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Heat, Smoke, and Resilience in East Central Spokane: Community Insights on Climate Adaptation
Full text linkThis report presents findings from a multi-methods research initiative exploring the impacts of climate-related hazards—specifically extreme heat and wildfire smoke—on residents of Spokane’s East Central neighborhood. The project combined a community survey with a World Café-style symposium to gather both quantitative data and lived experiences from local participants. Key themes that emerged include the need for more cooling infrastructure, accessible health education, improved indoor air quality, and stronger neighborhood-level communication and support networks. The report highlights how systemic underinvestment in East Central intersects with climate vulnerability, underscoring the urgency of equitable, community-driven solutions. Recommendations include expanding tree canopy, increasing funding for cooling and filtration resources, and fostering neighborhood resilience through culturally responsive outreach and engagement. This work reflects a commitment to centering resident voices in climate adaptation planning and advancing environmental justice
On Servant-Leadership and Aging
No full textIn 1986, at the age of 83, Robert Greenleaf wrote what would become his last published essay titled, “Old Age: The Ultimate Test of Spirit—An Essay on Preparation” (Greenleaf, 1986). That last phrase, “An Essay on Preparation,” suggests a preparation for death. And while there is an element of that aspect in the essay, the greater emphasis in Greenleaf’s final essay is upon how each of us can take steps to create a life that each of us can say as we near its end, was well-lived
DEI and the Servant-Leader
No full textAfter the June 2023 Supreme Court decision eliminating race as a consideration in college admissions, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in higher education became a target. As a result of the Supreme Court’s decision, some states began closing or renaming their DEI offices even before President Trump’s reelection. Since President Trump began his second term, his administration has made dismantling DEI initiatives a top priority. So, now is a crucial time to continue the work of civil rights and social justice in the United States. It is essential that we have leaders that are willing to carry out DEI initiatives in higher education. This essay will examine how servant-leadership can be used to subvert the dominant power structures through using the tools of awareness, healing, forgiveness, and gratitude to encourage DEI efforts in higher education institutions
Physical Activity during Pregnancy within Diverse Populations
No full textPhysical activity is important throughout all stages of life, but especially during pregnancy. Physical activity can limit excessive gestational weight gain, reduce the chance of developing gestational diabetes, and increase health and quality of life postpartum. Unfortunately, it is common for individuals to become less active during pregnancy, whether it be due to environmental barriers, personal barriers, or lack of physical activity pre-pregnancy. The purpose of this presentation is to examine which populations perform adequate levels of physical activity during pregnancy and strategies to increase physical activity during pregnancy in populations that do not reach the guidelines for physical activity. Studies show that ethnic minority groups tend to have higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as gestational diabetes mellitus, which can negatively affect the health of the pregnant individual. Furthermore, pregnant people with limited economic resources as well as a lower level of education are less physically active than those that have resources or that have completed high school, college or university. Black women have lower rates of physical activity during pregnancy compared to white women. Moreover, Hispanic and Asian women participate in less physical activity during pregnancy when compared to black women. Strategies to improve physical activity during pregnancy requires more information regarding health benefits of exercise during pregnancy, specifically for those populations who historically have lower levels of physical activity both before and during pregnancy. Furthermore, low-cost exercise classes for pregnant populations could assist with helping to increase physical activity during pregnancy. Exercising in groups can assist with retention and creating a community of like minded individuals striving for a healthier pregnancy
Building a Smoke-Resilient Spokane: Guidance from Community Conversations
