Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, host Simma Lieberman welcomes Verna Williams, CEO of Equal Justice Works, former law professor, and former dean, for a powerful conversation about race, justice, and access to legal representation in America.

Verna explains why race remains a necessary topic—not to assign personal blame, but to understand how systems shaped by slavery and segregation continue to influence opportunity and social hierarchy today.

She reflects on growing up in the Washington, DC and Maryland area, attending both predominantly white and predominantly Black schools. Those experiences sharpened her awareness of being "different" and highlighted how segregated many of our lives still are. Even today, she encounters moments when someone tells her she is the first Black person they've had a meaningful conversation with—evidence of how separation persists.

As CEO of Equal Justice Works—the nation's largest postgraduate public-interest legal fellowship program—Verna works to address a staggering reality: 92% of low-income people's civil legal needs go unmet. She explains how civil legal problems such as eviction, wage garnishment, loss of benefits, and family instability create economic insecurity and can even lead to involvement in the criminal legal system. Unlike criminal cases, there is no guaranteed right to counsel in high-stakes civil matters, leaving millions to navigate life-altering situations alone.

Verna describes how Equal Justice Works partners with law firms, corporations, and foundations to fund fellowships that send lawyers into underserved communities. She highlights the organization's Disaster Resilience Program, created after Hurricane Katrina, which helps communities navigate FEMA claims, insurance issues, document replacement, and preparedness planning.

She also shares her personal journey—from broadcast journalism to law—motivated by fairness and shaped by the civil rights and women's rights movements. Her career has included work on voting rights, women's rights, veterans' benefits, and debt collection reform. She also argued—and won—a 5–4 U.S. Supreme Court case establishing that schools must address known student-on-student sexual harassment under Title IX.

The conversation explores immigration representation, reports of ICE detentions at court hearings, and practical ways non-lawyers can help—through translation, court accompaniment, and local volunteer efforts. Verna encourages listeners to stay informed through reputable sources, vote, and engage locally in school boards and city councils.

She also shares personal reflections on music and film—and clarifies her role as Michelle Obama's oral historian during the early White House years, after the two were law school classmates.

This episode connects race, law, and economic justice—and offers clear examples of how everyday engagement can strengthen democracy.

Time Stamps
00:00 Welcome to Race Convo: Why These Conversations Matter
00:58 Meet Verna Williams + The Big Question: Do We Still Need to Talk About Race?
02:16 Race as a Social Hierarchy: How History Still Shapes Today
03:54 Growing Up Integrated: Verna's Schools, Identity, and Feeling 'Different'
05:15 Segregation in Real Life: 'First Black Person I've Talked To' + Why the Podcast Exists
08:04 What Equal Justice Works Does: Closing the Civil Legal Help Gap
09:52 Why Verna Chose Justice Work: Early Racism, Fairness, and Civil Rights Roots
12:29 Civil vs. Criminal: The Hidden Crisis of No Right to Counsel
17:50 How Equal Justice Works Operates: Fellowships, Funding, and Disaster Resilience
21:00 Verna's Career Path + Arguing a Landmark Title IX Case at the Supreme Court
25:42 Keeping Progress Moving Forward: Training the Next Generation of Public Interest Leaders
26:30 Making Public Interest Careers Possible: Loan Forgiveness & Funding Support
27:31 Why This Work Matters: Building Leaders Through Equal Justice Works
28:46 Training for Empathy: Community-Led Lawyering & Fellow Learning Networks
30:16 Immigrant Justice on the Front Lines: Asylum, ICE at Court & Finding Hope
32:28 How Non-Lawyers Can Help: Volunteering, Translating & Getting Involved
34:11 Where to Plug In: EJW, Legal Services Corp & Other Advocacy Orgs
37:11 Staying Hopeful: History, Collective Action & Cross-Political Coalitions
43:51 Michelle Obama Connection: Serving as Her Oral Historian
45:26 Rapid-Fire Fun: Playlists, Oscar Movies & What to Watch Next
47:43 Final Call to Action: Get Informed, Vote Local & Show Up

Guest Bio

Verna L. Williams (she/her) is the CEO of Equal Justice Works. In her role as CEO, Verna has continued to advance the mission of Equal Justice Works to create opportunities for leaders to transform their passion for equal justice into a lifelong commitment to public service.

Verna brings with her an extensive background of experience teaching and practicing law, as well as researching civil and women's rights. Verna previously served as the dean of the University of Cincinnati College of Law, where she was a professor prior to becoming dean, and taught courses on family law, gender discrimination, and constitutional law. Additionally, she founded and co-directed the Judge Nathaniel Jones Center for Race, Gender, and Social Justice at the University of Cincinnati.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Can Women of Color and White Women Be Friends? What Was DEI Actually Meant to Do—and Why Did It Go Off Track? Curiosity, Not Cancellation: Real Talk with Dr. Julie Pham Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

From Fear to Friendship: The 30-Year Journey of an Interracial Women's Circle

What does it really take for women across race, identity, and experience to move from awkward conversations to real friendship?

In this episode, I talk with two people I deeply respect—Julie O'Mara and Dr. Sid Reel—about a women's circle I'm part of  that's been meeting for nearly 30 years. What started as a conference breakout session turned into something far more rare: a space where white women and women of color stayed in relationship through grief, anger, mistakes, growth, and joy.

We talk about confidentiality and why it matters. About staying at the table when things get uncomfortable. About what happens when people don't feel alone anymore. And about the difference between talking about race and actually knowing people whose lives are shaped by it.

This isn't theory. It's lived experience. And it's a reminder that real connection doesn't come from slogans or training slides—it comes from time, trust, and being willing to keep showing up.

We share raw, transformative experiences that took us from initial fear and distrust to deep, meaningful friendships. The episode explores the group's origins, the critical role of confidentiality, and the hard truths they've confronted about race, privilege, and solidarity. You'll learn the challenges and rewards of having tough conversations about race and how these led to profound support and solidarity during life's toughest moments.

 
Timestamps & Key Segments:

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:10 Meet the Guests: Julie O'Mara and Dr. Sid Real

04:45 The Women's Circle: Origins and Purpose

12:38 Confidentiality and Trust Building

20:02 Personal Stories and Experiences

27:54 Challenges and Learnings in DEI

35:50 Standing Up and Women's Circle Support

36:57 Building Comfort and Social Connections

38:26 Shared Experiences and Mutual Support

41:33 Assumptions and Learning Moments

54:00 Starting and Sustaining a Circle

01:01:12 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Guest Bio:
Julie O'Mara is coauthor of the free Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB):
Standards for Organizations Around the world along with Alan Richter, PhD, and Nene Molefi. It is available in English, French and Spanish and it and several free User Tools and other resources may be downloaded for free at www.GlobalDEIBenchmarks.org

Dr. Sidalia (Sid) Reel recently retired as Director of Staff Diversity Initiatives in Berkeley's Equity & Inclusion Division. Charged with implementing programs and policies to foster an inclusive and welcoming work environment, she co-founded the Next Opportunity at Work Conference; managed the campus-wide Multicultural Education Program; and consulted with departments and teams on equity and inclusion topics. She is a recipient of both an individual and a team Chancellor's Outstanding Staff Award for these efforts. Prior to UC Berkeley, she spent over 20 years leading corporate global diversity and inclusion organizations. A Berkeley native, she earned an EdD at USC, an EdM at Harvard, and a BA in Sociology at Scripps.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

What Was DEI Actually Meant to Do—and Why Did It Go Off Track? Curiosity, Not Cancellation: Real Talk with Dr. Julie Pham Voices of Triumph: Stories of African Women Immigrants in America Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

A Conversation with Joe Santana; a DEI original

Would you agree that most conversations about DEI today sound loud, polarized, and disconnected from the work itself?

