Living Out Loud Discussion Series

Where is the Latiné Experience in DEI ft. Cristina Padilla

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I sit down with Cristina Padilla to chat about the underrepresented Latiné experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. We explore complex themes like humility, conflict resolution, and the impact of cultural nuances on leadership. We get into why the Latiné voice is often missing in DEI spaces and Cristina provides insights into broader challenges. Join our conversation!
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-utz-lcsw/
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https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
Cristina Padilla is a Latina leadership scholar, consultant, and leadership coach. Her research agenda encompasses assessing the impact of culturally relevant leadership development programs and coaching for Latinx populations, Latina leader identity development and the creation of a game-based leadership development workshop “El Rio de Dichos.”  She has several first-authored, peer reviewed publications in academic journals.
To get in touch with Cristina, you can contact her here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinaapadilla/
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Settling In
02:13 Meet Cristina Padilla
03:12 The Latiné Voice in DEI Work
06:21 Cultural Barriers and Conflict Resolution
08:48 The Impact of Underrepresentation
14:16 Navigating Identity and Authenticity
27:04 Leadership Responsibility and Accountability
38:53 The Complexity of Latino Identity Terms
44:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
 

What Happens When an Organization Does a Needs Assessment ft. Jared Zachary

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I chat with Jared Zachary about the intricacies of navigating relationships and needs assessments within organizations. We highlight the various methods of conducting needs assessments, such as surveys and focus groups, noting their strengths and limitations. We also name the importance of addressing emotions, fears, and resistance that arise during organizational change initiatives. Personal anecdotes and professional insights illustrate the delicate balance between strategic tasks and emotional intelligence essential for meaningful and sustainable improvements.
 
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http://www.youtube.com/@livingunapologetically
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-utz-lcsw/
http://www.instagram.com/theunapologetictherapist/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
To get in touch with Jared Zachary, you can contact him here:
https://www.instagram.com/medicinalmelanin_/
jaredzachary.work
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Setting the Stage
01:30 Jared Zachary
04:16 Needs Assessments
07:25 Methods
14:38 Challenges
16:59 Phases
26:43 Clinical Aspects
28:58 Push Back with Validating Qualitative Data
31:10 Emotional Impact on Staff and Leaders
35:03 Implementing Actionable Change
47:52 Addressing White Supremacy in Research
50:42 Final Thoughts and Resources

The First-Gen Experience ft. Julieta Arámburo

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I chat with Julieta Arámburo to explore the first-gen experience and its implications in professional settings. Julieta shares her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate, her struggles with imposter syndrome, and her career in higher education. We touch on concepts like hidden curriculum, the importance of community and support systems, and actionable steps for educators and professionals to better support first-gen students and colleagues.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
http://www.livingunapologetically.com
http://www.youtube.com/@livingunapologetically
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-utz-lcsw/
http://www.instagram.com/theunapologetictherapist/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
To get in touch with Julieta Arámburo, you can contact her here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieta-aramburo/
 
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Settling In
01:34 Julieta's Background and Journey
09:07 Defining First-Gen Experience
17:22 Challenges and Hidden Curriculum
22:48 Imposter Syndrome in Higher Education
27:01 Transitioning to the Workplace
31:24 Supporting First-Gen Students and Professionals
38:46 Call to Action and Resources
41:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Erasure of People & Communities in DEI Work ft. Donovan Ackley III

In this episode, I talk with Donovan Ackley III about people and communities with lower representation in professional settings and how that shows up in DEI work. Donovan shares his personal journey, highlighting how his experiences have shaped his understanding of self in workplaces and life in general. The discussion hones in on the importance of lived experiences and genuine relationships in DEI, while also addressing common fears and the challenges of being performative. This episode provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and practice of DEI in their professional and personal lives.
 
Our Guest
Donovan Ackley III, Ph.D. is a full-time researcher with San Diego State University Research Foundation. An educator and Peer Support Specialist with 30+ years experience in grassroots community organizing and non-profit work, he helped launch the national peer support suicide prevention nonprofit Trans Lifeline with and for trans, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and intersex people. Donovan applies his Ph.D. in philosophy of religion and his certifications as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Peer Support Specialist to LGBTQI+ wellness and recovery from religious trauma, especially at intersections of religion and gender. As a religious studies professor, he taught in the UC system and private universities in world religions, American religions, theology, church history, and trauma-informed yoga; has written and co-authored several books including the two-volume Queer Liberation Theology and Praxis, and appeared as a contributing scholar in the 2019 documentary film Intersex and Faith.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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http://www.youtube.com/@livingunapologetically
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charmaine-utz-lcsw/
http://www.instagram.com/theunapologetictherapist/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Donovan Ackley III, you can contact him here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donovan-ackley-iii-ph-d
Academia Author Pagehttps://sdsu.academia.edu/DonovanAckleyIII
Amazon Author Pagehttps://www.amazon.com/Donovan-Ackley-III/e/B089TZQMJM%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
“Infinite and Unbounded Grace - Donovan Ackley III” (2021) Van Ness Creativehttps://vimeo.com/599710384
 
