She+ Geeks Out Podcast (She+ Geeks Out)

On this episode of the SheGeeksOut podcast, we chat with Dr. Charmain Jackman, founder of InnoPsych, a mental health platform focusing on therapists of color. Dr. Jackman shares insights on challenges in mental health support for BIPOC communities, her journey with InnoPsych, and how emotional well-being practices can translate into the workplace. Tune in for an engaging discussion on promoting diversity and inclusion in mental health services.

 

[00:01:16] Interview with Dr. Charmain starts.

[00:06:29] Entrepreneurship journey and challenges.

[00:08:24] Overcoming obstacles in therapy.

[00:14:47] Finding the right therapist.

[00:18:04] Workplace well-being.

[00:20:24] National BIPOC Mental Health Awareness.

[00:26:59] Importance of cultural competency

[00:30:49] Lack of cultural competency in therapy.

[00:33:21] Accessibility in finding therapists.

[00:35:30] Decolonized approach to therapy.

[00:42:32] The role of AI in therapy.

[00:44:21] Privacy concerns in therapy industry.

[00:49:31] Self-care and prioritizing health.

[00:53:27] Stepping out of comfort zone.

[00:55:24] Stay updated on all things.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Ahh did we laugh! Get ready to bust a gut with our special guest, Amma Marfo, a comic genius who's not only cracking us up but also lending her voice to the BIPOC comic community in Boston. We talked about her journey as a stand-up comedian, her experiences giving a TED talk, and how she's challenging the status quo.

We're not just about giggles, we're also talking about the weighty side of comedy and its role in highlighting complex societal issues. Amma's creation of FODBALL Productions highlights the importance of diversity in the comedic world. 

We also talked about the other work Amma does, as a speaker, writer, and content designer. From finding creativity in everyday tasks to sharing our favorite books and animations, we're exploring all corners of the creative sphere. And as we wrap things up, we're highlighting the power of sharing - whether it's memes, videos or simply your voice, it's all a cherished act of love. Join us for a joy ride that's equal parts fun, enlightening and thought-provoking!

Also, here's our PSA for Thirst Aid Kit. Bring it back! Or we will! :D

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit The Female Quotient and join the movement!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Melinda Epler is the Founder and CEO of Change Catalyst, a company (and fellow B Corp!) that provides education and resources on diversity and inclusion to the tech community. We talk about the importance of D&I in the tech community, her SXSW experience, and we get into the weeds a bit about what it's like to work in the diversity and inclusion space. If you're around, check out one of their MANY upcoming Tech Inclusion conferences here! Make sure you visit www.shegeeksout.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion experts Felicia Jadczak, Fatima Dainkeh, and Erika Powell talk about the myriad of ways companies can meaningfully measure the impact of DEI programs, how to move on from initial benchmarking data, destigmatizing DEI data, what metrics are important to track, and how to measure some of the "squishier" parts of inclusion.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Dive into the world of redlining and real estate with Derek Lumpkins and Melony Swasey, hosts of the Black Lining Forum podcast. Discover how they are reshaping narratives by centering black and brown perspectives on owning real estate. Learn about anti-racist practices to combat discriminatory practices like redlining. Also, celebrate Women's History Month and its focus on empowerment and resilience in the face of challenges. 

 

[00:01:38] Women's History Month.

[00:04:23] Gender evolution and inclusivity.

[00:10:35] Community building and racial understanding.

[00:14:35] Real estate as wealth pathway.

[00:19:38] BIPOC professionals facing housing challenges.

[00:21:38] Buying the Hood.

[00:27:03] Homeownership and wealth building.

[00:30:20] Tangible benefits of owning property.

[00:33:06] Corporations vs. individuals in property ownership.

[00:38:01] Community responsibility in real estate.

[00:41:47] Market Rent Dilemma

[00:45:18] Exploring new menu options.

[00:49:07] Self-care in a capitalistic society.

[00:52:57] Redlining and real estate wealth.

 

Links Mentioned:

• Blacklining Forum podcast
• Blacklining Forum on YouTube
• SGOLearning.com
• SheGeeksOut.com/podcast for code to get a free mini course
• @thedeluxchronicles
• @melony.swasey 
• @goodbostonliving
• Refreshstrategiestoday.com

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, Rachel and special co-host filling in for Felicia, Fatima Dainkeh, is joined by Zulema Bennett, DEIB Program Specialist for 1Password! Zulema shares her journey in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and how she got involved in this field and her journey to 1Password. Zulema also shares her insights on how to take care of yourself when doing this work and how she balances her passion, resilience, and belief in this work to keep the fire blazing. Join us as we explore Zulema's story and insights on DEIB, self-care, and the future! At the top of the episode, Felicia and Rachel spend some time talking about burnout and what we do to combat it. Pro tip: it helps to have people in your corner!Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Noelle LaCharite is not just any technical program manager. She's the technical program manager for Amazon AND a mom of four AND founder of a few organizations that promote kindness and mindful leadership AND a recent owner of a farm because the rest wasn't enough. We were in awe of Noelle's story and we have some suspicions that she's a robot. We also talk about coat layers (hi seasonally appropriate November!), Washington DC, and Barry's Bootcamp in our intro. Hell week is here! Remember to visit www.shegeeksout.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this bonus episode, Felicia and Rachel speak with the super smart Ginny Cheng, Career Coach and Global Head of Talent at ŌURA! Ginny shared her wisdom on all things recruiting and hiring inclusively. We also discuss the importance of communication, knowing what you want, and advocating for yourself.Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In our latest episode, we welcome Karen Catlin, author and advocate for inclusive workspaces, back to the pod for the first time since 2020. Our discussion covers celebrating ten years of learning through Better Allies, shifts in DEI dynamics post-2020, and the increased backlash against DEI initiatives in current times. We discuss the continued importance and evolution of allyship, with practical strategies for individual and organizational support. Karen also shares personal anecdotes, mistakes, and lessons learned in her journey, while providing resources for those looking to delve deeper into allyship. 

Please note that we’re taking a hiatus, but please subscribe to our feed so you can be the first to know when we’re back. We’ve got some fun stuff in the works!

Links:

• BetterAllies.com
• The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
• The Anti Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu
• Good Guys by David Smith and Brad Johnson 
• The Wake Up, Michelle MiJung Kim

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

00:50 Reflecting on the Election and Its Impact

02:35 Evolution of DEI Work

03:55 Challenges and Shifts in Workplace Inclusion

07:18 The Importance of Allyship

11:21 Connecting Through Shared Stories

14:19 Welcoming Karen Catlin

15:41 Karen's Journey and Insights on Allyship

29:42 Newsletter Insights and Language Awareness

30:32 Best Practices for Scheduling Events

32:03 Challenges with Event Scheduling

36:11 DEI Backlash and Media Misrepresentation

41:18 The Future of Allyship

47:46 Recommended Resources for Allyship

52:33 Looking Forward: AI and Personal Growth

55:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Want more like this? Here are a few episodes we think you'll love!

• Being a Better Ally with Karen Catlin
• Being an HR Unicorn with Christofer Peterson
• Digital Accessibility with Perkins Access
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Chris Haigh
• Full Interview with Amaia Arruabarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• Full Interview with Dr. Erika Powell, DEI Certified Professional Diversity Coach
• Future of Work Insights from Revelio Chief Economist Lisa Simon
• Geeking Out about DEI Strategy with Allyson Livingstone from athenahealth
• Managing Teams Empathetically with Dexter Arver
• Reimagining Inclusion with Mita Mallick

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, we chat with Katrina Loutzenhiser, Director of Learning and Development at Oncology Nursing Society, about challenges in providing learning and development to a member organization, motivating people to engage in DEI work, and integrating DEI into the workplace. We also discuss our involvement with ONS as clients and share insights from our recent work together.

 

[00:00:50] Clients as podcast guests.

[00:04:25] Interview with Katrina starts.

[00:06:25] DEI Journey

[00:10:55] Tying bonuses to diversity training.

[00:13:50] Mandatory vs voluntary training.

[00:18:13] Engaging in lunchtime conversations.

[00:21:27] Impact of Five Minute Conversations.

[00:24:06] Importance of post-training work.

[00:28:44] Intersection of L&D and DEI.

[00:32:06] Knowledge checks.

[00:37:10] Future goals and aspirations.

[00:40:44] Meaningful job for women.

 

Links mentioned:

• Contact Katrina via email at kloutzenhiser@ons.org
• ONS website

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Listen in as Julia Taylor, Founder and CEO of GeekPack shares her remarkable transition from intelligence work to tech entrepreneurship. Her story is a tapestry of life-altering moments—her first deployment, finding love, and the challenges faced as a military spouse, ultimately leading her to the tech world. She recounts how a simple Google search sparked her coding passion, emphasizing the value of community and mentorship. As Julia's tale unfolds, we also peel back the layers on the evolution of remote work, from the logistical hurdles of global teams to the personal joys of travel and flexibility.

Before our conversation with Julia, we dive into the wild world of DEI backlash. It’s messy out there, people!

