Episode 15: Elise Chesson

Elise Chesson currently serves as the Chief Advancement Officer for YWCA Tri-County Area. She oversees the growing non-profit’s government, foundation, and corporate grant-making, fund development, communications, events and helps facilitate its practices and policies for equity, inclusion, and justice.
Ms. Chesson most recently served as executive director at a local chapter of a leading national non-profit that addresses family and youth homelessness. She holds degrees in cultural anthropology, international relations, and peace and conflict studies, as well as a certificate in non-profit management.
“Championing for social and racial justice is not always popular but always needed. For those who take on the challenge it is rewarding,” Chesson says. The YWCA mission “is something I have been passionate about my whole life. I finally feel like I am in the right place at the right time, where the quest for equity is celebrated. I am truly excited to see all we can do and look forward to working with the community to create meaningful change.”

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Transcript

Sonia Rieger  0:10  
Hey y'all Welcome back to the RACC podcast. Last week, we were able to talk with a RACC nursing graduate turned an emergency room doctor and her story was incredible. Today is another amazing story of a RACC graduate, doing life changing work, both here in our community and abroad. since graduation, she has traveled to countries in West Africa, to aid in the creation of pandemic preparedness, and led an advocacy effort regarding equal education opportunity for refugees. There's so much more to talk about. So please welcome Elise Chesson.

Elise Chesson  0:41  
Thank you. It's such an honor to be here, back again, with the RACC community and especially celebrating five decades of amazing work.

Sonia Rieger  0:49  
Yes, welcome. Thank you for being with us today. I really appreciate you taking the time to come in today. 

Elise Chesson  0:54  
Absolutely. 

Sonia Rieger  0:55  
So I want to ask you so many things about all the projects and causes that you've worked on. But I would just like to start at the beginning, if that's okay, tell me about your family life growing up and how you were born to be an advocate, as some have said.

Elise Chesson  1:08  
So I was born in Toronto, in Canada, humble beginnings. I'm like, the oldest of four kids. And you know, early on, our parents taught us to be social justice activists, even when it wasn't popular. But we then moved to Montreal, so Montreal is home for me, and where I often go back to visit. 

Sonia Rieger  1:27  
Okay,awesome. So I read a little bit about your story. And can you tell me about the cultural exchange that you and your family had with the first nation community?

Elise Chesson  1:36  
Sure. So I remember vividly back, you know, many years ago, we went and spent several summers in Cheshire guanine with that community. I think it first started as an outreach kind of effort. But I soon realized and looking back with that adult lens, you know, can see what what it really was, I mean, Canadians, especially French Canadians, a lot of them have matey backgrounds. So I think that looking back at that, my mom was also in search of her own identity, which is often washed away. But it was such a beautiful exchange, they welcomed us with open arms. And from an early age, that was an opportunity for me to see other lives other worlds and develop really unique friendships. My mother is still in contact with some of them. And at some point in time, a couple of years in, they actually came in visit us in Toronto. And it was such a huge group that my parents had to go knocking on doors on the street to see if any of their neighbors were willing to open up rooms for for that whole community. So it was so beautiful. And those are fond memories.

Sonia Rieger  2:41  
That's that's a really incredible story. So tell me how you got involved in the 2008 presidential campaign?

Elise Chesson  2:48  
Sure. So I think that community building and community organizing is something that I'm passionate about, no matter where you stand. 2008 certainly can be regarded as an a year that created inspiration and change and social mobility and movement, you know, in that work, and in my my role and being civically engaged, I think that was one of the first times in the United States that I really activated that passion. But one of the things that I had to do was go out and walk on the streets and connect with communities and individuals and find issues that united us. And I think that there's something powerful and people coming together for change, especially at the grassroots level, you know, sure. And just, you know, practicing my Spanish too. I just love communicating and working with diverse communities, because I think that that's where change and inspiration really happened.

Sonia Rieger  3:42  
Oh, absolutely. I definitely agree. So tell me what initially brought you to RACC. And when you kind of decided that you needed to further your education. 

Elise Chesson  3:50  
Sure. So RACC wasn't the first time I went to college, I did go to college in Canada, and again in Northern Virginia, where I lived for six years before moving to Pennsylvania. But when my two kids who are now 16, and 18, one of them who just started here at RACC on Monday, I'm proud to say. When they went to school full day, I knew that it was my opportunity and chance and moment to get back into you know, becoming a lifelong learner. Because I think that if we really want to be effective in the change that we create an education is that first starting point. So I didn't really quite know what to expect, but soon embrace this community and they embraced me back. 

Sonia Rieger  4:27  
That's awesome. So I know after graduation, you got involved with the US africacom team. So tell me what their work is like and how you got involved in that and you know, just all those exciting details. Sure.