Episode Chapters: 
00:00 Setting the Stage
01:21 Guest Donovan Ackley III
07:02 Erasure in DEI
07:49 Real-World Impacts and Personal Reflections
11:03 Identities and Trauma
15:23 Challenges in Professional Settings
23:38 The Fear of Not Knowing
30:44 Overcoming the Fear
37:00 Challenges of DEI Work
45:32 Building Genuine Relationships
48:18 Humility and Learning
51:56 Embracing Mistakes and Learning from Them
56:59 Final Thoughts

Violence Prevention As Part of DEI Work ft. Arlene Limas

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I chat with Arlene Limas, a lifelong martial artist, Olympic gold medalist, and violence prevention expert. There was so much to learn when we unpacked the spectrum of violence in professional settings. Topics like the concept of 'human safety skills,' barriers to addressing violence in at work, the critical role of bystander intervention, and the challenges faced by middle management in implementing these changes we the highlights for me. I believe there is helpful, practical takeaways for people responsible for and contributing to creating safe and healthy cultures.
 
Our Guest
Deemed one of the greatest Taekwondo athletes of the 20th century, Arlene Limas made history on September 17, 1988, when she became the first American, the first female to win a Gold Medal at the 24th Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, in the sport of Tae Kwon Do. In May of 1993, Arlene opened her own school, Power Kix Martial Arts, located in Stafford, breaking the glass ceiling for other women. After several expansions, her current 12,500 sq ft facility has been kicking, literally, for 30 years.
Arlene Limas seeks to advocate for personal safety and empower entire corporations in her role as the CEO of PAVE Prevention. Her vision is to connect high-level programming with corporations and organizations, addressing counterproductive work behaviors that may lead to low productivity, tardiness, absenteeism, and high turnover. PAVE’s evidence-based, trauma-informed programming will empower employees and members with the tools for better performance, stronger engagement, and healthier work culture.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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http://www.facebook.com/livingunapologeticallyservices/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Arlene Limas, you can contact her here:
Website: www.paveprevention.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-limas-oly-414a657b/
 
Episode Chapters: 
00:00 Setting the Stage
01:24 Introducing Arlene Limas
04:18 Human Safety Skills
05:21 Violence Prevention in DEI Work
09:07 Real-Life Scenarios and Training
11:53 Creating Safe and Supportive Work Environments
28:42 Workplace Struggles and Mental Health
30:43 Building Trust and Accountability in Teams
31:48 Leadership and Accountability
39:36 Middle Management Challenges
42:26 Practical Steps for Violence Prevention
50:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

Intent, Impact, and Accountability in DEI ft. Kim Mettler

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, Kim Mettler and I talk about layers of accountability that are commonly missed within the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. We share personal stories while weaving the concepts together as they are all related and significant impact organizations' ability to create safe and healthy communal spaces at work.
Our Guest
Kim serves in many roles: coach, facilitator, trainer, mediator, leader, advocate, mentor and “recovering attorney.” She inspires reflection, learning and growth through her ability to co-create supportive spaces and to help build bridges between differing perspectives and experiences. Kim has a unique ability to quickly gain peoples’ trust through her sense of humor, grounding energy and authenticity.  Kim’s resilience-oriented work is informed by her lived experience and more than 25 years working with Native American activists and in/on behalf of Native Nations. Of Ukrainian German and Jewish descent and a citizen of the Mandan, Arikara and Hidatsa Nation, Kim is rooted in her cultural values of connection, community, equity and healing. To maintain a full-cup for her work, Kim enjoys being outdoors, creating ceramic and mixed media art, storytelling, cooking, yoga and is a dedicated nap-taker.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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http://www.facebook.com/livingunapologeticallyservices/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Kim Mettler, you can contact her here:
Email: heartrivercoaching (AT) gmail.com
 
Episode Chapters: 
00:00 Setting the Stage03:08 Kim Mettler's Journey and Advocacy Work08:52 Accountability and Community Impact21:17 Safety and Discomfort in Conversations27:41 Skill Sets in Feedback and Reflection29:58 Intent vs. Impact34:37 The Nuances of Accountability and Safety40:11 Creating Supportive and Accountable Environments48:42 Leadership, Inquiry, and Cultivating Open Spaces54:26 Continuous Learning and Growth57:05 Wrap Up
 

