Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program

Recent Events

2024

Tuesday, April 9th: Advancing Fair Housing: Educate & Advocate for Equity with Tatjana Meschede, Ph.D.

This conversation with Prof. Tatjana Meschede, Ph.D., delved into informative action towards fairness and equity in housing. Through discussions, Dr. Meschede shared valuable knowledge on fair housing laws, opened discussion on strategies for advocacy and ways to address disparities in housing access, and opportunities at the local level. The event provided insights and learnings about advocating for fair housing to make a difference towards equitable housing for all. 

(from left to right) Segal Fellow Katherine Nace, Tatjana Meschede, Segal Fellow Saynab Maalin, and Segal Assistant Director Carmela Belizaire

Video recording of event will be available soon.


March: Fellow Listening Sessions on Segal Core Skills/Values

screenshot of recent listening session attendees via zoom Thank you to all the Fellows that joined us in our March Listening Sessions (including the most recent attendees, pictured above)! Much valuable feedback was shared and appreciated. 

If Fellows still have feedback to share on our updated mission statement and core skills/values, we welcome you to share them by April 1st in the document available on Segal's internal platforms. 


Tuesday, March 5th: Ten Leadership Lessons from Times of Crisis with C. Yulín Cruz 

Segal group photo of (in order from left to right) Segal Director Susie Flug SIlva, Segal Fellow Katherine Nace, speaker Carmen Yulín Cruz, Segal Fellow John Valinch, and Segal Assistant Director Carmela Belizaire.

2018 Segal Fellow John Valinch (pictured above, second person from the right) has been building a relationship with Carmen Yulín Cruz (bio here), who served as Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico for 8 years, and he brought her to speak at the Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

Cruz shared her lessons in leadership that were forged under dire circumstances, including two devastating hurricanes and a global pandemic, and highlighted how these moments necessitated transformational change. For Cruz, understanding and uplifting the voices of community members is paramount to advancing sustainable solutions. Her actions and her words inspire our Segal Fellows & staff.


Tuesday, February 13th: Segal Book Club (New Kid By Jerry Craft)

flyer capturing book cover and event agenda  of icebreaker, chapters 1-5 (~30 mins) and Reflection (group or 1:1)

Thanks for joining the Segal book club on New Kid by Jerry Craft ! We got through chapters 1 (pdf available) and 2 before pausing in appreciation of the storyline, connecting to our experiences, and challenging graphics. 

Reflection Questions: 
  • How did your identity come into play while listening? What feelings came up for you? 
  • What aspects of your identity would you want to explore more after listening to these chapters? 

Monday, January 29th: Problems of Practice with Segal Fellow Megan Potts 

screenshot of convening attendees via zoomThank you to those that were able to attend our January Problem of Practice session and support 2023 AmeriCorps Alum Megan Potts in her leadership journey. On Monday, the peer support group discussed her essential question of “How can I improve my skill of influencing older people with power in work settings to see and value my strengths and that of my generational peers?"

 We’ll continue to host these sessions ~quarterly throughout the year. Is there an effort that you are trying to organize or lead change around, where a session with your Segal Fellow peers might give you a boost to unlock where you feel stuck or unsure? Or where you could use a set of additional perspectives to inform your next moves?

If you're interested (Segal Fellows only), you can offer up your leadership challenge in the future for the group to support you on (with staff facilitation!), please take a minute to fill out this brief survey. We’ll choose one Fellow about once each quarter and work with other interested Fellows for future sessions.

2023

Friday, November 10th - Sunday, November 12th: Segal Fellow Retreat & 15th Anniversary

We gathered together over 55 Segal Fellows from across the country, plus 45 of our Segal Founders and Partners, for our Segal Fellow Retreat and 15th Anniversary Celebration!

Our 15th celebrated “The Impact of Together,” shared ways The Segal Program is inspiring and empowering generations of citizen leaders, and awarded the 2023 Segal Fellow in Action Award to 2011 City Year Segal Fellow Damond Ford. Our 2023 Segal Fellow Retreat theme was "(Re)Connect, Recharge, & Move Forward Together!"

We are grateful for the growing community of resilient Segal leaders striving to self-improve, inspire one another, and collaborate towards action.
Here’s to the next 15 years! 


Wednesday, October 18th: "October Segal Fellow Hangout"

This session was an informal hang out for Fellows to re/connect with each other, across cohort years and streams. With no agenda, the space closed off our quarterly virtual Segal Fellow Hangouts for the year. Thanks to all our Segal Fellows for hanging out this year, we'll see you in our next cycle of hangouts!

  • If you’re interested in hosting a future Fellow Hangout next year, sign up here.

