Making Study Abroad More Accessible to Black and Brown People: Unexpected Journeys with Sarah Jones

August 19
1h 44m

Episode Description

Instead of a single, pivotal moment, Sarah Jones compares her journey towards social justice work to a fire that ignited during her first experiences with race and racism in the 1st grade, defining further memories and experiences as the logs that kept the fire burning.

She shares a story about how studying abroad as a first-generation college student revealed how capitalism reinforces inequity by limiting access to travel opportunities, especially for Black and Brown students. Her experience clarified her commitment to making travel experiences more accessible and inclusive, which she does in her work today, leading global leadership programs with an intentional focus on equity.

Sarah shares what sustains her, what keeps her up at night when it comes to global equity trends, and why rest, community, and storytelling matters in social justice work.

You can Connect with Sarah Jones on LinkedIn.

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Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

00:00 Study Abroad Spark

02:07 Money Shapes Access

03:32 Career Mission Emerges

06:00 Show Identity and Values

07:19 Meet Sarah Jones

13:10 Early Racial Awakening

17:40 Soccer Field Microaggressions

20:42 Finding Support Systems

24:13 Mentors Megan and Monroe

29:58 Spanish and Demographic Shifts

36:59 Katrina Displacement Story

46:03 Leading with Equity Today

51:01 Why This Work Matters

52:51 Alumni Moment of Support

54:34 Representation Fuels the Fire

58:09 What Keeps Me Up

01:02:54 Internalized Oppression

01:11:17 Internalized Superiority

01:16:35 Mentors and Rest

01:22:46 Black Food as Joy

01:30:05 Gratitude and Shoutouts

01:33:03 Listener Takeaways

01:35:10 Finish the Statements

01:38:30 Wisdom for the Future

01:39:31 Naming the Journey

01:41:52 Closing and Community

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