Sheena interviews Rachelle Shurn, the Assistant Engagement Director of University Advancement at Marquette University. Rachelle shares her story of how she and her husband left their small predominantly black city to make a fresh start in Milwaukee. Rachelle's journey led her to Marquette, where she is now dedicated to impacting women of color both on and off campus. Rachelle describes her role as being intrinsic in diversity, which she developed while working in a similar position at a community college. She shares how working with that college helped her to understand inequities in society and opened her eyes to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion. This journey has informed and sharpened her diversity lens.

The conversation shifts to the mural project on Marquette's campus, and both Sheena and Rachelle discuss the impact of this initiative. The mural is an impressive piece of art that Rachelle says is open to interpretation, and every time she looks at it, she sees something different. Rachelle also discusses her role as an alumni programmer for women's basketball at Marquette. She shares her goals of creating a following for women's basketball and building a fan base for the team. She spoke about how the women's basketball program must work harder than the men's program to attract fans, but the team is making strides, and they're getting better.

Listen in as Rachelle shares her passion for impacting women of color and bridging gaps at Marquette University. Discover how she's making a positive mark and leaving a strong legacy for future generations. Tune in to be inspired!

05:57 - So because I work closely with our ethnic groups as well as our national Board of Directors and women's basketball, and as a proud black woman, that diversity lens is intrinsic in what I do.

11:30 - The impact on me personally is I feel that I have been given an opportunity to be a voice, to help bridge gaps, to build relationships, and to just leave a mark.

13:17 - I look for nuggets in people, whether they're famous or whether it's the person that I'm sitting next to in church, a positive encounter or words of wisdom or sometimes not saying anything, just watching and observing how you engage with others. Those are the qualities in women that inspire me.

Interview

01:57 - Rachelle Shurn shares how she and her husband took a leap of faith in moving to Milwaukee without jobs.

We come from a very small, predominantly black city, Benton Harbor, Michigan, and just saw ourselves fitting into the Milwaukee community. We did not have jobs. We literally stepped out on faith, believing that this would be a great move for us.

What has been your journey working in the area of diversity and inclusion?

04:37 - My steps were just ordered unbeknownst to me. So the part-time job that I had at the community college supporting their version of a Provost for diversity, I would go with him into organizations to help him facilitate diversity training. And that's really when my eyes started to open around inequities that are happening and that some organizations or people they don't know, it's not always coming from a place of harm. But if you don't know that you're making racist remarks or that you're not being inclusive when you're sitting around the table.

What is your role in bringing more attention and support to women's basketball and the strides they have made in building a following?

07:00 - So my role with women's basketball is around alumni programming. So part of what my personal goal with women's basketball is to continue to build a following. I always say that men's basketball sells itself. It just does. We have to work a little bit harder for women's basketball, particularly at Marquette. We know that there are programs that are selling out arenas and have a huge fan following, but if you haven't experienced a game, you're missing out on the excitement of women's basketball. So basically monthly during the season, we host pregame receptions at the annex. It's just an opportunity to connect with fellow alumni, staff, and parents over a meal before going to the game.

What is your description of the mural project and how do the vibrant colors speak to you as a woman?

09: 14 - I look at the mural quite often, and every time I look at it, I see something different, which I think speaks to how beautiful and amazing the piece is. It's not a one and done. And it reminds me of a family photo. A daughter, a mother, a grandmother. I can see all of that in the photo. I also like the vibrant colors which speak to me as a woman, just being vivid and kind of bold and out there in some regards. That's how it really resonates with me. I can see myself in any of those women.

What is your reflection on the impact of Marquette University on you and the opportunity it has given you to make a difference?

11:30 - The impact on me personally is I feel that I have been given an opportunity to be a voice, to help bridge gaps, to build relationships, and to just leave a mark so that when I'm no longer in this role, someone can say, well, I remember having a conversation with Rachelle.

Who are the women who have been an inspiration to you?

13:17 - I look for nuggets in people, whether they're famous or whether it's the person that I'm sitting next to in church, a positive encounter or words of wisdom or sometimes not saying anything, just watching and observing how you engage with others. Those are the qualities in women that inspire me.

What would you like our community to know about you and your journey?

21:43 - My journey is healing. Sometimes there's gravel. Sometimes I get off course, but I always find my way back because of, again, just beautiful people in my life, in my circle, and my path is ever changing. And I welcome that. Yeah, it's all of those things. It's not packaged in a beautiful gift box with a beautiful bow on top. It's messy because life is messy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Contact Information:

Rachelle Shurn,

Engagement Officer

(414) 288-4765

rachelle.shurn@marquette.edu

http://www.marquette.edu/diversity/

Credits:

The Our Roots Say That We're Sisters Podcast series was recorded and produced by Podcast Town (www.podcasttown.net)