, or how has it influenced the way in which you police at Marquette and lead at Marquette?

09:15 - One of the things that appealed to me about Marquette's police department was that it was new and different. I refer to it as Ignatian-inspired policing. Being a student immersed in the spiritual exercises helped me realize that God is truly in everything and in all people. When you take the time to look for God in all people, you treat them differently. The individuals who come to us—whether they’re homeless, in the midst of mental illness, or dealing with addiction—are God's children too. They need respect, to be treated fairly, and to be seen. If we don't subscribe to the Ignatian values that our university stands on, then we’re not doing the community the service it deserves.

Is that approach to policing only possible at a place like Marquette, or can it be useful in other departments?

11:45 - I think it can be used anywhere, and I think in many police departments, it already is. It’s about seeing others’ humanity, treating them with dignity and respect, and helping them, not just with a band-aid solution, but by truly understanding what they need. It’s what our community demands of us. Some police officers already do this, and others can learn to.

Is there a way that all of those elements can work together and still flow out of Ignatian spirituality?

12:55 - Well, absolutely, because we are all part of the same community. There’s no 'police community' and then 'everybody else.' We are all part of the same community. So we all have to work together in order to make our country and our world a better place. If we don’t do that, then we end up with what we have now.

Who are some of the women who have inspired you?

13:22 - I have the privilege of sitting across the table from one. Sheena, I’ve always admired seeing you in many spaces, but especially in situations where there are only a couple of people of color in the room. You bring truth to whatever conversation is going on, and you don’t water it down. You don’t shrink, and you don’t hide your light for the sake of potentially harming someone else’s feelings, and I really love that. Another person is Janice Welburn, and I love Janice. I really do miss her. During my early years, she was instrumental in helping me navigate Marquette and understand where the university needed me. That was greatly helpful. The last person I’ll mention is Sister Anne Arabome. Sister Anne was absolutely wonderful. She definitely saw me. She introduced me to the spiritual exercises, and I’m forever grateful to her for seeing the potential in me and how I could help others through the exercises.

How do you understand, experience, or practice wellness and healing within our current times, spaces, and based on what you need?

15:18 - Faith has really sustained me and continues to do so. It’s hard work—not only serving our community and seeing what our people need, but also leading the people who are out there serving. It can be very stressful at times, and faith has been my anchor. There are various things I do for wellness. Sitting in silence, practicing solitude, is very helpful for me. Some may wonder how being in silence, void of anything, can help, but there’s so much creativity that comes from it—thoughts about things I should do. Silence is instrumental in my discernment process. I try not to make any major decisions that will impact others without spending time in silence. It gives me space to hear the Spirit and receive guidance. I also work hard at forgiveness, not just for others, but for myself. If I can make it through a day without making more than one mistake, it’s been a good day. Forgiveness is key because sitting in unforgiveness darkens everything and makes it hard to move forward and make decisions.

Is there something particular that women of color bring to this idea of self-care, self-healing, and wellness?

17:41 - I think that sometimes we find it difficult because we are always taking care of other people. We find it challenging to take care of ourselves. There’s something about our resourcefulness—we figure out what we need and give ourselves space for that. And that’s part of self-care. No one else's self-care program works for everyone. You have to find your own self-care, and being resourceful is key. I think we manage to find self-care in many ways, and it looks different from person to person. For me, self-care is about forgiveness and silence.

When was the first time you gave yourself permission to take care of yourself?

18:51- I think the spiritual exercises helped me understand the need for self-care. I was responsible for many things, always moving, and if you're not paying attention constantly, you can miss something. I didn’t want to miss anything. Through reflection, I realized that I don’t need to do everything for everybody. I have my assignment—this thing that I’m supposed to do—and as long as I do that well, I don’t have to worry about other things that aren’t meant for me to handle. We, as women, need to understand that we’re not meant to take care of every problem. We’re only meant to handle certain things. Figure out what you need to focus on and don’t burden yourself with everything else, because it will weigh you down and break you.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color, both on Marquette's campus and beyond?

20:31 - I hope other women see that law enforcement could be an opportunity for them because I’m not going to do this forever. We can’t fix what we see as broken if we’re on the outside. You need someone inside, who understands the system, to make change. It’s my hope that some women will be inspired to create change through law enforcement. I also hope women of color realize that the spiritual exercises are for them too, not just for Catholic women or men. There’s something freeing in the exercises, and I hope more women of color take advantage of that gift.

