Women of Color Rise

How can leaders turn perceived limitations into strengths?   On Women of Color Rise, I speak with Alia Abbas, Chief of Staff at New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. With a career spanning Estee Lauder, Warner Bros. Discovery, Prudential, and Citi, Alia has led in strategy, operations, and innovation—proving that disability and faith are not barriers but strengths.   Alia didn't realize she was blind until she was diagnosed in college, thanks to parents who instilled confidence and adaptability. She also made a pivotal choice in her career—to wear a hijab, deepening her connection to her Muslim faith. Though both blindness and belief come with stereotypes, Alia sees them as value-adds in leadership and teams.   Her insights: We are capable – People with disabilities develop adaptability, resilience, and unique problem-solving skills. Diversity strengthens teams – Multi-generational, multi-background, and multi-ability teams drive stronger ideas and outcomes. No ceilings on possibility – Instead of limiting others, empower them to pursue their goals.   Alia's journey is a powerful reminder: Own your identity, use your voice, and lead with confidence.   Thank you, Alia, for sharing your inspiring stories!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-102-strength-in-blindness-and-faith-with-alia-abbas  

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies. Under her leadership, NYU SPS has been ranked as a top higher education institution, recognized for its career-connected, industry-focused degrees and courses.   Angie shares tips about how to turn imposter syndrome into your superpower: Reframe It as a Strength: Imposter syndrome isn't a sign of failure—it's proof that you're growing. Angie explains that feeling like an outsider means you're pushing yourself into new and challenging spaces where real learning happens. Stay Curious: Instead of letting doubt hold you back, use it as motivation to ask questions, explore, and expand your knowledge. Angie emphasizes that the most successful people aren't the ones who "know it all" but those who remain inquisitive and open to growth. Seek Challenging Spaces: The moment you feel like the smartest person in the room, it's time to move on. Angie encourages others to embrace environments that push them outside their comfort zones, because that's where true transformation occurs. Embrace the Outsider Mindset: Rather than seeing self-doubt as a weakness, recognize it as a tool for problem-solving and innovation. Angie highlights that the best leaders and hires aren't those who have all the answers—they're the ones who are hungry to learn, work hard, and can see old problems with a new and fresh outside perspective. Thank you, Angie, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-101-how-to-turn-imposter-syndrome-into-your-superpower-with-angie-kamath

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christie Wong Barrett, former CEO and owner of MacArthur, a global manufacturer of innovative labels and functional components with operations in the U.S., China, Mexico, and Poland. Christie currently serves as an Independent Board Member for DMI Companies, a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and Co-Director of AmplifyD, a nonprofit incubating startups led by minority and women founders. She has also advised on national manufacturing policy through her appointment to the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.   Christie shares her framework for evaluating opportunities—when to say yes and when to say no: Is it new? If it's a fresh opportunity, consider saying yes. Are you passionate? Ensure it aligns with your interests, passions, and goals. Will it build your skillset? Growth potential makes an opportunity worthwhile. Can you realistically succeed? You should have at least one foundational strength—whether it's knowledge of the industry, clients, or team—to set yourself up for success. Does it create multiple benefits? Look for opportunities that offer value beyond just work—advancing your career, expanding your network, or opening future doors.   While it's tempting to say yes to everything, Christie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. Ideally, we should only say yes when all these criteria align.   Thank you, Christie, for your insightful advice!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-100-when-to-say-yes-with-christie-wong-barrett

How can we build connection and compassionate communities? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Gail Christopher, the visionary behind the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework. Dr. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and a former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives like America Healing and TRHT. Recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Women Scholars in Health Promotion by the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2023, Dr. Christopher continues to inspire change worldwide. Dr. Christopher shares the powerful foundation of TRHT, designed to replace the false hierarchy of human value with a vision of our shared humanity. This framework has had a profound impact across the U.S. and beyond, with over 70 college campuses implementing TRHT campus centers. The Five Pillars of TRHT: Narrative Change: Redefining stories to reflect shared humanity. Racial Healing & Relationship Building: Fostering compassion across diversity to create authentic, human connections. Separation: Addressing the systemic ways society perpetuates division and hierarchy. Law: Reforming immigration policies, voting rights, and criminal justice systems to uphold equality. Economy: Transforming economic systems built on exploitation to prioritize equity. The Five-Step Process for Change: Create a Vision for Success: Imagine a future where equality and shared humanity replace hierarchy. Use Data to Assess Reality: Evaluate current conditions against the envisioned future. Engage Key Stakeholders: Identify and involve the individuals and communities necessary for progress. Set Goals: Establish clear, short- and long-term objectives to guide action. Sustain the Effort: Build systems for funding, communication, and volunteer support to ensure lasting impact. Dr. Christopher reminds us that this work is both a framework and a methodology—a guide for communities, institutions, and nations to advance racial healing and equity. Thank you, Dr. Christopher, for your leadership and for inspiring us to envision a future grounded in our shared humanity. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-99-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher  

Aspiring to lead in theater?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). Before this role, Khady served as Executive Director of Second Stage Theater, where she was part of the leadership team that won a Tony Award for Take Me Out.   Khady shares her inspiring journey from Senegal to the U.S., where a night at the theater changed her life's trajectory. Though her decision to pursue theater initially caused friction—her mother hung up when she called to share the news—Khady followed her passion and learned invaluable lessons along the way:   Embrace the Pivot: Pursuing your passion can be uncertain, but taking the leap allows you to live without regrets. If needed, you can always pivot later. Embrace Failure: Facing the unknown, like navigating and leading theater during COVID, showed Khady that mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve. Know Your Values: When Khady discovered a report showing a lack of people of color leading regional theaters, she was motivated by her belief in representation and set her sights on becoming a leader in the industry.   Thank you, Khady, for showing us the power of resilience and passion in leadership! Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-98-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher

How can you amplify your leadership in technology?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology.   Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success.   Sonita's wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-97-navigating-tech-leadership-entrepreneur-to-boardroom-with-sonita-lontoh  

How can you amplify your leadership in technology?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology.   Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success.   Sonita's wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-96-5-keys-to-build-self-confidence-with-sheena-yap-chan  

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Melissa Santoro, Former Vice President of De Beers and Former Head of Finance at Macy's Backstage. With a career spanning finance and strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, Melissa is now an angel investor and board member.   Melissa shares powerful strategies for taking risks and making bold career moves: Be Curious: Explore new opportunities, even without prior experience. Melissa accepted a challenging and unpopular role conducting fine jewelry analysis—a field she had no prior experience in—and this opened doors for her to lead analysis on new ventures. Be Confident: Trust your skills and your ability to learn. Melissa explains how she embraces new challenges, knowing she can gain the knowledge she needs along the way. Build Community: Leverage your network for support. Melissa emphasizes the importance of asking for help and tapping into your community for guidance.   Melissa will also be hosting a session on March 5 called “Cultivating A Growth Mindset in the Modern Workplace.” It caters to women in leadership, with a focus on building wealth, health, and longevity as women are living longer than ever—often until age 90.   For more details, visit here.   Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies!   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/how-to-take-risks-and-make-career-leaps-with-melissa-santoro-former-vice-president-de-beers    

Seeking a deeper connection to culture, spirit, and homeland? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Grace Nono—a celebrated Filipino singer, ethnomusicologist, and scholar of Philippine shamanism. Grace holds advanced degrees in Humanities, Philippine Studies, Religious and Gender Studies, and Ethnomusicology from institutions like Yale University and NYU. She has also served as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Divinity School. Grace shares how reconnecting to the land and indigenous Filipino cultural and spiritual practices has grounded her: Land Connection: Returning to her birthplace in Mindanao to reconnect with the earth. Spiritual Connection: Learning from living Babaylan about ancestral and land-based spirituality. Cultural Connection: Exploring music, arts, and traditional healing practices. Grace also offers two transformative opportunities: Online Webinar Series: Learn from master indigenous practitioners in martial arts, music, and healing. In-Person Immersion in the Philippines: Yuta: Co-Creating with Mother Earth is a 10-day program that includes cultural immersion, healing practices, and community building with Filipino and global participants.   Thank you, Grace, for inspiring others to reconnect with their roots and heritage! Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-94-connect-to-culture-spirit-and-homeland-with-grace-nono-filipino-singer-and-scholar-of-philippine-shamanism-1

