Recent Events

Monday, April 28th: Understanding and Building Empathy for Neurodivergence

This Neurodiversity Awareness Month, we came together with Executive Function Coach Kyle Richard to celebrate the diversity of minds.

We explored neurodiversity—covering autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more—while promoting inclusion and understanding. Through personal stories, empathy-building tips, and meaningful conversations, we worked to #BreakTheStigma.

Tuesday, March 11th: Community Conversation on Compassion & Care through Political Turmoil

• Heard perspectives from peers, varying in experiences on the current social and political climate
• Leaned into grace and accountability in interpersonal relationships
• Explored tactics to better work alongside and collaborate with one another and others in your larger community

Friday, February 28th: Hugh Hayden Exhibition

As part of Black History Month celebration, we had the privilege of co-sponsoring an insightful and impactful event centered around contemporary artist Hugh Hayden’s "Home Work" exhibit with the Heller School. Thanks to those that joined us to explore the thought-provoking sculptures that are characteristic of Hayden’s work, which blends regional craft-based furniture and objects with deep reflections on African American identity.

Hayden’s exhibit, “Home Work,” invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about how history, stereotypes, and societal norms shape the American cultural experience. Through his art, Hayden underscores how these elements can even persist within the spaces we consider most intimate and personal, such as our homes.

For those not able to join us in person, you can learn more about Hayden and his work here and/or watch this conversation of WBUR’s Arielle Gray and Hayden discuss his work and practice.

January Segal Fellow Chats

Thank you to all those who joined us for our Fellow chats in January. There were conversations about fostering support, with a suggestion to connect directly with Fellows. We encourage Fellows to connect via LinkedIn groups, based on regions and interest areas, and through our peer support sheet! 

Tuesday, December 17th: Planning for the 2025 You Want 

In this session, we reflected on the past year, looked forward to the new one, and defined what “success” would look like for us in 2025. With Susie Flug-Silva, we examined and prioritized our commitments (personal and professional), made a plan for action, and kept in mind our spheres of influence.

Tuesday, November 12th: Post-Election Session-Community Building & Care 

Thank you to those who joined our post-national election session with Emerald Anderson-Ford, our equity partner and consultant. During this time of community building and care, we focused on creating a space to process all the emotions and concerns surrounding the recent national elections, while tactically considering how to continue caring for ourselves and our community amid the uncertainty of our nation's future. We talked about grounding grief and finding accountability for ourselves within self and community care.

Emerald has kindly shared her slides for Segal Fellows only! 

Please contact Segal Assistant Director, Carmela Belizaire, for access. 

Thursday, September 26th: 2024 Segal Fellows in Action Panel 

 Thank you for joining us for our annual Fellows in Action panel! 

Our 2024 Brandeis/Heller Segal Fellows, Ela Petit-Frere, Brandie Garcia, Kai Kibilko, Mandy Feuerman, and Riley Genevieve Miner, shared their experiences from their summer internships, their growth, and their first year experience as  part of the lifelong Segal Citizen Leadership Program. Their Segal Internships focused on topics such as equity-focused clean heat standards, fostering Black artistry, Homeland Security, Jewish learning for high school students, and supporting immigrant and unhoused populations.

We're thankful for our internship partners Castle of Our Skins, Genesis at Brandeis, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for hosting the Segal Fellows.

Video recording of event will be available soon.

Thursday, September 19th: Segal Fellow Kickback

A space dedicated for Fellows to unwound and connected over shared interests. The event began with  sharing recent music obsessions (including playlists, genres, and songs), followed by an entertaining Kahoots game centered on pop culture and movie trivia. It concluded with a rejuvenating yoga session aimed at refreshing their minds and bodies, led by Segal Fellow Gabyliz Machado.

Friday, August 9th: Transforming Shame: A Pathway to Empowerment

A huge thank you to Fellow Anita Yip for leading us a powerful discussion on understanding shame, identifying and acknowledging when we’re feeling shame, understanding the relationship between shame and our inner child, and discovering ways to heal. Anita drew on the book Embracing Shame by Bret Lyon and Sheila Rubin, as well as her work with Life Coach Joy Ding, which was partially funded by Segal’s Leadership Development Fund.

Presentation is accessible to Fellows only.

Thursday, Aug 1st: Boston Segal Summer Hang Out

Tuesday, July 30th: Taking Action Through & Beyond the 2024 Elections

Thank you to our panelist of Segal Founders (Phyllis & Mora Segal) and Fellows (Anthony Afriyie, Damond Ford, David Duhalde, Jess Kent) who discussed their experience with campaigns/election efforts. The conversation captured ways Fellows can take action or participate leading up to the 2024 elections, and how you can stay engaged past November.

Video and meeting notes accessible to Fellows only.

Tuesday, June 11th: Unfiltered: Community Conversations on Life's Challenges

Thank you for the amazing conversation on burnout, how we're navigating, and the hurdles we face. The sheer fact that we're not alone in these experience shows how connected we are in this journey of life.

