Show Notes & Transcripts

Follow along with our show notes and transcripts as you listen to this series for more insight into the production process and the interviews with our guests.

Episode 1: "The Promise of Access

A foundational look at how DEI scholarships emerged in the DMV and why they remain essential for students facing structural barriers to college access. Rebecca walks through the history, the stakes, and the human stories behind the policies.

Episode 2: "Living the Scholarship Experience"

Two DMV alumni, Afriasia Bermudez-Crespin and Oscar Nzekwu, share candid stories about navigating FAFSA challenges, culture shock, campus belonging, and the complicated emotions that come with identity-based scholarships. A grounded, personal look at DEI through real student experiences.

Episode 3: "Behind the Desk"

Howard University's Assistant Director of Student Life and Development, Tekeya Peterson, pulls back the curtain on DEI from the administrative side—explaining how programs are built, the needs they meet, and why student affairs plays such a critical role in retention, confidence, and belonging.

Episode 4: "Resistance & Resilience"

Rebecca breaks down the national political shifts reshaping DEI—from Supreme Court rulings to state-level bans and the 2025 executive order. This episode explores how campuses are navigating compliance while trying to protect student support systems.

Episode 5: "The Political Influence of DEI In Their Own Words"

A reporting-driven episode focused on international students affected by new visa restrictions and geopolitical tensions. Their stories highlight how political decisions reverberate across campus life, access, and opportunity.

Episode 6: "Crossroads in DEI"

Rebecca and her brother, political analyst Zachary Beavers, tackle the political meaning-making behind DEI. They unpack merit rhetoric, demographic anxieties, legal backlash, and why universities are scrambling to rebrand their diversity work.

Episode 7: "Where Do We Go From Here?"

The finale uses research and national data to map out possible futures for DEI. Rebecca explores what works, what’s at risk, and how institutions may adapt as equity initiatives evolve under political pressure.