Elise Chesson  4:40  
So Dr. Blakely, here at RACC was one of the first people in an official capacity education wise, that kind of introduced me too that cultural anthropology field and study of international communities and culture and language. And so that was really a great rebounding for me to connect with that opportunity with us, Africacom center for disaster and humanitarian assistance out of DC, they were looking for French speakers to kind of connect with this effort that they had in West Africa. So we traveled to Togo, where we worked with continent leaders, US Africa, of course. And it was really a diplomatic effort and a humanitarian effort to help prepare countries to respond to pandemics. And who knew that Ebola would soon happen after that, and I'm proud to say that, you know, our efforts as a team really helped two countries avoid the spread of that pandemic. So you know, lives were saved with that. And that's just such an amazing thing to have been part of.

Sonia Rieger  5:39  
Absolutely. So did you know that you would continue into a bachelor's program after you left RACC and after humanitarian work?

Elise Chesson  5:46  
One thing I'll say about RACC is that they're quick to identify people who are eager to learn and they certainly inspire that curiosity in individuals. And so I didn't quite know what I was going to be doing. But you know, with mentorship, leadership opportunities, and engagement with you know, all kinds of things that are offered on campus as far as student activities and the honors program, I quickly realized that there was a pathway forward. And through scholarship, I am not saying this, you know, ego wise, but I am proud to say that I'm a RACC graduate that I was a Summa Cum Laude, a 4.0, with honors and was the All Pa Academic Team, recipient of that great scholarship. And that's what helped me continue on to go to West Chester where I studied political science, international relations and Peace and Conflict Studies.

Sonia Rieger  6:35  
Okay, so you participated in the leadership program, in the Honors Program, as you mentioned, how else did RACC prepare you for your time at West Chester?

Elise Chesson  6:44  
I mean, there are so many different ways, you know, I like to say this, and this is a compliment, but reality is, is that sometimes the community doesn't know all of the jewels that are here at RACC, they think of community colleges as a catch all. But I, when I was here, realize that, you know, some of these professors are the same ones who are teaching at Penn State and all of the top universities, and they have such a wealth of information. So I think that first of all, learning wise, it was just a wealth of opportunities and door openings, and mentorship. And like I said before, there are so many opportunities to get engaged from things as simple as the International Festival, where you could just taste amazing food from all over the world to kind of having access to the arts through the Miller Center. So it just creates a new opportunity and a new vision and perception of what's around you and what's available to you. So I love RACC. And I'm proud to say that I love RACC did so much for me. 

Sonia Rieger  7:40  
Yes, I have to agree with you. The International Festival is definitely one of my favorite times of the year, I always volunteered to serve food, because it's just amazing to watch all of the performances, and see our students dressed up in their traditional clothing from their cultures that and they get to share that with us. And I think that's amazing.

Elise Chesson  7:57  
Yep, I'm waiting for my daughter to tell me when it is because I will certainly try to tag along.

Sonia Rieger  8:02  
Great. So tell me about your first job with the Lutheran immigration and refugee service after you finished at West Chester.

Elise Chesson  8:09  
Sure, so I served there as the Employment Program Manager, there are two parts of the refugee resettlement, the initial resettlement were there connecting people to housing, employment, education, vaccinations, all of that, um, and then my work really was geared at creating that sustainability and the five year term and connecting people to employment opportunities beyond that initial connection. And, you know, there I soon realized that there were some things that needed improvement. And you know, a couple of the families that I was working with, you know, their kids were 16, 17, and having difficulty enrolling in to high school. And so, you know, my job, certainly was employment program management, but it expanded soon to, to do some amazing work that I'm sure we'll have a chance to talk about.

Sonia Rieger  8:57  
Sure. So I read the article on your LinkedIn page, about your fight for Muhammad's rights, and all the barriers that he and you faced along the way. So tell me more about that. And can you tell us his outcome eventually?

Elise Chesson  9:11  
Sure. So Casin was one of six refugees that we were working with, you know, early on, I had identified a few patterns that were happening were teens who were 16, 17, 18, who had little to no records of their academic efforts in the past and had you know, barriers as far as language and communication and needed that extra ELL support. were being denied enrollment in Pennsylvania, the law states that you have access to education and a public free and public education, all the way up to age 21. And we all know what education can offer to communities of all kinds. And so, you know, I had identified that they were denying enrollment to Casin and several of his peers and tried really to work with the school district to find pathways to get them into into school where they could learn. And you know, it wasn't happening. We took it all the way up to the superintendent and eventually, the Pennsylvania Department of Education. But there was a lot of bureaucracy. And you know, there were lives at stake. We know that when one person is educated, it's a ripple effect. Their children get educated, their families get educated, and it's great for the economy and so many things. So I eventually took that case to the ACLU and Education Law Center after lots of work and research. And they picked up the case, I'm proud to say, Just recently, Vic Wozzeck, who's the head of the ACLU, was on a podcast, and he was talking about this case case that has been written about in a book by a Columbia fellow called "The School I Deserve". And he kind of looked back on this case and said, you know, it's still the only case that went to trial. It's a precedent setting case, and one that allowed those refugees eventually to enter school. And it created pathways and opportunities for future ELL learners, immigrants and refugees to also access education. So it's an amazing thing. And something I'm proud to have been part of and spearheaded. But, you know, the point of sharing that story, I think, is just to say that one person can have amazing effects on communities. And, you know, when we actually take action, we can come together and create momentous opportunities for all kinds of people to access education. 

