The book club is over, but you can still check out the archive!
“Bridging is a salve for our fractured world,” john powell writes in his new book, it can help us “co-create a world where everyone belongs.” In the spirit of co-creation, OBI University is offering a new book club on The Power of Bridging: How to How to Build a World Where We All Belong, written by john a. powell in collaboration with OBI’s Rachelle Galloway-Popotas.
The Bridging book club met four times a month starting February 2025. Each month, we focused on a new chapter, delving deep into its content through close readings, seminar-style discussions, and Q&A sessions facilitated by expert thinkers, including the authors. Learners supplemented their learnings through workshops with creative, somatic, and multimodal exercises, and connect with one another during community-led Study Hall sessions and on the discussion boards. Learn not just to engage with bridging but to become bridgers!
Everyone is welcome to join the book club at any time! Read the first chapter “Bridging to the Future” here for free, and purchase a copy of the book here. Scroll down to learn more about the book club and explore the archive of meetings and resources.
The Bridging book club met four times a month starting February 2025. Each month, we focused on a new chapter, delving deep into its content through close readings, seminar-style discussions, and Q&A sessions facilitated by expert thinkers, including the authors. Learners supplemented their learnings through workshops with creative, somatic, and multimodal exercises, and connect with one another during community-led Study Hall sessions and on the discussion boards. Learn not just to engage with bridging but to become bridgers!
Everyone is welcome to join the book club at any time! Read the first chapter “Bridging to the Future” here for free, and purchase a copy of the book here. Scroll down to learn more about the book club and explore the archive of meetings and resources.
The book club consists of three parts:
Chapter discussions, close readings, and Q&As
LIVE + SYNCHRONOUS
Step into a virtual lecture hall. Facilitators will lead learners in live sessions focused on the key concepts, arguments, and practices introduced in a chapter.
These sessions take place on Zoom twice a month on select Mondays at 11:30am to 1pm Pacific Time.
These sessions take place on Zoom twice a month on select Mondays at 11:30am to 1pm Pacific Time.
Workshops and study halls
LIVE + SYNCHRONOUS
Interact with the material, collaborate with other learners. Participate in guided workshops that stretch your understanding through creative exercises. During Study Hall, participants transform the learning dynamic and lead the conversation.
These sessions take place on Zoom twice a month on select Wednesdays at 11:30am to 1pm Pacific Time.
These sessions take place on Zoom twice a month on select Wednesdays at 11:30am to 1pm Pacific Time.
Pre-activities, further readings, and discussion boards
SELF-PACED + ASYNCHRONOUS
Study at your own pace. Expand your learning by connecting the book to other texts, and by connecting to other learners on the discussion boards. Share your questions and thoughts whenever you want.
Click on “Discussion Space” in the outline or click here to jump into the discussion board now ➔
Click on “Discussion Space” in the outline or click here to jump into the discussion board now ➔
The Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley brings together researchers, organizers, stakeholders, communicators, and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society in order to create transformative change.
Copyright © 2023, Othering & Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley
Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw is the Deputy Director of Strategy and Program at the Othering and Belonging Institute. She is driven by the growth and development of people, teams, and systems. Whether in the role of mediator, community organizer, coach, executive director, or chief of staff, she has led by inviting people into liberatory practices of dialogue, bridging, authenticity, and power building. From her experience, when courageous conversation, storytelling, vulnerability, and self-reflection are paired with concrete and coordinated strategies, progress is made.
Since 2006, Ashlin has worked in a variety of capacities with the Faith in Action Network (previously the PICO National Network), equipping those closest to the pain with the tools and strategies to make structural change. She began as a Community Organizer in Colorado, then returned to her hometown of Sacramento where she served as the Executive Director of Sacramento ACT. Most recently, Ashlin was the Chief Formation Officer and then Chief of Staff with PICO California. During her tenure in organizing, she worked on countless campaigns including healthcare access, community benefits agreements, reinvestment of public funds, moving from punitive to restorative practices, immigration reform, and affordable housing, to name a few.
Ashlin received her BA in Political Science and Social Change and Development, and her MA in International Conflict Resolution. She lives in Sacramento with her husband Theodros and her 2 children Kayden and Davin.
Read more about her work here.
Read more about her work here.
Ashlin
Malouf-Gashaw
Ashlin is our guide to courses on Targeted Universalism. She also appears inBridging 2: A Conversation with Ashlin Malouf-Gashaw
Bridging 3: Two Studies of Bridging Across Power
Bridging 3: Two Studies of Bridging Across Power
john a. powell (who spells his name in lowercase in the belief that we should be "part of the universe, not over it, as capitals signify") is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of civil rights, civil liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy. He is the Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, a research institute that brings together scholars, community advocates, communicators, and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society and to create transformative change toward a more equitable world.
john holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion and is a Professor of Law, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Previously, he was the Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University where he also held the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the Moritz College of Law. He has won several awards including the 2021 Housing Hero Award, 2021 John W. Gardner Leadership Award, and the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award for 2022.