Thursday, September 21st: "Segal Fellows in Action"

Thanks to our 2023 Brandeis Undergrad/Heller MPP Segal Fellows (Jovita BellSaynab MaalinKatherine NaceAnthony Ruiz, & Amelia Trahan) for sharing about their 2023 Segal Summer Internships and their growth as a part of the lifelong Segal Citizen Leadership Program. Our 2023 Segal Internships focused on: ESOL programming, housing and economic development, immigration rights, public health, and the rights of incarcerated individuals.

We’re grateful to our internship partners: Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network, International Institute of New England, Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association, MassINC, and Prisoners' Legal Services of MA for hosting these Segal Fellows.

Watch video


Friday, August 11th: "Answering the Call: Exploring the ways you can lead, with New Politics, by running for office, and beyond"

Zoom screenshot of event attendees from left to right: First row: Damon Ford, Max Klau, Jess Kent, Bria Price. Second row: Carmela Belizaire, Susie Flug-Silva, Le'Otis Boswell-Johnson, and Katherine Nace. Third row: Saynab Maalin, Bernice Appiah, and Anthony AfriyieThank you for joining us in partnership with New Politics.

A special thank you to our Segal Fellows Bria Price, Jess Kent, Damond Ford, and Segal Partner Max Klau, New Politics’ Leadership Academy Chief Program Officer, for guiding us through this session. We discussed New Politics and their leadership academy, the process and impact of getting involved, and addressed questions around political involvement imposter syndrome. 

watch video


Wednesday, August 2nd: "Boston-Area Segal Summer Informal Dinner"

Image of Segal Fellows, Founder, and Segal Family and staff around a dinner table. From left to right seats: Renée Gaillard, Mora Segal, Susie Flug-Silva, Katherine Nace, Jon Segal, Jovita Bell, Amelia Trahan, Carmela Belizaire, Saynab Maalin, Vianny Rodriguez, and Anita Yip A warm thank you to the Segal Fellows, Founders, and Family that joined us in connecting with the Boston area Segal Network!

Join our 15th Anniversary Celebrations here


Thursday, June 22nd: "(RJAR LC) Systemic Racism & Technology: algorithmic bias in AI & ML"

screenshot capturing shared zoom screen of RJxTP Director Ezra Tefera and a Martin Luther King Junior quote stating" Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane."

Thanks to the Segal Fellows and greater Brandeis community that joined us in conversation on combating that systemic racism in technology with Ezra Tefera, Director of The Racial Justice x Technology Program at Heller's Institute for Economic and Racial Equity, and with Segal Fellow Gabby Zilkha, Senior Product Manager for Learning at SAP SuccessFactors.

The conversation focused on algorithmic bias in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) and their implications in systemic racism, including current issues and avenues for action. We discussed the potential benefits and drawbacks of AI tools, with a focus on the inequitable application of such technologies. We also discussed the potential solutions to reduce the existing biases in AI and protect the vulnerable communities from their potential harms, including regulatory mechanisms to monitor the use of AI tools, as well as research and policy decisions to ensure algorithmic justice.

Shared resources: 

Video recording of event will be available soon.


Friday, June 9th - Sunday, June 11th: "DC-Area Segal Network Informal Dinner"

A warm thank you to the Segal Fellows, Founders, and Partners that joined us in kicking off celebrations of The Segal Program's 15th Anniversary, welcoming our newest National Service Alumni on their DC visit, and connecting with Washinton, D.C., area Segal Fellows, Founders, and Partners!

Join our 15th Anniversary Celebrations here


Tuesday, June 6th: "Celebrating Pride: Expanding our Timeline of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement"


Thanks to the Segal Fellows and Brandeis staff that joined us in celebrating Pride Month and reflect on the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement. The event, led by Lanni Isenberg, featured a look at the LGBTQ+ rights movement timeline developed over the past 15 years captured from Professor Susan Curnan's course at Heller on "LGBTQ+ Justice: A History of Pride, Prejudice, and Policy in the United States." Attendees were able to explore the timeline and gain a deeper understanding of the history of this important movement. The event provided an opportunity for individuals from across interest to come together and celebrate the progress that has been made while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. 

Presentation available here 

Spring 2022 Heller Student Poster Compilation 

Video recording of event will be available soon.


Wednesday, May 24: "Thinking About Leadership for Uncertain Times"

Developing your leadership, from values to action, is an aspect of life that is continuously challenged as our fields and environments progressively change. How we react and prepare for those changes and the results of my intentions, mold us as citizen leaders. Together we explored the differences between leadership and authority, technical and adaptive challenges, and discussed informally the realities of leadership (i.e., intentional action having adverse outcomes, centering self in decision making, and navigating new journeys). Thank you to Segal Fellows and their colleagues for joining us in taking initiative in our roles as citizen leaders for uncertain times.

