Dr. Don Sawyer Leads with Empower
Don Sawyer, Ph.D. is the Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Leadership Development, as well as an Associate Professor of Sociology, at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT. Additionally, Don is one of the Founders of HipHopHeals, a community-based project in the Dominican Republic, using the hip-hop culture to unite Haitian and Dominican youth.
"Me giving back, that's my responsibility. I'm here because people have poured into me and given me second chances. It's only right that I do that for other people who seek to learn something from me."
00:32: Episode Intro and Roll Call - Dr. Don Sawyer Leads with Empower

With over 23 years of experience in high education and community development, Don Sawyer brings a wealth of leadership knowledge and insight to the Lead with Empower Podcast.
Don and I met in the summer of 2021 as we organized a team building adventure experience for the inaugural class of the Quinnipiac University First-Year Immersion (QUFYI) Program.

02:32: An Update on Campus Life and the QUFYI Inaugural Class

Don shares his thoughts regarding life on a college campus during the 21/22 academic year and discusses the impact of the pandemic on college students
"If we rush to get back to normal, we're going to skip over the actual needs of the population we are serving." Don and I discuss the importance of assessing the needs of those that you lead to best impact their development.

07:30: The QUFYI Program

We learn about the background of, and the "why" behind, the QUFYI program, a bridge program for 1st Generation College/University Students of Color at Quinnipiac University. The QUFYI program helps 1st Generation Students build a strong foundation for success through a wide array of skill building workshops and services.
Don shares an update on the inaugural QUFYI class

15:14: Don's Leadership Journey

We learn about Don's college and professional career path - including his unexpected start in higher education
Don also discusses his experiences being a 1st Generation College/University Student and how it impacts the work he does today

21:55: Childhood Book Reports for Mom - Impactful People and Experiences from Don's Youth

Don shares stories of the people and experiences that helped shape him during his youth in Harlem, NYC in the 1970's
Additionally, Don discusses the impact "survival mode" has on emotional development and well-being

28:15: Mentorship and Authenticity in Leadership

Don discusses his early professional experiences working with Black and Latino students from New Haven, CT who were on the verge of dropping out of high school and shares his insight into the importance of authenticity in leadership/mentorship.
"Creating a space where everyone knew that they were seen, that they were heard, and that they mattered."

39:58: Episode Closure

We learn about what currently inspires Don, including HipHopHeals - a community-based project using hip-hop culture to unite Haitian and Dominican youth living in the Dominican Republic

Learn more about Don's work as a Leader and Community Builder:

Visit the HipHopHeals website to learn about the project and to donate
Learn more about the QUFYI program and the transitional services for underrepresented students at Quinnipiac University

Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot
Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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