In today’s episode, we talk with the wonderful Sonia Karkare . Sonia is an adjunct professor and doctoral candidate at Kent University and an advisor to Kent State’s Women’s Center, the Empower School for Health, and the CyberPeace Institute. Her current priority is on gender equity, with a focus on the impact of challenging work environments on global immigrant women leaders. Navigating the professional world as an immigrant woman in tech comes with its unique set of challenges, a truth Sonia k...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 128
We're diving into 2024 with Rachel Locke , the Director of the Violence, Inequality, and Power Lab at the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego . She's here to untangle the connections between societal violence and inequality. It’s more important than ever, especially at the start of a wild election year. We tackle the challenges caused by the power plays that keep violence and unfairness going. We're not buying into simple stories – we know real solutions come from...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 127
We can’t think of a better way to end the year than with a lovely conversation with Jung Starrett { https://www.soulcoleader.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jungstarrett/ }, a transformational leadership coach who traded in her legal suit for a soul suit. Her story shines a spotlight on why it’s so important to find joy in the work we all do. We talk about emotional intelligence, building and supporting trauma-informed spaces, and creating those magical "third spaces" where you can be you. ...
Dec 27, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 126
Rachel spoke with Lilah Sturges, an incredibly talented writer, as she shares her unique lens to the evolving comic book industry. Listen as Lilah opens up about her journey with the popular series, Lumberjanes, and the hurdles she's faced as a transgender woman in conservative Texas. We celebrate the increased representation of women, non-binary, and queer individuals in comics and how it's shaping the industry. She also shares her experiences collaborating with brilliant people and the importa...
Dec 13, 2023•47 min•Ep. 125
Ahh did we laugh! Get ready to bust a gut with our special guest, Amma Marfo , a comic genius who's not only cracking us up but also lending her voice to the BIPOC comic community in Boston. We talked about her journey as a stand-up comedian, her experiences giving a TED talk, and how she's challenging the status quo. We're not just about giggles, we're also talking about the weighty side of comedy and its role in highlighting complex societal issues. Amma's creation of FODBALL Productions highl...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 124
Joining us on today's pod episode is the always lovely and brilliant HR unicorn, Christofer Peterson . Christofer lends us her invaluable insights as we dive into DEI in the creative industry. Listen to how Christofer shifted gears from a native New Yorker to becoming an influential DEI advocate. We dig deeper into her experiences and reflections about the intersection of power, performance and positivity in DEI work. We explore the importance of gender equity in HR practices and discuss tangibl...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 123
Ever wondered why we use the acronym DEI and what it truly signifies? Join Felicia Jadzak and Fatima Dainkeh, as we dive into a conversation about the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, what they mean, and why we use them in our work. As we navigate the often complicated language of DEI, we challenge ourselves to continually revisit our language, ensuring it accurately mirrors our objectives. From examining the significance of challenging our language to the evolution of DEI terms, we focus...
Nov 01, 2023•19 min•Ep. 122
Ever wondered why inclusion matters in the workplace? Get ready for a transformative ride as we unleash a brand new season of She+ Geeks Out with Mita Mallick, Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at CARTA and author of the new book Reimagining Inclusion! We unpack Mita's journey from feeling excluded during her formative years to becoming an influential leader, debunking prevalent myths that inhibit progress in creating a more inclusive workspace. Mita offers practical tips for creating a more...
Oct 18, 2023•57 min•Ep. 121
Learn more about Luke's work at https://www.joinnamesake.com/ and https://www.visiblehands.vc/! (0:00:08) - Remembering Sinéad O'Connor & Exploring Startups We close out the season discussing Shanae DeConnor's art and activism, and Luke Gleden's work investing in BIPOC entrepreneurs and helping trans people. (0:07:26) - Building With Intention Visible Hands revolutionizes venture capital with values-based investments, family support, childcare, and the Visionaries Accelerator. (0:18:15) - Fu...
Aug 30, 2023•53 min•Ep. 120
Learn more about Betsy! (0:00:03) - Upcoming Plans and Work Culture Discussion We discussed sabbaticals, festivals, team retreats, culture, benefits, and unlimited holidays. (0:10:30) - Journey and Career Transitions in Sustainability Betsy shifted to coaching and supporting her team through change and transition, leveraging her experience in politics, environmentalism, and the non-profit sector. (0:21:19) - Transitioning to a Fulfilling Nonprofit Career Betsy transitions from for-profit to non-...
