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Follow Your Innate Sense of Justice with Emely Medina-Rodríguez
Description
Dr. Emely Medina-Rodríguez, a social researcher and program evaluator committed to equity and culturally responsive practices, shares the story of her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago and the events that inform her practice and activism as a researcher. Her storytelling teaches listeners about the need to challenge extractive traditional research practices that don’t prioritize the needs of communities, and to have a power analysis be “part of the equation” in research and evaluation.
00:00 Introduction to Culturally Responsive Evaluation
01:50 The Importance of Community Engagement
06:41 Personal Reflections and Social Justice
07:52 Guest Introduction: Emely Medina-Rodríguez
08:54 Early Life and Influences
09:38 Activism and the Teacher Strike of 2013
11:56 Involvement in the Socialist Movement
23:13 Research and Community Work in Puerto Rico
29:58 Challenges and Growth in Academia
41:14 Exploring Radical Ideas in Education
42:31 Balancing Activism and Academia
44:08 The Importance of Cultural Responsiveness
45:43 The JEDI Program Experience
46:55 Mentorship and Professional Growth
48:33 Challenges and Rewards of Evaluation Work
57:21 Engaging with Diversity in Communities
01:14:26 Advice for Future Generations
01:19:23 Final Reflections and Gratitude
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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.