Women of Color Rise

How do you get real team buy-in?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I talk with Jana Reed, COO of Nonprofit Finance Fund. Jana brings years of experience as a systems-level leader—previously serving as COO of iMentor, co-founder of Ascend Learning, and Chief of Schools at Citizens of the World Charter Schools.   Jana walks us through how her leadership has evolved—from focusing on modeling hard work to now prioritizing shared values, clear communication, and co-creation with her team.   We discuss: The importance of frameworks like operating agreements and shared values to set expectations and build culture Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness How transparency in vision and strategy builds alignment and trust What co-creation really takes—and why involving your team early leads to stronger outcomes This episode is for leaders who want to move from top-down decision-making to more inclusive, sustainable leadership practices. Thank you, Jana, for sharing your advice!   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-112-inclusive-leadership-with-jana-reed-coo-of-nonprofit-finance-fund  

Thinking of running for school board? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Judith Cruz, Former Board President, Houston Independent School District. Judith has over twenty-five years of experience as an educator, non-profit leader, and volunteer in public schools.   Judith shares her path to school board leadership—and what it really takes to serve well. Know your why – Serving on a school board is a powerful way to create change, but it’s not easy. It’s unpaid, political, and full of competing priorities. Judith reminds us that while advancing student outcomes is essential, sometimes the most urgent fight is preventing students from falling further behind. Be ready to work across differences – Even among seemingly aligned colleagues, interpersonal dynamics and politics can derail progress. Judith shares how she built trust and found common ground—internally within the board and externally with the broader community. Don’t compromise your values – The toughest moments came when Judith had to vote against the wishes of those who helped her get elected. Her advice: stay grounded in your values and make decisions based on what’s best for all kids—not just the loudest voices. Go grassroots or go home – To win her campaign, Judith knocked on 3,500 doors in six months, seven days a week. Her message: people matter. Conversations matter. That’s how trust—and leadership—is built. Do your homework – Before running, Judith suggests attending civic and board meetings, asking questions, and learning how the system really works. Because once you're in, the work is real—and it’s relentless.   Thank you, Judith, for sharing your inspirational and powerful journey.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-111-run-for-your-school-board-with-judith-cruz

Do you mentor others?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Fernande (Nan) Duffly, the first Asian American Judge appointed to the Massachusetts Supreme Court.   Nan shares how mentorship played a critical role in her journey. Her mentor, Sam Adams, encouraged her to consider becoming a judge—something she hadn’t envisioned for herself. At the time, there were very few people who looked like her in those roles.   Now, Nan pays it forward. She actively mentors young lawyers and students, especially those from diverse backgrounds. For Nan, mentoring isn’t about formal programs—it’s about real conversations. Demystify the role: Nan is intentional about helping others see that judges aren’t untouchable. “I was you once,” she says. “And you could be me.” Build belief: She focuses on helping others believe they’re capable and ready. It’s not about who you know—it’s about being prepared, having the right experience, and doing the work. Stay grounded: Nan makes space for real connection. She listens, shares her story, and lets people see the person behind the title.   Thank you, Nan, for sharing your story—and for showing how powerful mentoring can be.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-110-be-a-mentor-with-fernande-nan-duffly  

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Nancy B. Gutiérrez, President & Lead Executive Officer of The Leadership Academy, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to developing transformational leadership for educators at all levels. Nancy also serves on the boards of The Hunt Institute, brightbeam, and The Neurodiversity Alliance, and is the Board Chair of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC).   Nancy is the co-author of Stay and Prevail: Students of Color Don’t Need to Leave Their Communities to Succeed (2023), which shares powerful stories of leaders who choose to give back to their home communities. She shares her own journey serving East San Jose, the very place where she grew up—and where her mother once attended the school Nancy would later lead.   When asked to step into the principal role at that school, Nancy said to herself: “If I don’t step into this, who will?”   Nancy shares how building trust required: Listening deeply—not just to hopes and dreams, but to generational trauma. She asked, “How have schools harmed you?” Reflecting back what she heard, to show the community she was listening. Taking visible action—like redesigning the student referral system. Instead of referring students only for misbehavior, teachers began referring students who exhibited excellence. Families started receiving calls from the principal to celebrate their children—flipping the script on what school leadership could look and feel like.   Nancy now leads work that supports school leaders across 40+ states. Her story is a beautiful example of what it means to stay, to serve, and to prevail—not just locally, but nationally.   Thank you, Nancy, for your powerful leadership and for sharing your story with us. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-109-stay-and-lead-in-your-home-community-with-dr-nancy-b-gutirrez-president-lead-executive-officer

