Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast
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.
Episodes
November 7, 2025 • 44 mins
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 wo...
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October 24, 2025 • 30 mins
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 pod...
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October 10, 2025 • 50 mins
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 hundr...
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September 26, 2025 • 55 mins
As the IE Podcast approaches its 100th episode, we’re catching up with three familiar voices: Caleb Yu (Season 4), Mia Ferraina (Season 3), and Cyrus Hamilton-Ferguson (Season 5). In this special conversation, they reflect on how their lives and perspectives have evolved since their first appearances, what being on the podcast meant to them, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way about identity, inclusion, and belonging.
R...
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September 3, 2025 • 24 mins
In this season opener of the Inclusive Excellence Podcast, co-hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel pause to reflect on their podcast journey as they approach a major milestone — 100 episodes. They share why they keep showing up behind the mic, how their approach to hosting has evolved, and what they’ve learned from the many voices and stories shared over the years. From personal moments of vulnerability to powerful insights from...
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April 25, 2025 • 51 mins
As her impactful term comes to a close, Dean Kathryn Boor ’80 joins Erin and Toral for a powerful season finale. From earning her undergraduate degree in food science at Cornell to becoming a trailblazing researcher, professor, and academic leader, Dean Boor reflects on her remarkable journey. She opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, championing inclusive excellence, and supporting a diverse graduate student population. Aft...
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April 11, 2025 • 34 mins
In this episode, Erin and Toral are going back to the basics. Today, the terms diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are taking center stage in many conversations and debates. However, much of the discourse and media representation is muddled by misunderstandings and inaccurate definitions. Erin and Toral break down what each of these terms truly mean, why they’re interconnected, and how they are each reflected in everyday life an...
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March 26, 2025 • 60 mins
Allyship is more than just a buzzword—it’s about action, accountability, and showing up in meaningful ways. In this episode, Sam Benson, Assistant Director for Graduate Affairs for MS and PhD Students in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Perdita Das, Assistant Dean of Hans Bethe House, discuss what allyship really means, how to navigate mistakes, and the ways we can all create more inclusive spaces. Through candid conversat...
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March 11, 2025 • 50 mins
Join Erin and Toral for an inspiring conversation with Dr. La Jerne Terry Cornish, President of Ithaca College, as she shares her journey from the front of a sixth-grade classroom in Baltimore to the helm of a higher education institution. Discover the pivotal mentors who shaped her path, the power of authentic leadership, and why creating “brave spaces” is essential for true belonging. Dr. Cornish highlights her commitment to stre...
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February 28, 2025 • 49 mins
Julie Edwards, Assistant Vice President for Student Health and Wellbeing at Cornell, joins Erin and Toral for a powerful conversation about building a health-promoting campus. She shares how the adoption of the Okanagan Charter is shaping Cornell’s holistic approach to wellbeing, why fostering a culture of health is a shared responsibility, and the real impact of systemic changes like implementing floating holidays and credit caps....
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February 11, 2025 • 46 mins
In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Thomas Jones (he/him/his), fair employment practice specialist at Cornell, to explore the transformative impact of the Restorative Record Project. Thomas shares his personal journey from incarceration to higher education and his role in helping justice-involved individuals highlight their skills and potential in the job market. Thomas discusses overcoming barriers, the power of transfer...
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January 16, 2025 • 62 mins
What does it look like to create spaces that welcome all forms of spiritual exploration on such a diverse campus? Join Joel Harter (he/him/his) and Saorsa Wissman (she/her/hers) from Cornell’s Office of Spirituality and Meaning-Making as they dive into the intersection of faith, identity, and belonging. Reflecting on their personal and professional journeys, they share the challenges they’ve faced in navigating their spirituality a...
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December 8, 2024 • 48 mins
Join Erin and Toral for a compelling conversation with Eve De Rosa, dean of faculty at Cornell, as she reflects on her journey to the university and her impactful work fostering inclusivity. Eve shares insights into her role, her commitment to equity and belonging for faculty at all levels, and the importance of involving staff voices when designing inclusive systems and cultures. From laboratory mice to leadership at Cornell, tune...
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November 17, 2024 • 51 mins
In this episode, Erin and Toral welcome Alexis Boyce, manager of Cornell’s Asian American Studies Program and co-chair of the A&S Staff Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Committee. A recipient of the Employee Assembly Award for Staff Inclusion and Integrity, Alexis shares how her committee’s initiatives are driving meaningful change. She reflects on her commitment to equity and belonging, which extends beyond her prof...
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November 8, 2024 • 58 mins
In this episode, Erin and Toral welcome Cornell Chief of Police Anthony Bellamy and Ithaca City Chief of Police Thomas Kelly. The chiefs discuss their paths to leadership, guiding philosophies on policing with empathy, and efforts to build trust within Ithaca and Cornell’s diverse communities. With a unique mix of a small-town atmosphere and a large student population, they explore the challenges of balancing community engagement w...
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October 25, 2024 • 60 mins
In this episode, Erin and Toral sit down with Ruth Merle-Doyle, Work Life Program Manager at Cornell, and Melissa Perry, CEO of the Child Development Council of Central New York, to discuss the urgent issue of child care accessibility. With the nation – especially Tompkins County – facing a severe shortage, they explore the impact on working parents, available resources, and why this challenge affects every employee, parent or not....
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October 11, 2024 • 51 mins
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Erin and Toral are joined by Michelle Artibee (she/her), director of workforce wellbeing at Cornell, and Lyn Staack (she/they), director of education at the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County. Together, they discuss the critical resources available for employees experiencing domestic violence, consider various factors that impact assistance options and access, and explore ways ma...
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September 27, 2024 • 35 mins
In this heartfelt episode, Bert Odom-Reed, director of Cornell Broadcast Studios, shares an announcement with our audience. As he celebrates his seventh season producing the Inclusive Excellence Podcast and 35 years at Cornell, Bert takes us down memory lane, highlighting his favorite episodes and the most impactful moments along the way. He leaves listeners with inspiring words of wisdom and a glimpse into the exciting future that...
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September 13, 2024 • 17 mins
In the season 7 premiere, the Inclusive Excellence Podcast returns with hosts Erin Sember-Chase and Toral Patel reflecting on their summer and sharing an exclusive preview of what’s to come. In this episode, they take a closer look at the foundation of the podcast by exploring the true meaning and history of the term “inclusive excellence.” Plus, don’t miss their special message to listeners as they kick off an exciting new season.
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April 26, 2024 • 63 mins
In the season finale, Erin and Toral are joined by Cal Walker, retiree of Cornell and longstanding citizen of Ithaca for nearly 50 years. Cal shares his journey from Civil Rights-era Alabama to New York, recalling the moments that ignited his passion for activism and social justice. Tune in to hear how Cal has embodied the mantra “blossom where you are planted,” enriching the Ithaca and Cornell communities and encouraging listeners...
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