This episode features the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services at ETSU, Chasity Drew and Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at ETSU, Deborah Thibeault. This conversation took place on April 11, and was moderated by Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on April 19, to see it, go to YouTube.com and search for McKinney Center or use any podcast app and search CTM the Podcast or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter .

Chasity Drew is a proud daughter of the Choctaw, Western Band Cherokee, and Shoshone Nations. Her favorite quote is, “So often we are erased from the conversation. I want to make sure they never forget us again,” from Brooke Simpson, Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Chasity is the Associate Director of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at ETSU. She is passionate about issues of diversity, inclusion, and cultural identity in the workplace. Chasity is pursuing her PH.D. at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with research interest in inclusion, belonging, and indigenous studies.

Deborah (Debi) Thibeault, LCSW, DSW is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social at East Tennessee State University. Her research interests include history, policies, and social justice issues that impact indigenous peoples, and environmental justice education. Debi is a member of Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and serves as the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work co-track chair for their Annual Program Meeting. She is also a member of the Indigenous and Tribal Social Work Educator Association, and the National Association of Social Workers. Prior to teaching full-time she worked in the field of social work for over twenty years, in case management, advocacy, program coordination, directing organizations, and clinical practice.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation,” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors.

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or, “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them.

There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.