Additional resources, such as the informal discussion on Adaptive Leadership & “The Theory Behind the Practice: A Brief Introduction to the Adaptive Leadership Framework" by Ronald Heifetz, Alexander Grashow, and Marty Linsky, are available!

Video recording of event will be available soon.


Thursday, May 18: "Celebrating & Reflecting on AAPI Heritage Month"

Thank you for joining Segal Fellows & staff as we celebrate and reflect around AAPI Heritage Month. A document capturing shared resources is available to Fellows!


Tuesday, April 25th: "April Segal Fellow Hangout"

This session was an informal hang out for Fellows to re/connect with each other, across cohort years and streams. With no agenda, the space continues our quarterly virtual Segal Fellow Hangouts.

  • If you’re interested in hosting a future Fellow Hangout next year, sign up here.

Wednesday, March 8: "Reproductive Freedom: Legal Rights, Political Context, and Opportunities for Action with Attorney Julie F. Kay"

Over 70 people joined us, in-person at Zinner Forum and on Zoom, on Wednesday, March 8th - International Women's Day - for a discussion on reproductive freedom with women's rights attorney and activist, Julie F. Kay, in conversation with Interim Dean Maria Madison.

Attorney Julie F. Kay is an expert on women's human rights domestically and internationally. Her initiatives increase support for access to reproductive rights and religious freedom, advance gender equality and work to prevent family violence and promote women's economic security. Ms. Kay came to Heller and Segal as a friend and legal colleague of Segal Program Founder Phyllis Segal.

This event was co-sponsored with the Heller School Dean's Office and the Eli J. & Phyllis N. Segal Citizen Leadership Program.

Video of the event is available online


February Black History Month Programming

Over the course of Black History Month, we offered: ongoing suggested readings with a 2/16 reading discussion session with Equity Consultant Emerald Anderson Ford; a 2/21 gathering of the ongoing, monthly Black and African American Affinity Space; spotlighted of Black Artists that highlight Black history, present, and future; and a 2/26 afternoon event for Boston-Area Fellows at Brandeis' Rose Art Museum to visit the exhibit "Lyle Ashton Harris: Our first and last love."

 More Programming Details 

 

 

 


Tuesday, January 31: "January Segal Fellow Hangout"

This session was an informal hang out for Fellows to re/connect with each other, across cohort years and streams. With no agenda, the space kicked off our quarterly virtual Segal Fellow Hangouts.

  • If you’re interested in hosting a future Fellow Hangout, sign up here.

2022

Thursday, December 15 & Friday, December 16: "Quarterly Racial Justice & Antiracism Learning Community Session: Gratitude Gathering"


Flyer quotes" Gratitude Gathering" followed by subtext stating "entering and centering gratitude as the year closes with Emerald Anderson-Ford.” Image of Emerald in a plaid yellow dress, with pink braids is to the right of the text.As part of our ongoing Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community (RJAR LC), these sessions were a part of our fall quarterly RJAR LC gathering. Entering the time of the year where gratitude takes center stage in many of our lives, Segal Fellows gathered to express gratitude with and for one another. Led by our CRED Consultant, Emerald Anderson-Ford, reflections were based on what gratitude means to each of us, the things in our lives that center us in a mindframe of gratitude, and how we ensure that gratitude and joy are woven through our journey towards anti-racism and equity.

Resources shared in the Shared RJAR LC Folder


Friday, November 18: "Fish Can’t See Water: Aphasia Awareness & Action—Swimming Upstream in the Ocean of Healthcare Needs"

In this session, Thomas G. Broussard, Jr., Ph.D., of Aphasia Nation, Inc., (and the inaugural Segal Program Director) shared information about his journey post-stroke, starting his own nonprofit, and about the larger picture of aphasia awareness and action. He furthered the discussion with opportunities of engagement and encouraged Segal Fellows to be in touch. He has had a long history as an action-organized change agent that brought him to a new chapter of change, after his own strokes, with this thing called aphasia, a language disorder that most people have never heard of, although 25-40% of people with stroke have aphasia too.

Video from the event is available online


Thursday, November 10: "Informal Post-Election Chat for Segal Fellows"

We reflected together on the election and its aftermath, listened to how one another are doing, and discussed how we're thinking and moving forward post-election/through the country’s current divide(s). This space was used for Fellows to dialogue openly. We also celebrated the fact that so many Segal Fellows ran for office this fall and celebrated Fellows that have been working and volunteering on campaigns this year.


