Women of Color Rise
Welcome to the Women of Color Rise podcast! I’m Analiza Quiroz Wolf, proud Filipina American, mom of two, and former CEO of a non-profit and Captain in the US Air Force. My mission is to support having more diverse leaders at the table, especially women and people of color. We’ll be talking with successful CEOs and C-suite women leaders of color and learning about their leadership journeys. If you are a woman or woman of color who wants a seat at the table, you’re in the right place. Website: www.analizawolf.com
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105. Lead Like an Olympian with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System
07/03/2025
105. Lead Like an Olympian with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Health Equity Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System. A 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and former collegiate champion, Dr. Clarke now leads transformational change in health equity and inclusive excellence. Dr. Clarke shares how an Olympic mindset strengthens leadership: Focus on execution, not outcomes. In high-pressure moments—whether on the Olympic track or in a policy meeting—Dr. Clarke emphasizes executing core strategies over fixating on the outcome. “You don’t go into a race thinking ‘I must win.’ You focus on form, precision, and the next hurdle.” Use form and fundamentals as your anchor. Fatigue will come. Pressure will rise. In those moments, leaders must default to form—policy, strategy, and best practices—not panic. “Just like runners lean into form when tired, we lean into structure: What’s the process? Who’s the decision-maker? What’s needed for buy-in?” Game theory mindset: anticipate, don’t react. Dr. Clarke approaches leadership with the same strategic thinking as athletic competition—asking, What are the key factors that lead to success? She maps out opposition, support, timing, and execution steps, treating meetings like races with defined phases and checkpoints. Strategy and relationship go hand in hand. Even when it’s not a “win,” clarity around process and relationships sustains momentum. “You may not get consensus, but if you know the rules—it’s a majority vote, or a policy practice—you keep the path clear for next steps.” Thank you, Dr. Clarke, for showing us how Olympic discipline meets inclusive leadership. Get full show notes and more information here:
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105. Lead Like an Olympian with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System
07/03/2025
105. Lead Like an Olympian with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion and Chief Health Equity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Health Equity Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System. A 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and former collegiate champion, Dr. Clarke now leads transformational change in health equity and inclusive excellence. Dr. Clarke shares how an Olympic mindset strengthens leadership: Focus on execution, not outcomes. In high-pressure moments—whether on the Olympic track or in a policy meeting—Dr. Clarke emphasizes executing core strategies over fixating on the outcome. “You don’t go into a race thinking ‘I must win.’ You focus on form, precision, and the next hurdle.” Use form and fundamentals as your anchor. Fatigue will come. Pressure will rise. In those moments, leaders must default to form—policy, strategy, and best practices—not panic. “Just like runners lean into form when tired, we lean into structure: What’s the process? Who’s the decision-maker? What’s needed for buy-in?” Game theory mindset: anticipate, don’t react. Dr. Clarke approaches leadership with the same strategic thinking as athletic competition—asking, What are the key factors that lead to success? She maps out opposition, support, timing, and execution steps, treating meetings like races with defined phases and checkpoints. Strategy and relationship go hand in hand. Even when it’s not a “win,” clarity around process and relationships sustains momentum. “You may not get consensus, but if you know the rules—it’s a majority vote, or a policy practice—you keep the path clear for next steps.” Thank you, Dr. Clarke, for showing us how Olympic discipline meets inclusive leadership. Get full show notes and more information here:
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104. Faith and Leadership with Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO, Keseb
06/19/2025
104. Faith and Leadership with Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO, Keseb
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO of Keseb, a nonpartisan organization advancing inclusive and resilient democracies through transnational civil society. An Ethiopian-American democracy entrepreneur, Yordanos is an Ashoka and Aspen Institute Fellow and has received awards from the Elevate Prize Foundation and Unorthodox Philanthropy. Previously, she was a Managing Partner at New Profit, where she rose from Portfolio Analyst—the first to do so in the organization's history. Her work has been featured in TED, NPR, and Harvard Business Review. Yordanos shares how her faith has shaped her leadership: Faith provides grounding in uncertainty. As a leader, Yordanos acknowledges that she doesn’t always have the answers. Her faith offers a steady anchor—something to return to when decisions are complex and the path forward isn’t clear. Faith strengthens resilience as a woman of color. Navigating leadership as a woman of color comes with unique challenges. Yordanos credits her faith with helping her stay centered amid external pressures, giving her the courage to lead authentically. Her leadership is deeply values-driven. Yordanos’ sense of purpose, integrity, and commitment to service are all rooted in her faith. It’s not just a personal belief—it’s a leadership compass that guides how she shows up for others and makes decisions. Thank you, Yordanos, for your insightful advice! Get full show notes and more information here:
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103. Multi-Racial Coalition Building - Equity Week with Christian Green, Zainab Abbas, Ian Esquibel, Derek Burtch
06/05/2025
103. Multi-Racial Coalition Building - Equity Week with Christian Green, Zainab Abbas, Ian Esquibel, Derek Burtch
How can you make your voice heard? We’ve all heard the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This episode of Women of Color Rise is an example of that. I’m joined by fellow leaders Christian Green, Zainab Abbas, Ian Esquibel, and Derek Burtch—all part of the Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing. Together, with Cecily Relucio, we’re supporting Equity Week 2025, a national movement grounded in collective action for justice. Each of my guests brings a powerful perspective: Derek Burtch, a high school English teacher and Executive Director of Erase the Space, focuses on education equity. Zainab Abbas, founder of SciTech to You, works to disrupt the preschool-to-prison pipeline. Christian Green, a college professor, advocates for transitional-age youth facing housing insecurity. Ian Esquibel, a leadership coach and consultant, supports communities fighting for systems that serve all students. Though we come from different places and lived experiences, we’re united by one goal: to make systemic change through Equity Week—a week of learning, advocacy, and organizing in Washington, D.C., June 11–14, 2025. Equity Week 2025 is a national initiative uplifting equity-centered practices in education, civic engagement, and public history. It includes: Sessions on the Hill as National Advocates for Equity Training in advocacy and community organizing Equity Ball—a joyful celebration filled with dance, art, and connection We’d love for you to join us. Come be part of this movement. June 11–14, 2025 Washington, D.C. Learn more and sign up here: Watch the Equity Week video: Get full show notes and more information here:
