Brew with the Crew: Buford Dialogue Podcast

In the Season 2 Finale of Brew with the Crew, we invite Kaleb Brown and Josh Okyere back into the Crew to discuss the importance of taking the time to self-reflect. Reflecting may look different for everyone, but it is necessary to enjoying the fruits of your labor. With summer around the corner, we invite you to take some time to reflect on how far you have come and how it inform your future decisions. They say the more reflective you are, the more effective you are.

Through the use of time and sound investments, communities can derive new strength and fortify purpose. Understanding the needs within a community goes a long way in implementing projects and programs that benefit residents. In this episode we invite Dr. Brian Treece, President & CEO of the Findlay-Hancock Community Foundation, to share insight on how community foundations make everlasting impacts on the people they serve. Trust is a necessary attribute when establishing a strong foundation within the community.

Dr. Martin Luther King believed in the idea of creating "The Beloved Community". Dr. King's Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the riches of the earth. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood. In this MLK Day special episode, you will hear about Dr. King's 6 Steps of Nonviolent Social Change that will move us towards this vision. It is our social responsibility to take these steps if we ever hope to live in a beloved community.

The hardest battles are the ones that are fought within. They are also the most necessary for building self-awareness and acquiring cultural intelligence. Host, Olunife Akinmolayan, discusses how our individual battles help to cultivate our judgements, attitudes, beliefs, and values (JABV). Jabs may hurt but they make us stronger. In this episode, he highlights how our own self-awareness is important for navigating cultures and the world.

There is much to learn from the dynamics that lie within the classroom. The connections we make within the classroom help us to establish our sense of security. We invite Mr. Josh Okyere, former University of Findlay Black Student Union President and past Findlay African Students Association President to discuss his experiences. He recounts how experiences such as being one of the only people of color in the classroom, have shaped who he is and how its implications can shape society.

We all have the desire to travel but are we ready to leave the comfort zone? We invited a recent Peace Corps volunteer, Mr. Kaleb Brown to Brew with the Crew and share his personal experiences while traveling abroad. He also helps us to introduce our new segment: The Brewing Point. You won't want to miss this riveting excursion.

Welcome to Season 2 of Brew with the Crew! New Host, Olunife Akinmolayan recounts his experience of having awkward introductions when introducing himself with a unique name. This episode he will explain how awkward introductions are necessary to meeting people from different backgrounds.

Welcome back to another episode of Brew With the Crew. In this episode, Brew with the Crew meets Hello Hancock’s Dustin Sullivan and Nick Longo. Hello Hancock! is the Blanchard Valley Center's podcast where they raise awareness and break down barriers by empowering, educating, and advocating for people with disabilities. Hello Hancock! provides a way to learn more about disabilities through the telling of stories, discussion of barriers, and more!Listen to Hello Hancock! now on Spotify!Direct link to Hello Hancock!: https://open.spotify.com/show/7AIOKJtm62GT77t5MrcRY8?si=aNQOmRyaSZa1ubwSqOwndQ

In this week’s episode of Brew With the Crew, listen to the recap of the Buford Center’s panel discussion, The Places You’ll Go, The Spaces You’ll Grow. This was a panel discussion on identity and navigating the workplace as either a person of difference or as an ally. The purpose of the panel discussion was to empower attendees with the knowledge that they are fully equipped to pursue their career goals regardless of their background or identity, but also know that they will contribute value to the workplace.To listen to the entire recording of the DEI in the workplace panel discussion: Topic: The Places You’ll Go, The Spaces You’ll GrowApr 15, 2021 Meeting Recording:https://findlay.zoom.us/rec/share/t8eq237dAJOc8080ICyfS0s_-DcmnmqmbWLESpaPWt-Hs7JqF7yKxmDB0kQDu6kA.PHVir71hdjPC9OwNAccess Passcode: 2WorkplaceDEI!

