Cleveland State University is proud to host “Courageous Conversations,” a virtual series designed to tackle topics on inclusiveness and diversity through honest discussions in a safe space.
We bring together leaders from CSU and various public and nonprofit agencies throughout Northeast Ohio for interactive conversations to share knowledge and brainstorm best practices to help create lasting change in the community, identify solutions to address systemic racial and gender injustice, and foster more inclusive, diverse environments guided by shared wisdom and empowerment.
We invite all students, faculty, staff and community members to join us for these courageous conversations. Registration links will be provided for each event.
Event Information
Serving Our Veterans By Serving Thir Families
Monday, November 7, 2022
View the recorded conversation here
This conversation will focus on the importance of serving military families. We can take care of our veterans by supporting the educational success and needs of their spouses, children, and dependents.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Donna Davisson Associate Lecturer at Cleveland State University |
| Ben Baran Associate Professor at Cleveland State University |
| Michael Forest Director, Veterans Transitions and Services at Ohio State University |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Brandon Thompson Director, Veteran Student Success Program at Cleveland State University |
Previous Events
COLLEGE STUDENTS HAVE A VOICE, TOO! IT'S TIME WE USE IT!
Thursday, October 6, 2022
View recorded conversation here
Enter the passcode H2+Ab=O8 after registration
Oftentimes, students have questions regarding voting, but are simply too afraid to ask, or they do not know who to ask. This conversation will bring resources to students and provide them with support.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Alexis Crosby Ohio State Coordinator at Campus Vote Project (CVP) |
| José-Arnulfo Cabrera Co-Executive Director of Policies and Programs at The Young Latino Network (YLN) |
| Erika Anthony Executive Director at Cleveland VOTES |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Sebastian Canales (He/They) Student Advisory Board Member, Campus Vote Project |
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ROE V. WADE
Friday, September 16, 2022
View the recorded conversation here
Enter the passcode K9dK%iE* after registration
The purpose of this topic is to highlight the history of Roe v. Wade, the legal and constitutional process of Roe V. Wade, advocacy, medical impact, and legislative effect.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Nickie Antonio, B.S., M.PA. State Senator (D-Lakewood) |
| April L. Cherry, B.A., J.D. Professor of Law at CSU |
| Jocelyn Rosnick, B.A., J.D. Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio |
| Dr. Vada Mack, DNP, EMBA, RN-BC Experienced Director of Nursing |
| MODERATORS |
|---|
| Evie M. DuVernay Assistant Director, The Women's Center |
JUNETEENTH CONVERSATION - QUIET AS IT'S KEPT: DISCUSSING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY
Thursday, June 16, Noon-1 p.m.
View the recorded conversation here
The diversity of the Black community is as complex as it is beautiful. This conversation will look at the issues and experiences of this community through the lens of community development, job creation, healthcare and education as we attempt to give voice to the topics that have historically been kept quiet.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Allen Boseman, Esq. Principal/Owner, Sherman Boseman Legal Group LLC |
| Tajuana Hunnicutt Director, Pupil Services, Twinsburg City Schools |
| Percival I. Kane, Jr., M.H.A. Chief Operating Officer, University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center |
| Sheila M. Wright President and CEO, Frontline Development Group LLC |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Jarrett Pratt, M.Ed. Director of Student Success, The Pratt Center, Cleveland State University |
HOPE THROUGH ACTION: POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS FOR OHIO'S FOSTER YOUTH
Wednesday, May 25, noon-1:15 p.m.
