The R.A.C.E. Podcast

Are you committed to driving equitable policies that benefit not just Black women, but all women and workers? Are you ready to lead change that centers on race and brings about brave, transformative conversations? Stay tuned as we unravel strategies to achieve this impactful result.My special guest is Dr. Mikhiela SherrodDr. Mikhiela Sherrod, an influential figure in racial equity and economic justice, brings a wealth of experience in community activism and civil rights initiatives. Her journey from a scientific and research background to her current role as a leader at Oxfam America, spearheading domestic programs and policies, reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing systemic disparities. With a strong track record in initiatives such as "A New Era for Black Women," Dr. Sherrod's dedication to advancing equitable policies for marginalized communities is evident. Her multifaceted expertise and deep-rooted passion for social justice position her as a pivotal figure in driving impactful conversations on leadership, racial equity, and economic justice for women of color.In this episode, you will be able to:Empower Black women and unveil the blueprint for equitable policiesLead with impact by embracing Racial Equity in LeadershipFuel economic power through strategies for justice among women of colorUplift women by building a care economy for lasting changeConnect with Dr. Mikhiela SherrodWebsite: OxFamAmericaLinkedIn: Dr. Mikhiela SherrodHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

If you're feeling frustrated by the lack of progress in advancing racial equity, despite pouring time and effort into traditional strategies, then you are not alone! You might be experiencing a sense of stagnation and disappointment, wondering why the desired results are not materializing despite your hard work and dedication. It's time to explore new, innovative approaches to leadership in racial equity. Let's break free from the limitations of conventional methods and embrace fresh, empowering strategies that truly make a difference.My special guest is JaTaune Bosby:JaTaune Bosby is a highly respected leader in racial equity work. With a background deeply rooted in the black church tradition, Bosby's insights into inclusive leadership strategies have been instrumental in advancing racial equity. Her understanding of the impact of Alabama's civil rights history and the importance of funding BIPOC-led organizations brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Furthermore, her commitment to reimagining leadership through a black feminist lens offers a fresh and insightful approach. Bosby's expertise and experience make her a valuable voice in the ongoing dialogue around racial equity and community development.In this episode, you will be able to:Uncover effective approaches for driving meaningful change and fostering inclusivity in organizational leadership.Discover the pivotal role of the black church in fostering community development and driving social change.Gain insights into the profound impact of Alabama's civil rights history and its enduring relevance in today's societal landscape.Explore the critical importance of funding BIPOC-led organizations and the transformative impact it can have on communities.Explore the powerful perspectives and strategies for redefining leadership through the lens of black feminist principles.Connect with JaTaune Bosby:Website: ACLU of AlabamaLinkedIn: JaTaune BosbyHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Are you tired of feeling like your efforts to address racial equity are falling short? Have you been told that change can only be achieved through personal responsibility? It's time to break free from ineffective approaches and discover new ways to lead change in Racial Equity. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that will empower you to navigate the complexities of racial equity work with confidence and effectiveness.My special guest is Sherece WestSherece West is an accomplished professional with a strong background in public policy and racial equity. Holding two degrees in public policy, Sherece has garnered extensive experience in philanthropy. Her upbringing in Baltimore's segregated neighborhoods, followed by exposure to integrated schooling, has profoundly shaped her understanding of racial identity and its implications for leadership. Sherece's expertise lies in analyzing the critical role of policy in perpetuating systemic racism and its enduring impact on economic equity. With nuanced insights into the structural underpinnings of racial disparities, especially within the realm of wealth generation and philanthropy, she is a pivotal voice in the ongoing discourse on racial equity and systemic reform. Sherece West's multifaceted perspective offers a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay of race, leadership, and policy, making her a significant contributor to the dialogue on racial justice and transformative change.In this episode, you will be able to:Learn how to lead change through actionable strategies for racial equity advancement.Understand the pivotal role of policy in dismantling systemic racism and creating lasting change.Uncover the barriers to economic equity faced by people of color and explore potential solutions.Gain insights into the impact of identity on leadership and navigating race-related challenges.Discover effective strategies for achieving racial equity in education and promoting inclusivity.Connect with Sherece West:Website: Winthrop Rockefeller FoundationLinkedIn: Sherece WestHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Does your leadership journey feel like an uphill battle? Have you been told that the key to success is just following the rules and working harder? But the pain of putting in all that effort and still not getting the results you deserve is wearing you down? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. It's time to uncover the real strategies for achieving racial equity in leadership and creating a path to success that truly works for you.My special guest is Ify WalkerIfy Walker, a Nigerian American leader, offers a distinctive and insightful perspective on racial equity in leadership. As the eldest child of Nigerian immigrants, her experiences have significantly influenced her approach to leadership and the impact of identities on organizational dynamics. With a background in executive search, Ify has encountered and adeptly addressed the challenges of promoting diversity and inclusive hiring practices, making her a valuable resource for leaders seeking to foster equitable environments within their organizations. Her unwavering commitment to leadership development for racial equity, coupled with her profound respect for her heritage, positions her as an authoritative voice in the ongoing conversation about creating inclusive and diverse workplaces.Ify Walker (she/her) is the proud product of Nigerian parents, Wisconsin, and Head Start. A fierce believer in equitable culture and talent practices, Ify’s experience spans law, fundraising, and talent cultivation. As Founder and CEO of Offor, she has helped over 300 founders and boards hire top executives from a talent network of more than 20,000 leaders. When not leading Offor, she’s running Mom’s School of Excellence with her husband—the most important decision she’s ever made.In this episode, you will be able to:Gain insights into racial equity within organizational leadership to drive positive change and inclusivity.Understand how individual identities influence leadership styles and decision-making processes within diverse organizational settings.Navigate the complexities of executive search processes to overcome challenges and enhance diversity in leadership positions.Develop effective leadership strategies and practices to promote racial equity and create a more inclusive organizational culture.Connect with Ify Walker:Website: Offor.coLinkedIn: Ify WalkerHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Welcome to Episode 12 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today I am so excited to welcome Joe Sciortino, Executive Director of The Schmidt Family Foundation. Join us as we delve into Humanity, Racial Equity, and Philanthropy. This conversation has been in the making for the last decade and I am truly honored to have shared the space and the journey with Joe. Meet Joe Sciortino:Joseph Sciortino is the Executive Director of the Schmidt Family Foundation, overseeing all grantmaking and impact investing across the foundation’s various programs and initiatives.Having been with the foundation since its inception in 2006, Joe now manages a team of dedicated professionals working to advance clean energy, strengthen regenerative food systems, protect human rights and restore ocean health.Joe is proud to be an active participant in the nonprofit sector, including as a partner to the Democracy Frontlines Fund. He has spent many years volunteering in the Bay Area, including with the Gulf of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary, AIDS LifeCycle, Project Homeless Connect and as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for foster youth.You can often find Joe cycling around the country to visit many of the foundation’s partners, from regenerative farmers in Iowa to frontline communities confronting Big Oil in Los Angeles.He holds a Master of Science in environmental management from The University of San Francisco (USF) and a Bachelor of Science in finance and marketing from New York University.Listen in as Joe shares:His identities and what it means for him to be white and how it informs how he leads on Race.The journey to recognizing his unactualized power as a white leader and how to use it for goodWhat it has meant to evolve his consciousness around racial equity as a leader and what his responsibilities areThe top 3 priorities currently for the Foundation in terms of Racial equityWhat advice he would give to his younger selfAnd so much moreConnect with Joe Sciortino:Website: The Schmidt Family FoundationLinkedIn: Joe SciortinoHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Welcome to Episode 11 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today I am speaking with Nina Lagpacan, Program Officer at Oceankind Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of global ocean ecosystems while supporting the livelihoods of people who rely on them. Our conversation is centered on the “small wins” and how we can start affecting change in the smallest moments. A special thank you to Nina for her time, her conversation, and her work. Meet Nina Lagpacan:Nina is a results driven natural resource manager passionate about the conservation of natural spaces for the enjoyment of future generations. She uses