The Work Ahead and the Hope That Fuels It – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 252

Seeds We Planted – A Family Legacy of Brown v. Board of Ed. – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 255

Classnotes Podcast (May 15, 2026). Three generations of women educators share how Brown v. Board of Education shaped their lives. Hear personal stories of school desegregation, sacrifice and opportunity, and how one family’s legacy continues to influence education today. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Brown v. Board of Education reshaped educational opportunities across generations of the Russaw family. * School desegregation was a gradual, complex process with personal risks and sacrifices. * Black educators and communities built strong schools despite inequities and limited resources. * Access to education often depended on systems and circumstances, not ability. * Family legacy and lived experiences help explain today’s education landscape. Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity. ---------------------------------------- Graphic (wide) for Seeds We Planted – A Family Legacy of Brown v. Board of Ed. – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode #255 [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Podcast-255-video-cover-470x264.png]https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Podcast-255-video-cover.pngIn this special Mother’s Day episode of the IDRA Classnotes Podcast, three generations of the Russaw family share how the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education lives on in their own lives. IDRA staff attorney Makiah Lyons, J.D., is joined by her mother, award-winning educator and former principal Jocelyn Mills, and her grandmother, lifelong educator Janet Russaw. Together, they reflect on growing up during school desegregation in Jefferson County, Tenn., and the choices, sacrifices and courage that shaped their family’s path in education. Through personal stories, they explore what desegregation looked like beyond the headlines – from stepping onto a bus to integrate schools to navigating loss, opportunity and community change. Their conversation highlights how one generation’s barriers became the next generation’s opportunities. This episode honors the “seeds” planted by Black families and educators – and the lasting impact of those efforts on today’s students and schools. Show length: 50:54 min. Send comments to podcast@idra.org [podcast@idra.org] Sign up to receive free e-mail notices [https://idra.news/GetUpdates] when new episodes are available. ---------------------------------------- WATCH PODCAST VIDEO Prev 1 of 1 Next * Seeds We Planted – A Family Legacy of Brown v. Board of Ed. – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 255 [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KBAZuNpTjug/sddefault.jpg] SEEDS WE PLANTED – A FAMILY LEGACY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF ED. – IDRA CLASSNOTES PODCAST EPISODE 255 Prev 1 of 1 Next ---------------------------------------- QUOTES > “We got their old textbooks, we got their old typewriters… when they got new stuff, we got their old stuff.” > > > Janet Russaw > “It’s very interesting to have this conversation, especially for me, because you realize where you were standing in your place in history. Because… from where I came through, I literally was in the middle of all of that transition.”  > > > Jocelyn Mills > “I feel like every student deserves a chance to learn. The expectations for our kids, and especially our boys, was very, very low. I felt like that needed to change.” > > > Janet Russaw ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Brown v Board of Education – The Law in Education [https://www.idra.org/education_policy/brown-v-board-of-education-the-law-in-education/], by Makiah Lyons, J.D., & Paige Duggins-Clay, J.D. Jefferson County, Tennessee [https://www.blackinappalachia.org/jeffersoncountytn], Black in Appalachia Black History Month Features [https://www.idra.org/families-and-communities/black-history-month-features/], IDRA ---------------------------------------- LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE! To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, sign up to receive an e-mail alert [https://idra.news/SubscribeNow] as soon as a new show is published and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/idra-classnotes/id201222665?mt=2], Spotify [https://idra.news/PodOnSpotify] or Amazon Music [https://idra.news/PodOnAmazon]. The post Seeds We Planted – A Family Legacy of Brown v. Board of Ed. – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 255 [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/seeds-we-planted-a-family-legacy-of-brown-v-board-of-ed-idra-classnotes-podcast-episode-255/] appeared first on IDRA [https://www.idra.org].

