Community Learning Days
Community Learning Days provide Whitman faculty and staff with access to essential information and valuable learning opportunities prior to the start of each semester. Community Learning Days (CLD) help faculty and staff prepare for the arrival and return of our students by providing information about the changing needs and demographic profile of Whitman students, while also building capacity to advance inclusive excellence. Previous CLD sessions have focused on strategies to create a more inclusive classroom, cultural taxation and systems of oppression, as well as content to help staff navigate professional boundaries and hierarchies from different social identities.
Stories of Innovation
Friday, August 22, 2025
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom
Session Description
Stories shape how we understand ourselves, each other, and the world—but how can we ensure the stories we tell—and the innovations we pursue—honor the communities they represent and serve? In this session, Gladys Rowe will invite participants to engage with the principles of Respect, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Relationality as powerful guides for justice-oriented innovation in higher education.
Through personal reflection, storytelling, and a hands-on creative process, participants will explore their own positionality, purpose, and insights into what it means to lead and learn in ways that foster connection, inclusion, and meaningful change. Together, we’ll consider how Indigenous approaches to innovation and the stories we carry can transform institutions from within—toward deeper authenticity, accountability, and right relationship.
Gladys Rowe–Biography
Dr. Rowe is a Muskego Inniniw Iskwew (Swampy Cree woman) from Fox Lake Cree Nation, currently living on the lands of the Duwamish and Suquamish peoples in Washington State. Their work weaves together Indigenous wisdom and experiences, storytelling, and academic knowledge, focusing on decolonization and resurgence. They received a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Manitoba, where their research focused on Indigenous birthworkers and resurgence. They advocate holistic approaches to well-being across the lifespan and decolonial futures.
Through their podcast, Indigenous Insights, they explore Indigenous evaluation practices, fostering spaces for reflection and learning. They believe in the power of stories to build relationships and foster healing, which is why contributing to projects like the Stories of Decolonization film series feature in their work.
Dr. Rowe's professional journey spans years of teaching, facilitating, and supporting program development and community-driven research. They love thinking inside the circle, envisioning and working toward transforming the futures we are collectively living into.
Embracing Neurodiversity: Unpacking Neurotypical Privilege and Unlocking Neurodiverse Superpowers with guest Mia Love
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Reid Campus Center (Lower Level)
Session Description
In an era that champions DEIB, it is essential for higher education professionals to explore the intricate tapestry of neurodiversity within academic settings. This engaging session, “Embracing Neurodiversity: Unpacking Neurotypical Privilege and Unlocking Neurodiverse Superpowers,” is designed to equip higher education professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies necessary to create truly inclusive environments that celebrate the unique strengths of neurodiverse individuals.
Mia Love - Biography
In addition to over 2 1/2 decades as a professional in higher education, Mia is a talented entrepreneur and founder of Real Freedom With Love, a coaching firm that is dedicated to providing women professionals with personalized, holistic coaching services. Known for her expertise in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, ADHD, and her passion for helping women overcome imposter syndrome, Mia’s approach to coaching incorporates her knowledge of wellness and holistic practices, such as Reiki and energetic healing.
In addition to addressing her clients’ generational wealth planning, Mia recognizes the crucial role of overall wellness in attaining a fulfilling life. She offers practical tools and solutions to improve her clients' mental, physical, and emotional health, ultimately leadng to a thriving and balanced life.
Mia’s deep understanding of energetic healing stems from her extensive experience as a holistic practitioner. As a Reiki master, she has attained the highest level of training in traditional Japanese energy healing. Additionally, Mia has completed Healing Touch, an energy medicine technique that utilizes gentle touch to promote physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Her dedication to wellness and energy healing has taken Mia across various countries, where she studied under shamans and other holistic practitioners. This diverse background has empowered her to integrate a range of holistic practices into her coaching approach, providing her clients with a unique and effective experience.
Through Reiki, Healing Touch, and energetic healing, Mia helps her clients eliminate negative blocks, restore their energy, and achieve a higher level of balance and harmony. The transformative effects of her coaching leave her clients feeling more confident and at peace.
Mia’s specialization in Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) thinking, ADHD, and her commitment to wellness, Reiki, and energetic healing have positioned her as a highly sought-after coach and mentor. Her unwavering dedication to empowering women professionals to reach their financial and personal goals, while embracing their Neuro-spicy (Neuro divergent) abilities, has made a significant impact in the lives of many.
The Fall CLD will be a two-part event designed to help our community prepare for a potentially challenging semester in relation to American and global politics.
Monday, Aug. 26 from 2–3:30 p.m. in Maxey Auditorium: Day one will feature a panel discussion on “How We Engage.” This panel will be related to the upcoming election and panelists will engage us in a dialogue about political rhetoric and how we exchange ideas in ways that deepen understanding or promote inquiry rather than dismiss or diminish those with whom we disagree.
Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 2–3:30 p.m.in Maxey Auditorium: Day two will feature a series of “flash talks” focused on different “Communal Support Systems” available at Whitman. The flash talks will provide attendees with a brief introduction to a number of different Whitman places, programs and people who can help mitigate stress and promote thriving, for both students and employees, during a potentially extra-intense semester.
We expect a mix of staff and faculty to be in attendance, including the faculty participating in New Faculty Orientation. Refreshments will be provided.
The Search for Safety: Building a Resilient Learning Community is a comprehensive two-part training session designed to enhance the understanding and responsiveness to trauma in the learning environments of Whitman College. This program aims to equip faculty and staff with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a more resilient and supportive educational community.
Session 1, January 11: Understanding the Brain’s Quest for Safety and Its Impacts on Learning
The first session delves into the fascinating realm of neuroscience, focusing on the brain’s inherent search for safety and how this primal quest is intricately linked to the prevalence of trauma and conflict in our lives. Participants will explore:
- The neurological basis of perception and response to threats, both real and perceived.
