Ever wondered how a former attorney turns passion for science into a thriving distillery? Join Chanda Smith Baker as she dives deep with Chris Montana, founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. Discover the transformative power of mentorship, the gritty realities of fundraising, and the resilience needed to pivot during a pandemic. Hear how producing hand sanitizer for first responders and homeless shelters became a lifeline. This episode will inspire you to invest in people, embrace adaptability, and ...
Aug 09, 2024•45 min•Ep. 142
Can police departments evolve to prioritize trust and accountability? Chanda and Assistant Chief Alice White explore the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement, and what it takes to create lasting change. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker
Jul 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 141
This is part of the Shaping the Future: Women in Law Enforcement Series. Join Chanda Smith Baker and retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, Kris Arneson, as they navigate the urgent need for change in policing culture, community engagement, and the invaluable impact of women in law enforcement. Learn from Kris's 32-year journey about breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and championing ethical policing practices. Don't miss this conversation about reshaping the future o...
Jul 12, 2024•46 min•Ep. 140
In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker and Dawn Selle sit with trailblazing guest Deborah Montgomery, the first female police officer in St. Paul, MN, in 1975. Now retired, Montgomery reflects on her remarkable career dedicated to breaking barriers, championing civil rights, and making a lasting impact on her community. They explore critical topics surrounding policing, community justice, and fostering genuine connections within the community. Emphasizing the vital roles of empathy, communication, ...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 139
Join Chanda Smith Baker as she talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins about his journey to uncover years of family history, revealing the intertwined lives of Black and White families and the impact of historical trauma on contemporary America. Listen to the prelude "WHAT HAPPENED IN ALABAMA?" podcast at whathappenedinalabama.org and pre-order "I AM NOBODY’S SLAVE: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free" (HarperCollins 2025) on Amazon. www.whathappenedinalabama.org (podcast) http...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 138
In our latest episode of Conversations with Chanda, we are joined by Dr. Rachel R. Hardeman, a Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity and Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, both trailblazers and twin sisters committed to equity and social justice. We explore the powerful legacies of black Minnesotan families and their impact on community service and leadership. Th...
May 24, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 137
In this powerful episode of Centering Conversations, Dr. Gisele Shorter, President and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, shares her deep belief that an equitable society starts with an equitable education system. With over 15 years of experience leading large-scale community-based programs, Dr. Shorter is committed to advancing education justice and closing the opportunity gap for Black and Brown youth. Tune in to hear her insights on building a more just and equitable world through ed...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 136
In this live event at the Medtronic Club, U.S. Bank Stadium, Chanda interviews panelists Alice White, Deborah Montgomery, and Kris Arneson on their experiences and insights in recruiting and retaining women in law enforcement. Alice White, currently the Assistant Chief of the Golden Valley Police Department, shares her journey from Community Service Officer to Sergeant, and her role in implementing Procedural Justice training. Deborah Montgomery, a trailblazer in law enforcement, made history as...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 135
In this powerful episode of Conversations with Chanda, Dr. Tashion Macon, Culturalist and Communication + Cachet Catalyst, shares her inspiring journey and the secrets to achieving peak performance and successful outcomes. Dr. Tashion is a master at moving others to see where culture and the consumer are headed, making her an invaluable asset to individuals and institutions alike. From her humble beginnings in East St. Louis to her high-powered career in global entertainment and marketing, she s...
Apr 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 134
Antoinette Malveaux, Managing Director at Casey Family Programs, joins Chanda to discuss leadership development, social justice, racial equity, and philanthropy's role in driving systemic change. They explore the importance of inclusive leadership, listening, and accountability in creating a more just and equitable world. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker
Apr 17, 2024•55 min•Ep. 133
In this episode with Nancy Lyons, CEO and co-founder of Clockwork, Chanda and Nancy discuss the power of self-awareness, authenticity, and using your platform for good. Nancy shares her journey in the tech industry, the importance of embracing your unique identity, and how she balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and activism. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker nancylyons.com clockwork.com madebytempo.com...
Apr 05, 2024•57 min•Ep. 132
In this episode, Chanda speaks with Dr. Vivienne Ming, a self-proclaimed mad scientist and expert in AI. Born into a family with high expectations, Dr. Ming shares her personal journey of overcoming homelessness and rediscovering her purpose. She explains her groundbreaking work in AI, focusing on its potential to help humans thrive rather than simply replacing them in the workforce. Dr. Ming discusses the importance of nurturing qualities like resilience, working memory, and meaningfulness in l...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 131
In this episode of Centering Conversations, Chanda Smith Baker talks to Flozell Daniels Jr., the CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation and a New Orleans native with expertise in public policy, community development, and criminal justice reform. They discuss the legacy of Janine Lee, a philanthropy leader in the southeast, and the challenges and stresses that come with working in the field. Flozell also shares his experiences navigating complex systems and managing expectations, emphasizing...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 130
Join Chanda Smith Baker as she welcomes Dr. Rahel Nardos, an associate professor in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and the inaugural director of global women’s health at the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, University of Minnesota. In this episode, Dr. Nardos shares her journey from life in Ethiopia to her impactful work in Minneapolis. The discussion dives into her holistic strategy, combining empathetic listening and cultural sensitivity to improve medical...
Mar 08, 2024•55 min•Ep. 129
Join Chanda Smith Baker in a conversation with Judy Belk, award-winning writer and former President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation, as they discuss the power of place and its impact on health and wellness. Belk shares her journey of growing up in the segregated South, the injustices she faced, and how it shaped her commitment to justice and philanthropy. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com www.voicevisionvalue.org IG @chandasbaker, @conversationswithchanda, @voice.vi...