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Jillian Juman, CEO of Envision Education—a network of high-performing middle and high school charter schools in Oakland, CA.    Jillian shares her powerful journey toward liberation and what it means to lead as a Black woman who embraces curiosity, intuition, and spiritual connection.   Lean into curiosity and play: Jillian follows what sparks her interest—even if most things don’t lead anywhere—and trusts that the few that do are exactly where she’s meant to be. Notice when you don’t fit: She’s learned to recognize when something isn’t the right environment and no longer sees that as a personal failure. Trust your intuition: Jillian makes space to listen inward and has come to trust that she already knows what’s right for her. Create space for reflection: She schedules time to journal, reflect, and take retreats to stay grounded and lead with clarity. Jillian reminds us that liberation is a lifelong journey—and that we already have the answers when we allow ourselves the space to hear them.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-109-stay-and-lead-in-your-home-community-with-dr-nancy-b-gutirrez-president-lead-executive-officer

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Angira Sceusi, Executive Director of redefinED atlanta, a nonprofit committed to ensuring every student in Atlanta can attend an excellent K-12 public school. Angira was named to the 2025 Atlanta 500, a list of the city’s most powerful leaders, and selected for the 2026 class of Leadership Atlanta.   Angira shares her journey from being a behind-the-scenes introvert to stepping into the spotlight and embracing her role as the face of the organization. Here’s what helped her:   Name the self-doubt. Even with advanced degrees and leadership experience, Angira realized she was holding herself back due to a quiet sense of imposter syndrome. She asked herself, “Why don’t I want to be the face of this organization?” and uncovered the self-doubt beneath the surface. Use grounding mantras. To counter that doubt, Angira leans on a simple, powerful mantra: “I am enough. I am worthy.” She repeats it daily and whenever insecurity arises as a reminder of her value and strength. Redefine what leadership looks like. Angira noticed that we often idolize a certain kind of leader—someone loud, charismatic, preaching from the mountaintop. But that’s not her style, and that’s okay. She’s a thoughtful, cerebral leader who needs time to reflect before responding. By embracing her authentic self, she realized she could lead powerfully as herself, not in spite of herself. Angira reminds us that leadership doesn’t require becoming someone else. When we name our self-doubt, lean into our truth, and affirm our worth, we can show up with power—just as we are.   Thank you, Angira, for sharing your wisdom and your story. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-107-embrace-being-the-face-of-an-organization-as-an-introvert-with-angira-sceusi

How can you find a mentor?   For this Women of Color Rise episode, I speak with Veronica Conforme, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Greenhouse E3, a national nonprofit developing diverse pipelines of future education leaders. Veronica describes herself as a rebel—she turned down her father’s advice to become an accountant and instead set out to change the world. Her career includes serving as COO of the NYC Department of Education, leading UP Education Network in Massachusetts, and serving as Chancellor of the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan.    Veronica credits mentorship as a key to her success—but not as luck. It came through clarity, purpose, and values-aligned work. “You have to be really clear about what you're trying to achieve,” she says. “I grew up in the South Bronx, saw inequity firsthand, and knew I wanted to disrupt systems and change outcomes for communities like mine.”   Because she led with purpose, mentors found her through the work. “I wasn’t from the education sector, but when I helped principals rethink how to use their budgets to serve their communities, people noticed. They’d say, ‘Come work with us.’ That’s where mentorship happened—in the work, through shared values.”   Veronica offers this advice for finding a mentor: Get clear on your mission. What change do you want to make in the world? Be open. Stay open to help, new relationships, and new perspectives—even if they come from unexpected places. Do the work. Lead with your values, show what you’re about, and opportunities will follow. Make it mutual. Mentorship should be a two-way street. “You're not only pouring into me,” she says. “I'm bringing something to the table too.”   Thank you, Veronica, for your leadership and your wisdom.   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-106-how-to-find-a-mentor-with-veronica-conforme-co-founder-and-co-ceo-of-greenhouse-e3

