<description>In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with Basil Safi, Executive Director of the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, for a closer look at community-engaged learning — an approach that goes beyond traditional volunteerism. Basil explains how Cornell empowers students to work with communities, not just for them, and why curiosity is key to understanding differences. Tune in to hear about Cornell’s global partnerships, the vital role of staff, and Basil’s insights on burnout, balance, and replenishing oneself while doing service-oriented work.</description>

In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with…

In this fall-finale, Erin and Toral sit down with Basil Safi, Executive Director of the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement, for a closer look at community-engaged learning — an approach that goes beyond traditional volunteerism. Basil explains how Cornell empowers students to work with communities, not just for them, and why curiosity is key to understanding differences. Tune in to hear about Cornell’s global partnerships, the vital role of staff, and Basil’s insights on burnout, balance, and replenishing oneself while doing service-oriented work.

Episode 104: Learning With, Not For: A Conversation with Basil Safi

<description>Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision for cultivating belonging and describes how mentorship has shaped her approach. Cameron reflects on entering Cornell during the pandemic, the challenges of finding connection, and how the fellows program has provided him and others empowerment and purpose. Together, they all discuss why intentional care, community, and holistic support are essential to helping students and staff thrive.</description>

Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Ass…

Erin and Toral welcome Sharifa Wip (she/her), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Black Student Empowerment, and Cameron White (he/him), graduate fellow and MHA student in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, to explore how creating spaces of affirmation can transform a student’s experience at Cornell. Sharifa shares her vision for cultivating belonging and describes how mentorship has shaped her approach. Cameron reflects on entering Cornell during the pandemic, the challenges of finding connection, and how the fellows program has provided him and others empowerment and purpose. Together, they all discuss why intentional care, community, and holistic support are essential to helping students and staff thrive.

Episode 103: Community Affirmation: The Key to Self-Empowerment

<description>
Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo (he/him/his), Area Director for Cornell Custom Executive Education, leads and lives. Erin and Toral welcome him to the podcast to discuss how that experience transformed not only his personal journey but also his approach to leadership. Mark reflects on the years he spent hiding parts of his identity and how embracing them brought new confidence, empathy, and vulnerability to his work. Together, they explore what authentic and inclusive leadership truly looks like, and how creating space for others to show up fully can unlock potential across teams and organizations. </description>


Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo…


Coming out later in life reshaped how Mark Dembo (he/him/his), Area Director for Cornell Custom Executive Education, leads and lives. Erin and Toral welcome him to the podcast to discuss how that experience transformed not only his personal journey but also his approach to leadership. Mark reflects on the years he spent hiding parts of his identity and how embracing them brought new confidence, empathy, and vulnerability to his work. Together, they explore what authentic and inclusive leadership truly looks like, and how creating space for others to show up fully can unlock potential across teams and organizations. 

Episode 102: Redefining Leadership Through Vulnerability

<description>In part two of the 100th episode celebration, Erin and Toral continue their conversation with the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, Sherron Brown, and Anthony Sis. The group reflects on the roots and ripple effects of the podcast by sharing more behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the laughter and moments that shaped it all. Tune in to a conversation that honors the legacy of the podcast and inspires those carrying its torch into the future.</description>

In part two of the 100th episode celebration, Eri…

In part two of the 100th episode celebration, Erin and Toral continue their conversation with the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson, Sherron Brown, and Anthony Sis. The group reflects on the roots and ripple effects of the podcast by sharing more behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the laughter and moments that shaped it all. Tune in to a conversation that honors the legacy of the podcast and inspires those carrying its torch into the future.

Episode 101: The Next 100 Starts Now

<description>In a special two-part celebration marking 100 episodes of the IE Podcast, Erin and Toral welcome back the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (he/him/his), Sherron Brown (she/her/hers), and Anthony Sis (he/they). Together, they revisit the untold stories behind the podcast’s humble beginnings, the “scrappy” days with a single Yeti mic, and the community that transformed a single idea into one hundred episodes of meaningful conversation. Tune in to Part One to hear where they are now, how life and work have evolved since their time behind the mic, and what this milestone means to them as they reflect on how far the podcast has come — and the people who made it possible.</description>

In a special two-part celebration marking 100 epi…

In a special two-part celebration marking 100 episodes of the IE Podcast, Erin and Toral welcome back the show’s original creators and past cohosts Dr. Cornell Verdeja-Woodson (he/him/his), Sherron Brown (she/her/hers), and Anthony Sis (he/they). Together, they revisit the untold stories behind the podcast’s humble beginnings, the “scrappy” days with a single Yeti mic, and the community that transformed a single idea into one hundred episodes of meaningful conversation. Tune in to Part One to hear where they are now, how life and work have evolved since their time behind the mic, and what this milestone means to them as they reflect on how far the podcast has come — and the people who made it possible.

Episode 100: Guess Who's Back?

Join Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel from the Department of Inclusion and Belonging as they dive into discussions on topics related to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. They will interview colleagues throughout Cornell who are working to build spaces of belonging for all Cornell employees and provide information on how you can begin building these spaces today.

Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast

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