What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?

22:12 - I would like our community to know that I come to my work with my full heart. I love our community, and I love what I do. I find joy in providing care and support for our community, especially in times when they need something extra. I also want people to know that if I can do this, so can they. I didn’t start out thinking I would one day be a chief of a police department, but here I am. I hope my story shows that through silence, through forgiveness, the Spirit can take you to places you never imagined. You can find a sense of fulfillment in your life that words can't describe. I’m very fortunate to have experienced that.

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

Dr. Abiola Keller is an associate professor who has dedicated her career to advancing health equity and promoting diversity in education. A Nigerian American, her work at Marquette University bridges her cultural heritage with her passion for mentorship and advocacy for women of color. Her academic prowess and commitment to inclusion make her an inspiring figure who is shaping the future of healthcare and academic leadership.

We navigate the journey of Dr. Abiola Keller, an influential associate professor at Marquette University's College of Nursing. Dr. Keller, with her Nigerian American identity, illuminates the challenges and triumphs of pursuing excellence in academia. She discusses the impact of visibility for women of color within the academic sphere, the significance of mentorship, and the importance of community and self-care. Join us as we uncover how individual investment, mentorship, and cultural values shape the pursuit of health equity in Milwaukee.

Episode Highlights

09:18 - I had a space where people saw me for who I was, not just the color of my skin. But it also connected me to faculty and staff who were committed to my transformation and my ability to achieve my dreams.

16:12 - He was making investments in people to come back and stay in Milwaukee and make change. And that's when I think about my decisions, that's what I think about is, you know, someone believed in me so much that they funded my education because they knew that I could make a difference.

21:04 -  I think in academia, to be a woman of color and to succeed, you need that grace and that poise because there are some days when the response you want to give is not the responsible advance the agenda or the conversation.

23:22 - We are fighting while you were here because we want you to walk across that stage because your power increases exponentially when you are an alum of this institution.

Interview

What drove you to return to Milwaukee and focus your efforts on health equity?

01:30 - It was important for me to come back and contribute to the city that had invested in me. Through my work, I want to ensure that health equity isn't just an idea, but a reality we're actively building

Can you speak to the importance of visibility and role models for women of color in your field

05:45 - Seeing people who look like me in positions of influence helped me visualize my own path. It's crucial that women of color have those examples to aspire to.

What strategies do you use to inspire your students and navigate challenges

09:17 - I encourage them to rise above obstacles by focusing on their well-being and practicing resilience. It's about equipping them with the tools to succeed both academically and personally.

How has your Nigerian heritage influenced your perspective on education and success?

12:52 - My heritage instilled a strong sense of possibility and expectations. It shaped how I approach challenges and seize opportunities.

What's next for you in your mission to integrate the community with Marquette University

15:26 - I'm working towards creating a space where the community doesn't just feel welcome but also seen and heard, a true reflection of the diverse voices and experiences we value

Contact Information:

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

In this episode, we are joined by JohnRae' Stowers, the associate director of EOP Student Support Services, to share her inspiring story. JohnRae' reflects on her upbringing as the youngest of three, raised by her single mother in East St. Louis.

She highlights the pivotal role her mother played in emphasizing the importance of education and paving the way for her success. JohnRae' discusses her deep-rooted connection to her identity as a black woman and the influence of strong female figures in her life.

She also delves into the impact of the Our Roots Say That We're Sisters mural project and her hopes for the future, both for herself and for the community. Join us as we uncover JohnRae's powerful journey and the meaningful impact she continues to create in the lives of others.

Episode Highlights:

03:00 - Pathways in Education: "My first job, I was in 7th grade working as a tutor at Silver Spring Neighborhood Center. And so that kinda created the foundation of, like, my love for people, education, how do I, you know, get young people to work together and connect and have fun while learning?"

06:36 - Empowerment Through Sisterhood: "When I say that you're my sister, that means I have a responsibility to you to make sure you are okay, that your needs are met."

10:18 - The Importance of Support Networks: "Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children. I have a wonderful circle of friends that are adamant about showing me that I'm I got you.

Interview

What's the story you want to share with us today?  