This week we have a very special guest, the President of the University of Findlay, Dr. Katherine Fell! In this episode, we have an important discussion concerning the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives that have taken place in our UF community. Dr. Fell lets us know that each of us has a role and responsibility in transforming campus culture through self-reflection, relationship building, and intentional conversation.

With Covid-19 travel restrictions, the number of students who have traveled abroad has unfortunately dwindled. This does not stop the Office of International Education from continuing the conversation surrounding the international experiences of current students and alumni. Tune into this episode as we hear about real experiences studying and traveling abroad.

In this week's episode, we are joined with Victoria Ayoola, Graduate Assistant of Intercultural Student Services at the Buford Center for Diversity and Service. Victoria is a fifth-year pharmacy and masters in health informatics dual major at the University of Findlay. Victoria shares her experiences engaging in the various diversity, equity, and inclusion programming from the Buford Center and a special invitation to a webinar surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

In this week’s episode of Brew With the Crew, we are joined by Dr. Nira Kadakia, Assistant Professor of Teaching in Pharmacy Practice, at the University of Findlay. Dr. Kadakia highlights health and healthcare disparities as evidenced in many patient populations identifying with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, genders, ages, sexual orientations, and more. Dr. Kadiakia shares how the impacts of literacy and access are pieces of the disparities puzzle. Dr. Kadikia lets us know that some of the best ways to stay relevant in such topics are right in front of us, volunteer, seek knowledge by attending conferences, and webinars such as on April 8th, 2021 at 6 pm EST, the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy presents its very first health equity event, titled Health Equity: I Can Make A Difference with a keynote by Dr. Regina Benjamin 18th Surgeon General of the United States.

In this week's episode, we sit down with the University of Findlay Student Government President, Olunife Akinmolayan. Olunife Akinmolayan From creating the first-ever UF music festival, building a space where students can literally hangout, to including a Diversity chair in SGA, Olunife inspires us to take power over the future we want to create, don’t hold back, challenge your limits, and most importantly believe in yourself!

In episode 15, we discuss the value in the variety of international opportunities for personal and professional development with Dr. Louann Cummings. Dr. Louann Cummings is a Business Professor at the University of Findlay. Dr. Cummings shares her passion for international engagement and how her international experiences have contributed to her essence. Dr. Cummings lets us know that such experiences have been pivotal in changing transforming her personally, creatively, intellectually, and professionally. Dr. Cummings implores us all to get out, and consider the possibilities!

In this week’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Laura Sjoquist, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Findlay. Dr. Sjoquist gives us much to appreciate on the topic of mental health, as she talks about mental health work as we navigate ever-changing times as a result of COVID-19. Mental health is a large part of not only diversity and inclusion discussion, but also how we approach uncomfortable, but necessary conversations. We must ask the question, how can we be emotionally intelligent during these times?

This is episode 13 of Brew with the Crew! This week we continue our conversation on the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging with Dr. Sarah Fedirka, University of Findlay Associate Professor of English. We can go beyond achieving diversity and inclusion by creating spaces where people feel they can tell their story and belong. We can also choose to be intentional with our words because words matter! Words can clarify, heal, and build bridges, but they can also harm and incite violence.

In this week’s episode, we discuss topics of public health, local national and global healthcare with University of Findlay Alumnus, Dallas Smith. Dallas Smith received a Doctorate of Pharmacy, Pharm D in 2017, and since then continues to positively impact communities locally and globally! Listen now and be inspired by perspectives that Dallas Smith brings to us, and how YOU too can make a difference!

In episode 10 of Brew with the Crew, we discuss with Zach Thomas, the Director of Wellness and Education for the Hancock County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board. Zach Thomas speaks about the vital role the sense of belonging and representation plays in prevention work, substance abuse recovery, and mental health services. Listeners are encouraged to be champions in helping individuals achieve a sense of belonging.

