What Rules!?: A career podcast for women of color

Continuing our celebration of Black History Month, we honor Black educators making a difference in the school system. Listen as Dr. Cynthia L. Hannah, an elementary school principal in Miami-Dade, the largest school district in Florida and the fourth largest in the United States, shares the many lessons she has learned from her incredible mentor, Dr. Valerie Ward. "Make yourself teachable. It does...

For Black History Month, we're highlighting an artist and two educators, beginning with Chloe Arnold, Emmy-nominated choreographer, tap dancer, founder of the hit female tap sensation Syncopated Ladies . Listen as Chloe shares why she went against the world's expectations to embrace her own possibilities, create her own spaces, and how she is passing that knowledge onto others. "There's so much no...

2020 has been a wild ride. As much as we'd all like to forget it, reflecting on the past is essential to planning our future. Listen as Alisa, Rosa, and Merary wrap the year with 5 questions meant to put things into perspective. Here's to moving forward! Questions in this episode: What happened in 2020 that you want to celebrate? When did you have the most fun? What do you simply need to stop doin...

Have you ever felt that being a woman of color has prevented you from getting paid what you're worth? That feeling is exactly why leadership and negotiation coach, Nadia De Ala, has made it her life's mission to get women of color hella rich. Listen as she shares her story and three things she's learned about how to charge your worth. "You're somebody else's glass ceiling. Break yours accordingly...

Have you ever stayed at a job when you really wanted to leave? How do you know when it's time to go versus when you should just put your head down and persevere? Multiple Emmy Award-winning producer, Patty Serrato-Castellon, shares what she's learned from her 14 years in entertainment about staying resilient when the going gets tough. "I had to really work hard and I had to adapt to how my executi...

Have you ever had to break up with a friend? How do you know when it's time to let them go? Or what if it's not time but you're not sure how to have a conversation to find out? This week, Alisa, Rosa, and Merary go deep into their own theories about what healthy friendship looks like and what to do when you're ready to say goodbye. "As human beings, if we've invested a lot of time into something,...

Did you know there's actual research that indicates that most people like you more than you think they do? Well, Dr. Marisa G. Franco knows it, which is why she's writing a book all about how to make friends as an adult. Listen as Alisa and Merary discuss what real friendship looks like in their professional and personal lives. "There's a point at which the desire to protect yourself becomes a har...

When Gloria Diaz was wrapping up her undergraduate studies, she had no idea that her adventures in higher education were far from over. Listen as she shares why entering her PhD program was a leap of faith and how she's learned to lift her fellow Latina up along the way. “If I've seen further than anyone else, it's because I'm standing on the shoulders of women that came before me. I know I'm not...

Dr. Shreya Soni knows the power of listening to your body and advocates for better health by encouraging women to ask more of their doctors. Listen as she shares with Alisa, Rosa, and Merary about the importance of preventative healthcare and supporting ourselves all the time. “You have to know that you're worth it and you deserve better treatment. Challenge your healthcare system, challenge your...

On the road to an amazing career and a fulfilling life, at what point are you ready to slow down and start a family? And where's the rule that says you even have to slow down at all? This week, Alisa, Rosa, and Merary reflect on the wisdom of past guests and discuss the age-old question, can women have it all?

In her life as an advocate for education equity, Myrna Castrejón knows that in order to be truly happy, you can't avoid the pain that often accompanies growth. But through hardship, we earn a lasting joy. For her, that joy is rooted in service. Listen as Rosa and Alisa discuss what they learned from chatting with Myrna about what real happiness looks like.

Carolynn Johnson still recalls the exact moment she was done being the model employee and started owning her power. As CEO of DiversityInc, she now owns it daily by choosing to be an ally to the communities she serves. Listen as Rosa and Alisa reflect on Carolynn's lessons about the power of relationships and how to own that power for good.

Imagine founding the world’s largest startup competition for women and technology and still feeling like an imposter. For Leanne Robers, understanding those feelings and learning to overcome them is part of her journey. Listen as she talks with Alisa and Merary about her secrets to opening doors and turning negative thoughts into positive empowerment.

In one of our recent episodes, Alisa, Rosa, and Merary touched briefly on the idea of reframing conversations from being difficult to being meaningful. But what does that really mean and how do you make a habit of it? We’re living in unprecedented times and with so many essential conversations happening every day, now is the time to start.

Told by her Iranian grandmother that girls shouldn’t play outside, Samira Saffarzadeh grew up always trying to be one of the guys. Now, as Supervisor of Capital Delivery Systems at Pacific Gas & Electric, she’s creating a culture that values representation and support for people in the Middle East, Europe and North Africa. Listen to her talk to Rosa, Merary & Alisa about her journey to emb...

As Chief Information Officer at Pfizer Upjohn, one of the world's largest biopharmaceutical companies, Sabina Ewing is inspiring the next generation of Black women in STEM. After moving her family from China back to Pennsylvania, she talks to Rosa, Merary and Alisa about the future of work and creating a legacy in her career. Now, more than ever is the time for women of color to embrace their iden...

Edna Diez is a recognized change leader at the World Bank Group. Her “why not” approach to risk-taking brings back memories to the Color Forward team of their own risky adventures and inspires them to live a life of no regret and learn from past mistakes.

JuE is a 5x CEO with experience and exposure in four continents and seven countries. Her path is anything but traditional, yet everything about being intentional. Currently the CEO of Olaplex, JuE talks to Rosa, Merary and Alisa about outsmarting cultural stereotypes, the shifting tide of work/life balance, and staying focused on your goals.

This season is all about The Future of Work. We’ve interviewed CEOs and senior leaders to learn how they’re shaping the future, starting with Adrienne Trimble, President & CEO National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

In this tumultuous time of the Coronavirus still spreading throughout the country and civil unrest, now is the time to amplify the voices of women of color and continue to tell their stories of overcoming cultural barriers and pioneering new realities! Listen to Gaby Natale, Alma Del Toro and Dr. Edie Coleman Chears in this special episode.

Reesheda Graham Washington, Justice Fighter!

Being a woman of color in tech isn’t so much about the label; Shonna Dorsey tells us it’s really about embracing who you are as an individual. And as an individual, she likes to take risks and tackle challenges, unafraid of failure.

With a Ph. D. in Sociology and a career in market research, Zoe Dowling brings a multicultural perspective on adapting to change and being patient with ourselves and others in our journeys of growth.

Nurses on the front lines aren’t just our heroes during this COVID-19 crisis; they’re our heroes every day. Listen to Susan’s incredible story of overcoming many obstacles in her journey and how the hospital system has been affected in this season.

This Latina sports airplane pilot is on a mission to impact others around the world, all while focusing on the micro-moments that remind us how much staying positive can make a difference.