The Social Change Diaries

As a champion for nonprofits, Futurist and author, Trista Harris, helps organizations reimagine the future. In this conversation about leadership and philanthropy, Trista talks about the necessity for more organizations to embrace futurism as a way to solve social issues in the most impactful ways possible.

They say what gets measured gets done. A conversation with Sean Thomas-Breitfeld of the Building Movement Project shines a spotlight on the racial leadership gap in the nonprofit sector, as well as some specific measurable actions that can create much needed change in the leadership ranks. In the interview, Sean not only shares the cold, hard facts, he also takes us through his experience of prese...

As a first-generation Muslim American, Kashif Shaikh sees the world through a lens that ensures American Muslims have access to all of the freedoms and opportunities this country offers. In a conversation about leadership, he shares his vision and the importance of developing leaders who can tell their stories to create change, shifting the current narrative around Muslim-Americans. In less than a...

Institutional philanthropy plays a pivotal role in advancing social change, but far too often these same organizations hinder progress through systematic white supremacy. Vanessa Daniel and Pamela Shifman highlight the challenges and opportunities to bring about equity in the sector. The conversation highlights the huge disparity in funding and support for organizations led by people of color, who...

No need to worry about passing the baton to the next generation of leaders in the philanthropy space. In this conversation with Tamir Novotny, Executive Director for Emerging Practitioners of Philanthropy, we learn about the vision of emerging leaders and how they want to show up in the world to create change. This isn't your father's leadership model. Learn why this generation is focused on equit...

There are an estimated 55 million Hispanic people in the United States, comprising over 17% of the population. HIP President, Ana Marie Argilagos, is working to usher in a new generation of philanthropy that is for, by, and about the Latino community. Looking to fill the gap unmet by institutional philanthropy, Ana talks candidly about what philanthropy looks like for Latinos and the exciting oppo...

Through a fascinating look at the history of our country, Edgar Villanueva provides a powerful, insightful argument for us to evaluate institutional philanthropy today. He believes that the way forward is to "heal the pain of the past and restore balance to the land." Tune in to hear his powerful call-to-action to decolonize wealth in America.

Contrary to popular belief, philanthropy has been a long standing tradition of the African American community. Valiada shares her insights about how African Americans give, why they give and what the future holds. Through interviews completed while researching for her book,  Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists , she uncovered the spirit of generosity that has...

Philanthropist, Author and Researcher, Dr. Jason Franklin, talks about the role of philanthropy in transforming communities. As the first holder of the W. K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair, he is focused on reframing conversations and actions about how communities take care of the people that occupy them. From "outrage giving" to donating time, Jason talks about the many ways and reasons tha...

In honor of Women's History Month, we talked all things women and girls with Under-Secretary-General of the UN and  UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Looking at the world through the global lens on gender equality isn't for the faint of heart. The Secretary General offers inspiration and marching orders for our listeners. Enjoy! PS: Get ready for Social Change Diaries Season 2,...

If you've ever heard her speak or read her writing, you know that Melissa Harris-Perry is going to teach you something you didn't already know, while also sharing her powerful truth. In her interview on the Social Change Diaries, she does just that- with a no holds barred sit down with Vanessa.

Jacki Zehner is a community builder. Through Women Moving Millions, she, along with a group of 270 women, have provided more than 1 billion dollars in funding for the causes that impact women and girls around the world. As one of today's most influential voices on women, money and changing the world, Jacki reframes the notion of power to be inclusive, collaborative and empowering.   

Some people believe that women were written out of history, but Abigail Disney believes that women were never written in. Through her films, she's on a quest to change that. Abigail's passion for storytelling, and for accurate representations of women in the quest for peace, has led her to understand what makes a woman courageous enough to share her truth, even in the most dangerous and politicall...

Saru Jayaraman has been championing the rights of restaurant workers for more than a decade. Her activism and unapologetic pursuit for justice makes her a natural thought leader and visionary.

In this episode, Race Forward Senior Strategist, Rinku Sen, looks at the world through the eyes of an activist and journalist, sharing her observations and convictions about the challenges facing women of color, in advancing their respective agendas. As a racial justice expert, Rinku beautifully touches on the importance of support and what is needed for women to excel in leadership roles.

Strategist and storyteller Erica Payne is a fearless advocate for economic justice. Known to "poke the bear" as creator of some of the most powerful issue campaigns of the last decade, Erica has built a thought leadership platform that provides a trail of bread crumbs for how women can leverage their ideas and expertise to create meaningful change.

Answering the question what will it take for women to occupy the spaces and places where we are normally silenced, Marianne Schnall shares her insights gathered from over two decades of progressive thought leadership on feminism. During her interview, she advocates for the reclamation of the term "power" and encourages women to consider how "power with" and "power to" can be used to spark change.

We all have a unique contribution to make when we care about something and put our actions behind it. Today's guest, Ana Oliveira shares with us her thoughts on how women can share their voices to shape the future.   Ana Oliveira is President and CEO of The New York Women's Foundation. Since 2006, Ana has led the increase of The Foundation's grantmaking from $1.7M to $7.6M today. Focusing on econo...

Ai-Jen Poo wants to democratize the vision of what it means to be a good leader and elevate the ideas and vision of women who she feels are underutilized in todays society.  There is power in working with a group rather than solo, as the strategy and ideas come from the collective energy. It can give strength and courage to boldly move forward without overthinking.   Ai-jen Poo is the Director of...