The chair of the FACCC Communications Committee and the FACCC President chat with Kelsey Iino about her background, her plans for the LACCD Board, her perspectives on statewide educational policies, and her vision of California community colleges. In spring 2022, Kelsey served as an interim trustee after Mike Fong vacated Seat 7 of the LACCCD Board. Kelsey’s proposals and actions during this brief term of service garnered her the FACCC endorsement. Now she’s running as a candidate for LACCD Board Seat 7 in her own right and joins the podcast to amplify her own voice…and those of whom she serves.

Kelsey Iino on California Community Colleges, and the Elections

FACCC was established in 1953 by educators from community colleges who identified the necessity of advocating for their fellow faculty members. As the organization commemorates its 70th anniversary, join host Ryan Tripp, former Executive Director Jonathan Lightman, and current Executive Director Evan Hawkins as they discuss the inception of FACCC. Moreover, Anna Mathews, the current FACCC Student Coordinator, makes a guest appearance on this episode; she will be transitioning to the role of Advocacy Manager this summer.

The 70th Anniversary of FACCC

In this latest episode of Amplifying Voices, we sit down with two FACCC student-coordinators who are currently working to further promote the organization's mission and raise the student voice. 

Anna Mathews and Jenny Dang bring a fresh perspective as they share their higher education experience as students while simultaneously working with an organization that represents the interests of faculty members within the California Community College system.

The Student Perspective with FACCC Student-Coordinators Anna Mathews and Jenny Dang

Join host Ryan Tripp and special guest Dr. Wayne C. Downey as they discuss various ways to elevate the understanding of individuals with diverse challenges or limiting attributes within the higher education community. Dr. Downey's personal experience enhances an appreciation for these individuals while shedding light on how their distinct characteristics shape their identities and foster an environment of diversity and inclusivity within our higher education institutions.

Understanding Disabilities Within the California Community Colleges

De Anza College faculty member, Alicia Mullens, opens up about her personal journey in navigating the LGBTQ+ community within the California Community College system. She not only shares her experiences but also highlights her transformative role as an advocate for others within the community.

Discover more about the ongoing efforts to create inclusive and affirming spaces for all members of the LGBTQ+ community in higher education. Join us in celebrating Pride Month and the diversity that makes our campuses stronger.

You can check out the De Anza Pride Center here: https://www.deanza.edu/pride/

An LGBTQ+ Community Leader Within the CCC System

Coordinator/Counselor Dean Steckman joins us in the company of 3 student leaders from various institutions to shed light on the remarkable contributions they have made to LGBTQIA+ activism in their local communities and wider California Community College system. Together, their goal is to bring attention to the fundamental needs, available resources, and comprehensive support required by many students within this community. 

A huge thank you to our guests Dean Steckman, Sunny Ramirez,  Elwin Agtang, and Ruby Dewar, and to the faculty members who helped coordinate this episode! 

Recommended Resources:
The Seventies: A Breakthrough Decade for LGBT Rights by Thomas Coleman

This Book is Gay by Juno Dawsom

College of the Desert Gender and Sexual Diversity Pride Center: https://www.instagram.com/codpride/

Twitter Handle of Recommended LGBTQ+ Advocate: @JoshHelfgott

LGBTQIA+ Activism Within the CCC System

In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the FACCC Communications Committee presents a special two-part podcast series dedicated to the rich and diverse heritage of Native Americans. In this first episode, we dive deep into the heart of Native American culture and academia by inviting esteemed colleagues and Native American Studies  faculty members from College of the Canyons, Wendy Trujillo and Laurie Solis.

Join us as we explore the incredible work of the College of the Canyons' Native American and Indigenous Alliance. Discover their commitment to nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment for indigenous students and their efforts to strengthen cultural awareness on campus. We'll also shed light on the remarkable expansion of the Native American Student Success & Support Program, which aims to empower Native American students and provide them with the resources they need to thrive academically.

Honoring Native American Heritage: A Closer Look at College of the Canyons

In partnership with the New Books Network, we welcome two esteemed guests, Kristofer Ray (UNC-Wilmington) and Brady DeSanti (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, UN-Omaha). Kristofer and Brady co-edited a collection of essays, penned by cross-disciplinary authors, on pedagogical and curricular frameworks for comprehending and instructing Native American History, titled UNDERSTANDING AND TEACHING NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY. Tailored to empower educators at all levels, this volume facilitates the seamless integration of Native American History into California and U.S.-wide lesson plans. From debates over teacher land acknowledgements and blood quantum entanglements with multiethnic diasporas, to approaching American genocides and indigenous student perspectives, the volume delivers content and resources spanning the Native Americas, indigenous worlds, and beyond.

New Books in Native American Studies

Kristofer Ray and Brady DeSanti, "Understanding and Teaching Native American History"

Join us for a special episode of Amplifying Voices with host Ryan Tripp as he engages in a heartfelt conversation with the now former FACCC Executive Director, Evan Hawkins. This exclusive interview takes listeners on a reflective journey through Evan's impactful tenure within the California Community College system.

The heart of the conversation delves into Evan's professional growth, starting from his role as Membership Director within FACCC to the pinnacle of his career as the Executive Director. In a candid moment, Evan reveals that his number one priority has shifted to supporting his daughter and family, underscoring the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance. Despite his transition from the Executive Director role, Evan reassures listeners that his commitment to FACCC remains, as he plans to take on a consulting role within the organization.

Don't miss this insightful episode, where Evan Hawkins shares not just the milestones of his professional journey but also the profound shift towards family values.

A Journey of Leadership and Balance

Join us for an enlightening interview with Dave Balch, a respected faculty member from California's community college system, as we delve into the realm of AI and bots. Drawing from his own experiences, Dave offers profound insights into how educators are harnessing AI's capabilities while navigating its limitations. His extensive research on AI's educational impact prompts discussions about crafting essential policies addressing AI's definition, diverse applications, and integrity considerations. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of education and technology!

AI and Bots in Higher Education

Join us for an election themed episode of the FACCC podcast, Amplifying Voices, featuring Kipp Mueller, a candidate for California State Senate District 23 (SD 23) in the 2024 cycle. Kipp shares his journey within the California Community College system, shaped by his mother's impactful role as a counselor at American River College, and his deep understanding of the vital support community colleges provide to all students.

With a firsthand understanding of the significance of quality healthcare through union membership, Kipp highlights its crucial role in nurturing flourishing communities. His academic path, from UC Berkeley to Columbia University for employment and labor law studies, underscores his steadfast dedication to advancing workers' rights and ensuring educational accessibility.

In today's conversation, Kipp passionately shares his mission of empowering labor unions, advocating for the working class, and enhancing healthcare access. Endorsed by FACCC, Kipp Mueller embodies hope for faculty focused and transformative policy initiatives in the California State Senate.
With a firsthand understanding of the significance of quality healthcare through union membership, Kipp highlights its crucial role in nurturing flourishing communities. His academic path, from UC Berkeley to Columbia University for employment and labor law studies, underscores his steadfast dedication to advancing workers' rights and ensuring educational accessibility.

During the discussion, Kipp passionately shares his mission of empowering labor unions, advocating for the working class, and enhancing healthcare access. Endorsed by FACCC, Kipp Mueller embodies hope for equitable representation and transformative policy initiatives in the California State Senate.

Kelsey Iino on California Community Colleges, and the Elections

FACCC

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