01:21 - When asked that question, I'm thinking, like, what story do I share? I have so many. You know, it brought me back to, like, my mom, who has been a significant influence in my life.

So how how has, your identity as a a black woman really informed the choices that you've been making?

05:18 - Raised by a black woman. So, I, like I said, watched my mom go through things, hard things, easy things, fun things, sad things. My faith has been a cornerstone, guiding my actions and interactions with others.

How has the mural project resonated for you?  

06:30 - The mural project just made me think about my mom, who passed away in 2014, and the impact she had on my life. It triggered the creation of the Divas Branch, a support network focused on empowering women, which has brought healing and resilience.

What would you say has been Marquette's impact on women of color?  

08:26 - I think I think Marquette tries really, really hard. I think that women of color on Marquette's campus must be intentional about connecting with each other. I don't think that it's going to naturally just happen. Right? We may work in the same office and we connect that way, but across campus, I think that we have to be intentional about bringing each other together.

Other than your mother, who are some of the other women who have been inspirational for you?  

09:47 - Hands down, Bridgette Johnson, my college recruiter, had a significant impact, guiding me through college and helping me navigate various challenges. Her influence and the support of other strong women have been instrumental in shaping my journey.

This the forum for this year, the theme has has been revolving around ideas of self care and wellness, balance, healing. What are some of the things that you do? ?  

11:36 - I am a crybaby. I think that's how I release. Like, when I feel like, what do we call it? An empath? Like, when I feel, I feel. And so I'm gonna cry. I'm gonna, you know? But for self care, I love silence. I love, like, getting away.

What are some other things that women of color have done in support of you during your healing?  

12:48 - Just showing up when they know that I have things that they can support. So in that I think that was that for me was huge. Like, who's gonna show up when I need somebody to be there, whether it's an event that I'm hosting, an event where I'm speaking at, or if I'm sick or need help with my children.

What impact do you hope to have on women of color? Those who are coming behind you, those who've maybe gone before you but are looking back?

13:40 - I truly hope I inspire them to do it. I truly hope I inspire them, 1st and foremost, But let's just do it. Because if you think about it too much, you will think yourself right out of doing it. And so I hope that women see me out here being, you know, just a good person, a good spirit, a good energy that they wanna be around, that they see, like, if it's something that they won't, go get it, and that they can lean in and depend on women.

What are your hopes for the future? Not only, for yourself and for the babies that you're taking care of, both those that are yours and those that are others, and, the future of Marquette.

14:38 - I give out scholarships. And, my my dream is to give out more and to be, like, an emergency funding spot when students are are in a jam or they..... need fees .... I do have a legacy foundation in honor of my mom. And so my hope is to build that so that I can do more in the community.

Contact Information:

JohnRae' Stowers

LinkedIn

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

Sheena Carey explores the inspiring journey of Fatima Jimenez Gonzalez, a vibrant Latina, a Dreamer, and a first-generation immigrant. Fatima opens up about her challenges, her hopes, and her dreams for the future.

As she prepares to embark on her teaching career, hear her discuss her concerns about the profession and her hopes for herself and for Marquette. Feel the strength and determination in her voice as she speaks up for herself and other Dreamers.

Remember, this is not just a story. It's a testament to the beautiful diversity of our community. Tune in to feel inspired, challenged, and hopeful all at once.

Episode Highlights:

04:30 - We've been doing a lot of advocacy in terms of really making our presence known on campus and teaching other people. You'd be surprised. A lot of people don't know what a Dreamer is. They don't know what DACA is. They barely know what undocumented means, which is really ridiculous in this day and age. But we've been able to really educate our Marquette community and just overall feel like more people see us.

13:55 - I hope that other people realize that your silence isn't going to protect you. And so, you might as well say what you want and you might as well speak up for yourself. Say what makes you uncomfortable, what's happening, and try to seek help in that way, if that makes sense.

16:36 - I think it's important for them to realize everybody's story is different, and everybody's story is unique, and everybody's story is important. And so, I would like to say that I know my story is important, and I know that my story is meaningful, and I hope that they find some truth in that as well.

Interview

What aspects of that story do you want to share with us today?

01:30 - I'm here to represent not just first-generation students, Latinas, but most importantly, my story as an undocumented immigrant, and how I've been able to persevere as a dreamer, not only in college, but in life in general.