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102. Strength in Blindness and Faith with Alia Abbas, Chief of Staff, New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
05/22/2025
102. Strength in Blindness and Faith with Alia Abbas, Chief of Staff, New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
How can leaders turn perceived limitations into strengths? On Women of Color Rise, I speak with Alia Abbas, Chief of Staff at New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. With a career spanning Estee Lauder, Warner Bros. Discovery, Prudential, and Citi, Alia has led in strategy, operations, and innovation—proving that disability and faith are not barriers but strengths. Alia didn’t realize she was blind until she was diagnosed in college, thanks to parents who instilled confidence and adaptability. She also made a pivotal choice in her career—to wear a hijab, deepening her connection to her Muslim faith. Though both blindness and belief come with stereotypes, Alia sees them as value-adds in leadership and teams. Her insights: We are capable – People with disabilities develop adaptability, resilience, and unique problem-solving skills. Diversity strengthens teams – Multi-generational, multi-background, and multi-ability teams drive stronger ideas and outcomes. No ceilings on possibility – Instead of limiting others, empower them to pursue their goals. Alia’s journey is a powerful reminder: Own your identity, use your voice, and lead with confidence. Thank you, Alia, for sharing your inspiring stories! Get full show notes and more information here:
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101. How to Turn Imposter Syndrome Into Your Superpower with Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies
05/08/2025
101. How to Turn Imposter Syndrome Into Your Superpower with Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies. Under her leadership, NYU SPS has been ranked as a top higher education institution, recognized for its career-connected, industry-focused degrees and courses. Angie shares tips about how to turn imposter syndrome into your superpower: Reframe It as a Strength: Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of failure—it’s proof that you’re growing. Angie explains that feeling like an outsider means you’re pushing yourself into new and challenging spaces where real learning happens. Stay Curious: Instead of letting doubt hold you back, use it as motivation to ask questions, explore, and expand your knowledge. Angie emphasizes that the most successful people aren’t the ones who "know it all" but those who remain inquisitive and open to growth. Seek Challenging Spaces: The moment you feel like the smartest person in the room, it’s time to move on. Angie encourages others to embrace environments that push them outside their comfort zones, because that’s where true transformation occurs. Embrace the Outsider Mindset: Rather than seeing self-doubt as a weakness, recognize it as a tool for problem-solving and innovation. Angie highlights that the best leaders and hires aren’t those who have all the answers—they’re the ones who are hungry to learn, work hard, and can see old problems with a new and fresh outside perspective. Thank you, Angie, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies! Get full show notes and more information here:
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100. When to Say Yes with Christie Wong Barrett, Former CEO and Owner of MacArthur
04/24/2025
100. When to Say Yes with Christie Wong Barrett, Former CEO and Owner of MacArthur
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christie Wong Barrett, former CEO and owner of MacArthur, a global manufacturer of innovative labels and functional components with operations in the U.S., China, Mexico, and Poland. Christie currently serves as an Independent Board Member for DMI Companies, a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and Co-Director of AmplifyD, a nonprofit incubating startups led by minority and women founders. She has also advised on national manufacturing policy through her appointment to the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. Christie shares her framework for evaluating opportunities—when to say yes and when to say no: Is it new? If it’s a fresh opportunity, consider saying yes. Are you passionate? Ensure it aligns with your interests, passions, and goals. Will it build your skillset? Growth potential makes an opportunity worthwhile. Can you realistically succeed? You should have at least one foundational strength—whether it’s knowledge of the industry, clients, or team—to set yourself up for success. Does it create multiple benefits? Look for opportunities that offer value beyond just work—advancing your career, expanding your network, or opening future doors. While it’s tempting to say yes to everything, Christie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. Ideally, we should only say yes when all these criteria align. Thank you, Christie, for your insightful advice! Get full show notes and more information here:
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99. Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation with Dr. Gail Christopher, Former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
04/10/2025
99. Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation with Dr. Gail Christopher, Former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
How can we build connection and compassionate communities? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Gail Christopher, the visionary behind the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework. Dr. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and a former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives like America Healing and TRHT. Recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Women Scholars in Health Promotion by the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2023, Dr. Christopher continues to inspire change worldwide. Dr. Christopher shares the powerful foundation of TRHT, designed to replace the false hierarchy of human value with a vision of our shared humanity. This framework has had a profound impact across the U.S. and beyond, with over 70 college campuses implementing TRHT campus centers. The Five Pillars of TRHT: Narrative Change: Redefining stories to reflect shared humanity. Racial Healing & Relationship Building: Fostering compassion across diversity to create authentic, human connections. Separation: Addressing the systemic ways society perpetuates division and hierarchy. Law: Reforming immigration policies, voting rights, and criminal justice systems to uphold equality. Economy: Transforming economic systems built on exploitation to prioritize equity. The Five-Step Process for Change: Create a Vision for Success: Imagine a future where equality and shared humanity replace hierarchy. Use Data to Assess Reality: Evaluate current conditions against the envisioned future. Engage Key Stakeholders: Identify and involve the individuals and communities necessary for progress. Set Goals: Establish clear, short- and long-term objectives to guide action. Sustain the Effort: Build systems for funding, communication, and volunteer support to ensure lasting impact. Dr. Christopher reminds us that this work is both a framework and a methodology—a guide for communities, institutions, and nations to advance racial healing and equity. Thank you, Dr. Christopher, for your leadership and for inspiring us to envision a future grounded in our shared humanity. Get full show notes and more information here:
