Untold Stories

OPTalksBookspodcast
Written By Open Plaza

Dr. Joel Pérez talks to Dr. Peter Rios about his book on the Latinx leadership experience in higher education

 
 

Despite the exponential growth of Latinx students in Christian higher education, and despite professions of commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Latinx experience in Christian colleges and universities has gone largely unstudied, rendered invisible by the structures and history of colonialism and racism. What specific challenges do people of color in leadership positions face while working from within an educational system that caters to a white Christian worldview?

In this episode of OP Talks, Dr. Joel Pérez, Owner and Executive Coach at Apoyo Coaching, talks to Dr. Peter Rios, Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership and Intercultural Studies and Academic Director of Ignite at Pacific School of Religion, about his book Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021).

“Universities and colleges—especially those that are religiously affiliated—have a lot of work to do when it comes to living a true mission of diversity and inclusion,” says Dr. Rios. He describes the ambivalence felt by many Latinx leaders in these institutions: “On the one hand, you’re called, you feel faithful to the mission, you’re excited about the mission of the university or college. You’re impacting lives, you’re developing leaders, you’re serving the church in that capacity. But at the same time, you’re experiencing—from within—bias, discrimination, oppression, marginalization. And that hurts.” Dr. Rios’ research includes conversations with five Latinx leaders about their lived experiences and what strategies they have taken towards a more holistic approach to their leadership  work.

 

Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021) by Dr. Peter Rios

 
 

"If you have time to read one book on diversity, inclusion, and equity this year, you will want to prioritize Untold Stories. . . . If we want to see CCCU [Council for Christian Colleges & Universities] institutions become more like what John describes as the community of the gospel constituted by those from every nation, tribe, people, and language, we will need to grapple ever more seriously with the witnesses of our brothers and sisters of color."

Rev. Dr. Amos Yong
Dean, Fuller Theological Seminary

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Joel Pérez

Dr. Joel Pérez is an executive and leadership coach (PCC) with over 25 years experience in higher education. He is the owner of Apoyo Coaching and Consulting, LLC and a Professionally Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF), where he currently serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Los Angeles Chapter, leading inclusion efforts. He specializes in career transitions, career coaching, identity-conscious leadership coaching for professionals who want to develop their cultural humility. As a consultant, he assists organizations that want to move from performative statements toward sustainable change. He has a certification in the the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI), is a Qualified Administrator for the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI), a Gallup Strengths Certified Coach, and a certified coach through the Academy of Creative Coaching. Dr. Pérez has over 20 years of experience in higher education, serving in various key leadership roles. He recently served as the Interim Executive Director for the Immigration Resource Center of San Gabriel Valley, which provides low-cost immigration legal services, educational events, and connection to local community resources in California.

Dr. Pérez earned a BS in Business Administration from Biola University, an MEd in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, and a PhD in Higher Education Administration from Claremont Graduate University. He has been married over 25 years and has four children, and he enjoys cheering on the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Featured
Peter Rios

Dr. Peter Rios is the author of Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education (Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2021) and is currently writing a second book titled Apostles of Equity: A Guide to Transforming your Leadership from Exclusion to Inclusion (Fortress Press). Ongoing research interests include: the political engagement and representation of minoritized and marginalized people in the U.S. and the Caribbean, Whiteness and normativity, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, the intersections of race, religion and politics, and social transformation through business and leadership.

Dr. Rios brings transdisciplinary theory and practice to his teaching and research, applying critical race and Latina/o/x Critical theory, intersectionality, narrative inquiry, leadership and liberative theologies to address issues with social justice and organizational leadership. He has served as a leadership consultant and coach to diverse organizations including churches and religious institutions, businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits. Most recent projects include work with Duke Divinity School, Harvard University, and the Lilly Endowment. Presently, he serves on the Board of Directors for La Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana [Association for Hispanic Theological Education] (AETH), a network of theological institutions and people that, since 1992, has served throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and, more recently, in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Dr. Rios has been invited to speak and train leaders, nationally and internationally. He previously served as a lecturer of leadership studies at Penn State and has been an affiliate faculty at various institutions, teaching undergraduate and graduate students. He has also been a vice president at two universities. Prior to academia, he was involved in pastoral ministry for over ten years and has over twenty years of leadership development experience.

Dr. Rios holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL) from Regent University School of Business and Leadership, and he completed doctoral coursework at the University of Southern California. For more information, please visit www.peterriosconsulting.com.

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