What Shapes STEM Pathways for Girls – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 254

Classnotes Podcast (April 28, 2026). Dr. Lizdelia Piñon and Dr. Stephanie Garcia examine why women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM, highlighting how access, culture and policy shape pathways. They also share practical solutions to expand opportunities and strengthen STEM ecosystems. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM, not due to ability but systemic barriers. * Access, culture and confidence shape STEM participation and persistence for girls. * Anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies are reducing programs that support STEM pathways. * Mentorship, hands-on learning and cross-sector partnerships strengthen STEM opportunities. * Effective STEM ecosystems offer multiple entry points for students to explore and re-engage. Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity. Cover image for hat Shapes STEM Pathways for Girls – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 254 [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Podcast-254-video-cover--470x264.jpg]https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Podcast-254-video-cover-.jpgWhy are women and girls still underrepresented in STEM? In this episode, Lizdelia Piñón, Ed.D., talks with Stephanie Garcia, Ph.D.,  about what the latest data reveal, including in a new report by the National Girls Collaborative Project. Drawing from recent research and her own experience as a Latina STEM educator, Dr. Garcia explains why the issue is not about ability but about systems. Dr. Piñon and Dr. Garcia discuss how access, culture and confidence shape who participates and persists in STEM, and how recent anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies are dismantling critical support programs. The conversation moves beyond the problem to practical solutions: mentorship, hands-on learning and cross-sector partnerships that create real pathways for students. Together, they reimagine what a strong STEM ecosystem can look like – one with multiple entry points where all students can see themselves and succeed. Dr. Stephanie Garcia is IDRA’s STEM education specialist and directs the IDRA VisionCoders and DSEC programs. Dr. Lizdelia Piñon is an IDRA education associate and a bilingual special education expert. Show length: 16:35 min. Send comments to podcast@idra.org [podcast@idra.org] ign up to receive free e-mail notices [http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=522906&loc=en_US] when new episodes are available. ---------------------------------------- WATCH PODCAST VIDEO Prev 1 of 1 Next * What Shapes STEM Pathways for Girls – IDRA Classnotes Video Podcast Episode 254 [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YrdZjUuWpxY/sddefault.jpg] WHAT SHAPES STEM PATHWAYS FOR GIRLS – IDRA CLASSNOTES VIDEO PODCAST EPISODE 254 Prev 1 of 1 Next ---------------------------------------- QUOTES > “Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity isn’t.” > > > Sameeha Rizvi > “I don’t see it as a leaky pipeline. That’s a deficit way of looking at it… A really healthy ecosystem looks like a river, or a highway system, with multiple entry and exit points, where students – no matter their age or grade – can jump in, explore and come back to it again later. There’s not a one-size-fits-all approach with STEM education.” > > > Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. > “All of the anti-diversity, equity, inclusion laws and policies… have dismantled and defunded, high-quality programming. Those support systems are critical to STEM persistence for women and girls, and it’s under attack. It’s just a significant, massive loss of potential talent, ideas and perspectives.” > > > Alex De Jesus ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Changing the State of Girls in STEM Through Access, Culture and Confidence [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/changing-the-state-of-girls-in-stem-through-access-culture-and-confidence-by-stephanie-garcia-ph-d/], by Stephanie Garcia, Ph.D. The State of Women & Girls in STEM Report [https://drive.google.com/file/d/163ZNyVxfF6f0nU_Cae8B9tYHppmqOqam/view], by National Girls Collaborative Project STEM Equity – Online Technical Assistance Toolkit, [https://www.idra.org/support/support-stem-equity/] IDRA Student Engagement – Online Technical Assistance Toolkit [https://www.idra.org/support/student-engagement-online-technical-assistance-toolkit/], IDRA Building an Ecosystem for Latina Prosperity [https://schedule.sxswedu.com/2024/events/PP140432]. Latinitas Conversando podcast featuring Stephanie Garcia, Gabriela Kane Guardia, Johanna Moya Fábregas & Jaime Puente. South by Southwest Edu STEM Ecosystems Foster Community Engagement for a Strong Future – Partner with a STEM Learning Ecosystem Near You! [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/stem-ecosystems-foster-community-engagement-for-a-strong-future-partner-with-a-stem-learning-ecosystem-near-you/], August 31, 2022 Meaningful Strategies for Making STEM Accessible [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/meaningful-strategies-for-making-stem-accessible/], October 30, 2020 Five Best Practices that Add Women to the Equation – Preparing K-12 Girls for Mathematics [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/five-best-practices-that-add-women-to-the-equation-preparing-k-12-girls-for-mathematics/], May 29, 2019 ---------------------------------------- LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE! To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, sign up to receive an e-mail alert [https://idra.news/SubscribeNow] as soon as a new show is published and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/idra-classnotes/id201222665?mt=2], Spotify [https://idra.news/PodOnSpotify] or Amazon Music [https://idra.news/PodOnAmazon]. The post What Shapes STEM Pathways for Girls – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 254 [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/what-shapes-stem-pathways-for-girls-idra-classnotes-podcast-episode-254/] appeared first on IDRA [https://www.idra.org].