- How the brain’s safety mechanisms can inadvertently lead to heightened stress and trauma responses among students and employees.
- The ripple effects of these responses in classroom and campus communities.
This session offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world examples, enabling participants to understand the neuroscience behind behaviors that are often seen on campus.
Session 2, January 12: Applying Science to Drive Behavior and Build Resilience
In the second session, the focus shifts to practical applications. Building on the foundational knowledge from the first session, participants will learn:
- How an understanding of brain science can shape teaching methods to improve learning outcomes.
- Strategies to mitigate the impact of stress and trauma, thereby increasing student learning.
- Techniques for building resilience in themselves and students, promoting a more supportive and adaptive environment.
Participants will leave this session with actionable strategies and a deeper understanding of how to use neuroscience to increase learning and cultivate resilience.
This two-day workshop will be presented by Community Resilience Initiative’s Executive Director Rick Griffin and Becky Turner, Director of Community Engagement.
Community Resilience Initiative (CRI) is a Walla Walla-based nonprofit organization conducting trauma-informed training online and in person, across the continent. CRI is recognized as a leader in trauma-informed training and offers several levels of training based on Knowledge, Insight, Strategies and Structures (K.I.S.S.), its blueprint for building community capacity.
How Community Networks Stem Childhood Traumas - New York Times, August 17, 2016
Spring 2023
The Spring semester began with valuable DEIA learning opportunities. In January of 2023, Whitman hosted two outstanding scholars to provide valuable content and contribute to our collective growth. A special professional learning event with Dr. Rema Reynolds and Dr. Kathy Obear.
Dr. Rema Reynolds holds a Ph.D. in urban education from UCLA, is a professor of education leadership and policy studies at Wayne State University, and serves as the Chair of the Michigan State University system Board of Trustees.
Obear is nationally recognized as a Social Justice expert, training leaders and facilitators to effectively navigate through difficult dialogues and challenging equity dynamics to create lasting transformation and change. She is the founder of The Center for Transformation and Change, where she establish socially just environments where everyone feels valued and respected by way of giving speeches, facilitated training sessions, and consulted to top leaders at hundreds of universities, human services organizations, and corporations across the United States and internationally with a goal to increase the passion, competence, and commitment to create inclusive, socially just environments for all members of the organization.
DAY ONE - January 11, 2023
Session One - Inclusive Pedagogy with Dr. Reynolds
Dr. Reynolds facilitated a morning workshop on inclusive pedagogy that provided faculty with tangible strategies to deploy in their classrooms to advance equity, inclusion, antiracism and student engagement.
Session Two - Boundaries and Bandwidth with Dr. Vassar
Dr. Reynolds facilitated an afternoon session centering the needs and concerns of staff of color. The session focused on strategies for navigating a white-controlled academic institution, with consideration for how BIPOC staff can manage their bandwidth, maintain their boundaries and advocate for the recognition of their full humanity.
DAYS TWO and THREE - January 13-14, 2023
Deepening Capacity as White Change Agents with Dr. Obear
This special 2-day in-person event was coordinated by members of Whitman’s 2022 NCORE delegation and brought a number of faculty and staff together who share a commitment to racial justice and anti-racism. The goal of the session was to provide a space for folks to show up and engage in authentic and vulnerable dialogue in order to do the critical self-work and skill development necessary to shift racist dynamics and create racial equity and inclusion on campus.
Dr. Kathy Obear earned a doctorate in Social Justice Education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dr. Obear is a nationally recognized social justice educator with a reputation for training leaders and facilitators to effectively navigate through difficult dialogues and challenging inequity dynamics to create lasting transformation and change. She is the founder of The Center for Transformation and Change, designed to help people establish socially just environments where everyone feels valued and respected.
Fall 2023
Dr. Michelle M. Jacob is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and earned her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Dr. Jacob is Professor of Indigenous Studies and Co-Director of the Sapsik’wałá Program in the Department of Education Studies at the University of Oregon where she also serves as Affiliated Faculty in the Department of Indigenous, Race, and Ethnic Studies and in the Environmental Studies Program.Access Resources Highlighted by Dr. Jacob:
Jacob, M. (2020). The Auntie Way: Stories Celebrating Kindness, Fierceness, and Creativity. Anahuy Mentoring. [Available in Penrose Library]
Q’um Q’um Xiiem [Jo-ann Archibald], Indigenous Storywork
Includes a video on personal work to do before teaching indigenous stories and education about protocols
Smith, L.T. (2021). Decolonizing Methodologies, 3rd ed. Zed Books. [Available in Penrose Library]
Tsosie, R. et al. (2022). The Six Rs of Indigenous Research, Tribal College: Journal of American Indian Higher Education, 33(4), https://
Wilson, S. (2001). What is Indigenous research methodology?. Canadian Journal of Native Education, 25(2), 175-179. [A short read that describes ideas about knowledge being relational and about accountability.]
Anahuy Mentoring: Excellence in Indigenous Methods [Jacob's mentoring and consulting work]
The 2022 Community Learning Days sessions were facilitated by representatives from Inclusion Design Group, a team of DEIA educators and professional consultants with several decades of experience developing and delivering content that can support organizations in achieving their DEIA goals. Founded by Dereca Blackmon, who coined the phrase, “bias is the water, not the shark,” Inclusion Design Group sessions for CLD were crafted to help Whitman staff and faculty understand and develop an inclusive mindset.
DAY ONE – JAN. 14, 2021
Foundation Workshops
DAY TWO – JAN. 15, 2021
Dialogue Workshops