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, I talk with Joe Santana—advisor, author, and long-time DEI consultant—about where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion actually came from and how it was originally practiced inside organizations.

What really is DEI, (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)?

Joe and I have both spent decades doing this work. We've watched DEI evolve, get renamed, repackaged, misunderstood, and in some cases quietly dismantled. What often gets lost is that DEI didn't start as a political position. It started as a business conversation—about how organizations function, how people are evaluated, and how talent is either used or ignored.

What is the business case for DEI?  Why are people still talking about diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The early thinking behind DEI and why it mattered to organizational performance
How good intentions gave way to vague language and inconsistent practice
What happens when leaders avoid difference instead of learning how to work with it
Why "treating everyone the same" sounds fair but rarely works
How Employee and Business Resource Groups can either matter—or miss the point entirely

This is a grounded conversation between two practitioners reflecting on what we've learned, what we got wrong, and what still holds value—especially for leaders trying to make sense of the current moment.

You'll learn more about the challenges, and strategic importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in organizations. From the historical context provided by pioneers like Roosevelt Thomas to practical advice on optimizing business outcomes, Joe shares a wealth of knowledge on how DEI can drive both social good and financial success in companies. The episode also covers the vital role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and what organizations can do to leverage them effectively. You'll gain valuable insights on turning DEI initiatives into strategic business tools.

If you're looking for clarity instead of slogans, and experience instead of soundbites, you'll find it in this episode.

 

Guest Bio

Joseph (Joe) Santana is a business strategy coach and futurist specializing in developing CDOs, ERG/BRG leaders, and Executive Sponsors who drive measurable business impact. He is an author, keynote speaker, and member of the Forbes Business Council and the Fast Company Executive Board and a frequent contributor to articles in both organizations' magazines. His insights and ideas have been shared globally in interviews with media outlets such as ABC, PIX, Fox, Ticker News, and The Black List, a streaming business interview show. His two most recent books, "The New DEI and ERG Frontier" and "SuperCharge Your ERGs," are available on Amazon, offering invaluable guidance to those ready to embark on the journey toward 21st-century business-impacting success. As CEO of Joseph Santana, LLC, an Inc Verified company, he leads multiple brands focused on equipping CDOs and ERG/BRG Chairs in national and global enterprises with the skills and strategies needed to enhance organizational performance. Below is a graphic depiction of the brands owned by Joseph Santana, LLC.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Curiosity, Not Cancellation: Real Talk with Dr. Julie Pham Voices of Triumph: Stories of African Women Immigrants in America Black Health Matters: Community, Data, and the Journey to Wellness with Kwame Terra Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

What happens when curiosity replaces fear? In this powerful and honest conversation, Simma Lieberman and Dr. Julie Pham, author of "7 Forms of Respect: A Guide to Transforming Your Communication and Relationships at Work", explore how curiosity helps us talk about race, identity, and respect without shame or defensiveness. They remind us that inclusion begins with wonder—and that respect isn't fixed, it's alive.

Simma and Dr. Julie Pham dive into the idea of curiosity as a practice—a mindset we can bring to every interaction. They discuss how we each hold multiple identities, why respect feels different to everyone, and how the "rubber band rule" teaches self-awareness and boundaries. Together, they model how curiosity—not cancellation—creates space for growth, empathy, and laughter.

Dr. Pham shares her journey from running her family's Vietnamese newspaper in Seattle to becoming an expert on curiosity-based inclusion. Simma reflects on her experiences as a Bronx-raised Jewish woman building bridges across race and culture. Their exchange reminds listeners that real connection begins when we listen to understand, not to judge.

 

[00:10:00 — The Practice of Curiosity]
Julie describes curiosity as a practice, not a trait, requiring awareness and humility. They discuss how fear of being wrong blocks learning and how curiosity turns awkward moments into opportunities for respect.

[00:15:00 — Respect as Relationship, Not Rule]
They unpack how "respect" looks different across people and cultures. Julie introduces her framework from Seven Forms of Respect and shares how she helps organizations talk openly about what respect means to them.

[00:20:00 — Cultural Assumptions and Adaptation]
Simma and Julie discuss regional and cultural communication styles—New York directness vs. West Coast politeness—and how adapting behavior is a form of respect, not inauthenticity.

[00:25:00 — Curiosity vs. Cancel Culture]
Simma raises the issue of "you should know" attitudes in DEI work. Julie explains why she rejects cancel culture and instead promotes dialogue and forgiveness as pathways to inclusion.

[00:30:00 — The Rubber Band Rule]
Julie explains her Rubber Band Rule: we all stretch for others, but when we over-stretch, we snap. Respect, she says, is relative, contextual, and dynamic—it shifts with relationships, workplaces, and personal growth.

[00:35:00 — Learning from Difference]
Simma shares stories from her life and work about learning from cross-cultural friendships and experiences in holistic health. Both reflect on how curiosity helped them challenge stereotypes and assumptions.

[00:40:00 — Evolving Through Curiosity]
They discuss how curiosity helps us evolve—our identities, habits, and relationships are always changing. Julie highlights that curiosity is lifelong learning, not a one-time skill.

[00:45:00 — From Outrage to Understanding]
Julie and Simma emphasize moving beyond outrage to curiosity. They share stories about being misjudged and how asking questions transforms conflict into connection.

[00:48:00 — Closing Reflections: Self-Respect and Connection]
Julie closes with her final message: respect isn't fixed; it changes with context. Simma thanks her for the powerful conversation, reiterates the importance of curiosity, and invites listeners to stay engaged.

 

Guest Bio

Dr. Julie Pham is the founder of CuriosityBased, a leadership development organization that helps people build trust and collaboration through curiosity. She is the author of Seven Forms of Respect and a TEDx speaker whose work challenges how we define and show respect in our daily lives. Find her at CuriosityBased.com or on LinkedIn (@JuliePhamPhD).

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Website

  

Previous Episodes

Voices of Triumph: Stories of African Women Immigrants in America Black Health Matters: Community, Data, and the Journey to Wellness with Kwame Terra What Might Be: Friendship, Race, and Transforming Power Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Join Simma, the Inclusionist, as she hosts an illuminating conversation with Dr. Nneka and Dr. Angela, two Nigerian-born, U.S.-based doctors and authors. They discuss their empowering book, 'Voices of Triumph: Stories of African Women Immigrants in America,' which chronicles challenges and triumphs faced by African women immigrants. Delve into personal anecdotes of overcoming adversity, the significance of community, cultural impact, and the importance of recognizing self-worth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in bridging cultural divides and celebrating resilience.

 

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:09 Meet the Guests: Nigerian Doctors and Authors

02:08 The Journey of Writing 'Voices of Triumph'

03:10 Challenges and Triumphs of Immigrant Women

07:03 Navigating Workplace Politics and Racism

20:41 Microaggressions and Imposter Syndrome

26:35 Embracing Identity and Overcoming Adversity

28:52 The Power of Community

32:03 Embracing Technology and Overcoming Fear

37:33 Cultural Impact and Responsibilities

47:05 Balancing Cultural Expectations and Self-Care

50:39 Empowerment and Resilience

53:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

 

Guest Bio:
Dr. Angela Ikeme holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of San Francisco in Executive Leadership, a Master's in Nursing Education Degree from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree from the University of Phoenix. She is a Nurse Executive Board Certified. She holds a California Registered Nurse Licence, has spent over 30 years in clinical and administrative nursing, and is a professor at the University of San Francisco, California. She has spent most of her career advocating for high-quality education for nurses and ensuring that nurses provide evidence-based, high-quality, and safe patient care. She is a compassionate, passionate, transformational leader, an advocate for equity and social justice, a mentor, and an entrepreneur. Dr. Angela is an enthusiastic and authentic leader with a strong passion for respect for others. She is committed to building community through partnership and collaboration, hence her love and commitment to providing high-quality nursing education to students at Merit College of Nursing Sciences Orlu, Imo State, Nigeria, where she is a co-founder and the Executive Provost of the school.

