Join us for Academia Unscripted, an hour-long conversation exploring the journeys of Jewish educators in higher education. Through personal stories and professional insight, panelists will reflect on how identity has shaped their educational paths, teaching philosophies, and approaches to community building on campus.
This thoughtful panel will highlight both the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating academia as Jewish professionals and the power of storytelling.
Featured Panelists:
Dr. David Boninger – Psychology professor at Glendale Community College with a career spanning research, entrepreneurship, and teaching innovation.
Valerie Bandura – Acclaimed poet and ASU and Chandler-Gilbert Community College professor whose award-winning work draws from her experiences growing up in the former Soviet Union.
Erika Mavashev – Instructional Services Supervisor at Rio Salado College, where she plays a key role in supporting student success and academic excellence.
Nikki Lahidjani - Born and raised in Los Angeles, Nikki Lahidjani is an Iranian-American student at Glendale Community College pursuing her education in forensic psychology. Before transitioning to the sciences, she worked in film production and social media management.