On Feminist Approaches to Integral Education for Social Transformation

What is the role of holistic and spiritual wisdom in social justice education? How might contemplative arts, somatic practices, intuition, and ritual support us in unlearning, resisting, and revisioning unjust systems? How can educators, students, healers, and activists unite rigorous intersectional feminist analysis with heart-centered praxis? How do we address the disconnect between our social justice aspirations and institutions that are mired in bureaucratic processes?

Join CIIS Dean of Faculty Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Danielle Drake and Women’s Spirituality faculty member Alka Arora for an illuminating conversation on how integral education—when understood through a critical feminist lens—can be a profound means of social transformation. Dr. Arora and Dr. Drake share their own journeys of surviving mainstream educational systems and embarking upon an integral path. They will also offer specific strategies for laying the groundwork for change in rigid and resistant systems, engaging in authentic communication and relationship, and leaning in to discomfort in order to transform systems.
 

Image

Alka Arora, PhD is an associate professor in the Women's Spirituality program at CIIS, where she has been teaching since 2011. She received her PhD in Women Studies from the University of Washington. For over a decade, Dr. Arora has been developing the field of integral feminist education and feminist spiritual activism, working alongside sister scholars to offer a transdisciplinary and socially engaged approach to the study of gender, spirituality, and religion. Dr. Arora serves as a thought leader on feminist spirituality, integral feminist education, and veganism via her writing, public talks, and interactive workshops. She has spoken at over forty national and international conferences, including the Parliament of World Religions, National Women’s Studies Association, American Academy of Religion, and International Leadership Association. She is also a certified facilitator of Gender Equity and Reconciliation International (GERI) workshops, which draw upon truth-telling and dialogue to transform gender relations. In addition to teaching at CIIS, Dr. Arora offers coaching and consulting in the areas of women’s spirituality, leadership, and higher education. Learn more at Dr. Arora’s website: www.alkaarora.com
 

Image

Danielle Drake, PhD is the inaugural Dean of Faculty Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University with her dissertation study focused on the use of creativity and spirituality among African Americans. As a result of her dissertation research, she developed and conducted an initial validation of the Black Spiritual Creativity Scale (BSCS) which is now in use in several research projects and studies. Dr. Drake is also Associate Professor and previously served as Chair of the Counseling Psychology, Expressive Arts Therapy MA program. As a psychologist at Rafiki Coalition, Dr. Drake focuses on holistic health and psychospiritual wellness of clients in the Bayview / Hunters Point community of San Francisco. Dr. Drake’s clinical work as an Expressive Arts Therapist engages clients individually and groups in creative writing, music, and visual arts processes. She uses a liberatory informed theoretical approach that incorporates Womanist, and Black/African-centered psychologies with Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and contemplative practices. Dr. Drake has hosted a conversation with Angela Davis for CIIS Public Programs on Dr. Davis’ life of activism, and as a spoken word artist is a former Oakland Poetry Slam Champion, and author of Cast Iron Life: A collection of poems and recipes.

_____________________________________________________

Accessibility

If you need to request accessibility accommodations, please email publicprograms@ciis.edu at least one week prior to the event. For more information, explore our Accessibility web page.

Recording Policy

This event will be recorded on our YouTube channel to view any time after the livestream and the link will be sent to all registered attendees. We encourage you to register even if you cannot attend live. Portions of the audio will be released on our podcast. Only those watching live can participate in the chat and Q&A.

Refunding Policy

All tickets and donations for this event are nonrefundable.