Dr. Nneka Chukwu holds a Doctoral Degree in Nursing with an emphasis in Healthcare Systems Leadership, a Master's degree in Business Administration, a certification as an Advanced Nurse Executive, and a certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including Maternal Child Health, Critical Care, Leadership, Academia, and Quality/Risk Management. Dr. Nneka is currently the Director of Women and Children's Services and an Adjunct Faculty in the University of San Francisco Graduate Nursing Program. She is a published author, a mentor, a motivational speaker at the local and international level, and a seasoned leader who is well-versed in developing programs, leading projects, and team building.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
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Previous Episodes

Black Health Matters: Community, Data, and the Journey to Wellness with Kwame Terra What Might Be: Friendship, Race, and Transforming Power Global DEI: Apartheid to Equity Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

How do we close the health gap in Black communities? In this episode, Simma Lieberman ("The Inclusionist") talks with bEHR Health founder Kwame Terra about the urgent need for health equity, the power of community, and the real stories behind the statistics. From breaking world records to building a movement, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and empower you.

Timestamps & Key Segments:
00:00 – Introduction: Why Black Health Matters
02:15 – Meet Kwame Terra: From Runner to Health Equity Leader
07:30 – The Shocking Truth About Health Disparities
15:00 – bEHR Health: Using Data and Community to Drive Change
22:45 – Real Stories: Walking Clubs, World Records, and Transformation
31:10 – Food, Motivation, and Changing Habits
38:00 – The Power of Community Support
45:20 – How You Can Get Involved and Make a Difference
50:00 – Closing Thoughts: Hope, Action, and the Future of Black Health

Why Listen?

●     Learn what's really behind the life expectancy gap—and what you can do about it.

●     Hear how bEHR Health is helping people walk off medication and reclaim their lives.

●     Get practical tips for building healthy habits and finding support.

●     Be part of a movement that's changing the narrative on Black health.

Guest Bio:
Kwame Terra is the founder and CEO of bEHR Health, a platform dedicated to closing the health gap in Black communities through technology, education, and collective action. A former collegiate runner and passionate advocate for health equity, Kwame is on a mission to help everyone live longer, healthier lives.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Website

  

Previous Episodes

Global DEI: Apartheid to Equity Navigating Race, Mental Health and Well-being in Corporate America How Racist Competency Checks Prevent Merit-Based Hiring Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

How Two Legal Changemakers Are Redefining Leadership, Collaboration, and Racial Justice in a Divided World

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Simma Lieberman is joined by Professor Susan Sturm of Columbia Law School, and community change agent Richard Gray of the Center for Collaborative Education. These longtime collaborators talk candidly about their friendship across race, the evolution of their leadership work, and how confronting racism means more than just talking about it.

They explore how white people can genuinely show up in racial justice work, the difference between performative allyship and real connection, and the need for inclusive institutional change—especially when that change is under attack. Together, they break down the core themes from Susan's book What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions.

You'll hear stories of personal transformation, resistance against performative politics, and lessons in building multiracial and multigenerational coalitions. Whether you're an advocate, educator, or someone struggling with how to take meaningful action, this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:
1:10 – Why these conversations matter now more than ever
3:45 – Meet Professor Susan Sturm and Richard Gray
8:10 – How Susan and Richard met and started collaborating
14:30 – Real friendship across race: beyond credentials
20:10 – Susan on being a white person who "meant well" but needed to unlearn
26:45 – Richard on redefining what it means to be a lawyer for social justice
33:00 – "Hanging out while white" — how not to be awkward or performative
36:20 – What What Might Be really means, and how to act in paradox
43:00 – Institutions, white comfort, and what transformation should look like
52:00 – Micro-spaces of justice: how change happens when the law falls short
59:40 – What each of us can do now (no matter who we are)

Guest Information:

Susan Sturm is the George M. Jaffin Professor of Law & Social Responsibility at Columbia Law School and the Founding Director of the Center for Institutional and Social Change.

Her new book, What Might Be: Confronting Racism to Transform Our Institutions, explores the paradoxes built into anti-racism work and how to turn them into drivers of learning and change. It provides strategies for staying engaged in this work amidst the challenging conditions we now face.

Richard Gray serves as director of AISR's Community Organizing & Engagement team. His work includes providing strategic support on community organizing and engagement to community and school reform organizations in cities across the country.

He also directs AISR's Center for Education Organizing, which helps expand the power of education organizing through building strategic alliances among organizations and with strategic partners such as teachers' unions, reform support organizations, civil rights organizations, and research and policy institutes. 

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
LinkedIn
Tiktok
Website

  

Previous Episodes

Global DEI: Apartheid to Equity Navigating Race, Mental Health and Well-being in Corporate America How Racist Competency Checks Prevent Merit-Based Hiring Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, is joined by two incredible global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experts: Michaël Stuber, the European DEI Engineer, and Nene Molefi, founder of Mandate Molefi HR Consultants in South Africa. While the focus of this episode is on the global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion landscape, it's also a deeply personal conversation about their journeys, the challenges they've faced, and how their backgrounds have shaped their approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As we explore how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives differ across countries, Michaël and Nene share their unique personal experiences—from Michaël's upbringing in a family where cultural diversity was the norm, to Nene's harrowing memories of growing up in the midst of apartheid in South Africa. These personal stories are woven into the conversation, bringing a human element to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion discussion that goes beyond theories and strategies.

Detailed Time Stamps:

• [00:00] Introduction to Simma and the guests
• [04:30] Michael Stuber shares how his diverse upbringing shaped his perspective on DEI
• [07:00] Nene talks about growing up during apartheid in South Africa and the 1976 uprisings
• [12:00] The impact of apartheid on Nene's personal and professional journey
• [16:00] Michaël's early experiences with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work and the importance of a European context
• [21:45] The role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in shaping Michaël's understanding of DEI
• [26:30] Nene discusses her experience in developing South Africa's Employment Equity Act and its legacy
• [32:15] Challenges and growth in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work across South Africa and Europe
• [37:00] Michaël reflects on the global DEI landscape and adapting U.S.-based DEI concepts for Europe
• [42:00] The importance of systemic change in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: addressing structures, not just attitudes
• [47:15] Current challenges in DEI: nationalistic movements and the regression of progress
• [52:30] The personal impact of the global political climate on DEI work
• [57:00] Nene and Michaël discuss the shifting attitudes towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and the need for integrity and truth-telling
• [01:02:30] Closing remarks: The importance of global perspectives in DEI and continuing the conversation

This isn't just about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; it's about understanding the deep-rooted histories that influence how we work, relate, and view one another today. Michaël and Nene's personal stories and shared wisdom will help you see Diversity, Equity and Inclusion not just as a corporate or political issue, but a human one.

Key Takeaways:

1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is about more than just policies—it's about understanding personal and cultural histories that shape our worldviews.
2. Real change in DEI requires confronting deep-rooted systems of oppression, as demonstrated by Nene's experience in apartheid and Michaël's work in Europe.
3. Effective DEI strategies must be rooted in listening, respect, and understanding of the complex histories that shape people's lives.

