Agricultural field with crops. Agricultural field with crops.

Navigating Diversity in Agriculture & STEM

Dr. Shefali Mehta & Dr. LaKisha Odom

Washington, DC

Washington, DC

Frank Discussions about Diversity in Agriculture

The future of agriculture depends on the work that we do today to optimize diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces. The Open Rivers Navigator podcast, hosted by the founder, Dr.Shefali Mehta, features a three-episode series with FFAR Scientific Program Director Dr. LaKisha Odom  discussing the realities and repercussions of discrimination and exclusion in agriculture.

This series explores how Odom developed a passion for agriculture, the transformative side of discomfort and the impacts of institutionalized racism on her daily life. This series reminds listeners that while you are not alone in these feelings of inadequacy, you are not inadequate.

Tune in to hear more of Odom’s thoughts.

Episode One: Navigating diversity in agriculture and STEM with Dr. LaKisha Odom

The first episode in this series focuses on diversity and barriers in agriculture. Odom discusses how she grew to love agriculture, how she holds multiple realities and her experience in the white world of agriculture. Read the episode transcript.

Listen to Episode One

Portrait of LaKisha Odom.

In having difficult conversations like this, we can create this future we want to see. We can’t get there by not talking about it. We’ve done that for hundreds of years. How’s that working out for us? Not great.

 LaKisha Odom, Ph.D.
Scientific Program Director
Sustaining Vibrant Agroecosystems

Episode Two: Navigating diversity in agriculture and STEM with Dr. LaKisha Odom

In the second episode, Odom shares experiences of being too much, and yet still not enough. She discusses the consequences of gaslighting, the importance of discomfort and the ways to take action in your own life. Read the episode transcript.

Listen to Episode Two

Portrait of Shefali Mehta.

When you talk about leading change and transforming organizations, the first step is to lead yourself…If you individually make these shifts, then these behaviors will change.

 Dr. Shefali Mehta
Founder of Open Rivers

Episode Three: Navigating diversity in agriculture and STEM with Dr. LaKisha Odom

In the final episode, Odom dives into the harm microaggressions cause and the impacts of institutional racism on everyday life. This episode captures the importance of having these difficult conversations. Read the episode transcript.

Listen to Episode Three

 

More Navigator Podcast Episodes

Where to listen