Aug 16, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 119
If you'd like to watch us on video, we've finally done it! Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD1QHflnO1s&t=555s today! You can find Trish at https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishf/ and https://www.trishofalltrades.com/ ! (0:00:08) - AI's Future in Personal Branding (6 Minutes) We continue our conversation about community, personal branding, volunteering and more. We discuss the potential implications of AI technology, the potential for a gender-neutral voice for AI technology, and how the te...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 118
In part one of our lovely conversation with Trish Fontanilla, Community/CX and Hype Woman for Hire, we learn all about Trish's career journey, navigating the Boston startup scene. We explore the significance of workplace flexibility and the need to strike a balance between business needs and employee needs. Sharing our personal experiences of working in an office, we discuss the joy of having autonomy over work schedules and the importance of fostering an equitable and inclusive work environment...
Jul 19, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 117
Learn more about Chioma Azi Check out the Norah Anena Foundation --------- HIGHLIGHTS --------- 0:03:40 - Flexible Work Schedules and No Meetings 0:07:51 - December Shutdown and PTO Limits Discussion 0:15:12 - Success, Career, and Community Advocacy 0:18:30 - Advocacy for African Immigrants in Immigration 0:21:56 - Evolving Challenges in Immigration Advocacy 0:33:44 - Climate Change's Impact on Immigration 0:38:51 - Navigating Predominantly White High School 0:42:28 - The Value of Female-Focused...
Jul 05, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 116
How can we bridge the widening gap in higher education and create a more equitable system? Join us for an insightful conversation with JAKE Small , the Director of Strategic Alliances at Leadership Brainery , as we explore the challenges faced by students from low-income backgrounds and communities and the role of institutions in providing fee waivers and tuition limitations. We also discuss JAKE's personal experiences as a mono-racial Black student attending predominantly White institutions and...
Jun 21, 2023•59 min•Ep. 115
Visit The Female Quotient and join the movement! Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 114
In this podcast episode, we interview Allyson Livingstone, the Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion at athenahealth, about her journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work and her role. We discuss the challenges of implementing DEI initiatives in large organizations and the importance of building trust and open communication between different teams and departments. Allyson also talks about the critical role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and how they're supported. We als...
May 24, 2023•58 min•Ep. 113
May the Fourth and Carrie Fisher's Hollywood Star [00:01:32] Felicia and Rachel discuss the significance of May the Fourth and Carrie Fisher getting her Hollywood star. Introduction to a Special Episode [00:02:08] Felicia introduces a special episode where SGO facilitators talk about how facilitation seeps into their everyday lives and the emotional labor it takes to do this work. Strategies to Avoid Burnout [00:03:01] The SGO facilitators discuss strategies on how to turn off facilitator mode a...
May 10, 2023•54 min•Ep. 112
In this episode, Rachel and special co-host filling in for Felicia, Fatima Dainkeh, is joined by Zulema Bennett, DEIB Program Specialist for 1Password! Zulema shares her journey in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and how she got involved in this field and her journey to 1Password. Zulema also shares her insights on how to take care of yourself when doing this work and how she balances her passion, resilience, and belief in this work to keep the fire blazing. Join us as we expl...
Apr 26, 2023•52 min•Ep. 111
In this episode, Felicia sits down with Molly Fohn, Policy Program Manager at Voqal, to discuss her journey in the world of policy and her involvement in Voqal's digital equity and anti-racism efforts. Molly shares how she got started in policy work and how her journey led her to her current role at Voqal. We also delve into topics like net neutrality, the role of 501c4 organizations in policy advocacy, and the importance of policy reform in areas like prison abolition. Molly's passion for digit...
