Ep #39: Leadership Takes a Village with Dr. Ryan Ross, President of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest and final episode of the Working Within Podcast! In this episode we are joined by Shannon Jones, Chief People Officer for FirstBank. We dive into topics like creating community trust, betting on your leadership skills, and trailblazing from associate to c-suite.  Shannon Jones is the Chief People Officer for FirstBank, and has worked for the bank since June 1997, starting as an intern. Shannon serves on the Bank’s Senior Leadership Team and the following internal committees: Black/African American Business Development Group, Strength Through Recognition of Inclusion Diversity and Equity (STRIDE), Investment Advisory, Internal Compensation, Community Reinvestment and Involvement Oversight. Shannon serves on the Board of Directors for the Aurora Public Schools Foundation, The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and the CU Denver Business School Board of Advisors. She also served on the Leadership Advisory Council for the Black Progress in Education Fund and The Dearfield Fund. In October 2015 Shannon was the awardee for the Young Professional of the Year through the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Please enjoy this meaningful conversation! As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/WFuIgCRBPDc ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn: Insta:  @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/ 📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected] – Connect with Shannon Jones: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-jones-9616429/ 📋 CREDITS: – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/ – Marketing Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicof...  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Gabrielle Wyatt, Founder & CEO of The Highland Project. We dive into topics like daring to dream and leaving behind a legacy even when you’re not always set up to do so.  Gabrielle founded The Highland Project in October 2020, an organization focused on building and sustaining a pipeline of Black women leading communities, institutions, and systems, resulting in the creation of multi-generational wealth and change in their communities. Prior to founding The Highland Project, Gabrielle led major change initiatives in our nation’s largest and most complex school systems and shaped the investment strategy of leading national philanthropic initiatives. Most recently, she was a Partner at The City Fund, founded by leading national philanthropists to support local education leaders to build local movements for systemic change in education. Gabrielle supported local education leaders across the nation to expand opportunities for students in public schools through strategic advising, board service, and philanthropic investments. Wyatt is also a Board Member of the Leaders of Color program.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation! As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/WFuIgCRBPDc ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn: Insta:  @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/ 📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected] – Connect with Gabrielle Wyatt: Twitter: https://twitter.com/gl_wyatt?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glwyatt/?hl=en – Find out more about The Highland Project : https://www.thehighlandproject.org/ Support The Highland Project: https://www.thehighlandproject.org/donate.html 📋 CREDITS: – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/ – Marketing Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicof...  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Dr. Tara Jae (they/them), Founder & Executive Director at Youth Seen as well as the Co-Founder Black Pride Colorado. We dive into how showing up for yourself is an act of service. You can't show up for others if you don't show up for yourself first, something that might be a little unnatural for social impact entrepreneurs! Dr. Tara holds both a PhD and MFA and as the founder & Executive Director at Youth Seen and Co-Founder Black Pride Colorado, Dr. Tara’s work is rooted in an understanding of how communities of color heal, and how to dismantle the stigmas that mental health care needs do not exist within these communities. Tara is skilled in validating and working with racial trauma as it relates to mental health and in organizational spaces. They intricately apply their knowledge of how racialization, racism, and culture greatly impact our experiences of ourselves, our relationships, and our lives. Tangible, honest connection is at the foundation of tara’s therapeutic relationships, not just theory and jargon. Knowing the important role of community in individual healing, Tara scaffolds holistic support for their clients by helping build peer connections outside of the therapeutic process as well. Please enjoy this meaningful conversation! As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/7r3ywuj2Sek ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867 – Connect with Charlyn: Insta: @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/ 📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected] – Connect with Dr. Tara Jae: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-jae-phd-mfa-02025a214/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjaes/?hl=en – Find out more about Youth Seen: https://youthseen.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/youth-seen/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youth_seen/?hl=en Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/YouthSeen/ - Find out more about Black Pride Colorado: https://blackpridedenver.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackpridecolorado/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackpridecolorado/ 📋 CREDITS: – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/ – Marketing Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicof... – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Dr. Ryan Ross, President of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado. We dive into a story of leadership in chapters as we discuss Dr. Ross’ earlier years that shaped him into the incredible community builder and shaper that he is today. A committed educational leader and community servant, Ryan has been coined “Denver’s role Model for Inclusiveness, has received the Denver Business Journal’s prestigious 40 under Forty Award, was named as an African American who make a difference by the Denver Urban Spectrum, received Colorado’s 2011 M.O.D.E.L (Man of Distinction Excellence, and Leadership) award, in 2013 received the MLK Humanitarian from Colorado’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, and most recently in March of 2016 was recognized as Colorado’s 9 News leader of the year.