Holding Up the Mirror: Reimagining DEI and Systemic Change with Wendy Moomaw
Culture Stew
In this deeply reflective episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian reconnects with Wendy Moomaw, founder of the Conscious Collaboratory, executive coach, facilitator, and systems thinker. Wendy brings her expertise in embodiment practices and her passion for uncovering leaders' potential to explore and co-create new futures with their teams and communities. Maria and Wendy dive into a heartfelt conversation about the transformative power of moving from "holding up a lens" to "holding up a mirror." They explore the vulnerability and courage required for social change agents to confront...
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Protecting Your Peace and Sustaining Momentum for Social Change
Culture Stew
In this solo episode, host Maria Morukian reflects on themes from the Culture Stew November Newsletter, exploring the challenges and opportunities in continuing the fight for social change amid a tumultuous post-election climate. Maria shares personal insights inspired by her father’s lessons as a history teacher and invites us to consider how patterns from the past can guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future. She introduces the TRU framework as a way to reconnect with our purpose and sustain the long journey ahead. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Reflecting on the...
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From Chemistry to Community: Kai Stowers on Science, Leadership, and the Human Side of Change
Culture Stew
In this episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian speaks with Kai Stowers, a chemist turned Leadership and DEI Consultant and Coach. Kai shares his journey from the lab to a career centered on building high-performing, inclusive teams, driven by a passion for both science and the human dynamics of leadership. Through candid stories, he reflects on the challenges of embracing one’s full identity in professional spaces, especially as a transgender man in male-dominated fields. Maria and Kai explore the importance of empathy, community, and the resilience needed to create lasting change....
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Special Episode: Ember Roundtable at University of Colorado Denver
Culture Stew
In this special episode of Culture Stew, recorded at the University of Colorado Denver, we explore the transformative power of Ember: Igniting and Sustaining a Community of Equity Practitioners. We had the privilege of sitting down with all four facilitators, Maria Morukian, Chris Haigh, Aaron Barlin and Carmen Foster, to dive into discussions about the critical role of community in driving equity work, the concept of emergent change, and the journey toward gaining a liberatory mindset. Our conversation touched on how change often arises organically through collaboration and mutual support,...
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Culture Stew’s 100th Episode
Culture Stew
Welcome to the first episode of Season 6 and the 100th episode of Culture Stew! This season, the podcast focuses on gender equity through an intersectional lens, highlighting the stories of diverse women and femme-identifying individuals whose experiences are often overlooked or misrepresented. In this episode, we are joined by Devin M. Moran and Jasmin M. Robinson, two scholars conducting research centered on Black women’s leadership and the unique challenges they face, particularly in predominantly white spaces. Devin and Jasmin share their insights on balancing the pursuit of justice...
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Welcome to Culture Stew Season Six!
Culture Stew
Welcome to season six! This season, we are going to be experimenting with some new approaches and focusing on a central theme where exploring the experiences of women from an intersectional perspective, shifting the focus from deficit-based narratives to stories of strength, creativity, and resilience. Gender equity is a universal issue, and with reproductive rights under attack and the ongoing fight for trans and non-binary inclusion, these discussions are more critical than ever. We’re excited to welcome a lineup of inspiring guests, from those amplifying marginalized voices in literature...
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Summer Reflection Series - Episode 3: From Conflict to Connection with Todd Culp
Culture Stew
In the third episode of our Summer Reflection Series, Todd Culp shares his experiences in conflict zones around the world. Learn how authentic connections and embracing change can bridge divides and promote peace. Todd's stories highlight the universal nature of humanity and the power of genuine communication, reminding us of the importance of seeing beyond differences to find common ground. From Conflict to Connection: A Journey with Todd Culp In this Illuminating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of conflict zones with Dr. Todd Culp, a distinguished professor of political science...
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Summer Reflection Series – Episode 2: Die Standing with Elmer Dixon
Culture Stew
Our Summer Reflection Series continues with Elmer Dixon, whose journey from co-founding the Seattle Black Panther Party to becoming a global DEI consultant showcases the power of activism and strategy. Elmer shares powerful stories of standing strong against racial injustice and the Black Panther Party's community work. Discover how community efforts continue to play a crucial role in the fight for racial justice and equality. Die Standing with Elmer Dixon For those individuals and groups who have been the target of oppression and injustice, liberation is about finding voice to raise...
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Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez
Culture Stew
As part of our Summer Reflection Series honoring the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, we explore how embracing a liberatory mindset can drive strategic change. Kay Suarez, director of Equity in the Center, shares how waking up to new perspectives can transform community-driven equity work. She emphasizes the importance of collective action and the role each of us can play in creating a more equitable world. Kay's insights remind us that liberation is a communal effort, not a solo journey. Summer Reflection Series - Episode 1: Awake to Woke to Work® with Kay Suarez As part of our Summer...
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The Emotional Journey of DEI: Navigating Resistance and Advocacy
Culture Stew
That's a Wrap on Season 5 of Culture Stew! We’ve come to the end of another incredible season of Culture Stew. Thank you to all our amazing guests who brought insights, laughter, and profound lessons to our conversations. In this season finale, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano dive deep into the emotional journey of DEI work, addressing both the heartfelt challenges and the practical hurdles of navigating resistance and advocacy. They explore the emotional toll DEI work can take, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and validating this labor. Maria and Roger discuss how essential...
info_outlineJoin us in the first guest episode of the season as Maria and Roger have an enlightening conversation on the intersection of race, equity, and culture. Our special guest, Kay Suarez, a leading expert in this field, delves deep into the nuances of building an inclusive society where everyone has a fair shot at success.
In this episode, we explore:
🌍 The importance of acknowledging the importance of DEI work
🤝 Strategies for promoting racial equity in our communities
💡 How embracing different perspectives can lead to innovation
🔗 The role each of us plays in creating a more equitable world
Tune in as we unravel the layers of race equity culture and uncover actionable insights that can help us build a more inclusive and harmonious future. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on Culture Stew!
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Kerrien is president and chief executive officer of Equity in the Center, a field-wide initiative to influence social sector leaders to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to achieve race equity. In 2018, EiC published Awake to Woke to Work: Building a Race Equity Culture, which details management and operational levers organizations utilize to center race equity and transform culture. A management consultant with over 20 years of experience, Kerrien led engagements to refine programs and scale impact for national nonprofits and philanthropies, as well as coached executives and social entrepreneurs of color whose work focused on eliminating race-based disparities. Kerrien is a graduate of Harvard College and London School of Economics. You can learn more about her work at www.linkedin.com/in/kerriensuarez.
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Culture Stew is produced by MSM Global Consulting with sound engineering by Robert Graetz.