Word on the C Street

Matt Johnson is the Founding Partner at Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole LLP, a law firm representing some of the most recognizable on-camera talent today, as well as many renowned film and television producers, directors, and writers. On this episode, Matt discusses why he founded a different type of law firm - one grounded in social activism - and how his involvement with Los Angeles's police commission shaped his perspective on police reform. 

Erika James is Dean of Wharton, one of the nation's top business schools. Erika discusses the mindset shift that helped her fully embrace her role as the first woman and first person of color to lead Wharton, the infrastructure needed to help companies diversify their talent pipelines, and the grounding mechanism executives can use to determine whether to speak out on a societal issue.   

Wendy Garcia is the Deputy Commissioner of Equity and Inclusion for the New York City Police Department. On the episode, Wendy discusses how increased representation in law enforcement leads to safer communities and why accountability is critical for fostering more diverse, equitable, and inclusive institutions. 

On this episode, Jon speaks with Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter Jaime was murdered in the Parkland school shooting on February 14, 2018. He has since dedicated his life to fighting for gun safety in America. Though this interview was recorded prior, the racist shooting that occurred in Buffalo, New York on May 14th gives Fred's story and activism a renewed sense of urgency.

Julianna Goldman is an award-winning journalist, former White House correspondent, and founder of MamaDen. On this episode, Julianna shares how the overwhelming response to her article on the motherhood penalty in TV news led her to found MamaDen; how hybrid work presents both opportunities and challenges for working mothers; and her views on the important role men can play in helping to change workplace culture, from serving as sponsors to helping normalize parental leave.  

Mona Aboelnaga  is a CEO, serial entrepreneur, and investor. On this episode, you'll hear Mona discuss how diverse perspectives drive better decision making, what she views as the key to her entrepreneurial success, and why she thinks DEI is existential to the success of a capitalistic economic model.

Amelia Keyes and Marjan Kris Abubo are on the National Board of Law Students for Climate Accountability, an organization seeking to hold the legal industry accountable with respect to global climate change. You'll hear them discuss their perspective on the current state of the legal industry's relationship with the fossil fuel industry, why law firms' choice of which clients to represent is an ethical decision, and why racial and social justice are necessary for climate justice. 

Laphonza Butler is President of Emily's List. On this episode, Laphonza discusses her organization's efforts to elect Democratic pro-choice women to office and the power of collective action in dismantling systemic inequities. 

Jaime Harrison is the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. On this episode, you'll hear Jaime discuss Corporate America's responsibility to ensure all communities thrive and offer a path for preserving hope through what could be a turnaround moment for the country. 

Jaeson Ma is a venture capitalist, media executive, artist, and serial entrepreneur. On this episode, you'll hear Jaeson share his life's mission to bridge East and West through stories and talent, and reflect on how AAPI leaders came together in a moment of crisis for their communities.

Claudia Romo Edelman is a Mexican-Swiss Diplomat and social entrepreneur. On this episode, you'll hear Claudia explain why Hispanic progress is American progress, her belief in society's ability to move from tolerance to acceptance, and the data behind her optimism for the future.  

David Clunie is the Executive Director of the Black Economic Alliance. On this episode, you'll hear David discuss how economic policy can help Black and other disinvested communities build wealth, the hidden challenges Black entrepreneurs face, and why data is the key to making Corporate America more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

Jonathan Greenblatt is the CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League. You'll hear Jonathan discuss the role of traditional and social media in deepening partisanship, the ADL's call for the resignation or removal of President Trump after the events of the January 6th Insurrection, and the three things he believes we can all do to combat hate. 

Pamela Newkirk is an author, journalist, and professor, and C Street Board of Advisors member. You'll hear Pamela explain why the billions of dollars being spent on diversity have resulted in so little progress; her belief that when you have a diversity problem, you have a leadership problem; and the importance of empowering people to bring their full selves to work. 

Wes Moore is a combat veteran, a bestselling author, an entrepreneur, a Rhodes Scholar, the former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, and joins the podcast as a candidate for Governor of Maryland. You'll hear Wes discuss his perspective on what's happening in Washington, his plan to unlock economic opportunity for Maryland's Black families, and what it was like to preach from the pulpit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church. 

Dr. Al Tillery is C Street's Head of DEI Advisory and Founding Director of the Center for the Study of Diversity and Democracy at Northwestern University.  You'll hear Al discuss the inspiration for his innovative CREED model, how his upbringing in New Jersey drove him to study racial justice, and why he believes corporations are not ready for Gen Z.