Is it possible for life-or-death news to bring hope? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health. With a long career in public health, Johanne has been guided by her commitment to equity, social justice, and trauma-informed care. At age 42, Johanne was diagnosed with breast cancer while transitioning into a major role she had worked tirelessly to achieve. Faced with the dilemma of prioritizing her health or career, she chose to reframe the question: How can I focus on both? Now celebrating ten years of being cancer-free, Johanne shares how her experience transformed her leadership at work and in life: Focus on community: Johanne leaned on her strong community of family, friends, and faith, deepening those connections throughout her journey. Clarity on her legacy: Cancer clarified Johanne's desire to leave a meaningful impact, especially around equity. She became bolder, speaking out on hard truths about inequities while balancing this with levity. She also felt empowered to take calculated risks, asking herself, “If X happens, can I stand by it?” Bringing hope: Battling cancer taught Johanne the importance of hope—not just for herself but also at work. As she navigated difficult conversations, she realized balancing hard facts with hope and humor was essential to prevent despair. Even during COVID, she highlighted positive aspects, like the flexibility of remote work. Seeing life as temporary: Johanne embraced the idea that life's moments—whether joyful or challenging—are temporary. This perspective allowed her to choose how she spent her time and aligned her actions with her values. Embracing authenticity: Cancer helped Johanne lean into her true self, becoming more confident and unapologetic in her leadership. Thank you, Johanne, for sharing your inspiring story and bringing hope to all of us. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-93-how-breast-cancer-changed-my-leadership-at-work-and-in-life-with-johanne-morne  

What does it take to secure a corporate board seat?    In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christine Crawford, Former McDonald's Franchisee Owner. Christine shares her journey to serving on multiple boards, including Avid Pursuits, which includes a digital marketing agency (Cyberwoven), and Illumyn by Him For Her, dedicated to enhancing the impact of private company boards through cohort-driven learning.   Christine and I discuss why diversity in boardrooms matter and how to get a seat in the boardroom.   Know Why Diversity Matters: Diverse board members bring different experiences to the table, enhancing innovation and preventing blind spots in decision-making. Communicate Your Intentions: Aspiring board members, especially women and people of color, need to vocalize their interest in board roles with their network. Articulate Your Value: Be prepared to share your diverse experiences succinctly and effectively, focusing on the common threads that demonstrate your value to a board. Be Patient in Your Journey: Recognize that board placements take time. View your path as a continuous journey rather than a race. Embrace Continuous Learning: Start with smaller board roles to gain experience and insights that can lead to larger opportunities.   Thank you, Christine, for sharing your valuable insights on board diversity and leadership development. Your journey inspires others to pursue their ambitions and advocate for representation in corporate governance.   Also, if you know of corporate board opportunities in education, technology, or HR that could use a leader with strategic, talent, and marketing experience, please let me know. I would love to be of service.   #BoardDiversity #Leadership #WomenInBusiness #WomenOfColorRise #CorporateGovernance   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/ep-92-how-to-get-a-corporate-boardroom-seat-with-christine-crawford

How can your identity become one of your greatest leadership strengths?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Shirley Collado, President and CEO of College Track. Previously, Shirley served as president of Ithaca College, executive vice chancellor and chief operating officer at Rutgers University-Newark, and executive vice president of The Posse Foundation.   Shirley and I discuss how women of color can embrace their identity as a superpower and lead authentically in spaces that may not always expect them to.  Define Your Narrative Shirley drew strength from her upbringing as a first-generation college graduate and daughter of Dominican immigrants to define herself as smart, capable, caring, and worthy of leadership. Show Up in Fullness As a Dominican-American woman leading in higher education, Shirley defied expectations. She reminds us to embrace our identity fully, even in spaces where others may not expect it, and to use our voice to challenge stereotypes. Model Possibility for Others Representation matters. Shirley's trailblazing career as the first Dominican-American president of a U.S. four-year college shows younger generations that leadership can come in diverse forms. Embrace the Strength in Differences Shirley highlights the unique strengths that come from being different, such as adaptability, resilience, and problem-solving, which first-gen students often possess.. Turn Perceived Deficits into Strengths What makes you different is what makes you strong. Shirley encourages reframing perceived disadvantages, like navigating multiple worlds, into assets that make you a more effective and resilient leader.   Thank you, Shirley, for sharing your incredible story with us and showing how embracing your full identity can empower you and others to thrive.   #WomenLeaders #WomenOfColorRise #IdentityLeadership #CollegeTrack   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-91-see-your-identity-as-a-superpower-with-shirley-collado-president-and-ceo-of-college-track

What makes a great sponsor? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Deb Grant, Former President of The GE Foundation, Chief of Diversity, and GE's first Black female corporate officer. Currently, Deb serves as an Independent Director for Edelman and is the Founder and CEO of Corporate Playbook, a business consulting firm. She also leads Dining With Deb, a unique dining experience that brings professional women together to bridge racial, religious, and political divides through meaningful conversation. Deb shares how sponsors played a pivotal role in accelerating her career—and how, at one point, her own sponsor nearly blocked her progress. Here are her insights on what makes a great sponsor: Find a sponsor committed to DEI Deb's sponsor was a senior White male executive leader who prioritized diversity in his leadership team. After receiving feedback on the need for more diversity, he sought out Deb, recognizing her potential, and invited her to work directly under him. Ensure your sponsor gives you feedback Her sponsor helped her grow by meeting with her weekly and providing valuable feedback. He took the extra step of gathering insights from her colleagues, peers, and direct reports to give a well-rounded perspective on her strengths and areas for growth. A good sponsor opens up opportunities Her sponsor entrusted her with high-profile projects and introduced her to senior executives, helping her expand her network and gain visibility with influential leaders. A good sponsor sets you up for promotion He was deliberate in advocating for her promotion, socializing her candidacy with decision-makers and addressing any concerns in advance. Beware of unconscious bias that may block your career When Deb's promotion was under discussion, her sponsor—despite his support—remarked, “Deb is great, but she needs one more thing to develop.” An African American leader in the room intervened, pointing out that her sponsor was holding her to a higher standard than others. Thankfully, Deb received her well-deserved promotion after this realization. Thank you, Deb, for sharing your powerful story with us and highlighting how intentional sponsorship can make a difference in accelerating careers. #WomenLeaders #WomenOfColorRise #Sponsors #GEFoundation Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-90-find-a-sponsor-who-will-accelerate-and-not-block-your-career-with-deb-grant

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Shawna Wells, Founder and CEO of 7Gen Legacy Group. Shawna helps Black Americans plan their legacy and establish intergenerational health and wealth. Shawna shares her journey to clarifying her own legacy and how she built her business. Here are steps she took to create a business aligned with her vision of legacy and abundance: Healing Practices to See Yourself as a Business Owner Shawna shares how it took significant healing to embrace her identity as a business owner. She developed daily rituals of space and writing, and shared her thoughts with her community for feedback and support. Shawna also reflected on her childhood, understanding that our relationship with money forms between ages 0-5, and how this shaped her initial resistance to anything to do with money. Create Your Legacy and View Your Business as a Way to Fund Your Dreams Shawna became clear that her legacy for the next generation involved creating change—investing in her family, community, and projects like the Highland Project. By researching the costs of her legacy, she realized that she needed to run a seven-figure business to fund that dream. The question shifted from “How much do I need to get by?” to “How much do I need to change the world and redistribute wealth to those I care about most?” Align Your Skills with Your Business Once you know the life you want and the impact you want to make, the next step is figuring out how your skills can connect to that vision. Understand the value of your work and create a pricing structure that supports your goals. Build a Supportive Community Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your journey. Consider your preferred connection style—whether through regular Zoom check-ins or in-person meetings—and find a community that feels authentic to you. This could be a mastermind group, conferences, or specific connections with people who are focused on building seven-figure businesses.  Thank you, Shawna, for generously sharing your journey and advice on building a business rooted in legacy and abundance. She is a wonderful example of how business can also be soul work. #LegacyBuilding #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/ep-89-build-a-seven-figure-business-with-shawna-wells-founder-and-ceo-of-7gen-legacy-group