" If we want to impact, in fact, affect change, we probably have to do something drastically different than what we were supposed to do." - Emerald Anderson-Ford

Below are the resources that were shared: 

• The Unspoken Complexity of Self Care by Deanna Zandt
• Quotes on amplification system from Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom by Julie Kay & Kathryn Kolbert
  • “‘Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world.’
    Dolores Huerta, Labor and feminist organizer, Co-Founder United Farmworkers” (pg 219)
  • “Our post-Roe world will demand that many people engage in activism in many different forms. The best way is the one that works for you. Something that is sustainable and, hopefully, fun too. In college, Julie used to hide behind the lens of the camera at protests and then publish the photos in the campus newspaper. Kitty and Joanne owned a microphone and portable sound system that they loaned out to activists who literally wanted to amplify their voices.” (pg 220)
• Civic engagement spectrum
• Are Baby Boomers A 'Generation Of Sociopaths'? | HuffPost Life (here)

Monday, May 20th: Shared Solidarity: A Conversation about Cross-cultural Allyship in the APIDA Community

"Shared Solidarity" was led by Tina Kim Philibotte; a seasoned Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice Advocate and Consultant; and by Segal’s Equity Consultant Emerald Anderson Ford, of Social CRED. In sharing about themselves and their connection as friends and colleagues, Tina and Emerald focused the discussion on how we care for one another, build relationships, demand nuance from one another, and work through conflict to reach solidarity, while recognizing historical context.

This session was a part of our AAPI Heritage Month celebrations and of our ongoing Racial Justice and Antiracism Learning Community.

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. 

Video recording of event will be available soon.

March: Fellow Listening Sessions on Segal Core Skills/Values

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 

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)

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. 

• 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 

Thank 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.

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 Bell, Saynab Maalin, Katherine Nace, Anthony 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"

Thank 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. 

• Answer the Call Application is open! (Deadline: Sept 27th, 2023)

watch video

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

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"

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: 

• Take Action with Algorithmic Justice League (AGL) 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics 

• Interactive Value Journey - SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting Generative AI Offerings 

Watch here

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.

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.  

Watch video

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 video

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.

Hannah's Heller coursework on Rainbow Capitalism and CSR is available here.

Watch video

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

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.

watch video

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.

 Wednesday, December 8: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: September Segal Convening: A Conversation with Candice C. Jones on Investing in Criminal Justice and Youth Justice Reform 

Candice C. 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.

watch video

Friday, August 6: 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: Failing Forward and Sharing Personal Experiences Through Public Speaking

2019 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: 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.

watch video

Thursday May 27: 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: 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: 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: 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

Thursday, February 25: 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.

Wednesday, January 20: 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.

Friday, January 8: 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.

Tuesday, December 8: 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.

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Tuesday, December 1: 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.

A copy of the report is available for viewing

watch panel discussion

Monday, November 23: 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.  

Wednesday, November 4: Segal Fellow Post-Election Chat

Segal Fellows met with Program staff to discuss immediate responses to the results of the 2020 election.

Monday, October 26: 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.

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Wednesday, October 14: 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.

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Wednesday, October 7: 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 available upon request.

Monday, September 21: 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).

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Wednesday, August 19: 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.

Tuesday, August 11: Segal Fellow chat

Informal Segal Fellow chat on work/life balance. Moderated by Segal Fellows Damond Ford and Marianne Sierocinski.

Monday, July 27: 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: Designing for Equity

Presented by Segal Fellows Damond Ford and Cali Moore. (Video is available on request)

Monday, June 22: Do the Right Thing: a Spike Lee Joint

Fellow-led feature hosted by 2017 Brandeis Segal Fellow Marcelo Brociner (Video is available by request). 

Wednesday, May 20: 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: Segal Fellow Conversation

Conversation on empowerment through integration 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.

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Tuesday, April 21: 

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.

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Wednesday March 25: 

Segal Fellow Convening: Working with Youth on the Climate Crisis with Sunrise MetroWest Hub Coordinator Kyle Richard

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Thursday February 27: Parasite by Bong Joon Ho

Segal Fellow-led feature moderated by Segal Fellow Jade Eckels.

Saturday, January 25: 

Brandeis 2020 Segal Fellow Orientation & Veteran Fellow Panel. 

Friday, January 24: 

A Conversation with Eva Martin-Blythe about the YWCA USA's Work to Eliminate Racism and Empower Women.

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 Wednesday, December 11: Segal Book Club: Ibram X. Kendi's "How to be an Antiracist"

Moderated by Heller School Associate Professor Ted Johnson.

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 November 1-3: Segal Fellow Retreat 

Monday, October 7: 2019 Segal Fellows in Action Presentations

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Wednesday, September 18: Open Internet and Leveraging for Social Justice, with presenter Gene Kimmelman of Public Knowledge

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 Wednesday, May 22: Retreat Reflections & Hopes

Wednesday, March 20: Resiliency in Current Career and Job Search

Moderated by Heller's Associate Director of the Career Development Center, Erica Hodes.

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Tuesday, February 13: Fellow-Led Book Group on “All About Love” by Bell Hooks

Wednesday, January 9: Localized Understandings of Climate Change

Hosted by Segal Program Coordinator Kyle Richard, with Segal Fellows Brian Schon & Johnny Enterline

Monday, December 3rd: Fellow-Led Book Group on New Power (video available to Fellows and Founders via password, please contact krichard@brandeis.edu)

Monday, November 26th: Segal Election Reflection (video available here)

Tuesday, October 30th:

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

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)

Friday, June 8th: See highlights from our 10th Anniversary

Tuesday, May 8th: Moving Forward in Your Career, with Russ Finkelstein of Clearly Next

Wednesday, April 11th: "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)