Shows
Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity3 Powerful Pathways to Deeper Connection & Cultural Competence, with Amber WilliamsOverviewJoin Professor P. Rochelle Peterson-Ansari in a rich and insightful conversation with her former student and esteemed colleague, Amber Williams. This episode delves deeper into three powerful pathways to fostering deeper human connection: understanding, dialogue, and cultural competence. Amber shares her journey into this crucial work, rooted in her own experiences and fueled by a passion for social justice. Expanding on intergroup dialogue, Amber also unpacks the principles of restorative practices and group relations, offering practical strategies for repairing relationships, understanding systemic dynamics, and cultivating more meaningful connections in various settings, from learning environments to the...2025-05-0658 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBeyond Stereotype threat: Helping Black and Brown Boys Thrive, with Dr. Olufemi FadeyibiOverviewIn this episode of Rooted to Thrive Conversations, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari (Professor P) engages in a discussion with Dr. Olufemi Fadeyibi, an expert in mentoring interventions and closing the achievement gap for Black and Brown boys. Dr. Fadeyibi shares his personal journey, from experiencing a sense of disconnect from his identity in his youth to dedicating his career to empowering young people. He highlights the importance of countering negative narratives, building rapport, and fostering a sense of belonging in educational settings. The conversation delves into the impact of stereotype threat, the significance of representation, and the...2025-04-291h 01Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityCentering Possibility: Wellness for the Black Community, with Dr. Chezare A. WarrenOverviewJoin Professor P. Rochelle Peterson-Ansari in a deeply insightful and thought-provoking conversation with her friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Chezare A. Warren, Associate Professor of Equity and Inclusion in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University, Author of "Centering Possibility in Black Education," TEDx Speaker, and Convener of The Possibilities Project. This episode expands on the crucial concept of "centering possibility" in Black education and beyond, while also exploring the significance of understanding student resistance and the transformative power of empathy in educational settings. Dr. Warren shares powerful anecdotes and research on shifting from deficit-based narratives to recognizing...2025-04-2256 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityCentered Leadership: Foundations for Transformative Change with Dr. Alissa GardenhireOverviewIn this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari (Professor P) speaks with Dr. Alissa Gardenhire, President of ADG Group, LLC, accomplished entrepreneur, and educator, to discuss the concept of centered leadership and its role in fostering transformative change. With over 30 years of experience addressing societal challenges, Dr. Gardenhire shares how centered leadership has evolved and highlights the importance of trust and connection in creating systems that elevate humanity.Join the conversation to hear how centered leadership empowers individuals—particularly women and marginalized groups—and reclaims humanity in the...2025-04-1549 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanitySelf Directed Leadership, with Dr. Carl MooreOverviewIn this episode of Rooted to Thrive Conversations, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari welcomes Dr. Carl Moore, founder and CEO of Youniversal Luv Unlimited, a nationally recognized learning scientist and expert in personal leadership and spiritual development. Dr. Moore discusses the concept of self-directed leadership, emphasizing accountability, alignment of mind, body, and spirit, and the importance of recognizing one's role as a co-creator in all aspects of life. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into how self-directed leadership can enhance quality of life, foster personal growth, and ultimately contribute to a more humane world.Topics Covered...2025-04-081h 07Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityLead with Love: Mastering Self-Coaching to Deepen Human Connection with Chuanika Sanders-ThomasOverviewJoin Rochelle (Professor P) in a powerful conversation with Chuanika Sanders-Thomas, PCC, Executive and Leadership Coach and CEO of Imagine & Inspire Leadership, as they explore the transformative power of self-coaching. With over 25 years in public education as a teacher, principal, and executive coach, Chuanika Sanders-Thomas possesses a deep understanding of human behavior and leadership dynamics.Chuanika shares her journey from public school leadership to becoming a certified coach, revealing how this shift profoundly changed her perspective on leadership and personal growth. Discover how to move beyond mere existence and truly thrive by reconnecting with...2025-04-0155 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanitySelf Love and Wellness with Safiyyah IslamOverviewTired of putting everyone else first? Join Professor P and the powerhouse Safiyyah Islam as they dive deep into the messy, beautiful journey of self-love. They unpack the crucial role of self-love in breaking down cycles of oppression. Safiyyah shares deeply personal stories, including a transformative "naked