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98. From Pivot to Tony-Winning Theater Leader with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center
03/27/2025
98. From Pivot to Tony-Winning Theater Leader with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center
Aspiring to lead in theater? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). Before this role, Khady served as Executive Director of Second Stage Theater, where she was part of the leadership team that won a Tony Award for Take Me Out. Khady shares her inspiring journey from Senegal to the U.S., where a night at the theater changed her life’s trajectory. Though her decision to pursue theater initially caused friction—her mother hung up when she called to share the news—Khady followed her passion and learned invaluable lessons along the way: Embrace the Pivot: Pursuing your passion can be uncertain, but taking the leap allows you to live without regrets. If needed, you can always pivot later. Embrace Failure: Facing the unknown, like navigating and leading theater during COVID, showed Khady that mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve. Know Your Values: When Khady discovered a report showing a lack of people of color leading regional theaters, she was motivated by her belief in representation and set her sights on becoming a leader in the industry. Thank you, Khady, for showing us the power of resilience and passion in leadership! Get full show notes and more information here:
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97. Navigating Tech Leadership: Entrepreneur to Boardroom with Sonita Lontoh, Technology Leader, Asian American Hall of Fame Inductee and Board Director
03/13/2025
97. Navigating Tech Leadership: Entrepreneur to Boardroom with Sonita Lontoh, Technology Leader, Asian American Hall of Fame Inductee and Board Director
How can you amplify your leadership in technology? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology. Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success. Sonita’s wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership. Get full show notes and more information here:
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96. 5 Keys to Build Self-Confidence with Sheena Yap Chan, Author and Podcast Host, Tao of Self-Confidence
02/27/2025
96. 5 Keys to Build Self-Confidence with Sheena Yap Chan, Author and Podcast Host, Tao of Self-Confidence
How can you amplify your leadership in technology? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology. Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success. Sonita’s wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership. Get full show notes and more information here:
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95. How to Take Risks and Make Career Leaps with Melissa Santoro, Former Vice President, De Beers
02/13/2025
95. How to Take Risks and Make Career Leaps with Melissa Santoro, Former Vice President, De Beers
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Melissa Santoro, Former Vice President of De Beers and Former Head of Finance at Macy’s Backstage. With a career spanning finance and strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, Melissa is now an angel investor and board member. Melissa shares powerful strategies for taking risks and making bold career moves: Be Curious: Explore new opportunities, even without prior experience. Melissa accepted a challenging and unpopular role conducting fine jewelry analysis—a field she had no prior experience in—and this opened doors for her to lead analysis on new ventures. Be Confident: Trust your skills and your ability to learn. Melissa explains how she embraces new challenges, knowing she can gain the knowledge she needs along the way. Build Community: Leverage your network for support. Melissa emphasizes the importance of asking for help and tapping into your community for guidance. Melissa will also be hosting a session on March 5 called “Cultivating A Growth Mindset in the Modern Workplace.” It caters to women in leadership, with a focus on building wealth, health, and longevity as women are living longer than ever—often until age 90. For more details, visit . Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies! Get full show notes and more information
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94. Connect to Culture, Spirit, and Homeland with Grace Nono, Filipino Singer and Scholar of Philippine Shamanism
01/30/2025
94. Connect to Culture, Spirit, and Homeland with Grace Nono, Filipino Singer and Scholar of Philippine Shamanism
Seeking a deeper connection to culture, spirit, and homeland? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Grace Nono—a celebrated Filipino singer, ethnomusicologist, and scholar of Philippine shamanism. Grace holds advanced degrees in Humanities, Philippine Studies, Religious and Gender Studies, and Ethnomusicology from institutions like Yale University and NYU. She has also served as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Divinity School. Grace shares how reconnecting to the land and indigenous Filipino cultural and spiritual practices has grounded her: Land Connection: Returning to her birthplace in Mindanao to reconnect with the earth. Spiritual Connection: Learning from living Babaylan about ancestral and land-based spirituality. Cultural Connection: Exploring music, arts, and traditional healing practices. Grace also offers two transformative opportunities: Online Webinar Series: Learn from master indigenous practitioners in martial arts, music, and healing. In-Person Immersion in the Philippines: Yuta: Co-Creating with Mother Earth is a 10-day program that includes cultural immersion, healing practices, and community building with Filipino and global participants. Thank you, Grace, for inspiring others to reconnect with their roots and heritage! Get full show notes and more information here:
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93. How Breast Cancer Changed My Leadership at Work and in Life with Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health
01/16/2025
93. How Breast Cancer Changed My Leadership at Work and in Life with Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health