What can we learn from the incredible journeys of women of color running for major leadership roles? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I had the honor of speaking with Dianne Morales, Founder of StillRising, who is dedicated to helping organizations drive real impact for marginalized communities. Named a "Latina of Influence” by Hispanic Lifestyle, Dianne brings over 20 years of leadership in education, social justice, and equity—and was formerly CEO of Phipps Neighborhood. Dianne shared her powerful experience running for NYC Mayor in 2021 and the key lessons she learned: Representation matters: Though initially hesitant to run, Dianne knew that having someone from her community in a seat of power was critical. Claim your power: You don't have to wait to be chosen. We can decide to step up and go for those top roles ourselves. Political power is key to real change: If we want to shift systems and advance equity and justice, gaining political power is part of the journey. Use the system while challenging it: There's a tension in working within existing structures while also trying to transform them. Speak your truth: Dianne wishes she had been more vocal during the campaign when her identity was under attack. She now recognizes the importance of standing firm in who you are. Thank you, Dianne, for sharing your story and for your courage in standing up for your community. Your journey is a powerful reminder of what it means to step out, speak up, and lead with purpose. #Leadership #Equity #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-88-running-for-change-a-woman-of-colors-nyc-mayoral-bid-with-dianne-morales-founder-of-stillrising

How do you handle someone with power blocking your path to leadership?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Maya Bugg Faison, Founder and CEO of the Bugg Consulting Group and Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at Vanderbilt. Previously, Maya served as CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center and State Executive Director at Education Pioneers.   Maya shares her journey to becoming CEO of the Tennessee Charter School Center, a path filled with obstacles. Despite receiving positive feedback from her interviewers, she faced resistance from powerful board members who preferred a different candidate (a White male). They added additional interview rounds and hurdles to deter her.   However, Maya emerged victorious and became CEO. Here's how she did it:   Speak Your Truth: Maya grew up with supportive parents who encouraged her to name injustice. She directly told the board that the process was disrespecting her as a leader, reminded them they had encouraged her to apply, and made it clear she had other opportunities.   Seek Other Opportunities: Maya didn't put all her eggs in one basket. She ensured she had other options, including her current role and other job applications.   Build Champions: Maya was intentional about building relationships. When she moved to Tennessee, she started with one connection, asking to be introduced to three more people, and so on. She tracked and cultivated these relationships, and some of these people later advocated for her as CEO.   Maya led the TN Charter Center for 9 years, making a significant impact on schools, students, and families in Tennessee. Thank you, Maya, for your leadership and for modeling how we can bring equity to ourselves, our students, and our communities.   #Leadership #Equity #WomenOfColorRise #Education #Inspiration   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-87-what-to-do-when-someone-blocks-your-path-to-leadership-with-maya-bugg-faison  

How integrated are you with your body, mind, heart, and spirit?   For this Women of Color Rise podcast, I speak with Laura Luna Saldivar Luna, CEO of Pinata Possible,  a transformational coaching practice committed to helping leaders access powerful breakthroughs to unprecedented possibility, well-being, and social good.   Laura shares how as she transitioned from being Chief People Officer at Teach for America, she needed to restore her wholeness before determining her next career chapter.   Laura shares advice about how to reconnect our body, mind, heart, and spirit: Embrace space - Laura went from back to back meetings to an open calendar. While this was unchartered territory for her, Laura embraced not having a plan and having space to explore. Be in your body - Laura found that reconnecting with her body meant moving her body. She found a dance class where she was surrounded by retired women who were fully expressing themselves individually while celebrating the collective. Work with a coach - Laura worked with an executive coach to help her get clear on her goals for her health, wealth, self-expression, and love. These goals were based on how she wanted to feel during the experience of accomplishing her goals. For example, in her marriage, she wanted it to feel light and easy. So instead of saying things to be right, she would pause and ask, “Do I want to be right or do I want to be in love?” Focus on the cracks - Laura looked at where in her life she wanted something different and pinpointed her marriage, motherhood, and health. She took responsibility for how she was showing up.   Laura is a wonderful model about how we can integrate all parts of ourselves to show up as the partner, friend, leader, and human we want to be.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-86-restore-your-body-mind-heart-and-spirit-with-laura-luna-saldivar-luna-ceo-of-pinata-possible

Are you an introverted extrovert?   For this Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dominique Jones, CEO of Global Kids, a national organization educating, inspiring and activating youth to respond to global issues. Prior to this, Dominique held roles as the Executive Director of the Harlem Girls and Boys Club of New York and senior roles at the Food Bank of New York City and NYC Administration for Children's Services.   A self-proclaimed introverted extrovert, Dominique shares that she used to think she needed to be someone else when she networked. Now she realizes that the key to networking is to be herself. Dominique shares tips to build genuine and authentic connections:   1) Acknowledge challenges - For women of color, we are taught that we need to be someone else when networking. We face unique challenges as sometimes one of the few or only in a room of people who do not look like us. At the same time, we have probably developed a unique skill of being multilingual, with the ability to speak to different people (people who don't look like us or share experiences with us). We can use this skill to our advantage when networking.    2) Be intentional - Know what you need and who you need to connect with. Before an event, map out the specific people you want to network with.   3) Be present and curious - Be ready to meet them where they are and ask and learn about their experiences. Find things you have in common, including interests and experiences. You can even disarm them with a compliment; Dominique says complimenting them on their clothes works on both men and women. The key is to be genuine.   4) Think about the interaction not as a one-time event and find ways to be helpful - This is probably not the last time you'll meet. Dominique tends to ask, “How can I be of service to you?” This opens up discussions where you can validate them, offer suggestions, and share resources (including introductions or opportunities).   5) Be yourself and find ways to keep yourself energized - For Dominique, she'll wear bright colors to lift her mood. She'll also identify people she already knows who are attending an event so she can have something to look forward to.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-85-how-to-network-as-an-introverted-extrovert-with-dominique-jones

How do you conquer feelings of self-doubt?   For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Zee Clarke, a breathwork and resilience expert and the author of Black People Breathe. Trained in India, she is a Harvard MBA that went from leading teams at Fortune 500 companies to teaching powerful tools to improve our mental health and well-being in the workplace.   Zee shares a practical exercise called WEBAV to boost your confidence and conquer imposter syndrome when you experience self-doubt.   W = Welcome.  The first step is to pause and welcome the voice of self-doubt. Rather than squash it, allow the voice to be there and listen to what the voice is saying. E = Evidence gathering.  Make a list that supports what your voice is saying, and make a list of evidence that disproves it. For Zee, she once had a job where each morning, she worried that she would get fired. She then made a list of evidence that supported this thought and another list that disproved it. Most of the time, the list that disproves it will be much longer because it's all in our head. B = Breathwork.  When we are in our heads, we tend to go into fight or flight mode. Breathing can calm your anxiety and also boost your confidence and help you use your voice. A = Affirmations.  Affirmations are most effective when you use your name and say it in the present tense. So instead of, ‘I will be amazing,” I should say, “Analiza is amazing.” The more frequently we practice affirmations, the more we can rewire our neural pathways. V = Visualization.  Olympic athletes practice visualization because research shows that visualization and actually doing the action stimulates the same regions in the brain. This is true whether it's work or outside of work. When we visualize, then that action becomes real for us in our subconscious, which then becomes real in our conscious mind when we actually do the thing.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-84-how-to-conquer-imposter-syndrome-with-zee-clarke-author-of-black-people-breathe

Do you want a pathway to build a more equitable world?   For this Women of Color Rise Power, I talk with Mildred Otero, President of LEE (Leadership for Educational Equity), where she is creating pathways for leaders to engage civically within their communities to end the injustice of inequity.    This includes building leaders with inside power (policy leaders, elected leaders) and outside power (advocates and organizers in communities). When we have diverse leaders with inside and outside power, we start to see long lasting change for communities,   Mildred shares skills to developing our inside power to create change: Spot where there are problems and find solutions - Notice when something doesn't feel right and how we can problem solve and make things better by working and bringing along others. For Mildred, she saw at an early age how hard it was for her hardworking family to get basic services, so she found a way later in life to find solutions and bring others (in politics and other changemakers along). See the gray - Most people tend to see the world in black and white. When we can see the gray, we are able to be open and curious to different perspectives and empathize with others. Have self-awareness and humility- See yourself as a growing person who does not know everything and can learn lessons from others. Being a woman or person of color at the table is a doorway to change - When we bring our unique identities and experiences to the table, know that the conversations and decisions change. Connect to people as humans - When we connect to each other as humans and the childhood experiences that have shaped us, we can get to the root of where our beliefs were formed. We open up shared understanding and the possibility of changing our beliefs.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-83-be-a-systems-changemaker-with-inside-power-with-mildred-otero