He regularly appears in major media offering expert insights on a host of issues. Recent appearances include NPR and WYNC's On The Media in an episode about free speech and the constitution, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in an episode about housing segregation, and CBS Evening News where john discussed the Institute's frameworks like Targeted Universalism. john gives frequent keynotes talks at a range of institutions such as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Washington State University, the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Nonprofit Quarterly, Project Democracy, the Gates Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the InterFaith Leadership Council, the Permanente Medical Group, and many more.
john has written extensively on a number of issues including structural racism, racial justice, concentrated poverty, opportunity-based housing, voting rights, affirmative action in the United States, South Africa and Brazil, racial and ethnic identity, spirituality and social justice, and the needs of citizens in a democratic society. He is the author of several books, including his most recent work, Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society.
The founder and director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, john has also served as Director of Legal Services in Miami, Florida and was the National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, where he was instrumental in developing educational adequacy theory. john led the development of an “opportunity-based” model that connects affordable housing to education, health, health care, and employment and is well-known for his work developing the frameworks of “targeted universalism” and “othering and belonging” to effect equity-based interventions.
john has lived and worked in Africa, where he was a consultant to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa, and has also worked in India and Brazil. He is one of the co-founders of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and serves on the board of several national and international organizations. He is also a member of the New Pluralists. john has taught at numerous law schools including Harvard and Columbia University.
Follow john on Twitter @profjohnapowell and read his blogs on HuffPo.
john a. powell (who spells his name in lowercase in the belief that we should be "part of the universe, not over it, as capitals signify") is an internationally recognized expert in the areas of civil rights, civil liberties, structural racism, housing, poverty, and democracy. He is the Director of the Othering & Belonging Institute at the University of California, Berkeley, a research institute that brings together scholars, community advocates, communicators, and policymakers to identify and eliminate the barriers to an inclusive, just, and sustainable society and to create transformative change toward a more equitable world.
john holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion and is a Professor of Law, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Previously, he was the Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University where he also held the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the Moritz College of Law. He has won several awards including the 2021 Housing Hero Award, 2021 John W. Gardner Leadership Award, and the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award for 2022.
john holds the Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion and is a Professor of Law, African American Studies, and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley. Previously, he was the Executive Director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University where he also held the Gregory H. Williams Chair in Civil Rights & Civil Liberties at the Moritz College of Law. He has won several awards including the 2021 Housing Hero Award, 2021 John W. Gardner Leadership Award, and the Convergence Bridge-Building Leadership Award for 2022.
He regularly appears in major media offering expert insights on a host of issues. Recent appearances include NPR and WYNC's On The Media in an episode about free speech and the constitution, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in an episode about housing segregation, and CBS Evening News where john discussed the Institute's frameworks like Targeted Universalism. john gives frequent keynotes talks at a range of institutions such as the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Washington State University, the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General, Nonprofit Quarterly, Project Democracy, the Gates Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the InterFaith Leadership Council, the Permanente Medical Group, and many more.
john has written extensively on a number of issues including structural racism, racial justice, concentrated poverty, opportunity-based housing, voting rights, affirmative action in the United States, South Africa and Brazil, racial and ethnic identity, spirituality and social justice, and the needs of citizens in a democratic society. He is the author of several books, including his most recent work, Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society.
The founder and director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, john has also served as Director of Legal Services in Miami, Florida and was the National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, where he was instrumental in developing educational adequacy theory. john led the development of an “opportunity-based” model that connects affordable housing to education, health, health care, and employment and is well-known for his work developing the frameworks of “targeted universalism” and “othering and belonging” to effect equity-based interventions.
john has lived and worked in Africa, where he was a consultant to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa, and has also worked in India and Brazil. He is one of the co-founders of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and serves on the board of several national and international organizations. He is also a member of the New Pluralists. john has taught at numerous law schools including Harvard and Columbia University.
Follow john on Twitter @profjohnapowell and read his blogs on HuffPo.
john has written extensively on a number of issues including structural racism, racial justice, concentrated poverty, opportunity-based housing, voting rights, affirmative action in the United States, South Africa and Brazil, racial and ethnic identity, spirituality and social justice, and the needs of citizens in a democratic society. He is the author of several books, including his most recent work, Racing to Justice: Transforming our Concepts of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society.