Is it possible for life-or-death news to bring hope? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health. With a long career in public health, Johanne has been guided by her commitment to equity, social justice, and trauma-informed care. At age 42, Johanne was diagnosed with breast cancer while transitioning into a major role she had worked tirelessly to achieve. Faced with the dilemma of prioritizing her health or career, she chose to reframe the question: How can I focus on both? Now celebrating ten years of being cancer-free, Johanne shares how her experience transformed her leadership at work and in life: Focus on community: Johanne leaned on her strong community of family, friends, and faith, deepening those connections throughout her journey. Clarity on her legacy: Cancer clarified Johanne's desire to leave a meaningful impact, especially around equity. She became bolder, speaking out on hard truths about inequities while balancing this with levity. She also felt empowered to take calculated risks, asking herself, “If X happens, can I stand by it?” Bringing hope: Battling cancer taught Johanne the importance of hope—not just for herself but also at work. As she navigated difficult conversations, she realized balancing hard facts with hope and humor was essential to prevent despair. Even during COVID, she highlighted positive aspects, like the flexibility of remote work. Seeing life as temporary: Johanne embraced the idea that life’s moments—whether joyful or challenging—are temporary. This perspective allowed her to choose how she spent her time and aligned her actions with her values. Embracing authenticity: Cancer helped Johanne lean into her true self, becoming more confident and unapologetic in her leadership. Thank you, Johanne, for sharing your inspiring story and bringing hope to all of us. Get full show notes and more information here:
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92. How to Get a Corporate Boardroom Seat with Christine Crawford, Former McDonald’s Franchisee Owner
12/12/2024
92. How to Get a Corporate Boardroom Seat with Christine Crawford, Former McDonald’s Franchisee Owner
What does it take to secure a corporate board seat? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christine Crawford, Former McDonald’s Franchisee Owner. Christine shares her journey to serving on multiple boards, including Avid Pursuits, which includes a digital marketing agency (Cyberwoven), and Illumyn by Him For Her, dedicated to enhancing the impact of private company boards through cohort-driven learning. Christine and I discuss why diversity in boardrooms matter and how to get a seat in the boardroom. Know Why Diversity Matters: Diverse board members bring different experiences to the table, enhancing innovation and preventing blind spots in decision-making. Communicate Your Intentions: Aspiring board members, especially women and people of color, need to vocalize their interest in board roles with their network. Articulate Your Value: Be prepared to share your diverse experiences succinctly and effectively, focusing on the common threads that demonstrate your value to a board. Be Patient in Your Journey: Recognize that board placements take time. View your path as a continuous journey rather than a race. Embrace Continuous Learning: Start with smaller board roles to gain experience and insights that can lead to larger opportunities. Thank you, Christine, for sharing your valuable insights on board diversity and leadership development. Your journey inspires others to pursue their ambitions and advocate for representation in corporate governance. Also, if you know of corporate board opportunities in education, technology, or HR that could use a leader with strategic, talent, and marketing experience, please let me know. I would love to be of service. #BoardDiversity #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #WomenOfColorRise #CorporateGovernance Get full show notes and more information here:
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91. See Your Identity as a Superpower with Shirley Collado, President and CEO of College Track
11/28/2024
91. See Your Identity as a Superpower with Shirley Collado, President and CEO of College Track
How can your identity become one of your greatest leadership strengths? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Shirley Collado, President and CEO of College Track. Previously, Shirley served as president of Ithaca College, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer at Rutgers University-Newark, and executive vice president of The Posse Foundation. Shirley and I discuss how women of color can embrace their identity as a superpower and lead authentically in spaces that may not always expect them to. Define Your Narrative Shirley drew strength from her upbringing as a first-generation college graduate and daughter of Dominican immigrants to define herself as smart, capable, caring, and worthy of leadership. Show Up in Fullness As a Dominican-American woman leading in higher education, Shirley defied expectations. She reminds us to embrace our identity fully, even in spaces where others may not expect it, and to use our voice to challenge stereotypes. Model Possibility for Others Representation matters. Shirley's trailblazing career as the first Dominican-American president of a U.S. four-year college shows younger generations that leadership can come in diverse forms. Embrace the Strength in Differences Shirley highlights the unique strengths that come from being different, such as adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving, which first-gen students often possess.. Turn Perceived Deficits into Strengths What makes you different is what makes you strong. Shirley encourages reframing perceived disadvantages, like navigating multiple worlds, into assets that make you a more effective and resilient leader. Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your incredible story with us and showing how embracing your full identity can empower you and others to thrive. #WomenLeaders #WomenOfColorRise #IdentityLeadership #CollegeTrack Get full show notes and more information here:
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90. Find a Sponsor Who Will Accelerate and Not Block Your Career with Deb Grant, Former President of The GE Foundation and Chief of Diversity
11/14/2024
90. Find a Sponsor Who Will Accelerate and Not Block Your Career with Deb Grant, Former President of The GE Foundation and Chief of Diversity
