Conversations with Chanda

Join Chanda Smith Baker as she engages in a conversation with Conniel Malek, Founding Executive Director of True Costs Initiative, a nonprofit which seeks to increase corporate accountability and strengthen legal systems in the Global South. In this powerful episode, discover how she collaborates across borders to internalize the true costs of corporate actions, all while embracing personal unique...

Sponsored by kpCompanies. Join host Chanda Smith Baker on Conversations with Chanda as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shayla Michelle. In this episode, they delve into Shayla's journey of bringing her book "Echo in the Distance" to life, discussing the courage needed to embrace vulnerability, the merging of personal and professional storytelling, the transformative power of grief, an...

Host Chanda engages in an inspiring conversation with Tashion Macon, exploring the complexities of identity, leadership, and the journey of black women in philanthropy. Unveil the courage to dream, declare, and disrupt societal norms while embracing the path of purpose. Celebrate the strength of black women and their pivotal role in shaping philanthropy. Centering Conversations is powered by Voice...

In this powerful episode, Chanda Smith Baker hosts Toya Randall, founder of Voice Vision Value, for an insightful conversation on Black Philanthropy Month and the groundbreaking book "Portraits of Us." Explore the importance of creating safe spaces, expanding community, and resourcing impactful work as we honor the legacy of Black women in the sector. Listen in on the valuable perspectives on effe...

Chanda Smith Baker engages in an enlightening conversation with Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons. They delve into various topics, including faith, criminal justice reform, the power of love and friendship, and the journey of redemption. Maya and Jonathan share their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of justice. Their book, 'Love &a...

Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author. Her latest book, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" digs into the unspoken caste system that has shaped modern-day America. Chanda sat down with Ms. Wilkerson to discuss her writing and guides us through a deep exploration of our shared history and the urgent need for dismantling the caste system.

Nikki McComb's work lies in the intersection of art and violence prevention. She is the owner of Art is My Weapon and the founder of the #ENOUGH Campaign for Gun Safety. Chanda sat down with Nikki to discuss the ripple effect of gun violence, holistic approaches to community work, and the healing power of art.

Artika Roller is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA). In this episode, Chanda and Artika discuss how MNCASA addresses sexual violence through advocacy, prevention, racial justice, and systems change. They also explore Artika’s intentional leadership strategy and why the healing journey is essential.

Tameka Jones launched her business, Lip Esteem, in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and civil unrest. Chanda connected with Tameka to discuss Tameka's entrepreneurial spirit, the decisions that led her to the beauty industry, and how she found healing through her artistry.

Tish Jones is a poet, narrative strategist, cultural producer, educator, and the Founder & Executive Director of TruArtSpeaks. In this episode, Chanda and Tish discuss the connection between art and healing, the relational work within the education system, and why there’s hope for our new generation of creators.

Linda Villarosa is a New York Times contributor, professor, and author of "Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation." In this episode, Chanda and Linda discuss the structural changes needed in our healthcare system, how the pandemic affected mental health, and the toll of micro and macro aggressions.

Miquel McMoore is the Founder and Managing Director of kpCompanies. Her business helps small, mid-size, to large multinational companies find the right executive talent for their culture. Chanda connected with Miquel to discuss job market trends, the complexities of DEI work, and the importance of relationship building.

Jana Shortal is an Emmy award-winning journalist and host of KARE 11's "Breaking The News." In this episode, Chanda talks to Jana about her news career, the power of authenticity, and the joys of parenthood.

Lutunji Abram's background in community development, the arts, and food brings a lot to the table. She has created multiple businesses, including Lutunji's Palate Bakery & Cafe. In this episode, Chanda talked to Lutunji about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the power of finding your purpose.

Lewiee Blaze, K.J. Rolenc, and Brandon Williams are leaders on the Minneapolis Foundation's Fund for Safe Communities Advisory Committee. This past fall, the three of them attended a convening hosted by Cities United—a national organization focused on violence reduction and public safety. In this conversation, they discuss the strategies and systems they learned about at the conference and how the...

Eric Holder is a civil rights leader, former U.S. Attorney General, and the author of "Our Unfinished March: The Violent Past and Imperiled Future of the Vote—A History, a Crisis, a Plan." Chanda sat down with Eric to discuss the actions people can take to protect our democracy, the danger of disinformation, and the connection between optimism and activism.

Kayce Ataiyero is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Joyce Foundation — a private foundation that aims to advance racial equity and economic mobility in the Great Lakes region. Kayce connected with Chanda to discuss her journey from journalism to philanthropy and why both sectors need to create a better environment for people of color to thrive and ascend.

Jesse Leon's recent memoir, "I'm Not Broken," shares his story of resilience. Jesse survived devastating childhood abuse and years of addiction to become the leader he is today. His experiences have informed his perspective on philanthropy, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and more. In this heartfelt conversation, Chanda and Jesse discuss the importance of sharing his story and investing in me...

Philanthropic futurist Trista Harris joins Chanda for a conversation on imagining what’s possible in philanthropy, leadership, and community change. Trista shares how future thinking can help organizations stay grounded in their mission while adapting to a rapidly changing world. Together, they explore the power of long-term vision, leadership transitions, the role of Black women in philanthropy,...

Amanda Brinkman is a producer, branding expert, and public speaker who shares her "Do Well By Doing Good" philosophy around the country. Amanda joined Chanda for a live conversation at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits' 2022 Annual Conference. Together, they explored the current state of the nonprofit sector and the power of authentic leadership.

The Innocence Project works to create fair, compassionate, and equitable justice systems. Chanda sat down with two leaders in this work, Peter Neufeld and Sara Jones, to discuss wrongful convictions, the hurdles to exonerating the innocent, and the new approach prosecutors are taking to shift the culture of the criminal legal system.

Susan Taylor is an author, activist, and the Founder & CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement. Chanda sat down with Susan to discuss the importance of healing from trauma, the barriers we need to break down, and Susan's time as Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine.

Dr. Sylvia Bartley is the author of "Turning the Tide: Neuroscience, Spirituality and My Path Toward Emotional Health." In this episode, Chanda and Sylvia discuss the complexities of community engagement work and holistic approaches to mental health.

In this episode, Chanda sits down with Sue Abderholden, the executive director for NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Chanda and Sue have a meaningful discussion about mental health in the workplace, schools, and the criminal justice system. They cover what’s working now and what still needs to happen to put wellness at the forefront of our collective focus and what people can d...

Uzoma Obasi is a creative entrepreneur, producer, and photographer from Minneapolis. After George Floyd's murder, he traveled with George's family and their attorney Ben Crump -- capturing powerful moments along the way. He sat down with Chanda to talk about using his skills to document history, his advice to creatives, and the evolution of his storytelling.