New Books Network Leading Toward Liberation: How to Build Cultures of Thriving in Higher Education
Oct 2, 2025
Dr. Annmarie Caño, a professor of psychology and former dean, discusses her journey as a Latina, first-generation college student, and how it shaped her vision for academic leadership. She emphasizes the necessity of redefining leadership through liberation psychology to create inclusive and thriving institutions. Caño critiques traditional leadership resources for ignoring systemic barriers and urges leaders to engage in self-reflection regarding power and privilege. With actionable strategies and reflective practices, she inspires listeners to foster change and protect their wellbeing in academia.
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First-Gen Path To Academia
- Annmarie Caño is a first-generation college student who became a professor and leader in higher ed.
- Her background shaped her interest in making institutions more navigable and equitable.
Leadership Should Center The Marginalized
- Leading toward liberation reframes leadership as centering marginalized experiences rather than top-down knowledge holding.
- The goal is collective liberation so everyone can contribute and flourish.
Account For Unequal Standards
- Recognize that common leadership books may miss realities for first-gen and marginalized leaders.
- Use strategies that account for being held to different standards and enlist allies to intervene when bias appears.
