The Equity Matters Podcast

When students leave their homes and go off to college, there are enough distractions without having to worry about financial troubles. Today we join Dr. Michael Couch II, Chief Financial Officer of Martin University to discuss how the history of higher educational institutions have led to many of the financial inequities we see presently, the importance of financial literacy in receiving aid and how he engages the family as a support when students enroll. LinkedIn: Michael Couch II Ed.D Instagram: @MikeCouch02   Listen & Subscribe to Equity Matters Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify  Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe to the Equity Matters E-Zine

Coming up on the end of year and approaching a year of coexisting with COVID-19, I found it only appropriate to reflect on the opportunities we have with the new normal.  On this week's episode I dive into what it takes to reimagine our current existence and begin planning for equity and social justice. Be sure to listen to the end for some very important updates for the Equity Matters Podcast! Listen & Subscribe to Equity Matters Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify  Follow us on Twitter & Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe to the Equity Matters E-Zine

Public spaces have the opportunity to reflect and shape the communities they serve. Unfortunately many underserved communities have been systematically excluded from the prosperity and vibrancy that their cities generate for the wealthy. We connect with Mónica Gutiérrez to discuss her experience engaging communities in South Phoenix, her research on #Placemaking and how to be an academic hustler when the odds are stacked against you.   Keep up with Mónica Gutiérrez here:   Twitter: @Moni_SocialWork Website: Mónica Gutiérrez To Learn More about the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Research Scholars visit their website.

Vision and mission have a fundamental role in shaping an organization or a company. It reminds employees, stakeholders, and potential partners what it is exactly that you focus on. We connected with Dr. Ryan Warner as he shares his experience working with organizations to curate mission and vision while adopting an equity lens.  Keep up with Dr. Warner here: Twitter: @DrRyanCWarner LinkedIn: Ryan C. Warner, PhD Website: RC Warner Consulting, LLC    

DEI Consulting is big business. Companies are more and more aware of their role in perpetuating the -isms and re looking to resolve power imbalances. This is great news for individuals who can help define and address these challenges. This is great news for individuals who have expertise in these areas. This week we connected with Maaso Kalema, Founder of the AYA Consulting Firm who shares her experience working with companies to reimagine their systems and create sustainable change. To get more information on Aya Consulting, please visit their website here. 

Confederate statues and monuments memorialize and glorify white supremacy and racism. With the recent murder of George Floyd, we saw widespread protest and efforts to remove these artifacts. This week, we connected with Trey Taylor to discuss grassroots organizing to do this work, Black men in social work, and learning wisdom from the ancestors. 

Social work is often divided into macro or micro practice, and it's limiting to consider this dichotomous view. We connected with micro practitioner Reggie Jackson to discuss his role in advancing equity at all levels and how his skillset cuts through all practice areas.

I'm sure you could list offhand a few of the social determinants of health. But how are you considering the -isms that shape those factors? We connected with Lonias Gilmore to give an in-depth analysis of social determinants and she offers her perspective on how to frame social justice work for effective change.

Promoting a culture of diversity is essential for all professions but it is especially lacking in the legal field. We connected with Armin Salek to discuss the Youth Justice Alliance and their work to close the racialized gaps in the legal profession.

Students in the United States use technology daily, and access to it is essential to education success. We connected with TJ McCray to discuss the pitfalls caused by the digital divide and how virtual learning and technology can be used to facilitate equity.