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Judith Brown Clarke, VP for Equity & Inclusion, Chief Health Equity Officer, and Chief Diversity Officer for Stony Brook University and Health System. A 1984 Olympic Silver Medalist and former collegiate champion, Dr. Clarke now leads transformational change in health equity and inclusive excellence.   Dr. Clarke shares how an Olympic mindset strengthens leadership: Focus on execution, not outcomes. In high-pressure moments—whether on the Olympic track or in a policy meeting—Dr. Clarke emphasizes executing core strategies over fixating on the outcome. “You don’t go into a race thinking ‘I must win.’ You focus on form, precision, and the next hurdle.”  Use form and fundamentals as your anchor. Fatigue will come. Pressure will rise. In those moments, leaders must default to form—policy, strategy, and best practices—not panic. “Just like runners lean into form when tired, we lean into structure: What’s the process? Who’s the decision-maker? What’s needed for buy-in?” Game theory mindset: anticipate, don’t react. Dr. Clarke approaches leadership with the same strategic thinking as athletic competition—asking, What are the key factors that lead to success? She maps out opposition, support, timing, and execution steps, treating meetings like races with defined phases and checkpoints.  Strategy and relationship go hand in hand. Even when it’s not a “win,” clarity around process and relationships sustains momentum. “You may not get consensus, but if you know the rules—it’s a majority vote, or a policy practice—you keep the path clear for next steps.”   Thank you, Dr. Clarke, for showing us how Olympic discipline meets inclusive leadership.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-105-lead-like-an-olympian-with-dr-judith-brown-clarke-vp-for-equity-inclusion

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Yordanos Eyoel, Founder and CEO of Keseb, a nonpartisan organization advancing inclusive and resilient democracies through transnational civil society. An Ethiopian-American democracy entrepreneur, Yordanos is an Ashoka and Aspen Institute Fellow and has received awards from the Elevate Prize Foundation and Unorthodox Philanthropy. Previously, she was a Managing Partner at New Profit, where she rose from Portfolio Analyst—the first to do so in the organization's history. Her work has been featured in TED, NPR, and Harvard Business Review.   Yordanos shares how her faith has shaped her leadership: Faith provides grounding in uncertainty. As a leader, Yordanos acknowledges that she doesn’t always have the answers. Her faith offers a steady anchor—something to return to when decisions are complex and the path forward isn’t clear. Faith strengthens resilience as a woman of color. Navigating leadership as a woman of color comes with unique challenges. Yordanos credits her faith with helping her stay centered amid external pressures, giving her the courage to lead authentically. Her leadership is deeply values-driven. Yordanos’ sense of purpose, integrity, and commitment to service are all rooted in her faith. It’s not just a personal belief—it’s a leadership compass that guides how she shows up for others and makes decisions. Thank you, Yordanos, for your insightful advice!   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-104-faith-and-leadership-with-yordanos-eyoel-founder-and-ceo-keseb

How can you make your voice heard?   We’ve all heard the saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This episode of Women of Color Rise is an example of that.   I’m joined by fellow leaders Christian Green, Zainab Abbas, Ian Esquibel, and Derek Burtch—all part of the Culture of Health Leadership Institute for Racial Healing. Together, with Cecily Relucio, we’re supporting Equity Week 2025, a national movement grounded in collective action for justice.   Each of my guests brings a powerful perspective: Derek Burtch, a high school English teacher and Executive Director of Erase the Space, focuses on education equity. Zainab Abbas, founder of SciTech to You, works to disrupt the preschool-to-prison pipeline. Christian Green, a college professor, advocates for transitional-age youth facing housing insecurity. Ian Esquibel, a leadership coach and consultant, supports communities fighting for systems that serve all students. Though we come from different places and lived experiences, we’re united by one goal: to make systemic change through Equity Week—a week of learning, advocacy, and organizing in Washington, D.C., June 11–14, 2025.   Equity Week 2025 is a national initiative uplifting equity-centered practices in education, civic engagement, and public history. It includes: Sessions on the Hill as National Advocates for Equity Training in advocacy and community organizing Equity Ball—a joyful celebration filled with dance, art, and connection We’d love for you to join us. Come be part of this movement. June 11–14, 2025 Washington, D.C. Learn more and sign up here: https://nbjc.org/equity-week/ Watch the Equity Week video: YouTube link   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-103-multi-racial-coalition-building-equity-week-with-christian-zainab-ian-and-derek  

