Thread by @birdundrstander

Next up: Learn at Lunch w/ Dr. @ClarkPerryman & @michiganstateu's Paulette Granberry Russel, Senior Advisor to the President for Diversity & Director of the Office for Inclusion & Intercultural Initiatives.

We're gonna talk #intersectionality, #diversity, #highered.

Away we go!

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 is moderating. I'll try to keep up with questions and commentary while respecting the sensitivity of these topics and the intimacy of the space.

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Dr. PC is talking about her career path so far: tenure track jobs, WPA work, higher level administration. Really interesting thinking-through of how we move laterally or climb within institutions and what types of experiences/skills give us the muscle to do so. #wcmsu

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Now, Paulette Granberry is describing her own career path. She describes what it means, for her, to live with scars/trauma -- but how those experiences inform and help her map her own approaches to compassion and empathy. #wcmsu

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 #WCMSU asks, What made things POSSIBLE for you? What were positive forces in your career so far?

Dr. PC says relationships.
Granberry Russel says being treated/seen as an expert, taken seriously/given seat at the table.

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 #WCMSU and also the notion that the table is your team -- that there's people you can count on.

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 #WCMSU Granberry Russel notes, too, the importance of allowing yourself to be coached regardless of your age or status. How can we keep learning and growing? Moreover, how do we make ourselves approachable so folks feel they CAN coach? How can we succeed without mentors/sponsors?

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Now we're talking about coalition building, and the ways relationships across campus can be hamstringed by logistics, institutional politics, and siloed roles. And the reverse! That we aren't always going to be friends with other admins/coalition members.

#WCMSU

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Granberry Russell adds: Women of color are often put in positions where they both need to self-advocate but when they do, are seen as braggadocios. There's a need to push hard at your own self, to will yourself to say: "I am good at this."

#WCMSU

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Further, the complication: It's hard to own "I've got this" in an environment where you're distrusted or dismissed -- but "We've got this" is no better. Do you TRUST the "we"? Do you TRUST the group's intentions or follow-through? Where does the buck stop?

#WCMSU

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 "If you don't have a relationship w/ students, you're sunk. If you don't have a relationship with other people of color, you lose credibility. You need coalitions w white people, too, because you'll need them to step up for you. You have to CREATE allyships & coalitions." #WCMSU

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 Granberry Russell cites one of her greatest strengths as her ability to mentor others as they build coalitions. What an awesome talent to have! #WCMSU

@ClarkPerryman @michiganstateu @tgsmith12 @ClarkPerryman says: "I always thought of *this* as a JOB. It's not ME. And that's what's kept me going."

-- in the context of having relationships and communities beyond campus, specifically remaining closely involved in communities of color