View the recorded conversation here
In January 2020, Ohio identified over 16,000 children in foster care, a 30% increase since 2011 mainly attributed to opioid-addicted parents. Join us for a conversation about our work adding to the growing statewide momentum for improving postsecondary options for transition-aged youth in Ohio.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Autumn Blatt Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student, Cleveland State University |
| Mikayla Lang Youth and Young Adult Coordinator, Healthy Transitions Project, Wingspan Care Group |
| Antoinette McSears-Parker Emancipation Unit, Division of Children and Family Services |
| Betsie Norris Executive Director, Adoption Network Cleveland: The Ohio Family Connection |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Jarrett Pratt, M.Ed. Director of Student Success, The Pratt Center, Cleveland State University |
WHAT CANNOT BE SEEN: NAVIGATING AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY
Thursday, April 21
View the recorded conversation here
Millions of individuals in the United States are living with disabilities that aren’t visible to those around them. An invisible disability is a physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside, yet can limit or challenge a person’s movements, senses or activities. The very fact that these symptoms are invisible can lead to misunderstandings, false perceptions and judgments. Join us for a conversation where we will hear about the lived experiences of multiple individuals living with invisible disabilities.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Sydney A Bauer (OTR/L) ODS CARE Specialist and part-time instructor, Cleveland State University |
| Amy Bitebet Washington Executive Director, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter |
| Benjamin Zimmer Licensed Independent Marriage and Family Therapist and co-owner of Larchmere Center for Well-Being |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Luis Gomez Social Work Intern, Office of Disability and Testing Services, Cleveland State University |
COMING OUT AGAIN: THE EVERYDAY IMPACT OF CISHETERONORMATIVITY
Wednesday, April 6
View the recorded conversation here
We live in a society that primarily views heterosexual and cisgender identities as the norm. What is the impact on the LGBTQ+ community when everyone is assumed to be straight and cisgender? What are the consequences – for better or for worse – of holding an invisible identity? Join us for a closer look at one of the most courageous conversations of all: coming out.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Nolan Andersky DE&I Marketing Leader, North America, Avery Dennison |
| Sam Miller Student, Cleveland State University |
| Gio Santiago Transgender Advocate, Military Veteran and Founder of META Center Inc. |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Kara Tellaisha Coordinator, LGBTQ+ Student Services, Cleveland State University |
THE UNTOLD STORIES OF WOMEN IN LEADHERSHIP
Tuesday, March 1
View the recorded conversation here
Why aren’t there more women in leadership roles and what will it take to change the inequity? Join us for a courageous deep dive into gender bias and sexism, as our panel explores perceptions of women as leaders.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Laura Bloomberg, Ph.D. Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Cleveland State University |
| Jeanell N. Hughes, M.P.A. Vice President of Administration and Chief of Staff, Cleveland State University |
| Julie Rehm, Ph.D. Vice President of Advancement and Executive Director of the CSU Foundation, Cleveland State University |
| Sonali B. Wilson, J.D. General Counsel, Cleveland State University |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Tachelle Banks, Ph.D. Presidential Faculty Fellow and Associate Provost for Academic Innovation, Cleveland State University |
WHY ARE MOST CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICERS BLACK/BROWN FOLKS?
Wednesday, February 16
View the recorded conversation here
Does it take a person of color to lead effective change in diversity? Join us for a courageous conversation that digs into corporate America, roles, initiatives and what it really takes to change a workforce.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Michael Dixon Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, Susquehanna University |
| Leon A. Harris III, Ph.D. Assistant Director of Health and Human Services, Cuyahoga County |
| Jennifer McCary Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, Bowling Green State University |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Ph.D. Vice President for Campus Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cleveland State University |
THE STATE OF BLACK HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IN AMERICA
Wednesday, February 9
View the recorded conversation here
Why is the death-rate of Black Americans from COVID-19 twice as high as their counterparts? Our panel will delve into health inequality and social determinants that effect long-term well-being, leaving whole communities vulnerable during this courageous conversation.
| PANELISTS |
|---|
| Katherine Myles, R.N., M.S.N. Interim Director and Clinical Operations Manager, CSU Health and Wellness Services |
| John E. Queener, Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Akron |
| Sherdene Simpson, Ph.D. Visiting Assistant Professor, Counseling, Administration, Supervision and Adult Learning, Cleveland State University |
| MODERATOR |
|---|
| Phillip “Flapp” Cockrell, Ph.D. Vice President for Campus Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cleveland State University |