The founder and director of the Institute on Race and Poverty at the University of Minnesota, john has also served as Director of Legal Services in Miami, Florida and was the National Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, where he was instrumental in developing educational adequacy theory. john led the development of an “opportunity-based” model that connects affordable housing to education, health, health care, and employment and is well-known for his work developing the frameworks of “targeted universalism” and “othering and belonging” to effect equity-based interventions.
john has lived and worked in Africa, where he was a consultant to the governments of Mozambique and South Africa, and has also worked in India and Brazil. He is one of the co-founders of the Poverty & Race Research Action Council and serves on the board of several national and international organizations. He is also a member of the New Pluralists. john has taught at numerous law schools including Harvard and Columbia University.
Follow john on Twitter @profjohnapowell and read his blogs on HuffPo.
john a.
powell
john guides our Introduction to Othering & Belonging's Key Frameworks course.
Additionally, he appears in the courses named below.
Bridging 1: The Risk & Possibility of Bridging, john a. powell and Judith Butler in conversation
Bridging 2: john a. powell on power and john a. powell on levels of bridging
Structural Racism: White Space, Black Hood
Bridging 2: john a. powell on power and john a. powell on levels of bridging
Structural Racism: White Space, Black Hood
Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; and author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.
Moni is the inaugural McGurn Fellow at the University of Florida, working with researchers at the UF College of Journalism and Communications and beyond to better understand ways to employ techniques described in her book to boost understanding. She was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public.
Her work has been featured in The New York Times, the Glenn Beck Podcast, Reader's Digest, BookTV, and EconTalk, and she is an advisor for Starts With Us and the Generations Over Dinner project.
Before committing to the project of helping people understand each other across the political divide, Mónica cofounded the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey and led a national network of groundbreaking local newsletters as VP of Local for WhereBy.Us.
She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign.
Visit her website to learn more about her work.
Sarah Crowell is a dancer and choreographer who has taught dance, theater, mindfulness and violence prevention for over 35 years. She recently left her position as the Artistic Director at Destiny Arts Center in Oakland where she served in different capacities including Executive Director for 30 years. She founded and co-directed the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, which was the subject of two documentary films, and won the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award. Sarah has facilitated arts integration, violence prevention, cultural humility and team building professional development sessions with artists and educators since 2000, both locally and nationally. She is the recipient of many awards including the KPFA Peace award, the KQED Women’s History Local Hero award, and the National Guild for Community Arts Education Milestone award. She is a four-time finalist for a Tony Award for Excellence in Theater Education.
Ashley Gallegos works as the Belonging Coordinator at the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley. Her work is at the intersection of belonging research, application, and societal change. Ashley’s work centers the application of OBI’s unique conception of belonging which is rooted in both the feeling or sense of belonging and the necessary structural design for belonging. Ashley works closely with the director of the Institute to advance initiatives of belonging, currently focusing on Places of Belonging. This initiative works with high impact collaborators nationally and internationally to align and advance belonging in varying contexts.
Ashley creates and circulates belonging educational materials, amplifies belonging practices in motion, and uses her understanding of the Institutes frames of Belonging, Bridging and Targeted Universalism to support initiatives. Ashley engages in complex considerations of how belonging moves with and positively contributes to our world's biggest necessary shifts like that of global human rights, climate justice, cross-movement alignment and much more. Ashley is one of three co-facilitators at Belonging a Weekly Practice, a free, low barrier virtual belonging space open to all. Registration information for the sessions is available here
Before working with OBI, Ashley worked within public health and healthcare to advance health equity and racial equity in application. She directed state wide equity coalitions and believes in the power of network models to co-create momentum beyond any one entity's capacity.
While born in Southern California, Ashley was raised in Belen, NM, grew as an adult in Denver, CO, and found her way to the place where her spirit feels aligned in Oakland, CA. In her free time, Ashley enjoys spending time with loved ones, building community, experiencing and contributing to the arts, reading, being near water and maintaining a spiritual groundedness.
About me
I am a thinker, a dreamer.
A mother.
And suddenly, at 54, an early retiree sorting out my second act after 35 years in local government.
A mother.
And suddenly, at 54, an early retiree sorting out my second act after 35 years in local government.
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Currently filling my days with freelance technical writing, copy editing, and occasional policy and program evaluation consulting.
Goals for the book club
I'm looking forward to connecting with others who are working to build tolerance and acceptance of diversity in all its forms
Guff Van Vooren
Pronouns: She/her
Location: Minnesota, USA
Contact: guffvanvooren@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Location: Minnesota, USA
Contact: guffvanvooren@gmail.com
About me
I was born to connect with and care for people and our planet. I do this by collaborating with civic-minded people in community-centered experiences to co-create lasting social change together. My diverse career spans the social change sector, hospitality and guest services, and public accounting fields.
Since 2000, I have led and co-founded social change organizations dedicated to community/civic engagement, leadership development, public land stewardship, and environmental education. I strive to deeply serve, and serve alongside, all collaborators - program participants, volunteers, donors, staff, board members, and my local and global community. I specialize in strategic consulting for start-up, early stage, and inflection point/growth organizations. I pursue opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and innovation. Curious by nature and a life-long learner at heart, I seek adventure every day and delight in team-oriented initiatives and relationship building.
My spouse Vicki and I joined Social Venture Partners (SVP) in 2010. I've served in various and diverse roles through the years – both locally and globally. I currently serve on SVP Minnesota’s equity and impact committee and SVP International’s board of directors. Through SVP and the collective giving movement, I've had transformative experiences connecting, learning, sharing, building trusting relationships, and co-creating with purpose-driven people and organizations around the world. SVP and the collective giving movement have been my catalyst to help build a more just, loving, peaceful, and resilient world where everyone and everything thrives and feels like they belong. They're helping me evolve in my role and as a human being – in my journey toward our collective well-being and our shared liberation. I feel so lucky and grateful to be part of SVP and the collective giving movement......AND.....I invites YOU to join us!
A few FUN facts about me:
- Favorite activities: All things outdoors – especially in the mountains! Travel, hike, ski, yoga, bike, golf, volunteer, dig in the dirt, and hang out and cook with friends and family in my quest for “the ultimate dining experience”
- Favorite foods: sushi, chocolate, butter
- Favorite quote: “Now I see the secret of making the best person; it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” Walt Whitman
- Dream travel destinations: Patagonia hike, Galapagos, Grand Canyon raft, Africa safari, Tennis grand slam tour, Australia and New Zealand, Space travel
- One little unknown fact about me: I dream of being a Ninja Warrior and climbing Mount Midoriyama.
Since 2000, I have led and co-founded social change organizations dedicated to community/civic engagement, leadership development, public land stewardship, and environmental education. I strive to deeply serve, and serve alongside, all collaborators - program participants, volunteers, donors, staff, board members, and my local and global community. I specialize in strategic consulting for start-up, early stage, and inflection point/growth organizations. I pursue opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and innovation. Curious by nature and a life-long learner at heart, I seek adventure every day and delight in team-oriented initiatives and relationship building.
My spouse Vicki and I joined Social Venture Partners (SVP) in 2010. I've served in various and diverse roles through the years – both locally and globally. I currently serve on SVP Minnesota’s equity and impact committee and SVP International’s board of directors. Through SVP and the collective giving movement, I've had transformative experiences connecting, learning, sharing, building trusting relationships, and co-creating with purpose-driven people and organizations around the world. SVP and the collective giving movement have been my catalyst to help build a more just, loving, peaceful, and resilient world where everyone and everything thrives and feels like they belong. They're helping me evolve in my role and as a human being – in my journey toward our collective well-being and our shared liberation. I feel so lucky and grateful to be part of SVP and the collective giving movement......AND.....I invites YOU to join us!
A few FUN facts about me:
- Favorite activities: All things outdoors – especially in the mountains! Travel, hike, ski, yoga, bike, golf, volunteer, dig in the dirt, and hang out and cook with friends and family in my quest for “the ultimate dining experience”
- Favorite foods: sushi, chocolate, butter
- Favorite quote: “Now I see the secret of making the best person; it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.” Walt Whitman
- Dream travel destinations: Patagonia hike, Galapagos, Grand Canyon raft, Africa safari, Tennis grand slam tour, Australia and New Zealand, Space travel
- One little unknown fact about me: I dream of being a Ninja Warrior and climbing Mount Midoriyama.
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Occupation/field of work: community-centered collective giving
Social issues I care most about: The environment, multi-cultural democracy, racial justice, poverty, peaceful conflict resolution, just transition to a regenerative economy, youth development, and civic engagement
Social issues I care most about: The environment, multi-cultural democracy, racial justice, poverty, peaceful conflict resolution, just transition to a regenerative economy, youth development, and civic engagement
Goals for the book club
I joined this book club to connect, learn, share, build relationships, and co-create with incredible people around the world whom are helping to build more just, loving, peaceful, and resilient communities and planet. I’m eager to learn more, and more deeply practice, bridging and belonging in my family and in my local and global community work. I’m so grateful to each of you, to john a. powell and his teammates, and to the Othering & Belonging Institute for sharing your wisdom and experience with me!
About me
-
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
-
Goals for the book club
-
Kennedy Schultz
About me
I have been an educator for 20+ years, teaching in K-12 and college environments. I studied post-colonial Francophone literature for my dissertation and have been interested in cultural identity formation and intercultural communication throughout my career. I have my own consulting business now, working about half the time with educators to build more inclusive teaching practices and half the time with businesses to support more inclusive leadership development. I live in Buffalo, NY with my family and rescue dog Zoey--Go Bills!
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Consultant and coach in areas of cultural competence, instructional coaching; interested in identity formation
Goals for the book club
I would like to learn stronger techniques to facilitate dialogue across difference, bringing individuals together to lean into complexity and form a deeper understanding of one another. Hoping to learn more techniques for reducing polarization.
About me
See LinkedIn or internet search
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Network Weaver
Goals for the book club
Deeper understanding of the OBI community and leadership, learning and listening to others understanding and experience with the content in their worlds, network development locally and re: special interest or affinity groups (e.g. ARISE or Beloved Community Circles - Arts and Cultural Workers group)
About me
Shiva Darbandi (she/they), Opportunity & Engagement Coordinator, comes to state government from an art and design background with lived experience as an immigrant, woman of color, and community organizer. She is focused on developing strategy to identify, attract, and nurture a diverse workforce; facilitating presentations, trainings, and workshops; and establishing and empowering employee resource groups (ERG). Shiva is also working on her PhD, focused on intergenerational knowledge and intangible cultural heritage.
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Public service/state government
Goals for the book club
-
About me
-
Occupation, field of work, or area of interest
Public Libraries, DEI
Goals for the book club
-
Dr. Charles Chip Mc Neal is an award-winning, international educator, researcher, civic leader & activist – engaging in transdisciplinary practice across art-forms and genres, with a focus on arts, educational equity, social justice, community engagement, and cultural competency. He guides government agencies, non-profits, and schools on change-management, creative collaboration, program creation, equitable arts policies, diversity, and organizational cultural competency.
Mc Neal has over 30 years of senior leadership experience and flexibly negotiates the intersection between creativity, new technologies, and professional learning. He has trained in multiple culturally responsive practices including; restorative justice techniques, social-emotional learning, and Teaching Tolerance curriculum (from the Southern Poverty Law Center). He is an accredited Integrated Learning Specialist and a certified Oral Historian. A frequent and sought-after conference presenter, Mc Neal has lectured on arts, education, social justice, multiculturalism, and equity for The Edinburgh International Festival, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Mr. McNeal is the first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity and Community for the San Francisco Opera. A pioneering leader in the field of arts, McNeal is ostensibly the first director of diversity for an opera company in the United States. Mr. McNeal has operationalized a new department in a major arts organization for the second time. In his role, he leads internal and external initiatives aimed at developing diverse audiences, creating a safe, and diverse working environment and facilitating the further advancements of the organizational mission. He is tasked with creating a culture of belonging and acceptance, we’re diverse peoples on value and inspiration in the arc of Opera. He is guided by the goals and objectives outlined in the 2019 Strategic Plan – to place develop diversity, and equity inclusion at the core of arts and business practice. Mr. McNeal works organization-wide to advise, consult, and mentor on diversity and equity initiatives.
He also continues training teaching artists, conducts arts research, develops novel initiatives, and advises on artistic content, culturally responsive pedagogy, creative collaboration and more. He designs and curates accredited professional development training for credentialed educators who partner with the San Francisco Opera.
A celebrated dance educator, Mr. Mc Neal is the former Director of Education for San Francisco Ballet where he established the distinguished, San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education, engaging over 30,000 people annually through 1,500 culturally diverse events.
Mc Neal served as a Transformative Learning Coach, Leadership Advisor and Arts Integration Specialist for Alameda County Office of Education where he developed culturally responsive, inquiry-based, social justice curriculum. He is a founding member of the San Francisco Unified School District’s Arts Education Master Plan Advisory Committee. McNeal is on the Leadership Council of Create California, a statewide-advocacy consortium, where he Chairs the Equity Committee – working to creating a sustainable, equitable, arts learning eco-system for the state of California.
Mr. Mc Neal holds two bachelor’s degrees – in psychology, and sociology from Excelsior University, and a master’s degree in education from Lesley University. Dr. Mc Neal holds a Ph.D. in Transformative Studies in Education from the California Institute for Integral Studies in San Francisco. Mc Neal’s research focuses on Critical Pedagogy, Culturally and Linguistically Responsive studies, and Artistic Inquiry and lies at the intersection of arts, cultural responsiveness, and educational equity as he devises solutions to the pressing issues of education reform and racial equity in the arts.
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