Wednesday, October 12: "Reproductive Freedom: Care, Access, and Inequality"

Over 80 Segal/Heller/Brandeis community members joined us online and in person for a thoughtful conversation with with Interim Dean Maria Madison and Heller Doctoral Student Jamie Morgan about the current state of abortion and the impact of the reversal of Roe in communities. We learned how issues of bodily autonomy, limited resources, and the erosion of rights shape our pathways forward toward equity. Jamie Morgan is a doctoral candidate at the Heller School in the Economic and Racial Equity concentration and an instructor at the Tufts University School of Medicine. Her forthcoming dissertation research examines the effects of contentious politics on gender-based violence at abortion clinics. Prior to her doctoral studies, Jamie served the City of South Bend as senior staff in the Office of Mayor Pete Buttigieg. As the director of Pro Choice South Bend, she spent three years helping Whole Woman’s Health Alliance open the only abortion clinic in Northern Indiana. Today, she volunteers her time to advance anti-racist clinic defense efforts and access to gender-inclusive queer-affirming reproductive care.

Wednesday, September 28: "Segal Fellows in Action"
We were inspired to hear from Heller MPP and Brandeis Undergraduate Fellows Catherine Gooding, Gabriella Lieberman, Vianny Rodriguez, Jolecia Saunderson, Shania Thomas, and Hannah Wilcove about their Segal Summer Internships and ongoing growth as citizen leaders. Our thanks to our internship partners ACLU of MA, AIPAC, Altarum, Center for Coalfield Justice, Mass NOW, and NAACP LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute for hosting them.


Monday, August 8: "Can we just talk? Talking about race and racism with students during the COVID-19 pandemic"

Headshot of Zora Haque smiling in a flowered shirt

Thank you to those who joined us for a quarterly session, as a part of our ongoing Segal Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community. We heard from Segal Staff Member and Heller Research Associate Zora Haque about the findings of this journal article and her role as co-author, and we discussed how this research connects to your own teaching and/or work with youth and your own ongoing conversations surrounding race and racism.

The COVID-19 pandemic has occurred alongside the “twin” pandemic of societal structures reaching what could be considered a breaking point in race-based discrimination and violence in the United States. A study of two Brandeis undergrad courses conducted throughout this period of time points to the importance of teaching college students how to talk about race and racism in the classroom, and emphasizes the significance of centering these discussions in higher education. You can read the journal article "Can we just talk? Exploring discourses on race and racism among U.S. undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic" here

The video from this session is available here.


Friday, July 8: Segal Convening on Reproductive Rights

As we process and move forward from The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade, we heard from Segal Fellows and partners working across the reproductive rights field for an informal session to learn about their efforts and how folks can be a part of the movement at all levels. Speakers included Segal Fellows Emily Bishop (formerly of Planned Parenthood and Supermajority) and Audrey Etlinger Cohen (Director Of Nursing and Clinical Services at Women’s Health Services). We were honored that Julie F. Kay, legal titan and author of Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom, also joined us to share some informal remarks and and calls to action, and that Phyllis Segal shared closing remarks.

Watch and share the video: https://youtu.be/_IW3zLZtQWU


Wednesday, June 1: Rainbow Capitalism, SCOTUS Implications & Having a Meaningful Pride

2022 Heller Segal Fellow Hannah Wilcove led our June Fellow-Led-Feature about rainbow capitalism and corporate social responsibility, including how companies “rainbow wash” and what HRC’s annual Corporate Equality index does and doesn’t cover around supporting the LGBTQ+ community. We also talked about what Pride means to each of us and about the implications of the leaked SCOTUS draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization for the LGBTQ+ community and justice movement. This was a chance to celebrate Pride Month and learn more about who is and isn’t meaningfully supporting LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

  • Video from the event is available here. Hannah's Heller coursework on Rainbow Capitalism and CSR is available here.

Thursday, May 26: Segal Fellow Experience Listening Session
Our thanks to the Fellows who joined program leadership from the Advisory Board, Segal family, and staff for a listening session to complement the feedback from Fellows' Annual Surveys and other valued input. They shared stories about what's been most valuable to them about the Segal Program and ideas for how we can improve the Fellowship experience moving forward.


Friday, May 20: Political Engagement Focused Community of Practice

Virtual Discussion of Second CoP hosted by Leila Quinn (first picture on top left)On May 20, we were thrilled to have 13 Segal Fellows and staff members, including host and 2018 Segal Fellow Leila Quinn, join together for our second Community of Practice (CoP) for politically-engaged Fellows. The important topic of discussion was about how to connect and build understanding across  political values and beliefs. Thanks to Leila for her skillful facilitation and to all who participated. Those on last night’s CoP encouraged other Fellows to check out the readings: Essential Partners' "Reaching Across the Divide" and a 2016 New York Times article "Talking Across Divides: 10 Ways to Encourage Civil Classroom Conversation On Difficult Issues."  Contact Susie to sign up for or volunteer to host future CoPs.