Student Voices After DEI – The Law in Education – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 253

Classnotes Podcast (April 24, 2026) – Students, advocates and researchers examine how Texas Senate Bill 17 and related policy changes are affecting college access, campus climate and student support systems. The episode highlights student experiences, emerging research and efforts to sustain opportunity. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Texas SB 17 and related policies are reshaping college access and campus supports. * Students report loss of services, safe spaces and culturally relevant resources. * Policy changes are influencing college choices, including undermatching and reduced options. * Faculty, staff and students face uncertainty, self-censorship and shifting campus climates. * Students and communities are organizing to sustain support systems and protect opportunity. Resource from the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA), a nonprofit advancing education equity. Graphic for Student Voices After DEI – The Law in Education – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 253 [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Podcast-253-video-cover--470x264.jpg]As diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in education face political backlash, Texas has become ground zero for some of the most sweeping changes. Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end race-conscious college admissions in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, Texas enacted Senate Bill 17, which bans diversity, equity and inclusion offices and programs at public colleges and universities. These moves, alongside additional state and federal actions, are already reshaping the educational landscape and putting college access further out of reach for many Texas students. In this episode, IDRA education law intern Adiba Chowdhury and IDRA Deputy Director of Policy, Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D., are joined by Alexander De Jesus and Sameeha Rizvi, who both members of the Texas Students for DEI Coalition. They dissect the nature of recent legislative changes and their impact on Texas students. As a bonus, Dr. Sikes shares recent findings from IDRA’s ongoing study on the impact on SB 17, and Adiba shares testimony from college advisors who participated in the study. Show length: 43:13 min. Send comments to podcast@idra.org [podcast@idra.org] Sign up to receive free e-mail notices [http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=522906&loc=en_US] when new episodes are available. ---------------------------------------- WATCH PODCAST VIDEO Prev 1 of 1 Next * Student Voices After DEI – The Law in Education – IDRA Classnotes Video Podcast Episode 253 [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KlVQXNeSIrs/sddefault.jpg] STUDENT VOICES AFTER DEI – THE LAW IN EDUCATION – IDRA CLASSNOTES VIDEO PODCAST EPISODE 253 Prev 1 of 1 Next ---------------------------------------- QUOTES > “DEI didn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s because students had the guts… demand that fair access.” > > > Sameeha Rizvi > “We’ve heard high school students, advisors and parents say they’re worried about how their student can actually academically succeed in college if they don’t feel they even belong.” > > > Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. > “What chilling effect is coming next? Where is the university going to silence me?” > > > Alex De Jesus > “It’s going to be exhausting, but this is a long-term movement. It’s not a moment. We have to keep on fighting. It didn’t start here. It doesn’t end here.” > > > Sameeha Rizvi ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES Texas Students for DEI website [https://www.txstudentsfordei.com/] Texas Students For DEI Mutual Aid Fund for Undocumented Students [https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/keeping-the-texas-dream] IDRA infographic – Understanding Texas’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Ban at Public Universities [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/understanding-texass-dei-ban-at-public-universities-infographic/] Info on IDRA’s study: College Access Study on the Impact of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Restrictions [https://www.idra.org/research_articles/college-access-study-on-the-impact-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-restrictions/] See IDRA’s preliminary report: A Community-Based Study on the Impact of Texas’ SB 17 on Marginalized College-Going Students [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Texas-Impact-Study-SB17-IDRA-Report-of-Preliminary-Findings-March-2025.pdf], by Chloe Latham Sikes, Ph.D. ---------------------------------------- LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE! To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, sign up to receive an e-mail alert [https://idra.news/SubscribeNow] as soon as a new show is published and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/idra-classnotes/id201222665?mt=2], Spotify [https://idra.news/PodOnSpotify] or Amazon Music [https://idra.news/PodOnAmazon]. The post Student Voices After DEI – The Law in Education – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 253 [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/student-voices-after-dei-the-law-in-education-idra-classnotes-podcast-episode-253/] appeared first on IDRA [https://www.idra.org].

