Critical Conversations

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In this episode, Dr. Rick Daniels sits down with Oakton faculty and staff to discuss Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. They discuss the historical perspective and significance of AAPI Heritage Month, AAPI literature and research resources through Oakton's Library, the Model Minority Myth, and the diversity and intersectionality that exists within the AAPI community. Finally, the group discusses some upcoming programming and ways that the Oakton community can come together to learn about, uplift, and celebrate this diverse identity group. 🗓️ Mark your calendars! Asian Night Market - Friday, May 8th, 2026 from 5-9 PM - Student Street at the Des Plaines Campus Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Mohamed Mehdi, Distinguished Professor, Co-Chair, Humanities and Philosophy Michelle Oh, Associate Professor and Librarian for Open Access and Equity Christian Kim, Asian and Pacific Islander Equity Coordinator Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Celebrating Women's History Month with the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC)

Join Dr. Rick Daniels, Leah Kintner, and Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez for a conversation on the American Association for Women in Community Colleges (AAWCC) at Oakton. In honor of Women's History Month, they discuss the history of AAWCC at Oakton, key issues facing women in community colleges, upcoming initiatives and events, membership, and scholarship opportunities. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion " Guests: Leah Kintner, Senior Program Developer for Workforce and Community Education Esperanza Salgado-Rodriguez, Trio Student Support Services Program Manager Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself.

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's own: Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center and author of the new book, "Sis, Ya Slip is Showing! A bold guide to ending toxic friendships and choosing yourself." We sat down with Dr. Smith in the studio and asked her more about her role at Oakton and helping students prepare for their next steps after Oakton. Then she discusses her new book adn its unique title, her writing process, and what she hopes readers will take away from reading it. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Adrienne C. Smith, Ed.D., Manager of Oakton's Career and Transfer Center Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design

December Holidays and Observances

In this episode of the podcast, Brenda Cruz tells us about some of the December holidays and observances, including Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa and spending time with loved ones at the end of the year! Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguished Professor of Design

Spotlight on Oakton Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton

On this episode of Critical Conversations, we spotlight one of Oakton's Employee Resource Groups: Elevating Indigenous Voices at Oakton. We will unpack and discuss the origins of the group, its connection to the land Oakton occupies, and key takeaways from this year's Learning Day. Host: Dr. Rick Daniels, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Guests: Jayne Blacker, Associate Professor of Mathematics Thomas Bowen, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Coordinator: Brenda Cruz, Coordinator of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Producer: Erick Rohn, Distinguised Professor of Design