We Can Make a Difference

In this episode, I interview Elena Paolini. Elena shares her personal journey dealing with the stigma associated with menstruation and the physical and mental challenges that ensued. She also shares the field research on attitudes towards menstruation that she conducted in Nigeria. Eliana discusses the taboo in Africa against talking about menstruation, the discrimination that girls face during th...

Season 3 titled "Young African Flow Feebles" is a special series of my podcast in partnership with Ruth Egbedi of the Young Africa Foundation. In this series, Ruth and I will interview young girls in Africa to provide a platform to break the myths surrounding menstruation and foster open conversations about this crucial aspect of women's health.  In this introductory episode, Ruth s...

In this episode, I interview 19-year old Alya Sabira, the founder of Save the Youth Sukabumi in Indonesia. Alya shares the incredible work she is doing to tackle climate change and dismantle deep-rooted societal and cultural challenges such as child marriage and gender and education inequality. We discuss the role of government, legislation, and advocacy in driving societal change. Finally, as a G...

In this episode, I interview Cal St. Denis, the Global Director of Sustainability at J&J MedTech. Cal shares his journey and his transition from commercial roles to leading J&J MedTech's sustainability efforts. We discuss J&J's environmental sustainability initiatives and Cal shares his insights on the challenges and advantages of developing more environmentally sustainable b...

In this episode, I interview the founder of Opportunity Desk and iKapture Networks, Grace Ihejiamaizu-Paul.  Grace shares her journey as her a social entrepreneur and educator and discusses how both iKapture and Opportunity Desk provide a platform to help young people in Africa prepare themselves to succeed in the workplace. We discuss the educational equity challenges unique to Africa such as the...

In this episode, I interview Livia Maria Souza, the 19-year old founder of the Levanta Jovem Project in Brazil. Livia shares her journey as a change-maker that started when she was 12 years old and discusses the incredible work that she is doing to provide leadership training and mentorship to the Amazonian youth from the northern regions of Brazil.  We discuss the challenges that the youth from t...

In this episode, I interview Ruth Egbedi, the founder and President of the Young Africa Foundation and an Ashoka Young Changemaker from Nigeria. Ruth shares her changemaking story that began when she was 14 years old. Still in her teens, Ruth is striving to end the stigma associated with menstruation, eliminate period poverty and advance gender equality in the workplace.  In this interview, Ruth d...

In this episode, I am in conversation with Ravi Prasad, Additional Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam. Mr. Ravi Prasad has held portfolios in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and has served as India's Lead Climate Negotiator under Prime Minister Modi's government. In this insightful and engaging conversation, we discuss why climate change is such a pressing...

In this episode, I interview Rebecca Bratspies, Law Professor at CUNY  School of Law and founding Director of the Center for Urban Environmental Reform . We discuss the role of legislation and advocacy in driving environmental justice. Professor Bratspies provides insight into the impact of individual choices, systemic change and education to address the climate crisis. She discusses her environme...

In this episode, I interview Corrina Grace, entrepreneur, consultant and author of The Weaver's Way . Corrina shares her inspiring journey from Australia to Guatemala where she now helps indigenous women and young people become leaders and entrepreneurs within their communities.  We engage in a wide ranging conversation on leadership, climate justice, and racial equity. Corrina discusses her...

In this episode, I interview Dheeraj Batra, Founder and CEO of The Propel Labs. Dheeraj and I engage in a wide-ranging conversation on how companies can think about sustainability, the trade-offs involved, and the role of government and policy in promoting sustainability. Dheeraj also shares how his consulting firm incorporates human centered design and systems thinking to help organizations come...

In this episode, I interview author and advocate, Melissa Lombardo.  Melissa shares her journey as a survivor of sexual assault and how she found the courage to move from healing to thriving. We discuss the power of storytelling and how Melissa was inspired to author her book Hurt, Healing, and Hope to support and help others who have experienced similar trauma. Melissa also shares her advice on h...

In this episode, I interview mother and daughter duo, Claire and Amaranthia Sepia. Claire and Amaranthia are the founders of Sista Creatives Rising, an organization devoted to promoting accessibility and visibility of marginalized women and marginalized genders in the arts. We discuss the unique challenges they faced as black women with disabilities in getting their initiative up and running.  The...

Short teaser on what to expect in Season 2 of We Can Make a Difference

In this episode, I interview author Jacci Turner. Jacci has written a number of books for children and young adults with social justice themes. In this interesting episode, we discuss a myriad of topics ranging from social media addiction, teenage mental health issues and racial injustice. Finally, Jacci shares her advise for aspiring writers and Gen-Zers who want to make a difference but don&apos...

In today's show, I interview author Carmen Leal.  In this insightful episode, Carmen talks about how she found hope and purpose through the adversities that she has faced. We talk about how she discovered her passion for rescue dogs and her work and advocacy for rehoming them, connecting people with dogs and how that has helped her and people overcome mental and physical health challenges. Ca...

In the episode, I interview Stephanie Duesing, author and CVI advocate. CVI is the number one cause of visual impairment in the world, yet not many people have heard about it. In this interview, Stephanie shares her journey and challenges as a parent of a child with CVI. She discusses how she has built awareness for the condition and the challenges she has faced in the process. She also shares wha...

In this episode, I interview the founder of Tech Now Global, David Onilude from Lagos Nigeria. David Onilude is 21, and a Nigerian Digital Literacy Advocate, Front-end Developer, Internationally acclaimed Social Entrepreneur, Ambassador for TheirWorld, Ashoka Young Changemaker, and Teen Vogue 21 Under 21 Honoree. David and his team of Gen-Zers are working with children in underserved communities t...

In today's episode, I interview Tiffany Janel Frey, the founder of Breath Expressions . Tiffany shares her insights on the importance of practicing self-awareness and mindfulness to connect with ourselves and others. We discuss specific techniques to promote greater self-awareness.  We also have a conversation on the pressures that young Gen-Zers face, the impact of these pressures on their m...

In this episode, I interview  Monisha Kapila, the founder and co-CEO of ProInspire, a non-profit focused on delivering resources and programs to empower BIPOC social impact leaders. Monisha shares her journey and what inspired her to create ProInspire.  We also discuss important issues related to racial equity in the non-profit sector, the unique challenges that BIPOC leaders face and the importan...

In this episode, I interview Giselle Galper, the founder of chea seed, a career tracking app that helps individuals navigate their careers with confidence. Giselle shares her insights on how women experience career and performance review challenges that prevent them from advancing in their careers. We explore the external and internal biases that women often encounter and how tools like chea seed...

In today's episode, I interview  Meeta Sharma Gupta, the founder of Shumee, a "Made in India" toy brand that focuses on eco-friendliness and free play. Meeta shares her insights on why being eco-friendly and sustainable is increasingly relevant in the toy industry. She also discusses another aspect of their USP - "play" where her company believes that the child should lead...

In today's episode, I am in conversation with Kristin Secor, an accessible travel blogger and mental health counselor. Through her blog www.worldonwheelsblog.com , Kristin shares her experiences in the hopes that it will help others plan their own accessible travel. We discuss her passion for travel, the challenges she has had to deal with and the importance of advocacy and building awareness...

In this episode, I interview Josh Belinsky, co-founder of Slate. Come listen to Josh share his entrepreneurship journey and his insights on trends related to sustainability and health and well-being. We also discuss the importance of purpose to appear authentic as a business and how failures and setbacks can actually propel us forward. Finally, Josh has sage advice for Gen-Zers like us who are try...

Short teaser for what to expect on the We Can Make a Difference podcast.