Workin' it Out Podcast

Patricia Mota, President and CEO of the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the challenges that Hispanic/Latino workers face in corporate America. In this Episode·      Introducing Patricia Moto and discussing her work in HACE, or the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement·      Discussing the wage gap between Hispanic/Latino families and white families, feelings of alienation at work, dealing with ethnic discrimination and a higher unemployment rate·      What HACE is doing to mitigate the increasing racial polarization that the nation is currently facing·      How Ms. Mota's approach to leadership has helped Hispanics and Latinos in business·      What companies can do to ensure the success of their Latino employees Resources·      Patricia Mota·      Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Dismantling Barriers to Career Advancement for LatinosFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Shayla Atkins, CEO of the Atkins Impact Consulting firm and Author of Black Women Lead With S.P.I.C.E., joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the challenges facing Black women in business and the solutions to these issues.In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Shayla Atkins, her work as a leadership and authenticity coach for women of color, and how she leverages her talents to help Black women·      The high rates of workforce participation for Black women and their adverse experiences with their colleagues·      Discussing Shayla's book Black Women Lead with S.P.I.C.E. and the elements Savvy, Performance, Image, Communication, and Exposure (S.P.I.C.E) ·      Shayla's own journey to becoming an authentic leader, how her approach to business has helped Black women in the workplace, and what companies are doing to step up and support Black women ·      What individuals can do to ensure their success and the support their workplaces can offer Resources·      Shayla Atkins·      The Atkins Impact Consulting Firm·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Black Women Lead With S.P.I.C.E.Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Sue Ann Hong, President and CEO of The Center for Asian Pacific American Women, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about how Asian American women are navigating a post-COVID-19 workplace and society.  In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Sue Ann Hong and her work as President and CEO of The Center for Asian Pacific American Women·      Disparities in and barriers to representation in senior leadership roles for Asian American women, including the bamboo ceiling·      The racialization of the COVID-19 pandemic, its direct ties to a surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, and how it affects the well-being of Asian American women in the workplace and beyond·      How the Center for Asian Pacific American Women addresses the issues faced by working Asian American women·      How audience members can get involved in bettering Asian American women's working lives and experiences Resources·      Sue Ann Hong·      The Center for Asian Pacific American Women·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Asian American women fall off by 80% at corporate leadership levels, a new report saysFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Dr. Andrea Boudreaux, Chief Executive Officer of Children's School Services under Children's National Hospital, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about economic disparities in children's healthcare and how Dr. Boudreaux uses her services to address them.In this Episode·      An introduction to Dr. Andrea Boudreaux and her work in healthcare and mental health with people of color, in addition to that of children·      Addressing the socioeconomic conditions that drive health outcomes for residents of Washington, D.C., including unemployment, household income, and education, and the stark differences between them when accounting for race or ethnicity·      How poor socioeconomic factors impact the health of children of color, and what Dr. Boudreaux's firm does to reverse these effects ·      Measurements to determine how and if Children's School Services are making a positive impact on the health of children of color in the D.C. area·      How listeners and viewers can get involved with Children's School Services to bring about greater impacts in the D.C. area, or how they can be inspired to support local initiatives similar to CSS Resources·      Andrea Boudreaux·      Guest's website·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The Health of African Americans in the District of ColumbiaFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Forest Harper, CEO of INROADS, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about closing the racial wealth gap in America by disrupting standard practices of the corporate culture.In this Episode·      Forest Harper's beginnings in social justice and DEI work, along with his role as the Chief Executive Officer of INROADS·      Corporate America's commitment to eliminating racial bias in the wake of the death of George Floyd, and how CEOs disrupt corporate culture to advance racial equality and justice in their companies·      How INROADS' starts with high school students across the country and prepares them through college for jobs in Corporate America·      Study reveals Black and Brown INROADS alumni outperform their white peers, and ·      What companies that haven't acted on closing the racial wealth gap can do Resources·      Forest Harper·      INROADS·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Despite Some Back Pedaling on DEI Commitments, INROADS CEO Forest Harper Believes Corporate America is Still on the Right TrackFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Vice President/Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer of Allegheny Health Network joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about racism and misogynoir in the medical system and how they impact the maternal health and lives of Black women.In this Episode·      An introduction to Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew and her work in the DEI space at Allegheny Health Network and in the space of maternal health for Black women·      Figuring out how to establish and practice racial health equity within the healthcare system, along with increasing workforce inclusion·      Discussing the high rates of maternal mortality among Black women, both in perinatal and postnatal health, and how the racism that Black women face can alter their emotional, mental, and physical health for the worst, thus leading to complications during and after pregnancy and childbirth·      What Highmark Health is doing to prioritize the maternal health of Black women and other women of color to reduce the rates of maternal mortality among these groups of women, including identifying social determinants of maternal health and putting Black babies into the care of Black physicians ·      A reminder of self-advocacy for women of color in the healthcare system and seeking out groups and individuals who can advocate for said women Resources·      Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew·      Allegheny Health Network·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Highmark Health Enterprise Equitable Health InstituteFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Sacha Connor, founder and CEO of Virtual Work Insider, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about hybrid and remote work in the United States, how workplaces and relationships in them have changed because of both practices, and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on hybrid and remote work.In this Episode·      An introduction to Sacha Connor and her work, and how remote work has changed her views on the workplace, her relationships with her coworkers, and her communications with them·      What workplaces can do to develop a solid company culture with most employees either doing hybrid work or remote work, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic·      How diversity, equity, and inclusion can help address the issues of unconscious and distance bias in remote and hybrid workspaces to help make them more inclusive and welcoming·      Addressing the issues that younger workers have surrounding the ability to form friendships when working remotely·      Tensions between employees with hybrid and remote work schedules and frontline employees, who do not have the option to work from home, and how to alleviate them Resources·      Sacha Connor·      Virtual Work Insider·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Connecting through employee resource groupsFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Sonia Alleyne, Co-Founder of Storytellers, and author of I Kicked Ass at Work: The Strategy Journal for Career Professionals joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about helping workers gain better insight into their job performance and career progression, and how to bolster both.In this Episode·      Sonia Alleyne's own experiences with self-doubt in her job, how journaling helped her establish feelings of ownership, confidence, and accomplishment in her work, and how she has begun to help other women do the same·      The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers across the United States, how it made them reconsider what were the most important things to them in life, and look at their careers in a new light and possibly change them·      How journaling can help workers reflect on and review their actions, emotions, challenges, and accomplishments and examine what works and what can be improved on·      Generational differences between Generation Z and baby boomers on approaches to the challenges they face in the workplace and how to overcome them·      Advice for workers on how they can make themselves valuable to their organizations and how organizations can make their environments stronger and more supportive Resources·      Sonia Alleyne·      Storytellers: Words. Images. Magic.·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      I Kicked Ass at Work: The Strategy Journal for Career ProfessionalsFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedInFacebook 