(0:00:06) - Backlash and Nuances of Workplace Inclusion

(0:11:49) - Julia's Journey

(0:23:38) - Challenges and Benefits of Remote Work

(0:34:59) - Importance of Supportive, Knowledgeable People

(0:38:37) - Scaling a Business and Shifting Work

(0:49:15) - Tech Economy and Future Outlook

(0:55:42) - Puppies and Core Values

(1:02:36) - Finding Self-Care and Purpose

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, Felicia sits down with Molly Fohn, Policy Program Manager at Voqal, to discuss her journey in the world of policy and her involvement in Voqal's digital equity and anti-racism efforts. Molly shares how she got started in policy work and how her journey led her to her current role at Voqal. We also delve into topics like net neutrality, the role of 501c4 organizations in policy advocacy, and the importance of policy reform in areas like prison abolition. Molly's passion for digital equity and anti-racism shines through as she speaks about her involvement in Voqal's DEI work, including helping rewrite internal policies, supporting ERG work, and driving anti-racism efforts. She shares the challenges of implementing DEI work at a small nonprofit and the wins she's witnessed and been a part of. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in policy reform, digital equity, and DEI work in the nonprofit sector!Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

  Leslie Coles is the Director of Progams at VentureLab, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Moms as Mentors - and she is one of the nicest people we know. As if this isn't enough, Leslie is also a She Geeks Out Ambassador and Moms as Mentors is a She Geeks Out partner! We have the good fortune to sit with her at our co-working space at the Impact Hub so this conversation has been a long time coming! We talked about what it's like running a nonprofit, pulling double duty, what supporting girls looks like, and why it's so important.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We have been fangirling over the very smart, very kind, and very funny Aubrey Blanche, Global Head of Diversity & Belonging at Atlassian. As always, we start with exploring how she got to have this fancy cool title, and then dig into what it all means. Atlassian released their second report on the State of Diversity and Inclusion in US Tech and talked about what people are sharing... a sense of fatigue when it comes to tackling issues around diversity and inclusion. This is part one of two... In the second episode, coming out in a few weeks, Aubrey explores why we're moving beyond inclusion and talking about belonging. Stay tuned! For a full schedule of events and show notes, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Welcome to She+ Geeks Out, the podcast bringing you the voices of women+ from all walks of life to share with you what they geek out about-- their passions, talents, struggles, and successes. In each episode, hosts Rachel Murray and Felicia Jadczak will feature different guests and discussions about topics including health, psychology, art, music, learning, and more. Episodes are fun, engaging, and provide some nuggets of information that you can take away. Oh, and yeah, they might be awkward sometimes. That's just how we roll.

This season of She+ Geeks Out is unlike any other so far. Together, we will be unpacking what the future of work looks like for different groups of people in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to our special guests, listeners will also get to hear snippets from our facilitation team on what DEI really looks like in the workplace from a practical, actionable standpoint.

When organizations are building out their initiatives around DE&I, the biggest mistake is when companies view it as a check the box approach. DEI work is deep, lifelong work which is most impactful when it is built into every aspect of an organization as early as possible. This week, we’ll take notes from leaders who have successfully brought intentional and fully integrated DEI programs into their organizations. We begin by talking to CA Webb, Former President of Kendall Square Association, about how she worked with She+ Geeks Out to build the organizations’ new DEI program which ended up becoming Diversity Drives Inclusion. They began with a learning journey, out of which came the realization that there was a huge need for a different approach to DEI education in companies. She also shares her observation that while many people now claim to be anti-racist, they don’t actually know how to put it in practice. 

Next, we hear from Fatima Dainkeh, SGO staff DEI programs and training manager, about doing the work. When facilitating workshops, Fatima always repeatedly reminds participants that the work is not the workshop. While having a workshop can be great for organizations to plant the seed of DEI, it is important that the workshop is part of a bigger plan to pursue DEI goals. Afterwards, Jason Fook, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Essex Property & Trust, talks about taking a DEI leadership committee to the next level. He shares that Essex had actually been thinking about launching their own DEI committee before the pandemic.  Now, they are at the point of questioning how they can make the initiative even bigger and take it to the next level. Though Jason was nervous that nobody would come, their classes have actually begun to sell out.

To further discuss the role of formal training and workshops is Dr. Erika Powell, a DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach. When facilitating a class or an experience, she says that each one is a flight because participants go higher and wider in their consciousness. She also shares about her shifting views of unconscious bias in the workplace. We also hear from Amaia Arruabarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater, about the need for organizations to define what DEI means to them. It is important to hold each of the 3 pillars of DEI to the same importance to be successful at making people feel welcome and included. After defining what DEI meant to them, the team then worked out a dedicated budget for the efforts. Every organization will face their own unique challenges based on size, age, location, budget, and resources. Elisa Campos-Prato, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights, elaborates on approaching efforts creatively. She also touches on the fact that money is not a necessity, but rather a pathway for DEI. Anna Whitlock, Director of People, Strategy, and Culture at LabCentral, shares about the company’s various DEI initiatives. Biotech is not traditionally a space where most people of color feel welcomed to, but LabCentral is doing everything they can to change that. 

Elba Lizardi, site director at BASF, shares how she initially got involved in the DEI space via a DEI task force. Prior to being nominated, Elba isn’t sure she was really being loud enough about DEI issues. Before reaching out to customers and suppliers, the organization funded an employee research group. Then, Naomi Seddon talks about a few of the initiatives at  Megaport  where she sits on the board. Their focus was to hear about diverse employee experiences and figure out a way to be accommodating for everybody. Finally, CA Webb returns to unpack the idea that you can’t drive change alone.

Thanks so much for listening. Please don’t forget to rate, share, subscribe and tune in next week when we talk about building inclusive cultures.

Timestamps:

1:35 - Introducing today’s episode.

2:45 - CA Webb shares about partnering with She+ Geeks Out in her company’s new DEI program.

14:26 - The importance of establishing a concise action plan.

18:18 - Fatima Dainkeh shares more thoughts on doing the work.

21:15 - Jason Fook talks about taking a DEI leadership committee to the next level.

29:43 -  Dr. Erika Powell discusses the role of formal training and workshops.

31:37 - How Erika views biases at work and how these views have shifted over time.

39:44 - Amaia Arruabarrena on the need for companies to define what DEI means for them.

44:05 - Elisa Campos-Prato on approaching DEI efforts creatively.

48:53 - Anna Whitlock on LabCentral’s DEI initiatives.

58:18 -  Elba Lizard shares how she got involved in the DEI space

1:00:26 - Naomi Seddon on Megaport’s initiatives.

1:01:59 - CA Webb on driving change as a community-wide effort. 

Contributors to this episode are:

• Anna Whitlock, People Strategy & Culture at LabCentral
• Amaia Arrubarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• CA Webb, Former President of Kendall Square Association
• Dr. Erika Powell, DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Melanie Ho, Author, Speaker and Facilitator
• Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer
• Elba Lizardi, Site Director at BASF
• Elisa Campos-Praetor, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Jason Fooks, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Essex Property & Trust
• Rhonda Vonshay Sharpe, Founder and President of Women's Institute for Science, Equity and Race

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Learn more about Amaia!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

After months of preparing, we're officially live with the She+ Geeks Out Podcast by Inclusion Geeks! Woohoo!

What can you expect from our podcast? You'll hear from women from all walks of life talking about what they geek out about, which is in line with what our events offer. This doesn't mean that they're going to be tech talks, though they may be. What we will do is ensure that these interviews are fun, engaging and provide some nuggets of info that you can take away. And yeah, they might be awkward sometimes. That's just how we roll!

Each episode runs about a half hour and we're releasing them every two weeks on Tuesdays, which is our favorite day of the week (our events are mostly held on Tuesdays!).

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Learn more about Betsy!

(0:00:03) - Upcoming Plans and Work Culture Discussion
We discussed sabbaticals, festivals, team retreats, culture, benefits, and unlimited holidays.

(0:10:30) - Journey and Career Transitions in Sustainability
Betsy shifted to coaching and supporting her team through change and transition, leveraging her experience in politics, environmentalism, and the non-profit sector.

(0:21:19) - Transitioning to a Fulfilling Nonprofit Career
Betsy transitions from for-profit to non-profit, achieving work-life balance and using her skills to pursue her passion for environmentalism and democracy.

(0:27:38) - Rare's Philosophy and Climate Change Impact
Rare works to foster change in communities to help people and nature thrive, using behavior science and individual action.

(0:42:33) - Environment and Corporate Responsibility Intersection
Walmart's sustainability efforts, greening supply chains, reducing emissions, engaging employees, and individual action are discussed to meet environmental goals.

(0:51:39) - Gender, Hobbies, and Music Equality
Rare works to empower fishers and women globally, discussing DEIJ and Felicia's cathartic experience of gardening and boxing.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Morra Aarons Mele is a self-defined "hermit entrepreneur" and also author of the book "Hiding in the Bathroom", an introverts guide to networking. We can certainly relate. Not only is she the author of this fabulous book, she also runs Women Online, a social impact agency launching online campaigns for a ridiculously impressive list of world leaders and organizations, including the Malala Fund,... NBD. In the intro, we discuss #metoo and the allyship panel Felicia moderated this weekend. For more, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In honor of October's designation of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we spoke with our friends, Taylor Snook, and Jennifer Sagalyn from Perkins Access about digital accessibility. Perkins Access is the digital accessibility group from Perkins School for the Blind. Perkins Access partners with organizations of all kinds to help them create digital products, services and experiences that engage and include all people, regardless of their abilities. We learned about the ways everyone benefits from accessible universal design, chatted about how the pandemic has changed so much, and just how organizations can get started.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

The world is a dark place, and Felicia and Rachel intro this episode recounting their feels.  The interview starts 15 minutes in, where they interview the wonderful Karen Catlin, author, coach, and advocate for inclusive tech workplaces. Karen spent 25 years in tech as a software engineer, VP, and CEO. Then she moved into leadership coaching, speaking, and advocating for a more inclusive workplace. She's also the force behind the incredible Better Allies, a resource we reference often! Please note that we recorded our interview with Karen on May 15th, 2020. Quick Links: Better Allies Karen Catlin Jacon Collier Our Feminism is Intersectional. Black Lives Matter.   Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Marysharon Owens is a Global Business Executive at R/GA and Co-Founder and Positive Psychology Consultant at Artistic Executive. We were completely inspired by her passion and commitment to creating a more inclusive world, to speak up against injustice, and to do it all with a positive attitude. We hope you get as much joy from listening to her as we did from the conversation! For a full schedule of SGO events, make sure to visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Melanie Ho, author of BEYOND LEANING IN: Gender Equity and What Organizations are Up Against, sits down with Rachel and Felicia to discuss the cumulative and ripple effects of discrimination against women in the workplace. The novel offers unique insights in a fictionalized (but very familiar) office as men and women try (and often fail) to create an equitable and supportive workplace. Rachel and Felicia also discuss the app Clubhouse, and look back at their own early career experiences.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