How can we take smart risks?   For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with DeNora Getachew, CEO of DoSomething, a national hub for youth activism that focuses on fueling young people to change the world. We discuss the importance of taking risks, especially given the political turbulence we are facing.   DeNora shares advice about how to take risks: Find strength in your personal mission - Pinpoint what you are willing to risk for. For DeNora, she is committed to fighting for our democracy and lifting up marginalized voices. Her mission fuels her to take risks. In our society today, it's not enough to be transactional where we are liking an online post. This is different that the civil rights movement where people risked jail and pain and even death. Lean on your support system - For DeNora, her mother provided her a lot of strength since she was young and during tough times such as when she was a pregnant teen. To this day, DeNora knows she can't do it alone and leans on her community for support. Take the work in sprints - Rather than falling for the myth that we need to give 110% all the time to all things and all people, focus on a specific measurable goal that is time-bound. That way, there is a clear light at the end of the tunnel to help motivate you and sustain you. And don't forget to take a victory lap after a spring to celebrate!   Get full show notes and more information here: 

Why does intersectionality matters for leadership?   For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Dr. Dominica McBride, Founder of BECOME. Dominica founded BECOME from a belief that communities should be at the center of creating the reality they want and need and that culturally responsive evaluation can be a tool for social justice and thriving communities.   Dominica is also the author of Becoming Change Makers: The Exquisite Path to Leadership and Liberation for Women of Color. She highlights healing, relationships, owning our power, and intersectionality to help women of color recognize their own unique potential and power to lead, grow their self-efficacy, and spark transformation.   Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw provided the definition of intersectionality: "Intersectionality is a metaphor for understanding the ways that multiple forms of inequality or disadvantage sometimes compound themselves and create obstacles that often are not understood among conventional ways of thinking."   Dominica and I dive into intersectionality and how it can help us own all parts of ourselves and leverage them for leadership: Recognize differences - Depending on our identity (such as gender, race, class, and age), our experiences differ. A Black middle-aged woman and a White gay male will experience the same situation differently. Know thyself - We already have the solutions and strengths within ourselves. We can draw from our culture, for example Dominica with her Haitian background and Analiza from her Filipino background. Shape who we want to be - Society teaches us values and ways of being that we don't have to buy into. We can choose who we want to be. For example, society stresses individualism, that women need to be superheroes who do it all by ourselves. However, we can choose to let go of the superhero cape, not do everything, and ask from help from our community.   We can also affirm who we are with these daily practices: Affirmations - Tell yourself positive affirmations such as, I'm worthy, beautiful, and strong. Look at yourself - Spend two minutes each day to look in the mirror and see yourself and develop a relationship with yourself. Journal - We are taught that knowledge can only be acquired from outside of ourselves, but actually, the answers are already within. Ask a question and allow yourself to write out the answer. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-81-why-intersectionality-matters-for-leadership-with-dominica-mcbride-founder-of-become

How can introverted leaders lean into their quiet power?   For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Erica Phillips, Executive Director of the National Association for Family Child Care, a nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting high-quality child care by strengthening the profession of home-based early learning programs.    As a self-described introvert, Erica shares tips on how to lead as an introvert.   1) Practice self-care. Before a big presentation, Erica spends time by herself. She also meditates and takes walks. 2) Find ways to connect extroverted work to where you thrive as an introvert. For Erica, she loves conversations and building relationships. For extroverted work like presentations, Erica will connect with a few members of the audience beforehand and bring those conversations into her presentation. She'll also structure her presentation like a conversation and bring in input from the audience. 3) Bring other voices to the table. Erica is an inclusive leader who deliberately includes others in her presentations to share their stories and perspectives. 4) Choose opportunities thoughtfully. Erica is happy to meet with audiences that may have different views, but she is thoughtful to ensure that there is some alignment in values. For example, Erica presented to the Reagan Institute where they were able to find alignment in their shared goal of supporting small businesses. 5) Know that silence may not be the answer. Audre Lorde said, “Your silent won't protect you.” Erica realized that even though she might be uncomfortable speaking, she would be even more uncomfortable not speaking.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-80-introverted-leadership-quiet-power-with-erica-phillips-executive-director-nafcc

For people of color, how do you navigate assimilation and authenticity?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Heather Wise Turtle Harding, Executive Director of Campaign for a Shared Future, a timebound, nonpartisan campaign to defend and promote K12 public education from political attacks. Prior to this, Heather was Executive Director of EdCORE and had senior roles at the Gates Foundation and Schusterman Foundation.   Heather shares how her identity and roots growing up poor with a single mom helped shape her career to be a servant leader. She discovered the myth of meritocracy when she was the only student from her elementary school who was bussed to a gifted school. Heather credits her teachers to shaping her big dreams of having an impact on social justice. After graduating from Northwestern University, she became a teacher with Teach for America, then took on leadership roles in education, philanthropy, and politics.   We may sometimes be the “Only” (woman, person of color, etc.) in a room, and Heather shares the importance of how we choose to navigate assimilation and authenticity. Heather and I discuss.   Choose how to see yourself. When Heather was in a room where she was the “Only,” she chose her role to be an ambassador to bridge to people who were different than her. Heather has been in many roles over her career where she's the bridge. Her hope, “If I'm a good ambassador, then people will understand that others like me belong here, too.” Make sure that the role you choose is not a burden. Heather shares that with her personality, she was able to carry that ambassador role and didn't let it break her. It felt like an honor, not a burden.  Exit if needed. If you are facing a toxic culture or it's uncomfortable, protect your exit and make the explicit decision to exit. For Heather, when she got feedback from an organizational leader that she should “stay in her place,” she made the decision that she would exit after getting the experience she needed from the job.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-79-how-to-navigate-assimilation-vs-authenticity-with-heather-harding-executive-director  

For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Kathy Waller, Executive Director for the Atlanta Committee for Progress (ACP), which provides leadership on the key issues important to economic growth and inclusion for all citizens in Atlanta. Prior to this, Kathy was the Chief Financial Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. Kathy is also a Board member for Delta Airlines, CGI Group, and Beyond Meat.   Kathy shares her roots growing up in an all-Black neighborhood in Atlanta and then later attending an almost all-White college at the University Rochester. She shares how one of the key skills that helped her in her career was how to develop relationships, especially with White people. Kathy shares advice on the art of relationships building:   Meet people where they are. Kathy shares how sometimes people had preconceived notions of Black people. She saw this as an opportunity for them to get to know her personally and show who Black people really. Understand people to determine if they are a friend or foe. Kathy advises us to observe how the person interacts with people they don't know and how you can tell a lot about their bias and values. Are they a friend or foe? Can you turn a foe into a friend? Develop relationships by being vulnerable. While it may be uncomfortable to let your walls down, real relationships are based on sharing who you are, which opens the door for them to share as well. Don't take it personally. If your attempts to convert them from foe to friend through a personal relationship doesn't work, it's not about you. They need to go on their own journey to overcome racism.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-78-friend-or-foe-the-art-of-developing-relationships-with-kathy-waller

Who is your sponsor? For this Women of Color Rise Podcast, I talk with Sheila Duke, CEO of Roads to Success, a New York City non-profit with the mission of empowering young people to take control of their future through after-school and summer programs. Sheila and I discuss how key to both of our careers was having sponsors, particularly White sponsors. Unlike a mentor who shares guidance, a sponsor actively promotes growth and provides access to opportunities and advocates for career advancement.  In the non-profit world, most leadership, fundraising, and decision makers are White, despite often serving Black and Brown communities. For Sheila and me, our White sponsors prepared us and advocated for us with decision makers to get the CEO seat.  Sheila and I share advice for how to find a White sponsor. 1. Know there are White leaders who understand why having leaders of color matters and are eager to sponsor leaders of color. In Sheila's case, her CEO believed that leadership needs to reflect the community they serve. Look for these White leaders at your organization or at DEI conferences or ask your network for leads. 2. Build a relationship. Build a genuine relationship and establish a connection. Set up time to meet where you can ask for advice and also offer support. Remember that a relationship is a two-way street. 3. Ask for what you need. As you build the relationship, you can then ask for help, perhaps an introduction to someone in their network or feedback on how you navigated a leadership situation. You can also ask if they would be willing to sponsor you as you seek career advancement. 4. Stay true to yourself. Sheila has a saying, “Code switch, not soul switch.” Make sure to stay true to your values and your authenticity. As you get advice and learn how to maneuver in different rooms, stay clear on who you are. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-77-why-getting-sponsored-by-white-leaders-matters-with-sheila-duke

