Thick Descriptions
Thick Descriptions disrupts traditional educational methods with anthropology to help humans thrive where they are building stronger communities.
Our Transformative Programs
Discover how our innovative programs are empowering individuals and improving lives through education and community involvement.
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About Us
What Are Thick Descriptions?
“Thick Description” is a term used by the cultural anthropologist Clifford Geertz. He described the practice of thick descriptions as a way of providing cultural context and meaning to human actions and behavior, as opposed to “thin descriptions,” which are factual accounts without any interpretation. Geertz stressed the importance of considering why people behave as they do, what they are trying to express or achieve, and for whom.
Importance
A “thick description” reaches beyond a group or stereotype often assigned to a person and provides a full, humanizing illustration of an individual. Each person is more than a categorization.
What We Do
Why Thick Descriptions Matters In Education Today
Oklahoma received an overall D+ grade and slipped one place to 47th among the 50 states and District of Columbia in Education Week magazine’s annual rankings of education quality indicators. Oklahoma is struggling to meet the shifting needs of its students. As many community members can attest, Oklahoma students are often unprepared for college and the world beyond school. As a society, we have great challenges to solve. There is a need to catalyze change in Oklahoma education to advance science, technology, engineering, math, and equity for the underestimated in our schools.
Our Services
The Services That We Render
s.t.e.A.m. Learning Journeys
Thick Descriptions’ Learning Journeys are opportunities for students to interact with science, technology, engineering, Anthropology, and math and are tailored to specific communities. Learning Journeys pay attention to the culture, language, educational background, history, religion, race/ ethnicity, physical environment, and other factors that contribute to the student’s unique identity.
Elephant in the Room – Unboxed
Elephant in the Room – Unboxed is a monthly forum for adults that provides a safe, brave, and humane space for community members to unpack and discuss sensitive socio-cultural topics. Each session respectfully addresses “elephant in the room” topics that are difficult but necessary to build equity in communities. Speakers at the event include spiritual leaders, civic officers, medical professionals, researchers, and professors and bring unique points of view to conversations about topics like diversity in language, intersectional feminism, biases in American institutions, representation, and the criminal justice system.
Oklahoma Educators Evolve (OKEE)
Oklahoma Educators Evolve (OKEE) is an instructional platform for educators with interest in learning how to interact with Oklahoma’s diverse students in equitable ways. Because different communities cultivate young minds with unique experiences and intellectual frameworks, teachers and school administrators need to know how to most effectively convey information to each individual.
Our Advantages
Reasons For Choosing Us
Thick Descriptions disrupts traditional educational methods with anthropology to help humans three (thrive) where they are.
(stem+Anthropology) = steAm
steAm Learning Journeys during school breaks to bridge the learning gap.
Elephant in the Room – Unboxed
A monthly conversation that provides methods on “how” to have uncomfortable conversations.
Oklahoma Educators Evolve
Humane educational methods for teachers and educators.
Contact Now!
Listen to our Podcast Elephant in the Room – Unboxed On Spotify
Our Statistics
Building Healthier Communities – Outcomes
Thick Descriptions partners with educational institutions and community organizations to teach the skills needed to build healthier and more sustainable communities.
780 youth participated in
s.t.e.A.m.
Learning Journeys, gaining the opportunity to interact with science, technology, engineering, Anthropology, and math hands-on and in the real world.
13,000 attended Elephant in the Room
Unboxed or Engagement Sessions and acquired a deeper understanding of how human identity is fluid and influenced by many factors.
1,000 school educators
1,000 school educators participated in Oklahoma Educators Evolve (OKEE) to learn how to convey information to Oklahoma’s diverse communities in an equitable way.
Meet the Team
Thick Descriptions is a team of individuals invested in the meaning and execution of anthropology. We address in particular broader questions of science, both natural and social, providing rich, in-depth and provocative examinations of human identity and how the complexity of our identities influences, impacts and engages with each other independently and collectively. Our team acknowledges and untangles “those elephants in the room” providing transparency with a goal to attain mutual understandings.