Sonia Rieger  11:31  
Sure, I love that story. When I was reading the article, I was glued to it because I just thought I have to know what happens. And it's it is just so a testament to what you can do is one person that you really can make a difference if you just have that drive and motivation, which clearly you do. I can hear that in your storytelling.

Elise Chesson  11:48  
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, some of these refugees, went through some turmoil, unbelievable circumstances to get here to the United States. And you know, if you read back on some of those testimonies, you know, these kids are just talking about America is the land of opportunity. And I came here to learn and be a part of this dream. And so it really caused a lot of pain when people were denied that access. And, you know, I went and visited some of these refugees that I helped, and they call me now still years later to say, guess what, Miss Elise, I got my citizenship. I'm a citizen. Now. Some of them have bought homes. Some of them are becoming nurses. So that's the power of education. It allows people to kind of really be contributing members of communities and create change themselves.

Sonia Rieger  12:38  
Absolutely. So tell me where your career went after that?

Elise Chesson  12:41  
Sure. A couple of different ways. But I eventually landed here in Berks, serving as the Executive Director for an organization that's part of a national movement, helping families experiencing homelessness and youth. I served there a little bit over four years, where I really helped kind of create opportunities for housing, and unique creative ways to get the community involved in you know, the elimination of barriers and things like that. 

Sonia Rieger  13:05  
Oh, that sounds good, too. So as you mentioned, this is our 50th year of excellence here at RACC. And what message would you like to pass on to our president, Dr. Looney and the RACC community on this historic occasion?

Elise Chesson  13:17  
I would love to say that I am so RACC proud. This is amazing. 50 years of dedicated excellence to the community. So many lives have been changed. I now serve as the chief advancement officer at YWCA Tri County area that kind of embraces Berks as one of those counties. We're doing amazing things and there are ways that people can get involved and RACC is what got me there. So thank you, RACC. And congratulations on 50 years of life changing opportunities, and you know, a movement really to create access to education.

Sonia Rieger  13:51  
Thank you. So just before we finish up, you have to tell me, I know that you said your daughter is starting here at RACC. This fall just started. So what was her decision making process like when she decided to come here? Did you influence that at all? 

Elise Chesson  14:05  
A little bit. I have to say you know, Deserey has high ambitions. She hopes to pursue a degree in astrophysics. She wants to go all the way up to her doctorate level so she can do research. She was accepted at amazing schools throughout the country. But the reality too, is that the cost of education in this country is insane. And with such a long trajectory ahead of her RACC was just an amazing opportunity to get some of those science Gen Ed's done to create an easy transition into the college world so that when she then goes on to a bigger campus, she feels comfortable and confident and it's saves us a lot of money, for sure. So she's excited and she was apprehensive at first but last Saturday we came and did a tour of the campus and Monday she felt great too. She was texting me all along but she's already made a couple of friends and she's excited for the opportunities here on campus.

Sonia Rieger  15:01  
Awesome. I'm glad to hear that she's doing well so far. So let's close with what advice would you give to our listeners and future students about education? And maybe they're facing similar situations to yours where they're they've been out of high school a little bit, you know, what would you say to them?

Elise Chesson  15:16  
Yeah, I mean, anyone can do it, really, I could go on with stories of how you know, My car broke down one week, and it was exam week at RACC and I biked all the way here so that I could make sure that I did my exams. I've driven to West Chester with a blanket on my legs because there was no heat in my car. So I say that to say that I think that many people face all kinds of challenges, but really embrace this opportunity. Take every chance that you can, to learn to connect with others with your peers with all of the support systems that exist here at RACC. It's a small enough community, that faculty and staff can create those one on one connections with others and you know, really offer tailored support to your needs. So grasp these opportunities, become a lifelong learner RACC has so much to offer and continue. Be inspired to pursue your curiosity and your passions that can happen here at RACC and beyond.

Sonia Rieger  16:15  
Awesome. Thank you for sharing. That's great advice. And thank you for being with us today.

Elise Chesson  16:19  
No problem. It's my pleasure. Congratulations, 50 years of amazing work.

Sonia Rieger  16:23  
Elise shared with us today an inspiring story of how you can make a difference at any age as long as you have the determination to do it. An education from RACC is a great first step to building connections in our community that can help you make a difference. To learn more about the various programs we offer, visit racc.edu and click academics to get started. Come back for a new episode each week as we share more stories of our successful graduates. And don't forget to visit our 50th anniversary page to read Elise's story and many others. I'm Sonia Rieger on the Reading Area Community College podcast and I can't wait to see you next time.