Dreaming in Color

In this episode, we travel to Gorée Island in Dakar to speak with Tijan Watt, an entrepreneur and impact investor building a bold future for African innovation. Rooted in a transatlantic heritage that includes Tuskegee and Senegal, Tijan shares how both his African and Black American family history, HBCU education, and deep cultural pride shaped his path. Through his work with Wuri Ventures, Tijan champions local entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and creativity grounded in African realities. He reflects on moving to Senegal to invest in talent, nurture community, and reimagine development from within. For Tijan, meaningful innovation starts with love, local knowledge, and the freedom to imagine—and build—on your own terms.JUMP TO’s1:48 Jam Tan! Tijan shares the Pulaar phrase for “peace only” kicking off the conversation with peace. 5:50 The importance of Black excellence and the legacy of ancestors, including Tijan’s great-aunt Norma, a researcher on the polio vaccine.9:21 Talking about his own academic and professional journey, including his time at Howard University.11:46 Tijan shares his initial impressions of Senegal.20:57 He explains the concept of entrepreneurial capital and the importance of taking risks and creating jobs in Africa.40:09 Tijan discusses the concept of a "winning Senegal" and the importance of self-belief and positive change.41:03 The need for African countries to take control of their own destiny.42:07 Tijan discusses the future of innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa and the importance of creating spaces for entrepreneurs.42:50 He emphasizes the need for African countries to leverage their cultural assets and create opportunities for young people and explore the continent’s “soft power”.45:43 Darren wraps up the episode, and the season.

In this episode, we journey to Tunis to speak with Farah Mami, philanthropist, impact investor, and social entrepreneur committed to leading with heart, integrity, and deep cultural pride. Rooted in both Tunisia and France, Farah moves between worlds—geographically, spiritually, and professionally. She shares a powerful story of reclaiming authenticity, navigating the tensions of belonging, and redefining leadership on her own terms. As the chair of the Tunisia chapter of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) and a global advocate for women in business, she’s reshaping what leadership can look like when it’s grounded in care, equity, and spiritual alignment. Farah’s work aims to foster personal growth and community well-being. In this conversation she also reflects on the role of love as both anchor and fuel.JUMP TO’s00:43 Introducing Farah.2:00 Farah’s invocation is a call for 05:30 Going between Paris and Tunis and the difficulty of living your true self in a culture of shaming.15:10 The power of women to build communities.19:20 The potential for women’s leadership to grow beyond where it is today 20:00 The importance of men’s support for women to change the narrative 23:00 Hear Farah’s ideas on becoming a successful entrepreneur and living a full life24:30 What it will take for Tunisia to embrace opportunities and “go out to the world”29:30 Tunisia holding space as a regional leader30:00 The need for love and for safe spaces.

In this episode, we travel to Addis Ababa to speak with Feven Tsehaye, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, healer, and founder and CEO of Chakka Origins—a social enterprise reclaiming the wisdom of Ethiopia’s ancestral knowledge around biodiversity and indigenous plants while working with female smallholder farming communities. Feven’s story is rooted in both tradition and transformation as she draws on a childhood shaped by community, land, and the power of women. With a background in social impact, including work at the Gates foundation and graduate study on micro-finance approaches in southern Ethiopia, her work bridges the ancient and the modern, creating high-impact natural products while centering sustainability, equity, and care. In this conversation, Feven explores what it means to lead with care, build with purpose, and honor cultural knowledge. She reminds us that healing is both personal and political—and that joy, like justice, is something we must cultivate with intention.Jump To’s06:20 Feven discusses the knowledge of indigenous plants and medicines passed down through generations and how coming into contact with that knowledge changed her life.07:00 The importance of storytelling 11:15 The beginning of Chakka Origins as a business with wider impact in mind.14:10 On reclaiming industrial production and the narrative that goes with it.16:00 The importance of Ethiopia’s biodiversity and connection to the land to the country’s national psyche. Did you know the country has five Biosphere Reserves!18:15 Creating a largely women-driven supply chain. 21:30 The importance of aligning oneself with one’s personal values to survive the tidal waves of modern life.24:00 Hear about Feven’s obsession with Ethiopian cardamom31:00 What does climate justice mean in Ethiopia?34:30 Feven circles back to community, especially Ethiopia’s women entrepreneurs, and how this engenders the ability to dream.

