The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast

In our global, ever shifting world, cultural awareness and adaptability are extremely valuable tools. Dr. Alta Mauro’s expertise shines, as she recounts tales from her days living in Abu Dhabi while navigating a unique racial, social, and economic landscape. As the Associate Dean of Inclusion & Belonging at Harvard College, she adeptly utilizes her knowledge to inspire the next generation of leaders. We also discuss how the pandemic is affecting Ramadan, why disruption can be healthy, and how institutions can continue to innovate regardless of their current level of success.     Bio:   Dr. Alta Mauro is the Associate Dean for Inclusion & Belonging at Harvard College, guiding divisional efforts related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under her direction, the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural & Race Relations, the Harvard College Women’s Center, the Office of BGLTQ Student Life, and Title IX coordination converge to leverage Harvard’s great diversity to cultivate inclusive community where all students can thrive.   Previously, Alta served as the founding director of Spiritual Life & Intercultural Education at New York University Abu Dhabi. The UAE’s cosmopolitan diversity provided an exciting backdrop to consider what it meant to educate from the intersection of Black diasporic, critical, womanist perspectives rooted in cultural humility, social justice, and equity.    Alta earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Her dissertation, Identity (re)Determination Among Upwardly-Mobile Black Women, focuses on shifting notions of self, identity, and belonging among African-American women who have been acculturated in sociocultural spaces which are markedly different from their home communities. Other areas of her professional expertise include sustained dialogue and engaging culturally-relevant pedagogy across academic disciplines. Alta has co-authored three refereed book chapters, additional articles related to DEI and global education issues, and published poetry in a recent higher education anthology. Highlights:   The ways not enough-ness shows up and how Dr. Mauro deals with this. How Amer and Dr. Mauro are handling a less communal Ramadan. How to navigate between choosing a job with higher pay with a community focused position. What are helpful disruptions and how did they impact Dr. Mauro’s life? Amer and Dr. Mauro’s experience living in the Midwest, facing religious and racial animosity. How Dr. Mauro’s experience in the Middle East taught her to be tolerant of ambiguity. Acknowledging the exploitation of labor across the world.  How to differentiate between fundamental problems and first-world problems. What are the historical barriers for women of color? How have they changed over time? Do successful institutions stop innovating after time? Are we advocating for inclusive education too robotically and philosophically? Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:   Website | amerfahmed.com   Instagram | @dramerfahmed   Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. is a dedicated change agent, with leadership experience across the education and business sectors. In today’s episode, he speaks deeply to the mindset and approach that educators must adopt to truly make an on impact students. Dr. Moore shares from his past, including how he overcame addiction and found himself in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space. We also cover why there is no finish line for anti-racism work, why massive transformation will come from a series of small actions, and what it means to hold someone accountable.   Bio:   Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. has pursued and achieved success in academia, business, diversity, leadership and community service. In 1996, he started America & MOORE, LLC to provide comprehensive diversity, privilege and leadership trainings and workshops. Dr. Moore is recognized as one of the nation’s top motivational speakers and educators, especially for his work with students K-16. Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., currently serves as Director of The Privilege Institute (TPI) and The National White Privilege Conference (WPC), both founded under his direction to provide opportunities and possibilities for research, publications, speaking and collaborations by those committed to true social and institutional change.    He received his Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies at the University of Iowa and under his direction and inclusive relationship model the White Privilege Conference has become one of the top national and international conferences for participants who want to move beyond dialogue and into action around issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership. In 2014 Dr. Moore founded The Privilege Institute, which engages people in research, education, action and leadership through workshops, conferences, publications and collaborative partnerships and relationships. (Click here to read full bio)    Highlights:   What are qualities to look for in a mentor? Is the social justice movement evolving as fast as white supremacy culture? How recovering from a drug addiction at age 27 changed Dr. Moore’s life trajectory. How Dr. Moore’s mother’s love was his saving grace. “It starts with believing that it matters to invest in somebody … you may never see the repercussions and results of that, but … that’s worth doing” -  Dr. Amer F. Ahmed Why millions of people having an impact on their small spheres of influence will change the world - “Transformation ... doesn’t just happen because one person did one big thing” - Dr. Amer F. Ahmed What is the White Privilege Conference?  Why those who are doing the work need to be challenged differently. How has Dr. Moore’s consultation work changed over time? Is higher education’s approach to fighting racism outdated? Why knowing your ingrained biases is vital to effective pedagogy. There is no one BIPOC “type” - there is massive diversity under this designation. Why powerful educators “respect the complexity in which their students are coming into the classroom” - Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. Why is Robin DiAngelo under so much public scrutiny? Is it unwarranted? Connect with Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.   Website | EddieMooreJr.com - free e-book, 21 Day Action Plans, and book info!!   Instagram | @eddiemoorejr   Twitter | @eddieknowsmoore   Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:   Website | amerfahmed.com   Instagram | @dramerfahmed   Twitter | @dramerfahmed  