How do you strategically build relationships?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Stacey Chavis, Managing Director of Campaigns Academy, where she trains leaders to serve in elected office. Having spent her entire career in politics, Stacey points out the challenges women of color face but makes an adamant case about why women of color need to be at the decision making table,    We discuss how being liked matters to rising in your career and how to strategically build relationships.   Begin with the end in mind. For example, Stacey knew that for her next role, she wanted to transition to fundraising. So she identified people who had jobs she wanted and strategically built relationships with them. Build relationships up, down, and across. Ideally, you want to know people two levels above you, two levels below you, and people who are peers. This will help you gain perspective about your organization and flag any opportunities or challenges ahead of time. Reciprocate. A relationship is not a one-way street. Make sure to offer value - for example, sharing expertise or information that can be helpful to them. Be intentional and efficient. Given our online work environment, we have less opportunities to casually run into each other at the water cooler. Be intentional in setting up time to connect with people. This could be as quick as a 15-minute zoom call to get their input on something. When in doubt, ask them about themselves. It may sometimes be awkward to get a relationship started. But a fool-proof way to get and keep the relationship going is to ask them about their favorite topic - themselves.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-76-how-to-strategically-build-relationships-with-stacey-chavis

Are you living your resume or eulogy life?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Irma Shrivastava, Co-Founder of India Rooted and former Chief Marketing Officer of Randstad, the world's largest human resources services firm. Irma and I discuss David Brooks' advice to live your eulogy life, not your resume life.   How can we live our eulogy life? Know that your career is not one path but multiple paths. Early in your career you might focus on skill building. But as you progress, you'll want to learn more about yourself and your purpose and lean more into this. Given the choice between courage and comfort, choose courage. This might mean being uncomfortable, but discomfort is often a sign of growth. Consider your legacy and how you want to make a difference in the world. Irma and I discuss our shared legacies of helping others be at the table. This includes being on boards and our gratitude for being part of the Stakeholder Leadership and Governance Institute.   Irma's eulogy life includes co-founding India Rooted. It is a two-week experience that takes Indian-American teens to India with the objective of engaging them in cultural experiences that will connect them to their ancestral roots. The inaugural cohort launches in June 2024. More information can be found at indiarooted.com.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-75-live-your-eulogy-life-not-your-resume-life-with-irma-shrivastava

Are you a good listener?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Radha Ruparell who heads the Global Leadership Accelerator at Teach For All and is the author of Brave Now. Radha and I discuss how leaders often focus on communication but don't give attention to the art of listening. In these times of polarization, listening is especially important because it can help us build relationships and understand other points of view, so that we can move forward together.   We discuss three steps to help us be better listeners: Develop self-awareness of our filters. We may think that we are listening with an open-mind when in reality we are listening with established filters. These filters are often formed when we are young, for example the filters of not feeling like we are smart/good enough. These filters keep us being judgmental instead of truly being open. Put our filters aside. Having self-awareness of our filters allows us then to deliberately put our filters aside so we can be open to the other person. We are no longer planning our response about why they are wrong and why we are right. We are present. Set an intention to be a listening. Once we are able to release ourselves and our judgments, we are more able to be fully present for the other person. We set an intention to be a listening (a noun) for the other person, a vessel open to their perspectives, feelings, hopes, and dreams.    It's such a rare gift to listen to others without any hidden agendas. When was the last time you were listened to with genuine curiosity and openness without judgment? Imagine what is possible when you can truly listen to others.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-74-the-art-of-listening-with-radha-ruparell-head-of-the-global-leadership-accelerator  

What percent of your job is office politics?   Dolores Johnson says 60%. For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Dolores, a former Vice President of International Marketing at Fortune 100 tech companies. In her current chapter, Dolores is a writer focused on race and recently wrote her award-winning Say I'm Dead, A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets and Love.    Dolores shares gems about how to fast track your career, including how to navigate office politics.   Understand office politics - Your job is 40% work and 60% office politics. You need to understand people's hidden agendas and what is in it for them. This will help you understand how to persuade them to your ideas. Take advantage of pre-meetings to sell and get buy-in for your ideas before the actual meeting. Take time to build relationships - It's not your work that will get you ahead. It's your relationships. Take initiative to seek mentorships. Take initiative to network outside of your company. Your job is not guaranteed - and these relationships will help you bounce back when you need a new opportunity. Speak up - Do not fall prey to being quiet. Share your ideas. For Dolores, she needed to learn how to speak more directly, with less detail and more in headlines.  Come up with innovative ideas that drive the bottom line - If you want to accelerate your career, be on the lookout for ideas that the organization has not yet tried. You want to be seen as someone who is innovative with ideas that can drive results. Keep your eyes on the prize - If people make comments that question your worth, believe in yourself. Instead of focusing on just this moment, look forward and remind yourself of where you are headed Take care of yourself - The company is not responsible for your career progress or your care. Take care of your mental health, speak up for your pay, negotiate, and also be aware of the risks. Know that the extra hours, trips, and work won't provide you job security.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-73-how-to-play-the-office-politics-game-with-dolores-johnson

How does a person of color get more comfortable with telling their story? For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Arshiya Kherani who is a Coach, Facilitator, and Co-Founder of Potluck Stories, a LA-based community organization that hosts monthly interactive storytelling events that amplifies underrepresented voices. Arshiya shares how she is often in white male dominated spaces. Being a Muslim woman who wears a hijab has given her the choice to either assimilate into what is expected of her or empower her to share her identity and culture with others. Arshiya chose empowerment We discuss 3 steps people of color can take to tell their stories: Step 1: Be vulnerable, and narrow down to an experience that matters to you. Sometimes people of color feel that their stories need to be their resume. Instead, think of an experience that shaped your life (could be from childhood, young adulthood or even recently). This could be a moment of fear, calling, or overcoming a challenge. Brainstorm for a few minutes, and choose one. Step 2: Pick a specific moment in that story and bring us to that moment. Paint the details. What did you see, smell, taste, hear, feel? Help us be in your shoes.   Step 3: Speak it aloud and get out a SFD, shitty first draft. Don't spend so much time writing and rewriting and trying to make it perfect. The more you do it, the better you'll get, and the more you'll be able to tell that same story from different perspectives based on the audience. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-72-3-steps-to-storytelling-for-people-of-color-with-arshiya-kherani

For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Maria-Leticia Ossa Daza, Founding Partner and Chair of Latin America Practice, Willkie Farr & Gallagher Maria-Leticia Ossa Daza Born and raised in Colombia, Leticia knew from an early age that she wanted to be a lawyer. Her parents were both lawyers and supported her dreams, with Leticia getting a scholarship for college in France. After graduating, Leticia found herself in New York as a lawyer, surrounded by mostly white males and not sure how to show up. Leticia shares how she got clear on her authentic leadership brand and how that helped her get recognized and rise at her organization. Analiza and Leticia discuss how to leverage our authentic leadership brand:   Step 1: Know and leverage your brand. Your brand is what makes you unique. This includes your strengths, goals, and job history. This also includes aspects of yourself outside of work such as your cultural background and activities such as volunteer work. For Leticia, her brand included being a Latina with an international background. Her brand also included dressing with color instead of the standard dark office attire, using her hands to communicate, and also dancing at the holiday party. She saw that being different could help her stand out. Step 2: Understand how to apply your brand and uniqueness to the organization's needs. Spot opportunities and share your ideas with senior leaders. For Leticia, her Latin American background gave her the unique lens to see that the organization was missing a big opportunity. She took the initiative to share her idea to start the Latin American practice with a senior leader. That leader applauded the idea, became her mentor, and helped advocate for Leticia to found the Latin American practice. Step 3: Share your brand inside and outside of your organization. Inside her organization, Leticia shared her unique perspective and cultural background. Outside of her organization, Leticia began to write more, starting with LinkedIn. Leticia's writing got noticed for its unique perspective, and she is now a columnist for La Republica on international business trends.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-71-your-authentic-leader-brand-with-leticia-ossa-daza  

Why is it so hard to ask for what we want? And how do we do it? For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Sau-fong Au, Director of the Women's Center at Brooklyn College. Sau-fong was born in Hong Kong and went to college at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She then followed her boyfriend to the US. Being in America was the first time that Sau-fong was surrounded by people who were different than her. She was told, “You're not American,” and that there was something wrong with her. She also felt that she should feel grateful and that she shouldn't ask for more. Having led the Women's Center at Brooklyn College for 23 years, Sau-fong shares how these myths hold women, especially women of color, back.  Sau-fong shares advice about how women of color can ask for and get what we want. Don't take things personally. Whether successes or failures, it often doesn't have anything to do with you, personally.  Fake it until you make it. You might not feel confident or worthy, but don't let these mindsets hold you back. You have nothing to lose by asking. But by not asking, you make it 100% sure they will say no. You can be grateful AND ask for more. Women are often taught to be grateful for our small slice of the pie. Instead, think to yourself, “I deserve the whole pie.” Or “I deserve the ingredients to make the pie myself.”  Feel the feelings and find a community to support. Depending on whether they say yes or no, you might feel joy, sadness, or anger. Feel these feelings and find a community to support you. Be the change. When you get into positions of power, find ways to make systems more equitable, for example by standardizing pay through salary scales. This evens the playing field for women of color, who often don't even negotiate. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-70-how-to-ask-for-what-you-want-with-sau-fong-au  