her unique skill set in forestry and natural resource management combined with my expertise in organizational management to promote operational excellence in philanthropy and grant making.She began her career in conservation working as a park ranger at Wind Cave, Rocky Mountain and Grand Teton National Parks. She then worked with an urban forestry non-profit organization focused on community greening and beautification. It was during this time that she realized it is equally important for leaders in the environmental field to possess both technical expertise in their field of study and organizational management skills.She continued her studies at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and the Yale School of Management in a joint Master of Environmental Management/ MBA program.Her current role utilizes her unique skill set in environmental conservation and organizational management to lead on foundation operations and manage grants and investments to advance ocean justice and equity.Listen in as Nina shares:Her identities and how they inform how she leads on race.What racial equity means to herHow she prioritizes “humanity” within her workHer sources of motivation and inspirationWhat advice she would give to her younger selfAnd so much moreConnect with Nina Lagpacan:Website: Oceankind FoundationLinkedIn: Nina LagpacanHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

As we know from Dr. King, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice." What tools do those of us working on race need to shape that arc?  In this conversation with Jasmine Hall Ratcliff, she shares her tactical experience building bridges, translating between relationships tilted by power, and patiently driving change through fractals and alchemy. Our conversation explores the non-linear path, to leadership, change, and understanding, both within racial equity and justice and beyond. Meet Jasmine Hall RatliffJasmine Hall Ratliff is Executive Director of Build Missouri Health, a new organization whose mission is to eliminate underlying causes of health inequities, transform systems, and enable individuals and communities to thrive.. As the organization’s first ED, she is tasked with building its strategic plan, activating its priority areas, and building partnerships across the state.Before joining BMH, Jasmine worked in several capacities at Keecha Harris and Associates, a Black-woman-owned national consulting firm, and as a program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, where she worked primarily on healthy food access and policy. Early in her career, she worked at the Missouri Foundation for Health, directing the women’s and children’s oral health grant programs. Mrs. Hall Ratliff earned a Master of Health Administration from the Saint Louis University School of Public Health and a BA from the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!). She has presented at numerous national conferences on food policy and philanthropy, has been published in blogs and peer-reviewed journals, and has completed various national fellowships.Listen in as Jasmine sharesHer identities and how they inform how she leads on race.What racial equity means to her and how it shows up in her workHer sources of support and inspirationThe results of her work that she is most proud ofHow she continues to show up even when things get challengingWhat advice she would give to listeners as they lead on racial equity and justice.And moreConnect with Jasmine Hall RatliffWebsite: Build Missouri HealthLinkedIn: Jasmine Hall RatliffHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. I am back after a bustling summer and I am absolutely delighted to be speaking with Ashleigh Gardere, President of Policy Link, a national research and action institute that is working to build a future where all people in the United States of America can participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities of opportunity.​ Our conversation delves into the honor and often challenge of upholding the legacy and continuation of social and racial justice work. I have watched and been inspired by Ashleigh and her work and am so thankful for her commitment and her time.Meet Ashleigh Gardere:Ashleigh has been recognized by Living Cities as one of the nation’s Top 25 Disruptive Leaders working to close racial wealth gaps, Ashleigh is an expert in economic and workforce development, public policy, organizational leadership and culture change, and performance management for large-scale systems transformation.As *newly appointed* President at Policy Link, Ashleigh brings vision to life through PolicyLink programs, activating common and uncommon partners to develop a shared national equity agenda. She is a pioneer in inclusive economic growth. She works effectively across government, private, and nonprofit sectors to create infrastructure for a coalition broad enough to Win on Equity.Ashleigh serves as board chair of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation which partners with organizations and networks to alleviate poverty and increase social and economic justice in 11 Southern states. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Urban Studies from New York University and a master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, where she was a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow.Listen in as Ashleigh shares:The identities she holds closest including “21st century leader”How she defines Racial Equity and how it informs her leadershipThe goals and needs necessary for her role as President of Policy LinkThe results of her work and what keeps her motivatedHer sources of support and informationWhat she wants leaders to know, think, and feel in their quest to be leaders in this workAnd so much moreConnect with Ashleigh Gardere:Website: Policy LinkLinkedIn: Ashleigh GardereHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today’s episode features 2 of the 3 Black Vice Presidents of Communications among large philanthropic organizations, Allyn Brooks-Lasure, VP of Communications, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kristen Mack, VP of Communications, Fellow & Partnership, MacArthur Foundation. This episode is truly a moment of honor and speaks to the intricacies of navigating communications within a large organization.Meet Allyn Brooks-Lasure and Kristen Mack:Allyn Brooks-LaSure joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2020, bringing more than 20 years of communications, management, and policy experience to his role as vice president, Communications. Crediting his family for providing a model for service to others, he values the opportunity to promote the Foundation’s mission-driven commitment to helping everyone in America have an equal opportunity to pursue a healthier life. Allyn completed his BA in Psychology at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Born in Bridgeton, N.J., he currently resides with his wife and daughter in northern Virginia.Kristen MackAs Vice President, Communications, MacArthur Fellows, and Partnerships, Kristen is the organization’s senior communications leader, managing a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen MacArthur’s reputation, the impact of the organizations it supports, and the communities they serve. Kristen puts storytelling at the center of all of her work and is committed to identifying compelling narratives that amplify individual and collective voices.Kristen received her Bachelor of Arts from Emory University and her Masters of Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. Listen in as Allyn and Kristen share:Their identities and how they show up in and inform their communications workHow communications related to Racial Equity and justice are crafted, especially in today’s world and political climate.The role and process of Racial Equity focused narrative change in an organizationWhat people should know, do, or feel as they lead on Race in the workplaceConnect with Allyn Brooks-Lasure and Kristen MackWebsite: Robert Wood Johnson FoundationWebsite: MacArthur FoundationLinkedInAllyn Brooks-LasureKristen MackHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today I am delighted to speak with Rachel Robasciotti, Founder and CEO of Adasina Social Capital, a financial services firm dedicated to supporting the well-being of people and the planet. Our conversation is bold and refreshing and challenges the status quo of what it means to own and operate a financial services institution. I am truly thankful to Rachel for her work, her expertise, her commitment, and her time.Meet Rachel J. Robasciotti:Rachel’s passion for social justice investing is rooted in her background as a Black, queer woman and growing up in a community that struggled for safety and financial security within a rural town that was largely segregated.Rachel graduated from high school at age 15 and attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Economics. At age 25, she founded a financial services firm dedicated to supporting the well-being of people and the planet. At the firm – which would later become Adasina Social Capital – Rachel launched its social justice investing strategy. This strategy positioned her as a leader in the financial industry for integrating issues of racial, gender, economic, and climate justice into investment portfolios.In addition, she is a co-creator of the Due Diligence 2.0 Commitment, an effort to transform the investment industry and increase capital flow to Black, Indigenous, and people of color asset managers. For her work, Rachel was recognized as one of the ThinkAdvisor LUMINARIES in Asset Management and named to the Root 100 List of the most influential African Americans. She was recently honored with the 2023 InvestmentNews Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Award, a testament to her dedication to greater DEI efforts in the investment industry.Listen in as Rachel shares:How her identities have led her to the work she does in the financial services spaceWhat Racial Equity means to her and her workHer experience navigating the space as a queer woman of colorHow she includes and accounts for Racial Equity in goal setting within her organization as well as in her work with othersThe importance of relationship building in her work and the need to radical transformation to make it happenHer sources of inspiration and what she wants to be remembered forAnd so much moreConnect with Rachel J. Robasciotti:Website: Adasina Social CapitalLinkedIn: Rachel J. RobasciottiHi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:Website: https://khandassociates.com/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociatesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featuredConnect with Keecha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/