Strength in the Midst of a Pandemic

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Sophia Kruz, CEW+'s 2015 Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist, documentary producer and director, and U-M alum. Sophia shares her insights into the impact of art on social reform, and filmmaking as a tool for justice. Make sure to listen to the end to hear Sophia talk about her upcoming projects and the power of filmmaking.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Lauren Schandevel, a U-M alum of the Ford School of Public Policy and creator of the crowd-sourced document, “Being Not-Rich at UM”, which serves as a guide for low-income students on campus. Lauren shares her experiences as a first-generation, low-income student, and speaks about public policy and community organizing.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Pamela Ruiter-Feenstra, artistic director at Healing Bells, a U-M Lecturer in Carillon, and affiliate faculty at the Institute for Research on Women and Gender and at the Center for World Performance Studies. Pamela shares her experiences with music, playing the carillon, and her insights into arts and healing.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Erika Murcia, a 2016 CEW+ Scholar and MSW alum. She shares her insights into her work with poetry and trauma, as well as her own podcast, Somos Semillas, We Are Seeds (listen on Spotify at https://spotify.link/IhYSA4edLyb)

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Schinella D'Souza, a PhD student in mathematics and a 2022 recipient of the Irma M. Wyman CEW+ Scholarship. Schniella shares her insights into inclusivity and equity in teaching, and compassionate mentorship. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Liz DeBetta, Advocacy Program Manager at CEW+. Dr. DeBetta is an interdisciplinary scholar-artist-activist whose work is grounded in creativity and social justice to help create social change for individuals and communities that have been marginalized and oppressed. Liz shares her insights into storytelling, the experiences of being a nontraditional student, and her excitement at taking over as the host of Strength in the Midst of Change.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Anne Ladky, CEW+'s 2006 Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist. She is a lifelong advocate for economic justice, committed to expanding opportunities for women and people of color in the Chicago region. Anne shares her insights about equal pay issues, workplace discrimination, and her time as a Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist at U-M.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Anastasia Marie, a 2022 recipient of the CEW+ Joan P. Ireland Scholarship. She is a master's student in the School of Environment and Sustainability studying Landscape Architecture, an alumnus of the University of Vermont and UNC School of the Arts' music school, and a vegan. Anastasia shares her insights into the connections between ecology, architecture, structural and systemic racism, and music, as well as her experience as a scholar.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Courtney Reid, MSW, LMSW, and counseling program manager at CEW+. Courtney aims to help others define their concept of well-being, identify meaningful goals and accomplish them while honoring their inner resiliency by giving consideration to one's biopsychosocial circumstances. Courtney shares her insights about imagining possibilities and mindfulness for those seeking to further refine their educational and professional pursuits. Make sure to listen to the end to hear Courtney talk about holding broader perspectives for yourself and her advice about making time for self-care.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Mina Hernandez Garcia, a 2022 CEW+ Scholar and the first Amy Mecozzi Cho and Lawrence Cho Family Scholar. Mina is a PhD candidate in Educational Studies with a focus on “translanguaging,” or teachers' and students' use of multiple languages to make meaning in subject-matter classrooms. Mina shares her insights about supporting bilingual and multilingual students to thrive through the use of culturally sustaining practices in the classroom.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Chris Black, a longtime donor and friend to CEW+ and a current member of the CEW+ Leadership Council. Chris shares her insights on working with early career faculty, especially women in STEM. Make sure to listen to the end to hear Chris talk about how a CEW+ grant helped her finish her degree on time, and why she is a CEW+ donor today.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Dr. Angie Perone, who is the Congressional Health Policy Fellow in Senator Tammy Baldwin's office and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow at the National Academy of Medicine. She earned her PhD in Social Work and Sociology from U-M in 2021 and is a CEW+ Scholar alum. As of July 1, she is also a tenure-track assistant professor at the University of California Berkeley School of Social Welfare, where she will also lead its Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services. Angie shares her insights about caring for aging adults and finding your power as an advocate in your own experience. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her talk about finding your path at and after U-M.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features the Vice President for Student Life, Martino Harmon, Ph.D. Dr. Harmon shares his experience joining U-M at the beginning of the pandemic and his insights about listening to students and tapping into the help already available to U-M students to cultivate holistic student support. Dr. Harmon discusses the joy of being able to welcome students to a campus where they “not only are safe, but feel safe” gathering and living their college experiences. Make sure to listen to the end to hear Dr. Harmon discuss a new app being piloted this fall, that helps students connect with services based on their location and interests.