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation! As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/r-L--YRGITM ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867 – Connect with Charlyn: Insta:  @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/ 📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected] – Connect with Dr. Ryan Ross: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/docryanross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docryanross/ – Find out more about the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado : https://ulfcolorado.org/alumni/dr-ryan-ross/ Support the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado: https://ulfcolorado.networkforgood.com/projects/154396-urban-leadership-foundation-of-colorado 📋 Credits:  - Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Dr. Plashan McCune, Executive Director of Higher Learning U Inc. and CEO of The Black Homeownership Project. We dive into a heartfelt and passionate conversation that really is A Love Letter to Black Girls. Dr. McCune is no stranger to hard work and dedication as she currently is on the National Board for Certified Counselors, is a licensed professional counselor, and has earned a Doctor of Education degree. But education was only the beginning of her incredible journey towards leadershipt. Above all, she creates a lasting difference for young Black girls by hosting the African American Young Ladies Summit program. She contributes to the creation of Black wealth through her work with the Black Homeownership Project. Please enjoy this meaningful conversation! As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/uH-HN2scSO8 ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867 – Connect with Charlyn: Insta:  @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/ 📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected] – Connect with Dr. Plashan McCune: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-plashan-mccune – Find out more about AAYLS and Black Homeownership Project : African American Young Ladies Summit Website: https://higherlearningu.org/african-american-young-ladies Black Homeownership Project Website: https://blackhomeownershipproject.org/ 📋 CREDITS: – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 – Chief of Staff: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks – Marketing Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Jice Johnson, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of the Black Business Initiative as we dive into a very powerful, very real conversation about strengthening our Black economic base.  Jice Johnson is an established Businesswoman, US Army Veteran, Motivator, and Community Advocate. An institution builder and economic developer, she is driven to implement system-shattering, transformational change. And she does! Here in Denver and nationally.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation and head to our website or social media channels to stay involved in the discussion.  Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you stay connected to all things Working Within, and click the link below to sign up for our email list. 📩  As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧  💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter  https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support  📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here  https://youtu.be/WFuIgCRBPDc  ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram  https://instagram.com/working.within/  📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list  https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn:  Insta: @charrrbucks  https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/  📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected]  – Connect with Jice Johnson:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jicejohnson/?hl=en  Website: https://www.jicejohnson.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jice-johnson  – Find out more about the Black Business Initiative :  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbiprofessional/?hl=en  Website: https://www.bbiprofessional.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbiprofessional/  📋 CREDITS:  – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94  https://instagram.com/krislee94/  – Growth Manager: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks  https://instagram.com/micahjacks/  – Social Media Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial  https://www.instagram.com/maramusicofficial  – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan  https://instagram.com/whoishan/  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints  https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/  📝 Find more details about the Working Within team linked here  https://www.workingwithin.net/team  – Support the Working Within Podcast: https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Jay and Mani from the Fine and Filthy Rich Podcast as we hear their take on how we can become more financially literate and adopt a money mindset instead of feeling shame or limits when it comes to our money.  The Fine and Filthy Rich Podcast is a much needed source where two young Black women talk about everything from finance, money, spending, saving and even advice on how you can create a plan to get out of debt.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation and head to our website or social media channels to stay involved in the conversation around empathy, queerness, and authenticity.  Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you stay connected to all things Working Within, and click the link below to sign up for our email list. 📩  As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧  💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support  📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/LU_nsG8Pss8  ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/  📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn:  Insta: @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/  📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected]  – Connect with Fine and Filthy Rich:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fineandfilthyrich/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fineandfilthyrich  To listen to their podcast, visit:  https://pod.link/1612772830  📋 CREDITS:  – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94  https://instagram.com/krislee94/  – Growth Manager: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks  https://instagram.com/micahjacks/  – Social Media Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial  https://www.instagram.com/maramusicofficial  – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan  https://instagram.com/whoishan/  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints  https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/  📝 Find more details about the Working Within team linked  here https://www.workingwithin.net/team  – Support the Working Within Podcast: https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Nicole Bruno who took her experience with woke-place race and gender-based descrimination and used it as the fuel to leave the corporate world that didn’t accept her and build her own, successful, inclusive business.  As Founder and CEO of Bruno PR & Social, Nicole wanted to start an empire that allowed for people from all different backgrounds to come together and help mission-driven businesses, brands, and nonprofits amplify their narrative, expand their reach, establish authentic connections, and make a difference in their communities and the world.