The Intersection

Happy Wednesday and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Gizelle Clemens, Director of Alumni and Donor Engagement at National Medical Fellowships. Gizelle is a fervent leader working at the intersection of disability, gender, and race. She is both a disruptor and unifier driving systemic organizational change Giselle shares her personal e...

One thing I know for sure is that doing the work of DEI and social justice can be emotionally draining. Finding ways to nurture yourself is critical. Which is why, on this week's episode, I'm honored to speak with Taylor Elyse Morrison. She is the Founder of The Inner Workout, Facilitator, and Podcast host. Inner Workout is Taylor’s brainchild, born out of her mission to help others beat...

Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with Corliss Gardner, the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Old National Bank. Corliss began her career in finance and, like many of us, found her passion in creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces. .  We discuss Corliss's background, beginning with...

Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! This week’s conversation is with Jamaal Glenn, an Entrepreneur, Professor, Writer, and Speaker. Jamaal is the founder and CEO of an investment holding company that advises on strategy, investment execution, and corporate governance.  In this conversation, we discuss… Why offering remote work options are critical to attracting and retaining top talent  the...

Happy Wednesday, and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast!  This week I am speaking with Author, Activist, and DEIB Champion Ericka Carmona-Vega. Ericka is a former Human Resource Executive who left the corporate world to pursue her dream of transforming the way we think about leadership.  Ericka is also the founder of Flor y Canto Academy.  Ericka’s soon to be published book,  RISE: The West...

Happy Wednesday, and welcome back for another episode of the Intersection Podcast! I’m excited to host Thane Kreiner, co-founder of the Black Corporate Board Readiness program at Santa Clara University with Dennis Lanham. In addition to this role he is a  board member, Advisor, and former CEO with over 30 years experience starting and growing enterprises. In our conversation, Thane and I discuss t...

Welcome to this episode of the Intersection Podcast! Today, I’m privileged to host Suzanne Jakstavich, Human Resource Executive, Leadership Coach and proud mom. Suzanne has a deep commitment to developing people and culture strategies that empower talent, foster growth, and drive business success. Suzanne's leadership journey was shaped by personal experiences, including growing up with disab...

Welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast! We are excited to have Kate North, a workplace strategy expert, to explore hybrid work and its impact on inclusive workplaces. As a principal at Global Workplace Analytics (GWA), Kate brings over 30 years of experience as a trusted advisor to business, HR, and real estate leaders. Her passion lies in crafting transformative workplace...

Welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast! We are honored to have Emily Voorde, Founder and CEO of INTO Strategies, a disabled-led firm dedicated to fostering inclusivity in moments, movements, and campaigns. Emily’s journey from an AmeriCorps member to 2nd grade teacher and then serving as a liaison to Disabled Americans and K-12 educators in the Biden-Harris Administration...

Hello, and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast.  This is the third conversation in our series that celebrates and lifts up Black leaders. These conversations are near and dear to my heart.  After spending  years in Corporate America, often feeling unseen and unheard, I wanted to give voice to our unique experiences. This series provides resources, tools, and a community to let you know you’re...

Hello, and welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast.  In this second installment of “A Love Letter to Black Leaders” we are delighted to have Shayna Hammond. Shayna is Founder & CEO of Lead For Liberation and IndigoWomen. Shayna centers spiritually-inspired and research based coaching methods to center Black leaders and entrepreneurs.  She is also an author with extensiv...

Hello, and welcome back to the Intersection Podcast.  This is the first installment of three entitled  "It’s Not You - Navigating Leadership As A Black Woman." The conversations over the next few weeks are near and dear to my heart.  As a Black woman who spent 20+ years in Corporate America, often feeling unseen and unheard, I wanted to give voice to our unique experiences and provide re...

Welcome back! I hope your 2024 is off to a healthy and nurturing start.   We’re kicking off this first episode of the season with a focus on money. Delving into what’s possible when organizations align financial objectives with their mission and values. I’m thrilled to welcome Dana Britto, Founder & Principal of Cultivar Consulting.  Dana is a bold champion for greater equity within nonprofit...