While the recent wave of anti-Asian crimes is frightening, the hate itself is not new. It simply became more acute and visible due to global events. Our guest, Kia Lor, intimately understands intercultural competence and holds a heartfelt remedy for the vitriol. The path forward includes deeper intentional listening and more meaningful communication amongst cultures and generations. We also cover the history of the Hmong people, inclusion issues within study abroad programs, and the sneaky ways that institutions attempt to force assimilation.   Bio:   Kia Lor (she/her), Associate Director, was a First-Generation Lower-Income (FGLI) college student who was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and raised in snowy St. Paul, Minnesota. Kia can tell you all about how to immerse yourself in intercultural courses at UPenn, including the Intercultural Leadership Program, the United Minorities Council, and the Civil Rights History Spring Break. She is also skilled in social media marketing. Kia is passionate about Hmong women narratives and digital storytelling, and she uses her training in intercultural communication to help students develop their voices. Outside of her work at the Albert M. Greenfield Intercultural Center, you may find Kia taking pictures or running along the Schuylkill trail.   Highlights:   Background of the Hmong people, including their betrayal from the United States and the “Secret War” from the Vietnam War era.  How Kia came to the field of intercultural communication and how she has been applying this knowledge her entire life. Why a study abroad trip to India and China accelerated her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion work. How Kia has brought the intersectional lens to study abroad, fellowships, and global initiatives at UPenn.  Salient question from Kia - “How do I be Asian in a white space?” Why students of different races have highly variable experiences while traveling abroad. Is there historical tension between the Asian and Black communities? What is emotional labor and why is its importance often dismissed from academic circles? How economics, class, and access to education vary across all minority groups, especially within Asian communities. What are the recent changes within the Hmong community in the United States? How does Kia boost intercultural learning through an equity lens at UPenn? What does inclusive teaching mean to Kia? “Listen with the intention to understand, and without having to put in my solution or my two cents, but to really hear each other.” - Kia Lor How the dominant culture forces assimilation and why operating with internal congruence is vital. Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:   Website | amerfahmed.com   Instagram | @dramerfahmed   Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Part 2 of this interview begins with Alex sharing insights from Standing Rock, solutions for preserving Indigenous culture, and methods for ending the colonial mindset. Alex details the specific actionable steps that white Americans can take to assist in this cultural transformation. We also talk about why authentic conversation can end white supremacy, how hyper-reactivity slows progress, and why Western society’s devotion to logic is problematic.   Bio:   He is currently producing and hosting Season 2 of In These Times: Black Lives and Call for Justice, a podcast by the School of Arts and Sciences at Penn. The six-part series explores the nation’s complex history with race and examines the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Schein has served as part-time faculty at Temple University and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and as creative director for the African American Policy Forum, co-founded by Kimberlé Crenshaw, in New York City. As the sole proprietor of SkyHunter Media, he has directed and produced numerous promotional films for organizations, independent artists, and institutions. His solo-produced documentary film, Making Sense, made its world premiere in New York City at the 2014 DOC NYC Film Festival.   As a professional songwriter and music producer for over 15 years, Schein has had songs from his self-produced album, Speed of Light, featured in the feature film Bilal’s Stand (Sundance Film Festival 2010) as well as on ESPN, NBC Sports, and in Big UP Productions' films by Emmy-Award director Josh Lowell.   Show Notes:   Alex’s journey learning about Native American issues via Standing Rock. Why documenting traditions and languages is vital to preserving Indigenous values. How can we become part of the solution for the Indigenous community? Are native American cultures and customs becoming overly romanticized? How pervasive is the colonial mentality? How can individuals transcend that mindset? Why Western society’s devotion to rationality and logic is short-sighted. The background on Alex’s “Breaking The Silence” film project.  “Witnessing human beings in the faces of constant oppression on every level… and yet you can still transform that into laughter, and incredible creative expression and all sorts of things that have come from Black, Indigenous, and Brown people.” - Alex Schein How Covid has affected how we interact with technology and media. Alex’s insights from recording and editing for social justice leaders and scholars. Why making authentic connections with people unlike yourself is needed now more than ever. How Alex has woven the message of diversity, equity, and inclusion into his work for UPenn. Why the most useful, impactful actions are often not publicly displayed. How the hyper-reactivity surrounding all things race and social justice related is slowing progress.   Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:   Website | amerfahmed.com   Instagram | @dramerfahmed   Twitter | @dramerfahmed Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!

Alex Schein is a multimedia producer and the Director of Digital Communications for the School of Arts & Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Alex’s long-established involvement in educational art projects enables him to expertly convey their potential power in realizing social and economic justice. Amer and Alex’s close relationship makes for a potent and heartfelt episode, including tales from their time living in South Africa during the Truth and Reconciliation era. Stay tuned for part 2 of this conversation!   Bio:   He is currently producing and hosting Season 2 of In These Times: Black Lives and Call for Justice, a podcast by the School of Arts and Sciences at Penn. The six-part series explores the nation’s complex history with race and examines the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020 and the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Schein has served as part-time faculty at Temple University and the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and as creative director for the African American Policy Forum, co-founded by Kimberlé Crenshaw, in New York City. As the sole proprietor of SkyHunter Media, he has directed and produced numerous promotional films for organizations, independent artists, and institutions. His solo-produced documentary film, Making Sense, made its world premiere in New York City at the 2014 DOC NYC Film Festival.   As a professional songwriter and music producer for over 15 years, Schein has had songs from his self-produced album, Speed of Light, featured in the feature film Bilal’s Stand (Sundance Film Festival 2010) as well as on ESPN, NBC Sports, and in Big UP Productions' films by Emmy-Award director Josh Lowell.   Show Notes:   The achievements of Alex Schein’s mother - Dr. Virginia Schein - one of the first female faculty members at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business Why aren’t more women in leadership positions?  Why Gettysburg, PA presents a unique case study for race and class relations. How Alex navigated the social complexities of diverse settings.  Why being the only person of your race in a room can lead to new insights. Does music have a unique ability to bring people together? Does the average American understand Islam from a spiritual level? Amer and Alex’s experience living in South Africa during the Truth and Reconciliation process. Does the United States need its own version of truth and reconciliation? Why leaving your comfort zone is vital to growth. Breaking apart the stereotypes surrounding Dave Matthews and his music. Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:   Website | amerfahmed.com   Instagram | @dramerfahmed   Twitter | @dramerfahmed Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!