Join us in listening to an audio interview with CEW+ scholar and student caregiver Ronotta Holliday to hear about her work in business and women's empowerment.

Join us in listening to an audio interview with CEW+ scholar and student caregiver Sarah Collins to hear about their work in the cross-section of climate change and education.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Ruby MacDougall, a 2021 CEW+ Mary Malcomson Raphael Scholar and PhD candidate in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures with a focus on dance studies. Ruby shares her insights about the relationship between “modern” and “ethnic” dance forms in Chinese dance history, as well as being a graduate student parent during the pandemic. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Elissa Welle (PhD ‘21). Elissa shares her insights gained through a major career transition. Elissa completed her doctorate in biomedical engineering at U-M in 2021, and then pursued a career as a journalist. Now on the Breaking News team at Detroit Free Press, Elissa talks to CEW+ Director Tiffany Marra about what led her to consider a career outside of academia, and how she went about pursuing her interest in journalism while completing her PhD.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Tim Constant, a recent Doctor of Education degree recipient at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and the Instructional Coach for Secondary Education at Clarenceville School District in Livonia, Michigan. His dissertation focused on intergenerational/historical trauma - like that experienced by indigenous communities around Indian Boarding Schools - and teacher preparation. For his dissertation research, he worked with two public schools in Michigan with some of the highest Native American student populations in Michigan. He is a certified K-12 school administrator and certified 6-12 Social Studies and English teacher with over 18 years experience in public and private education as an elementary, middle, and high school principal, assistant principal, academic dean, and teacher. He has extensive experience in alternative education and working with students who have experienced trauma. Photo credit: Holy Childhood boarding school circa 1893 Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians Archives and Records

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Deborah Smith Pollard, Professor of English Literature and Humanities at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and co-host and co-producer of “Sunday Morning Inspiration” on WMXD “Mix” 92.3 FM with Glenda Curry. In this episode, Dr. Pollard shares her knowledge about gospel music, how it has evolved through the years, and why it inspires her. She also talks about how Christian rap and gospel music intersect and how they have both addressed racism and revolution.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Jessica Pelton, 2021 CEW+ Scholar and President of the CEW+ Student Parent Advisory Board. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features CEW+'s 2022 Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist and senior researcher at the Urban Institute, Dr. Theresa Anderson. Dr. Anderson talks about her Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist project which builds on work she's been doing at a national level to develop a framework of policy systems that affect student-parent families. Her goal is to apply this framework at the state and college levels to identify ways to attract and support excellent students at the university who are parents or caregivers so they can complete their degrees and achieve their academic, economic, and personal potential, as well as help the university attract, retain, and graduate an excellent and diverse student body. She also shares various ways in which universities can design

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Dr. Scott Ellsworth, a professor in the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies since 2007. He teaches courses on African American history, Southern literature, race and sports, and crime and justice in contemporary U.S. society. His book, “The Ground Breaking: The Tulsa Race Massacre and an American City's Search for Justice,” was released this year, the 100th anniversary of the event. It is his second on the subject. The first, “Death in a Promised Land,” is the first-ever comprehensive history of the horrific 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Dr. Ellsworth is helping to lead the ongoing effort to uncover the unmarked graves of massacre victims.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Dr. Reshma Jagsi, who received the Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change at CEW's 2020 Advocacy Symposium. Dr. Jagsi is the Newman Family Professor and Deputy Chair in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Director of the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine (CBSSM) at the University of Michigan. She discusses her work at CBSSM on understanding how the move to a rapid learning healthcare system is received by patients in the community. Dr. Jagsi leads an NIH R01-funded investigation using deliberative democratic approaches to illuminate patients' attitudes towards secondary use of data collected in routine clinical encounters. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her advice for students setting out to pursue a role in medicine.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Wendy E. John, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion at Fidelity Investments. Wendy has been with Fidelity for 24 years and leads the effort to ensure that Fidelity is a workplace and service provider where everyone can fully be themselves. Wendy talks about her life, what drives her in her work, and shares her thoughts on how diverse perspectives help our organizations. Wendy shares policies or practices for managers and organizations for increasing diversity and inclusion. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her advice on what she wishes she had known early in her career and who has the power to make change. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Lyss Shumaker, 2020 LSA alumna and co-founder of the Michigan Caregivers and Student Parent Organization, a CEW+ Student Sponsored Organization focused on creating community among student caregivers through programming and events. Lyss talks about what inspired her to advocate for student parents and the unique challenges that they encounter along their journey. Make sure to listen to the end to hear the advice she would share with her peers about how to create change and her vision for the future of student parents at U-M. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Sandra Iaderosa, CEW+'s new Associate Director. Sandra talks about why she chose social work as a career, what drives her in her work, and shares her thoughtful approach to collaboration. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Karen Majewski, 1991 CEW+ Towsley Scholar, and first female mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan. Karen talks about her journey to Hamtramck and shares how diversity and immigration make the community so unique, connected, and special. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her advice for those who are interested in engaging civically in their own communities. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy! Photo by M Canzi - Flickr Creative Commons