Dana Brownlee, author of The Unwritten Rules of Managing and senior contributor for Forbes Careers, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the differences between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the workplace and anti-racism work.  In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Dana Brownlee and her work in the space of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, anti-racism work and the differences between the two spheres of work·      A breakdown of DEI initiatives and why they can sometimes fail professionals of color, particularly Black professionals through a lack of analysis on systemic racism and its effects on the workplace, in addition to centering DEI initiatives around white workers ·      The “three ingredients” to creating productive conversations surrounding racial equality and justice inside and outside of the workplace, including racial literacy, humility, and racial stamina, as well as the challenges of teaching racial literacy in a way that is accurate to American history·      The hostility and negative pushback that Dana has received in her work on DEI initiatives and anti-racism efforts and how she has managed to overcome them, on top of positive feedback that she has received for her work·      What corporations, government agencies, and non-profits can do to continue the dialogue of racism in their spaces and how to better promote anti-racism within the workplace Resources·      Dana Brownlee·      Professionalism Matters·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The Unwritten Rules of ManagingFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedInFacebook 

Riki Wilchins, Executive Director at TrueChild and author of Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion & the End of Gender and Genderqueer, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the state of transgender rights in the United States in the 21st century.  In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Riki Wilchins and their work, including the founding of GenderPAC, the first transgender rights advocacy group in the United States·      How the overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court has created a precedent for transgender Americans' rights to privacy under the Fourth Amendment to be violated, including the right to seek gender-affirming healthcare·      The increased attacks on trans employees and what businesses can do to protect and support them·      How Generation Z is responding to the increase in attacks on transgender folks, including trans youth and their parents by the media and politicians·      Gender pronouns, microaggressions towards trans people, how Wilchins incorporates trans inclusivity and intersectionality in their DEI work Resources·      Riki Wilchins·      TrueChild·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Genderqueer: Voices from Beyond the Sexual BinaryFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook  