In episode ten of Brew with the Crew, we sit down with special guests Sue Lehman, Executive Director of Hope House, and Wendy McCormick, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Findlay, Ohio. We learn about the different services and programs these two nonprofit organizations provide, as well as the role of diversity and inclusion in the realm of providing affordable housing or shelters for families to eliminate homelessness. Listeners are encouraged to get involved with local housing agencies, volunteer, speak carefully on these issues, avoid assumptions, and listen not to respond, but to understand.

What a time to analyze the ways to which the history of race and systemic racism repeats itself . In the wake of social unrest amidst a pandemic, in the United States, racism still manifests itself in culture and the law of the land. In episode nine of Brew with the Crew, we have a critical discussion with special guest Mr. Christopher Caldwell. Mr. Christopher Caldwell is the International Services Advisor, and an instructor of General Arts and Sciences at Ohio Northern University. Mr. Christopher Caldwell lets us know that the most important tool to utilize this fall is our right to vote.

This is episode 8 of Brew with the Crew. This week we sit down with the University of Findlay alumnus Miguel Valdez! Miguel Valdez speaks to us from the heart of Mexico! Listen as Miguel reflects with us on his journey! Miguel also leaves us with an important message: Strive to adopt a new lens and outlook of the world and take on the challenge of looking at different perspectives.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 to October 15, 2020, where the beautiful cultures, history, contributions of Latinos, and Hispanic Americans are celebrated! This week we feature a special guest Mr. John Cruz. Mr. John Cruz is from Colombia, he is a visiting instructor of Spanish. Mr. John Cruz shares how we can acknowledge Hispanic heritage and history by reading and appreciating the diversity within Hispanic communities.

There is no single face for food insecurity, as nonprofit organizations such as Chopin Hall of Hancock County Ohio, provide food, clothing, and other services for all who are in need. This week’s episode of Brew with the Crew, we dive into the topic of food insecurity with Ron Rooker, the Executive Director of Chopin Hall. Listen to the ways in which organizations like Chopin Hall supports the needs of communities, and encourages everyone to engage in the recognition of humanity.

This is episode five of Brew with the Crew, featuring Dr. Robert Braylock, CEO of BHK Consulting LLC. BHK Consulting LLC works to bring unity amongst diverse communities and establish justice and equity. Dr. Braylock provides insight into how decades and centuries of history have led the country to where it is today on the topics of racism and injustices. Dr. Braylock urges us to do our homework prior to acting and to also diversify our media intake. How? Let’s find out in episode five.

Episode Four of Brew with the Crew comes to you from the Office of International Education at the University of Findlay. In this episode we hear from Eileen Rucki, the Director of International Education at the Buford Center for Diversity and Service, who will be having a conversation with Dr. Chris Sippel. Dr. Chris Sippel is the Associate Vice President of International, Intercultural, Service Engagement at the University of Findlay. Take in this message that provides insight into the role of engaged citizens and the meaning and intentionality behind International Education beyond travel.What is your role in the world? What are you doing intentionally to serve others in need in a global capacity?

This is episode three of “Brew with The Crew”! In this Episode we meet John Ferraro, The Director of Residence Life at the University of Findlay. John Ferraro discusses the excitement and challenge of diversity and inclusion. John Feraro also shares how Residence Life intentionally incorporates diversity and inclusion training to equip Residence Life staff with the tools necessary to resolve conflict and the importance of creating a space that is welcoming and inviting such as collecting bobbleheads? YES, bobbleheads!

In the second episode of “Brew With The Crew” we sit down with Dr. Diana Montague Chair and Professor of the communications department at the University of Findlay. Dr. Diana Montague expresses the importance of fact-checking as we sift through a myriad of information relating to diversity and social justice.

Committing to Diversity and Inclusion, in your daily work. Seth Butler, the Director of Intercultural Student Services at the University of Findlay chats with the University of Findlay's Artistic Director of Theater, Meriah Sage. Meriah Sage shares how she infuses Diversity and Inclusion in her daily work, such as how to fail?