10 years of Service: Celebrating President Joianne Smith
Release Date: 11/16/2025
Celebrating Women’s History Month with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC)
Critical Conversations
Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Leah Kintner, and Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez for a conversation on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) at Oakton. In honor of Women's History Month, they discuss the history of AAWCC at Oakton, key issues facing women in community colleges, upcoming initiatives and events, membership, and scholarship opportunities. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion " Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Program Developer for Workforce and Community Education Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez, Trio Student Support Services Program...
info_outline
Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself.
Critical Conversations
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton’s own: Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center and author of the new book, "Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself." We sat down with Dr. Smith in the studio and asked her more about her role at Oakton and helping students prepare for their next steps after Oakton. Then she discusses her new book adn its unique title, her writing process, and what she hopes readers will take away from reading it. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and...
info_outline
December Holidays and Observances
Critical Conversations
In this episode of the podcast, Brenda Cruz tells us about some of the December holidays and observances, including Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and spending time with loved ones at the end of the year! Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design
info_outline
Spotlight on Oakton Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton
Critical Conversations
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton’s Employee Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton. We will unpack and discuss the origins of the group, its connection to the land Oakton occupies, and key takeaways from this year’s Learning Day. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Jayne Blacker, Associate Professor of Mathematics Thomas Bowen, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design
info_outline
10 years of Service: Celebrating President Joianne Smith
Critical Conversations
On this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on 10 years of leadership and service from President Joianne Smith. Together, we explore the accomplishments and challenges that have shaped her presidency, and look ahead to what the future holds for her and for Oakton College. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Special Guest: Dr. Joianne Smith, President Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design
info_outline
November Holidays and Observances
Critical Conversations
For November's holidays and observances, Brenda Cruz walks us through some information about Native American History Month, Dia de los Muertos, Veterans Day, and Transgender Day of Rememberance. Brenda and Rick discuss some ways that you can celebrate and observe these days respectfully this month. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design
info_outline
Rhythm & Resistance: A Tribute to D'Angelo
Critical Conversations
Join Dr. Rick Daniels for a special episode of Critical Conversations celebrating the trailblazing neo-soul artist D’Angelo. This episode explores four of his compositions that highlight spirituality, social justice, environmental responsibility, and Black empowerment. D’Angelo’s music moves beyond romantic themes, offering a powerful reminder that sound itself can serve as a form of protest. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor...
info_outline
The Hidden Cost of Free Speech
Critical Conversations
On the next episode of the Critical Conversations podcast, we delve into "The Hidden Cost of Free Speech." Recent events have brought this classic topic back to the forefront, and together, we'll unpack how the national sentiment around free speech impacts the student experience, how we respond to various forms of on-campus expression, and how we share the Oakton story with the broader community. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Will Crawford, Distinguished Professor of English Keith Simonds, Assistant Professor of Political Science Steve...
info_outline
The Discipline of Civil Discourse: Four Tools to Debate Without Demeaning
Critical Conversations
In this episode of Critical Conversations, Dr. Rick Daniels cuts through the noise around “civil discourse” and gets real about what it actually means. Respectful debate isn’t just about sharing opinions, it’s about the skill, care, and discipline we bring into dialogue. Too often, what’s framed as free speech is really provocation disguised as debate. Dr. Daniels challenges that notion and introduces four practical tools designed to help us sharpen our ability to disagree without disrespect, and to debate without demeaning. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity...
info_outline
Who Switched My Code Vol. 1: Exploring the idea of tokenism in professional spaces.
Critical Conversations
Have you ever felt like you had to shrink yourself to fit in? Been the “only one” in the room? Or felt pressure to speak for your whole community? In Season 3, Episode 2 of Critical Conversations, we begin our new series Who Switched My Code? by exploring tokenism as a form of social adaptability. Together, we’ll walk through the three phases: Adaptation, Reaction, and Representation. I also tell my own personal story with tokenism and reflect on how I moved from survival to authentic leadership. Code-switching has a cost; let’s unpack it together. #CriticalConversations...
info_outlineOn this episode of Critical Conversations, we reflect on 10 years of leadership and service from President Joianne Smith. Together, we explore the accomplishments and challenges that have shaped her presidency, and look ahead to what the future holds for her and for Oakton College.
Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Special Guest: Dr. Joianne Smith, President
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design