The lovely Krystal Sital is author of Secrets We Kept: Three Women of Trinidad. Her deeply personal memoir takes place in Trinidad, telling the stories of her family's trauma and resilience in a beautiful and truly moving way. We talked with Krystal about some of the challenges she faced (and continues to face) in the writing and publishing of this book. We hope you're as inspired as we were!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Ever wondered why we use the acronym DEI and what it truly signifies? Join Felicia Jadzak and Fatima Dainkeh, as we dive into a conversation about the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what they mean, and why we use them in our work. As we navigate the often complicated language of DEI, we challenge ourselves to continually revisit our language, ensuring it accurately mirrors our objectives. From examining the significance of challenging our language to the evolution of DEI terms, we focus on creating a space where everyone feels valued and experiences belonging.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Welcome to She+ Geeks Out, the podcast bringing you the voices of women+ from all walks of life to share with you what they geek out about-- their passions, talents, struggles, and successes. In each episode, hosts Rachel Murray and Felicia Jadczak will feature different guests and discussions about topics including health, psychology, art, music, learning, and more. Episodes are fun, engaging, and provide some nuggets of information that you can take away. Oh, and yeah, they might be awkward sometimes. That's just how we roll.

This season of She+ Geeks Out is unlike any other so far. Together, we will be unpacking what the future of work looks like for different groups of people in terms of diversity, equity and inclusion. In addition to our special guests, listeners will also get to hear snippets from our facilitation team on what DEI really looks like in the workplace from a practical, actionable standpoint. 

When we think about work and the current hustle culture climate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.  Today, we spoke with some of our favorite experts, leaders and facilitators about workplace trauma, psychological safety, somatics and emotional intelligence. To begin, we hear from Belma McCaffrey, Founder and CEO of Workbigger, about what it looks like to work from a healthy place. She shares that finding our sense of purpose within ourselves is key to feeling clarity and satisfaction in our jobs. Additionally, we should recognize that we have the power to decide what work should fulfill for ourselves rather than letting society make the decision for us. She also breaks down the concept of the 3 selves: the healthy, wounded and survivor self. 

SGO’s Fatima Dainkeh defines somatics as a technique, theory, movement or method which helps us think about our body and the things we may be processing internally but are unaware of. The idea that things like trauma, joy and pain live within our bodies is traditional among ancient cultures. Then, SGO’s Rachel Sadler defines psychological safety as the belief that you will not be punished for speaking up. It is an important component of employee satisfaction and retention, and can help ensure that people are willing to take the intellectual steps necessary for innovation. We live in a fear-based society to the point that a resting state feels unnatural for many people. Dr. Huong Diep elaborates on the concept of intergenerational trauma and offers advice for how we can show up to work in a supportive and authentic way. 

Next, we hear from Dr. Becca Shanksy, Associate Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, about the research her team is working on at the university’s Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Behavior. The research focuses on what happens to the brain when a person experiences a traumatic event. They are also aiming to understand the neural circuits that cause darting to happen in certain subsects of female animals. Then, Karina Becerra, Director of Customer Advocacy at Podium, shares about modeling healthy team boundaries and supporting individuals with different backgrounds from her own. She finds that when people are happy and maintain work and life balance, it shows in the work that they do. 

We also hear from Melanie Ho, author of Beyond Leaning In, on the common psychological and emotional abuse which frequently occurs in the workplace. This is also what has driven much of the great resignation. As we see more young people entering the workforce, we need to be sure that we do not continue to perpetuate these behaviors. If there are no people in power who will hear these concerns and respond with empathy, then an organization will never really make progress in this area. Naomi Seddon joins to share about work life boundaries for women and how she began to implement them for herself. She acknowledges that we all do hold certain biases whether we realize it or not. The first step is to recognize these biases, and then start to work on implementing change on how we perceive others. 

Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at SGO, speaks about how we can show up to support a healthy work environment. When we’re supporting a healthy work environment, we want to consider how the systems (ableism, sexism, racism, etc) are playing into our daily interactions and how we think of productivity. As leaders, we need to embrace flexibility and model that same behavior ourselves to show the people we’re supervising that it’s okay to take time off. In closing, we hear from Elisa Campos-Pratorof Scott’s Cheap Flights about addressing psychological safety during the onboarding process of hiring. It is top of mind for everything to be documented and communication to happen asynchronously. It is a major priority of hers to allow new employees to showcase their own style of working rather than giving them specific guidelines to adhere to. 

Thanks so much for listening. Please don’t forget to rate, share, subscribe and tune in next week when we talk about building out a DEI program!

Timestamps: 

1:38 - Introducing today’s episode. 

2:01 - Belma McCaffrey shares her perspective on what working from a healthy place looks like. 

9:22 - Helping people address workplace trauma. 

13:40 - Discussing somatics with SGO’s Fatima Dainkeh. 

17:44 - Discussing psychological safety. 

24:22 - The shifting discussion around the body experience from Dr, . 

27:15 - Advice for people struggling to show up to work in a supportive and authentic way. 

29:37 - Dr. Becca Shansky on the research being conducted in the Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Behavior at Northeastern University. 

32:19 - Karina Becerra on modeling healthy team boundaries and supporting people from different backgrounds. 

39:00 - The difficulty in leaving abusive job situations. 

42:02 - Naomi Seddon speaks against the mindset of “pushing through”. 

58:55 - Elisa Campos-Prator on supporting new team members. 

1:02:12 - Thanks for joining us for this episode of She+ Geeks Out. 

Contributors to this episode are:

• Belma McCaffrey, CEO & Founder at WorkBigger
• Becca Shansky, Associate Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out
• Dr. Huong Diep, Psychologist and Author
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Elisa Campos-Praetor, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Karina Becerra, Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium
• Melanie Ho, Author, Speaker and Facilitator
• Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer
• Rachel Sadler, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Sam Hammar, Director of Digital Engagement for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is a dynamo! She has spoken at several SGO events and we just had to have her on our podcast so we could talk to her in greater detail. Anyone who's anyone in local city government has heard of Sam. We geek out about politics and the importance of getting involved locally and her work for the Commonwealth and as Commissioner for the City of Melrose's Commission on Women. Remember to visit www.shegeeksout.com!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We delve into Elissa's personal journey and how she became the fabulous author, teacher, and editor that she is today. We also discuss her book, which highlights how women can get very sick and cannot get properly diagnosed or treated due to systems designed for men. We talk about the power of using one's voice as a woman, and how societal systems play a significant role in suppressing it.

We also have some fun questions for Elissa, including her current obsession with Survivor and her favorite ways to practice self-care. Elissa also shares her favorite books, including Vagina Obscura, Permission to Speak, and Under the Skin.

In our wrap-up, we ask Elissa some insightful questions about her book, including whether all her health concerns resolved after writing it or if some of them lingered due to the ever-presence of patriarchy. We also discuss the importance of naming things, and how it can help women loosen their hold on them. Lastly, we talk about how women can ease out of their silence and make space for the sounds of their voices when there is safety in silence.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Lucy Sanders is CEO and Co-founder of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and also serves as Executive-in-Residence for the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU). We talk about how NCWIT was started, its goals, and Felicia fangirls just a tad! We also cover topics including unconscious bias and the pipeline problem. In the intro, we discuss our weekends, Felicia's coursework at Georgetown, and be warned-- we talk a little bit about the new season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! For more She Geeks Out, visit www.shegeeksout.com

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Amaia Arrubarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• CA Webb, Former President of Kendall Square Association
• Elba Lizardi, Site Director at BASF
• Elisa Campos-Praetor, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Ginny Cheng, Global Head of Talent at ÖURA
• Jason Fooks, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Essex Property & Trust
• Karina Becerra, Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium
• Kia Rivera, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Reem Papageorgiou, CoFounder of MomUp

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Dr. Erika Powell, DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out
• Himaja Nimmagadda, Women's Institute for Science, Equity and Race
• Karina Becerra, Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium
• Kia Rivera, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Guess what, this Thursday is World Intellectual Property Day! That's a thing we might not have known about, but we promise it's important! And to celebrate, we spoke with the Head of WIPO's (World Intellectual Property Organization) NYC office, the super impressive and super passionate Lucinda Longcroft! This year's theme celebrates the brilliant women creating change in our world and shaping our common future. Lucinda shares her thoughts on IP and the process for getting patents, and why it's so important for people to do it... not too surprisingly the numbers for women applying for receiving patents are incredibly low and WIPO is working to address this, along with many partners in the industry. Listen on if you want to geek out about patents! For more She Geeks Out, make sure to visit www.shegeeksout.com!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel talk to author, historian, and educator Blair Imani. Blair discusses her origin story and how her experiences shaped her career in activism and education. She shares her perspectives on current social and political challenges, including the backlash against DEI initiatives and knowing when and how to speak out. We discuss Blair's incredibly powerful social media series, 'Smarter in Seconds,' and her decision-making process for creating content. Blair also recounts her experience attending the DNC, where she interacted with influential politicians like Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Cory Booker, highlighting the importance of participating in political processes.