Apr 12, 2023•58 min•Ep. 110
In this episode, the host Rachel and co-host Felicia sit down with Dexter Arver, Senior Manager of Web Apps at VMware, to discuss his journey in managing people and leading teams. Dexter shares insights on implementing psychological safety, team values, and supporting direct reports who may have different ways of thinking and working. He also talks about his unique approach to interviewing for values fit and his involvement in inclusivity and ERG efforts at VMware. Dexter is a strong advocate fo...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 109
We delve into Elissa's personal journey and how she became the fabulous author, teacher, and editor that she is today. We also discuss her book, which highlights how women can get very sick and cannot get properly diagnosed or treated due to systems designed for men. We talk about the power of using one's voice as a woman, and how societal systems play a significant role in suppressing it. We also have some fun questions for Elissa, including her current obsession with Survivor and her favorite ...
Mar 14, 2023•56 min•Ep. 108
Well, aren't you in for a treat! We spoke with the incomparable Dr. Erika Powell, a wonderful friend of SGO's, personally and professionally. We weAlso, some quick news! We're going on a pod break until the new year. If you miss us, you can always find us hanging out in the Rise Together community or on LinkedIn!re a little silly, and within that silliness, some brilliant gems of knowledge were shared. If you enjoy this half as much as we did recording it, you're golden. Don't miss it! Also, som...
Nov 22, 2022•1 hr 1 min
In this bonus episode, Felicia and Rachel speak with the super smart Ginny Cheng, Career Coach and Global Head of Talent at ŌURA! Ginny shared her wisdom on all things recruiting and hiring inclusively. We also discuss the importance of communication, knowing what you want, and advocating for yourself.Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get ...
Nov 15, 2022•39 min
Learn more about Amaia! Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.
Nov 08, 2022•51 min
Contributors to this episode are: Dr. Erika Powell , DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach Dr. Victoria Verlezza , DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out Fatima Dainkeh , Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out Himaja Nimmagadda , Women's Institute for Science, Equity and Race Karina Becerra , Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium Kia Rivera , DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all ...
Nov 01, 2022•52 min•Ep. 9
Contributors to this episode are: Anna Whitlock , People Strategy & Culture at LabCentral CA Webb , Former President of Kendall Square Association Charis Loveland , Global Program Manager at Amazon David Tedeschi , Consultant at World Bank Group Fatima Dainkeh , Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Geeks Out Grey Elam , Director of New York City Programs, Institute for Urban Parks, Central Park Conservancy Naomi Seddon, Author and International Lawyer Reem Papageorgiou , CoFound...
Oct 25, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 8
Contributors to this episode are: Belma McCaffrey , CEO & Founder at WorkBigger Grey Elam , Director of New York City Programs, Institute for Urban Parks at Central Park Conservancy Dr. Erika Powell , DEI and Leadership Consultant and Coach Dr. Huong Diep , Psychologist and Author Dr. Victoria Verlezza , DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out Elba Lizardi , Site Director at BASF Erin Learoyd , DEI Program Manager at New Balance Fatima Dainkeh , Staff DEI Programs & Training Manager at She+ Ge...
Oct 18, 2022•53 min•Ep. 7
Contributors to this episode are: Amaia Arrubarrena , Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater Becca Shansky , Associate Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University Belma McCaffrey , CEO & Founder at WorkBigger Charis Loveland , Global Program Manager at Amazon Dr. Victoria Verlezza , DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out Elisa Campos-Praetor , Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights Karina Becerra , Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium Ginny Cheng , Global Head of Talent a...
Oct 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 6
Contributors to this episode are: Amaia Arrubarrena , Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at ezCater CA Webb , Former President of Kendall Square Association Elba Lizardi, Site Director at BASF Elisa Campos-Praetor , Sr. Recruiter at Scott’s Cheap Flights Ginny Cheng , Global Head of Talent at ÖURA Jason Fooks , Senior Director of Learning and Development at Essex Property & Trust Karina Becerra , Director, Customer Advocacy at Podium Kia Rivera , DEI Facilitator at She+ Geeks Out R...
Oct 04, 2022•59 min•Ep. 5
Looking for more support in having uncomfortable conversations? Join us for our upcoming program on Leading DEI Conversations ! Welcome to She+ Geeks Out, the podcast bringing you the voices of women+ from all walks of life to share with you what they geek out about-- their passions, talents, struggles, and successes. In each episode, hosts Rachel Murray and Felicia Jadczak will feature different guests and discussions about topics including health, psychology, art, music, learning, and more. Ep...
Sep 27, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 4
