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!

1. 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...

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...

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, Direc...

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...

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 Smou...

In this episode of Critical Conversations, we dive into the Department of Education’s latest Dear Colleague Letter and its impact on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. With growing resistance to DEI efforts in education, we unpack the letter’s key statements, analyze the broader political and social context, and explore strategies for staying resilient in this work. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on wha...

In this brief episode, we want to share some of the holidays and observances in March, including celebrating women's identities in Women's HERstory Month. The Jewish celebration of survival, Purim, is also this month, as well as the Hindu festival starting the month of Phalguna and celebrating spring and rejuvenation. Nowruz, meaning "New Day," is also aligned with the vernal equinox (start of spring) and is celebrated with family,...

In this episode of Critical Conversations, we explore the power of embracing Blackness with special guests Krissie Harris and Lindsey Hunter. Together, we discuss defining Blackness, resisting colonizer energy, and navigating spaces where it is undervalued or misunderstood. Tune in for a candid conversation on identity, community, and the joy of honoring Blackness in both personal and professional life.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Dir...

Recently, Rick Daniels, Ed.D hosted a campus-wide discussion at Oakton College on the impact of recent executive orders and their implications for our institution and community. This event was opened with remarks from President Joianne L. Smith, Ph.D., who reaffirmed Oakton’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting all students, faculty, and staff through evolving policy landscapes. Oakton's new Chief of Police, Aaron Werni...

In this brief episode, we want to share some encouragement with folks as DEI work is under attack once again, but we also want to take a moment to spotlight the holiday observances, as well as some Oakton College campus events for the month of February. We've got a full episode coming soon for Black History Month, so stay tuned!

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordin...

In this episode, the goal is to foster an inclusive dialogue that highlights the experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the LGBTQ+ community at Oakton College. This episode will provide actionable insights for improving systems and fostering a culture that uplifts all individuals.

Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity an Inclusio...

In our first episode of 2025, we check in with Brenda Cruz, the Coordinator for Institutional Equity and Inclusion at Oakton College about January Holiday Observances and what we can do to recognize, acknowlege and support these holidays and those who observe them.
Dr. Daniels then shares three points of encouragement to help navigate the uncertainty ahead of us, especially with regards to the work of DEI. 
Finally, we wrap up the ...

As language continues to evolve, so do the ways we refer to our diverse identities. This episode will be an open dialogue about the terms "Latine" and "Latinx," how and why these terms are used, what we understand about them, and their broader implications in creating inclusive spaces, especially within institutions like ours. Let’s explore together how language intersects with identity and what steps we can take to foster inclusiv...

In this bonus episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with trusted colleagues and friends, Janeen Jackson and Will Crawford to have a candid conversation about how they innovate to keep their students engaged, how they accept feedback, criticism, praise and love, and then let the discussion develop organically. No agenda! Topics also include the upcoming election and the musicians considered for the 2025 Superbowl Halftime Show.

Host: ...

In this episode, we explore Oakton College’s major strategic plans that are shaping our future. 
We delve into Vision 2030, Oakton’s overarching strategic plan to build just and thriving communities, and discuss the role of the Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM 2.0) plan in advancing our enrollment goals. 
We’ll also highlight the college’s Strategic Equity Plan and its impact on student and employee outcomes. 
President Joianne...

Code switching is an intersectional and cross-cultural phenomenon that’s stood the test of time. And while some argue that it’s a healthy and common practice, others see it as a dangerous balancing act that can lead to mental, emotional, and even physical stress. Episode 3 tackles the complex idea of code switching and explores the question of the idea of bringing the whole self and the authentic self to the workplace environment. ...

The landscape around diversity, equity, and inclusion is changing rapidly, however, the idea of what these terms mean in practice is still up for debate. Episode 2 will focus on breaking down the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion; with particular attention being paid to how these concepts operate in sequence, cycle, and in operation. Additionally, listeners will learn more about Oakton College’s Diversity, Eq...