mirror challenge," revealing the power of authentic self-acceptance. Learn practical tools to break free from external validation, understand why self-care is vital (not selfish!), and discover the empowering practice of "dating yourself." We'll delve into how internalized denigration impacts us and how self-love is a fundamental act of resistance...2025-03-2551 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityLeading with Heart Centered Listening with Dr. Veirdre JacksonOverviewIn this episode of Rooted2Thrive Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari, engages in an inspiring conversation with Dr. Veirdre Jackson, a certified trauma trainer, entrepreneur, CEO of Living Strong Consulting, author and host of the Flipside of Adversity Radio Show. Dr. Jackson shares her expertise on the importance of heart-centered listening, particularly in educational settings. The discussion explores the concept of active listening, understanding underlying beliefs, and creating environments where individuals feel safe, seen, and valued. Join us to hear Dr. Jackson share personal anecdotes and practical strategies for cultivating empathy, f...2025-03-1153 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBlack Women Surviving & Thriving in this Time of Chaos with Dr. Doreen LouryOverviewIn a world where Black women face increasing challenges, how do we move beyond survival to truly thrive? Rochelle Peterson-Ansari (Professor P) sits down with the esteemed Dr. Doreen Loury, retired scholar and activist, to discuss challenges and strategies for Black women navigating the current political climate. Join us for a powerful conversation about the importance of community, self-care, and strategic preparedness in the face of uncertainty and emboldened racism. We delve into the emotional toll of recent political events and offer practical advice for thriving, not just surviving.Topics Covered in This Episode:2025-03-0450 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityThe Hidden Crisis: Housing Insecurity and its Impact on Education and Health with Dr. Ann AvilesOverviewIn this episode of Rooted to Thrive, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari (Professor P) sits down with Dr. Ann Aviles, a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for youth experiencing homelessness. Dr. Aviles shares insights from her extensive work in community-based initiatives, highlighting the importance of equitable support systems for marginalized youth.Key discussion points include: Youth Homelessness and Education: Dr. Aviles discusses the challenges faced by homeless youth in accessing education and the critical need for schools to provide not just academic support but also social and emotional resources. Community-based Solutions: Dr...2025-02-2549 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityUncovering Bias in Medical Practices with Dr. Jacqueline PowellOverviewIn this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) engages in a powerful discussion with Dr. Jacqueline Powell, the Vice Chair of Physiology for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Powell's journey into health justice began with a startling discovery in her field of renal physiology—race-based formulas for calculating kidney function rooted in outdated and biased beliefs from the US American slavery era. This discovery led her to explore broader systemic issues in medical guidelines and care, unveiling how deeply ingrained biases affect diagnoses an...2025-02-1847 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityWhy and How We Still Teach Against Common Sense with Dr. Kevin KumashiroOverviewIn this episode ofRooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari speaks with Dr. Kevin Kumashiro, independent scholar; former dean of the schools of education at the University of San Francisco and Hofstra University; and, award-winning author or editor of ten books on education and justice including his newest book, the 20th Anniversary Edition of "Against Common Sense: Teaching and Learning toward Social Justice". Join the conversation as Dr. Kumashiro shares his personal and professional journey learning and unlearning to advance democracy and justice. He explains what is considered “common sense”, how a...2025-02-1157 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityConfronting White Supremacy in Our Daily Lives with Dr. Dave StovallOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) sits down with Dr. Dave Stovall, a Professor of Black Studies, Criminology, Law, and Justice at the University of Illinois, Chicago. The discussion centers on defining white supremacy beyond overt and individual acts of terror, and how it is reflected in our daily lives. Join us to hear how Dr. Stovall provides practical ways we can personally and collectively confront these ingrained norms to uplift our shared humanity.