06:16 - We started the pitch by stating a lot of the things that undocumented immigrants can't do, so we had one person pop up and say, "Undocumented immigrants can't do this," and then someone else stood up, "and they can't do this." And so, I think it really opened the eyes of everyone in the crowd.

Where do you come from? Are you a Milwaukee native?

01:47 - I've grown up in Milwaukee, pretty much lived here my entire life, but I was born in Mexico. I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. And I came over here just under the age of two, but I've lived in Milwaukee, grown up here, gone to school here, worked here.

How did you get on this path?

02:20 - Everyone who is older than me was or is also undocumented or now documented. And so, I've been able to see them persevere through their status. And also my parents have always been very pro education. And so, my path has always been through education. And I think that's why I have fallen into the education field in terms of what I want to do in the future as well.

What are some of the challenges you've faced being an undocumented individual in Milwaukee, especially at Marquette?

02:59 - A lot of the challenges I face include not being able to apply to certain programs, especially within the education field. A lot of those require you to either be a citizen or have some type of like federal documentation.

You've created some programs, some opportunities for other folks like yourself. Talk a little bit about those.

04:01 -At Marquette, we started the first official Dreamers Group, and so we're called Marquette Dreamers. So, it's a group of students who welcome not just undocumented students, but anyone with DACA, anyone that comes from mixed status families or anyone that wants to be an ally to our community.

What was the program you started for undocumented students who couldn't participate in, say, paid internship programs?

05:14 - We pitched through the social impact track and we really wanted to find a way to give the students who identify like us, but are still at more of a disadvantage because they don't have DACA, to be able to receive professional work experiences, and really get a taste for what their life could be if they didn't have this obstacle of getting a work permit, just to kind of keep them encouraged.

At this point, no one's been placed in programs?

06:46 - No. We're hoping to pilot the program by the summertime.

What ways has the mural project resonated for you?

07:20 - It tries to highlight the stories of women who are systematically made invisible. And I think, not only as a Latina, but especially as an undocumented person, our community is often made invisible. And I think people often forget what it's like to live as someone who doesn't have papers or who is undocumented. And so, I think that's one of the main things that resonates with me in terms of this project of really just making our voice be heard and having people see us.

What's been Marquette's impact on the lives of women of color on this campus?

08:26 - I would say Marquette does offer a lot of opportunities for women to take charge and be leaders. It's a little harder for me to identify. I went to an all girls schools for middle school and high school. And so, I've always been in a mentality of like women can do anything and women take charge because that's what I've experienced.

What women of color have served as inspirations for you?

09:22 - I would say my mom is my biggest inspiration. I mean, like I said, she's a mother of eight, immigrated. She's really prospered in this country and has been able to give us a beautiful life despite all the challenges that have been thrown in her face.

09:51 - All the professors I've had who are people of color have always been my favorite, and I think it's because it's easier for me to identify with them. And so, I definitely see myself in them, specifically because I want to enter the education field.

How do you understand or experience or practice wellness and healing?

10:33 - I'd say my biggest way of taking care of myself and my mental health is really talking about things. And so, it's funny to me saying that because I'm a big chatterbox. I'm a very loud person. I like to talk but that's also the way that I let things out and vent.

What do you do though to take care of yourself? What are some of the things that you do that rejuvenate you, re-energize you, and give you an opportunity to decompress?

11:46 - I like to be more myself a lot. So, taking time to step away from everyone and everything to just kind of center myself and really get into a mentality of like, "Okay, how am I actually feeling? What do I want to come out of this?" Just taking time to reflect. So, I think reflecting is one of the ways that I like to take care of myself.

Are you pretty regular at doing that or do you have to remind yourself, or do you get to the brink and go, "Oh, wait a minute, I need to do something?"

12:22 - I definitely don't do it as often as I should. I'm a person that likes to keep busy and also I like to take on a lot of responsibility just because I like to help. I want to do as much as possible so I'm always going to say, "Yes I can help with this. I can do that." And so, sometimes it becomes very overwhelming.

What impact do you hope to have on other women of color, those who are following behind you, those you might meet, and those maybe who have already gone on ahead, but kind of need a little support?

13:29 - I think what I would most like to inspire other people to do is to really speak their mind and not be afraid to stand up for themselves. And I know especially as a woman, as a Latina, as a first-generation immigrant, it's something that's really difficult for most of us.

