Becoming

Intro: 0:25 Demystifying Myths in STEM:5:15 Staying True to Self: 9:17 Becoming: 15:36 Confidence, Comparison, and Social Media: 21:46 Trend or Practice: 26:46 Embracing Change, Opportunity, and Sacrifice: 30:24 Skills to Elevate:35:42 Book Recommendations and Roses: 44:32 In this episode, Bryan will be connecting with Dr. Brent Obleton (He,Him,His). Dr. B a disrupter, D&I expert, and practitioner, is originally from Columbus, GA born into a family of educators and took an early interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts during his undergraduate studies at Kennesaw State University (KSU). Dr. Obleton went on to start his professional career at his Alma Mater by becoming a program coordinator for Multicultural Affairs and working his way up until he led DEI efforts for the student population by becoming the Assistant Director of Multicultural Affairs. His passion led him to become a part of the faculty in University college (KSU) and pursue a graduate degree in public administration in hopes to impact the community around him. After eight years leading student-facing DEI at Kennesaw State University, he transitioned to California to become the Assistant Dean of Students at Stanford University helping lead DEI efforts at the Black Community Services Center (BCSC) which is part of the Centers for Equity, Community, and Leadership. Dr. Obleton eventually became the Interim Associate Dean of Students (BCSC) before making a transition to the BioTech industry by becoming a Senior Diversity and Inclusion business partner at Genentech and supporting C-suite executives in formulating DEI strategy and implementation, also ensuring that everyone sees themselves in the work of DEI. In the spring of 2021, Dr. Obleton completed his doctoral studies at the University of Southern California in Organizational Change and Leadership in the Rossier School of Education.