Full text linkWildfire season has grown in length and severity in the western United States due to decades of fire suppression and climate change. This trend is projected to continue, worsening air quality and increasing the risk to public health. In response, the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment, in partnership with the University of Washington, hosted the Smoke Ready Spokane Symposium in July 2024 in Spokane, Washington. The event convened community partners across sectors to reflect on past wildfire smoke events and discuss locally-relevant wildfire smoke exposure reduction strategies. Symposium participants engaged in small group discussions using the World Café Method and identified barriers and facilitators to community wildfire smoke resilience in the Spokane region. Findings from the symposium will help to inform a citywide Smoke Readiness Plan, in development through a partnership between the Climate Institute and the City of Spokane’s Emergency Management office, as well as other exposure reduction strategies. As climate change exacerbates hazards such as wildfire smoke, creating and sustaining wildfire smoke-resilient communities has become an urgent global public health priority. Meaningful community engagement is essential to ensure risk reduction strategies are relevant and accessible to community members; the community engagement model described here is an example for other communities looking to build wildfire smoke-resilience
Teaching with AI Demonstration
No full textTeaching with AI Demonstration with Britt Harmon and Justin Marquis from the Gonzaga University\u27s Instructional Design and Delivery office
Impacts of Peer Inclusion Sports Programs
No full textThis research analyzes peer inclusion sports programs for youth, with a focus on Special Olympics programs, which emphasize people with and without disabilities playing sports together. The benefits of participating in sports and the benefits of inclusion will be addressed. A brief history of disability and sports will be discussed. The poster will also review various benefits to participants with and without disabilities who participate in such programs, with a focus on the importance and benefits of social inclusion. The perspectives of families of children with disabilities are also included. Barriers to access for people with disabilities will be analyzed
Humanizing House in Your Own Back Yard
No full textAbraham Maslow pioneered the idea of the “Hierarchy of Needs,” arguing that psychological security requires first addressing basic human needs. One of these basic needs is access to shelter. However, over 580,000 people in America experience homelessness on any given night. Moreover, the United States is experiencing a housing shortage, with an estimated 6.8 million people in extremely low-income families searching for housing, while only one in four are receiving financial assistance (National Low Income Housing Association, 2025). The problems exist in Gonzaga University’s own backyard. In Spokane there was a 106% rise in the city’s homeless population between 2016 and 2024. For those who could afford housing, shifting zoning laws have erected news barriers to joining the housing market. The implementation of the Building Opportunity for Housing Initiative has allowed for greater density of housing, including less restrictions on many single-family units (City of Spokane, 2025). However, with this has come community push-back and infrastructure challenges. This project will examine barriers to accessing housing in the region of Spokane, WA. This project will provide a map demonstrating how Spokane’s low-affordability housing and its zoning laws have changed over time. It will provide a review of the current policies affecting low-income housing in the Spokane area and it will include testimonies from individuals involved in low-income housing organizations (e.g., advocacy organizations like the Washington Tenants Union and the director of Hope House). The project will conclude with a call for support of policies such as rent control, affordable housing projects, and tenant protections
Supporting Our Youngest: Understanding Preschool-Age Depression and Pathways to Treatment
No full textThis presentation reviews current literature on the symptomology, diagnostic measures, and treatment approaches for depression in preschool-age children (ages 3–5). While it is well-established that young children can experience depression comparable to that of older children, this recognition has not yet translated into a comprehensive body of research guiding assessment and intervention for this age group. Emerging evidence, however, highlights several promising diagnostic tools and treatment modalities specifically designed for preschoolers. These approaches require clinicians to move beyond traditional methods used with older children and adopt developmentally responsive, flexible practices. Addressing preschool-age depression is both a clinical and social justice imperative—ensuring that even the youngest individuals receive timely, effective mental health support. Despite progress, further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of these approaches and to expand access to appropriate care for young children and their families
Leading with Nuance: How to Lead with Love, Compassion and Courage
No full textThe world we live in has its simplicities and its complexities. In leadership learning how to make tough decisions even when it\u27s not popular is crucial for leadership. I will talk about how nuanced thinking enhances decision-making, communication, and resilience, particularly in times of change and uncertainty. This presentation is also to offer practical strategies for cultivating these qualities in leadership, emphasizing the importance of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and its manifestation in authentic and impactful leadership