In this episode, we head to Dakar to speak with Madji Sock, an insightful entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder whose work bridges tradition and innovation across Senegal and beyond. Madji brings a grounded, fearless presence shaped by a childhood split between continents, a deep reverence for Senegalese culture, and a belief in the transformative power of women. From co-founding the Women’s Investment Club—now a model replicated across Africa— to leading her own investment studio, Haskè Ventures, Madji has championed new ways for women to build, invest, and lead on their own terms. In this conversation, she reflects on how local traditions like tontines inspired scalable investment vehicles, the power of women’s leadership in Senegal, and what it will take to move African ventures from “one to ten.”JUMP TO:00:40… where Darren introduces season co-host Elisabeth Makumbi who hosts this episode 03:05… Madji’s invocation, where she calls in Wolof for divine intervention in these troubled times.06:00… Madji discusses her upbringing and how a name can have such profound influence over a life, as well as the role of food and music - and discussions about women and girls’ causes at the dinner table.09:00… The influence of the US and particularly New York, on her ambitions in life and on the draw of Senegal.10:55… Her journey to co-founding the Women’s Investment Club15:20… Shout out to Wendy Luhabe of South Africa’s WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings).18:30… The role of powerful women in Senegalese society.22:00… Admiration for the authenticity in young people’s voices today.23:50… African entrepreneurs’ difficulties growing continental champions; how it is one thing to be able to grow a company, to “get from 0 to 1”, quite another to “get from 1 to 10.”.28:00… The people of Senegal “are still getting up and building” - be that in business or the arts/ entertainment spaces and how hope is driving the country past a “tipping point”.

In this episode, we travel to Benin City, Nigeria, to speak with Ore Disu, a visionary cultural strategist and founding director of the Institute of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). Ore is reshaping how we understand history, art, and African identity. From childhood days spent leafing through family photo albums in Lagos to building a groundbreaking institution at the heart of Nigeria’s cultural resurgence, Ore’s journey is rooted in care and creative reclamation. In this conversation, she reflects on how objects, stories, and even food become vessels of memory and belonging—and why repatriation must mean more than the return of artifacts but also be about revitalizing artist spaces so African creativity can flourish.JUMP TO02:00… Ore starts the conversation with an invocation in Yoruba: “The river, no matter how far it flows, always knows its source.”04:40… Ore explains how museums create spaces where you can connect to people who “don't immediately have an obvious association or commonality with you”.06:50… Learn about the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) as both a space of memory and of evidenced history, but also a space for current creativity and future imagining.08:30… The connection between Timbuktu and the work of MOWWA and why reimagining “citadels of knowledge” and investing in memory is so important.12:30… Ore discusses how in African culture and traditions, community was often more important than permanence and how that can help us define modern African cultural values.16:50… Ore pushes back against being “villagized” and instead highlights the importance of movement across the continent to tell African stories.20:54… Ore goes on to look at how art and material culture can erase artificial lines and colonial boundaries.25:26… “Dream big!” Ore looks at what restitution could look like, beyond just the returning of objects, but revitalizing ecosystems for artists and artisanal spaces which she says has the potential to be a more powerful enterprise. 33.00… To ward off from this becoming a “restitution moment” of feel-good photo ops, what do we as Africans, as Black people, want out of it?33.50… This week, something special as Dreaming in Color’s Cora Daniels rounds out the program with her outro debut.

In this episode, we journey to Johannesburg to speak with Nwabisa Mayema, a dynamic social entrepreneur and fierce advocate for women’s leadership across Africa. Nwabisa brings a bold and grounded presence to every space she enters. Her path—from accounting student to self-made entrepreneur, partnership strategist, and global convener—has been shaped by a deep belief in purpose, community, and the radical power of relationships. With roots in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and a lineage of what she calls “wild women,” Nwabisa shares how social capital, collective wisdom, and vulnerability can transform both businesses and societies. In this conversation, she explores what it means to lead with integrity, build community instead of networks, and embrace entrepreneurship not as hustle, but as healing and legacy-making.