Guest Information:

Michael Stuber is The European D&I Engineer – a brand based on his evidence-based yet activist-driven and strategically organized approach DEI. In the late 1990s, he initiated the first EMEA-based DE&I research to build a European perspective. As an advisor to US multinationals, he helped adapt American D&I strategies to EMEA realities. His Propelling Performance Principle makes inclusiveness a consistent business contribution, while his models of unconscious biases or inclusive leadership create traction across industries.

Stuber has since worked on four continents, authored five books, and hosts one of the world's largest D&I KnowledgeBlogs, the diversitymine.eu, with some 2,000 articles. He co-created Germany's first National anti-racism program, helped locate survivors for the HVAP, and supported major US firms in redesigning Racial Equity or Management Training for EMEA. His approach bridges research, strategy and transformation to embed DE&I in business, leadership and culture.

Nene Molefi is a globally recognized consultant, keynote speaker, coach and author with over 25 years of experience shaping leadership, organizational transformation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across industries. Born and raised in Soweto, Johannesburg, she has built an esteemed career advocating for values-driven leadership, high-performing teams, and systemic change in organizations worldwide.

As the Founder and CEO of Mandate Molefi HR Consultants, Nene has advised multinational corporations, governments, and nonprofit organizations. Her expertise spans Whole System Culture Change, Executive Leadership Development, DEI Strategy and High-Stakes Facilitation—guiding courageous, results-driven conversations that tackle complex organizational and societal challenges. She has led and steered intricate, long-term cultural transformation and leadership initiatives, working with multi-disciplinary and specialist teams.

 

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Navigating Race, Mental Health and Well-being in Corporate America How Racist Competency Checks Prevent Merit-Based Hiring Can Descendants of the Enslaved Reconcile with the Enslavers?   Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

How can Black professionals address the mental, physical and emotional toll of success in corporate America? Join Simma Lieberman, the Inclusionist, in this insightful episode of Everyday Conversations on Race with guests Shaniqua McClendon and Justin Grant. Shaniqua, VP of Politics at Crooked Media, and Justin, an executive at JP Morgan Chase, share their personal stories and experiences about the significance of discussing race in society and corporate environments. They also delve into the intricacies of mental, physical and emotional health, especially for Black individuals in corporate America. Listen in to hear their personal stories and how they had to learn and practice self-care strategies for their mental, physical and emotional health.

 

How can developing and being part of a supportive community help maintain healthy blood pressure, prevent heart attacks and build a strong immune system?

 

How does meditation, deep breathing, walking and other exercise reduce stress, and anxiety and support success?

 

Discover practical advice, inspirational stories, and engaging discussions that highlight the importance of community, self-care, and systemic change.

 

The techniques, practices and actions they share as Black people in corporate America should be used by anyone who cares about their own mental, physical and emotional well-being in our society today.

 

 Don't miss this thought-provoking conversation and learn how to navigate these critical issues effectively.

  

Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle or 20% off a one-time purchase with Simma's exclusive link: magicmind.com/SimmaL20 

(Support mental health services for the homeless and low-income communities.) 

 

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:41 Meet the Guests: Shaniqua McClendon and Justin Grant

02:15 The Importance of Discussing Race

02:33 Historical Context and Systemic Issues

07:36 Personal Stories: Shaniqua McClendon

11:45 Personal Stories: Justin Grant

15:48 Mental Health and Corporate America

29:15 The Importance of Mental Health Support

30:55 Stigma Around Therapy in the Black Community

32:43 Ethno Therapy and Cultural Considerations

35:15 Navigating Corporate America as a Black Professional

41:42 Strategies for Self-Care and Community Building

52:22 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice

 

Guests Bio:

Justin Grant is an accomplished writer, marketer, community development and corporate communications leader with more than a decade of experience leading high-profile campaigns in the asset management and financial services industries. He serves as a mentor to numerous students and young professionals of varying backgrounds, both in the United States and Brazil, and sits on the Board of Trustees at Long Island University, where he has taught journalism. Grant is the author of the new book, "Company Men: A Wellness Guide for Black Men in Corporate America" (Wordeee, Feb. 12, 2025).

Links for Justin --

Website 
LinkedIn 
Goodreads 
Amazon 
Bookshop 

Shaniqua McClendon is the Vice President of Politics for Crooked Media (home to the popular podcast, Pod Save America), a political strategist and sought-after speaker and commentator on media, politics, voting, and race. At Crooked Media, she leads their political strategy and civic engagement program (Vote Save America), and also created their successful 2020 volunteer engagement and fundraising program

 

Links for Shaniqua -- Website  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn   

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

How Racist Competency Checks Prevent Merit-Based Hiring Can Descendants of the Enslaved Reconcile with the Enslavers? Can Individuals Really End Racism? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Have you ever felt challenged or questioned because of your race? In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Simma Lieberman welcomes Shari Dunn, author of Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work.

 

 Explore how race affects perceptions of competence and the real-world impacts of systemic racism in the workplace. You'll understand how racist competency checks can impede merit-based hiring. With personal anecdotes and historical insights, Shari Dunn sheds light on how people of color, especially Black women, face unfair scrutiny and bias in their professional lives. Discover why it's crucial to talk about race, debunk myths of a colorblind society, and take actionable steps toward creating inclusive work cultures. Tune in for a heartfelt and informative cross-race discussion and hear what we can do to unite and bring people together across differences.  Learn more about this important topic and share this episode to help grow the conversation.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:53 Meet Shari Dunn: Author of 'Qualified'

02:05 Shari Dunn's Varied Career Background

03:19 The Concept of Competency Checking

03:58 The Importance of Discussing Race

04:26 Historical Context and Colorblindness

06:51 Merit-Based Society: Fact or Fiction?

08:39 Personal Experiences and Systemic Barriers

19:40 The Toll of Racism on Health

22:20 Examples of Competency Checking

29:03 The Cost of White Supremacy

30:29 The Exercise: Labels and Leadership

32:13 The Great Man Theory of Leadership

33:56 Imposter Syndrome and Workplace Dynamics

35:13 The Danger of Misplaced Leadership

38:13 White Supremacy's Impact on White People

39:52 Stories of Competency Checking

47:31 The Concept of Whiteness and Blackness

50:51 Actions to Combat Competency Checking

54:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

 

Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle or 20% off a one-time purchase with Simma's exclusive link: magicmind.com/SimmaL20 

(Support mental health services for the homeless and low-income communities.) 

 

Guests Bio:

Shari Dunn is a polymath, an accomplished journalist, and a former attorney, news anchor, CEO, and university professor. 

She is an American Leadership Forum Fellow and has been awarded the prestigious Executive of the Year Award in 2018, the 2019 Women of Influence Award (Portland Business Journal), the Associated Press Award for Best Spot News, and the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association Award for Best Morning News Show. Her work has been cited in the Wall Street Journal and quoted in TIME and Fast Company among others. Shari is also a sought-after speaker. She holds a BA in philosophy from Marquette University and a JD from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race.

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Can Descendants of the Enslaved Reconcile with the Enslavers? Can Individuals Really End Racism? How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Magic Mind Bundle: Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with Simma's exclusive link: https://magicmind.com/SimmaLJAN (Support mental health services for the homeless and low-income communities)

 

Are you ready to explore the challenging topics of race and reconciliation? In this episode of 'Everyday Conversations on Race,' hosted by Simma Lieberman, we dive deep into the initiatives of the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation. Guests Monique Trusclair Maddox and Fr. Tim Kesicki, SJ, share their compelling stories and the foundation's mission to address the historical injustices of Jesuit-owned enslavement at Georgetown University. Discover how the foundation's work—ranging from educational scholarships to elder care and racial healing programs—aims to reduce racial tensions and promote a more just and equitable future. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on historical accountability and the ongoing journey towards racial equity.

