Uncommon Conversations: Desiree Vargas Wrigley and Naomi Hirabayashi

In this open and honest conversation, first-time mother and first-time founder Ella Livingston and Shelly Bell, serial entrepreneur and mother of three, discuss the ways that systems fail to support women and families; the need for organizations and policymakers to care about workers as people; and how entrepreneurship can be an opportunity for women to create their own formula for success.

These founders candidly address the barriers to raising capital, and the impact inequities have on the earnings and innovative potential of women – all against the backdrop of their personal lives and the professional challenges of this past year.

Dr. JaNaé Taylor and Katie Hendrix discuss the impact of women on the economy; what personal and policy support could do for women and families struggling to combine career goals and caregiving; and, how all of it manifests in their own lives.

When entrepreneurial ecosystem builders podcast, the advice, resources, and conversations that used to happen in person between entrepreneurs, investors, and local government – still happen.

Why building more inclusive entrepreneurship systems is key to revitalizing and strengthening communities and the economy as a whole.

A conversation on the underappreciated stresses brought on non-profit organizations by the pandemic – both financial, but also in their frontline role in dealing with the social fallout.

A conversation about the historic inequities in access to capital financing that have been amplified during the pandemic.

A conversation about how the pandemic has made the digital divide even wider for vulnerable students to receive a quality education.

An interview with experienced business writer and editor Elizabeth MacBride, who took a risk to launch her own media company to show how vital unsung entrepreneurs and small businesses are to the U.S. economy.

A conversation about the critical role policy plays for small businesses – especially given the confluence of factors in 2020.