Welcome to Season 2 of the Trailblazing in Color podcast! This season, we're excited to bring you even more empowering stories from guests who are paving the way as trailblazers in their fields.In today's first episode of the season, our guest is AJ Crabill, an accomplished leader in the field of education who has dedicated his career to improving the lives of students by transforming school systems from the ground up and the top down. AJ's book, Great On Their Behalf, Why School Boards Fail, How Yours Can Be Effective, offers a powerful blueprint for leaders at all levels to shift their focus towards student outcomes and create lasting impact. Great on Their Behalf's approach to transformative change transcends education and can be applied to many industries and community work.Whether you're actively involved in education or lead within another sphere, AJ's insights on coaching, mindset, and systemic transformation will resonate deeply. When there are weaknesses in a school district, the teachers and students are rarely the cause. More often than not, the weakness stems from poor leadership higher up the chain. When the school board is more effective, in giving the teachers the support they deserve, the results can blow you away.If you’re feeling called to become a school board coach and make your impact in that way, email AJ directly at aj@ajcrabill.com for more information.You can find AJ’s book and many more great resources at https://greatontheirbehalf.com/. Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected._____________Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep knowing better and doing better!Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join www.trailblazingincolor.comPodcast Intro/Outro Music composed by Troy ChapmanA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Catharine Montgomery is our guest today, and she is the founder and CEO of Better Together, a communications agency focused on positive change for purpose-driven organizations through creative strategies, messaging, and branding.As an experienced communication professional with a background in education, environment, and social justice, Catharine founded Better Together after a successful career in various communications agencies and in-house roles. Throughout her career, Catharine has focused on supporting social justice efforts, utilizing her expertise in media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and community involvement to support marginalized communities.Catharine’s business is young, but she’s already doing important work helping businesses build intentional business relationships and assimilate DEI work into the work they already do. It’s very easy for businesses and corporations to throw around buzzwords to make it sound like they’re doing the work to make the world better, but Catharine helps make sure they know how to walk the walk.To learn more about Catharine and her work, visit https://thebettertogether.agency/NASDAQ | Company Founding Stories That Will Capture Your Heart and Make You Believe Anything is Possible_____________Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep knowing better and doing better!We’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join www.trailblazingincolor.comPodcast Intro/Outro Music composed by

In this episode of the Trailblazing in Color podcast, we dive deep into the world of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) with Mita Mallick, author of "Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace" and co-host of "The Brown Table Talk." Mita shares her expertise and experiences, providing invaluable insights for organizational leaders working towards creating more inclusive and equitable cultures and societies, especially in the context of sustainable systems change.Preorder Reimagine Inclusion: You can preorder Mita's book, "Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace," on Amazon or find it at your local bookstore. The book, releasing on October 3rd, is a comprehensive guide to rethinking and implementing inclusion strategies in organizations.Connect with Mita:LinkedInInstagramOrder "Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace"_____________Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep knowing better and doing better!Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join We’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.www.trailblazingincolor.comPodcast Intro/Outro Music composed by Troy ChapmanA Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode of the Trailblazing in Color podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Kalilah Reynolds, a financial journalist, educator, and entrepreneur who is transforming the landscape of financial education. Her company, Kalilah Reynolds Media, creates financial news and education that's easy to understand, helping people create and maintain personal wealth and prosperous economies. Kalilah is the creator and executive producer of Jamaica's most influential business talk show, Taking Stock, with over 4 million views on YouTube.Kalilah’s journey from a journalist to a financial education trailblazer is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to making complex financial topics accessible to all. Be sure to check out her show, "Taking Stock," on YouTube for invaluable insights into the world of finance.And catch up with Kalilah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kalilahrey/And LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kalilahrey/Or head over to KalilahReynolds.comFinally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production*Thank you for tuning in to the Trailblazing in Color podcast. Don't forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations with trailblazers like Kalilah Reynolds.*