Communities of Practice (CoPs) "are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” The main components include:
-“A shared domain of interest” (in this case, political engagement),
-A community, where “members engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information,” and
-Development of “a shared repertoire of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems—in short a shared practice.”
(https://wenger-trayner.com/introduction-to-communities-of-practice/)

To join our Communities of Practice or volunteer to host a future session, contact Susie (flugsilva(at)brandeis.edu). We are seeking additional Fellows to help facilitate a regular CoP on racial justice, as we have one Fellow who's already volunteered to facilitate, once we find other Fellows to join her.

 


Thursday, April 14: Quarterly RJAR LC Event- Anti-Racist Action Planning Session: Moving from Theory to Action: Segal Fellows joined the Segal Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community (RJAR LC) and Emerald Anderson-Ford of CRED for an all-LC quarterly session on anti-racism action planning. The discussion focused on thinking critically about how we operate in the world and influence all the spaces in which we occupy, exploring what anti-racist action might (continue to) look like in each of our everyday lives and cultivate accountability.


Thursday, April 14: Career Transitions & Making a Difference in Tech: Segal Fellow Anita Yip shared her experience transitioning into different roles and industries, tips and tricks she's learned during the interview process, why tech is a great space to make a difference, challenges being underrepresented in tech, and her experiences in "hackathons" (also called codefests).


Monday, March 28: Grassroots Organizing & Elections: Segal Fellow & 2014 Heller MPP/MBA graduate David Duhalde spoke about his chapter in the new anthology  Power Concedes Nothing: How Grassroots Organizing Wins Elections. David works for NYC's Campaign Finance Board. His chapter focuses on the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in the 2020 Democratic primary and presidential elections. Discussion covered how a single group's actions can symbolize broader tensions beyond any one organization in a tense political moment with lessons for the upcoming presidential contest. His publisher offers a discussion guide to complement the book. Video from event is available here.


Thursday, February 24: Quarterly RJAR LC Event- Anti-Racist Action Planning Session: Moving from Theory to Action: As a part of our ongoing Racial Justice and Anti-Racism Learning Community, Fellows and staff joined together to continue and advance our antiracism journeys, during a session on expanding antiracism work in our everyday lives.


Tuesday, February, 15: Fellow-Led Self-Care Restorative Yoga: Thank you to 2017 SYA Segal Fellow and Certified Yoga Instructor Kareen Sanchez for a restorative class centered on providing self-care and mindfulness through rudimentary yoga, some discussion debunking myths about self care, and sharing simple breathing, chanting, and stretching practice.


Monday, January 24: 2022 Brandeis Cohort Orientation: Congratulations to our new 2022 Brandeis/Heller Segal Fellows: Catherine Gooding, Gabriella Lieberman, Vianny Rodriguez, Jolecia Saunderson, Shania Thomas and Hannah Wilcove on their Segal Fellow Orientation. Thanks to veteran Segal Fellow Mariela Martinez for joining the staff to welcome and orient the new group to the Fellowship.


Thursday, January 6: Capitol Insurrection Reflection: This meeting was an opportunity to take a brief pause in your afternoon to connect with other Segal Fellows, reflect on the Capitol Insurrection, and talk about the continued fight to protect democracy.

2021

 

Wednesday, December 8, 2021: Segal Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community December Workshop: Pursuing Antiracism Antiracism Systemically:

We continued our Fall Antiracism Workshop series, moderated by Mikel Brand Oliver of Mpact Consultancy, where we discussed internalized and interpersonal oppression, as well as how we can disrupt them to pursue antiracism work together. Video from the meeting and slides/workbooks are available upon request for Fellows only.

Thursday, November 18, 2021: Segal Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community November Workshop: Pursuing Antiracism Antiracism with Others:

We continued our Fall Antiracism Workshop series, moderated by Mikel Brand Oliver of Mpact Consultancy, where we discussed internalized and interpersonal oppression, as well as how we can disrupt them to pursue antiracism work together. Video from the meeting and slides/workbooks are available upon request for Fellows only.

Tuesday, November 9, 2021: Holding Myself Accountable: A Fireside Chat with Emerald Anderson Ford: 

As a part of our ongoing Racial Justice & Antiracism Learning Community, we joined to brainstorm and learn about ways to hold ourselves and those closest to us accountable through our equity journeys and to discuss what antiracism work looks and feels like. Video and group reflections from the meeting is available upon request for Fellows only.