In this week’s episode, we travel to Nairobi to speak with Tom Osborn, a visionary social entrepreneur and community-rooted leader whose work is reshaping how we think about mental health, sustainability, and youth empowerment in Africa. From growing up in a rural Kenyan village to launching his first clean energy venture at 18 and studying at Harvard, Tom’s path has been guided by a radical belief in community-first solutions and local agency. Now the founder and CEO of Shamiri Institute, Africa’s largest youth mental health provider, Tom shares how culturally grounded care, deep listening, and collective healing can transform not just individual lives but entire systems. Co-host Elisabeth Makumbi leads this beautiful conversation, which explores how to decolonize mental health care, reframe recovery on community terms, and rethink what it means to lead with humility, courage, and local knowledge.

In this week’s episode, we travel to Johannesburg to speak with Lekgetho Makola, a visual storyteller, cultural strategist, and arts executive whose work spans decades and continents. From his early days sculpting clay animals in rural Limpopo to curating critical archives at Robben Island and studying under film legends at Howard University, Lekgetho shares how his journey has been shaped by care, community, and a radical commitment to dignified representation. Now chief operating officer of the Market Theatre Foundation, he reflects on the transformative power of photography infused with love as a tool not only for documenting truth but for reclaiming identity and rehumanizing Black life. The conversation explores what it means to make—not take—images, the tension between capitalism and care, and the promise of building artistic ecosystems rooted in joy, collaboration, and cultural memory.Jump To:02:09 - “Disorganized lions won’t catch even a limping buffalo.” Lekgetho’s invocation highlighting the power of community and collective action.05:15 - Lekgetho’s journey into the arts, with a little help from an attentive headmaster and exposure to animation on TV early in his childhood.10:00 - The role of the arts, politics, political organization and even sport, in building a space for him to gently “let down” his father by choosing to pursue arts over studying economics.14:50 - The Howard University experience, Lekgetho chooses to attend graduate school at the premier HBCU in the US and continues to be inspired by its pan-Africanist teaches23:30 - References in Black imagery in the US, and West Africa and their influence on archiving the photos at Robben Island Museum, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.25:35 - Visual literacy, the transformation of South Africa and the power of the image to de-humanize Africans as part of the “Colonial excursion”33:30 - On utilizing the care found in traditional African storytelling to put dignity back into the modern legacy of Black and African storytelling.46:20 - Youth and the impact of African music and urbanism on the future of visual storytelling. 54:00 - South Africa’s current challenges and the importance of care and integrity.

In this week’s episode, we travel to Tunisia to talk with Leila Ben-Gacem, a social entrepreneur and cultural preservationist, who shares her journey from biomedical engineering to community-based entrepreneurship in the heart of Tunis’ historic Medina. The conversation takes place at Dar Ben Gacem, her boutique hotel and social enterprise that not only revitalizes a historical space but also empowers the local community through inclusive hiring, artisan collaboration, youth education support, and economic opportunity. Leila emphasizes redefining profit to include social and environmental impact, advocating for a shared economy model where local prosperity is interlinked. This extraordinary conversation touches on the many layers that make up modern African identity in all its myriad forms helping to make Africa “home” to not just those on the continent but around the globe. This is Dreaming in Color, Africa  Jump straight into:00:02:00 Leila starts off the conversation with lyrics from Tunisian rapper Balti; don’t worry she translates for Darren.00:04:00 Because of her father’s work travel, growing up Lelia spent only summers home in Tunisia, which made her value and appreciate Tunisian culture even more and understand the opportunities that the culture offers.00:07:10 The magic of being a social entrepreneur and being able to run a business that benefits “the people that work there, the community, the environment”.00:12:30 On taking “early retirement at 30” in order to pursue her obsession of social entrepreneurship. 00:15:00 On the origins of the Dar Ben Gacem hotel in the city’s Medina - built on layer upon layer of history going back 500 years, with each era ushering in new influences.00:25:00 On artisans thinking “horizontally and vertically” to move forward and create new narratives00:28:00 Hear how Tunis, which was originally known as Africa before giving the continent its name, can be considered home by so many.00:31:00 According to Leila, the history of Tunis is easy to understand. “They come. We don’t like them… And they become family.” That history of layering makes Darren think of great gumbo when he grew up in New Orleans. 00:38:00 Hear Leila talk about being “the most positive person I know” 00:40:00 Rounding out the conversation on a pitch for social entrepreneurs and how many of Leila’s “250 dreams” are likely to come to fruition

