Promoting a Collaborative Environment (PACE) Podcasts
Promoting a Collaborative Environment (PACE) Podcasts
The PACE Podcast was started as a way for us to hear from community members and learn through different perspectives. We hope these sessions shed some light on areas where we can improve as individuals and move forward to be more inclusive.
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Episode 2 - Always Progressing with Guest Speaker, Deborah Hughes (She/Her)

In this episode, we sit down with a passionate advocate for the Susan B. Anthony legacy, Deborah Hughes, to discuss their path to this role and the ongoing work to inspire women voters, especially in the context of social injustice issues. We explore how the organization continues Susan B. Anthony’s mission to encourage voter turnout, particularly among women, and address healthcare disparities rooted in historical power imbalances.
Episode 3 - Epilepsy Supports & Services with Guest Speaker, Michael Radell (He/Him)

In this episode, we hear from Michael Radell, the Education Coordinator and Camp Director for Epilepsy Alliance West Central New York (EPI). With over 30 years in the human service field, Michael shares his journey in supporting individuals with brain injuries, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities. He explains the mission of EPI, which empowers people to live life on their terms. He gives valuable advice on how we can best support individuals with epilepsy, both in everyday settings and higher education environments.

In this episode, our guest, Col Raimond, EdD., J.D., shares insights on LGBTQ initiatives for new students and how services for this community have expanded over time. We dive into some favorite student events, like leadership lectures, and discuss how we can work to change systems and policies to improve inclusivity.

In this episode, we dive into the topic of ageism and its pervasive impact on society. Our guests, Ida Earner, NP, Leanne Rorick and David W. Steitz, PhD, share their expertise on how ageism manifests in various areas, from healthcare to the workplace, and its effect on the mental and physical health of older adults. We explore common misconceptions about both younger and older adults, discuss how media portrayals shape societal attitudes, and how intergenerational relationships can help combat these biases. Our guests also share their thoughts on the pressures of entering and staying in the workforce longer and offer practical advice for promoting inclusivity in higher education and healthcare.

In this episode, we dive into the concept of Universal Design and its importance in creating inclusive, accessible environments, particularly in Standardized Patient programs. Our guests, Kelsey Sherman, EdD., and Marlee Gaby-Dater, BS, share how their team has successfully implemented Universal Design principles and offers insights from a recent conference presentation. For those unfamiliar with the concept, our guests provide practical advice for integrating these principles into both professional work and everyday life.

In this episode, we explore the history and current issues facing Indigenous communities, with a focus on education and healthcare. Our guests, Dalton LaBarge, MD and Christina Mulé, PhD, provide a brief lesson on the Indigenous communities in the area and the disparities they face in education, tracing these issues to historical factors. We also hear about schools and districts making strides in creating inclusive, equitable environments for Indigenous students. The conversation then shifts to the current state of healthcare for Indigenous communities, discussing pressing health challenges and how healthcare providers can better respect and incorporate Indigenous cultural practices.

In this episode, we explore how universities can create a welcoming environment for those who identify as LGBTQ+. Our guest, Scott Fearing, discusses the complexities of pronoun sharing and how it plays a role in fostering inclusivity. We also dive into the generational differences in LGBTQ+ identification and how to navigate these variations in a multi-generational workforce. The conversation covers how work and home life intersect with identity, the history of medicine’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community, and the role geography plays in accessing support and understanding.

In this episode, we delve into the history of racial discrimination in healthcare, focusing on the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). Our guest, Wendy Gonaver, PhD, shares how their position came to be and explores the past forms of racial discrimination at URMC and their long-lasting effects. We also discuss the remedies pursued in the past, the current climate, and how the nursing institution’s experience compares to that of medical students.

In this episode, host Kelsey Sherman, Ed.D., sits down with the University of Rochester’s Digital Accessibility Team, Ewa Zennermann and Rachel Cherry, to explore digital accessibility: what it is, why it matters, and its far-reaching impact on education, healthcare, and beyond. They shed light on the critical role accessibility plays in creating inclusive digital spaces, particularly in universities. They also explore practical ways to embed accessibility into our organization’s culture, from prioritizing inclusive digital content to ensuring compliance with accessibility laws. Plus, for those just starting their accessibility journey, they discuss common pitfalls to avoid and simple first steps to make content more accessible. Finally, they will touch on professional development opportunities for educators looking to enhance accessibility in their classrooms and presentations, along with tools and resources that can make a difference.