Links:

• Bridging Generational Gaps to Build Stronger Teams Resource
• Blair Imani
• Smarter in Seconds

Chapters:

(00:08) - Bridging Generational Gaps in Workplace

(09:32) - Blair Imani

(13:05) - Navigating Activism and Well-Being

(19:55) - Revolution and Systemic Change Perspectives

(26:39) - Navigating DEI Backlash and Activism

(38:22) - DNC Reflections and Future Priorities

(45:19) - Political Engagement and Civic Responsibility

(51:51) - Community Accountability and Personal Growth

(55:59) - Saying Goodbye to Blair Imani

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In today’s episode, we talk with the wonderful Sonia Karkare. Sonia is an adjunct professor and doctoral candidate at Kent University and an advisor to Kent State’s Women’s Center, the Empower School for Health, and the CyberPeace Institute. Her current priority is on gender equity, with a focus on the impact of challenging work environments on global immigrant women leaders.

Navigating the professional world as an immigrant woman in tech comes with its unique set of challenges, a truth Sonia knows all too well. Her perspective enriches our discussion on adaptation and resilience, as we share related stories from our past. From the shock of a new culture to the thrill of breaking barriers in technology, Sonia highlights the power of curiosity and the courage it takes to claim your space in unfamiliar environments. These narratives underscore the importance of mentorship and the transformative potential of technology, not only in our professional lives but in our ongoing fight for gender equity.

Before we speak with Sonia, we share some thoughts on Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation and how race, gender, and power dynamics in academia are tied to the current backlash to DEI, which we'll talk more about in our next episode!

(0:00:06) - DEI Backlash and Power Dynamics
DEI backlash, targeted attacks on female university presidents, and complexities of race and power dynamics in Dr. Claudine Gay's resignation from Harvard.

(0:07:43) - Higher Ed Backlash & Gender Equity
Academic leaders' unpreparedness, elitism in higher education, media's role in shaping narratives, and contrasting reactions to DEI.

(0:15:24) - Journey of a Multicultural Career
Sonia's journey from Mumbai to tech entrepreneurship, navigating challenges, and exploring how embracing change led to a beautiful path of learning and supporting gender equity.

(0:27:15) - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Identity Development
Overcoming imposter syndrome, growth mindset, speaking up, and adapting in diverse environments as a woman of color.

(0:37:32) - Navigating Challenges and Leading Teams
Leadership as a woman in a male-dominated environment, balancing professional demands and personal convictions, and mentoring the next generation.

(0:45:08) - Impact on Immigrant Women Leaders
Global immigrant women leaders in tech, challenges, and hopes, while discussing worthiness, support systems, and allyship.

(1:00:33) - Use Technology for Successful Transformations
Strategic use of technology, change management, political buy-in, communication, and future work in gender equity and professional spaces.

(1:07:41) - Grateful Conversations and Call to Action
Engaging dialogue with guest Sonia, gratitude for respectful conversation.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In our latest episode, we speak with Bo Young Lee, President and Chief Impact Officer of AnitaB.org, discussing her expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Bo's experience at Uber and other major organizations highlights her impact in driving meaningful, positive change. Our conversation covers Bo's origin story, DEI backlash, supporting underrepresented people in the workplace, and insights on the tech industry. Don't miss out on the valuable resources available at www.sgolearning.com to learn more about mitigating bias in various settings.

 

[00:02:14] Women in tech spaces shutting down.

[00:06:50] The changing tech industry landscape.

[00:08:05] Interview with Bo starts.

[00:08:52] Origin story and resilience.

[00:11:51] Embracing cultural identity in leadership.

[00:16:33] Anita Borg's Impact and Evolution.

[00:19:29] Challenges at Grace Hopper.

[00:24:27] Scarcity mindset in tech companies.

[00:27:15] Ethical considerations in tech industry.

[00:32:36] Leadership and tech ethics.

[00:36:29] Evolution of DEI initiatives.

[00:37:11] Diversity and inclusion initiatives.

[00:41:16] Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

[00:47:20] Diversity and Perception.

[00:48:45] Diversity and Inclusion

[00:54:05] Organizations in DEI space landscape.

[00:57:43] Creating an alternative version of capitalism.

[00:58:59] Privacy and social media boundaries.

 

Links mentioned: 

• Blog post about events for women in tech
• Follow Bo Young Lee on LinkedIn

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Kara Miller from the Mayor's Office of Boston stopped by She Geeks Out HQ to talk about WEBOS happening October 16-20! We talked about what WEBOS is all about, and why it's so important to support women entrepreneurs. Felicia and Rachel start off by geeking out about their favorite podcasts at the moment before we get to the serious stuff! For more, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Join us for an important conversation about gender and  the workplace as we explore topics ranging from confirmation bias to gender-based violence and the subtleties of power gap relationships. Our guest is Emily Nix, Assistant Professor of Finance and Business at the USC Marshall School of Business and a labor economist who studies the economic impacts of violence against women, the gender income gap, inequality, and human capital accumulation. Her research and expertise have been featured in the Economist, the Guardian, the Financial Times, NPR, and more. 

We talk about her research on violence against women at work, the impact of Dobbs on job applications to companies offering abortion travel benefits, and more. We discuss her research on violence against women at work, the complexities of workplace romances, the impact of power dynamics on career trajectories, and the cultural reflections of these issues as portrayed in popular media. We also talk about reproductive rights in the US and their influence on businesses, the evolution of the field of economics, particularly in gender-focused research, and more!

You can find Emily at https://sites.google.com/site/emilyenix/ and https://twitter.com/EmilyNix100

 

Episode Chapters:

(0:00:06) - Navigating Confirmation Bias in the Workplace
We address confirmation bias in the workplace and offer insight on navigating bias from authority figures.

(0:11:33) - Exploring Workplace Violence and Gender Dynamics
Economics and social issues intersect, examining gender inequality, violence, and harassment in the workplace and their economic impact.

(0:17:26) - Power Gap Relationships in the Workplace
Power gap romances in the workplace, gendered dynamics, and potential impact on career advancement and earnings.

(0:25:24) - Workplace Relationships and Gender Dynamics
Workplace relationships, retention effects, power dynamics, harassment, and cultural reflections are discussed in this chapter.

(0:33:10) - Exploring Same-Sex Couples and Workplace Dynamics
Nature's dynamics of same-sex couples and workplace dating, using Finnish data to study violence against women and global relevance.

(0:37:14) - Addressing Violence Against Women Findings
Workplace violence, economic costs of rape, unemployment outcomes, gender dynamics, criminal justice, economic opportunities, and addressing violence against women.

(0:47:08) - Impact of Reproductive Rights on Businesses
Corporate stances on political and social issues, gender, political polarization, and reproductive rights have repercussions on workplace culture and healthcare provision.

(0:55:47) - Changing Economics and Gender Landscape
Goldin's work on gender economics aims to influence policy and improve outcomes for violence, harassment, and workplace issues.

(1:00:55) - Geeking Out and Book vs Show Debate
Geeking out over "Lessons in Chemistry," following Emily Nix on Twitter, and her focus on economics research.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, the host Rachel and co-host Felicia sit down with Dexter Arver, Senior Manager of Web Apps at VMware, to discuss his journey in managing people and leading teams. Dexter shares insights on implementing psychological safety, team values, and supporting direct reports who may have different ways of thinking and working. He also talks about his unique approach to interviewing for values fit and his involvement in inclusivity and ERG efforts at VMware. Dexter is a strong advocate for mental health and social justice, and he shares how he integrates these values into his day-to-day job. The conversation also touches on personal topics, such as self-care, core values, and sources of inspiration. Listeners will come away with practical tips for leading teams and building a more inclusive workplace culture.Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Nina Dudnik is the founder and CEO of Seeding Labs, a Boston-based nonprofit organization that helps scientists in developing nations conduct life-changing research by providing them with lab equipment, training, opportunities for collaboration, and other resources. We chat about GMOs (they're not that bad!), science, and how Nina got started with Seeding Labs. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Belma McCaffrey, CEO & Founder at WorkBigger
• Grey Elam, Director of New York City Programs, Institute for Urban Parks at Central Park Conservancy
• Dr. Erika Powell, DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach
• Dr. Huong Diep, Psychologist and Author
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Elba Lizardi, Site Director at BASF
• Erin Learoyd, DEI Program Manager at New Balance
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out
• Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer

Learn more about how to create a more equitable workplace at shegeeksout.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Also, sidenote, we talk about Thinx, which has undergone some major scrutiny about its HR practices. Here's are two articles we recommend reading: https://www.fastcompany.com/3069057/thinxs-pr-nightmare-is-a-harsh-reminder-of-why-hr-still-matters.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

This week on the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Marta Schaaf, Director of the Amnesty International Program on Climate, Economic, and Social Justice. We discuss her awe-inspiring background in advocacy work, her current work on climate change (both locally and globally), and the importance of corporate responsibility. Spoiler alert - corporations can make a heckuva lot more impact on climate action than we can by recycling or quitting plastic straws. Her passion for the work is clear, and we were moved. We bet you will be, too!

 

[00:02:28] Student demonstrations for divestment.

[00:07:07] Privilege and College Protests.

[00:10:55] Two-state solution debate.

[00:11:39] Toxicity in alumni groups.

[00:13:37] Interview with Marta starts.

[00:18:07] Climate justice.

[00:21:34] Fatal Fuels.

[00:25:55] Plastic straw movement and activism.

[00:29:30] Activism and climate change.

[00:31:03] Access to Power and Hope.

[00:36:11] Getting involved at a local level.

[00:41:26] Political engagement and activism

[00:43:22] Corporate Responsibilities and Regulations.

[00:49:01] Labor leader's impactful statement.

[00:50:33] Colonizing space is a distraction.