How can we network while staying true to ourselves?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Isabel Ching, Executive Director of Hamilton Madison House. Born in South America, Isabel moved to Brooklyn, New York where she grew up. In school, she was bullied for being Asian American and put in an ESL class even though she spoke English fluently.    Even with these challenges, Isabel shares how she stayed to her identity. As the leader of her organization, she continues to lead, speak at events, and fundraise in harmony with her culture.   Isabel shares how to network and present authentically: Get help - If networking and presenting are not a natural skill of yours, seek external help. A good consultant can help you build your executive presence. Decide on what advice to accept - Don't blindly follow all advice given to you. Ground yourself in your values and who you are. For Isabel, sometimes she's giggly, jokes around, and uses her hands alot - that's ok!  Take the pressure off - Sometimes Isabel feels like she needs to say something profound and unique, but that brings unnecessary stress. It's ok not to be the smartest or most eloquent. Know who you are and speak from that place. You don't need to prove anything.  It's ok to fail - Isabel admits that she has had some misses, including a presentation that went terribly because she was up all night with her sick son. Give yourself compassion and grace. Let go of control - There's only so much you can control. You can't control what people think about you. If one person is not interested, move on. Keep doing this and you'll get to the right person who will give you a chance.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-69-network-in-harmony-with-your-culture-with-isabel-ching-executive-director-hamilton-madison-house

How can you go from hot mess to life success?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Dr. Shai L. Butler, Founder and CEO of StratHERgies and author of Better. Not Perfect. Shai shares her personal journey of becoming a mom at 14, failing out of college, and becoming addicted to alcohol and opioids. Shai shares how she was able to take charge of her life, get her doctorate, and have a decades long career in higher education as a C-suite executive. She also started StatHERgies LLC, a leadership development consultancy that works with current and aspiring C-Suite managers. Dr. Shai debunks the myth that failure is bad. Failing doesn't make you a failure.    Dr. Shai shares her strategies to go from hot mess to life success: Find a faith. You don't have to shoulder life by yourself. Find a faith that resonates with you so that you are able to share life's challenges. Invest in a therapist. Our beliefs, including imposter syndrome, are often deeply rooted in childhood trauma. A therapist can help you unpack beliefs that are not serving you. Affirm yourself. Know your strengths and values. Let go of self-critical beliefs and view yourself from an asset-based lens, including all your gifts. Take action. Even though you may face fear or doubt, instead of dwelling here, focus your energy on taking action to move your vision forward.   Check out Dr. Shai and her Better, Not Perfect book (also available in audio) here. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-68-better-not-perfect-with-dr-shai-butler

Want to heal the world? Start by healing yourself first.   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Sarah White, Oglala Lakota and Executive Director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition (SDEEC) and 2019 Bush Fellow.    Raised to value spirituality and education, Sarah saw how the system was failing her people with indigenous people falling further behind in the achievement gap. She decided to found SDEEC, a grassroots movement of community stakeholders committed to promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning for future generations.    After years of working, Sarah noticed that her response to coping with trauma was achievement to give her a sense of self-worth. She realized that if she wanted to heal her community and world, she needed to start by heal herself.   Sarah shares strategies to heal: Develop awareness of where we find your self-worth. For Sarah, she realized that she had been seeking worthiness through achievement. She believed that achieving would lead to wellness and being happy. This pattern of thinking set her up on a never ending cycle of looking outward instead of inward. Notice that when we focus on outward success, we are the furthest away from ourselves. When we are on the hamster wheel of striving for outward achievement, we lose sight of our own belief in ourselves, that we are enough as we are. We can come back to ourselves to heal. This includes self-care, even basic things like not skipping meals and drinking water. Let go of martyrdom. Sarah shares that women generally more often than men suffer and martyr ourselves, falsely believing that it's going to contribute to some sort of prosperity. But that's never going to be sustainable. The key is to nurture our spirits, focus on healing, and recognize that this is going to be synonymous with the healing that we need to see within our professional work as well.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-67-heal-the-world-by-healing-yourself-with-sarah-white

With the backlash against DEI, critical race theory, and LGBTQ rights, what can we do?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Rhonda Broussard, CEO of Beloved Community, a non-profit to create sustainable paths to regional racial and economic equity. Her vision for Beloved Community is informed by her leadership in education and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s goal “to create a beloved community” that would “require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.”    With DEI efforts such as critical race theory and LGBTQ rights under attack, Rhonda offers actions we can take to keep DEI moving forward:   Educate our children at home. School can't do it all. For Rhonda as a child, MLK Day was not yet a federal holiday, so her family practiced celebrating this day at home. Ensure that politicians have an understanding of the issues. Make sure they have access to training, which can have a big impact on the local level. Consider for running for office yourself. Be part of the action and check out runforsomething.net which provides recruiting and support for young progressives. Or if not, identify your role in the movement. Are you more a behind the scenes leader? Don't back off with sharing your belief in DEI. If you are a leader in an organization, make sure you have legal resources to support you. Find your support group. Doing this work is hard. You are not alone. Find a place to share, reset, and release toxicity.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-66-keep-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-moving-forward-with-rhonda-broussard/

Can a woman really aspire to become CEO?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Cheryl Crazy Bull, Wacinyanpi Win (They Depend on Her), a member of the Sicangu Lakota nation. Cheryl is President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund and is an advocate for self-determination focused on Native voice, philosophy, and traditions as the heart of the people's work in building prosperity for current and future generations. Cheryl shares advice for women to aspire to top roles: Know that women as leaders is not new. If we reach back to our cultures and histories, we'll see that women have always led. Leadership starts at home with family. Among the Lakotas and other tribes, your responsibility is to be a good relative. This includes respect and reciprocity where you give to and receive from others.  Believe in yourself. If we face feelings of impostor syndrome, we can fill ourselves with our belief in our own worthiness. For Cheryl, she told herself, “You can be that good. You can take your vision and apply it.” Be a learner and stay humble. This allows people to get close to you, see you as human and believe you will help them. Power is not bad. Power is about influence and the ability to allocate resources and move towards a vision of serving others. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-65-aspire-to-be-ceo-with-cheryl-crazy-bull

Can sharing your story change your life?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Viridiana (Viri) Carrizales, CEO of ImmSchools. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Viri didn't realize she was poor until age 11. Her father decided to make the trek to the US for better schools for his four girls. A year later, Viri, her sisters, and mother followed, almost getting lost walking in the desert. In America, Viri's challenges continued. Even after graduating high school with top honors, she could not go to college due to her undocumented status. Despite the risk, she contacted a newspaper who published her picture and story on the front page. Because of that story, one reader reached out and told her, “I'm an undocumented student in college. You can go to college, here's how, here's the law.”   Viri founded ImmSchools, a nonprofit that works with schools to create safe and welcoming classrooms for immigrant and undocumented students. While she gained her US citizenship through her husband, millions of other undocumented students remain in limbo, not able to contribute to the highest of their ability to our country, and at risk of deportation.   Despite the unfavorable political climate for passing laws to support the undocumented, Viri shares advice about what we can do to help:   Break stereotypes of the undocumented. Learn stories of those formerly undocumented and how their change of status are allowing them to contribute to the country as teachers, engineers, and leaders like Viri. Vote. Support candidates with similar values. Educate ourselves. The media's misinformation prevents us from better understanding how undocumented children and people are being hurt. Empathize. What would you do for your loved ones? For parents, what would you be willing to do for your child? If you were in a similar position, what would you do?   Consider supporting Viri and ImmSchools here.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-64-share-your-story-to-change-your-life-viridiana-viri-carrizales-ceo-of-immschools