Austin Heller, Team Lead of Kennesaw State University's Civic Engagement Team, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about inclusion initiatives centered around whiteness and how it impacts efforts to boost diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. In this Episode·      Dr. Weaver and Austin Heller discuss the definition of white centering and how it manifests itself in the workplace, from tone policing to hairstyles and attire and other actions that are deemed “abnormal” to white people·      How centering DE&I policies around white feelings and fragility only harms people of color and fails to address their experiences with racism in and outside of the workplace, thus creating more feelings of alienation for people of color·      Generation Z's major political and social involvement and how it could change the way that companies approach the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace·      How different policies such as Florida's “Don't Say Gay” bill and Disney's lackluster response uphold norms of white normativity and heteronormativity, thus putting them into conflict with companies' DE&I goals and how Gen Z is actively calling these companies out·      What Gen Z is doing to influence policies and practices to improve the workplace and their quality of life Resources·      Austin Heller·      Guest's Website·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Hybrid work: Making it fit with you diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy·      Addressing the unprecedented behavioral-health challenges facing Generation Z·      Gen Z: How young people are changing activismFollow Us on:Workin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Ricki Fairley, CEO of Touch Black Breast Cancer Alliance, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about Black women's experiences with breast cancer, medical racism, and how she has helped numerous Black women fighting breast cancer navigate their diagnoses and the medical field to get the help they need.In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Ricki Fairley and her work with TOUCH Black Breast Cancer Alliance, her experiences with battling and conquering triple-negative breast cancer, and how she has used her experiences to help other Black women fighting breast cancer as a patient navigator·      A look into the statistics of breast cancer in Black women, including a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer and a higher mortality rate than white women, and how it ties back into representation issues in the workplace for Black women·      How TOUCH Black Breast Cancer Alliance is helping increase the representation of Black female breast cancer patients, included in treatments and clinical trials, in addition to helping foster a positive relationship between Black patients and non-Black doctors, a crucial element to eliminating racism in the medical field·      How Fairley created the “When We Tri(al)” campaign, a support group designed to connect Black female breast cancer patients to one another, especially around clinical trials and dispelling myths about medical testing and treatments·      What listeners can do in terms of helping Black women navigate breast cancer diagnoses, treatments, and appointments, and how that can translate into helping and supporting Black women in the workplace and beyond Resources·      Ricki Fairley·      Touch Black Breast Cancer Alliance·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      When We Tri(al)Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Tony McQueen, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Colaberry Inc., joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about The Great Resignation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the root causes of this phenomenon. Dr. Weaver and McQueen also dive into how the high rates of attrition during the pandemic will affect the economy and society in the future. In this Episode·      A quick introduction to Tony McQueen and his work in helping organizations search for top-tier and diverse talent, growing brand awareness, creating marketing strategies, and identifying partnership opportunities·      Diving into the causes of The Great Resignation, including feelings of undervaluation, lack of adequate pay and benefits, poor flexibility (especially for working parents), feelings of being expendable, and either overt or covert discrimination, especially in the case of people of color·      How The Great Resignation has led to many workers seeking jobs that accommodate their schedules and promote a good work-life balance and many companies implementing bonuses and benefits to attract new hires or keep their current workers·      A need for companies to continue adapting to the ever-changing nature of work during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they are having to rethink what talent means and how to bring out talents that have gone unrecognized·      What companies can do to help slow down or end The Great Resignation, including re-aligning their corporate values to closely match those of their employees, especially those from underrepresented groups Resources·      Tony McQueen·      Colaberry·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      ‘Great Attrition' or ‘Great Attraction'? The Choice is YoursFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Claudine Miles, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Restore More joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of working parents across the United States. She and Dr. Weaver also talk about how the pandemic has negatively affected the mental health of children, especially teenagers, and how it affects their parents. In this Episode·      An introduction to Claudine Miles' work in mental health and trauma-informed care, especially among children and working parents during the COVID-19 pandemic·      The changes to parents' personal lives because of the pandemic, and how they have had to take on more responsibilities regarding their children's mental health, thus causing parents to become extremely stressed·      An increase in mental health challenges in children because of pandemic-related isolation and lack of connectedness, including increased diagnoses of depression and suicidal ideation among children, and how parents are struggling to address these issues·      The stigma of mental health issues in the workplace – especially for working parents – and among older generations, in addition to helping working parents obtain adequate mental health resources for their children and the parents themselves·      How workplaces can better support the mental health of working parents, including creating spaces to openly have conversations about mental health, and implementing different methods, techniques, and programs to address issues surrounding mental health Resources·      Claudine Miles·      Restore More·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Rose, Bud, and Thorn exerciseFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Dr. Kanika Bell, a licensed psychiatrist and co-owner of ATL and Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, LLC, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of workers across the United States, the need for companies to address the state of emotional and mental health within the workplace and how to help their workers. In this Episode·      The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of millions of people across the nation, including workers, and how the conversation around mental health has changed from one that was rarely had to one that has come to the forefront of the American conscience ·      How the death of George Floyd and the resulting racial trauma added onto the already-present trauma faced by Black communities and workers and other groups of color because of the ongoing pandemic·      The effect that the pandemic has had on working mothers, including issues of stress, isolation, increased online browsing, and mental health challenges, especially when children are involved·      The outreach that Dr. Bell has received from different companies on how to reanalyze the way that their workplaces are run and how to be more emphatic towards their workers during a time of uncertainty and anxiety for many people in the American workforce·      Addressing the ongoing problem of a mass exodus of women from the workforce with many not planning to return to the office, a need for workplaces to improve their culture to be more considerate of the demands of their workers, and a cultural shift on views of mental health in the workplace with Generation Z entering the workforce Resources·      Dr. Kanika Bell·      A.T.L. Psychotherapy and Consulting Services, LLC·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      SilverCloudFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Dr. Melanie Dillett-Dukes, Founder and CEO of BeyondFree, LLC, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about her latest book My Freedom: Be Free. Be Brave. Be Radical., as well as the concept of growth and self-reflection in the world of DEI work. In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Dr. Melanie Dillett-Dukes and her work, her upbringing as a daughter of a United Nations official and international student, and how that influenced her to begin her work in the space of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as individual growth and self-management·      A dive into Dr. Dillett-Duke's newest book My Freedom: Be Free. Be Brave. Be Radical., which highlights the importance of personal exploration and vulnerability as tools for navigating topics of diversity and inclusion ·      How storytelling can be used as a method of self-reflection, addressing past trauma, finding closure on different events that have happened in one's life, and discovering who one truly is·      How the book is tied to a need for companies to understand authenticity in the workplace and how that intersects with their personal lives, and how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for one to truly understand what their life is about·      How listeners can begin their journey into self-discovery, transparency, and using those to deconstruct biases they have of the people around them Resources·      Dr. Melanie Dillett-Dukes·      BeyondFree, LLC·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      My Freedom Journey: Be Free. Be Brave. Be Radical.Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Dr. Linda Mona, a Clinical Psychologist and disability, diversity and inclusion strategist joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to share her experience as a person with a disability and her perspectives on people with disabilities in the workplace. Their conversation explores why people with disabilities represent such a small percentage of the workforce, why some are hesitant to disclose their disability are work, how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their work experience and what companies can do to be more inclusive.  In this Episode·       Personal descriptions as an act of inclusion ·       Why people with disabilities only represent 15% of the global workforce·       The need to change how we view people with disabilities ·       Why people with disabilities may be reluctant to disclose their disability at work·       How inclusion can increase engagement among workers with disabilities·       Covid-19 as an employee equalizer·       How implicit biases influence society's views of relationships, intimacy and family experiences within the disability community ·       Three tips for how companies can be more inclusive of people with disabilities Resources·       Dr. Linda Mona·       Dr. Vanessa Weaver·       Alignment Strategies·       Mercer's The State of Disability Employment Engagement Report Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·       LinkedIn·       Facebook ·       Instagram·       Twitter Alignment Strategies·       LinkedIn·       Facebook·       Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·       LinkedIn·       Facebook  

Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Allegheny Health Network, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about disparities within the healthcare system towards patients and medical professionals of color, and how to alleviate those biases for better outcomes for both groups. In this Episode·      A brief introduction in Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew's work with Allegheny Health Network, and how it aims to curtail racial discrimination and inequities within healthcare, especially in the sector of obstetrics and gynecology·      How biases within the healthcare system affect the quality of care that patients of color, particularly Black patients, receive, and how it affects the mental well-being of doctors of color and their ability to perform their duties efficiently·      Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew's experiences with growing up in the Jim Crow era and how it inspired her to enter the medical field with the goal of dismantling racism and making healthcare access and quality equal for all·      The maternal mortality rate of Black women in the United States and how social and political determinants of health play into the mortality rate, and what can be done to end it·      The role of leadership in employing diversity, equity, and inclusion training in healthcare networks and hospitals to help doctors and other medical professionals deliver quality healthcare for patients of color, and to make the environment more equitable for doctors of color Resources·      Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew·      Allegheny Health Network·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The Color of My Heart: Embracing My Blackness Through History, Family, Fear and FaithFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Damon Jones, Chief Communications Officer for Procter & Gamble, and the creator of the Take on Race Initiative, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the work Take on Race has done to solve existing inequities within the workplace and in communities across America.  In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Procter & Gamble's Take on Race Initiative, which aims to tackle racial inequalities in the workplace and in different communities across the United States, and what steps Take on Race is taking to resolve them·      How Mr. Jones has taking on health and educational disparities in communities of color during the COVID-19 pandemic through the One Million Connected Devices Now Initiative, with the goal of giving students and their families access to the Internet for education and employment ·      The topic of wealth creation by Take on Race, in collaboration with Bank of America and BMO Bank, and how it pertains to minority-owned businesses to help them continue to thrive during the pandemic, at a time where many minority-owned businesses closed for good·      The challenges encountered by Take on Race, including the longevity of certain projects and initiatives, how to boost talks of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world and beyond, and how Mr. Jones seeks to overcome those challenges·      How others can get involved in Take on Race and help to amplify the effect that the initiative has on corporate America and the general American populace Resources·      Damon Jones·      Take on Race·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      One Million Connected Devices NowFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Leah D. Daughtry, founder of Power Rising and a renowned political activist and organizer, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the political power of Black women, and how Daughtry helps harness that power to help Black female political candidates, voters, and other Black women in her work. In this Episode·      Ms. Daughtry's experience as the Chair of the Democratic National Committee, which oversaw the nominations of Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, Hillary Clinton in 2016, and Joe Biden in 2020, in addition to her book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics·      An examination into the voting bloc of Black women, how their decision-making in their personal lives shows up in elections, and the ascendency of Black women in politics, including the election of Kamala Harris as Vice President of the United States·      How historic and systemic racism and sexism against Black women in politics and broader American society attempt to put Black women at a disadvantage for being selected as politicians or judges, and how to rectify the problem·      The nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson by President Joe Biden as Supreme Court Justice and ensuing conversations about her qualifications speaks on the broader issue of the assumption of Black women as being less qualified or fit to be in certain political positions due to race and gender·      A brief introduction in Ms. Daughtry's organization Power Rising, how it came to be in the aftermath of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, the work that the organization engages in, and how it inspires and empowers Black women to exercise their political power, whether it be through voting or running for office

Anthony Hudson, Regional President of BMO Harris Bank, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to share his expertise in the financial industry. He also speaks about his dedication to nurture wealth creation and business development in communities of color.In this Episode·      The explanation of the racial wealth gap that exists between White families and Black and Latino families, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic·      The role that the BMO EMpower initiative plays in building the wealth of Black and Latino businesses and their respective communities·      The challenges that Black and Brown-owned businesses face when it comes to funding, including accessing loans and investment opportunities to allow their businesses to thrive·      How Mr. Hudson uses the platform given to him by the BMO Empower Initiative to provide support, opportunities, and access to minority-owned businesses·      Steps that Black and Latino business owners can successfully grow and expand their businesses, including establishing a trusted financial team and utilizing resources for education and thought leadership Resources·      Anthony Hudson·      BMO Harris Bank·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      BMO Harris Bank EMpowerFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Dennis “Doc” Williams, R&B music producer and musical director of The O'Jays, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about overcoming racial discrimination in the musical industry and how his experiences shaped who he is today as a musician.In this Episode·      Exploring Dennis' background in classical music and how his expertise helped him propel his musical career, and how he had to take a different approach and trajectory due to racial discrimination·      A discussion on how Black people are often pigeonholed into certain roles and occupations, and how the importance of Black people being able to navigate around or break through those restrictions·      How Dennis was able to secure career opportunities in both classical and R&B music and alongside different musicians and musical groups such as The O'Jays, The Washington Symphony Orchestra, Teddy Pendergrass, Joe Coleman, and Patty LaBelle·      The importance of determination as a key driver to pursuing one's dream career, and how Black musicians have paved the way for modern genres of music and the continued evolution of the music industry·      The importance of preparation for the various obstacles in one's career path and establishing relationships with people that one will encounter throughout their career Resources·      Dennis “Doc” Williams·      Dennis “Doc” Williams Music·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment StrategiesFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Dr. J. Bruce Stewart, founder and CEO of Small World Solutions Group, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about his new book The Click Code: Why Some Teams Click and Others Don't. Dr. Stewart shares the importance of promoting social capital in the workplace so that companies can foster an inclusive environment for people to succeed in.In this Episode·      The introduction of Dr. Stewart's latest book The Click Code: Why some teams click and others don't, and how the book explores the functionality of teams in the workplace, and why some teams have a hard time utilizing tools to manage and lead in an inclusive way·      The definition of social capital, how it functions, the challenges of implementing social capital, and the importance of this concept in the creation of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment·      A brief discussion on the topic of cognitive diversity and psychological roles, the purpose and importance of both, and how having a diversity of both helps teams to become more productive and increase performance ·      The other factors of creating a diverse and successful team, including “plussing up”, or building up on a person's ideas, and the three Hit factors, which are the Musketeer mindset (all-for-one, one-for-all), identification of psychological roles, and the “A+” principle·      How Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and EEO groups can come together to understand social capital to build diverse, effective teams, and how help invoke change within a company's culture to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion as major factors within the company Resources·      Dr. J. Bruce Stewart·      Small World Solutions Group·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The Click Code: Why Some Teams Click and Others Don'tFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Theo Peoples, the lead vocalist of The Temptations and The Four Tops, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about his experiences with overcoming adversity and discrimination in the music industry to become of the most well-known soul singers and songwriters of all time. In this Episode·      Theo's humble beginnings as a member of his father's church choir, and how his father helped him build up the confidence needed to have the ability to sing and produce music for thousands of people·      How his expulsion from his home church for playing secular music ultimately led him to meet The Temptations and become a full-fledged member of the musical group, along with his loss of spirituality and reclamation of it in music·      The exploration of instances of discrimination that Theo has faced in his musical career, and how dismissing experiences of personal and structural racism as a coping mechanism only does harm to people of color, especially in the corporate world·      The importance of acknowledging instances of racism and confronting them as a mechanism to help people of color and their allies be able to make their lives and careers easier and more navigable·      How to maintain a level of dignity in one's career and be empowered to show up as their most authentic self Resources·      Theo Peoples·      Allen Media Strategies·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Voices of Classic SoulFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