What are your hopes for the future? Not only your own, but Marquette, and for the community, and communities that you're working with and that you're a part of?

14:21 - In terms of Marquette, I really hope that they do a better job of supporting their Dreamers on campus, and offering resources, not just financially but mental-health wise and work opportunities like we've mentioned.

14:40 - I also would hope that more of our Dreamers feel comfortable coming forward to not necessarily out themselves, but be part of our community and feel supported by it, because I know it can be intimidating to join the group and have people look at you and be like, "Oh, they're a Dreamer. They're undocumented and such."

15:04 - I hope that our society finds a way to welcome more immigrants in. I hope that government finds, opens up a pathway to citizenship or something that will be able to help the millions of undocumented immigrants.

What about your future?

15:26 - I hope that I fall in love with teaching. It's definitely a concern. I mean, I know it's something that I want to do and I know regardless, I want to be in that setting of giving back to my community and helping students and being involved with youth.

What would you like the community to know about you and your journey?

16:17 - I would like to say that as much as I am someone that is willing to tell my story and who is willing to speak out, my story does not define the same story of every other Latina, every other Dreamer, every other first-generation student. I think it's important for them to realize everybody's story is different, and everybody's story is unique, and everybody's story is important.

Contact Information:

Fatima Jimenez Gonzalez

LinkedIn

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)

In this enlightening episode, we venture into the healing universe of Parisa Shirazi Chavoya, a queer Iranian-American woman who's transforming the wellness landscape in Milwaukee with her unique blend of yoga and sound healing practices.

A double graduate of Marquette University, Parisa's incredible journey from political science to the realm of healing is a story that needs to be heard. With a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, accessible classes, her work aims to serve individuals with chronic pain conditions, disabilities, and pregnant women.

This episode is a tribute to resilience, a celebration of diverse culture, and an exploration into the power of sound healing. Parisa's journey with fibromyalgia and her mantra, "Don't be afraid of being still," serves as an inspiration to many. Tune in to discover how she leverages her experiences to foster a culture of wellness and empowerment.

Episode Highlights:

02:34 - There was this desire to learn more embodiment practices where I was able to find healing and rest through movement and yoga became that tool for me throughout my twenties.

04:52 - I think my experience of my own healing journey of learning how to better support myself and also having a chronic pain condition myself has really drawn me to being more empathetic and understanding of other people's realities. I've been doing a lot of extensive training to be able to learn how to work with people.

08:35 - Movement had become my medicine. And also when it came to the mental health aspect, I had become so busy with my life and didn't know how to really quiet my mind, and that was resulting in panic attacks, high stress levels.

Interview

What's the story you want to share with us today?

I really want to share more about my own healing journey and how wellness has played such a big role in that.

How do you identify?

01:55 - I identify as a queer Iranian-American woman.

Were you born in Iran or were you born here?

02:04 - I was born outside of Chicago. Both my parents are from Iran, came here when they were young, and my brother and I were born in the US.

How did you get on the path that you're on now?

02:16 - It's been a journey for me. I have always been really interested in movement. It comes from my culture. Iranians are very expressive people. We're very creative people.

02:54 - My chronic pain condition of fibromyalgia and then mental health concerns really drew me towards yoga and sound healing.

How did you go from being a practitioner to being an educator or a healer?

03:13 - I was feeling really drawn to working in higher ed. I had roles in different capacities and felt really driven in that way.

03:36 - I signed up for a yoga teacher training program, not really knowing where it was going to take me. And I fell in love with the practice and the idea of sharing that modality with other people.

What's been your greatest joy as a yoga practitioner?

03:56 - I love seeing people rest. The last couple of minutes during the class is Savasana, which is the time of complete rest. People are able to be still during that time and every time I get emotional seeing it.

How has your identity informed the choices that you've made?  

05:11 - My background is Iranian, we're culturally very hospitable people. We love to serve other people, hold space for other people. And so, that has always naturally been a part of my journey. But now to be able to do it through yoga has been a really cool way to be able to share that.

Do you offer your courses, your classes throughout the community? Do you have a particular space that you use?