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Defining white supremacy be...2025-02-0445 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanitySelf-Care Strategies for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leaders with Dr. Angela CampbellOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Angela Campbell, the CEO and Founder of Presence Power for Success, LLC. Dr. Campbell shares her personal journey as a DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) leader, emphasizing the critical importance of self-care in those roles. The discussion delves into the need for DEI leaders to care for their true selves beyond their professional identities, and how this inner focus can enhance their effectiveness and authenticity in their work. Dr. Campbell also explores the...2025-01-2846 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBelonging and Rebuilding Confidence Abroad, with Solveiga JaskunasOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) is joined by Solveiga Jaskunas, a Lithuania native, HR consultant, and career coach. The conversation delves into Solveiga's powerful journey of navigating the challenges of belonging as an immigrant in the United States. Solveiga discusses the unique hurdles she encountered as a non-native English speaker in professional environments and how these experiences significantly shaped her career and personal development. She emphasizes the critical role that rebuilding self-confidence played in her journey, alongside the transformative impact of mentorship in overcoming these...2025-01-2147 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityThe Ripple Effect: People First Strategies, with Chason ForehandOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) has a deep conversation with Chason Forehand, founder of HR-4U Incorporated. Chason shares his inspiring journey from overcoming drug addiction and homelessness to becoming a leader in people-first human resources strategies. He stresses the importance of investing in employees, not just for business success, but for the positive ripple effects it has on families and communities.
This conversation highlights the transformative power of compassionate leadership, particularly the importance of accountability and creating psychologically safe environments where employees...2025-01-1448 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityDoing the Right Thing: Undoing Systemic Racism in Faculty Hiring with Dr. Marybeth GasmanOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari speaks with Dr. Marybeth Gasman, a renowned expert on American higher education, minority serving institutions and racism. She is the founding executive director of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice at Rutgers University and executive director of their Center for Minority Serving Institutions. Dr. Gasman shares her experiences addressing structural inequity within academia, and how to increase access for people of color to the faculty.
Join the conversation as Dr. Gasman delves into strategies for...2025-01-0749 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityManaging Incivility in the Workplace with Dr. Tiffenia ArchieOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari speaks with Dr. Tiffenia Archie, Associate Vice President and Chief Inclusion Officer at Temple University about managing incivility in the workplace. Dr. Archie shares her journey from early social justice activism to her current role, and how to manage incivility through cultivating understanding, active listening, and building trust.
Join the conversation to hear how open dialogue and more create inclusive spaces, how to improve organizational outcomes and retention using anti-racist models that value every individual's voice.
Topics Co...2024-12-1748 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityFaithful to All: Promoting Equity in Higher Education with Dr. Teresa "Terry" NanceOverview
In this episode of Rooted to Thrive, host Rochelle Peterson-Ansari (Professor P) engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Teresa "Terry" Nance, a retiring Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Villanova University. Reflecting on her 46-year journey at Villanova, Dr. Nance shares the origins of her work in promoting equity within a faith-based educational institution.
Key discussion points include:.
The evolution of the Center for Multicultural Affairs from programming into a retention-focused center
Holistic support for students addressing issues from finances and personal life to academic advising, resulting i...2024-12-1049 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityThinking Out the Box: Practical Steps toward Equity Minded Leadership with Dr. Vernese Edghill WaldenOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Rochelle Peterson Ansari engages with Dr. Vernese Edghill Walden, the Inaugural Vice President of Equity and Inclusive Excellence at Bucknell University. Dr. Edghill Walden shares her extensive experience in equity-minded leadership, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.
Dr. Edghill Walden discusses the critical role of listening to marginalized voices and creating practical solutions that affirm their humanity. Tune in to hear how even making hair care products accessible at an institution in Central Pennsylvania, illustrates how...2024-12-0348 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityHow Can School Leaders Actually Become More Culturally Competent? With Dr. Andrea Terrero-GabbadonOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations to Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari is joined by Dr. Andrea Terrero-Gabbadon, founder of ILM Consulting Group and author of Support and Retain Educators of Color: Six Principles for Culturally Affirming Leadership. Dr. Terrero-Gabbadon, with her extensive background in education and curriculum leadership, discusses the crucial topic of cultural competence in schools. She explores practical strategies for school leaders to create culturally affirming environments for educators and students.