In this Episode·      A brief introduction to Black Market Reads, a podcast created and hosted by Lissa that amplifies the voices of Black authors and storytellers and allows them to share their experiences and show up as the most authentic forms of themselves·      How Lissa uses the works of bell hooks to help Black women unpack the harmful archetypes about them, including the “strong Black woman” trope, helps examine the tropes and the way that they are implanted into cultural DNA, and why these tropes cause extreme psychological harm to Black women, mainly in the workplace·      The way that the works of Toni Morrison encourage Lissa and other Black female readers and listeners to contextualize themselves in the world based upon their own experiences and to refuse to be forced into the archetypes that the world has created of them·      The level of inclusivity in Audre Lorde's works of Black and LGBTQ+ women, and how she encouraged these groups of women be assertive and call for equal treatment throughout all of society, including in the workplace in the wake of George Floyd's death and the subsequent protests and racial reckoning in the United States·      How to encourage and support Black women in sharing their own stories and experiences from their own perspective, while rejecting the expectations of non-Black people for Black women to dilute their stories or experiences to make them more palatable Resources·      Lissa Jones-Lofgren·      Urban Agenda·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Black Market ReadsFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Chuck West, Chief Executive officer of OCTET Productions Inc., joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about overcoming racial discrimination and other forms of adversity in the entertainment industry, and how his experiences have shaped who he is today. He also speaks about how he has helped college students and professionals of color in the industry be able to conquer those same obstacles to succeed. In this Episode·      How Chuck's background knowledge in finance and accounting helped him launch his career in film and television production·      His experiences as one of the few African American men in the financial and management sector of film and television, and how he managed to overcome the obstacles on his journey to success·      The ways that Chuck has been able to use his platform to give people of color and other marginalized groups opportunities in the industry, such as on-the-job training, internships, and in-school partnerships with professionals in the entertainment industry·      How OCTET Productions works with different entertainment companies such as BET, Lifetime, ALLBLK, and UMC to produce projects and content that showcase African Americans in a positive light, thus helping change how Black people are shown on-screen·      How to help the next generation of professionals of color follow their career path and be able to challenge adversity in the entertainment industry head on while on their road to success Resources·      Chuck West·      OCTET Productions, Inc.·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Procter & Gamble: Widen The ScreenFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Jessica Bergeron, Senior Vice President of Operation Hope, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to speak about the status of Black and Brown-owned businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about how Operation Hope's One Million Black Businesses Initiative has been helping Black and Brown businesses bounce back and thrive during the pandemic.  In this Episode·      The challenges facing Black and Brown-owned businesses, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of fortified infrastructure to strengthen and protect them·      How bank loans, mentorship, and generational wealth are involved in creating a solid infrastructure, and how Black and Brown businesses have been bereft of them, therefore placing them at a huge disadvantage·      The origins of Operation Hope and how the organization has helped Black and Brown businesses thrive via education on financial literacy, money management, coaching services, and initiatives such as One Million Black Businesses·      How the partners of Operation Hope, such as PNC Bank, Shopify, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in rebuilding Black and Brown businesses hit hard by the pandemic·      Empowering Black and Brown businesses and startups to advance in the corporate world Resources·      Jessica Bergeron·      Operation Hope·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      One Million Black BusinessesFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook  

Raymone Bain, publicist to the stars and founder of Raymone K. Bain Companies, LLC, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss her experience working with some of the biggest names in sports, politics and entertainment. She shares stories about her work with Michael Jackson, Bernie Mac, Babyface, Jimmy Carter and more. She also reveals the discrimination she has faced during her career and offers advice for those facing similar challenges. In this Episode·      How Raymone created a path to success in a male-dominated industry ·      Her experience working with notable celebrities, including Michael Jackson, Bernie Mac, Serena Williams, and Janet Jackson·      The importance of investing in relationships as part of building a successful career·      The discrimination, bias, and obstacles people of color face in the public relations industry and how to overcome them·      The importance of being loyalty and staying true to oneself  Resources·      Raymone Bain·      Raymone K. Bain Companies, LLC·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Keeper of the Famed: A Veteran Player in Politics, Sports and Entertainment, Publicist Raymone Bain is at the Top of Her Game. Is She Up to Managing Michael Jackson?Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Jonathan Kaufman, founder of J. Kaufman Consulting and a thought leader and educator, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss how embracing disabilities can allow companies to be more innovative and productive. He talks about his experience as a person with a disability, why people with disabilities are often overlooked in corporate America and the role resilience, patience and adaptation play in creating environments that are supportive and inclusive of people with disabilities. In this Episode·      The disability market in the United States and how companies are missing out on harnessing the talent of these individuals·      How a fear of the unknown drives companies away from discussions about people with disabilities and how that avoidance fosters a culture of ableism·      The role of resilience, patience and adaptation in the discussion about disabilities and the experience of people with disabilities·      Dr. Kaufman's experience growing up with a disability and how that shaped his career aspirations and his perception of the workplace and the world·      The actions companies must take to create an inclusive and accommodating environment for people with disabilities Resources·      Jonathan Kaufman·      J. Kaufman Consulting·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Mindset Matters·      The $400 Billion Adaptive Clothing Opportunity·      Disability Impacts All of UsFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Juan Lopez, founder of management consulting firm Amistad Associates, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the role of code switching in Corporate America. He explains what code switching is, how it's employed by Latino professionals and the impact it can have on one's career and self-esteem. In This Episode·      What code switching is and how it shows up in the workplace·      How code switching negatively impacts the experiences and overall well-being of professionals of color ·      How Latinos code switch to advance their careers and how it prevents them from being their authentic selves·      The extent to which White professionals and managers are aware of code switching in their organizations·      How to create and foster an environment in which Latinos and others won't feel the need to code switch Resources·      Juan Lopez·      Amistad Associates·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The Cost of Code-SwitchingFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook   