Suzette V. Chang
Founder & CEO
Suzette is an Information Advocate. Her focus is the politics of human identity and how “labels” influence and impact humans as we function and interact with each other. Read More
Suzette is an Information Advocate. Her focus is the politics of human identity and how “labels” influence and impact humans as we function and interact with each other. She gives specific attention to “historical labels”, their meaning during the past and how those meanings impact the present and shape our understandings of the future. Suzette has a Masters in Cultural Anthropology and a Masters in Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Read Less
Amanda Bradford
Amanda Bradford
Amanda is the Town Clerk for Boley, Oklahoma and was born in this historic African American town. Read More
Amanda is the Town Clerk for Boley, Oklahoma and was born in this historic African American town. She graduated from Boley High School, is the mother of three beautiful girls and, attends Rose State College, pursing a Health Sciences Degree with a focus in Nursing. Amanda brings a long and consistent background in Health Education for historically overlooked communities. She will weave her knowledge and experience in science(s) for youth, teens/tweens and adults Read Less
Gulnaz Tabynbayeva
Fellow
Gulnaz Tabynbayeva is a fellow of the Community Engagement Exchange Program sponsored by the United States Department of State. Read More
Gulnaz Tabynbayeva is a fellow of the Community Engagement Exchange Program sponsored by the United States Department of State. She previously worked as a Project Assistant at IOM – UN Migration in Kazakhstan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Relations, and a minor in Sociology. Gulnaz is passionate about social activism, and initiated projects aimed to raise awareness about gender issues and empower women and girls in her community. Read Less
Brandy Myles
Science Empowerment Leader
Brandy lives in Oklahoma City, loves her dog, children, grandchildren and, comes from a multi-ethnic background. Read More
Brandy lives in Oklahoma City, loves her dog, children, grandchildren and, comes from a multi-ethnic background. Her nickname is “Ms. B” and, she is an elementary school counselor. Ms. B brings to Thick Descriptions an academic background in family counseling and criminal justice. Read Less
Aafrin Yaseen
Aafrin Yaseen is a LLB (UK) degree holder, who is reading her Attorney-At-Law at Sri Lankan Law College. Read More
Aafrin Yaseen is a LLB (UK) degree holder, who is reading her Attorney-At-Law at Sri Lankan Law College. She is a strong individual and an activist to make a better impact in the community. Aafrin is an alumnus of the Community Exchange Program, been a part of International Youth Alliance for Peace which is a youth-led organization that works across the South Asian Region and is a Senior Programming Officer. Her major interests are social work, youth development and social advocacy. Aafrin’s motto and belief is “work for a cause, not for applause.” Read Less
Julissa Caro
Julissa Caro is a graduating senior at the University of Oklahoma with a major psychology and minor in nonprofit who is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration in the fall of 2023 Read More
Julissa Caro is a graduating senior at the University of Oklahoma with a major psychology and minor in nonprofit who is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration in the fall of 2023. Julissa devotes her time educating children about social and emotional skills. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and lifting weights. Read Less
Clarence Long
Clarence has strong analytical and writing skills. His focus includes geopolitics, human and ethnicity relations, and Oklahoma politics. Read More
Clarence has strong analytical and writing skills. His focus includes geopolitics, human and ethnicity relations, and Oklahoma politics. Clarence is a member of the Oklahoma NAACP, National Political Science Association and received the 2022 Oklahoma Nextgen Under 30 Award for his investment in educating communities about the dangers of COVID-19. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in International Relations. Read Less
Volunteers
Board Members
Monica C. Hardman
Monica C. Hardman is a retired Master Sergeant from the Oklahoma City Police Department. She retired from there after 23 years in 2011.Read More
Monica C. Hardman is a retired Master Sergeant from the Oklahoma City Police Department. She retired from there after 23 years in 2011. She is a co-author of the book Fabulous New Life II along with 18 other beautiful, brave women. She is the mother of three adult children and she has two grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys photographing birds, crafting, bible journaling, reading, listening to Jazz, and honing in on her purpose and enjoying life God’s way. She also promotes positive and encouraging growth in one’s self and others, on Facebook (#MoniesMoments & #Seeding2018) and in person through speaking. She lives in Spencer, Oklahoma with her husband. Read Less
Corey Walker
Corey Walker is a general member of the Board of Directors for Thick Descriptions. Corey is originally from Austin, Texas- but his family has called Oklahoma home for nearly 10 years. Read More
Corey Walker is a general member of the Board of Directors for Thick Descriptions. Corey is originally from Austin, Texas- but his family has called Oklahoma home for nearly 10 years. He is the Managing Partner of a local recruiting firm, Ncite Partners, and is an MBA graduate from the University of Oklahoma. He has been married to Abbey Walker, a local Presbyterian minister, for 11 years. In his spare time, he can usually be found chasing around his 2 young sons or attending an OU football game. Read Less