Welcome to a momentous occasion— celebrating the 100th episode of The Intersection Podcast! Your support, engagement, and commitment to not only this podcast, but fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces, has been instrumental in making this podcast what it is today. Thank you for being a part of this remarkable community we've created. In this special episode, I  reflect on how...

“The purpose of equity work is [so we can all] exist as full humans. White supremacy culture [and] other systems of oppression [are] about dehumanization,” Rachel Vicente shares. “Equity work is about [ensuring] people [can] be human - all of the emotions, life experiences, and complexities that come with it, and for us to be able to learn from each other and grow from each other.” Rachel Vicente...

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of the Intersection Podcast!  We don’t often equate creativity and imagination with DEI.  My guest is busting that myth and bringing a unique lens to the way we approach DEI. We’re joined by Michaela Ayers, a multi-disciplinary artist and Art Historian who blends creativity into DEIA. Michaela is a seasoned facilitator who offers a human-centered approach to...

Welcome back to the Intersection Podcast! This week we have a replay of an episode from the pandemic, that applies today. When our world feels chaotic, we return to community and culture for support.  Tatyana Fertelmeyster is a diversity and inclusion consultant and expert, and is the founder and Principal of Connecting Differences. For over 20 years, Tatyana has been working as an intercultural p...

In this podcast replay, we revisit a compelling conversation with Ericka Carmona-Vega, a dedicated Human Resources Leadership Advisor at Streigenics' Latin American branch. Ericka's journey towards advocating for social justice and activism began in the aftermath of the 1992 LA riots, sparking her involvement in community organizing and protests. During our discussion, Ericka shared her...

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of the Intersection Podcast!  If you’re a hiring manager this is a must listen to.   Today we’re joined by Dr. Mira Brancu to discuss the imperative of equitable workplace cultures to attract, retain, and advance underrepresented leaders. Dr. Brancu shares specific advice for women navigating careers, guidance for male allies, and insights on changing...

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Intersection Podcast! This week we are joined by Sonia Thompson. Sonia is a luminary in the realm of inclusive marketing and branding. As an inclusive brand coach, strategist, and consultant, Sonia has carved out a niche by helping brands expand their reach by authentically catering to a diverse clientele.  Not only does she boast a formidable resume wit...

Welcome to another episode of the Intersection Podcast!  In 2020 during the height of the Pandemic, I joined Clubhouse and found myself in a room called Shared Sisterhood co-facilitated by Dr. Tina Opie and Dr. Beth A. Livingston. The conversations in that room had a tremendous impact on me. They went on to coauthor Shared Sisterhood: How to Take Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at W...

Welcome to another edition of The Intersection Podcast!   Today's guest is Stacye Thrasher Brim, the Founder and Principal Consultant of STB Consulting.  STB partners with organizations to develop and execute meaningful strategic plans. Stacye has over 20 years of experience leading corporate and nonprofit clients in project management, process improvement, and strategic planning.   We explor...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Intersection Podcast. This week, we delve into the transformative power of The Libertory Consciousness Framework, with our special guest, Julye Williams. This framework consists of four essential pillars: awareness, analysis, action, and accountable allyship. Julye Williams founded The Project 2043 Institute, whose mission is to educate and prepare or...

“Something that has become even more clear to me is that in all the different ways that we're doing the work [of social justice], we need support,” says Stephanie Hicks.  Stephanie Hicks is the founder and director of Yoga for Black Lives, a series of donation-based yoga classes to support Chicago organizations resisting state violence against Black people. She is a lecturer at The Program on...

This week's podcast is a replay from a conversation I had with Dr. Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabara, who is the founder and CEO of Luminosa Psychology Services. Eleanor is a licensed psychologist and has done extensive work in tribal communities. She also conducts training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and racism. Eleanor is passionate about helping people be comfortable in the space they occupy. S...