Conversations with Chanda

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, Girl Scouts River Valleys CEO Marisa C. Williams and four-time bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones shatter the myths of perfectionism and self-doubt. They dive into the transformative power of borrowed courage, revealing how women and girls can silence their inner critic and step boldly into their purpose. Girl Scouts River Valleys: https://www.girlscoutsrv.org/ Luvvie Ajayi Jones Books: https://luvvie.org/books/ https://conversationswithchanda.com/ IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Sharon Bush, President of Grand Victoria Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to challenge leadership norms. She reveals why sometimes the most radical act is choosing stillness over noise. Learn how an introverted leader transforms communities by listening deeply, building strategic power, and centering Black abundance—not just surviving, but thriving with purpose. https://grandvictoriafdn.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Pierre Berastaín, Regional Director of CPI Center for Public Impact, is a Harvard-educated, gay Latino immigrant who turns personal barriers into blueprints for social transformation. In this raw, powerful conversation, he dismantles systemic barriers through personal resilience, revealing how marginalized communities can transform pain into profound social change. Discover radical strategies for healing, leadership, and reimagining government that will challenge everything you thought you knew about survival. Centre for Public Impact: https://centreforpublicimpact.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Karla Henderson, the new CEO of Project for Pride in Living (PPL), joins Chanda Smith Baker to unpack her journey of unapologetic leadership. In a raw, powerful conversation, she reveals how to navigate complex challenges, stay true to community values, and transform unexpected opportunities into meaningful impact—all while redefining what it means to lead with resilience and purpose. Project for Pride in Living (PPL): https://www.ppl-inc.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to expose philanthropy's hidden power dynamics. In a raw, unfiltered conversation, she reveals how Black women leaders strategically navigate and dismantle institutional racism, offering a masterclass in resilience, strategic resistance, and transformative leadership that challenges the very foundations of charitable giving. Inspired by the legendary Gladys Washington—who embodied unapologetic leadership, mentorship, and radical love—this episode is a blueprint for systemic transformation, told by a leader who has fought and won battles most never see. Learn: * How to turn institutional barriers into strategic opportunities * The art of influencing power structures from within * Authentic allyship beyond performative gestures * Why incremental change requires patience and persistent vision

Join Chanda Smith Baker and the Jeremiah Program's CEO Chastity Lord, Board Chair Meredith Moore, and alumna Lavasha Smith as they discuss JP's two-generation approach to disrupting poverty. This conversation explores how JP's holistic support empowers single mothers and their children, combining personal experiences with different perspectives. Jeremiah Program: https://jeremiahprogram.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda sat down with Christo Brand, a former prison guard on Robben Island, who shares his remarkable story of friendship with Nelson Mandela. Discover how an unlikely bond formed between a jailer and the iconic leader, and the profound lessons of respect, humanity, and forgiveness that transformed them both. https://christobrand.co.za/ To purchase "Doing Life with Mandela" book: https://a.co/d/bK7jCAh www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

In this episode of Centering Conversations, an exclusive segment with Voice Vision Value, Ashleigh Gardere, the President of PolicyLink, shares a bold vision to redesign the nation from the ground up. Challenging the status quo, Gardere argues that current systems were never designed for collective flourishing - it's time to redefine the values and legal frameworks that will deliver a just and equitable future for all. Read PolicyLink's Vision: https://www.policylink.org/vision www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

We are highlighting an episode on Centering Conversations aired in 2023 with the 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. https://www.lorealthompsonpayton.com/ To purchase book: https://a.co/d/9gn9gIA www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y'all Too," "STEM, STEAM, Make Dream," and much more. Chanda and Chris discussed the major challenges in our education system. Emdin boldly declares the education system is flawed and rooted in oppression. But he offers a radical alternative that embraces hip-hop culture's creativity, rhythm, and critical thinking. https://chrisemdin.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Detria Austin Everson, CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey in philanthropy and social justice. Discover how service can be your superpower as Everson reveals the keys to unity, resilience, and hope in leadership. Learn how celebrating small victories can lead to big changes and why black women's voices are crucial in the fight for equity. https://detriaaustineverson.com/ https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