What makes a great sponsor? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Deb Grant, Former President of The GE Foundation, Chief of Diversity, and GE’s first Black female corporate officer. Currently, Deb serves as an Independent Director for Edelman and is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Playbook, a business consulting firm. She also leads Dining With Deb, a unique dining experience that brings professional women together to bridge racial, religious, and political divides through meaningful conversation. Deb shares how sponsors played a pivotal role in accelerating her career—and how, at one point, her own sponsor nearly blocked her progress. Here are her insights on what makes a great sponsor: Find a sponsor committed to DEI Deb’s sponsor was a senior White male executive leader who prioritized diversity in his leadership team. After receiving feedback on the need for more diversity, he sought out Deb, recognizing her potential, and invited her to work directly under him. Ensure your sponsor gives you feedback Her sponsor helped her grow by meeting with her weekly and providing valuable feedback. He took the extra step of gathering insights from her colleagues, peers, and direct reports to give a well-rounded perspective on her strengths and areas for growth. A good sponsor opens up opportunities Her sponsor entrusted her with high-profile projects and introduced her to senior executives, helping her expand her network and gain visibility with influential leaders. A good sponsor sets you up for promotion He was deliberate in advocating for her promotion, socializing her candidacy with decision-makers and addressing any concerns in advance. Beware of unconscious bias that may block your career When Deb’s promotion was under discussion, her sponsor—despite his support—remarked, “Deb is great, but she needs one more thing to develop.” An African American leader in the room intervened, pointing out that her sponsor was holding her to a higher standard than others. Thankfully, Deb received her well-deserved promotion after this realization. Thank you, Deb, for sharing your powerful story with us and highlighting how intentional sponsorship can make a difference in accelerating careers. #WomenLeaders #WomenOfColorRise #Sponsors #GEFoundation Get full show notes and more information here:
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89. Build a Seven Figure Business with Shawna Wells, Founder and CEO of 7Gen Legacy Group
10/31/2024
89. Build a Seven Figure Business with Shawna Wells, Founder and CEO of 7Gen Legacy Group
In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Shawna Wells, Founder and CEO of 7Gen Legacy Group. Shawna helps Black Americans plan their legacy and establish intergenerational health and wealth. Shawna shares her journey to clarifying her own legacy and how she built her business. Here are steps she took to create a business aligned with her vision of legacy and abundance: Healing Practices to See Yourself as a Business Owner Shawna shares how it took significant healing to embrace her identity as a business owner. She developed daily rituals of space and writing, and shared her thoughts with her community for feedback and support. Shawna also reflected on her childhood, understanding that our relationship with money forms between ages 0-5, and how this shaped her initial resistance to anything to do with money. Create Your Legacy and View Your Business as a Way to Fund Your Dreams Shawna became clear that her legacy for the next generation involved creating change—investing in her family, community, and projects like the Highland Project. By researching the costs of her legacy, she realized that she needed to run a seven-figure business to fund that dream. The question shifted from “How much do I need to get by?” to “How much do I need to change the world and redistribute wealth to those I care about most?” Align Your Skills with Your Business Once you know the life you want and the impact you want to make, the next step is figuring out how your skills can connect to that vision. Understand the value of your work and create a pricing structure that supports your goals. Build a Supportive Community Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your journey. Consider your preferred connection style—whether through regular Zoom check-ins or in-person meetings—and find a community that feels authentic to you. This could be a mastermind group, conferences, or specific connections with people who are focused on building seven-figure businesses. Thank you, Shawna, for generously sharing your journey and advice on building a business rooted in legacy and abundance. She is a wonderful example of how business can also be soul work. #LegacyBuilding #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration Get full show notes and more information here:
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88. Running for Change: A Woman of Color’s NYC Mayoral Bid with Dianne Morales, Founder of StillRising
10/17/2024
88. Running for Change: A Woman of Color’s NYC Mayoral Bid with Dianne Morales, Founder of StillRising
What can we learn from the incredible journeys of women of color running for major leadership roles? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I had the honor of speaking with Dianne Morales, Founder of StillRising, who is dedicated to helping organizations drive real impact for marginalized communities. Named a "Latina of Influence” by Hispanic Lifestyle, Dianne brings over 20 years of leadership in education, social justice, and equity—and was formerly CEO of Phipps Neighborhood. Dianne shared her powerful experience running for NYC Mayor in 2021 and the key lessons she learned: Representation matters: Though initially hesitant to run, Dianne knew that having someone from her community in a seat of power was critical. Claim your power: You don’t have to wait to be chosen. We can decide to step up and go for those top roles ourselves. Political power is key to real change: If we want to shift systems and advance equity and justice, gaining political power is part of the journey. Use the system while challenging it: There's a tension in working within existing structures while also trying to transform them. Speak your truth: Dianne wishes she had been more vocal during the campaign when her identity was under attack. She now recognizes the importance of standing firm in who you are. Thank you, Dianne, for sharing your story and for your courage in standing up for your community. Your journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to step out, speak up, and lead with purpose. #Leadership #Equity #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration Get full show notes and more information here:
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87. What to Do When Someone Blocks Your Path to Leadership with Maya Bugg Faison, CEO of Bugg Consulting
10/03/2024
87. What to Do When Someone Blocks Your Path to Leadership with Maya Bugg Faison, CEO of Bugg Consulting
How do you handle someone with power blocking your path to leadership? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Maya Bugg Faison, Founder and CEO of the Bugg Consulting Group and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at Vanderbilt. Previously, Maya served as CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center and State Executive Director at Education Pioneers. Maya shares her journey to becoming CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center, a path filled with obstacles. Despite receiving positive feedback from her interviewers, she faced resistance from powerful board members who preferred a different candidate (a White male). They added additional interview rounds and hurdles to deter her. However, Maya emerged victorious and became CEO. Here’s how she did it: Speak Your Truth: Maya grew up with supportive parents who encouraged her to name injustice. She directly told the board that the process was disrespecting her as a leader, reminded them they had encouraged her to apply, and made it clear she had other opportunities. Seek Other Opportunities: Maya didn’t put all her eggs in one basket. She ensured she had other options, including her current role and other job applications. Build Champions: Maya was intentional about building relationships. When she moved to Tennessee, she started with one connection, asking to be introduced to three more people, and so on. She tracked and cultivated these relationships, and some of these people later advocated for her as CEO. Maya led the TN Charter Center for 9 years, making a significant impact on schools, students, and families in Tennessee. Thank you, Maya, for your leadership and for modeling how we can bring equity to ourselves, our students, and our communities. #Leadership #Equity #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration Get full show notes and more information here:
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86. Restore Your Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit with Laura Saldivar Luna, CEO of Pinata Possible
09/19/2024
86. Restore Your Body, Mind, Heart, and Spirit with Laura Saldivar Luna, CEO of Pinata Possible
How integrated are you with your body, mind, heart, and spirit? For this Women of Color Rise podcast, I speak with Laura Saldivar Luna, CEO of Pinata Possible, a transformational coaching practice committed to helping leaders access powerful breakthroughs to unprecedented possibility, well-being, and social good. Laura shares how as she transitioned from being Chief People Officer at Teach for America, she needed to restore her wholeness before determining her next career chapter. Laura shares advice about how to reconnect our body, mind, heart, and spirit: Embrace space - Laura went from back to back meetings to an open calendar. While this was unchartered territory for her, Laura embraced not having a plan and having space to explore. Be in your body - Laura found that reconnecting with her body meant moving her body. She found a dance class where she was surrounded by retired women who were fully expressing themselves individually while celebrating the collective. Work with a coach - Laura worked with an executive coach to help her get clear on her goals for her health, wealth, self-expression, and love. These goals were based on how she wanted to feel during the experience of accomplishing her goals. For example, in her marriage, she wanted it to feel light and easy. So instead of saying things to be right, she would pause and ask, “Do I want to be right or do I want to be in love?” Focus on the cracks - Laura looked at where in her life she wanted something different and pinpointed her marriage, motherhood, and health. She took responsibility for how she was showing up. Laura is a wonderful model about how we can integrate all parts of ourselves to show up as the partner, friend, leader, and human we want to be. Get full show notes and more information here:
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85. How to Network as an Introverted Extrovert with Dominique Jones, Executive Director of Global Kids
09/05/2024
85. How to Network as an Introverted Extrovert with Dominique Jones, Executive Director of Global Kids
Are you an introverted extrovert? For this Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dominique Jones, CEO of Global Kids, a national organization educating, inspiring and activating youth to respond to global issues. Prior to this, Dominique held roles as the Executive Director of the Harlem Girls and Boys Club of New York and senior roles at the Food Bank of New York City and NYC Administration for Children’s Services. A self-proclaimed introverted extrovert, Dominique shares that she used to think she needed to be someone else when she networked. Now she realizes that the key to networking is to be herself. Dominique shares tips to build genuine and authentic connections: 1) Acknowledge challenges - For women of color, we are taught that we need to be someone else when networking. We face unique challenges as sometimes one of the few or only in a room of people who do not look like us. At the same time, we have probably developed a unique skill of being multilingual, with the ability to speak to different people (people who don’t look like us or share experiences with us). We can use this skill to our advantage when networking. 2) Be intentional - Know what you need and who you need to connect with. Before an event, map out the specific people you want to network with. 3) Be present and curious - Be ready to meet them where they are and ask and learn about their experiences. Find things you have in common, including interests and experiences. You can even disarm them with a compliment; Dominique says complimenting them on their clothes works on both men and women. The key is to be genuine. 4) Think about the interaction not as a one-time event and find ways to be helpful - This is probably not the last time you’ll meet. Dominique tends to ask, “How can I be of service to you?” This opens up discussions where you can validate them, offer suggestions, and share resources (including introductions or opportunities). 5) Be yourself and find ways to keep yourself energized - For Dominique, she’ll wear bright colors to lift her mood. She’ll also identify people she already knows who are attending an event so she can have something to look forward to. Get full show notes and more information here:
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84. How to Conquer Imposter Syndrome with Zee Clarke, Author of Black People Breathe
08/22/2024
84. How to Conquer Imposter Syndrome with Zee Clarke, Author of Black People Breathe
How do you conquer feelings of self-doubt? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with , a breathwork and resilience expert and the author of . Trained in India, she is a Harvard MBA that went from leading teams at Fortune 500 companies to teaching powerful tools to improve our mental health and well-being in the workplace. Zee shares a practical exercise called WEBAV to boost your confidence and conquer imposter syndrome when you experience self-doubt. W = Welcome. The first step is to pause and welcome the voice of self-doubt. Rather than squash it, allow the voice to be there and listen to what the voice is saying. E = Evidence gathering. Make a list that supports what your voice is saying, and make a list of evidence that disproves it. For Zee, she once had a job where each morning, she worried that she would get fired. She then made a list of evidence that supported this thought and another list that disproved it. Most of the time, the list that disproves it will be much longer because it’s all in our head. B = Breathwork. When we are in our heads, we tend to go into fight or flight mode. Breathing can calm your anxiety and also boost your confidence and help you use your voice. A = Affirmations. Affirmations are most effective when you use your name and say it in the present tense. So instead of, ‘I will be amazing,” I should say, “Analiza is amazing.” The more frequently we practice affirmations, the more we can rewire our neural pathways. V = Visualization. Olympic athletes practice visualization because research shows that visualization and actually doing the action stimulates the same regions in the brain. This is true whether it's work or outside of work. When we visualize, then that action becomes real for us in our subconscious, which then becomes real in our conscious mind when we actually do the thing. Get full show notes and more information here:
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83. Be a Systems Changemaker with Inside Power with Mildred Otero, President of Leadership for Educational Equity
