equity – Greek University

Jeff Wenninger: What Should We Be Teaching Law Enforcement?

By admin on September 30, 2025

What should we be teaching law enforcement? Jeff Wenninger is a nationally recognized law enforcement expert with 33 years of experience, most notably as a lieutenant with the LAPD. He has dedicated his career to understanding and improving police practices, specializing in police use of force, crowd management and control, school and campus safety, and security protection measures. He just released a new book called “On Thin Ice: An LAPD Veteran’s Journey to Reimagine Policing”. As the Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, he provides clear and practical expert testimony and consulting services. He uses his extensive experience to help legal professionals, cities, schools, and more navigate the complexities of law enforcement in today’s challenging environment. Jeff’s goal is to boost public trust and safety by offering straightforward, actionable advice and ensuring objectivity in every assessment.

In episode 600 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the unexpected way that Jeff decided to go into law enforcement, what police and college students often misunderstand about each other, why abuse of power is so dangerous, how his upbringing in a multiracial family shaped his views on justice and equity, what moments challenged his integrity as an officer, what does “reimagine policing” actually mean, what we should be teaching law enforcement, lessons that law enforcement should learn from past tragedy on campuses, how fraternities and sororities can build better relationships with law enforcement, and Jeff’s concerns in terms of policing that is done by the National Guard.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiHotXvn2bg

Fraternity/Sorority

Frank Jackson: What is “The Pearl Effect” on enhancing the well-being of a group?

By admin on June 8, 2023

To say that our next guest is a founder, speaker, and writer wouldn’t quite capture who he is and what he does. Frank Jackson’s company, The Pearl Effect, is a research based outlet for his own lived experience. It is the story of thriving, that is to say a story of well-being despite circumstances. Writing, speaking, and educating is how he creates impact and conveys his story because his story is the human story. Frank hopes to help communities and individuals change the narrative on their history toward one of strengths, beauty, and thriving.

In episode 363 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Frank chose Texas Christian University for his undergraduate experience, why he decided to join Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., what is The Pearl Effect for the black community, what can I do if I know about communities who continue to persist, protect, and access well-being despite challenges, how I can create a more inclusive environment to get a more diverse membership, how I can educate members of my organization about different cultures, how we can reduce the financial barrier of joining fraternity and sorority life, what students can do to remove the stigma and misconceptions about fraternity and sorority life, and what is the best place to get a bite to eat in Philadelphia. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3V-2dWUgYM

Fraternity/Sorority

Dr. Frank L. Douglas: What’s missing from the current DEI efforts?

By admin on April 6, 2023

Dr. Frank L. Douglas was raised in the small South American country of Guyana. Suffering under the weight of poverty, Douglas faced severe childhood trauma, often questioning his place in his family and yearning for acceptance. Despite these obstacles, Douglas excelled academically, showing great promise at school and winning multiple awards. In his career, Douglas continued to climb the ranks of academia and made significant discoveries in the pharmacology field. He established the Center for Biomedical Innovation at MIT and received the George Beene Foundation Award, GQ Magazine’s Rock Star of Science Award, Black History Maker Award and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers Lifetime Achievement Award. He has continued to champion the cause of African American students, having never forgotten his own roots in a poverty-ridden, politically conflicted homeland. The meaning of his name—Frank being Celtic for “free man” and Douglas being Scottish for “from a black stream”—has become his personal banner.

In episode 342 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what it was like for Dr. Douglas to grow up in Guyana, what it was like to be awarded the Fulbright Scholarship and come to America to study Chemistry in the Engineering College at Lehigh University, how his early life in Guyana prepared him to navigate effects of racial discrimination in American universities and corporations, what he is most proud of as the first Black member of the Board of Management of a top 5 Global Pharmaceutical company, what’s missing from current DEI efforts, how we can manage microaggressions and remove privileges to combat systemic discrimination, what are some strategies for fostering more diverse and empathetic student organizations, and what the Supreme Court should decide with the consideration of race in college admission decisions. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0nJvY_CQJU

Fraternity/Sorority

Sara Ting: How do we go from the pain of discrimination to forgiveness?