John W. Rogers, Jr. is the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, the global value-based asset management firm he founded in 1983 and first African American-owned asset management firm in American history. Chanda sat down with John to talk about moving away from supplier diversity and into business diversity, along with the importance of creating multigenerational wealth for Black and Brown communities. https://www.arielinvestments.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Join Chanda Smith Baker in conversation with philanthropic leader Lauren Y. Casteel as they explore Black women's leadership in philanthropy. Lauren Y. Casteel is president and CEO of The Women's Foundation of Colorado. Drawing from her family's civil rights legacy and 35-year career, Lauren shares powerful insights on community building, navigating racism, and fostering systemic change. Together, they discuss how bold, innovative philanthropy can create lasting impact for marginalized communities. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen https://www.wfco.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Discover how two visionaries turned music into a lifeline for struggling students, challenging everything you thought you knew about education. David "TC" Ellis, a pioneering Minnesota rapper and music producer, and Tony, an accomplished entertainment lawyer and educational leader, co-founded Studio 4 and the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA). Tony Simmons and David Ellis reveal the groundbreaking approach that's not just keeping kids in school, but launching careers and transforming lives. Find out how this innovative model could reshape education across America. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.hsra.org/

This episode of Conversations with Chanda takes you inside the mind of a prosecutor who is challenging the status quo and redefining what true public safety looks like. Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, shares a refreshingly honest and nuanced perspective on the criminal justice system - one that moves beyond simplistic notions of punishment and instead seeks to address the root causes of crime through compassion, rehabilitation, and community-based solutions. Her insights on the importance of early intervention, restorative justice, and empowering the community to engage with the legal process will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the role of a prosecutor. www.hennepinattorney.org YT: @HennepinAttorney www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

This episode honors the life and legacy of Gladys Krigger Washington, the late Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, reflecting on her remarkable contributions to philanthropy and her role as a trailblazing Black woman leader. Through her impactful work, Washington exemplified the values of self-care, honesty, and community building, inspiring countless others. Her wisdom, including the importance of lightening up, truly listening, and engaging in challenging conversations, continues to resonate, offering a powerful reminder to embrace diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Sheena Meade, highlighting her journey from being a teen mom and facing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform. Sheena shares her experiences with incarceration, including a $87.26 bounced check leading to arrest and the impact on her life. Sheena is the CEO of the Clean Slate initiative, which aims to automatically clear records for eligible individuals, with 12 states adopting such laws and 15 million people benefiting. The conversation emphasizes the need for bipartisan support, narrative change, and community involvement in criminal justice reform. Discover how her work with The Clean Slate Initiative is changing lives and transforming communities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.cleanslateinitiative.org Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities United Way https://www.gtcuw.org/

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, and Ali Knight, the incoming national director and CEO. GreenLight Fund is a national network of sites partner with local communities to tackle the barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving inclusive prosperity. They select and scale proven programs to directly address those barriers identified by each community. The model involves identifying local leaders and unmet needs and then adapting proven models to fit local contexts. They have expanded to 13 cities, with 14 sites, including a new one in Miami. Simone emphasizes community-led processes and partnerships, citing their first investment in LEAD Minneapolis, housed at Pillsbury United Communities. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk-taking and learning from failures in innovation. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker greenlightfund.org IG @greenlightfund Sponsored by: The Black Collective Foundation https://www.minnesotablackcollectivefoundation.org/