[00:54:46] Geeking out about national parks.

[00:57:41] Becoming an abortion activist.

 

Links mentioned:

• Amnesty International
• Climate Families NYC
• Follow Marta on LinkedIn

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Julia Austin is currently the CTO of Digital Ocean and Senior Lecturer of Business Administration at Harvard Business School. Her journey to get to where she is today is, in a word, inspiring. On this latest episode of our podcast, we sat down with Julia to hear her story, as well as her thoughts on the startup space, women in tech and clouds. Yep, clouds! We are fortunate enough to count Julia as not only a mentor, but also a friend. We are huge fans, and are continuously inspired by her success and kindness to others. You can follow her on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/austinfish.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

This week on the She Geeks Out podcast, we chat with Erica Becks, the Confidence Guru, a seasoned leadership and transformative mindset coach. Erica empowers women to break barriers and boost confidence using a personalized and evidence-based approach. With a Master's from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor's from Brown University, Erica's impactful coaching has been featured in major outlets like the Today Show and the Huffington Post. Tune in to gain insights from Erica's wisdom!
 

[00:02:36] Mexico's first woman president.

[00:05:26] Gender parity in Mexico.

[00:08:03] Supreme Court justices controversy.

[00:10:31] Interview with Erica starts.

[00:15:27] Entrepreneurial opportunity at social networking.

[00:19:36] Conquering fear of public speaking.

[00:23:25] The power of confidence.

[00:25:55] Trauma in the workplace.

[00:28:41] Therapeutic background in coaching.

[00:32:38] Internal barriers for women.

[00:38:58] Overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.

[00:39:44] Neuroplasticity in brain science.

[00:43:38] Cultivating Confidence Quickly.

[00:47:25] Meditation and its benefits.

[00:51:33] The power of positive self-talk.

[00:55:26] Positive self-talk app.

[00:58:29] Generational differences in parenting.

[01:02:28] Evolution of leadership mindset coaching.

[01:05:29] Manifesting with the Mindvalley app.

[01:09:07] Stay updated on all things.

 

Links mentioned:

• Self Talk Plus app
• Mind Valley app
• Follow Erica on LinkedIn

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Anna Whitlock, People Strategy & Culture at LabCentral
• CA Webb, Former President of Kendall Square Association
• Charis Loveland, Global Program Manager at Amazon
• David Tedeschi, Consultant at World Bank Group
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out
• Grey Elam, Director of New York City Programs, Institute for Urban Parks, Central Park Conservancy
• Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer
• Reem Papageorgiou, CoFounder of MomUp

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We sat down with Diane and Rica to take a second pass at our dressing boobs conversation. We then talked about the startup scene in Boston, got advice for upcoming entrepreneurs and then... politics! Diane spent some time working on the Clinton campaign talking with undecided voters and we hear her take on the current state of affairs. Make sure to check out www.shegeeksout.com!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, hosts Rachel and Felicia welcome return guest Rachele Pojednic, an expert in nutrition and wellness. Rachele discusses her career trajectory, from teaching at Simmons University to her current roles at Restore Hyper Wellness and Stanford University's Center on Longevity. We talk about complementary therapies such as cryotherapy, the importance of consistent healthy habits, and the role of social connections in health. Rachele also addresses public health misconceptions, the challenges of scientific research, and the influence of popular science communicators like Andrew Huberman and Joe Rogan. We also explore the complexity of balancing between scientific integrity and public dissemination of health information.

Links:

• Episode 64: Creating a Strong Process with Rachele Pojednic
• Episode 23: Fitness and Nutrition with Rachele Pojednic
• Restore Hyper Wellness
• Rachele Pojednic
• Strong Process
• October Webinar Registration

Chapters:

00:32 Preparing for Election Season

01:35 Election Day and Workplace Policies

04:25 Scenarios for Election Outcomes

08:16 Introducing Guest Rachele Pojednic

11:45 Rachel Pojednic's Career Journey

18:54 The Role of Science in Wellness

30:58 Challenges in Public Health and Science

34:49 The Honey Study: Unveiling Bias in Research

37:07 The Rise of Science Communicators

40:00 Navigating Trust in Science and Media

42:06 Understanding Longevity and Healthspan

47:09 The Basics of a Healthy Lifestyle

50:45 Complementary Therapies: Cryotherapy and More

55:43 The Debate on IV Drips and Micronutrients

01:02:59 The Role of Social Connection in Health

01:09:02 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We promised a round two, and we're delivering! Felicia went to San Francisco to support their new City Organizer, Lorin Bond, and met up with Aubrey Blanche, this time in person, at Atlassian's offices! Aubrey's changed her title from inclusion to belonging and they get into all the reasons why in this super fun and informative interview. ALSO this is our last podcast for a while. We're taking a hiatus! If you're devastated, tell us, and it will motivate us to get this puppy back on, but for now, we've decided to take former podcast guest Janet Comenos' advice and focus! Happy summer!   For a complete calendar of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Gemma Espineira, VP of Global Success at Decibel, talks with Felicia and Rachel about all things customer success-- what it is, what it takes to thrive in the role, and why it's such an important job, now more than ever! Oh yeah, and of course we geek out about bunches of random things. Links below! Quick links: Find Gemma on LinkedIn Reformation clothing 12 week workout program by Heather Robinson Money Heist We’ve got some great events coming up! See our latest events over here or sign up for our community or diversity, equity, and inclusion newsletters to get the latest news! Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Felicia and Rachel sit down with Katie and Laura to talk about our new SGO offering: corporate diversity training. We reintroduce our amazing workshop designers and facilitators Katie Greenman and Laura Parrott, share what the training will look like, talk about what diversity and inclusion actually mean, and discuss some of the issues and context for this work.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

May the Fourth and Carrie Fisher's Hollywood Star [00:01:32] Felicia and Rachel discuss the significance of May the Fourth and Carrie Fisher getting her Hollywood star.

Introduction to a Special Episode [00:02:08] Felicia introduces a special episode where SGO facilitators talk about how facilitation seeps into their everyday lives and the emotional labor it takes to do this work.

Strategies to Avoid Burnout [00:03:01] The SGO facilitators discuss strategies on how to turn off facilitator mode and continue to do this important work without burning out.

Introduction [00:03:14] The three SGO facilitators, Fatima, Rachel, and Kaya, introduce themselves and talk about their excitement to take over the podcast.

Defining Facilitation [00:05:19] Fatima defines facilitation as a skill that involves guiding or directing a group of individuals towards a common goal or objective. Rachel and Kaya add that facilitation is about taking people on a learning journey and helping them get to their end goal.

Emotional Labor [00:07:49] The speakers discuss the emotional labor that comes with facilitating difficult conversations and how it affects them as individuals with marginalized identities.

Self-Awareness [00:09:35] The importance of self-awareness for facilitators is highlighted, as it helps them navigate triggering situations and hold space for others. They also mention a Twitter page called "ish" that pokes fun at common facilitator sayings.

Political Landscape [00:07:49] The political landscape is mentioned as a factor that adds to the emotional labor of facilitation, as it feels like the work is being attacked. The speakers also touch on the difficulty of being palatable for others while still being true to oneself.

Emotional Labor [00:10:33] The speakers discuss the emotional labor that comes with facilitation, including the need to take breaks and support oneself before, during, and after workshops.

Potatoing [00:12:36] The speakers talk about the concept of "potatoing" as a form of self-care after facilitation, which involves taking time to rest and ground oneself in emotions.

May the Fourth and Carrie Fisher [not mentioned in the timestamps] The speakers briefly mention Star Wars Day (May the Fourth) and Carrie Fisher getting her Hollywood star.

Potato Wing [00:13:23] Facilitation strategies to improve reactions and presentation skills, and the emotional labor involved in in-person workshops.

Self-Care for Facilitators [00:14:27] The emotional and intellectual expenditure of facilitation, and the importance of self-care and taking breaks.

Passionate Facilitation [00:15:22] The importance of naming and making real the impacts of oppressive systems, and the need for breaks and self-care during passionate facilitation.

Taking Breaks in Facilitation [00:16:07] The speakers discuss the importance of taking breaks in facilitation and teaching to avoid cognitive dizziness and burnout.

Normalizing Human Experiences [00:18:02] The speakers talk about the need to prioritize and normalize human experiences and breaks in all spaces, including facilitation and personal lives.

Discussing Anger as an Emotion [00:18:49] The speakers briefly mention a personal experience of discussing whether anger is a negative emotion in a gym setting.

Facilitating Conversations in the Gym [00:19:52] Speaker 3 shares a story about facilitating a conversation in the gym about whether anger is a negative emotion.

Facilitating Friend Conversations [00:21:27] Speaker 4 talks about how she finds herself facilitating conversations with friends and family, and how it can be emotionally taxing.

Difficulties of Facilitating Conversations Outside of Work [00:22:16] Speaker 4 discusses the challenges of facilitating conversations outside of work, including navigating difficult topics with friends who don't share similar identities.

Suppressing Anger [00:23:08] The speakers discuss how they have learned to suppress their anger as a child and how it affects their facilitation work and personal relationships.

Controlling Emotions [00:24:59] The speakers talk about how their culture and religion have been used to control emotions, particularly anger, and how they have learned to hold space for their anger and use it as a force for change.

Facilitating Anger [00:26:34] The speakers discuss how they deal with their own anger while in the facilitator role and whether they process it in the moment or talk to their therapist about it later.

Facilitation and Anger Management [00:26:57] The speaker talks about how she channels her anger during workshops and how it is easier to have conversations about isms with strangers than with family and friends.

Personal Space and Boundaries [00:29:26] The speaker talks about the importance of establishing boundaries in personal relationships and how it can be tricky to have tough conversations with people you care about.