Welcome to another episode of the Trailblazing in Color podcast! In today's conversation, we dive deep with our incredible guest, Nate Shalev, a speaker, author, and inclusivity expert who helps individuals embrace their true selves.Nate's expertise has been featured in prestigious publications like the Harvard Business Review, New York Times, Huffington Post, and more. We're thrilled to have Nate here to share their wisdom and insights.Join us as we explore Nate's inspiring origin story, the power of self-acceptance, and the significance of embracing your true self. Discover the courage it takes to be authentic, the importance of inclusion roundtables, and the art of choosing when to reveal your authentic self. Tune in for an insightful conversation that will leave you inspired to embrace your own authenticity.Connect with Nate on LinkedIn here. Sign up to receive Nate's free newsletter hereQuote credit mentioned in episode "Character consists of what you do on the third and fourth tries" - James A. MichenerFinally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome to today's show! We're thrilled to introduce our guest, Cher Hale, the founder and director of Ginkgo PR, an agency dedicated to using public relations to create a more equitable media landscape. Cher, a Taiwanese Black American woman, is passionate about amplifying the voices of historically excluded authors and entrepreneurs and is committed to amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities in the media. Cher shares her personal journey and the inspiration behind founding Ginkgo PR and how this deeply influenced her mission to support those who lack a platform or privilege in sharing their authentic stories. We also dive into her unique cultural background and how it influences her approach to public relations and storytelling.Join us as we talk about the current media landscape, what trends Cher is seeing such as the rise of independent magazines,  the power of podcast guesting, and how to stand out by telling authentic, real stories that people need to hear. Cher is a true trailblazer in the media space and we are so excited for you to listen to this episode. To learn more about Cher Hale and her work visit https://ginkgopr.com/And get vetted podcasts to pitch yourself to right to your inbox from Cher here: https://pitchslapped.substack.com/Resources Mentioned:EmancipatED Illustrated Hidden History Cards: https://emancipatededucation.com/Fifteen Percent Pledge: https://15percentpledge.org/Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome everyone to this week's episode of the Trailblazing in Color podcast. I am very excited to tell you a little bit more about today's trailblazing guest, Grace Correy. Grace graduated from Parsons School of Design with a major in fashion design and rose through the ranks of the fashion industry to become a senior executive at Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Spanx, Victoria's Secret, The Gap, J. Crew, and Speedo, among others. As an entrepreneur and co-founder/CEO of skincare brand Biophile, which has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Elle, and Marie Claire and was sold in over 30 retail stores in three countries. Grace is also an entrepreneur and was the co-founder and CEO of the skincare brand Biophile, which has been featured in Vogue, Forbes, Elle, and Marie Claire and was sold in over 30 retail stores in three countries. Throughout our conversation, we'll be talking about how her personal and professional life experiences have helped her build high-performing, cross-generational teams, paved the way as often the first or only biracial Black woman in her environment, and led to a passion and commitment for creating more equity in the world.Thank you for joining us on this episode of Trailblazing in Color!Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this week's episode, we are joined by Dr. Christine Sow, CEO and President of Humentum, whose work centers on making global development equitable, accountable, and resilient. Christine joined Humentum in November 2019 from a 25-year career in international development, having worked at all levels of the sector, from providing technical assistance to leading global operations and project management in some of the sector's largest organizations. As a seasoned convener and coalition builder, Christine brings deep experience in best practices associated with organizational membership models. We'll dive into her journey in international development and explore the transformative work Humentum is focused on, centered around creating an equitable, accountable, and resilient global development community.Thank you for joining us on this episode of Trailblazing in Color. Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review. Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