Andrea Caupain Sanderson, a racial and social justice advocate for over 25 years, discussed her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 12 and becoming a single mother at 19 to becoming CEO of the Byrd Barr Place. She is currently the co-founder and co-executive director of the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition and one of four architects of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington's first cooperative philanthropy created by and for Black people to ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. In this episode, she emphasized the need for black-led organizations to receive funding and support and highlighted the importance of self-care and creating spaces for black leaders to thrive. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen https://bipocedcoalitionwa.org/ https://www.blackfuturewa.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker speaks with Charles Adams, an Author of Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach, about his Northside upbringing and the complexities of community policing. They discuss the challenges black officers face, the impact of George Floyd's murder, and the removal of officers from schools. Joining the conversation is Jayland Baker, a North High alumnus and former football player coached by Charles, who shares his perspective on the importance of having officers in schools and the sense of security they provided. To purchase 'Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach': https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Cities-Black-Championship-Coach/dp/030683054X www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Meet Nevada Littlewolf, Executive Director of Women Winning, as she discusses the importance of policy-focused presidential debates, inclusive democracy, and reproductive justice, and how you can get involved in creating a more equitable future. Women Winning recruits, trains, endorses and elects pro-choice women to all levels of public office in Minnesota. Sponsored by the Greater Twin Cities Minnesota Chapter of the Links, Inc. https://www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://womenwinning.org/

Black women leaders face a unique set of challenges that can be exhausting, overwhelming, and often invisible. In this episode, Sadiqa Reynolds shares her unflinching account of the struggles she's faced as a Black woman leader, from being criticized for promoting diversity to dealing with the emotional toll of constant scrutiny. Listen in as she reveals the importance of support systems, true diversity and inclusion, and the power of community in overcoming the unspoken struggles of Black women leaders. Sadiqa Reynolds is CEO of Perception Institute and Founder and President of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Before Perception Institute, Reynolds was CEO of the Louisville Urban League, the first woman to hold this title in the affiliate's 95-year history raising more than $100 million, quadrupling the agency's budget, increasing the assets by more than $70 million, and building a $53 million state-of-the-art sports and learning complex, during a pandemic and amid civil unrest. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://perception.org/

Ruth Richardson is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. She became the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate in October 2022. She is a lawyer, health equity champion, and a trailblazer. Ruth brings her unique perspective as the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate and as a former Minnesota House Representative, to illuminate the intersections of voter rights, reproductive justice, and the essential nature of civic engagement. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://www.plannedparenthood.org/

Keesha Gaskins-Nathan is the Director of the Democratic Practice–United States program and the Racial Justice Initiative at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Join Chanda Smith Baker and Keesha Gaskins-Nathan as they dive into the harsh realities of women in politics, particularly for women of color like Kamala Harris. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and uncover the truth about the attacks on Harris, the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action, and the role of nonprofits in promoting voter participation. Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities MN Chapter of The Links, Incorporated www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Gun violence is stealing childhoods. Dr. Marc Gorelick, CEO of Children's Minnesota, and Chanda Smith Baker demand action, urging a comprehensive approach that tackles poverty, mental health, and responsible gun ownership to prevent further tragedies. Purchase Dr. Gorelick's new book "Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc's Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis": https://a.co/d/3WpVt84 ww.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Ever wondered how a former attorney turns passion for science into a thriving distillery? Join Chanda Smith Baker as she dives deep with Chris Montana, founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. Discover the transformative power of mentorship, the gritty realities of fundraising, and the resilience needed to pivot during a pandemic. Hear how producing hand sanitizer for first responders and homeless shelters became a lifeline. This episode will inspire you to invest in people, embrace adaptability, and transform challenges into opportunities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://shopdunord.com/ https://dunordsocialspirits.com/

Can police departments evolve to prioritize trust and accountability? Chanda and Assistant Chief Alice White explore the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement, and what it takes to create lasting change. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

This is part of the Shaping the Future: Women in Law Enforcement Series. Join Chanda Smith Baker and retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, Kris Arneson, as they navigate the urgent need for change in policing culture, community engagement, and the invaluable impact of women in law enforcement. Learn from Kris's 32-year journey about breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and championing ethical policing practices. Don't miss this conversation about reshaping the future of law enforcement and unleashing the potential of women leaders!