08/08/2024
83. Be a Systems Changemaker with Inside Power with Mildred Otero, President of Leadership for Educational Equity
Do you want a pathway to build a more equitable world? For this Women of Color Rise Power, I talk with Mildred Otero, President of LEE (Leadership for Educational Equity), where she is creating pathways for leaders to engage civically within their communities to end the injustice of inequity. This includes building leaders with inside power (policy leaders, elected leaders) and outside power (advocates and organizers in communities). When we have diverse leaders with inside and outside power, we start to see long lasting change for communities, Mildred shares skills to developing our inside power to create change: Spot where there are problems and find solutions - Notice when something doesn’t feel right and how we can problem solve and make things better by working and bringing along others. For Mildred, she saw at an early age how hard it was for her hardworking family to get basic services, so she found a way later in life to find solutions and bring others (in politics and other changemakers along). See the gray - Most people tend to see the world in black and white. When we can see the gray, we are able to be open and curious to different perspectives and empathize with others. Have self-awareness and humility- See yourself as a growing person who does not know everything and can learn lessons from others. Being a woman or person of color at the table is a doorway to change - When we bring our unique identities and experiences to the table, know that the conversations and decisions change. Connect to people as humans - When we connect to each other as humans and the childhood experiences that have shaped us, we can get to the root of where our beliefs were formed. We open up shared understanding and the possibility of changing our beliefs. Get full show notes and more information here:
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82. How to Take Smart Risks with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething
07/25/2024
82. How to Take Smart Risks with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething
How can we take smart risks? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething, a national hub for youth activism that focuses on fueling young people to change the world. We discuss the importance of taking risks, especially given the political turbulence we are facing. DeNora shares advice about how to take risks: Find strength in your personal mission - Pinpoint what you are willing to risk for. For DeNora, she is committed to fighting for our democracy and lifting up marginalized voices. Her mission fuels her to take risks. In our society today, it’s not enough to be transactional where we are liking an online post. This is different that the civil rights movement where people risked jail and pain and even death. Lean on your support system - For DeNora, her mother provided her a lot of strength since she was young and during tough times such as when she was a pregnant teen. To this day, DeNora knows she can’t do it alone and leans on her community for support. Take the work in sprints - Rather than falling for the myth that we need to give 110% all the time to all things and all people, focus on a specific measurable goal that is time-bound. That way, there is a clear light at the end of the tunnel to help motivate you and sustain you. And don’t forget to take a victory lap after a spring to celebrate! Get full show notes and more information here:
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81.Why Intersectionality Matters for Leadership with Dominica McBride, Founder of BECOME
07/12/2024
81.Why Intersectionality Matters for Leadership with Dominica McBride, Founder of BECOME
Why does intersectionality matters for leadership? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Dr. Dominica McBride, Founder of BECOME. Dominica founded BECOME from a belief that communities should be at the center of creating the reality they want and need and that culturally responsive evaluation can be a tool for social justice and thriving communities. Dominica is also the author of . She highlights healing, relationships, owning our power, and intersectionality to help women of color recognize their own unique potential and power to lead, grow their self-efficacy, and spark transformation. Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw provided the definition of intersectionality: "Intersectionality is a metaphor for understanding the ways that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage sometimes compound themselves and create obstacles that often are not understood among conventional ways of thinking." Dominica and I dive into intersectionality and how it can help us own all parts of ourselves and leverage them for leadership: Recognize differences - Depending on our identity (such as gender, race, class, and age), our experiences differ. A Black middle-aged woman and a White gay male will experience the same situation differently. Know thyself - We already have the solutions and strengths within ourselves. We can draw from our culture, for example Dominica with her Haitian background and Analiza from her Filipino background. Shape who we want to be - Society teaches us values and ways of being that we don’t have to buy into. We can choose who we want to be. For example, society stresses individualism, that women need to be superheroes who do it all by ourselves. However, we can choose to let go of the superhero cape, not do everything, and ask from help from our community. We can also affirm who we are with these daily practices: Affirmations - Tell yourself positive affirmations such as, I’m worthy, beautiful, and strong. Look at yourself - Spend two minutes each day to look in the mirror and see yourself and develop a relationship with yourself. Journal - We are taught that knowledge can only be acquired from outside of ourselves, but actually, the answers are already within. Ask a question and allow yourself to write out the answer. Get full show notes and more information here:
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80. Introverted Leadership: Quiet Power with Erica Phillips, Executive Director, NAFCC
06/27/2024
80. Introverted Leadership: Quiet Power with Erica Phillips, Executive Director, NAFCC
How can introverted leaders lean into their quiet power? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Erica Phillips, Executive Director of the National Association for Family Child Care, a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality child care by strengthening the profession of home-based early learning programs. As a self-described introvert, Erica shares tips on how to lead as an introvert. 1) Practice self-care. Before a big presentation, Erica spends time by herself. She also meditates and takes walks. 2) Find ways to connect extroverted work to where you thrive as an introvert. For Erica, she loves conversations and building relationships. For extroverted work like presentations, Erica will connect with a few members of the audience beforehand and bring those conversations into her presentation. She’ll also structure her presentation like a conversation and bring in input from the audience. 3) Bring other voices to the table. Erica is an inclusive leader who deliberately includes others in her presentations to share their stories and perspectives. 4) Choose opportunities thoughtfully. Erica is happy to meet with audiences that may have different views, but she is thoughtful to ensure that there is some alignment in values. For example, Erica presented to the Reagan Institute where they were able to find alignment in their shared goal of supporting small businesses. 5) Know that silence may not be the answer. Audre Lorde said, “Your silent won’t protect you.” Erica realized that even though she might be uncomfortable speaking, she would be even more uncomfortable not speaking. Get full show notes and more information here:
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79. How to Navigate Assimilation vs Authenticity with Heather Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future
06/13/2024
79. How to Navigate Assimilation vs Authenticity with Heather Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future
For people of color, how do you navigate assimilation and authenticity? For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Heather Wise Turtle Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future, a timebound, nonpartisan campaign to defend and promote K12 public education from political attacks. Prior to this, Heather was Executive Director of EdCORE and had senior roles at the Gates Foundation and Schusterman Foundation. Heather shares how her identity and roots growing up poor with a single mom helped shape her career to be a servant leader. She discovered the myth of meritocracy when she was the only student from her elementary school who was bussed to a gifted school. Heather credits her teachers to shaping her big dreams of having an impact on social justice. After graduating from Northwestern University, she became a teacher with Teach for America, then took on leadership roles in education, philanthropy, and politics. We may sometimes be the “Only” (woman, person of color, etc.) in a room, and Heather shares the importance of how we choose to navigate assimilation and authenticity. Heather and I discuss. Choose how to see yourself. When Heather was in a room where she was the “Only,” she chose her role to be an ambassador to bridge to people who were different than her. Heather has been in many roles over her career where she’s the bridge. Her hope, “If I’m a good ambassador, then people will understand that others like me belong here, too.” Make sure that the role you choose is not a burden. Heather shares that with her personality, she was able to carry that ambassador role and didn’t let it break her. It felt like an honor, not a burden. Exit if needed. If you are facing a toxic culture or it’s uncomfortable, protect your exit and make the explicit decision to exit. For Heather, when she got feedback from an organizational leader that she should “stay in her place,” she made the decision that she would exit after getting the experience she needed from the job. Get full show notes and more information here:
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78. Friend or Foe: The Art of Developing Relationships with Kathy Waller, Former Chief Financial Officer for The Coca-Cola Company
05/30/2024
78. Friend or Foe: The Art of Developing Relationships with Kathy Waller, Former Chief Financial Officer for The Coca-Cola Company
For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Kathy Waller, Executive Director for the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP), which provides leadership on the key issues important to economic growth and inclusion for all citizens in Atlanta. Prior to this, Kathy was the Chief Financial Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. Kathy is also a Board member for Delta Airlines, CGI Group, and Beyond Meat. Kathy shares her roots growing up in an all-Black neighborhood in Atlanta and then later attending an almost all-White college at the University Rochester. She shares how one of the key skills that helped her in her career was how to develop relationships, especially with White people. Kathy shares advice on the art of relationships building: Meet people where they are. Kathy shares how sometimes people had preconceived notions of Black people. She saw this as an opportunity for them to get to know her personally and show who Black people really. Understand people to determine if they are a friend or foe. Kathy advises us to observe how the person interacts with people they don’t know and how you can tell a lot about their bias and values. Are they a friend or foe? Can you turn a foe into a friend? Develop relationships by being vulnerable. While it may be uncomfortable to let your walls down, real relationships are based on sharing who you are, which opens the door for them to share as well. Don’t take it personally. If your attempts to convert them from foe to friend through a personal relationship doesn’t work, it’s not about you. They need to go on their own journey to overcome racism. Get full show notes and more information here:
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77. Why Getting Sponsored by White Leaders Matters with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success
05/16/2024
77. Why Getting Sponsored by White Leaders Matters with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success
Who is your sponsor? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success, a New York City non-profit with the mission of empowering young people to take control of their future through after-school and summer programs. Sheila and I discuss how key to both of our careers was having sponsors, particularly White sponsors. Unlike a mentor who shares guidance, a sponsor actively promotes growth and provides access to opportunities and advocates for career advancement. In the non-profit world, most leadership, fundraising, and decision makers are White, despite often serving Black and Brown communities. For Sheila and me, our White sponsors prepared us and advocated for us with decision makers to get the CEO seat. Sheila and I share advice for how to find a White sponsor. 1. Know there are White leaders who understand why having leaders of color matters and are eager to sponsor leaders of color. In Sheila’s case, her CEO believed that leadership needs to reflect the community they serve. Look for these White leaders at your organization or at DEI conferences or ask your network for leads. 2. Build a relationship. Build a genuine relationship and establish a connection. Set up time to meet where you can ask for advice and also offer support. Remember that a relationship is a two-way street. 3. Ask for what you need. As you build the relationship, you can then ask for help, perhaps an introduction to someone in their network or feedback on how you navigated a leadership situation. You can also ask if they would be willing to sponsor you as you seek career advancement. 4. Stay true to yourself. Sheila has a saying, “Code switch, not soul switch.” Make sure to stay true to your values and your authenticity. As you get advice and learn how to maneuver in different rooms, stay clear on who you are. Get full show notes and more information here:
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