Let's Chat―Cultivating Community University Dialogue: A Coffee Table Textbook on Partnerships - Softcover

Suzanne SooHoo is the Endowed Hassinger Chair in Education, the Co-Director of the Paulo Freire Democratic Project, and an Honorary Director of the Critical Pedagogy Research Center at Northeast Normal University in Changchun, China. Her most recent publication with co-editor Peter McLaren is The Radical Imagine-Nation: Journal of Public Pedagogy. Former school principal and director of the University of California, Irvine School University Partnership, Suzanne is currently university liaison of the Chapman University-Padres Unidos Partnership, a grass roots, non-profit organization. She conducts research and teaches classes in critical pedagogy and culturally responsive qualitative methodologies. She joins her colleagues and students as cultural workers within local and international contexts.

Patricia Huerta currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Padres Unidos, a grass roots, non-profit organization. She received an A.A. from Cypress College, a B.S. in Human Services from California State University Fullerton, a Master’s in Social Work from California State University San Bernardino and a Master’s in Catechism from the Dioceses of Orange. Patricia worked as the Parenting Coordinator for Orange County’s Department of Children and Family Services for over a decade. Her 30 years of experience working with parents and families has made her a sought out public speaker. In recognition for her advocacy of families, Patricia has been an OC Blue Ribbon finalist, Telemundo 52 Padres Heroes, OC Women Making a Difference Award and more.

Patty Perales Huerta-Meza is the Division Director for Padres Unidos’ Adult and Youth Forensic Services. Dr. Huerta-Meza received her Master in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in 2011 and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2015. She completed a competitive practicum placement with the California Institution for Men, Chino. She is an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University and Argosy University. Her areas of interest include strengthening communities, multicultural mental health, treatment of shame, trauma, and forensic and correctional treatment. She has presented at numerous local, national and international conferences.

Tim Bolin is an adjunct faculty at Chapman University whose research explores educational, theoretical, and policy interventions that may promote social change. Specifically, his work demonstrates what role contemporary leaderless democratic movements and community/university partnerships may play in transforming society. Applying his research, he explores the ways that researchers can ethically, equitable, and democratically engage with the community.

Kevin J. Stockbridge is a queer theorist and critical pedagogue who investigates the intersections of identity, power, and spirituality through the multilogical lens of diversity in the classroom and beyond. He is currently a lecturer at Chapman University. His work with Padres Unidos has placed him as researcher, assistant, and development strategist; an invitation for him to transform intellectual collaboration into "walking with." Devoted to a radical ethic of justice and vision of hope, his wish is that this text offers all readers a new way of seeing research partnerships as moments of social and personal transformation.

"The information generated and transmitted within universities has traditionally resulted in privilege and structures of exclusion. The engaging format of this book, which combines Freire’s principles and methodology and the power of story, invites reflection, dialogue and action, modeling how the exceptional partnership of Chapman University and the community organization Padres Unidos, evolved within parameters of inclusion, honoring each other’s wisdom and culture, and developing a spirit of human solidarity leading to increased knowledge and effective transformation."

(Alma Flor Ada, Professor Emerita, University of San Francisco)

"In this highly creative and genre-shattering book, stories provide the backdrop for how people of different backgrounds can engage in dialogue across difference. The authors – community members and academics – have managed to overcome what might have seemed insurmountable challenges: crafting a partnership based on mutual respect and the dignity of all parties. May it serve as a model for other universities and communities looking for a way to honor the knowledge and wisdom of all people."

(Sonia Nieto, University of Massachusetts, Amherst)

"As a young Black woman whose goal was to return to South Los Angeles and work to create change in her community, I became discouraged when my attempts at creating authentic collaborations between communities of color and educational institutions were thwarted. I had not experienced any real examples, until I was introduced to the work of Padres Unidos and the partnership that was begun at Chapman University. Let’s Chat: Cultivating Community University Dialogue, beautifully captures the essence of the relationships, challenges, perseverance, and activism that shape this successful and thriving community-university partnership."

(Dr. Kimberly A. White-Smith, Dean and Professor of Education, University of La Verne)