By admin on March 30, 2023

Sara Ting is a diversity and inclusion trainer, innovator, visionary, speaker and author working in D & I since 1985. She shares bold, innovative ideas that are enlightening, empowering, transformative and sustainable. Her clients served include public schools, colleges, police department, housing authorities and health care providers. Sara is the founder and president of World Unity, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to make an enduring contribution to the elimination of all forms of prejudice, bias and discrimination. They believe this can be achieved with the construction of a permanent landmark showcasing the Sun poem that reads as follows: Are you greater than the sun/that shines on everyone: Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White/ the sun does not discriminate ©. Sara was a TV Reporter for a major NBC affiliate, freelance TV reporter covering issues that impacted the Asian American communities for ten years, and has been a radio talk show host and producer for four years.

In episode 336 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Sara decided on Boston University for her undergraduate experience, how The Sun Poem came about, how it turned into a huge public service campaign, how we can go from pain in discrimination to forgiveness, how bias influences our career paths in life, how do we empower college students to understand and value diversity in their organizations, how we can create a culture of belonging in our organization, how college students can improve their communication skills, and more about Sara’s book series called “Small Book With a Big Idea”. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dftOkf90DvY

Fraternity/Sorority

Naimah Bhuruku: How do we create an inclusive culture in our organization?

By admin on March 28, 2023

Naimah Bhuruku is a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioner. As a trained facilitator, she guides individuals as they navigate uncertainty through empathy filled empowerment. Naimah facilitates crucial conversations & curates brave spaces for engagement. She amplify the voices of others so they can feel seen/heard thus experiencing true belonging. This is Naimah’s leadership purpose. Naimah champions young and developing professionals who seek to ascend in their careers and life; empowering them to channel their talents and passion with fierce focus. She curates experiences that connect people with resources. She also spotlights hidden figures to aid in illuminating their path so that they shine.

In episode 333 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about Naimah’s journey of seeking to belong and how that led to understanding the value of empath, why the University of Maryland was the right choice for her, how she later got into procurement work, the types of projects she works on as a Diversity/Inclusion specialist at NASA, the harm that HB 999 in Florida would cause if it passes, what students can do to fight against HB 999, how we can create an inclusive culture in our organization, how college students can build resiliency, and why self-awareness is the key to career success. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNLv8OewW2I

Fraternity/Sorority

Angie Freeman: What are some diversity and inclusion-related events for college campuses?

By admin on September 5, 2022

Our next guest, Angie Freeman, is the Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. At Oakland University, they coordinate various diversity and inclusion-related events and programs, such as heritage month celebrations and the Diversity Lecture Series, as well as numerous summer programs available for area youth. Born in Germany and having lived several places as a self-described “military brat,” Angie earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Oakland University. They also earned a master’s degree in college student affairs from Nova Southeastern University. Not only do they have a passion diversity, equity, and inclusion, but also in dance.

In episode 298 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Angie chose Oakland University, why being a Resident Director at the University of Vermont was the right move, difficulties Angie experienced as a dancer, what it was like as a success coach and retention specialist at Nevada State College, what it was like to work at UNLV as a senior transition advisor, what are some diversity and inclusion-related events and programs at Oakland University, how to get buy in for all these DEI initiatives, why training on unconscious bias and microaggressions is so important, and how a new DEI chair can start to bring inclusion to their campus. Enjoy!

Fraternity/Sorority

Nicki Rowlett: How can college students be better allies?

By admin on September 2, 2022

Our next guest is Nicki Rowlett, born and raised in Michigan, but has lived in five different states since graduating college. Nicki earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies, Event Management, and Leadership from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Student Affairs from Ball State University. She is a member of Delta Phi Epsilon and has worked professionally with fraternities and sororities for eight years. Nicki is an author, seasoned facilitator, and a long-time volunteer within the fraternal industry. Nicki’s focus is in identity development, inclusive language use, bias, allyship, and the impact of privilege, power, and position. She enjoys developing strategies, infusing concepts of DEI into existing programs, and coaching others to make informed and intentional decisions. She’s also the Managing Director and Lead Strategist of The Parallel Agency, a full service consulting firm specializing in organizational culture and belonging.

In episode 297 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why she chose Central Michigan University, what was special about the Delta Phi Epsilon chapter on campus, some of the differences in working within higher education versus the fraternity headquarters, what makes Parallel Agency different from the other agencies out there, how they balance learning with unlearning, where a newly elected DEI chair should start their work, why it’s important to be able to discuss privilege within fraternities and sororities, and how college students can be better allies. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQ5216LAJw

Fraternity/Sorority

Dr. Amanda Banks: How can students become a catalyst for equity and inclusivity on college campuses?

