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 managers and colleagues can appropriately provide support. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. You are not alone—support is available 24/7.

Episode 86: Breaking The Silence: How to Support Colleagues Experiencing Domestic Violence


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 work. Together, they explore what authentic and inclusive leadership truly looks like, and how creating space for others to show up fully can unlock potential across teams and organizations. 

Episode 102: Redefining Leadership Through Vulnerability

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.

Episode 102: Redefining Leadership Through Vulnerability

Cornell University's Inclusive Excellence Podcast

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