Friday, October 29, 2021: October Staff-Led Convening: 7-Day Neurodiversity Inclusion Challenge, and Sharing Experiences with Disabilities. In October, we discussed selections from the Heller 7-day Neurodiversity Inclusion Challenge, an opportunity to develop a better understanding and awareness of the need for true inclusion and acceptance in the Brandeis community and beyond of those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurological disabilities. One source of information and experiences was Segal Program Coordinator Kyle Richard, who spoke about working with ADHD. Materials from the Feature available on our website. Video from the meeting is available upon request for Fellows only.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021: Segal Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community October Workshop: Pursuing Antiracism within Myself:

This month’s topic was “Pursuing Antiracism Work Within Myself” and is part of a three-part series of conversations that will run through December.  Video from the meeting and slides/workbooks are available upon request for Fellows only.

Friday, October 15, 2021: Segal Program Fellows in Action Panel: Fellows Adam Jones, Andrea Tyree, Catherine Romero, Maria Aranibar, Mariela Martinez, Marissa Torelli, and Pierrce Holmes, shared the inspiring stories of their summer internship and Segal Fellow experiences, as well as ways they leveraged their citizen leadership and the Segal Network to help solve some of our world’s most intractable problems and to grow individually and together. 

Video available on the Segal Program Events page.

Thursday, September 30 & Monday, October 4, 2021: Informal Reflection Sessions for the Segal Racial Justice & Antiracism Learning Community. Virtual all-Learning Community informal reflection session on the 8/6 Kick-Off Session, the ways white dominant cultural norms show up with the Segal Fellowship, the ways we may center white dominant cultural norms, and some impacts on our work/self/family/peers/etc.

Monday, September 13, 2021: September Segal Convening: A Conversation with Candice C. Jones on Investing in Criminal Justice and Youth Justice Reform. Jones is the President and CEO of the Public Welfare Foundation. As noted on their website, "For over seventy years, Public Welfare Foundation has supported efforts to advance justice and opportunity for people in need. Today, our efforts focus on catalyzing a transformative approach to justice that is community-led, restorative, and racially just through investments in criminal justice and youth justice reforms." Candice shared about her career path, committing to taking risks, and leaning into one’s strengths in working towards criminal justice and youth justice reform. (Video is available online)

Friday, August 6, 2021: Segal Program Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community Kick-Off: We kicked off the learning community with a virtual live session for all Fellows on Friday, August 6, with asynchronous learning and reflection opportunities to pursue on your own time in August, and additional workshops, discussions, and affinity/caucus spaces to follow over the fall and beyond. Please visit the Racial Justice & Antiracism Learning Community Page for more information.

Thursday, July 29, 2021: Failing Forward and Sharing Personal Experiences Through Public Speaking2019 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Raquél Pérez discussed preparing for and representing her experiences through public speaking. The conversation included 5 other Fellows, who all discussed presenting on identity and struggle, as well as building the confidence to speak in front of large audiences about issues that matter. Video from the conversation is available upon request for Fellows only.

Monday, June 28, 2021: Career Chat with Daniel Pereira (Brandeis '08) on Leveraging Communications for Social Change & Sharing His Career Journey: Daniel Augusto Pereira (Brandeis '08) is Director of Communications at The Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA). A first-generation immigrant from Sao Paulo, Brasil, Daniel was born and raised in Boston as a dual citizen. He most recently served as the Communications Director for T1D Exchange, a Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to better, longer lives for people with type 1 diabetes. Daniel's 13 years in the communications field have included roles in the nonprofit and private sector, and he has worked to leverage his communications experience for social change. He shared with Fellows about his winding career path and the process of getting to where he is today. Daniel graduated magna cum laude from Brandeis University with majors in English and Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism. (Video is available online)

Thursday May 27, 2021: May Fellow-Led Feature: Ideas and Feedback for resmrkt: an accessible startup in the career development space: 2014 Brandeis Segal Fellow Gabby Zilkha discussed the genesis of her new venture, resmrkt, a digital marketplace for people to access affordable professional development services, and assure accessibility in the process. We would like to thank the seven Fellows who joined the conversation, offered feedback, and created connections to this great opportunity. Video from the meeting is available upon request for Fellows only.