 

01:00 Introducing Today's Guests 03:13 Monique's Story: Discovering Her Ancestry 07:04 Father Tim's Perspective and Historical Context 18:11 Addressing Racial Tensions and Self-Care 20:36 The Work of the Descendants Truth and Reconciliation Foundation 28:43 The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation 29:01 Building Relationships and Generational Knowledge 29:29 The Foundation's Pillars and Initiatives 31:31 Historical Context of the 1838 Sale 33:42 Addressing Specific Needs and Equity 35:26 Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation 38:14 Personal Reflections and Proximity 45:18 The Role of the Church in Addressing Racism 46:44 Formation of the Descendants Association 52:15 Conclusion and Further Resources

Guests Bio:

Father Timothy P. Kesicki, S.J., is the President of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Jesuit Conference promotes common goals and oversees international projects for the Society of Jesus. As Conference President, Fr. Kesicki works with the Jesuit Provincials of the United States and Canada in implementing programs, represents the Conference internationally and serves as the religious superior of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California. He serves on the boards of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and America Magazine.

 

Monique Trusclair Maddox is the CEO of the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation as well as chair of the board of directors. She is a fifth- and sixth-generation granddaughter of Isaac Hawkins and a fourth-generation granddaughter of Nace Butler, two of the 272 men, women, and children who were enslaved by the Maryland Jesuits and eventually sold in 1838 in an effort to save Georgetown University from financial ruin.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Can Individuals Really End Racism? How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Summary:
In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Simma Lieberman is joined by Dr. Joe-Joe McManus and Juan Lopez, two individuals who share their experiences and insights into anti-racism and building true, meaningful interracial relationships. The conversation focuses on the importance of talking about race, the difference between being "non-racist" and "anti-racist," and how everyone can take small actions to fight racism. The episode highlights the need for intentional relationships across cultures and races, the significance of sharing personal stories, and the long-term process of working together to advance freedom and dismantle racism.
What can you do today to actively challenge racism in your own life? Keep listening to discover how small, intentional actions can make a difference.

Show Notes:
[00:00] Introduction Simma introduces her guests, Dr. Jojo McManus, an anti-racist educator and diversity and inclusion practitioner, and Juan Lopez, a consultant focused on leadership, organizational development, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). The trio shares their personal connections and the powerful community they're part of, which focuses on building interracial, multicultural, and interfaith communities.

[04:30] Why It's Important to Talk About Race Simma asks Jojo and Juan if it's still important to talk about race in a world that sometimes claims we are "post-racial." Jojo and Juan explain how racism is alive and resurging and why ongoing conversations about race and racism are crucial.

[08:15] The Founding of Diversity 2000 (D2K) Juan shares how he co-founded the Diversity 2000 (D2K) community in 1993, a group designed to bring diversity professionals together to collaborate rather than compete. This community has grown into a 32-year-long initiative supporting DEI professionals globally.

[14:00] The Importance of Real Interactions The discussion turns to the value of truly interacting with people who are different from us, not just having "diverse friends." Jojo and Simma emphasize that building anti-racist habits involves more than just proximity—it requires intentional relationships and actions.

[20:30] Jojo's Book: A Brother's Insight Jojo discusses his book, A Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom. He shares how the book was inspired by the death of his brother and the powerful lessons he's learned about racism, systemic oppression, and the importance of being actively anti-racist.

[26:00] Small Actions Against Racism Jojo and Juan discuss small, intentional actions that can make a difference in fighting racism—like inviting someone different to join your group or calling out racism when you see it. Simma highlights how these actions can become part of your daily life when anti-racism is treated as a core value.

[31:00] The Complexity of Racism and Mental Health The conversation touches on how racism impacts mental health, including how internalized racism can affect communities. Jojo talks about how his brother's death, which was influenced by racism, deeply shaped his work in anti-racism.

[36:00] The Importance of Self-Care in the Fight Against Racism Simma and her guests discuss the importance of self-care to prevent burnout, especially when doing the long, hard work of anti-racism. Simma shares how she uses Magic Mind, an elixir designed to reduce stress, improve cognition, and support mental health.

[39:00] Taking Action and Creating Change Jojo emphasizes that everyone's voice has the power to make a difference in the fight against racism. Whether it's through lending your talent or raising your voice, each person can contribute to making the world more just.

[42:30] Closing Remarks and Call to Action The episode wraps up with Simma encouraging listeners to continue the conversation and engage in meaningful action against racism. She reminds everyone of the importance of real relationships and community in this ongoing journey.

Resources:
●    Magic Mind Bundle: Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle with Simma's exclusive link: magicmind.com/SimmaLJAN (Support mental health services for the homeless and low-income communities).
●    Book: A Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing Freedom by Dr. Jojo McManus is available online and in local bookstores.
________________________________________
The episode provides actionable ways to learn from, interact with, and support people from different races, ethnicities, and cultures. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond passive support and take small, meaningful steps to stand against racism in their everyday lives.

 

Guests Bio:

Dr. Joe-Joe McManus serves as an Executive Advisor on antiracism and inclusive excellence.
He consults, writes, and speaks widely on topics at the intersections of antiracism, diversity and
inclusion, and leadership development. His new book, A Brother's Insight, offers guidance on
living an impactful antiracist life.

Over the past three decades, Dr. Joe-Joe's work has been largely behind the scenes, focused
on developing programs and policy, and advising leaders on promoting systemic change toward
inclusive excellence. McManus has held faculty, staff, and executive roles in higher education,
including Chief Diversity Officer. He has served at an HBCU, an international university, an Ivy
League institution, and at the university system level. He has also lectured, served on panels,
presented, and consulted across the U.S. and internationally for more than three decades.

 

Mr. Juan Lopez co-founded Amistad Associates in 1982 in Oakland, California, with Ms. Giselle Sanchez and a small group of human resource professionals who were working with non-profits, educational institutions and government.  In 1987, Mr. Lopez became the CEO of Amistad Associates.  In 1988, Amistad Associates relocated to Sebastopol, California.  

Juan was the primary consultant for Johnson and Johnson's Global Multicultural Leadership Program for eight years.  In this role he was responsible for designing organizational leadership competencies, using 360's for professional development, mentoring and developing career strategies for fast track advancement.  He worked closely with executive management to evaluate and track progress.  His program was recognized nationally and was benchmarked as a best in the field model. Mr. Lopez was a member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Governance Council with PepsiCo for 5 years and his role was to focus on strategic insight on diversity management, organizational change, leadership development and innovation.

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

 

In this exciting episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, host Simma Lieberman brings together Karen Waukazoo, a Rosebud Sioux tribe member and advocate for American Indians, and Jennifer Ngure, a Kenyan-born wellness coach, to discuss the profound ways culture connects and heals communities. Karen and Jennifer share their personal journeys of overcoming addiction, mental health challenges, and cultural shocks. They reveal surprising commonalities between Native American and Kenyan cultures, emphasizing the importance of community, traditional healing practices, and the role of cultural festivals. Tune in to learn how these two diverse backgrounds converge in their mission to foster resilience and well-being.

