Lusanda Mayikana is the Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Affairs at Lake Forest Academy. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Social Justice from Lancaster University (U.K.), a Master of Arts in English Education from the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa), and a Master of Arts in English from Middlebury College. Lusanda came to Lake Forest Academy in 2003 after spending a year as a Harvard-South Africa fellow in the African American Studies department and the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. As the Dean of Equity, Pluralism, Inclusion, and Community, Lusanda is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and community where all members enjoy belonging, agency, and support. Her focus on bridging by listening, engaging, and intentionally organizing emphasizes connectedness, understanding, and learning about our varied lived experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• “I am because of those around me”

• Meet people where they are

• Be curious 

• Play to the strengths of you and those around you

• Slow down

• Take the time to listen to others, even those you disagree with

• Authenticity comes from self-knowledge, self-awareness, and sincerity

• Trust who you are

• Create spaces where people can take risks and, in doing so, be their authentic selves

Guest’s Media Recommendations:

• Learning to Disagree by John Inazu (book)

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Find Guest’s work:

• Lake Forest Academy: https://www.lfanet.org/

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For more of Michael’s work, visit our website www.incognitotheplay.com or follow us on Instagram @incognitotheplay

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Thanks to Ned Doheny for providing our podcast music! You can find him and his music on Spotify.

Editing and co-production of this podcast by Nina Kissinger.

Email info@incognitotheplay.com with questions or comments about the show!