The Work Ahead and the Hope That Fuels It – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 252

Graphic block for The Work Ahead and the Hope That Fuels It – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 252 [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Podcast-252-Fellows-4-358x300.png]Classnotes Podcast (October 22, 2025). In the final episode of the series, IDRA Education Policy Fellows share what gives them hope and what comes next. After nine months of intense legislative advocacy, relationship building, and personal growth, they offer advice to others entering this work and reflect on how the fellowship changed their trajectories. Their stories are a powerful reminder that advocacy isn’t a moment, it’s a movement. Mikayla Arciaga, M.A.Ed., [https://www.idra.org/staff/mikayla-arciaga-m-a-ed-2/] Georgia Advocacy Director & Education Policy Fellows Coordinator, led the conversation with fellows [https://www.idra.org/idra-education-policy-fellows/]: Vivek Datla, MPA, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Regional, DeAndrea Byrd, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Georgia, Isabelle Philip, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Policy Communications, and Kaci Wright, M.Ed., IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Texas. The IDRA groundbreaking Education Policy Fellows Program [https://www.idra.org/education_policy/idra-education-policy-fellows-program/] is changing the landscape of state education advocacy by training advocates with a commitment to and experience with communities of color to influence state laws and lead a powerful network of impacted communities. The 2024-25 cycle of this program is being generously supported by the Trellis Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation. Show length: 21:16 min Send comments to podcast@idra.org [podcast@idra.org] ---------------------------------------- WATCH PODCAST VIDEO Prev 1 of 1 Next * The Work Ahead and the Hope That Fuels It – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 252 [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JO02aEijyOw/sddefault.jpg] THE WORK AHEAD AND THE HOPE THAT FUELS IT – IDRA CLASSNOTES PODCAST EPISODE 252 Prev 1 of 1 Next ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES IDRA 2024-25 Fellows [https://www.idra.org/idra-education-policy-fellows/] – Bios and writings. Plus profiles brochure [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2024-25-IDRA-Ed-Policy-Fellows-Profiles-Oct.pdf] IDRA Education Policy Fellows Program [https://www.idra.org/education_policy/idra-education-policy-fellows-program/] Policy Whiplash in Georgia – The 2025 Session Delivered Education Gains, Losses and Looming Threats [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/policy-whiplash-in-georgia-the-2025-session-delivered-education-gains-losses-and-looming-threats/], with Terrence Wilson, J.D., Mikayla Arciaga, M.A.Ed., Isabelle Philip & Makiah Lyons, J.D., IDRA Newsletter, June-July 2025 Legislature Dances the Texas Three-Step: Defund, Demonize, Privatize Public Education [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/legislature-dances-the-texas-three-step-defund-demonize-privatize-public-education/], with Vivek Datla, MPA, IDRA Newsletter, June-July 2025 Student Voices on Public Policy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xxcQNU74wY], video feature by Trellis Foundation, May 2025 IDRA Education Policy Fellow Feature [https://vimeo.com/1065503958/9b7cd630a8], video feature by Trellis Foundation, August 2025 Post-fellowship evaluation report of the program’s first cycle [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IDRA-Education-Policy-Fellows-Program-Evaluation-Report-2022.pdf] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE! To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, sign up to receive an e-mail alert [https://idra.news/SubscribeNow] as soon as a new show is published and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/idra-classnotes/id201222665?mt=2], Spotify [https://idra.news/PodOnSpotify] or Amazon Music [https://idra.news/PodOnAmazon]. The post The Work Ahead and the Hope That Fuels It – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 252 [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/the-work-ahead-and-the-hope-that-fuels-it-idra-classnotes-podcast-episode-252/] appeared first on IDRA [https://www.idra.org].