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation and head to our website or social media channels to stay involved in the conversation around empathy, queerness, and authenticity.  Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you stay connected to all things Working Within, and click the link below to sign up for our email list. 📩  As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧  💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter  https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support  📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here  https://youtu.be/32EtWeNYNbY  ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram  https://instagram.com/working.within/  📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list  https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn:  Insta: @charrrbucks  https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/  📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected]  – Connect with Nicole Bruno:  Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolebruno/  Bruno PR & Social’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunoprandsocial/  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmbruno/  Bruno PR & Social’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bruno-pr-and-social/  To learn more about what Bruno PR & Social does, visit their website: https://www.brunoprandsocial.com/  📋 CREDITS:  – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/  – Growth Manager: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks https://instagram.com/micahjacks/  – Social Media Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicofficial/  – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan https://instagram.com/whoishan/  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/  📝 Find more details about the Working Within team linked here https://www.workingwithin.net/team  –  Support the Working Within Podcast: https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Aaron Walker who is no stranger to building businesses from the ground up. He is a serial entrepreneur who is dedicated to helping other entrepreneurs rise.  As Founder and CEO of Camelback Ventures, he aims to create a more diverse social innovation ecosystem that leverages the genius of all people. His company identifies local leaders with promising ideas, and empowers them to enact change within their communities through education and technology initiatives where Camelback Ventures provides an intentional blend of coaching, capital, connections, community, and curriculum.  Please enjoy this meaningful conversation and head to our website or social media channels to stay involved in the conversation around empathy, queerness, and authenticity.  Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you stay connected to all things Working Within, and click the link below to sign up for our email list. 📩  As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧  💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support  📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/32EtWeNYNbY ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/  📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867  – Connect with Charlyn:  Insta: @charrrbucks https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/  📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected]  – Connect with Aaron Walker:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atwalker  Camelback Ventures Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/camelbackventures/?hl=en  To learn more about the incredible work Camelback Ventures does, visit: https://www.camelbackventures.org/  📋 CREDITS:  – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/  – Growth Manager: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks https://instagram.com/micahjacks/  – Social Media Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicofficial/ – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan https://instagram.com/whoishan/  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/  📝 Find more details about the Working Within team linked here https://workingwithin.net/team  –  Support the Working Within Podcast: https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support

Welcome back and thank you all for tuning in to the latest episode of the Working Within Podcast Season 3! In this week’s episode we are joined by Syah B. who has literally built her career around opening up dialogue in work spaces. She teaches professionals how to trust and better understand people’s various experiences through empathy. She is a Creative Strategist for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and she is changing the professional landscape as we know it. As a non-binary Black person, Syah is no stranger to feeling left out of certain conversations. But it was through her love for really listening to everyone’s stories and finding her family in Denver’s Ballroom scene that lead her to discover her passion for changing the narrative in the professional workplace,  starting new, beneficial conversations with her clients as a social justice educator. Please enjoy this meaningful conversation and head to our website or social media channels to stay involved in the conversation around empathy, queerness, and authenticity. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram so you stay connected to all things Working Within, and click the link below to sign up for our email list. 📩 As always, thank you for tuning in. 🎧 💜 Become a monthly podcast supporter https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support 📹 Watch Season 3 on Youtube here https://youtu.be/dHOBGtJxcdg ✅ Follow Working Within on Instagram https://instagram.com/working.within/ 📩 To keep up with all things Working Within, sign up for our mailing list https://workingwithin.us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=55a9c5b50c901617236d78a27&id=4522987867 – Connect with Charlyn: Insta:  @charrrbucks  https://instagram.com/charrrbucks/  📲 For inquiries, please email [email protected]  – Connect with Syah B.:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syahb/  Deep Dive Dei Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/deepdivedei/?hl=en  Personal Instagram Channel: https://www.instagram.com/princesssoleillabeija/?hl=en   To learn more about Syah B.’s consultancy work, visit: https://www.deepdivedei.com/syah-b  📋 CREDITS: – Producer: Kris Lee | @krislee94 https://instagram.com/krislee94/  – Growth Manager: Micah Jacks | @micahjacks https://instagram.com/micahjacks/  – Social Media Manager: Mara Daniele | @maramusicofficial https://www.instagram.com/maramusicofficial   – Visual Designer & Animator: Hannah Curran | @whoishan https://instagram.com/whoishan/  – Illustrator: Sophie Devincenti | @sophiemakesprints https://instagram.com/sophiemakesprints/  📝 Find more details about the Working Within team linked here https://workingwithin.net/team  – Support the Working Within Podcast: https://anchor.fm/workingwithin/support --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/workingwithin/support