Dr. Wonderful Faison
Dr. Wonderful Faison is the director of the Richard Wright Center for Writing, Rhetoric, and Research at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Read More
Dr. Wonderful Faison is the director of the Richard Wright Center for Writing, Rhetoric, and Research at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Her interests include antiracist writing assessment and writing center design, tutor training, and curriculum design. Dr. Faison is a published author with several academic articles, chapters, and a book publication. Read Less
Kyle Lawson
Kyle was born in Tucson, Arizona to Sheila and Dale Lawson and grew up in Southern Arizona. After finishing high school, they joined the U.S. Army as a Human Intelligence Collector. Read More
Kyle was born in Tucson, Arizona to Sheila and Dale Lawson and grew up in Southern Arizona. After finishing high school, they joined the U.S. Army as a Human Intelligence Collector. Upon completing their military service, Kyle attended college, majoring in business administration and minoring in psychology, and then worked for Congressman Jim Kolbe in Arizona’s 5th congressional district for three years. After Rep. Kolbe retired, Kyle worked in the private sector in Phoenix. In 2010, they moved to Southern Oklahoma to be near their family.
Since moving to Oklahoma Kyle has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children for four years, as an officer in the Masonic Lodge, worked with children as a Shriner, and served two years on the board of directors for Restoring Lives as the finance chairman. They were Mayor for the town of Gene Autry for three years, serving in the Mayor’s congress and on the Mayor’s council.
Kyle currently works as the Senior Regional Organizer for The Oklahoma Policy Institute and Together Oklahoma. Kyle has always been dedicated, hardworking and places an emphasis on community involvement Read Less
Cedric Currin-Moore
Cedric Currin-Moore graduated from Sterling College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Biology. Read More
Cedric Currin-Moore graduated from Sterling College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Biology. While in college, Cedric played football, ran track and worked with children from the community. After graduation, he worked for 14 years as a professional educator; teaching, tutoring and coaching children of all ages. Cedric has worked in the Expanded Learning field for over ten years as a consultant, STEM Director, professional development trainer, and instructor. As the Urban League’s STEAM Director, Cedric is able to combine three of his passions: the STEM field, networking with new people and being an ambassador for youth. He has witnessed the positive impacts that afterschool programs can have on the social and academic lives of middle and high school students. Read Less
Jasmine Bogard
Jasmine currently works in Japan for the US Department of Defense. She also works part-time as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Read More
Jasmine currently works in Japan for the US Department of Defense. She also works part-time as a Teacher of English as a Foreign Language. Her alma maters include The University of Texas at Austin, Oklahoma City University and The University of Oklahoma. She likes to serve her community through contributing her time and efforts in areas such as education and training, and event organization, planning and coordination. Jasmine is a furr-mom of a cat and dog and enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, learning about various cultures and spending time with family. She aspires to be a polyglot and a full-time wanderer. Read Less
Holly Anderson
Holly Anderson is the director of marketing, communications, and recruiting at the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies and OU Outreach. Read More
Holly Anderson is the director of marketing, communications, and recruiting at the University of Oklahoma College of Professional and Continuing Studies and OU Outreach. She has dedicated her career to higher education, including six years teaching English as a second language to incoming college students as well as 10 years in marketing and communications spanning programs focusing on adult and non-traditional learners, international students, and health research. Her passion lies in envisioning and executing solutions for complex situations and empowering her team to create work they can take pride in. Holly holds a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology, and a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in professional writing. Read Less
Bill Fink
William Fink is an experienced Insurance and Financial with 42 years of experience. Having spent the last fifteen years with Allstate Insurance he served as a Territorial Leader with experience in Recruiting, Training and Coaching a successful independent Sales Team that produced Top Tier Life and Financial Services Sales results for the entire Allstate Organization, winning the coveted “Spirit of the Eagle” award for 2013 and 6 additional Top Ten placements. Read More
William Fink is an experienced Insurance and Financial with 42 years of experience. Having spent the last fifteen years with Allstate Insurance he served as a Territorial Leader with experience in Recruiting, Training and Coaching a successful independent Sales Team that produced Top Tier Life and Financial Services Sales results for the entire Allstate Organization, winning the coveted “Spirit of the Eagle” award for 2013 and 6 additional Top Ten placements. In addition, has held the position as an Exclusive Agent working directly with customers for their Insurance and Financial needs winning the coveted Honor Ring and National Conference for his efforts.