Dr. Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia joins host Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss her role and impact as the country's first cabinet-level diversity professional. She shares details about the DE&I initiatives her team has instituted and what she's done to ensure these efforts continue in future administrations, the critical race theory debate in Virginia and its role in the most recent gubernatorial election, and her plans following the Northam administration's transition out of office. In This Episode·     The diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives established under Dr. Underwood's leadership, including ONE Virginia, the first statewide strategic plan for inclusive excellence across more than 100 state agencies.·      The steps Dr. Underwood has taken to ensure that the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts of the Northam Administration will continue with future administrations. ·      Dr. Underwood's path from special education biology teacher to appointed government officer. ·      Why the Commonwealth of Virginia has declared racism a public health crisis and how the Northam Administration has addressed this issue. ·      Misconceptions about critical race theory and how the governor's office is using CRT to reform manifestations of racism in Virginia law. Resources·        Dr. Janice Underwood·        Dr. Vanessa Weaver·        Alignment Strategies·        ONE Virginia ·        Commonwealth of Virginia COVID-19 Equity Leadership Task Force·        Critical Race Theory: A Brief History Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter   Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter   Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Chiqui Cartagena, Latino marketing expert and author of Latino Boom and Latino Boom II, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the United States' burgeoning Hispanic population. She addresses the rapid growth in Latino buying power, why there is an increase in Latinos living in the South and Midwest, how Latinos are shaping consumer habits and popular culture, and why recognizing Latinos' influence is critical to the success of companies in all industries.  In This Episode·      How Chiqui Cartagena leverages her background in marketing and journalism to highlight the stories of U.S. Latinos.·      The Latino population explosion and how it is contributing to overall U.S. economic growth.·      How U.S. companies can successfully market to Latino consumers. ·      Invisibility and stereotyping of Latinos in American media.·      Ways to help Latino professionals show up as their most authentic selves at work.  Resources·      Chiqui Cartagena·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Latino Boom: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in the U.S. Hispanic Market·      Latino Boom II: Catch the Biggest Demographic Wave Since the Baby Boom·      Latino Donor Collaborative Report ·      Latinos at Work: Unleashing the Power of Culture  Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Building Black and Brown BusinessesRick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss increasing the growth and success for minority-owned businesses in the United States. He talks in-depth about the effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Black and Latinx-owned businesses and how bolstering these businesses can help close the racial wealth gap.In this Episode·      Addressing the racial wealth gap in the United States through business ownership·      Advancing policies to address income inequality between white-owned and minority-owned businesses ·      How Rick Wade's upbringing influenced his views about economic inequality·      The effect of COVID-19 on Black and Brown businesses ·      How the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is taking the lead in addressing racial income equity Resources·      Rick Wade·      U.S. Chamber of Commerce·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Equality of Opportunity Initiative·      Take on Race Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Dr. Candace Steele Flippin, Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Acuity Brands and a multigenerational workplace expert, sits down with Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the generational differences that exist in the workplace and how to navigate them. She explains how values differ by generation and how these differences impact communication between generations. In this Episode·      The differences between Traditionalists/Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y/Millennials and Generation Z in the workplace·      The values and norms each generation holds and how they show up at work·      Generational differences among working women and how they influence communication with colleagues and supervisors·      How social issues such as racial and gender equity play out in the workplace and how each generation views these issues·      What workplaces can do to help employees from different generations work together and get the most out of their careers Resources·      Candace Steele Flippin·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Get Your Career in Shape: A Five-Step Guide to Achieve the Success You Need, Want, and Deserve ·      Cheddar Wellness Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Claire Tse, diversity, equity and inclusion expert and founder of Tse Solutions, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and sentiments in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also talks about her experiences as a Chinese-American woman facing racial and gender bias, how organizations can combat such discrimination in the workplace, the nuances that impact how Asian Americans are viewed and the ways one can support Asian-American colleagues. In this Episode·      The rise of anti-Asian hate crimes and rhetoric during the COVID-19 pandemic·      The model minority stereotype and how it harms Asians and Asian Americans·      The intersection of racism, sexism and misogyny and its impact on Asian women·      How to help Asian Americans speak up about their experiences and how to address anti-Asian racism·      How senior leaders can support and empower their Asian/Asian-American employees  Resources·      Claire Tse·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      The SOLVE Communication Method: Working Out of the Bamboo Box with Asian Pacific Americans and African, European, Hispanic, and Native Americans·      Here's What the New Hate Crimes Law Aims to do As Attacks on Asian Americans Rise Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Jemel McWilliams, an accomplished dancer, choreographer and artistic director joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to talk about his professional journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way. He shares details about his transition from corporate America to the entertainment industry, the challenges he's faced as a Black man in Hollywood and how working with Janelle Monae has shaped how he approaches his work.   In this Episode·      Staying true to one's career goals·      The challenges that Black and Brown creatives face in Hollywood·      The importance of showing up at work as one's authentic self ·      How covering affects Black and Brown professionals ·      Creating a platform to people of color in Hollywood to be represented and supported·      Advice for breaking through in the entertainment industry Resources·      Jemel McWilliams·      Dr. Vanessa Weaver·      Alignment Strategies·      Inclusion Survey: Uncovering Talent·      Creative Director Jemel McWilliams on His Emmy Nod: ‘It's an Absolute Honor' Follow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·      LinkedIn·      Facebook ·      Instagram·      Twitter  Alignment Strategies·      LinkedIn·      Facebook·      Twitter  Diversity and Inclusion Television·      LinkedIn·      Facebook 