In this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Sana Shaikh, an expert in organizational change management, culturally responsive organizational practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programmatic initiatives. With over 14 years of experience in operations and policy research, Sana is the founder of TimeED, a company that focuses on developing anti-racism and anti-bias learning solutions for national non-profits, parent-teacher organizations, and school districts.Sana's research has centered on the intersection of racial identity and relational coordination in cultivating culturally responsive classrooms. She has had the privilege of presenting her research both domestically and globally, participating in relational coordination roundtables from Portland, Oregon, to Copenhagen, Denmark.Our conversation delves into the significance of relational coordination in creating inclusive environments. Sana emphasizes the importance of slowing down to clarify the "why" behind change initiatives, the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, and the incorporation of identity and experience into the equation.We also explore the common pitfalls of DEIB initiatives, and the need to shift away from the mindset of external saviors. Sana emphasizes the importance of creating a partnership approach that integrates external consultants as team members.Sana shares insights into making data-driven decisions that promote equity and inclusivity. She highlights the importance of humility, courage, and an organizational culture that embraces dissent, as organizations navigate the complexities of transformation in pursuit of more equitable and inclusive practices.Thank you for joining us on this episode of Trailblazing in Color! Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today's episode features a remarkable individual whose dedication to affordable housing has transformed communities and touched the lives of countless individuals.Our guest today is Troy Chapman, a seasoned leader in housing justice and lifelong public servant. From organizing sit-ins during the civil rights movement to becoming the Acting Director of the Office of Housing Programs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Washington, DC, Troy Chapman's collaborative impact has been expansive.Appointed by both the Ford and Carter administrations, Troy played a pivotal role in shaping the regulations that influenced the management of the nation's public and Native American housing. Under his leadership, $200 million in HUD Target programs were implemented to address challenges in 250 of the most problematic housing authorities across the country. Notably, his office was the chief architect of the Vietnam Relocation and Housing Program at the end of the Vietnam War.Troy's journey continued as an Attaché at the US State Department Embassy in New Delhi, India, and later as the Chief Operating Officer and Secretary/Treasurer of Housing Authorities in Montgomery County, Maryland, Wilmington, Delaware, and Chester County, PA. Throughout his career, he served as an international expert in affordable housing development and financing, offering consulting services to governments and foundations worldwide.But Troy's impact goes beyond statistics; his initiatives have led to the development of thousands of affordable and cost-effective housing units, with a particular focus on seniors, veterans, educators, first responders, healthcare workers, and the working poor. His commitment to making housing programs tangible for individuals from diverse walks of life is evident in every step of his journey.Join us as we delve into Troy Chapman's inspiring story and a conversation filled with insights, experiences, and wisdom gained from a lifetime devoted to making a difference.Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hey there, Trailblazers! We're back with part two of an extraordinary journey on the Trailblazing in Color podcast. If you missed part one, make sure to hit rewind and catch up on the inspiring tales of Troy Chapman, a seasoned leader in housing justice.I'm thrilled you've chosen to join us on this trailblazing adventure.  Now, let's dive into the continuation of Troy's remarkable story.In this episode, we explore Troy's international efforts in scaling his work. From national to county levels, Troy shares his experiences in passing on the knowledge of financing affordable housing to governments worldwide. Learn how Troy became a sought-after international expert, the challenges faced, and the impact created in various countries.Troy reflects on the different approaches that proved effective in the United States. From electing influential leaders to using data and influencing decision-makers, discover the multifaceted tactics Troy employed to secure funding and support for affordable housing initiatives.A big thank you to our listeners for being a part of this conversation. Trailblazing in Color is more than a podcast; it's a celebration of impactful journeys and the changemakers shaping a brighter future.Tune in next time for more inspiring stories and continue blazing your own trails.Finally, we’d love to hear from you: What are you celebrating? What support do you need? Reach out at sarah@trailblazingincolor.com to share with me and let’s stay connected.As always, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to knowing better and doing better. (Thank you, Maya Angelou, for this endlessly useful sentiment.)Carry on, trailblazers and equity warriors. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

If you are a changemaker focused on creating more equity in the spaces you occupy and looking to better embody your voice, find ways to increase your impact, and get empowered to keep going, then you are in the right place.Trailblazing in Color is a movement born out of a need to create community and a support system for those focused on creating positive change in the world.The Trailblazing in Color Podcast is an intentional space for changemakers: leaders and innovators hell-bent on amplifying our collective impact.In this podcast, I’ll be interviewing innovative equity builders: Trailblazers, often assumed underdogs, succeeding beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, including—sometimes—their own and blazing trails for those who will follow.They’ll share their stories and we’ll learn from one another. Some of the things we’ll talk about include:Outcomes-driven community building and its critical