How can leaders turn perceived limitations into strengths?   On Women of Color Rise, I speak with Alia Abbas, Chief of Staff at New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. With a career spanning Estee Lauder, Warner Bros. Discovery, Prudential, and Citi, Alia has led in strategy, operations, and innovation—proving that disability and faith are not barriers but strengths.   Alia didn’t realize she was blind until she was diagnosed in college, thanks to parents who instilled confidence and adaptability. She also made a pivotal choice in her career—to wear a hijab, deepening her connection to her Muslim faith. Though both blindness and belief come with stereotypes, Alia sees them as value-adds in leadership and teams.   Her insights: We are capable – People with disabilities develop adaptability, resilience, and unique problem-solving skills. Diversity strengthens teams – Multi-generational, multi-background, and multi-ability teams drive stronger ideas and outcomes. No ceilings on possibility – Instead of limiting others, empower them to pursue their goals.   Alia’s journey is a powerful reminder: Own your identity, use your voice, and lead with confidence.   Thank you, Alia, for sharing your inspiring stories!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-102-strength-in-blindness-and-faith-with-alia-abbas  

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies. Under her leadership, NYU SPS has been ranked as a top higher education institution, recognized for its career-connected, industry-focused degrees and courses.   Angie shares tips about how to turn imposter syndrome into your superpower: Reframe It as a Strength: Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign of failure—it’s proof that you’re growing. Angie explains that feeling like an outsider means you’re pushing yourself into new and challenging spaces where real learning happens. Stay Curious: Instead of letting doubt hold you back, use it as motivation to ask questions, explore, and expand your knowledge. Angie emphasizes that the most successful people aren’t the ones who "know it all" but those who remain inquisitive and open to growth. Seek Challenging Spaces: The moment you feel like the smartest person in the room, it’s time to move on. Angie encourages others to embrace environments that push them outside their comfort zones, because that’s where true transformation occurs. Embrace the Outsider Mindset: Rather than seeing self-doubt as a weakness, recognize it as a tool for problem-solving and innovation. Angie highlights that the best leaders and hires aren’t those who have all the answers—they’re the ones who are hungry to learn, work hard, and can see old problems with a new and fresh outside perspective. Thank you, Angie, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-101-how-to-turn-imposter-syndrome-into-your-superpower-with-angie-kamath

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christie Wong Barrett, former CEO and owner of MacArthur, a global manufacturer of innovative labels and functional components with operations in the U.S., China, Mexico, and Poland. Christie currently serves as an Independent Board Member for DMI Companies, a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and Co-Director of AmplifyD, a nonprofit incubating startups led by minority and women founders. She has also advised on national manufacturing policy through her appointment to the White House Advanced Manufacturing Partnership.   Christie shares her framework for evaluating opportunities—when to say yes and when to say no: Is it new? If it’s a fresh opportunity, consider saying yes. Are you passionate? Ensure it aligns with your interests, passions, and goals. Will it build your skillset? Growth potential makes an opportunity worthwhile. Can you realistically succeed? You should have at least one foundational strength—whether it’s knowledge of the industry, clients, or team—to set yourself up for success. Does it create multiple benefits? Look for opportunities that offer value beyond just work—advancing your career, expanding your network, or opening future doors.   While it’s tempting to say yes to everything, Christie emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. Ideally, we should only say yes when all these criteria align.   Thank you, Christie, for your insightful advice!   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-100-when-to-say-yes-with-christie-wong-barrett