How can you answer your ancestral calling and apply that to business?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Chandra Roxanne, Former Managing Director of the Astia Edge Fund, a $20M fund which invests in Black and Latina women. Chandra made a pivot into venture capital after participating in Linda Lautenberg and Judy Schoenberg's EvolveMe program and realizing her ancestral calling. Chandra believes in the transformative power of venture capital when used consciously and empowers Black and Latina women by investing in their ideas. Chandra is a graduate of the London School of Economics.   Chandra shares how to answer our ancestral calling: Know your unique positionality. Know that your perspective, experience, and ancestry matter. Similar to a color in a rainbow, we each have a unique background that is important to the entire rainbow. Without it, the rainbow would not be the same.  Learn and find pride in your ancestors. As part of emotional reparations work for people of color, it's about restoration of culture. When your people are forced to give up language and culture, you may think that America is the start and finish of your history. But it is not. We need to reach back and understand who we and our people were before. Connect your people's history and legacy to your higher purpose. When you look back and connect to your culture, find that part of your story that is your people's legacy. This is also where you can find your ancestral calling and higher purpose. This higher purpose can be applied to businesses, where we can serve something bigger, not just for financial gain.   Are you or do you know of any Black and Latina women entrepreneurs at the seed stage? Please send them to Astia to get support.    Get full show notes and more information here: ep-63-answer-your-ancestral-calling-with-chandra-roxanne

How can we bring emotions and body wisdom to work?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Tina Fernandez, Former CEO, Achieve Atlanta. Tina is currently a Fellow at Harvard's Advanced Leadership Initiative. She is in a new chapter with a divorce, kids out of the home, and stepping down from her CEO role.    Tina has learned over the years that our bodies have wisdom. Assuming that only the mind should be valued at work without feelings is a white supremacist belief. Tina encourages women of color to bring all parts of ourselves to work - our mind, body, and spirit.    Here are strategies to use to leverage our body wisdom: Get to know yourself. How does your body react when you are stressed? How can you self-soothe? Take time to calm your nervous system down. Practice breathing, meditating, mindfulness, and somatics. Stay in your body. Even though it may feel uncomfortable, stay in your body instead of disconnecting. Give yourself grace. It's ok to take a break. If there is an issue, you don't need to fight immediately. Give yourself grace to take time and come back later.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-62-tap-into-your-bodys-wisdom-with-tina-fernandez-former-executive-director-achieve-atlanta

We all know the importance of DEIB. Yet many are feeling burned out. How do we stay motivated?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Betty Ng, Founder and CEO of Inspiring Diversity. Betty grew up in Chinatown, NYC and experienced bullying because she was Asian American. After graduating from Stanford with her BA and Harvard with her MBA, she continued to experience challenges as an Asian American during her 20+ year corporate career, including roles at Citibank and American Express. Betty transformed this pain to find her power and purpose, starting Inspiring Diversity, which helps organizations, educators, and families foster cultures of diversity and inclusion.   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Betty Ng, Founder and CEO of Inspiring Diversity. Betty grew up in Chinatown, NYC and experienced bullying because she was Asian American. After graduating from Stanford with her BA and Harvard with her MBA, she continued to experience challenges as an Asian American during her 20+ corporate career. Betty transformed this pain to find her power and purpose, starting Inspiring Diversity, which helps organizations, educators, and families foster cultures of diversity and inclusion.   Betty shares the importance of doing DEIB to build strong cultures and how to keep people motivated and engaged: Make it individual - While policies, programs, and training are helpful, real transformation happens at the individual level since a culture is the sum of individual people. Inspiring Diversity includes individual assessments with recommendations of what to change. Focus on conscious inclusion and well-being - DEIB encompasses many things. Inspiring Diversity hones in on conscious inclusion, which means asking how we can be more inclusive of each other, and well-being instead of bad behavior. Make it playful - Team and culture building is powerful when we can incorporate play. How about incorporating play into DEIB too? Betty (a certified pickleball coach) has a pickleball program that integrates DEIB.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-61-how-pickleball-can-promote-deib-with-betty-ng-founder-and-ceo-of-inspiring-diversity

What does it take to thrive in a top role?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Jenise Terrell, CEO of Public Allies. The mission of Public Allies is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it. Jenise spent almost her entire career 20+ years at Public Allies, beginning as a Public Allies AmeriCorps member herself in 1997.    Jenise shares key leadership moves she made: Stop holding all the pieces - As women of color, we are often the ones who are holding all the pieces of the pie. Jenise needed to move from being a technical expert to one who coaches and inspires others to manage all of the details. Provide entry points for others - Marginalized groups often don't have access to opportunities because they lack entry points. Public Allies was the entry point for Jenise and provided training and opportunities for her to grow. Similarly, reflect for yourself - am I giving consideration to others and providing entry points?  Find your tribe who can be honest with you and support you - Jenise's leadership team gives her feedback. We need all of us helping each other.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-60-what-got-you-here-wont-get-you-there-with-jenise-terrell-ceo-public-allies

How do you go from being anti-system to being a system changemaker for racial justice? For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Leah Gordon, Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence, Diversity, and Belonging as well as an Associate Professor of the Practice at Boston College. Leah shares how she was consistently told she was not enough. She was a mom at 19, on welfare, and told no many times for jobs because she didn't have the right degree. Leah points to not just her perseverance and mentors who spotted her talent that got her where she is today. She also had the vision to be a systems changemaker, to rise to leadership so that marginalized communities would not face injustice. Leah shares the keys to being a systems changemaker: Don't listen to the many voices that will tell you that you can't do it. You can. Source that belief from yourself and seek out mentors who can uplift you. Be your full authentic self and also practice thoughtful restraint. Before speaking your truth and burning up the system, consider whether restraint might help you now. Later, you can share stories of the injustice you faced to urge others to change. Get the support of the “mothership” organizations with authority to back why DEI is important. In Leah's case, she had health organizations such as the National League of Nursing and American Nurses Association that influence nursing education. Take care of yourself. Rest is a form of resistance. Prioritize you for the benefit of the movement. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-59-be-a-covert-systems-changer-for-racial-justice-with-leah-gordon/

Who are you?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Judie Saunders, Partner at ASK LLP. Judie grew up in Alabama, the daughter of parents who immigrated from Trinidad and Tobago. Her father was a professor of African American studies at Howard University. Judie grew up with values of education and justice and after graduating from University of Maryland with her J.D, she became an attorney supporting clients who suffered from sexual abuse. Judie also co-wrote A War on My Body with Gloria Allred and Paxton Smith.    As a mother, Judie decided to focus on her family, while keeping a foot solidly in her work. But this led to an identity crisis. She realized she was so much more than her work. How?   Embrace the tensions. These are your teachers. For Judie, her teachers were her kids who wanted her attention and her partner, a fellow litigator with an ambitious career. Judie saw how these tensions and teachers could help her learn more about herself. You are not your work. Eckart Tolle's The New Earth describes how we are not what society's definition of success. We are not our careers, titles, or even motherhood. We are a consciousness. Be flexible. Rather than hold on to external expectations, release resistance and allow yourself to accept what is in front of you in life. Take time to heal. For Judy, this includes daily practices like meditation, boundaries, and journaling. Her daily prompts are: What are your goals for the year/decade? Why are you here? What are the top 3 things you will accomplish today?   Judie also credits participating in Linda and Judy's Evolve Me program to help her clarify her identity, rev up, and come back to her career.    Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-58-you-are-not-your-work-with-judie-saunders  

How often do you ask for what you want?  For this Women of Color Rise podcast, Analiza talks with Kianti Brown Whitney, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the Relay Graduate School of Education. Kianti shares how her parents saved for all four of their children to attend private school. This led Kianti to a career path in education, where she leverages her passions of stories and marketing. Kianti learned early on to always ask for what you want. In college, she overheard two white male students discussing their salaries. Before that, she had believed in the myth that you take what is given to you and negotiation was a faux paus. She reflected, “If these two mediocre white males could do it, I knew I could ask for more, too.” Kianti shares these salary negotiation strategies: Know the salary offered. Make sure this is in line with your expectations. Do a values assessment of what most matters in addition to money. This could be flexibility or professional development or something else. Know your worth. When Kianti was offered a job in advertising, she immediately countered and asked for ten percent more. They responded, “You're lucky to get one of these rare jobs in advertising. We don't negotiate.” But Kianti knew her worth and didn't budge. And voila! They gave her what she wanted. Go for it. If it helps, imagine you are another person, and you are negotiating on behalf of the person so it feels less personal. To help the person get paid what they are worth, you'll make sure to negotiate. Check out Kianti's new podcast, Black Girls Bonding, where Black women can come and feel safe to share their experiences and challenge the status quo.  From managing relationships and career, to navigating day-to-day life, this is a space for community blackgirlsbonding.buzzsprout.com Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-57-what-two-mediocre-white-guys-taught-me-about-negotiation-with-kianti-brown-whitney

