Conversations with Chanda

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Chanda, Dr. Tashion Macon, Culturalist and Communication + Cachet Catalyst, shares her inspiring journey and the secrets to achieving peak performance and successful outcomes. Dr. Tashion is a master at moving others to see where culture and the consumer are headed, making her an invaluable asset to individuals and institutions alike. From her humble...

Antoinette Malveaux, Managing Director at Casey Family Programs, joins Chanda to discuss leadership development, social justice, racial equity, and philanthropy's role in driving systemic change. They explore the importance of inclusive leadership, listening, and accountability in creating a more just and equitable world. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @co...

In this episode with Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, Chanda and Nancy discuss the power of self-awareness, authenticity, and using your platform for good. Nancy shares her journey in the tech industry, the importance of embracing your unique identity, and how she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker &a...

In this episode, Chanda speaks with Dr. Vivienne Ming, a self-proclaimed mad scientist and expert in AI. Born into a family with high expectations, Dr. Ming shares her personal journey of overcoming homelessness and rediscovering her purpose. She explains her groundbreaking work in AI, focusing on its potential to help humans thrive rather than simply replacing them in the workforce. Dr. Ming disc...

In this episode of Centering Conversations, Chanda Smith Baker talks to Flozell Daniels Jr., the CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and a New Orleans native with expertise in public policy, community development, and criminal justice reform. They discuss the legacy of Janine Lee, a philanthropy leader in the southeast, and the challenges and stresses that come with working in the field. F...

Join Chanda Smith Baker as she welcomes Dr. Rahel Nardos, an associate professor in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and the inaugural director of global women’s health at the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota. In this episode, Dr. Nardos shares her journey from life in Ethiopia to her impactful work in Minneapolis. The discussion dives in...

Join Chanda Smith Baker in a conversation with Judy Belk, award-winning writer and former President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation, as they discuss the power of place and its impact on health and wellness. Belk shares her journey of growing up in the segregated South, the injustices she faced, and how it shaped her commitment to justice and philanthropy. www.smithbaker.co www.conver...

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker talks to Markus Flynn, Executive Director of Black Men Teach, about the importance of representation in the classroom. They discuss the impact of black male teachers on students' self-esteem and belonging, the need for diverse friendships to combat racism, and the benefits of having relatable teachers in diverse learning environments. Supported by: African Ameri...

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, we are joined by the inspiring Rep. Ilhan Omar, the first Somali legislator in the US. As a fierce advocate for her community and a trailblazer in representation, Rep. Omar shares her personal journey from grassroots organizing to becoming a bold voice in Congress.

In this powerful conversation from 2019, Dr. Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five, shares his story of resilience on Conversations with Chanda. Wrongfully convicted at 15, he spent nearly seven years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2002. Now, he serves as a member for New York City's 9th City Council district. Tune in to hear about the power of owning your narrative, the sc...

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. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com...

This conversation features Gladys Washington, the retired Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, as she shares her experiences in philanthropy and navigating power dynamics as a Black woman leader. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, honesty, and community building for Black women in leadership positions. Washington encourages listeners to lighten up, listen to others, an...

This Conversations with Chanda podcast episode features a powerful live discussion moderated by Chanda Smith Baker at the Nonprofit Board Lab 2023: New Commonwealth Fund Panel. Joining her are guests Dr. Makeeba McCreary at the New Commonwealth Fund and Quincy Miller, Eastern Bank, who share insights on their experience with creating and leading an organization focused on racial equity and social...

Malik Rucker shared the transformational story of V3 Sports and his leadership journey in sports and community development. Malik is the Executive Director of V3 Sports, a community hub focused on wellness, fitness, and education in North Minneapolis. Learn from Malik's journey of leadership and purpose in sports development.

Join us for a live conversation introduced by Lulete Mola, President & Co-Founder of the Minnesota Black Collective Foundation, and hosted by Chanda Smith Baker featuring distinguished civic leaders Wenda Weekes Moore and Phyllis Goff. From childhood experiences of giving to addressing racial disparities and building trust in philanthropy, these trailblazers share insights on leadership, coura...

Join Chanda Smith Baker in a conversation with award-winning journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023. Dive into overcoming perfectionism, identity struggles, and the importance of representation. From burnout lessons to reclaiming dreams, this episode is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care.

In Part I of a 2-Part series episode, Chanda engages in a discussion with the extraordinary Takema Robinson, CEO and Founder of Converge, a national social-justice consulting firm. Together, they explore the intersection of personal identity and social justice work, as well as the tragic story of AJ Owens. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithc...

In Part II of a 2-part special series episode featuring Takema Robinson, CEO and Founder of Converge, a national social-justice consulting firm, they dive further into the narrative surrounding AJ Owens story, their interactions with Ben Crump, and the critical need for support for families impacted by police and racial violence. convergeforchange.com IG @iamtakema www.smithbaker.co www.conversati...

Tune in as Chanda Smith Baker engages in a candid conversation with Yanique Redwood, renowned for her work on racial equity and justice. Yanique is the author of White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism in Philanthropy. Uncover compelling insights into the impact of race and trauma, the dynamics of sharing experiences, emotional labor in nonprofits, and the transformativ...

In this episode recorded during the "Portraits of Us" Book Launch Celebration, Chanda Smith Baker engages in a conversation with influential leaders in philanthropy. Together with Toya Nash Randall, LaCora Bradford Kesti, and Karen Kelley-Ariwoola, they explore the critical intersections of racial equity, privilege, and community support. Discover how their voices are reshaping the landscape and d...

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker engages in an insightful conversation with Erika Seth Davies, the distinguished CEO of Rhia Ventures and visionary Founder of the Racial Equity Asset Lab. Together, they navigate the complex intersections of racial equity and impact investing. Through Erika's inspiring journey and their exploration of the evolving philanthropic landscape, you'll uncover the powe...

Discover the journey of Dion Dawson, a dynamic social entrepreneur, philanthropic leader, and founder dedicated to tackling food insecurity through innovative logistics and community-driven solutions. Dion founded Dion’s Chicago Dream, a nonprofit organization that combats food insecurity through logistics & last-mile delivery.

Discover the dynamic journey of Angel Roberson-Daniels, Executive Director of Angell Foundation. As a catalyst for positive change, she shares insights from her impactful career, guiding foundations, and fostering community collaboration. From strategic planning to empowering emerging leaders, listen in on some valuable insights on mentorship and the art of graceful leadership.

Listen in to an engaging live conversation with Keith Ellison, complemented by a book signing event for 'Break the Wheel’ at The Square. Tune in as we delve deep into critical subjects such as police reform, justice, and accountability. From insights into Family Supporting Families Against Police Violence to the George Floyd case, Ellison shares profound perspectives on driving change in our socie...

Join Chanda Smith Baker in a powerful conversation with Qiana Thomason, the visionary CEO of Health Forward Foundation. Discover how Qiana's dedication to health equity and community empowerment shapes her leadership journey. Explore her insights on truth reconciliation in philanthropy, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of intentional spaces.