importance to anyone who’s working to disrupt and change systems. How we can apply lessons learned from one area of practice and apply it directly to another, creating shortcuts to equity from which we can all benefit.How our identities are both intrinsically connected to the communities we belong to and how difficult it can still be to find the characteristics that belong uniquely to us.All the while, centering our four values of self-connection, tradition, joy, and future generations. Hi! I’m Sarah Chapman Bacerra. For the past decade, I have had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading organizations through leadership program development, workshop facilitation, strategic planning, coaching, and culture design. I’ve also been a community organizer for a global movement, serving in a leadership capacity for the past five years and learning about what it takes to start and sustain a movement…without losing yourself along the way. I’ve learned a lot and met a lot of incredible people on this journey. And I’ve realized how imperative it is that we spread the collective wisdom of the innovators and thought leaders, because only then can we all grow. If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today’s guest, Gary Ware, is trailblazing a path to influence people and organizations to infuse more play in order to evoke more creativity, innovation, and joy, and he gives us the necessary tools and frameworks to do so. Gary was my level 2 improv teacher back in 2018 and the time spent doing something fun just for myself was life changing.Play isn’t something just for kids. As adults, it’s easy to dismiss the idea of play as a waste of time, or something that needed to be earned by productivity. Why do we lose our playfulness and how do we get it back?Give yourself permission to be playful, even at workDon’t treat play as an escape from the things that need to be donePlay is a state of mind that you jump into freely and if you can’t get there easily, start finding more ways to restCreate a “recipe” and a “play list”See everything as an offer - create a space for everyone’s voiceIf you’d like to explore more of the playful facilitation that Gary offers, connect with him:Online: https://www.breakthroughplay.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyware/IG: @garywareGary Ware, the Founder of Breakthrough Play, is a corporate facilitator, keynote speaker, certified coach, and author of the book Playful Rebellion: Maximize Workplace Success Through The Power of Play. Gary has over 14 years of experience in the corporate world holding various leadership positions. Being a multifaceted individual Gary also comes with nearly a decade of experience as a performer in improv theatre. After experiencing burnout in his pursuit for success and happiness, he realized that what was missing was play. Committing to a life of play is what led Gary to discover his passion for facilitating. Gary uses the power of applied improvisation and other playful methods to assist people in unlocking creativity, confidence, and better communication. Gary was recently featured as one of the Top 100 HR influencers of 2021 by the Engagedly HR software platform. When Gary isn't leading workshops or speaking, you can find him learning magic or off on an adventure with his wife Courtney and sons Garrett and Cameron. Connect with Gary: www.breakthroughplay.comBe sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep...

Today’s guest is Lola Adeyemo, a dear friend of mine and entrepreneur, scientist, speaker, and author. We both live in San Diego and I can count her among my “water cooler” friends that are always around to listen and help. In this episode, we’ll talk about her journey as a Nigerian immigrant making a life in America and how she uses her expertise to help businesses build a more inclusive culture.Culturally in Nigeria, Lola was raised to always respect and listen to everyone older than her. As she experienced college and corporate culture, that line got blurrier. She eventually learned that not everyone is looking out for your best interest, and it’s not always best to bend to those above you.Lola’s brand new book is called Thriving in Intersectionality: Immigrants, Belonging, and Corporate America. Her goal was to make people rethink how we purposefully foster inclusion in the workplace. In her work, she helps companies support their DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) policies by creating Employee Resource Groups that support fulfilling and outcomes-driven communities.Connect with Lola: https://eqimindset.com/Immigrants in Corporate: https://www.immigrantsincorporate.org/IG: @immigrantsincorporate_____________Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep knowing better and doing better!Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join Trailblazing in ColorPodcast Intro/Outro Music composed by Troy ChapmanA Podcast Launch Bestie production