In this episode Semhar Araia, CEO of the Diaspora Academy, discusses the transformative power of diasporic life—from visiting Eritrea as a teenager to working there professionally—highlighting the emotional and political significance of being both from a place and apart from it. She shares the story behind her name, revealing a powerful lineage tied to Eritrea’s struggle and resistance.The conversation delves into the power of the diaspora and diasporic identity, particularly for Black and Brown communities, and the beauty of finding a sense of belonging across traditional borders. Semhar advocates for diasporic unity grounded in love, mutual recognition, and feminist values, arguing that the diaspora holds immense potential to reimagine global leadership and collective liberation. In recognition of the power of the diaspora we purposely start our journey through Africa with this conversation with Semhar in her home in DC.This is Dreaming in Color, Africa.Jump straight into:00:00:45… Introduction of Semhar Araia00:02:35… Semhar opens the conversation with an Invocation honoring her 00:03:55… Semhar’s early beginnings in an activist home in 1970’s New York00:09:04… The importance of community – Semhar shares about her deep connection to Eritrean Diaspora community and how that sense of community has evolved00:12:03… Going “home”, to Eritrea, at 1300:14:20… Going back again, professionally, as a diasporan00:16:12… Naming: the role of Semhar’s highly politicized name, and its connection to Eritrea’s struggle for independence, in her sense of “taking up space”00:21:05… on deep impact of separation from homeland, and of connection…00:25:47… The power of the diaspora movement, and how it is at once a feminist and a liberation movement

In our fifth season, host Darren Isom and guest host Elisabeth Makumbi travel throughout Africa to spotlight extraordinary leaders from across the continent, from South Africa to Tunisia, with stops in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Senegal along the way. These conversations highlight Africa as a key driver of global innovation and leadership, where bold, values-driven leadership is shaping a more equitable future.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this bonus episode, Darren is joined by a dynamic panel of philanthropic leaders: Don Chen (President of Surdna Foundation) Flozell Daniels, Jr. (CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation), Mayra Peters-Quintero (Executive Director of Abundant Futures Fund), and Vanessa Mason (Principal at Omidyar Network), and . Recorded live at the Surdna Foundation offices in New York City, the group dives into an in-depth discussion about building a more equitable world through racial justice, cross-racial solidarity, and community-driven solutions.Join the conversation as the panelists explore the role of relationships in movement building, the power of joy and imagination in sustaining hope, and the importance of investing in intergenerational leadership. They discuss the challenges of systemic change, the need for incremental wins, and how to create space for collective healing and repair.Jump Straight Into:(00:22) Darren introduces the panel and sets the stage with a poem by Audre Lorde.(01:45) Flozell Daniels, Jr. reflects on his family history, his racial equity work, and what brings him sunshine.(07:28) Mayra Peters-Quintero shares her journey in immigrant rights advocacy and her hopes for creating a culture of belonging.(15:12) Don Chen discusses the critical role of cross-racial solidarity in achieving systemic change.(21:30) Vanessa Mason highlights the importance of joy and care in equity work and the necessity of dreaming together.(29:15) The panel reflects on the generational shift in leadership and creating space for younger leaders to thrive.(42:03) A forward-looking conversation about building a shared future and fostering collective imagination.Episode Resources:Connect with Flozell Daniels, Jr., Don Chen, Mayra Peters-Quintero, and Vanessa Mason on LinkedIn.Learn more about the organizations they represent: Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, Surdna Foundation, Abundant Futures Fund, and Omidyar Network.Listen to past Dreaming in Color episodes here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. Today we welcome Mia Birdsong, a pathfinder, writer, and facilitator who engages the leadership and wisdom of people experiencing injustice to chart new visions of American life. As the Founding Executive Director of Next River, she nourishes communities toward a liberated future. In her book "How We Show Up" and the podcast miniseries "More Than Enough," she highlights community vitality and the guaranteed income movement. Previously, Mia was Co-Director of Family Story and Vice President of the Family Independence Initiative, promoting new narratives and leveraging data to support low-income families. Her public dialogues, TED talks, and other initiatives spotlight marginalized voices as leaders of change. A Senior Fellow at the Economic Security Project and a Future Good Fellow, Mia lives in Oakland, tending to bees, chickens, and plants on the occupied land of the Chochenyo Ohlone people.In this episode, Darren and Mia discuss what constitutes something as radical, a future without poverty, and finding joy and optimism in activism. This is Dreaming In Color. Jump straight into: (00:22.7) Introduction of Mia Birdsong, Founding Executive Director of Next River.(06:27.5) Cracked open: Mia shares her educational beginnings in Rochester and how an unexpected Public Enemy cassette tape on a school bus ignited her path to activism.(09:19.9) Critical Resistance and Mia’s journey to becoming an abolitionist.(12:04.2) The American dream vs. the collective dream. (13:43.1) Ending poverty is not a problem of lacking solutions, but of lacking belief. Mia Birdsong explores her initial efforts advocating for a guaranteed income.(20:59.9) Dismantling power structures and moving beyond wealth and power hoarding. (22:51.2) We explore Mia’s work with Next River and her unwavering commitment to guaranteed income, guaranteed housing, education and universal healthcare.(26:02.6) What is radical? Mia shares how many “unattainable radical beliefs” are actually being successfully performed all over the world and how discovering these stories of small communities implementing these systems for themselves inspires her work. (29:38.2) The path of least resistance: Mia discusses finding strength in vulnerability and staying optimistic vs. falling into cynicism. Episode ResourcesKeep up with Mia on Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedInLearn more about Mia through her website.Order Mia’s book “How We Show Up” here. Listen to Mia’s podcast “More Than Enough” here. Watch Mia’s TEDX Talk “The Story We Tell About Poverty Isn’t True” here. 

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, we sit down with Naomi Ostwald Kawamura, the Executive Director of Densho, an organization devoted to documenting the testimonies of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Naomi has a rich background, with a BFA in Metal Design from the University of Washington, a Master’s in Education from Harvard, and a PhD from the University of British Columbia, where she studied the intergenerational transfer of memory in Japanese-American and Japanese-Canadian communities. Before Densho, she led the Nikkei Place Foundation and held key roles at the San Diego History Center and the California Center for the Arts. Naomi is passionate about addressing the challenges faced by community history organizations, especially concerning the legacy of Japanese American WWII incarceration, and has shared her insights in various publications, including an upcoming book on ethnic diversity and national identity in history education.Join this conversation as Naomi explores themes of heritage, resilience, and storytelling. She discusses her upbringing as the daughter of Japanese immigrants in California and her parents' encouragement to embrace both her Japanese and American identities. Naomi shares her family's history, including her father and grandfather's survival of the American atomic bomb attack on  Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and emphasizes the importance of making history relevant for younger generations. Listen as she highlights the challenges of preserving oral histories, the role of technology in accessibility, and the power of art in conveying complex emotions and histories.This is Dreaming In Color. Jump Straight Into: (00:22.2) Introduction of Naomi Ostwald Kawamura, Executive Director of Densho.(01:37.9) Naomi reflects on an inspirational visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine.(02:45.7) Naomi discusses her roots and the immigration story of her parents.(06:07.2) Naomi connects her history to the bombing of Hiroshima.(07:52.6) Being a light in the darkness: Naomi shares how her family’s history inspires her work. (12:15.6) Naomi dives into memory research and discusses collecting stories from diverse perspectives to honor and preserve each viewpoint, thereby creating comprehensive historical narratives.Episode Resources: Connect with Naomi through LinkedIn.Learn more about Densho through their website.Read Naomi’s interview with Densho here. Read Naomi’s Densho article “Building Community and Connection that Transcends Borders” here.Watch Naomi’s town hall on community and connections here.August 6th and 9th, 2024, mark the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This New York Times Op-Ed presents survivor testimonies and underscores the significance...