05:37 - Currently, I am at a space in Bayview, but I'll be shifting to a new space that I'm hosting my classes called Moving Galaxy in January of 2024. And I teach five times a week there. And then I also host monthly sound healing sessions at that space, but I also do sound baths at other locations all throughout the city. So, I'll collaborate with organizations. I have done some at Marquette for students and it's an opportunity for people to experience the modality in different spaces.

You said you work with children from time to time, or not?

06:23 - I've worked with high school students, but I won't do under high school right now. I really feel drawn to working with adults.

How has the theme of the mural resonated for you?

06:49 - In my senior year when this mural was created, it was this really exciting time to be able to see people like me represented. I think it's empowering for myself and so many other women, on Marquette's campus, especially young women who are in these formative years of trying to understand how do they present themselves, how do they see themselves show up in different spaces.

What women of color have served as inspiration for you?

07:19 - I've drawn inspiration for my current work from a lot of other women of color, yoga teachers, specifically Indian women.

07:35 - From Iranian women who have been at the front lines of women liberation movements for years now to historically in the US. So, many women of color being the front lines of peace movements.

How has your wellness practices really helped you overcome challenges on your path to healing?

08:12 - Yoga in particular has helped me a lot with my physical ailments and mental health. So, physically, with the chronic pain that I had, I was able to alleviate a lot of the discomforts that I was carrying in my body. I was able to find a modality that was sustainable for me where I didn't have to rely on medication and other tools.

08:52 - Yoga and meditation has helped me learn how to be still and to be comfortable with just being on my own and being with myself and really listening to myself in ways that I hadn't for so long.

09:06 - Sound healing being the practice where a practitioner plays different instruments to help someone come into a state of meditation and rest has helped me have space to process what has happened in my past, to learn how to heal from past traumas and abuse and learn how to move forward with what I want to do now.

When you talk about sound healing, is that employing like recorded music or do you play instruments in the class?

10:14 - I did a training where I was able to learn multiple different instruments. I curate a session for people where they'll be usually lying on their back. I'll walk around folks, and play instruments above them. These sound therapy sessions are where people are being exposed to frequencies that help them come into the state of rest and can be really healing for people who have experienced trauma and they're able to process and release within these sessions.

What has been the role of women of color in your healing, especially as you're trying to meet the challenges and overcome some of the ways in which they can kind of stop you?

11:08 - I'm super grateful for the women of color friends that I have in Milwaukee. I'm super grateful for my Milwaukee community of just seeing how other friends have addressed challenges they've gone through, and I've just learned a lot about patience.

11:48 - I'm really grateful for online resources and other women who have shared with me and it's been a journey that I'm continuing to learn.

Are you vegan?

12:00 - I am not vegan.

12:17 - I've been trying to be really cognizant of what I eat and I'm working with a health coach right now and take note of what feels good for me and what doesn't and a lot of plant-based stuff for sure.  

What do you hope for women of color?

12:33 - I think the biggest thing for myself and for the women of color that I'm surrounding myself with is for us to learn to trust ourselves and to listen to our bodies more.

13:02 - I read this quote the other day of, it was talking about how a woman becomes her best friend when she actually cares for her own health. And it was this beautiful moment of, I can be my own best friend. I can be that person who nourishes myself.

What are your hopes for the future in your own, Marquette's, the world?

13:26 - I hope that we can learn how to be free. Free to explore what we're excited about, what it means for us to be healthy beings, for us to be able to connect and love each other well.

What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?

14:45 - What's been most important is education, furthering my own education and supporting other people. Since I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher. And it's been really beautiful and fun for me to see how that's manifested in different ways and to the space I'm in now as a yoga teacher, guide.

15:11 - I'm always learning, taking new trainings, to be able to learn more about how to serve other people in a greater capacity.

If you had to give a tip or two to other women who may be sort of struggling to find that balance, what might you suggest they do or start with?

15:43 - Learning how to say no more. For me, I had to really sit down and look at my schedule and decide what was nourishing me when it came to social commitments, when it came to life responsibilities.

16:22 - Communicate to people clearly why I was saying no; this is the time in which I'm taking to care for myself, and also to be really patient.

What would your motto be?

17:57 - The word stillness comes to mind.  I think the thing that's coming to mind for me right now is don't be afraid of being still. I think for so long I viewed stillness, equating it with this laziness or this lack of drive. And I found a lot of power in allowing myself to be, to sit with myself.

Contact Information:

Parisa Yoga Shala

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)