On today’s episode, our guest is Kim Desmond. She is trailblazing paths as the City of San Diego’s first Chief of Race and Equity. Prior to this appointment, Kim served as the Director and Interim Chief Equity Officer for Mayor Michael B. Hancock, overseeing the Mayor’s Office of Social Equity and Innovation within the City and County of Denver.This conversation is a powerful one, as Kim has a way with storytelling, connecting dots, and role-modeling what it means to be intentional and care-driven in this work. Kim shares the winding, but ultimately, very aligned road that brought her to this work and how the intersection of all that she’s done makes her uniquely equipped for the work she does. She talks about the mindsets she’s adopted in order to what to do when everyone is looking to you to solve one of the most deep-rooted problems: systemic racism.I hope you are as inspired by this conversation as I was while having it!_____________Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode: www.trailblazingincolor.com/join Thanks for your ongoing commitment to keep knowing better and doing better.Trailblazing in ColorPodcast Intro/Outro Music composed by Troy ChapmanA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today's guest is Desiree Aspiras, founder of Deep Breath Network, a diverse and welcoming space to share creativity, mindfulness, and embodied practices with changemakers around the globe.Desiree is trailblazing paths as an educator, therapist and facilitator focused on integrating these practices into her arenas of mental health, higher education, and social justice. Infused in all of her work is a belief that inspiring individuals to find hope, meaning, and courage is essential to creating change.In our conversation, we talk about:Her journey to integrating mindfulness and contemplative practices into her work as an educator and therapist.What it means to reject the established and conditioned norms, particularly in the higher education space, and make the choice to authentically show up differently.How we avoid replicating oppressive systems in the spaces we occupy.Desiree and I have known each other for over 12 years and today we’ll chat about evolutions we’ve seen each other through that have shaped the experiences that made us who we are today. Thanks for tuning in!Connect with Desiree on her website, deepbreathnetwork.org or on IG @deep_breath_networkBe sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today’s guest is Tania Bhattacharyya, founder of Lumos Marketing, a thought leadership consultancy for social impact entrepreneurs ready to stand out as they stand up for their mission.In our conversation, we chat about:Strategies she uses to overcome imposter syndrome and other challenges that get in the way of women taking up more space.How to stand up and stand out as an expert with clarity and intention. The power of authentic storytelling and building your campfire circle.Helping social impact leaders attract their dream allies and build movements.Above all, Tania shares her hard-won wisdom and vision for raising the resources we collectively need to create positive change. Thank you for tuning in!Connect with Tania at https://lumosmarketing.co/Be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode.www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hi, everyone! Our guest today is an Emmy-award-winning Distinguished Software Engineer passionate about encouraging more young women to enter the tech field. Leslie Chapman is an Engineering Fellow for Comcast, a sought-after speaker, and an advocate for young women to pursue careers in technology.I am lucky enough to call her my Aunt Leslie and, throughout my life, she has served as a huge inspiration for me. Even so, like so many of us, she still struggles with imposter syndrome and believing she deserves a seat at the table. Over the course of our conversation, Leslie shares:How her intersectional identities of being Black, biracial, and a woman have impacted her experiences in the tech fieldHow she’s learned to embrace her identities as an integral part of her story and personal brandWhat's needed to create sustainable mentorshipsHow we can still influence significant change as individual contributorsIf you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode.www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today’s trailblazing guest is my long-time friend, Kyle Ali. Kyle is an advocate for equal educational and workforce opportunities and has led several large-scale initiatives to attract and develop Black talent at Google and through his work as Global Chairperson for the Black Googler Network.In so many of the arenas in which Kyle serves, his focus is on creating ripple effects of long-term impact and lasting change.Over the course of our conversation, Kyle shares how during his work with Teach for America, witnessing the lack of opportunities, particularly for young Black, Brown, and Native youth, shaped his focus on educational and workforce advocacy. We examine the work of building leadership that is reflective of the communities served and moving towards building prosperity for all.In all of his work, Kyle is focused on maintaining alignment with what matters most: fulfillment and impact.If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode.www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production

Our guest this week is Joan Maze, founder of Life in Seven Coaching & Consulting and the creator of Work Wellness Academy (WWA), a learning community dedicated to providing the practical strategies and resources needed to help people show up at work happy, healthy, and whole.Joan is a speaker, facilitator, and certified personal and executive coach who specializes in helping individuals and organizations create more freedom and fulfillment in their work. As part of WWA, Joan works with organizations to help them systemically unlearn toxic work habits and status quo work conventions. In this episode, we’ll talk about Joan’s experiences navigating a toxic work environment and how she learned to separate her worth from her work, while still maintaining a focus on her strengths and her purpose — and how we can all work towards doing the same.Connect with Joan on her website https://www.therealjoanmaze.com/If you want to tune into the conversation, be sure to hit Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Thanks, Trailblazer!www.trailblazingincolor.comA Podcast Launch Bestie production