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode of Dreaming In Color, guest host Angela Maldonado, a partner at Bridgespan, welcomes Tarik Ward, Director of Global Strategic Operations and U.S. Programs at ELMA Philanthropies. As the manager of digital and physical infrastructure for ELMA Philanthropy Services, Tarik oversees their operations in New York, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kampala. He also directs U.S. programming for the ELMA Music Foundation, ELMA U.S. Foundation, and ELMA Caribbean Foundation.Tarik's innovative approach has significantly expanded the reach and impact of the ELMA Music Foundation both in the U.S. and South Africa. His collaborations with organizations using music for youth development are transforming lives and creating brighter futures.With a career journey as diverse as it is impressive, Tarik has worked as a flight controller for the International Space Station at NASA, a consultant at Deloitte focusing on education and early childhood development nonprofits, and as the COO of the Commit! Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to quality education access in Dallas, Texas.Tarik holds a B.S. in aerospace engineering from MIT, an M.B.A., and an M.A. in education from Stanford University. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a passionate trumpet player and has amassed a digital music collection of nearly 100,000 songs.Join us as we dive into Tarik's journey, explore his insights on the educational potential of music, and discover how his work is making a global impact.Jump Straight Into:(00:22.1) Introduction of Angela Maldonado, Partner at Bridgespan.(00:52.1) Introduction of Tarik Ward, Director of Global Strategic Operations and U.S. Programs at ELMA Philanthropies. (01:55.1) Tarik reminisces on the memory of his mother and how she inspired him to dream and learn music.(06:22.8) Tarik takes us on his journey from musician, to MIT student to eventually flying spaceships for NASA.(11:56.6) Tarik tells us how he met his wife and how she inspired his journey to Stanford and eventually into education and non-profit work.(18:28.9) Tarik talks about his non-traditional approach to funding and how he builds relationships with other leaders of color. (22:19.1) Tarik comments on the current state of philanthropy and paints us a picture of what he hopes the future will look like. Episode Resources: Connect with Tarik through LinkedIn.Learn more about ELMA Philanthropies through their website. Follow Tarik on Twitter.Read Tarik’s interview with Entartain Impact here. Learn more about Jamaican composer and musician Ansel Collins here and follow him on Instagram here. Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, we welcome Jamie Allison, Executive Director of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund. In her tenure at Walter & Elise Haas Fund Jami ensures its work aligns with community values and catalyzes change. She focuses on organizational leadership, strategy, and governance, prioritizing staff well-being and grantmaking that promotes liberation and transformation. With over 20 years in philanthropy and experience in the public sector, Jamie leverages her expertise to drive real change. Inspired by community leaders, she aims to create a more just society. Born in Chattanooga, TN, and a San Francisco resident for over 20 years, Jamie loves adventure, attending music and film festivals, soccer matches, and traveling.Join this insightful discussion as Jamie explores trust-based philanthropy and its transformative impact on communities, particularly for leaders of color. Listen as Jamie describes her journey from Tennessee to the Bay Area, reflects on the cultural significance of the region, and emphasizes the importance of supporting nonprofit leaders by maintaining joy, recognizing progress, and navigating burnout challenges.This is Dreaming In Color. Jump straight into: (00:22.0) Introduction of Jamie Allison, Exective Director of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund.(01:29.5) Jamie shares the words of interfaith civil-rights leader, Valerie Kaur. (04:02.1) Jamie confesses her love for the Bay Area and takes us her journey from Tennessee to California.(09:24.5) We learn more about Jamie’s tenure at the Walter & Elise Haas Fund and how the revolution of 2020 impacted her leadership.(14:02.2) Jamie reflects on the work of Mia Birdsong and how it has framed her outlook on liberation.(18:27.3) Making contributions vs. making commitments(21:16.6) Jamie’s take on avoiding burnout for leaders in the social sector by providing multi-year grants vs. one time grants. (29:24.9) Jamie reflects on the fullness of time.(36:37.9) Music as joy: Jamie shares how her involvement with SF Jazz brings her joy and energy that lasts for days. (38:04.8) The privilege and responsibility of being an elder. Episode Resources: Connect with Jamie Allison on LinkedInLearn more about the Walter & Elise Haas Fund hereLearn more about SF Jazz here. Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, our guest host, Jasmine Reliford, a Manager at Bridgespan, welcomes Rukaiyah Adams, a distinguished financier from Portland and CEO of 1803 Fund. Listen as Rukaiyah talks about navigating her career and the challenges of investing in community wealth. Rukaiyah shares her reflections on the unique history of Portland's Albina neighborhood, the effects of systemic racism, and the importance of building a beloved community. Emphasizing the contributions and resilience of Black women, the conversation explores the creation of the 1803 Fund, a venture designed to empower Black Portlanders through strategic investment, advocacy, and inclusive planning. They also discuss the personal sacrifices and triumphs involved in leading such an initiative, underscoring the significance of collective achievement over individual success.This is Dreaming In Color. Jump Straight To: (01:05.2) Introduction of Rukaiyah Adams, CEO of 1803 Fund.(03:18.6)) Water In Motion: Rukaiyah discusses her love for Portland and how her family came to set roots in the city that, like water in motion, is always in motion. (09:16.5) Rukaiyah discusses being an example of policy outcome and the excellent education she experience attending school in Portland’s Albina neighborhood.(14:00.6) Money as a measure of energy: Rukaiyah explains the different forms of capital and how she strives to be the capitalist that teaches the next generations to convert creative or socia captial into financial capital for collective benefit. (19:00.9) “Woe is me” vs. “whoa, it’s me.” Rukaiyah embraces her struggle and reflects on the heroism of Black women in the industry and the sacrifices they endure to reach career and life milestones.(22:09.9) Rukaiyah explores the difference between working for freedom vs. working for liberation. (37:09:9) We learn the origin story behind 1803 Fund.Episode Resources: Connect with Rukaiyah on LinkedInLearn more about 1803 Fund through their websiteLearn about the history of Portland’s Albina neighborhood here.Learn more about Albina Vision Trust through their website. Watch Rukaiyah’s TEDx Talk “A Love Letter to Portland.”Watch Rukaiyah’s TEDx Talk “Homegirls’ Guide to Being Powerful”Explore the Alvin Ailey Dance theatre Rukaiyah references here. Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, we welcome Frankie Miranda, the first openly gay President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. During Frankie’s tenure at the Hispanic Federation, he has expanded operations to several states and Puerto Rico, launched disaster relief projects after Hurricanes Maria and Irma, and established the ACT Initiative to support Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. He also oversees their annual gala, raising over $3 million each year. Previously, he held senior roles at New York Univision TV stations and worked on several political campaigns. Frankie serves on the New York State MTA Board, Comcast's Corporate DEI Advisory Council, and is a trustee of Fundación Banco Popular. Join us for an engaging conversation with Frankie Miranda as he shares his personal and professional journey. Raised in a small town in Puerto Rico and educated at NYU, Frankie reflects on his upbringing, his family's sacrifices, and his experiences with his queer identity, and how these have shaped his work at the Hispanic Federation.Tune in to hear about the importance of culturally competent voter outreach and the vital role of grassroots organizations in supporting Latinx communities. Frankie's story of perseverance, human rights advocacy, and his vision for an inclusive America underscore this insightful discussion.This is Dreaming In Color. Jump straight into: (00:22.1) Introduction of Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.(01:54.2) Frankie starts the conversation with an invocation in Spanish and English.(04:03.0) Frankie takes us back to his humble beginnings in a small mountain town in Puerto Rico.(10:21.8) From Puerto Rico to New York: how Frankie’s background in theatre led him to one of the best theatre programs in the nation, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.(15:50.7) Post-grad life: the year is 1998 and Frankie lands a position as Production Coordinator for the Hispanic Federation where his queer identity is embraced and utilized to support their AIDS prevention and education program. (17:13.2) Frankie delves into the deportation of his life partner and how the Hispanic Federation encouraged him to fight back, leading him to the Supreme Court. (21:35.9) Frankie and Darren discuss the importance of mentorship in bringing about impactful change for generations to come(26:32.3) Frankie discusses beauty in the complexity of Hispanic cultures and identities and how embracing those differences helps the organization promote civic engagement within the Latinx community. Episode Resources: Connect with Frankie on LinkedIn.Learn more about Hispanic Federation at their website.Learn more about United States vs. Windsor here.Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, Nithin Iyengar, Partner at Bridgespan and head of the San Francisco office, sits down with longtime friend, Liz Thompson, the President, Co-founder, and CEO of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group (The CAFE Group), which supports leaders of color through financial and programmatic aid. The CAFE Group aims to create a pathway from college intern to established leader, leveraging community genius to drive systemic change.Liz's nonprofit career began in 1993 as the founding Executive Director of City Year Chicago, influencing the AmeriCorps Program's development. She later expanded the Early Head Start program at Family Star Montessori School in Denver as its Executive Director. Before her nonprofit work, Liz had a successful decade-long career with Ameritech Corporation. In this intimate conversation, Liz Thompson discusses her journey from growing up in Cabrini Green to becoming a transformative figure in philanthropy. Liz and Nithin explore themes of radical love, leadership, and service. Liz shares her experiences with challenging philanthropic relationships, her dedication to supporting Black educational visionaries who she likes to call Luminaries, and the founding of the CAFE Group. She guides us through the significance of authentic relationships, collective action, and the joy of giving. Liz reflects on her mentors, the future of education, and the emotional weight of her work before giving insights on self-care, the essence of freedom, and the power of love in her life and work.This is Dreaming In Color. Jump Straight Into: (1:14:3) Introduction of Liz Thompson, CEO of CAFE Group(4:52:2) Liz reflects on growing up in her beloved Cabrini Green community in Chicago. (11:28:9) Liz shares the origin story of how she Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education with her husband. (12:58:7) We explore the inspiration behind the origins of the 1954 Project.(16:59:5) Liz and Nithin discuss creating strategy that changes the philanthropic landscape.(27:30:6) Liz paints a picture of how she imagines the future of education.Episode Resources Connect with Liz on LinkedIn hereLearn more about CAFE Group here. Learn more about the 1954 Project here and read Bridgespan’s case study about it here. Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek. In this episode, we welcome Erika Alexander, an actress known for iconic roles like Maxine Shaw in Living Single, Detective Latoya in Get Out, Cousin Pam in The Cosby Show and many others. Outside of acting, Erika wears many hats including activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer, and director. In 2017 Erika founded Color Farm Media, a media company dedicated to building an ecosystem that fosters greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in media and that empowers and elevates voices who are underrepresented, overlooked, and undervalued. Some of Color Farm’s social impact films include John Lewis: Good Trouble and The Big Payback, about the reparations movement. Join this conversation as Darren and Erika discuss the significance of her iconic character Maxine Shaw from Living Single and how that led to the so-called “Maxine Shaw Effect” which inspired many young women to pursue careers in leadership and law. Listen as we explore the intersection of storytelling and electoral politics and examine how narratives shape public perception and policy reinforcing the need for philanthropy and the social sector to support storytellers and create spaces for diverse narratives to thrive. This is Dreaming In Color. Jump straight into: (00:25.7) Introducing Erika Alexander: Actress, Producer, Director, and Founder of Color Farm Media.(03:36.4) Erika’s early beginnings in the Southwest.(05:25.9) We explore the early ideas of futurism spreading through the words of pastors, clergy & teachers. (06:08.5) The Maxine Shaw Effect - how Erika’s portrayal of Maxine Shaw inspired leaders like Stacey Abrams, Ayanna Pressley, and Mayor de Blasio (9:58.1) American Fiction and creating complex narratives for Black characters in media. (12:14.6) Erika delves into the work of ColorFarm Media.(13:48.8) We dive into the influence of storytelling in politics and Erika’s work on Capitol Hill. (18:33.5) Architecting the third reconstruction: building new narratives and shedding old ones. (20:46.4) Building a society around the sustainability of storytellers.(22:27.6) Fusion politics, people being oppressed simultaneously and how we have the power to retell stories of the past through a different lens. (23:16.5) Erika references the dark underbelly of the silent investors in media. (25:36.7) Going within, how coping mechanisms turned darkness into light, into Black Futurism. Episode ResourcesKeep up with Erika on Twitter, Instagram, & FacebookLearn more about Erika through her websiteLearn more about Color Farm Media at their websiteListen to Erika’s podcast “Reparations: The Big Payback” on Apple Podcasts a...