By admin on July 20, 2022

[podcast src=”https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/23807957/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/191970/” height=”90″ width=”100%” placement=”top” theme=”custom”]Dr. Amanda Banks is an author and race and gender equity consultant. With over 15 years of experience working with diverse populations, Banks aids individuals and organizations in building leadership capacity to become a catalyst for social, cultural, and economic change. Strategies and tools will equip leaders to challenge social and political structures that render inequities and poor outcomes for people of color, women, and other vulnerable populations.

In episode 266 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what made this former All-American in the Triple Jump choose Texas Tech, what it meant to win Woman of the Year/Outstanding Mentor Award by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Lubbock Alumnae Chapter, how students can become a catalyst for equity and inclusivity on college campuses, what is the myth of the Angry Black Woman and why we need more of them, why empathy is so important for those you lead, how DEI improves the bottom line and improves outcomes for employees, how college students can identify their unique leadership style, how college students can be more influential, and how college students can delegate in their organization. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI3ldYd91sw

Fraternity/Sorority

Dr. Shyam Sriram: How do we enhance diverse & inclusive learning on campus and in our organizations?

By admin on April 5, 2022

[podcast src=”https://html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/22693844/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/191970/” height=”90″ width=”100%” placement=”top” theme=”custom”]Our next guest, making his second appearance on the show, is Dr. Shyam Sriram. He has been involved in the fields of secondary and higher education since 2003. He has worked as a teaching assistant at a Hispanic Service Institution; teaching assistant at a large, urban university; taught full-time at the largest community college in a Southern state; worked as an adjunct professor at a historically-black college; spent a year working at two private, Islamic schools in suburban Chicago; spent two summers working with inner-city high school students in Atlanta; and taken part in several, intensive grading workshops with Advanced Placement exams. He has taught dozens of classes; mentored thousands of students; and realizes now, more than ever, the need for quality professionals in higher education who are not just great teachers, but great administrators as well. At Greek University, he speaks about cultural appropriation and inclusion on college campuses all over the country.

In episode 234 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about Dr. Sriram’s new job at Canisius College in Buffalo, what is Ramadan and how we can be more respectful to our Muslim friends during Ramadan, how fraternities and sororities can attract, retain, and graduate a diverse and inclusive group of students, why it’s important for faculty and staff at our universities to also attract and retain a diverse and inclusive community, how we enhance diverse and inclusive learning on campus and in our organizations, how we foster a community culture that values, respects, welcomes, and promotes a sense of belonging, ways can we engage diverse communities beyond the boundaries of campus, how we prioritize the commitment to inclusion through leadership and action at all levels, and some ways students can engage in anti-racist action. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCK4uwu67BA

Fraternity/Sorority

Stan Pearson II: What is diversity and how can you succeed with a better understanding of it?

By admin on October 21, 2021

Our next guest, Stan Pearson II, is an Award Winning Bi-lingual Speaker, Motivational Comedian, Author & Consultant. His shows and presentations are entertaining, educational, interactive and thought-provoking from start to finish. Stan has been consulting companies & speaking professionally for over a decade. His Charisma, Sense of Humor & Ability to connect with his audiences help everyone settle in for a good time. Stan is for an organization or company who is looking to create a long lasting experience. He has spoken in over 40 States in the U.S. in addition to Mexico, The British Virgin Islands, The U.S. Virgin Islands & Canada. He is great for any program and is very easy to work with in all facets of planning and executing a successful event. Student Life, Multi-cultural Office, Orientations, Greek Life Conference Planners and Businesses all seek Stan’s expertise because he is most certainly your One-Stop Speaker Shop! If you want a great experience and a great speaker or host; Quite simply; Stan is your man.

In episode number 178 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Stan chose Missouri Western State University, what made him want to join Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., what makes the New Student Orientation Program (Dusty Camp) at Texas A&M International University so successful, what made him want to share his messages on stage, what is diversity and how can you succeed with a better understanding of it, why it’s important to know the achievements of the past (Black History Month all year long) in order to create greatness now, how students and new professionals figure out what that purpose is, how we can thrive during those difficult situations, and how he’s helping other speakers get onto more stages. We also find out his favorite restaurants in Atlanta!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK4OYeWilbI