The Inclusive AF Podcast

In this episode, Jackye and Katee chat with Eric Bailey about all things Work Human Live! Eric is a speaker again this year and we discuss how he got involved and the amazing workshop he is offering to attendees this year! It is a must-listen. Eric M. Bailey is the bestselling author and president of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, one of the fastest-growing human communication consulting firms in the United States. Eric has a unique set of life experiences that includes earning a Master's Degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Saint Louis University, helping NFL Pro-Bowler Larry Fitzgerald pet a rhinoceros, doing barrel rolls in an F-16, and chatting with LL Cool J on the campus of Harvard University. Eric believes that no matter what life throws at you, there’s either a lesson to be learned or a story to be told. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee chats with Shai Poulard, the Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at NerdWallet. Shai has ten years of professional experience in various industries including technology, retail, banking, biotechnology, and entertainment. She is entrepreneurial and innovative in spirit with a passion for aligning people's skills, company resources, and development opportunities with the needs of the organization. Proven track record in building training and inclusion programs, exceeding goals, strategic thinking, leadership, analytical thinking, facilitation, creative problem solving, customer service, and championing equity & inclusion. She thrives in challenging, fast-paced, collaborative environments where autonomy and outside-of-the-box thinking are valued and encouraged. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Jackye and Katee talk to Andres SIgcha. Andres, a native Ecuadorian, earned his Master's degree in 2018 after a journey that took him around the world and exposed him to many cultures and diverse backgrounds. Through these experiences, he found his calling- to fight for workplace equity and give a voice to the underrepresented. He has created :https://www.tariy.ai/ which helps leaders become more inclusive in meetings and beyond. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Jackye and Katee chat with Pam Luk. Pam Luk is the founder of Ember & Ace, an athletic wear brand for plus size kids. Growing up playing sports, she learned firsthand the importance of finding active wear that fits. After a career in project management, Pam wanted to ensure her daughter and other children are able to be comfortable in the clothes they wear for sporting activities. She went after that desire and launched a fashion line exclusively for active plus size kids. In June, Pam launched a Kickstarter campaign that was fully funded in just 17 days to help launch Ember & Ace! Pam understands what it means to be plus-size while also being an active, healthy child and adult. She wants to bring more awareness around body diversity, how to talk to your child about bodies and embracing differences and tools parents can utilize to make clothes shopping easier. Pam has recently been featured on Eat The Rules, Burnt Toast, Well + Good, and more. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye chat with Aurora Higgs. Aurora (she/they) is a Black queer visionary and activist from Richmond, Va. Aurora works as an equity consultant all around the world. Aurora transitioned in 2018 and uses her platform to promote justice and equity. Aurora is the VP of Operations at HUMiN Inc, a Seattle-based Consultancy specializing in DEI and Management Consulting for Large Tech and Biopharma corporate clients. In 2019, Aurora founded Borealis Consulting RVA where she works as a speaker, researcher, performer, and producer of media that elevate queer BIPOC voices. Higgs also was invited to assist Del. Danica Roem (D-Prince William), in passing several pieces of legislation related to transgender rights in Virginia, including a bill to make transphobic discrimination by medical providers illegal. Her work in the Richmond community has earned her a number of honors in recent years. Aurora was a featured honoree in Style Weekly’s 2019 Top 40 Under 40 Issue as well as in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s Agents of Change Exhibit. The Advocate named Aurora a 2022 Champion of Pride from Around the US. And if you ever find yourself on MacArthur Ave in RVA, you can find a mural in honor of Aurora and her impact on the community. Aurora believes that her calling is to show up in spaces bravely and authentically, no matter the repercussions. Someone once said “Show up so BIG in the room that it feels too small after you’ve left.” Aurora holds this mantra close to her heart as she creates space for her communities and herself. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

If you liked the first half of this episode, you will want to listen to part 2, where Katee and Jackye dig in even deeper with Eli. We could have talked for many more hours!! Hope you enjoy this half as much as you did the first! If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In the first half of this conversation, Jackye and Katee chat with Eli Rigatuso. It was so good, we kept recording for a part II right away. You'll get that episode next week! So who is Eli? He identifies as a queer, transmasculine Two Spirit of the Menominee Nation. He is an artist, photographer, video producer/director, and gifted public speaker and presenter and considers himself well-versed in diverse issues relating to gender identity and expression. Rigatuso is easily one of the most compassionate souls you will ever meet. With over 30 years of experience in his field, he’s worked throughout TV, radio, and digital media while moving the needle toward inclusive spaces. A gifted public speaker and presenter, Eli created Speaking of Happy in 2009, has hosted various Live Stream events, and continues to provide an outlet for folks to share their personal stories. Rigatuso launched the Speaking of Happy Pride Tour in 2022 taking a 27' travel trailer & mobile podcast studio to various Midwest pride celebrations. He has also worked with many families in the Omaha area as they navigate the waters of gender-related to being transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, and gender-diverse. Speaking of Happy has provided training for numerous businesses and nonprofits. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF Show less