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker and Dawn Selle sit with trailblazing guest Deborah Montgomery, the first female police officer in St. Paul, MN, in 1975. Now retired, Montgomery reflects on her remarkable career dedicated to breaking barriers, championing civil rights, and making a lasting impact on her community. They explore critical topics surrounding policing, community justice, and fostering genuine connections within the community. Emphasizing the vital roles of empathy, communication, and resourcefulness in crisis situations, Montgomery shares invaluable insights on effecting positive change. Additionally, they explore the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful hiring process, advocating for better pay and benefits, and promoting opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance police recruitment and retention.

Join Chanda Smith Baker as she talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins about his journey to uncover years of family history, revealing the intertwined lives of Black and White families and the impact of historical trauma on contemporary America.

In our latest episode of Conversations with Chanda, we are joined by Dr. Rachel R. Hardeman, a Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity and Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, both trailblazers and twin sisters committed to equity and social justice. We explore the powerful legacies of black Minnesotan families and their impact on community service and leadership. The conversation uncovers how addressing the root causes of challenges can lead to meaningful change. Listen now to be inspired by these stories and empowered to take action for a more equitable and just world.

In this powerful episode of Centering Conversations, Dr. Gisele Shorter, President and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, shares her deep belief that an equitable society starts with an equitable education system. With over 15 years of experience leading large-scale community-based programs, Dr. Shorter is committed to advancing education justice and closing the opportunity gap for Black and Brown youth. Tune in to hear her insights on building a more just and equitable world through education.

In this live event at the Medtronic Club, U.S. Bank Stadium, Chanda interviews panelists Alice White, Deborah Montgomery, and Kris Arneson on their experiences and insights in recruiting and retaining women in law enforcement. Alice White, currently the Assistant Chief of the Golden Valley Police Department, shares her journey from Community Service Officer to Sergeant, and her role in implementing Procedural Justice training. Deborah Montgomery, a trailblazer in law enforcement, made history as the first female African American police officer in St. Paul, Minnesota, and rose to the rank of Commander in her distinguished career. Kris Arneson, retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, brings over 32 years of experience and highlights her work in community policing and improving relations with East African and African American communities. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and strategies for promoting gender equality in the force and creating a safer, more inclusive community.

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 beginnings in East St. Louis to her high-powered career in global entertainment and marketing, she shares her insights on spirituality, stardom, success, and the implications they have on the soul and society. Listen now to learn how Dr. Tashion empowers others to live their purpose and achieve unshakeable success. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker https://www.tashionmacon.com/ IG @tashionmaconphd

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 & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker

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 & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker nancylyons.com clockwork.com madebytempo.com

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 discusses the importance of nurturing qualities like resilience, working memory, and meaningfulness in life, which are powerful predictors of positive long-term outcomes. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker https://www.socos.org/

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. Flozell also shares his experiences navigating complex systems and managing expectations, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community care in sustaining this work.

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 into her holistic strategy, combining empathetic listening and cultural sensitivity to improve medical care. Dr. Nardos highlights the challenges women face in accessing healthcare and the necessity of empowering underrepresented communities. Learn more about her innovative approaches, passion for cultivating a new generation of healthcare providers, and her mission to bridge the gap between music, medicine, and women's well-being. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker https://globalhealthcenter.umn.edu/global-womens-health

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.conversationswithchanda.com www.voicevisionvalue.org IG @chandasbaker, @conversationswithchanda, @voice.vision.value Twitter: @chandasbaker

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 American Leadership Forum Twin Cities www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker www.blackmenteach.org IG @blackmenteachtc

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 scars of lost time, and how to move forward after being knocked down.

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 IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker @amandabrinkman.com IG: @amandakbrinkman Twitter: @amandakbrinkman

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, and engage in challenging conversations to learn from diverse perspectives. Special thanks to our partner and sponsor: VoiceVisionValue.org

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 justice. Join Chanda, Dr. Makeeba, and Quincy as they address systemic racism, the challenges of philanthropic systems, and the importance of honest conversation.

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, courage, and making a lasting impact.

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 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.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker

In Part I of a 2-Part series episode, Chanda engages in an insightful 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 & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker