Relando sits down with Surabhi Pandit, Macro Social Worker, equity advocate, and personal friend, to discuss the powerful role leveraging her networks in student government to organize dialogues on race and equity at The University of Michigan School of Social Work had on her journey. They reflect on their shared experiences in grad school, including the catalytic moments that led to the creation of the ‘Making Race Heard’ Monthly series and the culminating summit at the University of Michigan School of Social Work in 2011.
Surabhi also shares her insights on inside/outside strategy for working in and organizing within institutions, equity work within philanthropy, being a person of color and navigating various roles in the philanthropic sector in philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing systemic issues, leveraging privilege, and the critical role of rest and self-care on the path to systemic change.
What you'll learn in this episode
00:00 Finding Your Place in Social Justice 02:44 Guest Introduction: Surabhi Pandit 03:51 Grad School Reflections and Race Dialogues 07:09 The Impact of Harmful Classroom Experiences 08:31 Organizing for Change: Making Race Heard 13:04 Navigating Systems and Creating Change 34:51 The Why Behind Philanthropy 43:14 Embracing Discomfort and Growth 44:57 Influences and Inspirations 45:40 Cultural Heritage and Family Values 51:48 Women in Literature and History 57:31 Navigating Privilege and Oppression 01:09:48 The Importance of Rest and Self-Care 01:18:43 Final Reflections and Gratitude 01:23:23 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.
I am a social worker, social justice educator, writer, and organizational consultant who works to advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and communities.
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