‘My sister’s keeper’ – Examining the role of mentorship in higher education S1E3
Special guest spotlight:
Dr. Natalie V. Nagthall is an innovation-focused higher education executive with more than 20 years of cross-sector experience spanning corporate America, higher education, and the nonprofit sector. As Dean of Career Education at Coastline College, she leads a division focused on workforce-aligned programs, high-growth technology pathways, and nationally ranked cybersecurity offerings. A Certified SCRUM Master, Dr. Nagthall brings agile methodology to program design and organizational change, and is a subject-matter expert in ethical and generative AI in education. She writes and speaks nationally on AI policy, equity, and governance in education, expertise sharpened through Harvard Business School’s Executive Education Certificate in AI for Leaders.
Dr. Nagthall is also Founder & CEO of N2V Consulting, Inc., partnering with institutions to advance human-centered AI adoption and digital transformation through coaching, workshops, and professional learning that build AI literacy and strengthen organizational strategy. Her expertise spans guided pathways, shortened academic terms, curriculum and instructional design, and culturally relevant, trauma-informed education, work that builds on her prior role as Guided Pathways Regional Director at the Foundation for California Community Colleges, in partnership with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. She currently serves as a Coach with Achieving the Dream (ATD), guiding institutions nationwide in advancing student success and equity-driven reform. Additionally, Dr. Nagthall has served as adjunct faculty at several colleges and universities, including Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and is a frequent guest lecturer across Southern California.
“…’Build a Board of Directors’ of Mentors”
Resources on mentorship
https://leadership-effect.com/articles/benefits-of-multiple-mentors/
https://ideas.ted.com/the-5-types-of-mentors-you-need-in-your-life/
https://www.themuse.com/advice/the-3-career-mentors-everyone-should-have
Dr. Lissa D. Ramirez-Stapleton, originally from Columbus, Ohio, and is the oldest of three and is a first generation college student, who was raised in a single parent home.
Lissa and her wife now live in Southern California, where she is an assistant professor of Deaf Studies and Core faculty of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at CSUN.
Lissa teaches and researches about equity, history, and access for Deaf students, faculty, and staff with a particular interest in the intersections of race, gender, disability.
Her service and research primarily focus on equity and access for Deaf students, faculty, and staff with a particular interest on the intersections of race, gender, disability and sexual orientation.
Her research can be found in The Journal of College Student Development, The Negro Educational Review and Thought and Action.
Inspired, Dr. Maleta Wilson draws upon a quote from Mary McLeod Bethune:
“I leave you love. I leave you hope.
I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another.
I leave you a thirst for education. I leave you a respect for the use of power.
I leave you faith.
I leave you racial dignity. I leave you a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow men.
I leave you finally, a responsibility to our young people.”
She is a former law enforcement officer & entrepreneur and is the mother of two adult daughters and one granddaughter.
Dr. Wilson is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, Central Michigan University, and the University of Southern California.
She has also served as the Director of HBCU Campus Tours and is now the Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at the University of Southern Mississippi.