Facilitation in Personal Life [00:30:25] The speakers discuss how they navigate difficult conversations with family and friends, and the challenges of applying facilitation skills in personal life.

Challenges of Facilitating in Private Life [00:30:50] The speakers talk about the difficulties of facilitating conversations in private life, where people may not have the same language and tools for communication.

Strategies for Facilitating in Personal Life [00:32:23] The speakers discuss the emotional labor of facilitating conversations with family and friends, and the need to balance holding space for others while also taking care of oneself.

Facilitation as Emotional Labor [00:32:53] The team discusses the emotional labor involved in facilitation and how it seeps into their everyday lives, making it difficult to turn off.

Involving a Third Party [00:32:53-00:34:10] The team talks about involving a third party, such as a therapist or a skilled friend, to hold space during difficult conversations and prevent burnout.

Family Meetings and Cultural Interpretations [00:35:01] The team member shares her experience with family meetings and how cultural interpretations can affect the dynamics of the conversation.

Boundaries and Language [00:37:37] The difficulty of translating the concept of boundaries to immigrant families and the importance of giving people the language they need to love and hold space for each other.

Facilitation Strategies for Family Meetings [00:35:53] The speaker shares their experience of using facilitation tools and strategies to improve family meetings, including creating an agenda and checking in on emotions before jumping into business.

Emotional Labor and Relationships [00:38:22] The speaker discusses the emotional labor involved in maintaining relationships with family members and the importance of understanding and communication in these relationships.

Facilitation in everyday life [00:39:06] The team discusses how facilitation strategies seep into everyday life, such as humanizing conversations and putting oneself in someone else's shoes.

Importance of boundaries [00:40:57] The team emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and naming what one needs, especially in a facilitator, teacher, or coach capacity.

Grief and setting boundaries [00:40:57] The team briefly touches on the emotional labor and grief that comes with setting boundaries, which is an important aspect of facilitation work.

Setting Boundaries [00:41:55] The speakers discuss the challenges of setting boundaries and accepting the frustration that comes with it, as well as the difficulty of making peace with not being understood.

Grieving Unmet Needs [00:43:11] The speakers talk about the emotional labor of naming their needs and how it feels when those needs are not met, including the need to grieve the loss of connection with the person who cannot meet those needs.

Using Boundaries Mindfully [00:43:55] The speakers discuss the potential harm of using concepts like boundaries and naming in a negative way, and the importance of continuing the conversation with loved ones after setting boundaries while also respecting oneself.

Facilitation and Boundaries [00:45:16] The speakers discuss how boundaries can be taken too far and the importance of evaluating if they are doing too much. They also talk about the continuous work of relationships and the need to humanize each other.

Healing Journey and Pendulum [00:47:46] The speakers talk about the pendulum effect in healing journeys and how people swing from one extreme to the other. They also mention therapy language and the importance of setting boundaries without being toxic.

TikTok and Social Media [00:46:54] The speakers briefly mention TikTok and how it can be overwhelming. They also talk about the great things on the platform and how they prefer to have someone send them recommendations.

Facilitation and Therapy Talking Points [00:48:35] The speakers discuss the difficulty of communicating with others about unhealthy relationships and suggest that therapists could provide talking points to help.

Boundaries and Toxicity [00:49:28] The speakers talk about how setting boundaries does not make someone toxic and how it is important to respect others' boundaries.

Wrap Up and Podcast Plugs [00:51:12] The hosts thank the guests for their insights on facilitation and plug some upcoming events.

Upcoming Webinars [00:51:36] Felicia talks about the upcoming webinars on DEI work that their team does, including one on pronouns in May and one on anti-Asian sentiment in June.

10th Anniversary Party [00:52:15] Rachel announces the 10th anniversary party of their first event in June 2013, which will be held at Yvonne's in Boston, and encourages people to sign up for it.

Leading DEI Conversations [00:53:03] Rachel and Felicia mention the upcoming round of Leading DEI Conversations, a public program happening in the summer, and encourage people to sign up for their newsletter to stay updated.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Amaia Arrubarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• Anna Whitlock, People Strategy & Culture at LabCentral
• David Tedeschi, Consultant at World Bank Group
• Dr. Erika Powell, DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Elisa Campos-Praetor, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Erin Learoyd, DEI Program Manager at New Balance
• Fatima Dainkeh, Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks OUt
• Karina Becerra, Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium
• Kia Rivera, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Snaedis Valsdottir, Product Manager at SparkPost

02:07: Amaia Arrubarrena talks about her journey to becoming director of diversity, equity and inclusion at ezCater.

15:21: Dr. Erika Powell shares her unique arc to becoming a DEI consultant and how it’s different for everybody

22:20: Fatima Dainkeh asks those who are interested in getting involved in this work to ask yourself some questions - why, what, and who?

27:37: Elisa Campos-Praetor reflects on how she started down this work, particularly in tech, an industry she wasn’t initially familiar with

29:58: David Tedeschi shares his experience growing up in a homogeneous environment to gaining more awareness and understanding of difference through his lived experiences

33:08: Anna Whitlock discusses how her genuine interest in people, how they operate, and what their drivers are brought her to focusing on DEI as a core part of her work

38:05: Karina Becerra talks about her experience as a remotely located manager for a company based in Utah and how she’s bringing an equitable lens to her hiring and managing practices

41:04: Snaedis Valsdottir shares how she became passionate about and an advocate for accessibility best practices at work

47:52: Dr. Victoria Verlezza on what DEI is and things to consider when considering a career in DEI

51:22: Kia Rivera also discusses what DEI is, as well as intersectionality

53:48: Erin Learoyd on ways being a DEI practitioner can be challenging while focusing on the tangible aspects that show movement toward a more equitable workplace

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She+ Geeks Out podcast, we discuss the latest news around SHRM's decision to remove the word "equity" from their DEI language. We’re then joined by Chief Economist at Revelio Labs, Lisa Simon, to discuss a data-driven look at the future of employer and employee trends. Tune in for a lively conversation about current events and the ever-evolving landscape of diversity initiatives and the future of work!

 

[00:00:56] Felicia and Rachel talk about SHRM's removal of "equity" in DEI.

[00:13:30] Interview with Lisa starts.

[00:17:30] Workforce intelligence at Rebellion Labs.

[00:23:31] Remote work trends post-COVID.

[00:26:27] Employee loyalty and trust.

[00:30:18] Challenges in employer-employee dynamics.

[00:35:54] Generative AI in the workforce.

[00:39:15] AI and Creative Tasks.

[00:45:25] Surprising new gender gap.

[00:49:44] Work activities taxonomy.

[00:51:45] Job titles are meaningless.

[01:00:18] Collecting cliff salt in Spain.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Janina Jeff is a Global Bioinformatics Specialist at Illumina and a genomics genius. We talked about her path to getting a PhD in Human/Medical Genetics and the importance of mentorship, both mentoring and being mentored. Janina spoke at our NYC event in November. Watch her talk here! This episode is brought to you by the good humans at August - https://aug.co. They make organizations work better. August was founded with the belief that today’s most valuable work depends on teams of people who work well together. Get their newsletter, listen to their podcast, and join their team!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We learn why and how Nicole created 88Acres-- it's quite a story! We also get into Amanda's career progression from small companies, to a bigger one, back to small, with the 88Acres family. You can visit their website and order the BEST bars ever at www.88acres.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Beth Santos is the Founder and CEO of Wanderful, a global network for adventurous, independent women travelers. She has created an international community of over 15,000 empowered women who strive to conquer the world on foot, while supporting and learning from one another at the same time. We talk about the origins of Wanderful, Beth's passion for travel, and what it's like being a 'mompreneur'.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Jory Burson is the COO of Bocoup, a super cool firm that creates open source solutions for businesses. Yep, they build stuff for companies and use and give back to the open source community. They do well and do good! We geek out about what it means to be in open source and Felicia and Jory bond over their secret lives in the public art space! Follow Felicia's 'secret' street art alter ego on Instagram @somervillegraff and you can find Jory's art here and on Instagram.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Rachel went to NYC to support their new City Organizer, Marisa Marquez, and they interviewed the very lovely Abbey Adkison, Senior Video Producer for Bustle! We checked out their sweet offices and learned all about not only what Bustle is all about, but how Abbey fell in love with her work. Listen on and be inspired! For a full schedule of events and show notes, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Did you know that there was such a job as a Celebrity Growth Manager? Well, there is and we sat down with someone who does this job for a living. Alexandra Eitel works at YouTube and explained just what exactly her job entails. Don't worry, we asked her about all the celebrity gossip! We also discussed the #metoo and Times Up movements, and her involvement in supporting those efforts. Listen on to learn more about this important work, and hear about what shared interest both Alexandra and Felicia massively geek out about! For a complete schedule of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Harriet Cross is a veritable font of diplomatic knowledge, as the British Consul General to New England. Her current post is the latest in a series of incredible places she's lived and experiences she's had. We talk about everything, including her time in Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Brexit, the incredible advances in health tech in New England, and left feeling inspired as well as with a desire to eat less meat. For more SGO, makes sure to visit www.shegeeksout.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We know budgets are tight, but there are still so many ways you can continue to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at your company without spending money. In today's bonus episode, we'll guide you through simple yet powerful steps that can support an inclusive workplace culture. From the way we craft our emails to the structure of our hiring processes, every action counts. Learn how to magnify your DEI efforts through everyday practices like using inclusive language and revising company policies to reflect a more equitable environment. These actionable strategies promise to sustain your commitment to a diverse workplace, all while keeping budgets in mind.Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Hanneke has had a wild ride from working in the banking industry (let's just say it's not female friendly), to becoming a pilates instructor to finding her true passion as a career coach, helping women, particularly female entrepreneurism navigate through sometimes treacherous waters to find what they love to do. You can find her at http://hannekeantonelli.com. For more information about She Geeks Out and their upcoming events, please visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Contributors to this episode are:

• Amaia Arrubarrena, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater
• Becca Shansky, Associate Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University
• Belma McCaffrey, CEO & Founder at WorkBigger
• Charis Loveland, Global Program Manager at Amazon
• Dr. Victoria Verlezza, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Elisa Campos-Praetor, Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights
• Karina Becerra, Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium
• Ginny Cheng, Global Head of Talent at ÖURA
• Jason Fooks, Senior Director of Learning and Development at Essex Property & Trust 
• Kia Rivera, DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out
• Melanie Ho, Author, Speaker and Facilitator

For more about creating an equitable workplace, visit us at shegeeksout.com!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Holy honesty, ladies and gentlemen! We had an incredible time learning from the totally bad ass Kelley Calkins, co-founder of The Establishment, a multimedia company that elevates the voices that are missing within the real media establishment. They cover society, science, politics, relationships, arts, and everything in between and are 100% female run. Boom! We had lots of feelings about the tech scene in Silicon Valley, and why there's such a gender disparity. Spoiler alert - it's not because women are biologically inferior. Sigh. Expect much laughter and sadness, as we lady entrepreneurs commiserate on the realities of being a women-run business.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Allison Esposito is the definition of a ladyboss. She left a full time job at Google to build and run Tech Ladies, a robust and worldwide community of 15,000+ women who work in tech. That's massive! We talk to Allison about what inspired her to start Tech Ladies, how to get women jobs, and what's in store for the community. Oh yeah, and we also chat a little bit about that Google memo. Take a listen! ***Note: There were some errors in the audio that caused audio to drop out sporadically, but those have been edited around as much as possible. If there is a sudden jump, then the hope is that you can assemble the missing few words. 

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Bonita Burke is the definition of a 'woman in STEM'. She has a PhD in Plasma and High Temperature Physics, and currently works as a physicist for MIT's Lincoln Laboratory. We talk to her about how she got into this career field, (some of) what she works on now, and oh yeah-- we may have also chatted about zombies and singing too! In the intro, Rachel and Felicia talk about cats and dating. For more SGO and a complete calendar of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Well, aren't you in for a treat! We spoke with the incomparable Dr. Erika Powell, a wonderful friend of SGO's, personally and professionally. We weAlso, some quick news! We're going on a pod break until the new year. If you miss us, you can always find us hanging out in the Rise Together community or on LinkedIn!re a little silly, and within that silliness, some brilliant gems of knowledge were shared. If you enjoy this half as much as we did recording it, you're golden. Don't miss it!

Also, some quick news! We're going on a pod break until the new year. If you miss us, you can always find us hanging out in the Rise Together community or on LinkedIn!

 

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

She+ Geeks Out Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion facilitators Fatima Dainkeh and Jacquis Watters sit down to respond to Oprah With Meghan And Harry: A CBS Primetime Special. Fatima and Jacquis look at the Royal Family’s connection to and complicity with the institutions of whiteness and white supremacy, and why it’s dangerous to separate institutions from people. They also dive into the universality of Meghan Markle’s experiences as a Black woman, how we can all think about dismantling racism in our own families, and a legacy of support within BIPOC communities.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Edie Stringfellow is the Director of Diversity & Inclusion at MassBio, an organization dedicated to advancing Massachusett's leadership in the life sciences to grow the industry, add value to the healthcare system, and improve patient lives. We wanted to talk with Edie as someone who is on the forefront of the work toward finding a solution to COVID-19 from a diversity and inclusion lens.  Before our interview with Edie, we spent some time processing the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Muhlaysia Booker, George Floyd, and Tony McDade, as well as the video of Amy Cooper's dangerously racist language toward Chris Cooper in Central Park. Please note that this was recorded last Thursday, before the weekend's protests and violence occurred (which we will have more feels on in an upcoming episode). Quick Links: MassBio Making Shift Happen discussions If you're looking for more resources to fight racism, head over to our podcast on intersectional feminism and black lives matter. Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Dr. Rachele Pojednic is an assistant professor of nutrition at Simmons College, Flywheel instructor and a past SGO speaker. Her talk for our networking event in 2016 centered on #eatrealfood, which we dig into (pun possibly intended) further during our conversation. We geek out about fitness, nutrition, exercise, science and learning, and learn about the importance of taking your vitamins! For more about She Geeks Out, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Nikki Innocent is not only a She Geeks Out ambassador and diversity and inclusion facilitator, but she is also the Founder of marketing consultancy Story & Voice and a women's leadership coach. All the things! Nikki is always inspiring and she had a ton of wonderful pearls of wisdom to share. Go on and listen, then share your authentic voice! For more She Geeks Out, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Bryanne Leeming is the founder of Unruly Studios - the first ever Active STEM Play experience. They make SPLATS. How fun is that? We talk about Bryanne's journey to entrepreneurship and what it's like to be a founder in Boston. Felicia and Rachel are back together in Boston and we start off our conversation by complaining about the weather. Because, BOSTON. Enjoy!  For a calendar of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Bärí A. Williams is Head of Legal for Human Interest, a company offering an easy and affordable 401(k) retirement plan for the modern workforce, and published author in the New York Times, WIRED, Fortune, and Fast Company. We virtually sat down with Bärí to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and how it's more important now than ever. Quick Links: Bärí A. Williams website Diversity in the Workplace book Bärí onTwitter We’ve got some great events coming up! See our latest events over here or sign up for our community or diversity, equity, and inclusion newsletters to get the latest news! Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode, Felicia and Rachel welcome Jumai Yusuf, a talented filmmaker and storyteller. Jumai shares her unique journey from Massachusetts theater kid to LA film director, highlighting her background in neurobiology and her passion for blending art and science. She discusses the development of her animated series 'Layla and the Starship Afrotopia,' which features a young Black Muslim girl with wormhole powers. We dive into the process of directing, from working with screenwriters to location scouting and casting. Before we talk with Jumai, we chat about our experiences at a few conferences - it turns out IRL events are still amazing!

Links:

• Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
• Sundance and Disney's Muslim Artist Fellowship
• Islamic Scholarship Fund
• Jumai Yusuf Instagram
• Nate and John Film Instagram

Chapters:

00:25 Felicia's Networking Adventures at WBENC

04:56 Rachel's Culture Summit Experience

08:22 Introducing Jumai Yusuf

10:14 Jumai's Journey and Inspirations

20:24 Directing The Eid Gift

26:18 Casting for Ramadan America

26:46 Balancing Writing and Directing

28:13 Challenges in Directing

29:37 Impact of Me Too and Black Lives Matter

31:33 Advice for Aspiring Directors

33:06 Cosplay and Anime Passion

41:49 Renaissance Fair Adventures

44:20 Peloton and Fitness Goals

46:30 Final Thoughts and Social Media

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We're diving into 2024 with Rachel Locke, the Director of the Violence, Inequality, and Power Lab at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego. She's here to untangle the connections between societal violence and inequality. It’s more important than ever, especially at the start of a wild election year.

We tackle the challenges caused by the power plays that keep violence and unfairness going. We're not buying into simple stories – we know real solutions come from understanding the complicated mix of issues causing conflicts. Our talk reveals the tough reality of these problems and how the VIP Lab is committed to making real changes in a world that's loudly calling for reform.

Finally, we shine a light on the difficulties women and women of color face in politics. The rise in harassment against public figures makes us wonder about where inclusive governance is headed. We discuss what recent studies say about how this kind of bullying challenges mental health and political involvement.

(0:00:08) - Exploring Workplace Inclusion and Humanitarian Work

Personal updates, Felicia’s purple hair, and an interview with Rachel Locke on her career journey and creating a better world.
 

(0:08:13) - Exploring Violence, Inequality, and Power

Nature's violence and inequality are intertwined, highlighting the importance of addressing power dynamics in the VIP Lab's interdisciplinary approach to applied research.
 

(0:20:39) - Recognizing Complexity in Power Dynamics

Power dynamics, complex issues, and binary thinking hinder social justice efforts in addressing violence and promoting change.

 

(0:32:04) - Threats and Harassment Against Public Officials

Nature's alarming increase in threats and harassment towards local officials, particularly women and women of color, may undermine gender balance in political representation.
 

(0:36:21) - Harassment's Impact on Officials' Mental Health

Public officials face gender-based harassment and threats, cope with limited support, and find therapeutic value in sharing their struggles.

 

(0:55:51) - Amplifying Voices and Embracing Possibility

Nature's joy, partnerships for change, personal growth, and the upcoming election year's potential for our future.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Meet Rachel Bates, VP of Sales at Workable! We got to chat with her before our Happy Hour a few weeks ago and had a lovely time. A Liverpudlian who has lived here for years, Rachel is still a proud lover of the Beatles and football. You know, soccer. We talk about being in tech sales as a woman, and her love of helping people grow in their roles. Remember to check out our full calendar of events at www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Karina Popovich is a first year student at Cornell, but that barely defines her, as she’s also a serial entrepreneur (read, problem solver). She is a self-defined maker who is currently bringing together a community of other makers to create 3D printed face shields for health care workers on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis. An avid lover of STEM, she has built a company called Wear Alpha, a 3D printed clothing company, and a nonprofit called Connect with Tech, which introduces STEM to underrepresented communities. And she’s 19. We don’t know how she does it either, but we asked, and we learned. Listen in and we hope you’re as inspired as we were! Quick Links: Karina's website Makers for COVID-19 Makers for COVID-19 GoFundMe Wear Alpha Karina on Instagram and Twitter We've got some great events coming up! See our latest events over here or sign up for our community or diversity, equity, and inclusion newsletters to get the latest news! Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you'd like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In this episode of the She Geeks Out podcast, Felicia and Rachel interview two remarkable scientists who were part of the Homeward Bound expedition to Antarctica. Tiffany Vora is the Vice Chair of Digital Biology at Singularity University and a faculty member at EY Tech University. Dr. Judit Jimenez Sainz is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Valencia and University College London. They discuss their passions for mentorship, diversity, and translating cutting-edge science into practical solutions for societal advancement.