Dr. Linda Mona, a Clinical Psychologist and disability, diversity and inclusion strategist joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to share her experience as a person with a disability and her perspectives on people with disabilities in the workplace. Their conversation explores why people with disabilities represent such a small percentage of the workforce, why some are hesitant to disclose their disability are work, how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted their work experience and what companies can do to be more inclusive. In this Episode·       Personal descriptions as an act of inclusion ·       Why people with disabilities only represent 15% of the global workforce·       The need to change how we view people with disabilities ·       Why people with disabilities may be reluctant to disclose their disability at work·       How inclusion can increase engagement among workers with disabilities·       Covid-19 as an employee equalizer·       How implicit biases influence society's views of relationships, intimacy and family experiences within the disability community ·       Three tips for how companies can be more inclusive of people with disabilitiesResources·       Dr. Linda Mona·       Dr. Vanessa Weaver·       Alignment Strategies·       Mercer's The State of Disability Employment Engagement ReportFollow Us on Social MediaWorkin' It Out·       LinkedIn·       Facebook ·       Instagram·       Twitter Alignment Strategies·       LinkedIn·       Facebook·       Twitter Diversity and Inclusion Television·       LinkedIn·       Facebook 

The Workin' It Out audio podcast returns for a second season on Friday, November 19. The weekly show, hosted by Alignment Strategies' CEO Dr. Vanessa J. Weaver, explores diversity, equity and inclusion challenges that arise at work, in communities and in our personal lives. Interviews with thought leaders provide insights, perspectives and actionable steps to effect real-life change. New episodes will be released every Friday at noon EST. 

Carol Evans, CEO and Executive Director of SHARE Cancer Support, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss disparities in breast, uterine, ovarian and metastatic breast cancer care and how her organization is providing support to women of color battling these diseases.In this EpisodeAbout Carol EvansDid you know…? Data about women's cancers by raceHow race and ethnicity impact women's cancer incidences and outcomesThe origin and mission of SHARE Cancer SupportWhy Carol transitioned from championing working women to supporting women battling cancerAbout Getting Our Fair SHARE: 2021 Conference to End Health DisparitiesThree tips for women of color who have recently received a cancer diagnosisResourcesCarol EvansDr. Vanessa WeaverSHARE Cancer SupportAlignment StrategiesGetting Our Fair SHARE: 2021 Conference to End Health DisparitiesAmerican Association for Cancer Research “Cancer Disparities Progress Report 2020”Follow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook 

Kamilah Smith, Senior Manager, GPS Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Capability Leader at Deloitte, joins Dr. Weaver to discuss how she balances the demands of work, marriage and parenting and what it takes to manage it all during a global pandemic.In this EpisodeHow the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting working mothersHow Kamilah has found balance as a wife and mother working from homeHow supervisors can support employees who are working mothersTips for working mothers during the pandemicResourcesKamilah SmithDr. Vanessa WeaverDeloitteAlignment StrategiesCOVID-19 and the Working Woman Part I - Impact on Women in the WorkforceINROADS (Workin' It Out Podcast Partner)Follow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Jennifer Owens, an expert on women's workplace issues and co-host of The Breadwinners podcast, joins Dr. Weaver to share research findings about the toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on working women and to offer tips for navigating this challenging time.  In this EpisodeThe high unemployment rate for women during the pandemicThe impact of female unemployment on industries where women are more presentHow women often juggle both work and motherhoodFemale unemployment and its effects on women of colorHow organizations can do more to support women during the pandemicResourcesJennifer OwensDr. Vanessa WeaverThe Breadwinners PodcastAlignment StrategiesJennworkEconomist Heather BousheyThe Council on Contemporary FamiliesFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Forest Harper CEO of INROADS, joins Dr. Weaver to discuss the role of internships in shaping the future careers of college students of color and the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on this critical pathway to Corporate America. In this EpisodeThe origins of INROADSThe barriers facing college students of colorHow COVID-19 has impacted corporate internship programsHow INROADS is supporting students of color during COVID-19Tips on how companies can increase diversity within their internship programsResourcesForest HarperDr. Vanessa WeaverINROADSAlignment StrategiesThe Executive Leadership CouncilNational Association of Colleges and EmployersMagnitude Simba - StudentsFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook 

Mayra Martinez-Sacco, CEO, Mayden Enterprises, LLC joins Dr. Weaver to share her personal experience with covering—hiding an aspect of who one is in order to fit in—at work and how she gained the courage to be her authentic self.In this EpisodeWhat covering is and how and why it shows up in the workplaceThe personal and professional impact of coveringMindfulness as a tool to develop the courage to uncoverResources and LinksMayra Martinez-Sacco Dr. Vanessa WeaverMayden Enterprises, LLCAlignment StrategiesUncovering talent: A new model of inclusionOwn Your Shift: An Invitation to Transform Using a Mindfulness ToolkitOwn Your Shift PodcastFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