In this episode, Katee and Jackye chat with Dasha Dare. She is a NYC-based professional photographer and an ICF-certified executive life coach. Her unique coaching method (DareMethod) involves portrait photography and supports forward-thinking and high-performing people in reconnecting with their True North and relaxing into their greatness. Most recently she has designed an all-inclusive employee recognition experience, "Feeling Seen", which involves photography and life coaching. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye chat with Leah Daniels. Leah’s experience in the Talent Acquisition space spans the recruiting funnel from top to bottom. Before JobSync, Leah was an executive with the programmatic job ad platform Appcast, where she originally began as the VP of Business Development and Alliances and ultimately became the GM of SaaS operations where she oversaw strategy and key software growth. Prior to joining Appcast, Leah was the Director of Product Strategy at Monster in the Software Solutions group. Earlier in her career, Leah also held the position of Director of Global Alliances and Business Development with Bullhorn. Leah is a Boston University Alum where she graduated with a degree in Psychology and Sociology. Leah’s position as a leader in the industry began with several positions she held at ZoomInfo working with large enterprises seeking hard to find talent and later was granted a patent on detecting early behavior of candidates in social media. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Jackye and Katee chat with Alison Rapping, CEO of the Arouet Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting, mentoring and training women involved in the justice system. Arouet provides resources including an innovative reentry support which is conducted inside of AZDRR’s Perryville Prison, case management, employment services, financial coaching, leadership development and community education. A recognized leader in the nonprofit community, she brings more than 25 years nonprofit experience to her work. She specializes in criminal justice reform, women’s leadership, board development, fund development, workforce development, advocacy, nonprofit management and program design and implementation. Ms. Rapping served as CEO of the Alliance for Arizona Nonprofits and invested 13 years of her professional career with HandsOn Greater Phoenix, a nonprofit dedicated to mobilizing volunteers and developing and managing innovative community programs. While at HOGP, she served for 4 years on the National Board of Directors for HandsOn Network. On behalf of HandsOn Network, Alison traveled to Zimbabwe, South Africa, Korea, and the Gulf Coast to support & provide organizational development and fundraising training to organizations interested in creating HandsOn Network models of service. Ms. Rapping served as the Vice Chair for the City of Phoenix Commission on Housing and Neighborhoods, been a member of the City of Phoenix Bond Committee, Chair of the City of Phoenix CDGB review panel, and has served on the BODs for numerous community organizations. She was named to The Business Journal’s Inaugural ‘40 Under 40’ class of emerging leaders and is a graduate of Valley Leadership. She is currently an AEI Leadership Fellow and member of the City of Phoenix Business and Workforce Commission. Ms. Rapping received her MPA from the UMASS-Amherst.If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye talk with Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown. She is a highly sought-after equity strategist and cultural architect. Dr. Mitchell Brown's expertise in holistic cultural change and sustainable transformation has positively impacted the organizational culture of Fortune 500 companies such as Prudential Financial and Walt Disney Company. Recently appointed as the Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations for Race Forward, a leading racial justice nonprofit organization, Dr. Mitchell Brown's passion for social justice influenced the second largest labor union and, in 2020, inspired the co-creation and co-leadership of Black Citizenship in Action (BCiA) for the Black Progressive Action Coalition. Dr. Mitchell Brown continually advocates for the importance of implementing strategic initiatives that make global diversity awareness a daily mantra. With over 30 years of progressive, social justice, non-profit, higher education and Fortune 50 experiences, she’s equipped with the talent and knowledge to help individuals, organizations and corporations overcome challenges in their quest to exemplify equal human rights for all races and genders. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye chat with Amy Spurling. Amy is the Founder and CEO of Compt, HR software that enables companies to offer truly personalized employee perks that adapt to remote and hybrid employee needs, while being fully tax compliant and inclusive for global teams. Amy's experience as CFO and COO managing HR and Finance at early and growth stage companies prior to Compt drives her belief that companies and employees can achieve so much more together when employees are fully supported. Named Boston’s “CFO of the Year” by the Boston Business Journal in 2016, she is a seasoned executive with nearly 20 years experience in leadership roles at venture-backed companies ranging from early start-up phase through high growth and ultimately exit. Over her career, she has closed over ten rounds of financing totaling more than $200M, and managed two acquisitions to close. Amy received her Master of Business Administration from the Simmons School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Jackye and Katee speak with Dr. Nika White. She is a national authority and fearless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an award-winning management and leadership consultant, keynote speaker, published author, and executive practitioner for DEI efforts across business, government, non-profit, and education, Dr. White helps organizations break barriers and integrate DEI into their business frameworks. Her work has led to her designation by Forbes as a Top 10 D&I Trailblazer. She is the founder of Nika White Consulting (NWC) where her firm works with organizations to identify and implement opportunities to embed DEI throughout its operations and culture. NWC is a diversity, equity, and inclusion boutique consulting firm with recognized authority on strategic diversity, intentional inclusion, and organizational effectiveness. Dr. White believes that “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not just a checkmark for good business, it’s a way to transform the world.” Over her 20+ years of leadership, Dr. White has worked with over 200 corporate, educational, government, and non-profit brands, managed over $200 million in business assets for her clients, and written two books on diversity, equity, and inclusion including, “The Intentional Inclusionist,®” and “Next Level Inclusionist: Transforming Your Work and Yourself for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Success.” Dr. White’s third book, “Inclusion Uncomplicated: A Transformative Guide to Simplify DEI,” in partnership with Forbes Books is scheduled to release in January 2023. The heart of Dr. White’s work addresses the ability to create transformative environments with intentionality around inclusion. She helps create professional spaces where people can collaborate through a lens of compassion, empathy, and understanding.If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye speak with Sabina Mehmood. Sabina is the Pay Equity Leader for Gapsquare, helping companies make data-enabled decisions around pay, people, and DEI efforts. She leads the company’s efforts to deliver actionable strategies to close wage gaps, advance fair pay and respond in real time to changes in workforce data. Previously, she was a manager at the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, where she oversaw the development and implementation of the Bloomberg Gender Reporting Framework, an internationally recognized system for measuring progress across key themes of DEI in corporations. She has also supported corporate strategy, government relations, media, and communications initiatives across Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies. She earned both a BBA and MA from Baruch College. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye chat with Brandolon Barnett. Brandolon is the author of Dreams Deferred: Recession, Struggle, And The Quest For A Better World. An agent of change in the social impact area, speaker and philanthropist, Barnett was recently elected as @ANC1A commissioner for District 1A06 in Washington, D.C. He was formerly head of corporate social responsibility industry solutions in Salesforce.org’s philanthropy cloud and is the founder of the Democratize Ventures investing and advisory institute. Barnett has promoted development and volunteerism on three continents, led the Bill and Melinda Gates-funded Growfund donor-advised fund effort, and participated in research and consulting engagements at the Council on Foundations and Global Impact. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

