Libsyn Directory

Shifting from DEI to Intentional Inclusion with Kelli Lester

Release Date: 01/18/2025

The Heart Healer Returns: Healing, Community & Your 2026 Word

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

In this powerful return conversation, Victoria Finch — known as The Heart Healer — joins host Deneen L. Garrett for an intimate, deeply reflective dialogue on inner child healing, emotional freedom, leadership, and the power of community. Victoria shares the origin of her healing work, the childhood moment that shaped her life’s mission, and how decades of trauma recovery, hypnotherapy, and personal healing now inform the way she supports women at pivotal turning points. Together, Deneen and Victoria explore: Why so many high-achieving women struggle with feeling unseen How...

What Are You Mixed With? Navigating Anti-Blackness, White Supremacy & Light-Skinned Privilege with Dr. Wendy Ashley

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Episode 190 In this intimate and deeply necessary conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Ashley — a nationally recognized Black and biracial clinician, professor, author, change agent, and Department Chair of the MSW program at Cal State Northridge. Her current book is a bold act of reclamation: a vulnerable exploration of biracial identity, anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and light-skinned privilege — and the healing that becomes possible when we stop suppressing our truths. Together, we unpack identity, belonging, silences within families, colorism, community tension, and the...

Dontae T. Muse: Building a Legacy in Black Art, Culture & Artrepreneurship

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Episode 189 In this powerful conversation, Cultural Producer and Artrepreneur Dontae T. Muse joins Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation to explore his journey through creativity, community, and legacy-building in Black art. Dontae shares how getting fired became his catalyst for stepping into purpose, how he built Above Art Studios into a cultural home for creatives, why documenting knowledge became part of his mission, and how he is shaping the future through his roles at the Harlem Fine Arts Show and Newark Symphony Hall. This episode dives deep into self-trust, creative...

Black Women in Art: Restorying the Canon — Conversation with Melanie Brister

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Episode 188 Audio Disclaimer: This conversation was originally recorded for CAA Conversations. CAA later shifted to a panel-only format and chose not to release individual interviews. I’m proud to share this important dialogue independently. n this conversation, I speak with Melanie Brister—arts marketing strategist, global PR expert, and cross-industry collaborator whose work spans museums, fashion, film, and Broadway. Together we explore how storytelling, partnerships, and creative strategy can shift the art world from visibility to legacy. We discuss the need for intentional...

Black Women in Art: Restorying the Canon — Conversation with Robin Wilson

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Episode 187 This episode was originally recorded for CAA Conversations in alignment with their content structure at the time. When CAA shifted to a panel-only format, they chose not to release individual interviews. I’m proud to share this dialogue independently because Black women’s stories, artistry, and cultural labor deserve to be heard. 3 of 3 recorded. In this final installment of the “Black Women in Art: Restorying the Canon” series, I speak with educator, children’s author, entrepreneur, visual artist, and Vesey Lane Goods founder Robin Michelle Wilson. Rooted in the legacy...

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success Episode 186 ✨ In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Brandi Hudson, Founder of The Happiest Place Podcast, for a raw and uplifting conversation about redefining success, protecting your peace, and leading with intention. Brandi shares her journey from burnout to brilliance—offering tangible insights for Women of Color ready to live and lead from a place of alignment, authenticity, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like success had to...

Back Yourself: The Power of Standing in Your Truth ~ with Lildonia Lawrence

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Back Yourself: The Power of Standing in Your Truth ~ with Lildonia Lawrence Episode 185 🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful and affirming episode, I’m joined by well-being coach and activist Lildonia Lawrence, as we explore the vital themes of backing oneself, standing in one’s truth, and embracing rest as resistance. Through her lived experiences and deep work with BIPOC communities, Lildonia shares how identity suppression, racial trauma, and systemic inequities impact well-being — and how reclaiming joy, movement, and authenticity can become radical tools for healing and...

Bold, Visible & Unstoppable: The Power of Community for Women of Color Entrepreneurs

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

🚀Bold, Visible & Unstoppable: The Power of Community for Women of Color Entrepreneurs 🔥 Episode 184 Kris & Krew Part III Episode Description: Community isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of success for women entrepreneurs. In this episode,Kris Gordon I tripod es us to Ambitious Women Eternity Sledge and Sonya Z. Phillips as they break down the power of visibility, the importance of relationships in business, and the resources available to help women of color thrive. 🎙️ Key Takeaways: ✅ Why community is everything in business ~ "Community has been huge for...

REST. REFUSE. RECLAIM.™️ The Blueprint for Boundaries, Wealth & Unapologetic Living

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

REST. REFUSE. RECLAIM.™️ The Blueprint for Boundaries, Wealth & Unapologetic Living Episode 183 In this transformative episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, we explore the revolutionary power of rest, boundaries, and financial freedom. Black women have long been conditioned to equate worth with productivity, but this conversation is about shifting the narrative—because rest is resistance, boundaries are power, and wealth is reclamation. 💬 "Rest is not a luxury—it’s a revolution." ~ Elizabeth McCoy Guest Speakers: Neomieka Harris | Speaker • Mentor •...

Hollywood’s Gatekeepers Are Changing ~ How Black Women Are Taking Over Media

Women of Color An Intimate Conversation

Hollywood’s Gatekeepers Are Changing ~ How Black Women Are Taking Over Media with Ashley King Episode 165 The entertainment industry is shifting, but for Black women and other marginalized creators, success isn’t about waiting for an invitation—it’s about building your own table. In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, casting director and entrepreneur Ashley King shares the realities of Hollywood, the power of self-initiative, and why community is the key to breaking barriers. Ashley’s journey from aspiring screenwriter to casting director and media...

More Episodes

Shifting from DEI to Intentional Inclusion with Kelli Lester
Episode 166

In this episode, we welcome Kelli Lester, co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a consultancy focused on transforming individual, team, and organizational behaviors. Kelly shares her deep commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation, which she refers to as "love in the workplace." She emphasizes her journey in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, highlighting her role as a voice for the voiceless and the importance of engaging with majority groups to foster understanding and effective leadership. Tune in to explore how Kelli's passion and experience can inspire meaningful change in your organization.

Full episode notes: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/dei-to-intentional-inclusion/

About Guest

Kelli Lester is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress.

Kelli’s expertise includes leadership development and coaching, strategic consulting, organizational culture enhancement, change management, problem-solving, and employee engagement. She is adept at helping leaders cultivate cultures and environments that value alternative perspectives, foster equity in opportunities, and promote employee well-being.

With over 20 years of experience in driving leadership-focused initiatives within consumer goods and multi-media industries, Kelli is a dynamic leader and market analysis expert who supports organizations in vision creation, strategy development, and execution. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats: Consultant, Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, Facilitator, Change Agent, and Community Advocate, and Ambassador to various local and national groups.

Kelli was named one of EBONY’s “30 Young Leaders of the Future” and has a proven record of implementing change that leads to long-term, sustainable impact. She continues to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and create environments where everyone can excel.

Connect with Guest

Website: https://www.onyx2rise.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyx2rise/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onyx2rise

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-lester-2302b9/

About the Podcast

Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) is a podcast about women empowerment stories and for Women of Color who want more out of life. This show is for women who have had enough and want change, especially those who have been waiting to choose themselves and live boldly.

In each inspiring episode, hear from women from different backgrounds, countries, and ages who have embarked on personal journeys, sharing their stories of empowerment, overcoming, and their path to living a dream life (style).

How to Live a Dream Lifestyle Series:

Deneen is committed to elevating the voices of WOC and empowering them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ NOW!

Contact Deneen for coaching.

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