White Supremacy Culture Characteristics: Context Matters ft Gina Amato

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I chat with Gina Amato, a long-time friend, social justice attorney and the directing attorney of the Immigrant Rights Project at Public Council, and we get into the concept of context appropriateness when addressing white supremacy culture in professional settings. We explore the nuances of real-life scenarios and interactions in workplaces, emphasizing the importance of understanding and unpacking the layers of in our identities and being curious of others. Our convo highlights the need for self-awareness and reflection in recognizing and challenging the norms of white supremacy culture, calling attention to the significance of relational approaches and creating spaces for authentic self-expression to invite a safer, more inclusive environment.
 
Our Guest
Gina Amato Lough is the Directing Attorney of Public Counsel’s Immigrants’ Rights Project. She leads a 30-member team of attorneys, paralegals, administrative staff, and social workers who serve asylum seekers, immigrants in detention, survivors of violent crime, unaccompanied children, and victims of notario fraud. Her team works toward a world where all (im)migrants live with dignity, power, and opportunity.
Gina has been a public interest attorney and community leader for over twenty years. She joined Public Counsel in 2008, and for 14 years, she led the Immigrants’ Rights Project’s Survivor Team. The Survivor Team provides holistic services to immigrant survivors from a trauma-informed, client-centered perspective. In addition, Gina has engaged in widespread policy advocacy to protect the rights of immigrant survivors, and has worked in partnership with governmental and non-profit organizations to launch a campaign to combat notario fraud – a type of legal services fraud that is devastating to immigrant communities.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Gina Amato, you can contact her here:
Email: chickawapinc (AT) yahoo.com
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 Setting the Stage01:32 Reminiscing Past Experiences and Connections02:50 Gina's Professional Journey and Personal Background06:34 Context Appropriateness in Addressing White Supremacy Culture08:05 Exploring the Concept of White Supremacy Culture11:47 The Impact of White Supremacy Culture in the Workplace13:28 Authenticity and Professionalism in the Workplace25:15 Intersection of Race and Gender in Workplace Norms28:01 Facing Consequences for Expressing Anger30:26 The Human Element in Leadership31:42 The Misconception of White Supremacy Culture34:25 The Danger of Weaponizing White Supremacy Characteristics36:49 Intersectionality of White Supremacy Culture38:39 Personal Experience with White Supremacy Culture50:51 The Importance of Authenticity in the Workplace54:10 Wrapping Up: Contact Information and Final Thoughts

Understanding and Using Your Privilege Responsibly ft Lindsay Messoline

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I chat with Lindsay Messoline in a candid conversation about understanding and responsibly using privilege. Our discussion covers personal stories, acknowledging privilege's complexities, and the challenge of bringing one's whole self—including various privileges—to professional environments and discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We stress the importance of being aware of oneself, understanding the systemic contexts in which emotions and reactions occur, and the growth that comes from staying present in discomfort. Lindsay shares her journey from a transformative educational experience in Ethnic Studies to becoming an advocate for education and DEI-related efforts, as well as insights into managing internal reactions in tense situations. The goal of this episode is to model openness and provide insights into developing a healthier relationship with privilege.
 
Our Guest
Lindsay Messoline is an educator and writer with over 20 years of serving students from marginalized, minoritized and racialized populations. She has worked with refugees and migrants in Oregon and Tijuana, Mexico, and formerly-incarcerated and currently-incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles and New York. Her specialties include GED and adult high school completion, foundational literacy and math, English and Spanish-language acquisition, and fostering a sense of self-esteem, self-love and confidence through education. She is highly experienced in curriculum development and design, and works to center people with diverse perspectives to create material that truly serves all learners. In 2021, she founded Collaborative Voices Initiative in order to amplify traditionally-excluded voices in education and beyond. She is a published author and a contributing writer to Educate, a publication on Medium.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Lindsay Messoline, you can contact her here:
IG: @lindsay.messoline and @‌collaborative_voices
Website: http://CollaborativeVoices.co
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 Setting the Stage01:16 Intro to Lindsay Messoline05:28 Past Experiences and Assumptions07:16 Understanding Privilege: A Deep Dive10:19 Lindsay's Personal Experiences with Privilege12:06 The Intersectionality of Privilege23:09 Lindsay’s Story29:28 Privilege in Different Contexts32:36 Competition in Oppression42:25 Emotions in Understanding Privilege44:19 Process of Engaging with Privilege46:50 Discomfort in Understanding Privilege55:20 Conclusion: The Ongoing Journey of Understanding Privilege

White Executives Leading DEI from a Distance ft Wendy Ashley

In this episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series, I got to sit with Dr. Wendy Ashley for a convo about the challenges and common experiences of white executives who are engaging in DEI work. We touch on the nuances of interactions within professional settings- Dr. Ashley brilliantly uses an analogy of leaders as quarterbacks, emphasizing that they can't avoid their roles and need to acknowledge they hold in order to effectively share it.
We also detail the importance of self regulation, understanding your responses and behaviors, the importance of accountability partners, and the value of grounding yourself in the mission and values of the work. The overarching theme: the need for leaders, regardless of their intentions, to be aware of their impact and to strive to lead responsibly.
 
