In this episode, we sit down for an insightful conversation with Sarita E. Brown (president) and Deborah A. Santiago (CEO) of Excelencia in Education. Together, they discuss the organization’s mission and its transformative journey over the past two decades.

As co-founders, Brown and Santiago reflect on their decision to create Excelencia with a vision to amplify the Latinx voice in higher education policy. Over the years, the organization has evolved from a focus on providing data and research to forging impactful partnerships with institutions to drive meaningful change. Both emphasize the critical role of trust, intentionality, and shared vision in their leadership model.

Tune in, hear inspiring success stories, and learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network and recognition for exemplary practitioner-led programs. This episode also explores opportunities for partnerships with civic and community organizations beyond the higher education sector and navigating equity work post-2024 election.

Moderated by Diverse host Ralph Newell, join us as we celebrate two milestones—Excelencia in Education’s 20th anniversary and Diverse’s 40th year—gaining valuable insights into the ongoing efforts to advance equity and success for Latino students.

KEY POINTS:

- Meet the co-founders of Excelencia in Education, learn how they started

- The strategic plan — data & research, evidence-based practices, and leadership

- Mission to drive positive attention to effective programs and practices

- Overcoming infrastructure challenges

- The future of higher education and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs)

- Adapting to policy changes and new administration

- Financial aid impact on Latino students

- Ensuring the Seal of Excelencia remains a valuable tool for institutions

RESOURCES:

Our Story | Excelencia in Education

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Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode we welcome Dr. Angel Pérez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

Listen in as Pérez and Diverse host Ralph Newell delve into the potential implications of the 2024 election on federal education policies, focusing on the challenges faced by underrepresented students. Pérez emphasizes the critical need for equitable access to higher education, and the importance of supporting mental health for students and professionals.

Pérez also explores NACAC's response to the recent Supreme Court rulings affecting college admission policies. Highlighting the organization’s efforts to sustain diversity and equity through strategic partnerships with community organizations.

Don’t miss this timely discussion on a whole host of issues surrounding admissions, leadership and DEI advocacy in higher education in today’s political landscape.

KEY POINTS:

- Impact of the 2024 US Presidential election, especially for underrepresented students

- NACAC's vision for supporting mental health issues on college campuses

- Key steps to address concerns on the Department of Education’s potential elimination

- Growth plan: NACAC’s creation of the Center for Reimagining College Access

- The need for support from corporations, foundations, and a "Coalition of the Willing"

- Perez's journey and how it shaped his approach to equity in higher education

- AI in the admissions process

- NACAC's efforts to help colleges maintain diversity and equity

- DEI progress in higher education and its challenges

-Remembering Frank Burtnett, former NACAC executive director and Diverse contributor

QUOTES:

“We are not only moving forward, we are determined to build what we’re going to need. This is my call to action – we're going to need a coalition of willing organizations.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez

“It's going to be really important that corporations and those that have resources get involved, because we need to think about these issues, not just through a college access perspective, but through a workforce development perspective.” — Dr. Angel B. Pérez

RESOURCES:

Dr. Angel B. Pérez

NACAC - Meet-the-team

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Instagram: http://instagram.com/diverseissuesinhighereducation

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WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation

Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).

In this episode, we share a replay of the October 8th roundtable discussion "Justice for Marcus Garvey."

Presented by Broadleaf Books, in partnership with the African American Literary Book Club, The Harlem Writers Guild, and Diverse, this discussion is a tribute to and a rallying cry for one of the preeminent champions of Black pride and self-determination. Join Marcus Garvey’s son, Dr. Julius Garvey along with: Alyssa Miller (moderator), Diane Richards, W. Paul Coates, Dr. Goulda Downer, Safiya Parker-Norman, Rev. Yvonne Hawkins, and Dr. Ayo Sekai.

Discover how the “Black Is Beautiful” movement has been influenced by Garveyism and learn more about the new book Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind, which features a foreword by acclaimed author Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Tune in as panelists keep the flame of Marcus Garvey's legacy alive and inspire the next generation of social justice activists.

KEY POINTS:

- How Garvey's philosophy of Pan-Africanism, emphasizing the dignity and unity of the African diaspora, inspired later civil rights and independence movements.

- How the Negro World newspaper and the Black Star Line shipping company demonstrated Garvey’s vision for economic self-determination and independence for Black communities.

- The legal case against Garvey, which resulted in his conviction for mail fraud in 1923, was seen as a politically motivated attempt to undermine his influential movement.

- Ongoing efforts preserve Garvey’s legacy and the need to correct historical injustices.

- The pivotal role of scholarship, publishing, and archiving Garvey's works.

QUOTABLES:

“Marcus Garvey articulated a particular philosophy that was African based in terms of the autonomy and the sovereignty of African people in terms of their history, traditions, and culture. The world at that time, certainly, the country at that time was basically quite racist… Capitalism is a racist economical system. It's built on the backs of African people." – Dr. Julius Garvey

"We will not lose courage. We will not lose faith. We will go forward and take advantage of every opportunity and where there's none, we will make it for ourselves." - The Honorable Marcus Garvey; as quoted by Paul Coates

GUEST RESOURCES:

Justice for Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind with a foreword by Ta-Nehisi Coates | Julius Garvey (Editor), Ta-Nehisi Coates (Foreword)

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LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/diverse-issues-in-higher-education

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Facebook: http://facebook.com/DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation/

X (formerly Twitter): http://twitter.com/diverseissues

WATCH THIS VIDEO AND OTHERS ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:

https://www.youtube.com/@DiverseIssuesInHigherEducation

Closed captioning and live show transcription are available in the video for this episode.

In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/).