Reflecting on Learning Day 2024: Workforce Readiness, Equity, and Partnerships
Release Date: 04/09/2025
More Than a Holiday: A Juneteenth Conversation
Critical Conversations
Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Janeen Jackson, and students from Oakton's Black Student Success Program as they explore the history, significance, and future of Juneteenth. This episode delves into personal reflections, the cultural impact of the holiday, and its recent federal recognition. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Janeen Jackson, Equity Coordinator for Building Lasting African Culture and Knowledge (B.L.A.C.K.) Student Success Program [BSSP] Adaugo Uduko, Oakton Student, BSSP Mulla Juma, Oakton Student, BSSP AnnLouise Applewhite, Oakton...
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Question of the Month: Introvert in an Extrovert’s World
Critical Conversations
In this episode, I unpack a simple question that left me reflecting deeply: “Are you an introvert or an extrovert?” What followed was a realization about how our environments—and the roles we play in them—can shape how we show up. I explore the idea of “performing extroversion,” the fluidity of personality traits, and what it means to lead authentically, even when it feels counter to your natural rhythm. Whether you lean introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, this episode invites you to rethink how identity shows up in your professional life. Drop a comment and join the...
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From Evaluation to Engagement: The Lattice Launch at Oakton
Critical Conversations
In this episode, we explore Oakton’s transition to Lattice, a new performance management system designed to foster meaningful conversations, continuous feedback, and employee growth. Join us as we discuss the journey behind the shift, unpack common perceptions around evaluations in higher education, and share what employees and managers can expect moving forward. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Mindy Finnigan, Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition and Development Tom Hicks, Director of Student Success and Academic Interventions Roxana Betka, Human...
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Got Solidarity?: Challenging Straight White College Men to Advocate for Social Justice; featuring Dr. Jorg Vianden
Critical Conversations
In this episode, we welcome our first non-Oakton affiliated guest to the podcast, Dr. Jorg Vianden, author of the book, "Got Solidarity?: Challenging Straight White College Men to Advocate for Social Justice". We get to know Dr. Jorg Vianden, how he got started in higher education, what inspired his doctoral work and the research that informed his book. Then we discuss how he handles resistence and challenging straight white men to be advocates for social justice. We also hear from Oakton's Manager of Student Conduct and Title IX Coordinator, Robert Pererson, who studied under Dr....
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May-August Holidays and Observances
Critical Conversations
In the last Holidays and Observances episode of the academic year, Brenda is going to take you from May 1st through the summer months! Jewish-American heritage month spans the entire month of May, with Lag Ba'Omer from May 15-16th, which is a Jewish religious holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer, which occurs on the 18th day of the Hebrew month of Iyar; a period in the Jewish calendar between Passover and Shavuot. Memorial Day is on May 26th, a commemoration honoring and remembering the men and women who died serving the US military. June is Pride Month, a...
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No Agenda with Tina and Terrance
Critical Conversations
In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with trusted colleagues and friends with NO AGENDA. This time around, Dr. Daniels is joined by Tina Fakhrid-Deen, Distinguished Professor of English and Co-coorinator of Creative Writing and Terrance Stevenson, Coordinator for Oakton's Emory Williams Academy for Black Men. Topics include the commonalities of their circuitous educational journey, important teachers and role models, some of the struggles, wake-up calls and epiphanies they experienced along the way, and how they now help their students rise to expectations while breaking down barriers....
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Reflecting on Learning Day 2024: Workforce Readiness, Equity, and Partnerships
Critical Conversations
In this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on Learning Day 2024, from October of last year. As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, it's a great time to look back at our notes, re-center some of the important themes, and give space to have conversations about how employees, faculty, and staff can continue to act on what Learning Day offered, while also planning for the future. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Workforce and Community Education Program Developer and Learning Day Programming Chair Ella...
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April Holidays and Observances
Critical Conversations
In this brief episode, we want to share some of the holidays and observances in April, including Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Arab-American Hertiage Month, National Autism Acceptance Month, and Earth Month. Religious Observances in April include Passover, Holy Week leading up to the end of Lent and Easter Sunday, and Orthodox Easter; Pascha or Ressurrection Sunday. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design
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Unlocking Opportunity: Elevating the Adult and Continuing Education Student Experience at Oakton
Critical Conversations
In this episode, we speak with some folks from the Adult and Continuing Education department at Oakton. We highlight the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for Continuing Education and Non-Credit students at Oakton College. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Delia Rodriguez, Dean of Adult and Continuing Education Itri Papanikolla, Adult Education Transitions Coordinator Elena Smoukova, Senior Manager of Adult Education Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design
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Campus Safety at Oakton: A Conversation with Chief Aaron Wernick
Critical Conversations
In this episode, we introduce Chief Aaron Wernick to the Oakton community, discuss his vision for the Oakton Police Department, and address key concerns regarding public safety, policing policies, and community relations. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guest: Chief Aaron Wernick, Chief of Police and Emergency Management Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design
info_outlineIn this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on Learning Day 2024, from October of last year. As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, it's a great time to look back at our notes, re-center some of the important themes, and give space to have conversations about how employees, faculty, and staff can continue to act on what Learning Day offered, while also planning for the future.
Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Workforce and Community Education Program Developer and Learning Day Programming Chair
Ella Whitehead, Assistant Director of Enrollment for Equity Outreach and Learning Day Committee Co-chair
Dr. Ruben Howard, Dean of Business and Career Technologies and Learning Day Committee Co-chair
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion
Producer: Erick Rohn, Professor of Design