[00:01:09] Women in STEM advancement.

[00:04:36] Subverting the white savior trope.

[00:07:59] The power of fictional characters.

[00:12:23] STEM careers and Mars exploration.

[00:15:31] Technology and healthcare advancements.

[00:21:55] Future of cancer research.

[00:24:07] Genetic testing and preventive surgery.

[00:29:01] Space exploration benefits humanity.

[00:32:45] Space community joy.

[00:35:28] Women in STEM and Antarctica.

[00:39:02] Mars simulation in high Canadian Arctic.

[00:42:22] Women in Antarctica community.

[00:46:49] Climate change and advocacy.

[00:49:37] Transforming Doom and Gloom into Action.

[00:56:09] Future plans and goals.

[00:58:39] Future priorities in science.

[01:01:31] Party and dancing passion.

[01:03:50] New podcast merch available.

Links mentioned:

• https://homewardboundprojects.com.au/
• https://tiffanyvora.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyvora/
• https://jimenezsainzlab.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/juditjimenezsainz/
• https://www.teepublic.com/user/she-geeks-out

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Cat Moore. She is a delight and a joy. And has probably the best head of hair we've ever seen. Cat is the Director of Belonging at University of Southern California & President & Chief Communications Officer of ReHuman, which is an app that helps us create strong relationships among friends, family, coworkers, + neighbors. We talk about loneliness, belonging, and how her CLICK (Connect As Is – Listen First – Investigate – Communicate Kindness – Keep in touch) framework is needed now more than EVER. Quick Links: Cat Moore Salon.com article on loneliness & belonging Spectrum News video on CLICK Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

How can we bridge the widening gap in higher education and create a more equitable system? Join us for an insightful conversation with JAKE Small, the Director of Strategic Alliances at Leadership Brainery, as we explore the challenges faced by students from low-income backgrounds and communities and the role of institutions in providing fee waivers and tuition limitations. We also discuss JAKE's personal experiences as a mono-racial Black student attending predominantly White institutions and the importance of representation and inclusion in higher education.

In this episode, we dive deep into the work of Leadership Brainery and their efforts to operationalize social justice through leadership development, career coaching, and equity initiatives. We examine the stark statistics of the number of Black men in medical school throughout the years, emphasizing the need for a more equitable educational system. We discuss the significance of partnerships and open conversations to support those in need, as well as the idea of fixing a broken system versus burning it to the ground and building something new.

Lastly, we geek out about art, creativity, and family legacy. We learn about the importance of core values, self-care, and podcasts in shaping his journey as an educational consultant. Don't miss this compelling episode packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories from JAKE and his work at Leadership Brainery!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Meet Lynne and Nancy from SheStarts! SheStarts is a wonderful organization that supports female entrepreneurs in Boston. We talk about funding options, some of the challenges women face as business owners, and the gender pay gap. Annnnd, we also talk about how we are not the same organization. Hopefully this will clear up things once and for all! For show notes and a calendar of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Anna Yen is Managing Director of Ellipsis and author of Sophia of Silicon Valley which comes out TODAY! Go buy this. We talked with Anna about her life, which is loosely represented in her new book. It's the perfect fun read that does a great job of capturing the insanity that is Silicon Valley from a unique perspective. We talked with Anna about what was real and not so real in the book, how important aggressiveness is, particularly as a woman in the tech industry, and we learned some absolutely insane facts about her life! For a complete schedule of events, visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

We are thrilled to welcome back Rachele Pojednic, Professor of Nutrition at Simmons, Flywheel Instructor, creator of the Strong Process Forum, and all around bad ass. We talked about her upcoming summit and her new gig as the Interim Executive Director of The Prescription for Activity Task Force. We talk about moving, eating, and resting, the core principles of Strong Process. Listen up! And if you want to listen to our past episode head on over to Episode 23! For more She Geeks Out, make sure to visit www.shegeeksout.com.  

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Maria Finkelemeier is the founder and director of a nonprofit called Kadence Arts, which serves as an umbrella for several exciting music projects. A percussionist, an entrepreneur, a fitness instructor, an artist and more-- Maria's got a ton going on! We chat about music, Fenway, percussion, the importance of community and collaboration, and more! You can learn more about Maria and her many projects here: http://www.mariafinkelmeier.com/.

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Boy are you in for a treat! We spoke with the incredibly wise Lauren McGoodwin, aka the Career Contessa, to talk all things job search! We got super practical. We got fantastic answers to these questions and more! I feel overwhelmed by the different options of going back to school to get my masters in CS, getting a certificate, going to a bootcamp, or just trying to transition internally onto a software engineering team at work. Of course time and money are things I am heavily considering, and the opportunity cost of having to cut down time at my current job to pursue a program. Do you have any advice on what is the best path? How do I search for a new job while furloughed and pregnant? Is applying to jobs online worth it when people are saying that most new hires are based on referrals? Especially for people just starting out? How do you explain getting fired when applying for jobs? I realized through COVID that despite being in my current field for 10 years, I want to change careers. I know I’m going to have to start a few rungs down the ladder than I currently am, but how do I get a hiring manager to look at my application for those more junior positions without looking overqualified and out of left field. Is “loyalty” a thing anymore? If someone has a few jobs in a row of 12-18 months, does that start to raise red flags about loyalty or jumping ship? How long do I need to stay? How do you go about asking for the salary range of a position if it’s not stated in the listing? Is that seen as too bold to ask directly during an initial interview? Marijuana is legal in my state, but it seems like there’s still a lot of confusion around this. How could someone address this for a new job with a drug screen if I’m using it legally, either recreationally or medicinally?  What’s the best way to address career gaps? I took some time off when having children, but when I start to apply to go back, I’ll have a 6 year gap in my resume. How do I make sure I’m considered as a candidate with no recent experience?   Learn more about Lauren, get all of your career needs met, and buy her new book, Power Moves!   Did you like this episode? Subscribe, rate, review and reach out to us on the social media platform of your choice. Tell us who you’d like to hear from, ask us questions, or just say hi!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Krys Burnette is, in a word, lovely. She's a consultant for the OMG amazing company August Public, which helps companies find effective ways to create and manage important change. Diversity and inclusion are top of mind in all things. We recorded this on the heels of the inauguration and women's march (sigh), so politics easily crept in. There were no disagreements here on how things went. Diversity and inclusion is clearly more important now than ever. We've got a wonderful short video for you to watch too, capturing a few of our favorite moments from the discussion. Watch now!

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

Rachel spoke with Lilah Sturges, an incredibly talented writer, as she shares her unique lens to the evolving comic book industry. Listen as Lilah opens up about her journey with the popular series, Lumberjanes, and the hurdles she's faced as a transgender woman in conservative Texas. We celebrate the increased representation of women, non-binary, and queer individuals in comics and how it's shaping the industry. She also shares her experiences collaborating with brilliant people and the importance of telling powerful stories where the characters are from typically marginalized groups so that readers know that they’re okay, allowed to be who they are, allowed to be confused sometimes and that they’re worthy of love and friendship.

 

You can find Lilah at https://lilahsturges.com/ and be sure to get a copy of Girl Haven!

 

0:01:41 - Four-Day Work Week Benefits and Challenges (90 Seconds)

0:06:25 - Lila Sturgis and Her Graphic Novel (78 Seconds)

0:09:54 - Recognition in the Comic Book Industry (70 Seconds)

0:14:16 - Writing and Supporting Girls in Texas (133 Seconds)

0:23:50 - The Writing Process (101 Seconds)

0:38:31 - Severance and Workplace Commentary (58 Seconds)

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.

In our latest episode, we interview Erin Loos Cutraro, the founder and CEO of She Should Run, a nonprofit dedicated to encouraging women to run for office - it’s so needed! Did you know that women still hold less than 30% of all elected offices across the federal, state, and local level, and the numbers are even lower when looking at women from underrepresented communities? Black women comprise less than 6% of officeholders in Congress, statewide elective executive offices, and state legislatures; only 7.9% of all women state legislators identify as Latina; and, roughly 0.23 percent of U.S elected officials identify as LGBTQIA+. Women are still less likely than men to have thought about running for office or to express interest in running for office in the future. Women are less likely to have opted into leadership roles from a young age. In fact, few of us– less than 2%– grow up with the dream to run for office one day. There’s lots of work to do!

Before the interview, we chat about the movie American Fiction and how the Black American experience is portrayed in media. 

[00:02:22] Felicia and Rachel discuss the movie American Fiction.

[00:10:50] Interview with Erin.

[00:11:15] Origin story and childhood upbringing.

[00:18:34] Challenges for women candidates.

[00:22:42] Running for office aspirations.

[00:23:46] Women in political roles.

[00:29:35] Nonpartisan space and misconceptions.

[00:33:13] Running for public office journey.

[00:36:17] Women's surge after 2016 election.

[00:41:17] A different political climate.

[00:45:35] Overcoming political exhaustion and paralysis.

[00:49:12] Finding women who aren't looking.

[00:53:12] The importance of diverse opinions.

[00:57:28] Future goals and hopes.

[01:00:49] The opportunity in Gen Z.

 

Links mentioned:

• https://sheshouldrun.org
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlooscutraro

Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.