This election is different. It's personal. Vote, because your life depends on it. Make sure your voice is heard! If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Jackye and Katee get taken to school by author and coach, Brenda Harrington! Brenda is a Certified Executive Coach and the founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies LLC. She works with leaders globally in public, private, government, intergovernmental, humanitarian, and nonprofit organizations. Brenda spent more than thirty years in private industry, in positions ranging from first-level management to senior executive leadership. She has had countless firsthand experiences with issues involving diversity, both explicit and implied. In her coaching practice, some of the circumstances she encounters with clients and within organizations involving diversity, inclusion and acceptance mirror experiences she has had, or has been aware of over many years. She knows that in the absence of mentors, sponsors, professional obstacles can be much more formidable. Brenda is a graduate of the Georgetown University Leadership Coaching program and is a credentialed member of the International Coaching Federation. She holds a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Pamplin College of Business, and a bachelor’s degree from Adelphi University. To buy Brenda's book, "Access Denied", click here: https://www.amazon.com/Access-Denied-... If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

Wow! Wow! Wow! In this episode, Katee and Jackye get to speak with Dr. Kimberly Young-McLear. She is a Black, queer, scholar, activist, strategist, engineer, cyber professional, and educator who is unreservedly committed to human resilience, human dignity, and human rights. She is an innovation and anti-oppression thought leader focused on results. In 2019, she was one of few LGBTQ active duty service members invited as a State of the Union Guest of Honor. Kimberly represented Connecticut’s 2nd District for her tireless efforts to stand against systemic bullying and harassment in the Coast Guard. Following her public testimony at a joint Congressional hearing co-led by Chairman (late) Elijah Cummings and Chairman Bennie Thompson, she has been credited for the advancement of various work environment policy and legislation. As a whistleblower and survivor of workplace psychological bullying and other forms of violence, she leverages her own experiences to build coalitions centered on dignity, systemic change, justice, and liberation. Kimberly has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and has been invited to speak at national events on a wide range of justice topics. She has been featured in numerous outlets, including, The New York Times, Associated Press, Reuters, Forbes, and a cover issue of Glamour. As you might already have figured out, this is only part 1! If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF

In this episode, Katee and Jackye speak with Maya Huber, the CEO & co-founder of TaTiO. She holds a PhD in occupational therapy, with main expertise in the fields of job analysis and the future of work. Maya has 15 years of practical and research experience managing HR companies focusing on work inclusion of vulnerable population groups. Maya worked in the HR industry for years and met thousands of job seekers and recruiters who struggled for a good match, making it clear that a change had to be made. Together with her partners Mor Panfil (COO) and Nir Familiar (CTO) and their extensive experience in building tech products, the team is designing a new mechanism of hiring. If you like what you hear, we would like to encourage you to subscribe to our channel! We would also appreciate it if you would rate this channel by going here: RateThisPodcast.com/inclusiveaf We create this podcast as a labor of love. But if you would like to support this channel you can buy us a cup of coffee here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/InclusiveAF