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Dessa Cosma, 2017-2021 CEW+ Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist (TFVSA) and Founding Director of Detroit Disability Power. Dessa shares how growing up as a person with a disability in the Deep South has shaped her experiences and led to a lifetime of activism. She discusses ways others can help bridge the gap between the disability community and the larger social justice movements, and shares the critical need for increased voting access and fewer restrictions on voting. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Zilka Joseph, 2008 CEW+ Elsie Choy Lee Scholar, and author, poet, educator, writing coach, and editor. Zilka talks about what inspires her and gives her advice on ways to overcome writer's block. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her share a couple of her poems. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Ram Mahalingam, Barger Leadership Institute Professor of Psychology and Director of the Barger Leadership Institute, and Doreen Murasky, Interim Associate Director of CEW+. Doreen and Ram talk about the core principles of mindfulness, and how these can be incorporated into your everyday life, work, and relationships to cultivate interconnectedness. Make sure to listen to the end to hear them talk about the importance of being kind to yourself and your imperfections, and extending that same kindness to those around you. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Corie Pauling, Senior Vice President, Chief Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) Officer and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at TIAA. Corie graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering, and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the Northwestern University School of Law. Corie shares how the strongest influences in her life have helped guide her career journey advocating for the rights of others. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her talk about how she arrived at the University of Michigan. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Deodge Hill, a Physician Assistant at I Am Health and Wellness of Belleville and author of I Am Health & Wellness: Thirty-Day Journal and Daily Devotional of Taking Control of Your Health and Well-Being. Deodge shares her insights on the importance of taking charge of your health and wellness and trusting that strength and growth from challenges will become visible in time. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Dawn Isby, a senior in Integrative Studies at the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is a 2020 recipient of the Molly H. Dobson CEW+ scholarship, recognizing women who have shown creativity, persistence, and dedication while striving to complete their education. Dawn shares how she has paved her own way on her educational journey through the Integrative Studies program and sought out concentrations in entrepreneurship, fine arts, and English, and now plans to share the power of creativity with others. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Rachel Gable, the Director of Institutional Effectiveness at Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently released the book, The Hidden Curriculum: First Generation Students at Legacy Universities, which is based on the experiences of over 100 first-generation students at Harvard and Georgetown Universities. Rachel shares her insights on the experiences of first-generation students and what she calls “the hidden curriculum”. She also talks about the importance of peer-to-peer connections and self-advocacy skills in navigating the tacit rules and practices that are embedded into campus culture. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Jenae Wright, who is pursuing an Environmental Studies degree as an undergraduate student in the PitE program at the College of Literature, Science & the Arts. Jenae is a 2020 recipient of the CEW+ AAUW: Mary Elizabeth Bittman Memorial Scholarship, recognizing women and underserved students whose studies have been interrupted to complete degrees in their chosen fields. Jenae shares her desire to make an impact in the community by educating the public about the importance of ecology and maintaining and protecting beautiful spaces in nature for generations to come. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Sonja Feist-Price, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Michigan-Flint. Dr. Feist-Price shares how passion and purpose have guided her throughout her career, and the ways in which higher education has been changed in the face of the pandemic. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her talk about her hopes for UM-Flint and what she's looking forward to in the next six months. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features David Seaman, an undergraduate student at the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, interested in philosophy, politics, and economics. David is a 2020 recipient of the Susan Quackenbush scholarship which supports members of the University's recovery community as they pursue their Michigan degrees and work to make the next best choices in their journey. Susan Quackenbush is a two-time U-M alumna and a member of the Ann Arbor recovery community who believes strongly in the power of connection and community to make an impact on a person's life. David shares his instrumental work in the recovery community, highlights the importance of destigmatizing substance use disorders, and stresses the value of giving back even during times of scarcity. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Christine Agpasa, College of Engineering undergrad and 2020 recipient of the Irma M. Wyman CEW+ scholarship, recognizing outstanding women and underserved students in engineering, computer science, and related fields. Christine shares her insights on why it's crucial that women pursue careers in STEM, especially engineering. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her hopes and advice for the upcoming year, especially for incoming freshmen that she mentors. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Laura Blake Jones, Dean of Students at the University of Michigan. Laura talks about the creation of the Wolverine Culture of Care, an initiative that aims to provide education on health-promoting behaviors and promote collective responsibility and positive social norms related to the coronavirus. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her talk about creative ways to find community and take care of yourself. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Patricia Berry, Owner, and Lead Consultant, Patricia Berry Consulting. Patricia shares her insights on understanding how tacit knowledge is important in our everyday lives. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her talk about the significance of community in self-care. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Keirra Scott, a 2020 CEW+ AAUW Mary Elizabeth Bittman Memorial Scholar and LSA undergraduate student. Keirra shares her insights about her aspirations to break cycles of generational poverty and to be a mentor to others. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her advice on the importance of having strong support systems in your life. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Elizabeth Storey, 2020 CEW+ Scholarship Award Recipient and Undergraduate Student in Sociology with Social Work Sub Major. Elizabeth shares her insights about her journey through overcoming her fears in order to go after her educational dreams. She also explains how vital connection is to our well-being and how self-care is actually a very unselfish act. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Kate Fitzpatrick-Harnish, Ph.D., Acting Associate Dean, and Associate Professor, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Department of Music Education. Kate talks about her work in music education and the importance of recognizing the disparities among communities of color and working for equity of access. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Rogério Pinto, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Social Work, School of Social Work. Rogério shares his insights about what led him to his career in social work. Rogério shares his insights about what led him to his career in social work and acknowledges the importance of harnessing the power of social capital in university DEI efforts. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Maria Flores, HR Administrative Specialist at Department of Learning Health Sciences, Michigan Medical School. Maria shares how overcoming a health scare followed by the emergence of COVID has reaffirmed how valuable life is. Make sure to listen to her insights about why it's so important to bring your whole self to work. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Cindy Tejada, a 3rd-year transfer student majoring in Psychology at U-M. Cindy's interview was conducted shortly after the stay-at-home order, but we thought her insights about the importance of maintaining a schedule and staying self-disciplined while attending classes virtually would be helpful during our first week back at U-M post-COVID. Make sure to listen for her tips about self-care and stress-relief! You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Will Sherry, Director of Spectrum Center and Project Manager for Student Life. Will's interview was conducted shortly after the stay-at-home order, but we thought his insights on family and self-care would be helpful during our first week back at U-M post-COVID.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Lola Eniola-Adefeso, U-M University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor, Vice Chair for Graduate Studies, Professor of Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Macromolecular Science & Engineering. Lola shares how her interest in biology and medicine led her to her current career in science and engineering and talks about how findings in her recent research might be helpful in the fight against COVID-19. You can download and subscribe to Strength in the Midst of Change from — Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud. Subscribe, listen, and enjoy!

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Khalilah Burt Gaston, a U-M graduate of Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning, and Founder and President of Glidepath Strategies in Detroit. Khalilah shares her insights on the importance of sustaining systemic policy change in antiracism work. Through her recent leadership of Share The Mic Now Detroit Khalilah is creating space for courageous and honest conversations between white and Black women. Make sure to listen to the end to hear her advice on the importance of women trusting in their intuition and skills, and taking risks.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Casey Bufford, MBA Student at Indiana University - Kelley School of Business. Casey shares her insights on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion at universities not just within the administration, but also within the curriculum. Make sure to listen for her recommendations on organizations to get involved with to help make change.

This episode of Strength in the Midst of Change features Rich Holcomb, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, Office of the Executive Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer. Rich shares how his early work experiences led to his current career in human resources at U-M, and how he helped shape and adapt telecommuting and PTO policies to better support staff affected by the pandemic. Make sure to listen to the end to hear his recommendations for resources that supervisors can use to lead and support their staff while working from home.