LaSaia Wade, transgender activist and founder and executive director of Brave Space Alliance, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the lived experiences of Black transgender women and what people can do to support the transgender community.In this EpisodeAbout LaSaia WadeData about the transgender communityWhy transgender people are disproportionately the target of discrimination and attacksWhy Brave Space Alliance was founded and the services it providesLaSaia's experience as a transgender woman in Corporate AmericaThe roots of violence against Black transgender women by Black menWhat needs to change to improve the lives of transgender peopleThe psychological impact of transgender discriminationThree things people can do to support the transgender communityResourcesLaSaia WadeDr. Vanessa WeaverBrave Space AllianceAlignment StrategiesFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Renowned labor economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the black wealth gap—its origins, common misconceptions, and the role of Corporate America and “extraneous infusion” in closing the gap.In this EpisodeBlack female economic trailblazersThe impact of COVID-19 on Black wealthBlack American's economic history and the role of racism in creating a wealth gapThe role of Corporate America and “extraneous infusion” in closing the wealth gapHow the racial wealth gap impacts society overallRecommendations for addressing the racial wealth gap and building Black wealthResourcesDr. Julianne MalveauxDr. Vanessa WeaverAlignment StrategiesWall Street, Main Street and the Side Street: A Mad Economist Takes a StrollWorking While Black: The Black Person's Guide to Success in the White WorkplaceSurviving and Thriving: 365 Facts in Black Economic HistoryThe Economic Impact of Closing the Racial Wealth GapMaggie Lena WalkerFollow Us on Social Mediao   Alignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebooko   Diversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman joins Dr. Weaver for a discussion about the ways Corporate America is responding to the racial reckoning that followed the murder of George Floyd and how professionals of color can leverage this increased commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity and belonging. In this EpisodeHow Corporate America is responding to the country's racial reckoningThree lenses of diversity and inclusion workCorporate America's partnership with Black organizationsThe ESG principleHow Multicultural professionals can benefit from Corporate America's increased focus on diversity and inclusionResources and LinksAlexis HermanDr. Vanessa WeaverAlignment StrategiesClark Atlanta University Partners with Propel Center, a New Global HBCU Headquarters for InnovationNasdaq to Advance Diversity through New Proposed Listing RequirementsTake on RaceOneTenFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Lissa Jones, host of “Black Market Reads,” joins Dr. Weaver to discuss the role of Black authors and literature in the current racial reckoning in her hometown of Minneapolis and across the country. In this EpisodeThe impact of poet Amanda GormanThe origin of “Black Market Reads”The role of literature in the Black experienceHow Black authors and literature have influenced Lissa's approach to diversity and inclusion. How the racial reckoning in Minneapolis has shaped “Black Market Reads”How “Black Market Reads” has shaped the national conversation about race ResourcesLissa JonesDr. Vanessa WeaverBlack Market ReadsAlignment Strategies“The Hill We Climb” by Amanda GormanThe Givens Foundation for African-American LiteratureClaudia RankineSHARE“Why Some People Be Mad at Me Sometimes,” by Lucille CliftonFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Reema Elghossain, vice president, talent, equity and inclusion at the 4A's Foundation, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss diversity in the advertising industry. Reema shares insights about why people of color are underrepresented within advertising agencies, the challenges people of color working at these agencies face, how a lack of diversity impacts the success of advertising campaigns, and how the 4A's Foundation is helping agencies address their diversity challenges.In this EpisodeAbout Reema ElghossainAbout the 4A's and the 4A's FoundationDid You Know?…Data about diversity in the advertising industryWhy people of color are underrepresented in advertising agenciesWhat advertising agencies need to do to be more inclusive of people of colorThe 4A's Foundation programs that are helping create opportunities for aspiring and current advertising professionals of colorHow corporations and brands are influencing the way advertising agencies address diversity and inclusionHow a lack of diversity within agencies impacts the effectiveness of advertising campaignsImposter syndrome and other challenges advertising professionals of color faceThree tips for people of color who want to break into the advertising agency worldResourcesReema ElghossainDr. Vanessa Weaver4A'S FoundationAlignment StrategiesMAIP (Multicultural Advertising Intern Program)VanguardThe P.I.E. Model The Equity & Inclusion CongressANA (Association of National Advertisers)Follow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Michael Collins, Chief of Staff to the Chief Diversity Officer at Google, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to talk about the experiences of LGBTQ professionals in the workplace; the intersectionality of sexual orientation, race and gender; how companies can create safe workspaces for LGBTQ employees and more.In this EpisodeAbout Michael CollinsDid you know…? Data about LGBTQ professionalsStories of the lived experiences of Black gay men in the workplaceWhy many LGBTQ people of color feel an overwhelming pressure to excel professionallyHow Google supports its LGBTQ employeesWhy the LGBTQ community has reclaimed the term “queer”The role and importance of intersectionality in the LGBTQ communityOpportunities for increased LGBTQ inclusion in communities of color and by those who identify as cisgenderThe rise in Black and Brown trans advocacyThree tips for how companies can create safe spaces for LGBTQ employeesResourcesMichael CollinsDr. Vanessa WeaverGoogleAlignment StrategiesA Workplace Divided: Understanding the Climate for LGBTQ Workers NationwideMovement Advancement Project Nondiscrimination LawsLaSaia WadeIntersectionalityFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook 

Deborah Owens, financial expert and founder of WealthyU, joins Dr. Vanessa Weaver to discuss the challenges Black women face in building wealth and share advice on how they can achieve financial health.In this EpisodeData about Black women and wealthWhy Deborah is committed to helping Black women with their financesThe challenges Black women face in building wealthFour myths Black women have been told about financial successThe role of systemic racism in hindering wealth generationThree things Black women can do to achieve financial health and build wealthResourcesDeborah OwensDr. Vanessa WeaverWealthyUAlignment StrategiesA Purse of Your Own: An Easy Guide to Financial SecurityFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook

Robert Schimmenti, Senior Vice President of Electric Operations for Con Edison, joins Dr. Weaver for a revealing discussion about why diversity, inclusion and belonging are key in improving employee engagement and creating culture change.In this EpisodeEmployee Engagement definedHow Robert Schimmenti increased Employee Engagement at Con EdisonCon Edison's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on employee performanceHow Con Edison improved wellness scores during the COVID-19 pandemicTips for creating a more engaged workforceResourcesRobert SchimmentiDr. Vanessa WeaverConsolidated EdisonAlignment StrategiesGallup study about employee engagementFollow Us on Social MediaAlignment StrategiesLinkedInFacebookDiversity and Inclusion TelevisionLinkedInFacebook