How do you go from imposter syndrome to negotiator pro?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of Breakthrough Greater Philadelphia. Growing up with a single mom in Philadelphia, Michelle lacked confidence and felt imposter syndrome. Michelle was the first person in her family to attend college. After graduating from Temple University, Michelle tried different jobs starting with radio. Later, she tried development at a non-profit, which she loved.    Michelle realized that the key to being a leader was believing in herself. This confidence has helped her ask for what she wants - at work and at home. She's gotten promotions, raises, donations, and agreements with her kids.   Michelle shares how to negotiate like a pro: Believe in yourself. Noone is better than the other. You deserve to be at the table.  Think about the sacrifices you made (for example, working additional hours). You deserve this raise. See negotiation as not about one big event but a series of conversations.  Know what you want and why. If you are negotiating your salary, list where you started and where you are now - your work, impact, and value.  You have nothing to lose. The worst thing that happens is they say no. “You'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” (Wayne Gretzky)   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-56-negotiate-like-a-pro-at-work-and-at-home-with-michelle-palmer

You have a dream. Yet your family is completely opposed to it. What do you do?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Sonia Pérez, COO of UnidosUS, the nation's largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization. Sonia was the youngest of eight siblings, growing up in the projects in Brooklyn, New York. Despite limited access to quality schools, she was able to enter an elite public high school and then later Brown University. But her father did not understand why Sonia wanted to leave their community to attend Brown. He did not speak to Sonia for the entire summer.   What did Sonia do? She stayed true to her commitment to education and opportunity. She also stayed true to her family. She knew she was not leaving for good. Her plan was to come back.   The day before Sonia left for Brown, her father reconciled with her, “You will always have a home here.”   Sonia shares how this experience helped shape her life choices. She returned to family–caring for her mother in law in Puerto Rico and then back to New York. She also chose a career in education policy after attending the Kennedy School at Harvard. During her three-decade career at UnidosUS, she has served many roles, including Interim CEO.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-55-what-to-do-if-your-family-doesnt-support-you-with-sonia-prez

What's more important to rising in your career: hard skills or soft skills?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Marcelle Fowler, Chief Coaching Officer, C-Suite Coach. C-Suite Coach is a multimillion-dollar, Black Woman-owned business that empowers diverse professionals through leadership coaching and diversity, equity and inclusion programming.  Marcelle brings more than 30 years' experience in organizational effectiveness, talent development and internal communications with companies such as Capital One, Dow Chemical and UPS. Over the course of her career, Marcelle has coached C-Suite executives, County Police Chiefs and US Navy Commanders. Through her experience coaching women of color leaders, Marcelle shares a few common struggles women of color face in rising in their career including developing EQ or soft skills especially with communication and relationship management. EQ skills include self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management. Marcelle shares how important soft skills are, so much so that in corporations, these are now called Essential Skills. She shares how to develop these skills: For self awareness, recognize your beliefs and feelings. Perhaps you are feeling scared or nervous. Know that these feelings are valid. For beliefs, Marcelle shared an example of a Latina who was taught by her mother to be grateful, which led this woman not to ask for promotions or projects to help her career. For self management, you can choose which beliefs best serve you. For example, you can take on that belief that I deserve this. Or a belief that to whom much is given, much is expected, and that's why I need to lean in to speaking up and taking on new assignments. For social awareness and management, it's important to build relationships and network. Contrary to popular belief, you can do this authentically and on your own terms. It doesn't have to happen after work - you can connect with people on your commute, before or after meetings, at lunch, or a few minutes at the beginning or end of the day.  You can build relationships as your authentic self and connect with others as people. While you may want to network with people who look like you, it's important to bring in others, including white males, who could open up connections and opportunities. Even if you might be nervous to form a new connection, don't self-select out. Try anyway - you never know how they will respond until you try. Marcelle shares how she got a job because she had built a personal connection with a senior leader of the hiring team. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-54-the-eq-edge-with-marcelle-fowler

How can you heal generational trauma?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Latina Elaine Miller-Karas, LCSW, co-founder and the Director of Innovation of the Trauma Resource Institute. Elaine is the key developer of the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models. She is also the author of Building Resiliency to Trauma, the Trauma and Community Resiliency Models which was selected by the United Nations and Taylor as one of the innovations helping meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. She is also a Senior Consultant to Emory University's SEE Learning program, launched by the Dalai Lama. Elaine also has a podcast called Resiliency Within, Building Resiliency during Unprecedented Times.   Elaine shares how her mother and grandmother immigrated from El Salvador and how she grew up in the Bay Area. She did not see poverty until she visited El Salvador when she was 11, embedding in her a desire to help others. Elaine later became a social worker and through her research at Stanford University created the Community Resiliency Model, which is used by people from all over the world, from children to adults in schools, hospital, and war-torn countries.   Based on Elaine's expertise and experience as a trauma therapist, she shares how to heal from generational trauma. Traditionally, Western medicine using talk therapy to heal but for some, it's difficult to share (ex. for a soldier to talk about war can be retraumatizing).  Acknowledge that we have trauma passed down from our ancestors and how embedded shame is in our culture. For example, the feeling of not enough is pervasive. It comes from white male patriarchal colonialism and capitalism. Growing up in this culture, our ancestors transported this trauma and feelings to us. We are then striving to show we belong, to show “I'm not an accident, my ideas matter.” But despite being dressed well, speaking properly, and being educated, we still don't feel like we are enough.  The Community Resiliency Model offers strategies to heal. It is about the connection between our mind, body and feelings. We all have a nervous system. When we experience trauma, our body responds to protect ourselves. Our implicit memory then triggers our nervous system when we face future similar experiences. For example, if we experienced an attack as a child by a person who had a specific cologne, smelling that cologne later in life could bring us back to that moment, and we feel that we're being attacked even though we are safe.  The goal is to intercept and calm our nervous system. When we learn to notice what is happening in the body, we can notice when we are activated. For example, Elaine knows that she is triggered when she feels her ears get hot. This clues her in that her nervous system is reacting, and she can use CRM strategy such as grounding or rubbing her fingers together to self-soothe. There are other CRM “Help Now” strategies too.  We can also use words to calm ourselves. “I'm good. I'm good enough.” These affirmations change our mindset and help provide well-being in the body.    You don't have to be a trained therapist or avid meditator to attain peace and calm, even in the most challenging of situations. Even children use these strategies!    Where attention goes, energy flows. Especially for women of color facing patriarchy as we lead, we can continue to be change agents.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-53-how-to-interrupt-generational-trauma-with-elaine-miller-karas  

Do high performing CEOs tend to be extroverted or introverted?   While many people assume that leadership roles require a natural level of extroversion, one study found 40% of leaders identify themselves as extroverts. These include: Avon's chief executive, Andrea Jung, civil rights leader Rosa Parks, singer Christina Aguilera, and President Barack Obama. What makes introverts powerful leaders?   In this Women of Color Rise episode, Analiza talks with Diana Cournoyer, CEO of the National Indian Education Association, member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and self-proclaimed introvert. As a child, she was “very shy, very introverted, borderline fearful of the world” so her childhood dream was to help animals not people.    But once she took a class in Native American studies and a multicultural communications class in college, she realized the injustice of her own people and decided to commit her life to supporting Native students. Diana's work has included testifying before the U.S. Congress in support of Native education, creating more opportunities for visits to tribal communities, acquiring millions in grant funding for NIEA, and inspiring trust and collaboration among her team, organizations, and Native nations across the country.    Diana shares how she was able to lead authentically as an introvert: Focusing on her why. Diana's passion is to educate and support Native students and educators in general.  Remember that she loves to have conversations. So when she is doing keynote events or public speaking engagements, she considers these as opportunities to share what she is passionate about. Lean on stories. To get her point across, Diana focuses on stories which include personal stories from her own life to connect with her audience, have them question their view of the world, and take action. Believe in your expertise. Diana's grandmother would tell her, “There should be no fear in you standing up in front of people, because you're the expert.” Diana would ensure she was well-prepared and researched and also be confident in her unique experiences and expertise. Practice pausing and being thoughtful, a natural strength of being introverted. Stop, Think, Process, Breathe.   Diana inspires us - introvert or not - that we can be ourselves and also have the impact we want to change the world!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-52-the-power-of-introverts-as-leaders-with-diana-cournoyer