What does it really mean to acknowledge the land? In this episode, we have an insightful conversation with Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, director of Mt. SAC’s First Peoples’ Native Center and a descendant of the Tarahumara or Raramuri people. They are joined by Alisa Chiula, a Mt SAC student of Pueblo descent. Our conversation is led by our host Chisa…

Have you explored Mt. SAC’s First People’s Native Center yet? Today, we are excited to bring you an in-depth conversation with two special guests: Primavera Reza-Nakonechny, the director of Mt. SAC’s First People’s Native Center and whose family is from the Tarahumara or Raramuri in the unceded lands of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Alisa Ciulla, a passio…

Each September 17th the Geography and Political Science Department hosts a campus-wide event to highlight Constitution Day. This year, a student and alumna of the Mt. SAC Forensic program debated on forced choice voting, and a panel of faculty presented on election-related topics including the current issues motivating the political party bases, po…

Have you read a banned book this month? The Mt Sac Library and Mt Sac Equity center partnered to host Banned Book Month to explore why access to books is a matter of equity and inclusion. In this episode, you’ll hear from Career Education Librarian Monica Chavez speak about the reasons behind the numbers when it comes to book challenges and book ba…

To bring attention to book banning as an equity issue, the Mt. SAC Library and Mt. SAC Equity center collaborated to host Isabel Quintero, the author of Gabbi, A Girl In Pieces. Gabbi has been challenged and banned from libraries in the United States and in this episode, our host Chisa Uyeki and Isabel Quintero sit down for a conversation about Gab…

Have you ever considered integrating a peer tutor into your classroom? In this episode you’ll hear an abridged recap of the Workshop - Instructor Best Practices for Embedded Tutoring led by Learning Assistance Professor, Dianne Rowley. We’ll learn data on the impact, the equity-focused philosophy of embedded peer tutoring, strategies for embedding …

If you’re looking for a dynamic space to share as a resource for your students - the brand new Mt. SAC Student Center is truly a hub for all activities - from quiet dedicated spaces for studying, or meditation or worship to a mother’s lactation room to a bustling multicultural center, and places to grab a bite. ​​ Students share what they love abou…

Is there a secret to cultivating student success? In this episode we delve deep into the transformative power of the learning culture in higher education. Inspired Teaching Day keynote, Rafael Alvarez, SDCC Mesa Program Director, shares insights on fostering a mindset for learning, implementing strategies for success, and empowering students throug…

We are thrilled to have Nalleli Cobo, an award-winning environmental activist and Mount San Antonio College's keynote speaker for our 2024 Earth Week events. Growing up next to a toxic oil drilling site in South Los Angeles, Nalleli began her activism journey at just nine years old. Despite severe health impacts on her and her community, Nalleli's …

We're thrilled to sit down with Dr. Connie Gutierrez, our new Dean of Access and Wellness, who joined our community in January of 2024. Today, Connie shares her compelling personal journey, marked by her roots in community college that dramatically altered her family's course. From her mother's transformative experiences to her own unique path thro…

Are you doing all you can to support the needs of your students in and beyond the classroom? In this inspiring episode, host Tania Anders leads a powerful conversation with a dynamic group of faculty and students who delve into the realities and stigmas surrounding the Access Program at Mt. SAC. Students, Jason Chico, Jesus Ramirez, Joshua Flores, …

The conversation of Burnout continues as our host Tania Anders catches up with Chisa Uyeki, Collection Development Librarian Faculty of 17-years, to have a deeper discussion about her recent presentation from Spring Flex day 2024, on her findings regarding Burn-out during her sabbatical. We revisit the defining factors of Burnout from how it feels …

What is burnout? What causes burnout? How can we recover from burnout? How can we take on the work of social and environmental justice and anti-racism in a sustainable manner that won’t leave us burnt out? While most of us have, unfortunately, seen the impact of burnout on ourselves, colleagues, and students, we may not have a shared understanding …

Welcome back to the Mt. SAC podcast, today we have a fun recap of the opening session highlights from 2024’s Spring FLEX Day, so you can catch up easily or recap easily and stay in the know. Here is Shiloh Blacksher to kick us off! Run time: 20:52 min To find the full transcript for this episode, click HERE…

What do students of color need? The work of addressing inequity consistently, the consistent challenging of ourselves and our colleagues, and the creation of programs, classrooms and environments that foster: belonging, validation, support networks and cultural affirmation. This quote is taken from this year's Fall Flex Day's keynote Dr. Regina Sta…

Today we are revisiting one of our favorite episodes, originally released on May 18th, 2021. You’ll hear from Lance Heard and some amazing black student’s personal success stories as well as their hurdles along the way that were captured during Black Student Success Week. If there is one takeaway, let it be the question “What can we all do to break…

Thomas Edison said “The value of an idea lies in the using of it”. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Victor Zamora to explore his journey from a sales merchandiser to an influential educator and innovator in computer information systems at Mt. SAC. Victor shares his philosophy on the importance of human connections in education, the valu…

Introducing Mt. SAC’s new president and CEO, Dr. Martha Garcia! In this episode our host Tania Anders, speaks with Dr. Martha Garcia to learn a little more about her vision. Dr. Garcia is the 10th President/CEO of Mt. San Antonio College, the first President of color for the College, as well as the second female President. Resources: Learn more abo…

The Mt. SAC podcast will be taking a break along with you with new episodes coming your way mid January. We hope you’ve enjoyed this year’s library of episodes and encourage you to catch up on the ones you may have missed! Mt. SAC has experienced some milestones this year like becoming the first AGZA Green Zone Certified Community College which you…

This episode features an interview with the soon to be retiring Director of Choral Activities, Bruce Rogers. Bruce directs Mt. San Antonio College’s award-winning Chamber Singers and the elite vocal jazz ensemble, Singcopation. He was honored this year by the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) with their Lifetime Achievement Award. This…

In this episode we are diving into the world of Stem with a special focus on the brilliant women of color making waves in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Joining us are trailblazers in their field. Dr. Bao-Chi Nguyen, a faculty member at our very own Mt. Sac, in the Math department. Dr. Cathy Samayoa, biology professor and Health…

We are celebrating Mt. SAC’s efforts in earning the title of being the FIRST community college in the country to be certified as a Green Zone by the American Green Zone Alliance. This means a transition from gas-powered landscaping equipment to more sustainable electric or battery-powered alternatives and it's a remarkable accomplishment that paves…

This episode honors Veteran's Day. We showcase the work being done at the Veterans Resource Center (VRC). Our episode begins with Desiree Campos, the Manager of our VRC, highlighting the amazing work she has accomplished in her time on our campus. We also chat with two current Mt. SAC students, Jonathan Haggard who served in The Marine Corps and Ed…

What if you could have a playbook to craft a more equitable learning environment for your students? Well that is what Professor of Graphic Design, Krislam Chin’s thesis was about and she shared it with us in a workshop during Fall Flex Day, 2023. She covers 3 main topics that are chapters of her playbook, one: Be Present: Meet Your Students Where T…

Welcome back to the Mt. San Antonio College podcast. In today’s episode you will be hearing from our new Mt. SAC President and CEO, Dr. Martha Garcia, our new Vice President of Student Services, Dr. Melba Castro, as well as the Fall Flex Day 2023 presentations from TRIO ACES program and Faculty Coordinator for Title V Student Development & Counselo…

If you enjoyed our previous episode featuring Dr. Derek Bruff’s Keynote on Teaching and Learning In the Age of Generative A.I captured at Fall Flex Day 2023, then today’s episode we have more on this topic for you. Listen in as Dr. Bruff does an even deeper dive in his follow-up discussion also taken from the 2023 Fall Flex Day. Enjoy. Resources: h…

If you missed Fall Flex Day 2023 or just want a recap of the amazing presentation on A.I from Derek Bruff, PhD, then this is your chance to relisten and learn ways in which to leverage A.I in the classroom, along with some tools beyond ChatGPT, as well as the barriers they might pose. Enjoy. Resources: https://inworld.ai https://beta.character.ai h…

If you missed the CAP Retreat 2023, then in this episode you’ll get a re-cap of CAP. The Climate Commitment and Environmental Justice Committee acts to advocate, guide and inform the campus community about the Climate Action Plan (CAP), the Carbon Commitment, and the sustainable and equitable implementation of the requirements of the CAP and Carbon…

Keeping connected to the “Why” that sits at the core of the many organizations and efforts created to support the success of students is essential. As our host Tania Anders has a reflective discussion with Kelly Fowler, Vice President of Instruction, Kelly reminds us of this, as well as to remember to humanize our efforts by acknowledging and incor…

Today our host Tania Anders speaks with An Ha, the Associated Students President to help us learn more about the work the Associated Students do, how they fit into the ecosystem of Mt. SAC and An Ha’s role. Enjoy. Mt. SAC Associated Students https://www.mtsac.edu/studentlife/as/ Run time: 29:08 min To find the full transcript for this episode, clic…

Today we are featuring Part Two of Inspired Teaching Day Spring 2023, a segment taken from the second workshop created and led by Laura Rendon, this time focusing on Laura’s methodology called Sentipensante Pedagogy or Sensing & Thinking Pedagogy and how to apply Sentipensante to address equity, justice and inclusion. Enjoy. Resources: Strange Frui…

If you missed Inspired Teaching Day this Spring 2023 or are ready for a recap, this episode features an abridged version of Part One of Dr. Laura Rendon’s workshop called Fostering Academic Success for First-Generation & Racially Minoritized Students. Enjoy. Resources: Dr. Laura Rendon, Keynote Speaker https://www.laurarendon.net/bio/ Sentipensante…

Lisa Amos, Professor of Family Consumer Sciences and Faculty Coordinator of the Money Management Center joins us once again to share some updates and equity data – as well as an invitation to the campus community! Enjoy! Resources: Lisa Amos Professor of Family Consumer Sciences & Faculty Coordinator of the Mountie Money Management Center lamos1@mt…