From Lived Experience to Policy Change – Classnotes Podcast 251

Graphic for Classnotes Podcast episode #251 IDRA Education Policy Fellows share why they applied, what they learned, and how the fellowship helped them turn lived experience into policy impact. [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Podcast-251-Fellows-3-358x300.png]Classnotes Podcast (September 23, 2025). What does it take to turn passion into impact? In this episode, IDRA Education Policy Fellows reflect on what led them to apply for the fellowship, how they built new skills in education policy and what they learned along the way. From analyzing legislation to testifying in hearings, fellows explain how the program gave them tools to navigate power, center community voices and bring their lived experience to bear on real policy outcomes. Mikayla Arciaga, M.A.Ed., [https://www.idra.org/staff/mikayla-arciaga-m-a-ed-2/] Georgia Advocacy Director & Education Policy Fellows Coordinator, led the conversation with fellows [https://www.idra.org/idra-education-policy-fellows/]: Vivek Datla, MPA, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Regional, DeAndrea Byrd, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Georgia, Isabelle Philip, IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Policy Communications, and Kaci Wright, M.Ed., IDRA Education Policy Fellow – Texas. The IDRA groundbreaking Education Policy Fellows Program [https://www.idra.org/education_policy/idra-education-policy-fellows-program/] is changing the landscape of state education advocacy by training advocates with a commitment to and experience with communities of color to influence state laws and lead a powerful network of impacted communities. The 2024-25 cycle of this program is being generously supported by the Trellis Foundation, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Kresge Foundation. Show length: 22:48 min Send comments to podcast@idra.org [podcast@idra.org] ---------------------------------------- WATCH PODCAST VIDEO Prev 1 of 1 Next * From Lived Experience to Policy Change – IDRA Classnotes Podcast Episode 251 [https://i.ytimg.com/vi/59hmz2kXuAU/sddefault.jpg] FROM LIVED EXPERIENCE TO POLICY CHANGE – IDRA CLASSNOTES PODCAST EPISODE 251 Prev 1 of 1 Next ---------------------------------------- RESOURCES IDRA 2024-25 Fellows [https://www.idra.org/idra-education-policy-fellows/] – Bios and writings. Plus profiles brochure [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2024-25-IDRA-Ed-Policy-Fellows-Profiles-Oct.pdf] IDRA Education Policy Fellows Program [https://www.idra.org/education_policy/idra-education-policy-fellows-program/] Policy Whiplash in Georgia – The 2025 Session Delivered Education Gains, Losses and Looming Threats [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/policy-whiplash-in-georgia-the-2025-session-delivered-education-gains-losses-and-looming-threats/], with Terrence Wilson, J.D., Mikayla Arciaga, M.A.Ed., Isabelle Philip & Makiah Lyons, J.D., IDRA Newsletter, June-July 2025 Legislature Dances the Texas Three-Step: Defund, Demonize, Privatize Public Education [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/legislature-dances-the-texas-three-step-defund-demonize-privatize-public-education/], with Vivek Datla, MPA, IDRA Newsletter, June-July 2025 Student Voices on Public Policy [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xxcQNU74wY], video feature by Trellis Foundation, May 2025 IDRA Education Policy Fellow Feature [https://vimeo.com/1065503958/9b7cd630a8], video feature by Trellis Foundation, August 2025 Post-fellowship evaluation report of the program’s first cycle [https://www.idra.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IDRA-Education-Policy-Fellows-Program-Evaluation-Report-2022.pdf] ---------------------------------------- LISTEN TO EVERY EPISODE! To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, sign up to receive an e-mail alert [https://idra.news/SubscribeNow] as soon as a new show is published and subscribe to the podcast in iTunes [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/idra-classnotes/id201222665?mt=2], Spotify [https://idra.news/PodOnSpotify] or Amazon Music [https://idra.news/PodOnAmazon]. The post From Lived Experience to Policy Change – Classnotes Podcast 251 [https://www.idra.org/resource-center/from-lived-experience-to-policy-change-classnotes-podcast-251/] appeared first on IDRA [https://www.idra.org].