Feb 21, 2024•57 min•Ep. 128
In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker talks to Markus Flynn, Executive Director of Black Men Teach, about the importance of representation in the classroom. They discuss the impact of black male teachers on students' self-esteem and belonging, the need for diverse friendships to combat racism, and the benefits of having relatable teachers in diverse learning environments. Supported by: African American Leadership Forum Twin Cities www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker ...
Feb 09, 2024•57 min•Ep. 127
In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, we are joined by the inspiring Rep. Ilhan Omar, the first Somali legislator in the US. As a fierce advocate for her community and a trailblazer in representation, Rep. Omar shares her personal journey from grassroots organizing to becoming a bold voice in Congress.
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 126
In this powerful conversation from 2019, Dr. Yusef Salaam, one of the Central Park Five, shares his story of resilience on Conversations with Chanda. Wrongfully convicted at 15, he spent nearly seven years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2002. Now, he serves as a member for New York City's 9th City Council district. Tune in to hear about the power of owning your narrative, the scars of lost time, and how to move forward after being knocked down.
Jan 13, 2024•44 min•Ep. 125
Amanda Brinkman is a producer, branding expert, and public speaker who shares her “Do Well By Doing Good” philosophy around the country. Amanda joined Chanda for a live conversation at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ 2022 Annual Conference. Together, they explored the current state of the nonprofit sector and the power of authentic leadership. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker @amandabrinkman.com IG: @ama...
Dec 29, 2023•59 min•Ep. 124
This conversation features Gladys Washington, the retired Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, as she shares her experiences in philanthropy and navigating power dynamics as a Black woman leader. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, honesty, and community building for Black women in leadership positions. Washington encourages listeners to lighten up, listen to others, and engage in challenging conversations to learn from diverse perspectives. Special thanks to our part...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 123
This Conversations with Chanda podcast episode features a powerful live discussion moderated by Chanda Smith Baker at the Nonprofit Board Lab 2023: New Commonwealth Fund Panel. Joining her are guests Dr. Makeeba McCreary at the New Commonwealth Fund and Quincy Miller, Eastern Bank, who share insights on their experience with creating and leading an organization focused on racial equity and social justice. Join Chanda, Dr. Makeeba, and Quincy as they address systemic racism, the challenges of phi...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 122
Malik Rucker shared the transformational story of V3 Sports and his leadership journey in sports and community development. Malik is the Executive Director of V3 Sports, a community hub focused on wellness, fitness, and education in North Minneapolis. Learn from Malik's journey of leadership and purpose in sports development.
Dec 01, 2023•51 min•Ep. 121
Join us for a live conversation introduced by Lulete Mola, President & Co-Founder of the Minnesota Black Collective Foundation, and hosted by Chanda Smith Baker featuring distinguished civic leaders Wenda Weekes Moore and Phyllis Goff. From childhood experiences of giving to addressing racial disparities and building trust in philanthropy, these trailblazers share insights on leadership, courage, and making a lasting impact.
Nov 17, 2023•45 min•Ep. 120
Join Chanda Smith Baker in a conversation with award-winning journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023. Dive into overcoming perfectionism, identity struggles, and the importance of representation. From burnout lessons to reclaiming dreams, this episode is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care.
Nov 15, 2023•55 min•Ep. 119
In Part II of a 2-part special series episode featuring Takema Robinson, CEO and Founder of Converge, a national social-justice consulting firm, they dive further into the narrative surrounding AJ Owens story, their interactions with Ben Crump, and the critical need for support for families impacted by police and racial violence. convergeforchange.com IG @iamtakema www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker
Oct 20, 2023•37 min•Ep. 118
In Part I of a 2-Part series episode, Chanda engages in an insightful discussion with the extraordinary Takema Robinson, CEO and Founder of Converge, a national social-justice consulting firm. Together, they explore the intersection of personal identity and social justice work, as well as the tragic story of AJ Owens. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker
Oct 20, 2023•44 min•Ep. 117
Tune in as Chanda Smith Baker engages in a candid conversation with Yanique Redwood, renowned for her work on racial equity and justice. Yanique is the author of White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism in Philanthropy. Uncover compelling insights into the impact of race and trauma, the dynamics of sharing experiences, emotional labor in nonprofits, and the transformative power of self-care and community. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbak...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 116
In this episode recorded during the "Portraits of Us" Book Launch Celebration, Chanda Smith Baker engages in a conversation with influential leaders in philanthropy. Together with Toya Nash Randall, LaCora Bradford Kesti, and Karen Kelley-Ariwoola, they explore the critical intersections of racial equity, privilege, and community support. Discover how their voices are reshaping the landscape and driving change in the world of giving.
Sep 22, 2023•53 min•Ep. 115
In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker engages in an insightful conversation with Erika Seth Davies, the distinguished CEO of Rhia Ventures and visionary Founder of the Racial Equity Asset Lab. Together, they navigate the complex intersections of racial equity and impact investing. Through Erika's inspiring journey and their exploration of the evolving philanthropic landscape, you'll uncover the powerful forces at play, driving us towards a more just and equitable future.
Sep 20, 2023•55 min•Ep. 114
Discover the journey of Dion Dawson, a dynamic social entrepreneur, philanthropic leader, and founder dedicated to tackling food insecurity through innovative logistics and community-driven solutions. Dion founded Dion’s Chicago Dream, a nonprofit organization that combats food insecurity through logistics & last-mile delivery.
Sep 08, 2023•50 min•Ep. 113