Co-host, Tania Anders welcomes Kinesiology professor Marc Ruh to the podcast to talk about a beautiful new space on campus: Heritage Hall. Heritage Hall is the home of the Kinesiology, Athletics, and Dance Division offices, as well as The Douglas Smith Museum of Mt. SAC Athletics. Tania and Marc explore the history of Mt. SAC’s athletics program, t…

Our Host Sun Ezzell talks with Mt. SAC Librarians Hong Guo, Jamie Castaneda, and Michael Emery about the Digital History Project, a growing online collection of historical photos of the campus and community. In our conversation, Hong, Jamie, and Michael discuss some of their favorite historical photos they’ve encountered so far, as well as the orig…

We bring you a fantastic student panel hosted by counselor and Academic Senate co-Vice President Sarah Mestas at Mt. SAC’s 2023 Spring Flex Day Opening Session. Students are the experts on their own learning. Thanks for joining us to learn from these student panelists as they share their educational journeys, experiences, and wisdom. Enjoy! Resourc…

We bring you some highlights from Mt. SAC’s 2023 Spring Flex Day Opening Session. The theme of this year’s Spring Flex Day is the college’s strategic Goal Number 5: “to embed environmental, social, and economic sustainability into the work and decision making processes of all areas of campus.” Thanks for joining us to learn more about the three pil…

Today we welcome Dr. Lisa Rodriguez, Acting Director of Professional and Organizational Development and Project Lead of Mt. SAC's Title V Grant to the podcast. Our host Sun Ezzel insightfully digs into Lisa’s experiences that lead her to her positions and mindful, inclusive and growth-centered approach to her work. You’ll also learn what events and…

Did you know there are fewer women in STEM at 21%, with only 5% being women of color? It is not only important to receive support at different stages of this career path for diverse identities but put simply, Representation of Women of Color matters! We hope you enjoy this recap of Mt. SAC’s recent 2022 event Women of Color in STEM: Celebrating & A…

The tables are turned just a little as Sun Ezzell interviews the podcast producer of this podcast and Mt. SAC Alum, Christina Barsi about the power of podcasting, the journey that led her to becoming a producer, building a production agency and getting out of her own way enough to start a new journey, in part, thanks to mentors like former Mt. SAC …

The Magic Mountie podcast wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season. We are going to be taking a break until January but we have over 150 episodes for you to browse and catch up on as you’re enjoying your holiday. A limited series we created this past year is a wonderful one to start with because it features students as the hosts. They talk with their…

Tania Anders talks with Communications Professor and New Academic Senate President Roger Willis about work of the Academic Senate, his vision as he steps into his new role on campus, and the critical importance of faculty participation in shared governance. Enjoy! Resources: Mt. SAC Academic Senate Run time: 30 min To find the full transcript for t…

Magic Mountie Podcast co-host Tania Anders talks with Geography professor Dafna Golden and Mt. SAC alum Jessica Moritz about Geographic Information Systems, equity, and Mt. SAC’s GIS program. Enjoy! Resources: Geospatial Revolution https://www.geospatialrevolution.psu.edu/index.html GIS (Geographic Information System) Certificate Program https://ww…

Do you have the resources you need to help Mt. SAC students connect with critical basic needs resources? Host Sun Ezzell talks with Pauline Swartz, Librarian and Basic Needs Committee Co-Chair and Rigo Estrada, Director of Basic Needs Resources to talk about Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2022. We have updated information about what basic n…

In our previous episode we featured Mt. SAC’s Constitution Day event and today we have a special behind the scenes conversation with Kelly Rivera, Professor of Political Science and Gio Rodriguez, Student Activities Coordinator about the importance of this event and even more so, the importance of leadership and how you can get involved and be a le…

How well do you know our voting system? With mid-term elections just around corner when this airs and just for those of us who want a refresher...we’re sharing a slightly abridged version of Mt. SAC’s Constitution Day event that will help clarify exactly how it all works. You’ll hear from presenters, Dafna Golden, Professor of Geography, Raul Madri…

Mt. SAC History Professor, Professional Learning Academy Coordinator, and One Book, One Campus Coordinator Rita Page talks with our host Sun Ezzell about this year's One Book One Campus winner “Illegally Yours: A Memoir” by Rafael Agustin, Mt. SAC alumni and writer on the hit TV show Jane the Virgin. Called “an alternatingly hilarious and touching …

What is Banned Books Week all about at Mt. SAC? Our host, Sun Ezzell talks with Mt. SAC librarian Ernest Romero to learn more about this important week as well as the freedom to read, the importance of libraries and free access to information. Even though Banned Books Week comes just once a year, you can find resources celebrating the freedom to re…

“What do students of color need? The work of addressing inequity consistently, the consistent challenging of ourselves and our colleagues, and the creation of programs, classrooms and environments that foster: belonging, validation, support networks and cultural affirmation.” This quote is taken from this year’s Fall Flex Day’s keynote Dr. Regina S…

Join us as we take a peek inside Mt. SAC’s second annual Power Of Our Data Conference "Understanding Our College Through Data", to learn more about how Mt. SAC is using research and data to improve student outcomes! Learn more about the Mt. SAC Title V Grant: Creating an Equity-Minded Campus Culture to Improve Student Outcomes Explore Mt. SAC Insti…