Mr. Fink’s experience extends beyond sales and marketing having held the position of President and Senior Vice President of an operating subsidiary of RG America, Inc. In this role he was responsible for both operations and sales with oversight of the claims operations. Mr. Fink worked closely with Lloyd’s of London as well as the Bermuda Monetary Authority and established a Bermuda Based Insurance Captive to provide property insurance for the difficult to serve markets of the U.S. Gulf Coast. On the marketing side he also wrote, produced and hosted a financial planning radio show the “Smart Investing Show” in the Dallas Market on KDFX AM 1190 Radio.
William holds a degree in Finance from Ashford University and holds the Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and Financial Services Certified Professional (FSCP) designations from The American Collage of Financial Services. Read Less
Elisha Oliver
Dr. Elisha Oliver is a bio-cultural anthropologist, visual ethnographer and folklorist, artist/potter, and occasional flautist. Elisha identifies as a Texas girl with Oklahoma roots. She was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Texas. Read More
Dr. Elisha Oliver is a bio-cultural anthropologist, visual ethnographer and folklorist, artist/potter, and occasional flautist. Elisha identifies as a Texas girl with Oklahoma roots. She was born in Oklahoma and grew up in Texas. Elisha completed her undergraduate work at the University of North Texas and earned her MA and PhD in anthropology from the University of Oklahoma. Her doctoral research explored the intersections of space and place, storytelling, health, and traditional healing. She has a wealth of nonprofit management and program development experience. Elisha is a member of the American Anthropological Association where she co-chairs the Complementary Alternative Medicine section. She was the 2018 Zora Neale Hurston award recipient, Summer 2022 Wenner-Gren Public Scholar Fellow, and 2022-2023 Antiquarian Booksellers Association Mentee. Elisha is a member of The American Folklore Society, the Society for Ethnomusicology, and the Modern Language Association. Elisha’s photography, pottery, and mixed media works of art have been exhibited in galleries across the United States. She is currently completing two novels: The Land as Medicine: Stories from the Folk Healer and Take the Chance: The Other Bonnie and Clyde Story.Read Less
“This is a wonderful program, offering opportunities for the kids to be engaged in topics/activities that can prepare them for a future in aviation. Also, the teacher training is very effective; the guidelines are very helpful”.
Dr. Thomas Roy
Professor at Oklahoma State University/Oklahoma City
Boley kids love Thick Descriptions’ STEAM Camp. Every year our kids learn something new and cool. WE LOVE IT!!
Dr. Francis Shelton
Mayor of Boley, Oklahoma
“Thick Descriptions’ presentation ‘Moving Beyond Politeness,’ provided employees, a large auditorium and breakout session, with tools to interact, and have those brave conversations re: diversity and inclusion. The district connected; 300 people were engaged in authentic discussions surrounding inclusion and diversity. It was powerful and memorable training.“.
Gerald Scott
Nondiscrimination/Title IX Coordinator
Erinn Gavaghan
Our Sponsors
Thanks to our sponsors, Thick Descriptions can continue to provide humanity-thinking programming to Oklahoma’s diverse communities. In return, we are proud to offer ongoing recognition of their support. Please contact us for more information about becoming a sponsor! All donations are tax deductible and allow you to do the work with us.
Let’s Work Together
Contact Us
+1 (405) 397-0584
3810 N. Tulsa Ave. • Oklahoma City, OK 73112
hello@thickdescriptions.org