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

01:37 Karen Waukazu's Journey and Cultural Advocacy

08:05 Jennifer Ngure's  Story and Wellness Advocacy

15:00 Cultural Healing and Community Importance

18:48 Challenges and Similarities in Cultural Practices

26:33 Youth Leadership and Cultural Revival

28:40 Connecting Cultures and Shared Experiences

31:02 Understanding the Mission District

32:12 Exploring Carnival and Its Origins

33:38 The Importance of Cultural Awareness

34:50 Personal Experiences with Cultural Differences

40:54 Challenges and Support in Immigrant Communities

44:46 Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse

47:42 The Issue of Missing Persons

51:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

 

Guests Bio:

Karen Waukazoo (Lakota) is the Interim Project Director of the CRDP Project at Friendship House. Influenced by her parents' dedication to the Native American Health Center and the Friendship House Association of American Indians programs and the local community, she chose to follow in their footsteps by serving the Bay Area's American Indian population in her own way. Knowledgeable of both sides of treatment and recovery, Karen has worked in many capacities at the Friendship House program – from a youth volunteer, to the Director of the Oakland Lodge Program, Intake Coordinator to her current position.  In her over 15 years of service, she has made it her goal to advocate for quality treatment services for American Indian men, women and children affected by substance abuse and alcoholism. Respect and compassion, as well as knowledge all remaining at the forefront. 

 

Jennifer is a seasoned wellness coach, registered nurse, and advocate for culturally informed self-care, with over 18 years of experience in the healthcare field. As the founder of Nimo Wellness LLC based in Boston, she dedicates her work to empowering middle-aged women in the African diaspora as they navigate pivotal life transitions. Born and raised in Kenya, Jennifer brings a unique blend of medical expertise and cultural heritage to her practice, helping women manage stress, build resilience, and reconnect with their true selves. Her signature programs, including the RenewHER Essence Wellness Retreat, dynamic workshops, and the forthcoming Mid-Life Transitions Coaching Program, are designed to create inclusive, nurturing spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported. Jennifer's holistic, evidence-based approach celebrates the richness of cultural identity and community, promoting emotional, mental, and social well-being.  

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

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Previous Episodes

Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

In this conversation on race, Anu Gupta talks about race, bias, and solutions.

Anu Gupta thinks we are all biased, and that we all need to be "Breaking Bias," every day. In this episode, he shares his story of how other people's bias almost caused him to take his life.

 Anu Gupta is a renowned meditation teacher, human rights lawyer, scientist, and author of the book  "Breaking Bias.'" The discussion centers around the profound impact of biases, including Anu's personal experiences with racial 'othering' and post-9/11 Islamophobia, which led to his severe mental health struggles.

He introduces the PRISM framework (Perspective-taking, Prosocial behavior, Individuation, Stereotype replacement, and Mindfulness) as a set of tools for fostering systemic change and understanding.

Anu's initiative, Be More With Anu, and his call to action for greater awareness and inclusive practices highlight the steps people can take to break through their biases. Our society is experiencing a mental health crisis where too many people are "othered" because of skin color, and other differences and feel like they don't belong. By "Breaking Bias," we can increase empathy, connection, and reduce fear of differences. Listen to this episode or watch it on YouTube, but don't miss this conversation on race.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:06 Guest Introduction: Anu Gupta

02:18 The Importance of Discussing Race

04:39 Anu Gupta's Personal Journey

10:57 Understanding Bias and Its Impact

27:35 The Prism Toolkit for Reducing Bias

33:49 Understanding Systemic Racial Issues in Policing

34:58 The Historical Roots of Racial Bias

36:53 Kamala Harris and the Intersection of Bias

40:39 Introducing PRISM: A Toolkit for Bias Reduction

43:57 Personal Stories of Overcoming Bias

46:37 Engaging in Conversations About Bias

54:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

 

Guests Bio:

Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His work has reached 300+ organizations training more than 80,000 professionals impacting over 30 million lives. As a gay immigrant of color, he came to the work of breaking bias after almost ending his life due to lifelong experiences with racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. The realization that bias can be unlearned helped lead him out of that dark point and inspired a lifelong mission to build a global movement for social healing based on principles of mindfulness and compassion. A peer-reviewed author, he has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, Newsweek, and Vogue Business.

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas.

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

How can art bring people together in a world divided by race and culture? In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race," we explore how creativity can break down walls and build genuine relationships across cultures.

Meet two artists who use their craft to challenge boundaries and connect communities. Carlos "Kookie" Gonzalez, a Chicano artist and former gang member, shares his journey from the streets of San Francisco to becoming a renowned muralist. Carlos reveals how he turned his life around through art and now brings people together through community murals that tell the stories of struggle, pride, and resilience. Discover how he engages young people to see art as a path to a better future, rather than a life on the streets.

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

Laurie Marshall, an artist and educator, joins Carlos to discuss her "Singing Tree" project, which has united over 24,000 people from 52 countries in creating murals that envision a world of peace and understanding. Laurie describes how this collaborative process invites people to create something bigger than themselves and reimagine what's possible when diverse voices come together.

Together, Carlos and Laurie explain how art can do more than just decorate walls—it can change minds, shift perspectives, and unite people who might never have met otherwise. They share actionable ideas on how anyone, regardless of background or skill level, can use art to spark conversations, dismantle stereotypes, and create new stories that connect us all.

Tune in to hear powerful stories of transformation and learn how you can use art to bridge divides and build a more connected world.

 

Guests Bio:

Laurie Marshall
For 3Laurie Marshall,5 years, Author, Innovator and Artist Laurie Marshall has empowered youth and adults through creative collaboration. She practices Peace Building through Art, inspired by Nature. A visionary educator, she has served mostly low-income children, families and their schools as an Arts Integration and Project Based Learning specialist. Her mission is to nurture creativity, a love of learning, and a collaborative spirit.  She is the founder of Unity Through Creativity Foundation  and the Singing Tree Project.

Carlos "Kookie" Gonzalez was born in the San Francisco Mission District in 1959. He has been drawing and painting since childhood, and is a muralist, activist, visual artist, retired probation officer, and musician. As a young man, he was required to perform community service that involved working with muralists, and he quickly fell in love with the craft. Gonzalez attended San Francisco State University (SFSU) from 1983 to 1991, where he was a member of La Raza Student Organization. With La Raza, Gonzalez protested for multiple causes including solidarity in El Salvador and fighting for migrant farmworkers. He continues to work on private commissions and a mural project for affordable housing in the Mission District. Gonzalez's work reflects the street life, activism, music, and struggles of life as a Chicano/Latino in the Mission District.

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

 

Imagine how you would feel if you were a biracial child raised by your white mother and knew nothing about your Black father or his culture. People treated you differently from your white cousins and the white kids at school, but you didn't know why. 

In this Everyday Conversation on Race  episode Desiree Chang, the Director of Education and Outreach for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, joins me. Desiree shares her unique journey growing up in a mostly white community in Amish country, Pennsylvania, and later moving to a diverse high school in Delaware. She opens up about the challenges of finding her identity, feeling like an outlier in her family and community, and discovering her Black heritage in her mid-30s.

Desiree talks about her career path, from working in probation and parole supervision, and drug and alcohol counseling, to her current role in civil rights advocacy. Hear her story. and why she believes it's essential to talk openly about race,  and how avoiding these conversations can hurt children and keep ignorance alive.

She shares personal stories about the emotional toll of constantly switching between cultural norms, the trauma of navigating a white-dominated world, and the necessity of preparing Black children for the realities they may face. Desiree also offers practical advice for white listeners on how to educate themselves about race and support efforts toward equity and inclusion.

Key themes in our conversation include the importance of cultural humility, the impact of microaggressions, the need for genuine allyship, and how education can foster understanding and change. Desiree's honest reflections encourage listeners to think about their own experiences and biases, making this episode meaningful for anyone interested in social justice and personal growth.

Tune in to hear Desiree Chang's powerful story and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, identity, and advocacy today. This episode will leave you reflecting on your role in creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Desireé Chang bio

Desireé Chang serves as the Director of Education & Outreach for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Desireé has been with the PHRC for over four years. Prior to becoming the Director of Education & Outreach, she worked as a Civil Rights Mediator with the PHRC Mediation Division. During her tenure at the PHRC, Desireé has received the Director of Excellence Award (2020), PHRC Social Justice Team Award (2021) and the Employee of the Year, Central Office (2023). Most recently, she was recognized as one of the 2024 PA City & State Above & Beyond honorees. She is a graduate of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Institute (2021) and the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (2023). Desireé has been recognized for her participation on several committees and community social justice collaborative efforts. 

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Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

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Previous Episodes

Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Culture Connects Us Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Join Simma the Inclusionist in this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race" as she discusses how culture connects us. The episode features special guests Kaati Gaffney and Ashel Seasunz Eldridge, who have extensive musical backgrounds. Discover how music shapes their perspectives on race and inclusion. Tune in for insightful conversations and engaging discussions on the power of culture to bring people together.

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Key Moments:

[00:00:47] Music as a Cultural Connector.
[00:05:01] Cultural unity and division.
[00:09:13] Growing up in diverse communities.
[00:17:01] Why talk about race?
[00:21:13] The power of music.
[00:25:00] Cultural Appropriation vs. Homage.
[00:29:20] Race and blood connections.
[00:34:08] Cultures Clashing.
[00:38:47] Cultural Identity and Heritage.
[00:41:39] Using culture for peace.
[00:46:41] Culture and birthing connection.
[00:49:56] Love overcoming fear.
[00:54:12] Breaking barriers through music.
[00:56:46] Authentic music preferences.

Culture can be a powerful tool for connecting people across different backgrounds and fostering understanding and empathy. In the podcast episode, Simma, Kaati, and Ashel provide examples of how sharing cultures can significantly role bring people together.

Kaati shared her experiences in the music industry, promoting reggae and blues music across the world. Music festivals serve as diverse communities where people from various backgrounds come together to enjoy music.  Both guests share personal examples of how music can be a universal language that can transcend race, and connect individuals on a deeper level. They both say that music, as a cultural expression, can bridge gaps and create shared experiences among people from different cultural backgrounds.

 Ashel told us a compelling story about using culture to connect and address conflicts. He described a musical event organized by a Jewish friend pre-October 7, to be held post-October 7, which was to include Hebrew songs. "My friend expressed anger and frustration about the situation in Israel and Palestine. Instead of dismissing his feelings, our community created a safe space for open dialogue and understanding. By incorporating Hebrew songs alongside Palestinian prayers at an event, we demonstrated how cultural elements can be used to facilitate conversations, build bridges, and promote reconciliation."

 Kaati mentioned her involvement in the birthing community, with different cultural practices and beliefs. "The birthing process serves as a space where cultural traditions and values are honored, showcasing how cultural diversity can be celebrated and respected in various aspects of life."

This episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race," highlights how culture serves as a common ground for people to connect, share experiences, and foster empathy and understanding. By embracing cultural differences and engaging in meaningful conversations, individuals can use culture as a powerful tool to bridge divides and promote unity among diverse communities.

Guests Bio:

Ashel Seasunz Eldridge, Chicago born, living in Oakland by way of NY.  He has  West African/Blackfoot ancestry. Ashel has been working internationally with various shamanic practices since 2005.  His ceremonial leadership includes Dagara divinitory and ancestral healing, Japanese spiritual purification, and Galactic Language Activation/Soul Cleansing via Tian Gong.  He is Co-founder/Co-Director of Esphera, (umbrella for Essential Food and Medicine (EFAM), Solestial Church, and Earth Amplified, creating liberation through restoring ecosystems, regenerating communities, re-telling our stories, and remembering our divinity. The work spans from recovery support from addiction with the Oakland unhoused to indigenous international hip-hop to Elemental Activism: Rites of Repair (Tantra, Transformative Justice, Quantum Physics, and Divination)

Kaati Gaffney

Music Marketer since 1994 specializing in Blues and Reggae genresWe offer content on several platforms for fans— but also help festival promoters, bands and musicians reach those fans but also others in the industry.

Each Thursday, we also publish the e-publications jam-packed with latest CD and single releases, featured videos, industry news, contests, Roots Radio Airplay Charts, tour dates, and upcoming festivals!

Over the years, our company has morphed into a full-service, marketing and publicity company and we boast the largest reggae and blues databases in the world and several media platforms including a top-ranking website and social media pages with a half a million fans.

 

 Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Previous Episodes

Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Culture Connects Us Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Why is there an increase in young people dying from Colorectal Cancer?
Why are young people dying at a greater rate than anyone else?
Are people under 50 too young to get colorectal cancer?

In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race," Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, is joined by Lisa Hall, Senior Director of Prevention and Screening at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. They tell us why so many people are being diagnosed too late, and why more non-white people are dying compared to white people. Michael shares his personal story of his mother's death and the impact it had on him when he was young.

 

Lisa talks about health disparities and how important her work with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is to her as a Black woman. Listen to learn more about this critical health disparity affecting people of color and. the racial disparities in screening, diagnosis and deaths from colorectal cancer. At the end of this episode you'll know what you can do for yourself, how you can help your community and how you can support your friends who may be at risk, no matter who they are.

 

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Key Moments:
[00:01:08] Racial disparity in colorectal cancer.
[00:06:43] Early detection in minority populations.
[00:10:37] Expanding colorectal cancer screening age.
[00:15:19] Understanding average risk for screenings.
[00:18:35] Screening disparities and awareness.
[00:21:19] Advocating for your health.
[00:27:13] Importance of early screening.
[00:29:52] Resources for colorectal cancer.

 

Guests Bio

Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, lost his mother to the disease in May 2009. He turned his profound grief into action, inspiring and challenging the colorectal cancer community, family, friends, and professional associates to follow his lead and dedicate themselves to ending colorectal cancer within our lifetime—now the mission of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Michael served as President and Founder of The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation from 2010-2015. He was an integral member of the team that led the effort to merge the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance, creating the nation's largest colon cancer specific nonprofit. In 2017, the Colon Cancer Alliance changed its name to Colorectal Cancer Alliance, embracing the entire colorectal cancer community.

Lisa Hall is a healthcare leader with extensive, proven expertise in strategic client management and development. During her career, she has applied her proven experience in cultivating and managing successful, complex relationships to drive forward both the client and organizations business agendas; She has done so while demonstrating results for influencing business outcomes achieving solid, consistent, market share and profit gains. Lisa's business approach exemplifies her skills in consultative selling and building relationships with clients and prospects that ensures long-term, client solutions and business growth.

 

Click here to DONATE and support our podcast

 

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB  event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Facebook
YouTube
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Previous Episodes

Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare
Culture Connects Us Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

 

African-American Women are twice as likely as the national average to have Alzheimer's disease! Why??

Find out on "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, with my guest Asoniti Foster founder of Puzzled 2020, a company focused on mental wellness and Alzheimer's awareness. Asoniti discusses the urgency of addressing Alzheimer's in the Black community, highlighting the alarming statistic that African-American women are twice as likely to have Alzheimer's than the national average. We go deep into the intersection of race and Alzheimer's, to create awareness and the proactive measures that can be taken within marginalized communities.

 

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Key Moments:

[00:03:51] Mental health in Black community.

[00:07:07] Alzheimer's risk factors and the problem of awareness.

[00:08:10] Alzheimer's disease and the lack of awareness in general and specifically in the African-American community.

[00:13:51] Alzheimer's in the Black community and racial disparities in treatment and diagnosis

[00:18:18] Exercise benefits for brain health and why it's so important for Black women.

[00:22:38] Gratitude as a brain exercise.

[00:25:59] Scrolling addiction and relationship to Alzheimer's

[00:29:17] Alzheimer's epidemic and Black women.

[00:34:33] Alzheimer's unexpected behaviors that most people don't know

[00:36:41] Puzzled documentary on Alzheimer's.

[00:41:07] Be your own advocate, and bring someone with you

[00:46:51] Emotional Intelligence, books, and brain cells

[00:48:02] Living longer in Blue Zones, and what we all can do to keep our brains and bodies healthier.

 

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About Asoniti Foster
website: www.puzzled2020.com
email: info@puzzled2020.com
Facebook: @puzzled2020
Instagram: @puzzled2020

Born and raised in the city by the Bay, San Francisco, ASONITI FOSTER is a content creator /writer/producer and licensed caregiver. After graduating from San Francisco State University, majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in broadcast media and writing for television, Asoniti relocated to Los Angeles and held several positions in the entertainment industry. Success was indeed the reward, as she quickly moved up the ladder to eventually write a couple of episodes on Will and Jada Pinkett Smiths' hit sitcom, "All of Us". She also worked on a number of other sitcoms, including, One on One", starring Flex Alexander and Kyla Pratt, "Second Time Around" starring Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kojo, and "Just Jordan" a Nickelodeon show. After the writer's strike, Asoniti began independently developing and filming various projects.

While honing her skills in creating, developing, and producing, a new passion blossomed in her life, care for Alzheimer's patients. When both her grandmothers passed from the condition, she educated herself about it and planned to be proactive to an ignored class of patients. What she discovered was surprising and saw an opportunity to share her found information. With very little, to no material about why African American women are twice as likely to have the disease she knew it would be fitting to develop a documentary about it. So, she did, and it is titled, "Puzzled".

PUZZLED is an Alzheimer's awareness documentary that will focus on why women are more like to have AD and why African American women are twice as likely to have it than the national average. And this would only be accomplished working alongside her daughter.
As a producer on the documentary, SONI FOSTER-JACKSON is a pre-teen, sassy, smart, socializer, currently enjoying school and extracurricular activities: art, skateboarding, dance, and music – playing the French horn. Although her career goal is to become a veterinarian, she is multi-talented in production and post-production with an eye for creative edits and attractive content. Her voice plays a vital role in the project providing Alzheimer's awareness from a youthful point of view.

 

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB  event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

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Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

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Website

  

Previous Episodes

Culture Connects Us Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences Unpacking Identity, Race, and Representation in Crime Fiction Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating

Title: Culture Connects Us: Identity and Transformation

Do our cultures connect us or drive us apart? Why are our cultures even important?

Join Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist,  in this episode  of Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, to hear how culture can connect us, with guests Jalila Bell, Kwame Gaylon Logan, and Kayla Marin. They explore the importance of using culture to bring people together and share personal experiences. Galen, the founder of Village Connect, shares insights as a father and grandfather of 10. Tune in for an engaging conversation on race, culture, and building inclusive communities.

 

Shownotes:

Have you ever wondered how culture can either unite us or divide us? The creators of the film "Culture Connects Us", believe that knowing and sharing our cultures can bring us together. 

If you think you know what culture is, you need to check out this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, and listen to these stories.

 These three filmmakers of "Culture Connects Us.".explore the film "Culture Connects Us" and share their personal journeys and the profound impact of cultural identities. Listen to Kwame Gaylon Logan, Jalila Bell and Kayla Marin talk about how our names hold deep significance and often shape our sense of self. Galen's experience in Ghana for a naming ceremony transformed his understanding of his cultural roots, while Jalila's Palestinian name reflects beauty and illumination. Kayla's attachment to her last name, Marin, highlights the importance of family history and identity.

Culture goes beyond mere traditions; it embodies the essence of who we are. Understanding and embracing our cultural backgrounds can lead to greater self-awareness and connection with others. As Galen mentioned, love serves as a unifying force that transcends cultural differences. By celebrating our diverse cultures and sharing our stories, we can break down barriers and foster empathy and unity in society.

Join us as we delve into the world of culture beyond what is visible, beyond what is assumed and how culture can be used to divide or connect us all.  

In this engaging podcast episode, Simma Lieberman, the inclusionist, hosts a conversation with guests Jalila Bell, Kwame Gaylon Logan, Jr., and Kaylah Marin. The discussion revolves around the theme of culture connecting us, exploring the significance of cultural identity and the power of storytelling in bridging differences.

The guests share personal stories about their names and cultural backgrounds, highlighting the importance of embracing one's heritage and identity. From naming ceremonies in Ghana to the complexities of cultural integration in America, each guest brings a unique perspective to the conversation.

Discover how names hold deep significance and reflect individual journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance. Join the conversation on race, culture, and the transformative power of storytelling in this thought-provoking episode.

Don't miss out on the insightful reflections and inspiring narratives shared by the guests as they delve into the essence of culture and connection. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our identities and relationships.

 

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Guests Bio

Jalila Bell is a dynamic multi-hyphenate whose talents span a diverse array of disciplines. From her accomplished career in law to her passions for dance, production, film, choreography, visual arts, and yoga, Jalila embodies the spirit of relentless exploration and creative expression. Honing her skills at institutions like the San Francisco's Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and the prestigious American Dance Festival, Jalila has cultivated a rich tapestry of experiences. She holds dual degrees from Mills College and a J.D. from Golden Gate University Law School, reflecting her commitment to both artistic and academic pursuits. As a dancer, Jalila has graced renowned stages with Nyane Khosi Dance NYC, Delucia Benson Dance, and the Vissi Dance Theater, among others. Driven by her passion and fueled by resilience, Jalila infuses every endeavor with creativity and dedication. Through her artistry and expertise, she seeks to ignite curiosity and inspire others to explore the boundless possibilities of self-expression.

 

A native of San Francisco deeply engaged in social activism, Kaylah has dedicated her career to serving various causes through her work with notable organizations such as the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Base Building For Power, Village Connect, Artist for Literacy, Women of Color Resource Center, Black College Expo, Furthermore, her musical contributions to Ron Dellum's Memorial highlight her ongoing commitment to social justice and activism. In an effort to spotlight Indigenous cultures and land rights, Kaylah collaborated with the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, an endeavor that earned her the title of Ambassador of Music in both 2017 and 2018.

 

Kwame Osagyefo (Gaylon Logan, Jr.)
Kwame is a thought leader, founder and CEO of Village-Connect Inc., an award-winning San
Francisco Bay Area community-based organization. A comprehensive integrated system of care
that employs transformative coaching as a core approach which paves the way for individuals,
families, and communities to heal, grow and achieve social, economic, emotional, and political
sustainability. For more than 25 years Kwame served the community as an organizational development consultant, workshop and seminar facilitator, Master CBTC coach, and local/national/international motivational speaker delivering profound perspectives on fatherhood, motivating youth and families towards success.

 

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB  event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) 

 

Connect with me:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Tiktok

Website

  

Previous Episodes

Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences Unpacking Identity, Race, and Representation in Crime Fiction A Black Executive Perspective on Race in Corporate America Loved this episode?  Leave us a review and rating