Unapologetic Leadership: Driving Positive Change Through Diversity in Higher Education with Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College & CEO of the Compton Community College District Episode 137
Release Date: 02/11/2025
The Future Of Work
00:00:00 - Kate Gordon I do think that across the board in education, we have to get better at interdisciplinarity and interconnected systems. Like if I'm going out to install solar panels on a roof, I should also be trained to do like basic electrical work because the reality is you don't want to train people for these very, very niche jobs. This needs to be part of a bigger system where people have a longer term ability to turn it into a career. 00:00:28 - Christina Barsi The workforce landscape is rapidly changing and educators and their institutions need to keep up. Preparing...
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What does it take to build a clean energy economy? Kate Gordon, CEO of CA FWD (California Forward), believes it’s about more than just new technology—it’s about putting communities first, preparing for the emerging career opportunities, and making sustainability a part of everyday decision-making. Creating a greener, more resilient future requires everyone to play a role, from policymakers to local businesses to individuals. CA FWD invites people to share their thoughts and questions on the clean energy transition because real progress happens when we work together. You’ll...
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00:00:00 - Albert Basilio I would like to see the company as a place where we can hire the best Latino and Latina talent from the greater Los Angeles area. People that can bring their talents, earn a high wage from their work, and know that if they love sports and technology as much as we do, that it can be a place for them to contribute to the creation of an unforgettable experience for those that would like to be a part of what we build. 00:00:29 - Christina Barsi The workforce landscape is rapidly changing and educators and their institutions need to keep up. Preparing students...
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What drives innovation and diversity in sports and technology? Albert Basilio, founder of Launchball, is merging these industries to create immersive experiences while championing inclusion. He sheds light on the barriers Latino founders face in securing capital and discusses the power of support networks in entrepreneurial success. Basilio also explores how community colleges and universities can bridge the gap between education and industry, fostering the next generation of diverse sports professionals. Discover how collaboration and community can shape the future of sports and tech. ...
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00:00:00 - Julie Clowes Even though you're not certain maybe how you want to utilize all these programs, I do say apply, get yourself into the queue, the application queue, and preserve the ability to tap into these resources beyond that March 10 deadline. With SBA's program, for example, if you decide you don't want the loan, at the end of the day, SBA offers you and you're like, you know, I think I can manage without it. That's okay. You can say, no. You can take a lesser amount than what SBA might offer you. But what I don't want people to do is get two months from now and say, gosh, I wish...
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How can small businesses rebuild after a crisis like the recent LA fires? The Small Business Administration (SBA) plays a crucial role in recovery; offering financial assistance, business counseling, and disaster relief. Many independent contractors and home-based businesses don’t realize they qualify for SBA loans, but resources are available for a wide range of business types. Julie Clowes, Director of SBA’s Los Angeles District Office, joins us to discuss how the SBA provides critical support, especially in times of rebuilding after disaster. From financial assistance to business...
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00:00:00 - Dr. Keith Curry How do we, as institutions, connect workforce development across all academic areas to ensure that all students are getting opportunities for employment, Ensure all students are getting opportunities for internships and apprenticeships? And what does that look like? How do we connect with businesses within our community so our students are able to work at those businesses within our community that's related to their field? Where our students are not making minimum wage, we're looking at our students making wages where they can say, you know what? I'm good. This is...
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What does it take to transform higher education and create lasting change for underrepresented students? Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, shares his passion for equity, detailing how initiatives like Black Student Success Week and Senate Bill 1348 are redefining what it means to support Black and underrepresented students across academic and workforce landscapes. With his signature “Unapologetic Leadership,” he challenges educators, policymakers, and community partners to rethink traditional approaches and build systems that...
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00:00:00 - Monique Reaves If there's something that schools can arm students a little bit better, I think just if we're going to speak to all populations, to all demographics, then we need to be able to teach students how to do that because they're the next ones up to take the torch and do these events. That I think would be really helpful. 00:00:19 - Christina Barsi The workforce landscape is rapidly changing, and educators and their institutions need to keep up. Preparing students before they enter the workforce to make our communities and businesses strong is at the core of getting...
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What skills will students need to lead the charge for events like the LA28 Olympics and the FIFA World Cup? Monique Reaves, Chief Revenue Officer of the iconic Rose Bowl stadium and the first Latina in an executive role at the Rose Bowl Operating Company, discusses the importance of aligning educational programs with industry demands to prepare future leaders. She advocates for incorporating creativity, sustainability, and diversity into workforce development while emphasizing accessible, community-centered hiring practices. Through innovative collaborations, such as the Rose Bowl's...
info_outlineWhat does it take to transform higher education and create lasting change for underrepresented students? Dr. Keith Curry, President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, shares his passion for equity, detailing how initiatives like Black Student Success Week and Senate Bill 1348 are redefining what it means to support Black and underrepresented students across academic and workforce landscapes. With his signature “Unapologetic Leadership,” he challenges educators, policymakers, and community partners to rethink traditional approaches and build systems that not only promote academic achievement but also pave the way for livable, rewarding careers.
You’ll learn:
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The importance of establishing a support system for Black and underrepresented students in higher education.
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How bipartisan initiatives like voter registration can help in driving positive change.
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Why it is crucial to establish partnerships between education and industry for providing equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.
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The role of grant programs in supporting Black-serving institutions and enhancing student success.
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Key objectives of Senate Bill 1348 in transforming institutions to better serve Black students.
About the Guest:
Dr. Keith Curry is the President of Compton College and CEO of the Compton Community College District, overseeing all departments and serving as secretary for the Board of Trustees. Known for his energetic and innovative approach in higher education administration, he has led multiple ACCJC Visiting Teams as Accreditation Team Chair since 2017. In June 2020, he was invited by Governor Newsom’s Senior Policy Advisor for Higher Education to join the California Higher Education Recovery with Equity Task Force.
A champion for equity, Dr. Curry co-founded and chairs Black Student Success Week, and he leads national panels and advisory committees focused on Black student enrollment. He also contributes to the California Alliance for Open Education Steering Committee and the USC Racial Equity in Guided Pathways Commission Taskforce. Since 2021, he has served as a Distinguished Research Fellow/Adjunct Faculty at CSU Los Angeles Charter College of Education. Dr. Curry earned his doctorate in educational leadership from UC Irvine and his bachelor’s degree in American studies from UC Santa Cruz.
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More from Dr. Keith Curry & Compton College
Websites: https://iamkeithcurry.org/
https://www.compton.edu/index.aspx
LinkedIn:@keith-curry
X/Twitter, Instagram: @IamKeithCurry
Facebook: @comptonedu
X/Twitter & Instagram: @compton_college
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