Join us as Dr. Terrero-Gabbadon delves into how acknowledging and addressing the diversity of educators can enhance...2024-11-2648 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityDare to Care: Supporting Emerging Leaders Through the Power of Empathy with Dr. Chelsea FosterOverview
In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson-Ansari) welcomes Dr. Chelsea Foster, the Head of School at Valley Christian School in Pennsylvania. The discussion centers on the "Dare to Care" philosophy, highlighting the transformative role of empathy in nurturing emerging leaders. Dr. Foster shares her personal journey as a lifelong caregiver and how these experiences have profoundly influenced her leadership style. This episode explores the significance of community, the unique challenges faced by caregivers, and the ways leaders can elevate humanity by embedding empathy into their roles and organizations.2024-11-1947 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityBridging Divides through Leadership and the Arts, with Dr. Pamela BarnettIn this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari speaks with Dr. Pamela Barnett, Dean of the School of Arts and Communication at the College of New Jersey. Dr. Barnett explores the powerful role that leadership and the arts play in bridging divides and fostering empathy across different perspectives.
Dr. Barnett shares her insights on how art can serve as a tool for resolving conflicts and building understanding. She also discusses the need for addressing personal traumas and how these impact our interactions and conflicts in professional settings. Drawing from her...2024-11-1247 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityLeveraging Family and Community: Insights for Culturally Competent Leadership with Dr. Erica Davila (Part 2)In Part 2 of this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari (Professor P) continues her conversation with Dr. Erica Davila, award-winning professor at Lewis University, on anti-racist and culturally competent education. Building on insights from Part 1, Dr. Davila dives deeper into strategies for fostering inclusive classrooms and creating learning environments that support the success of marginalized students.
Join the discussion as Dr. Davila and Professor P explore how anti-racist practices in education can challenge systemic inequities and reshape how educators approach teaching.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
...2024-11-0544 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityLeveraging Family and Community: Insights for Culturally Competent Leadership, with Dr. Erica Davila (Part 1)In this episode, Dr. Erica Davila, a Professor of Education from Lewis University, delves into the complexities of fostering anti-racist and culturally competent education. Drawing from her personal journey, including the pros and cons of her own bilingual education, Dr. Davila highlights the influence of family and community on her development as an educator and leader offering valuable insights into how these experiences, mentorship and on-going reflection have shaped her commitment to creating equitable and inclusive learning environments.
Join the conversation as Professor P and Dr. Davila discuss strategies for implementing culturally responsive practices, the importance of c...2024-10-2930 minRooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityCritical and Compassionate Classrooms, with Dr. Durene WheelerIn this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations that Elevate Our Humanity, Professor P (Rochelle Peterson Ansari) welcomes Dr. Durene Wheeler, a seasoned higher education professional and advocate for first-generation college students. With over 30 years of experience in Student and Academic Affairs, Dr. Wheeler shares her insights on nurturing critical and compassionate classrooms that support marginalized students and foster academic success. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on how to elevate humanity through education and support for all students.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
Bridging the gap for marginalized students
Fostering academic success in...2024-10-2247 min
Rooted2Thrive:Conversations That Elevate Our HumanityIntroducing Rooted2ThriveIn the introductory episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari sets the stage for deep, transformative conversations on anti-oppressive leadership, culturally competent and inclusive practices that elevate our shared humanity. Rochelle shares her vision for the podcast, exploring how leaders and educators can create inclusive environments that empower individuals and communities.
Join Rochelle as she discusses the mindset, behavior, and intentional actions that foster spaces that honor every person's dignity and potential.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
The vision and purpose of Rooted2Thrive
Her...2024-10-0220 min