How can we build connection and compassionate communities? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Gail Christopher, the visionary behind the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) framework. Dr. Christopher is the Executive Director of the National Collaborative for Health Equity and a former Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where she spearheaded transformative initiatives like America Healing and TRHT. Recognized as one of the 10 Most Influential Women Scholars in Health Promotion by the American Journal of Health Promotion in 2023, Dr. Christopher continues to inspire change worldwide. Dr. Christopher shares the powerful foundation of TRHT, designed to replace the false hierarchy of human value with a vision of our shared humanity. This framework has had a profound impact across the U.S. and beyond, with over 70 college campuses implementing TRHT campus centers. The Five Pillars of TRHT: Narrative Change: Redefining stories to reflect shared humanity. Racial Healing & Relationship Building: Fostering compassion across diversity to create authentic, human connections. Separation: Addressing the systemic ways society perpetuates division and hierarchy. Law: Reforming immigration policies, voting rights, and criminal justice systems to uphold equality. Economy: Transforming economic systems built on exploitation to prioritize equity. The Five-Step Process for Change: Create a Vision for Success: Imagine a future where equality and shared humanity replace hierarchy. Use Data to Assess Reality: Evaluate current conditions against the envisioned future. Engage Key Stakeholders: Identify and involve the individuals and communities necessary for progress. Set Goals: Establish clear, short- and long-term objectives to guide action. Sustain the Effort: Build systems for funding, communication, and volunteer support to ensure lasting impact. Dr. Christopher reminds us that this work is both a framework and a methodology—a guide for communities, institutions, and nations to advance racial healing and equity. Thank you, Dr. Christopher, for your leadership and for inspiring us to envision a future grounded in our shared humanity. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-99-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher  

Aspiring to lead in theater?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Khady Kamara Nunez, Executive Director of the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC NYC). Before this role, Khady served as Executive Director of Second Stage Theater, where she was part of the leadership team that won a Tony Award for Take Me Out.   Khady shares her inspiring journey from Senegal to the U.S., where a night at the theater changed her life’s trajectory. Though her decision to pursue theater initially caused friction—her mother hung up when she called to share the news—Khady followed her passion and learned invaluable lessons along the way:   Embrace the Pivot: Pursuing your passion can be uncertain, but taking the leap allows you to live without regrets. If needed, you can always pivot later. Embrace Failure: Facing the unknown, like navigating and leading theater during COVID, showed Khady that mistakes are opportunities to learn and improve. Know Your Values: When Khady discovered a report showing a lack of people of color leading regional theaters, she was motivated by her belief in representation and set her sights on becoming a leader in the industry.   Thank you, Khady, for showing us the power of resilience and passion in leadership! Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-98-truth-racial-healing-and-transformation-with-dr-gail-christopher

How can you amplify your leadership in technology?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology.   Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success.   Sonita’s wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-97-navigating-tech-leadership-entrepreneur-to-boardroom-with-sonita-lontoh  

How can you amplify your leadership in technology?   In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I sit down with Sonita Lontoh, an inspiring technology leader and inductee into the Asian Hall of Fame and Women in Manufacturing Hall of Fame. Sonita currently serves on the boards of Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN) and TrueBlue (NYSE: TBI) and has held senior executive roles at HP, Siemens, and PG&E. Recognized by the White House and U.S. State Department, Sonita shares actionable insights on amplifying your career in technology.   Sonita shares helpful advice to amplify a career: Embrace change and failure: Explore your passions early, pivot when needed, and view failure as a learning opportunity. For example, Sonita started her career by pursuing an entrepreneurial passion in gaming, successfully launched a company, and later pivoted to corporate leadership after selling the business. Find your purpose: Align your passions, skills, and purpose to guide your career path. Sonita found her purpose at the intersection of technology and sustainability, which became her north star in driving innovation and impact throughout her career. Seek mentors and sponsors: Build a support network of role models who inspire and guide you, regardless of their level. Sonita leveraged mentorship from diverse leaders, including women and men, to navigate career transitions and grow into leadership roles. Think like an owner: Go beyond your role to drive the broader success of your organization. Sonita exemplified this by creating and scaling new businesses within large companies like Siemens, transforming innovative ideas into operational success.   Sonita’s wisdom offers invaluable guidance for navigating the challenges of technology leadership.   Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-96-5-keys-to-build-self-confidence-with-sheena-yap-chan  