Our Guest
Wendy Ashley, Psy.D., LCSW is a Professor and the Department Chair of the California State University at Northridge’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program.  Dr. Ashley holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.), a MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has over twenty-five years of social work practice experience. She maintains certification in Diversity and Inclusion Practices (from Cornell University) and in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (from EMDR International Association). Dr. Ashley is the author of multiple publications, speaks at conferences nationwide and internationally, maintains a private practice and provides training for multiple community agencies.  She is passionate about promoting social justice, and infuses an intersectionality lens in her teaching, practice, training and research.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Wendy Ashley, you can contact her here:
Website: DrWendyAshley.com
IG: @DrWendyAshley
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 Setting the Stage01:12 Guest Intro Dr. Wendy Ashley02:07 Clinical Aspect of DEI06:57 'Shape Shifting' in Multiracial Experiences13:07 Challenges of Leadership and Power Dynamics27:34 Acknowledging and Unpacking Whiteness33:50 Dangers of Cancel Culture and Performative Activism34:56 Multiple Truths35:47 Self-Regulation and Understanding Your Actions36:44 The Nervous System in Our Reactions39:11 Self-Regulation and Understanding Your Defaults41:29 Accountability in Leadership44:07 Understanding the Impact of Your Actions45:43 Role of the Leader in Navigating Difficult Conversations52:42 Accountability Partners in Leadership55:47 Grounding Yourself in Your Mission and Values56:32 Conclusion: Using Your Power Responsibly

How to Unpack Our Responses to Interpersonal Interactions ft. Allen Lipscomb

This episode of the Living Out Loud Discussion Series features an insightful conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with Allen Lipscomb, an Associate Professor, licensed clinical social worker, and DEI practitioner. Our discussion emphasizes the value of understanding and learning to navigate varied interpersonal interactions in professional settings. Allen sheds light on his work and research in this area, particularly in organizations, and weaves in his experiences studying communities targeting for marginalization, mental health, and systemic racism. The conversation revolves around understanding oneself, embracing imperfections, handling reactivity, and building better interpersonal relationships. Allen also shares a practical technique called the PAUSE method to tackle adverse responses at work and advocates for starting DEI efforts from an individual level.
 
Our Guest
Allen E. Lipscomb, PsyD, LCSW is an Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Director of MSW Online Program; as well as Director of Minority Male Mentoring (M3) and Student Success Allies (SSA) program at California State University Northridge in the Department of Social Work. Dr. Lipscomb is a clinical psychologist with the highest degree earned and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of California. In addition, Dr. Lipscomb studied diversity and inclusion practices within organizations through Cornell University, earning a certification from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell.  In 2022, Dr. Lipscomb earned a certification in Executive Public Leadership within organizations at Harvard University in the Kennedy School of Executive Education.
 
Share this episode with people so they can learn with you- use it as a discussion tool with groups, teams, supervisors, and your network. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and follow us across our platforms!
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http://www.instagram.com/theunapologetictherapist/
http://www.facebook.com/livingunapologeticallyservices/
https://twitter.com/LivingDEI
 
To get in touch with Allen Lipscomb, you can contact him here:
IG: dr.alipscomb
Twitter: alcombs101
 
Episode Chapters
00:00 Setting the Stage
01:37 Allen Lipscomb's Expertise and Approach
05:27 Importance of DEI in Various Roles
08:06 Interpersonal Reactions
13:49 The Role of Leadership in DEI
15:21 Recognizing Individual Experiences
18:04 Addressing the Challenges of DEI in Different Roles
20:09 Impact of DEI on Organizational Culture
29:41 Struggles of Supervision and Learning Differences
30:40 Power of Patience and Curiosity
31:35 Understanding Different Learning Styles
33:45 Self-Awareness and Reflection
38:02 Accountability and Accepting Mistakes
45:07 The Power of the PAUSE Method
49:46 Individual Accountability in Collective Progress
50:42 Closing Remarks and Contact Information