Week of April 26-30, 2021: Listening Sessions with the Segal Family: The Segal Program held four Segal Fellow Listening & Connection Sessions, which were a chance for Fellows to connect with one another, Segal Program staff, and Founders Phyllis and Mora Segal. Each group explored life and career connections and ideas that inspired them, and we took the chance to get feedback from Fellows’ about The Segal Program. Thanks to the more than 20 Segal Fellows and Founders who participated, including Fellows who joined the program back in 2008, through those who joined us this year.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021: Informal April Segal Fellow Chat:  This session, was an informal Fellow chat and a great chance for a range of newer and older Fellows to connect. We took a few moments to share more about our plans for the Fellow-led August 2021 Segal Program Racial Justice and Antiracism Summit.

Thursday, March 25, 2021: March Convening: Fellow-Led Feature: Blogging for Social Change: Moderated by 2019 AmeriCorps Alums Segal Fellow Darius Caffey, we discussed his work with the blog The Closet Unlocked and how blogging can be used to enact change in your community. Video is available by request krichard@gmail.com

February 25. 2021: February Convening: Segal Network Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic.  We met to discuss various Segal Network responses to the COVID pandemic. As Founder Phyllis Segal summarized, this group was an inspiring example of the many ways each of us can take action and the breadth of our Segal Network’s response to COVID-19. Thanks to Fellows in healthcare Raquél Pérez and Imani Islam, to Partners Innovation80 and Freedman Consulting, and to Phyllis for sharing their work.

January 20, 2021: Inauguration Viewing Event for Fellows and Network Partners. Informal viewing of the swearing in of the Biden/Harris administration and our first woman, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President.

January 8, 2021: Segal Fellow Check In & Chat About Capitol Riots: The Segal Program hosted an informal chat for Fellows to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the events that transpired during the Capitol Riots on 1/6/21, the larger/ongoing issues they tie into, and how we continue to move forward.

2020

December 8, 2020: Fellow-Led Feature: Higher Unlearning Podcast with Le'otis Boswell-Johnson. Hosted by Le'otis Boswell-Johnson, Fellows joined for a riveting conversation about the ongoing podcast of Le'otis Boswell-Johnson who along with his co-host talk about their experience as educators attempting to decouple Black stigma, stereotypes, and prevailing attitudes in education.

Video from the event is available online

December 1, 2020: Digitally-Divided to Digitally-United: Early Lessons from the Pandemic Response. The Segal Program co-sponsored the release of MassINC's report "Going for Growth: Promoting Digital Equity in MA Gateway Cities" and hosted a panel discussion on how resources can be channeled in a targeted fashion to accelerate this work. Speakers included: Dr. Maria Madison, Associate Dean, Equity, Inclusion and Diversity, and Director of the  Institute on Assets and Social Policy, The Heller School at Brandeis University (panel moderator); Zayna Basma, Segal Fellow and Heller MPP/MBA Candidate (report findings presenter); MA State Representative Andy Vargas, Third Essex (Haverhill); Dan Noyes, Co-CEO, Tech Goes Home; and Jacqulyn Gantzer, Director of Remote Learning, Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education.

Video from the panel discussion is available online

A copy of the report is available for viewing

November 23, 2020: Segal Fellow Moving Forward Post-Election Chat: Segal Fellows met with Program staff to discuss thoughts, feelings and actions following the outcomes of the 2020 election.  

November 4, 2020: Segal Fellow Post-Election Chat: Segal Fellows met with Program staff to discuss immediate responses to the results of the 2020 election.

October 26, 2020: 2020 Segal Fellows in Action Panel: Segal Fellows Zayna Basma, Alejandra Bonilla, Lydia Casmier Derfler, Mary O’Leary, John Rodrigues, and Irma Zamarripa presented on their achievements and their growth during their Segal Summer Internships and beyond.

You can view the group panel discussion and their individual internship videos online.

October 14, 2020: Fellow-led Feature: Law Op-Eds by Segal Fellow Jordan Rothman. Hosted and Facilitated by Segal Program Coordinator Kyle Richard, Jordan discussed communicating through Op-eds and Podcasts, as well as his experience speaking on matters of law and student debt relief. Video is available from the event online.

October 7, 2020:  Details of the meeting are below, Taking Election Action hosted by 2009 Brandeis Segal Fellow Jason Gray, who has worked in field campaigning for both Barack Obama's 2012, and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. (Video by request) 

September 21, 2020: September Segal Convening on Peace Corps and International Service during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hosted by RPCVs Kareen Sanchez (2017 SYA Segal Fellow) and Kyle Richard (Segal Program Coordinator). Video is available from the event online.

August 19, 2020: August Fellow-led Feature:The 2020 Uprising: Why are organizers calling to #DefundPolice? Moderated by Segal Fellow Gabriel Fontes. Informational and actionable resources can be found on our #defundthepolice resource page.

August 11, 2020: Informal Segal Fellow chat on work/life balance. Moderated by Segal Fellows Damond Ford and Marianne Sierocinski.