In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Melissa Santoro, Former Vice President of De Beers and Former Head of Finance at Macy’s Backstage. With a career spanning finance and strategy roles at Fortune 500 companies to start-ups, Melissa is now an angel investor and board member.   Melissa shares powerful strategies for taking risks and making bold career moves: Be Curious: Explore new opportunities, even without prior experience. Melissa accepted a challenging and unpopular role conducting fine jewelry analysis—a field she had no prior experience in—and this opened doors for her to lead analysis on new ventures. Be Confident: Trust your skills and your ability to learn. Melissa explains how she embraces new challenges, knowing she can gain the knowledge she needs along the way. Build Community: Leverage your network for support. Melissa emphasizes the importance of asking for help and tapping into your community for guidance.   Melissa will also be hosting a session on March 5 called “Cultivating A Growth Mindset in the Modern Workplace.” It caters to women in leadership, with a focus on building wealth, health, and longevity as women are living longer than ever—often until age 90.   For more details, visit here.   Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your inspiring advice and strategies!   Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/how-to-take-risks-and-make-career-leaps-with-melissa-santoro-former-vice-president-de-beers    

Seeking a deeper connection to culture, spirit, and homeland? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Grace Nono—a celebrated Filipino singer, ethnomusicologist, and scholar of Philippine shamanism. Grace holds advanced degrees in Humanities, Philippine Studies, Religious and Gender Studies, and Ethnomusicology from institutions like Yale University and NYU. She has also served as a post-doctoral fellow at Harvard Divinity School. Grace shares how reconnecting to the land and indigenous Filipino cultural and spiritual practices has grounded her: Land Connection: Returning to her birthplace in Mindanao to reconnect with the earth. Spiritual Connection: Learning from living Babaylan about ancestral and land-based spirituality. Cultural Connection: Exploring music, arts, and traditional healing practices. Grace also offers two transformative opportunities: Online Webinar Series: Learn from master indigenous practitioners in martial arts, music, and healing. In-Person Immersion in the Philippines: Yuta: Co-Creating with Mother Earth is a 10-day program that includes cultural immersion, healing practices, and community building with Filipino and global participants.   Thank you, Grace, for inspiring others to reconnect with their roots and heritage! Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-94-connect-to-culture-spirit-and-homeland-with-grace-nono-filipino-singer-and-scholar-of-philippine-shamanism-1

Is it possible for life-or-death news to bring hope? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Johanne Morne, Executive Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Department of Health. With a long career in public health, Johanne has been guided by her commitment to equity, social justice, and trauma-informed care. At age 42, Johanne was diagnosed with breast cancer while transitioning into a major role she had worked tirelessly to achieve. Faced with the dilemma of prioritizing her health or career, she chose to reframe the question: How can I focus on both? Now celebrating ten years of being cancer-free, Johanne shares how her experience transformed her leadership at work and in life: Focus on community: Johanne leaned on her strong community of family, friends, and faith, deepening those connections throughout her journey. Clarity on her legacy: Cancer clarified Johanne's desire to leave a meaningful impact, especially around equity. She became bolder, speaking out on hard truths about inequities while balancing this with levity. She also felt empowered to take calculated risks, asking herself, “If X happens, can I stand by it?” Bringing hope: Battling cancer taught Johanne the importance of hope—not just for herself but also at work. As she navigated difficult conversations, she realized balancing hard facts with hope and humor was essential to prevent despair. Even during COVID, she highlighted positive aspects, like the flexibility of remote work. Seeing life as temporary: Johanne embraced the idea that life’s moments—whether joyful or challenging—are temporary. This perspective allowed her to choose how she spent her time and aligned her actions with her values. Embracing authenticity: Cancer helped Johanne lean into her true self, becoming more confident and unapologetic in her leadership. Thank you, Johanne, for sharing your inspiring story and bringing hope to all of us. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-93-how-breast-cancer-changed-my-leadership-at-work-and-in-life-with-johanne-morne