July 27, 2020: July Community of Practice for politically-engaged Fellows: Campaigning and Election Efforts During the Time of COVID. Moderated by Segal Fellow Jess Kent with campaign advice from Segal Fellow John Valinch. (Video is available on request)

Tuesday July 21, 2020: July Segal Convening on Designing for Equity. Presented by Segal Fellows Damond Ford and Cali Moore. (Video is available on request)

Monday, June 22, 2020: June Fellow-led Feature on Do the Right Thing: a Spike Lee Joint. Hosted by 2017 Brandeis Segal Fellow Marcelo Brociner (Video is available by request). 

Wednesday, May 20, 2020: Segal Fellow Community of Practice: Building understanding across political differences. Hosted by 2017 Segal Fellow Leila Quinn, Fellows discussed ways in which we can encourage dialogue across beliefs. Prereadings included: Essential Partners' "Reaching Across the Divide" and a 2016 New York Times article "Talking Across Divides: 10 Ways to Encourage Civil Classroom Conversation On Difficult Issues."

Friday, May 1, 2020: Segal Fellow Convening: Conversation with Empowerment Through Intergration on their work to promote the achievement of a genuinely inclusive society through the recognition and elimination of stigma against disability, acknowledging and rejecting bias, and elevating respect for individual value, and on what that looks like in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Video available online)

Tuesday April 21, 2020: April Fellow-led Feature on Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path, and Live Your Best Life by Author and Segal Program Founder Laura Gassner Otting. (Video available online

Wednesday March 25, 2020: Segal Fellow Convening: Working with Youth on the Climate Crisis with Sunrise MetroWest Hub Coordinator Kyle Richard (Video available online)

Thursday February 27, 2020: Segal Fellow-led Feature: Parasite by Bong Joon Ho. Moderated by Segal Fellow Jade Eckels.

Saturday, January 25, 2020: Brandeis 2020 Segal Fellow Orientation & Veteran Fellow Panel. (Not recorded)

Friday, January 24, 2020: Segal Fellow Convening: A Conversation with Eva Martin-Blythe about the YWCA USA's Work to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women. (Video available online)

 

2019

 

Wednesday, December 11, 2019: Segal Book Club: Ibram X. Kendi's "How to be an Antiracist". Moderated by Heller School Associate Professor Ted Johnson. (video available here)

November 1-3, 2019: Segal Fellow Retreat at Babson Executive Conference Center in Wellesley MA

Monday, October 7, 2019: Segal Fellows in Action Presentations (video available here)

Wednesday, September 18, 2019: (12:00-1:00) : September Convening (open to public): Open Internet and Leveraging for Social Justice, with presenter Gene Kimmelman of Public Knowledge (video available here)

Wednesday, May 22, 2019: (8:00-9:00pm EST): May Convening: Retreat Reflections & Hopes.

Wednesday, March 20, 2019: (7:00-8:00pm EST): March Convening: Resiliency in Current Career and Job Search, with Heller's Associate Director of the Career Development Center, Erica Hodes. (video available here

Tuesday, February 13, 2019: (7:00-8:00pm EST): Fellow-Led Book Group: bell hooks’ “all about love”

Wednesday, January 9, 2019: (7:00-8:00pm EST): Localized Understandings of Climate Change. Segal convening hosted by Segal Program Coordinator Kyle Richard, with Segal Fellows Brian Schon & Johnny Enterline

2018

December 2018: Fellow-Led Book Group on New Power (video available to Fellows and Founders via password, please contact krichard@brandeis.edu)

November 2018: Segal Election Reflection (video available here)

October 2018: Fellow-Led Book Group on The Hate U Give (Segal Fellow Host Tanika Lynch)

October 2018: Segal Fellows in Action: 2018 Summer Internships & Ongoing Citizen Leadership

Hear from our 2018 Brandeis Segal Fellows about their summer internships and ongoing efforts as citizen leaders.

August 2018: Fellow-led Book Group with Segal Founder Peter Edelman on his book Not a Crime To Be Poor (Professor Edelman Q & A)

June 2018: See highlights from our 10th Anniversary

May 2018: Moving Forward in Your Career, with Russ Finkelstein of Clearly Next

April 2018: "Applying to Work in the Federal Government: A conversation on why and how to apply with a Segal Founder and Fellow"with Marlene Zakai (Corporation for National and Community Service) and Margaret Levy (2008 Heller Segal Fellow) (45 minute video)

Fellows visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of the Segal 10th Anniversary Retreat in Washington, D.C.
Fellows visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of the Segal 10th Anniversary Retreat in Washington, D.C.