Live from the 2026 Women’s Leadership Summit, this episode of the 1856 Podcast celebrates the real journeys behind powerful women in leadership.

Through stories of motherhood, career shifts, mentorship, and personal growth, our guests share what it looks like to juggle it all while staying grounded in purpose.

From “fail fast” mindsets to vision books, networking with intention, and letting go of comparison, this conversation is filled with wisdom, humor, and truth.

Because success isn’t about balance…it’s about building a life that actually fits you.

In this special and long-awaited episode of the 1856 Podcast, host Rodrigua Ross flips the mic and spotlights someone who is usually behind the soundboard—Kait Eusebio Johnson, Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network (APILN) Employee Resource Group at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and Vice Chair of the National APILN.

This candid and thoughtful conversation explores what it means to trailblaze in spaces where representation is still growing. Kait reflects on why the API ERG is “small but mighty,” the cultural and systemic factors that impact participation, and why intentional connection—locally, nationally, and globally—matters now more than ever.

Listeners will hear about:

• The realities of leading one of the smallest ERGs in the YMCA movement
• Cultural expectations, leadership stereotypes, and breaking the “quiet force” narrative
• Why representation among staff, boards, and volunteers is essential to true belonging
• The richness and diversity within Asian and Pacific Islander cultures (yes, including food 👀🍜)
• A powerful global partnership launching in 2026 through the Philippines Coalition, supporting YMCAs in San Pablo City and Albay YMCA
• How ERGs can move from connection to action—across oceans and communities

Rooted in authenticity, culture, and purpose, this episode is a reminder that ERGs are not just about affinity—they are about impact. From lumpia and pho to leadership and legacy, this conversation invites listeners to come as they are, break bread together, and help build a YMCA that truly reflects the communities it serves.

🎧 Tune in for a heartfelt dialogue on growth, global connection, and what it means to be for all—in practice, not just in promise.

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode of the 1856 Podcast, host Rodrigua Ross sits down with the incomparable Dr. Eisha Williamson, Chair of the BOLD African American Employee Resource Group at the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.

Dr. Williamson—mental health professional, entrepreneur, real estate developer, former NFL dancer, pageant titleholder, and purpose-driven leader—shares her journey, her “why,” and her vision for cultivating belonging, balance, and bold leadership within the YMCA and beyond. Together, they explore the importance of ERGs in today’s social climate, the realities many African American professionals navigate in the workplace, and the power of creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and supported.

This conversation dives into:

• Why BOLD exists and why it matters now more than ever
• Work-life balance, boundaries, and mental health as leadership practices
• Leading while wearing many hats—and honoring all of them
• Legacy, empowerment, and helping people see gifts in themselves they didn’t know they had
• Why sometimes you ask for forgiveness, not permission

This episode is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and vision—and a reminder that when ERGs are led with intention and heart, they don’t just support people…they transform organizations.

🎧 Tune in for inspiration, truth-telling, and leadership rooted in belonging.

In this empowering episode of The 1856 Podcast, host Rodrigua Ross sits down with Kristen Howard, Vice President of Public Relations and Chair of ForevHer, the YMCA’s Employee Resource Group for women.

Kristen shares her journey from male-dominated spaces—military life, veteran nonprofits, and a house full of boys—to leading a community dedicated to sisterhood, confidence, and opportunity for women across the association. With humor, honesty, and her signature storytelling flair, she talks about embracing authenticity, lifting other women up, and why shrinking ourselves no longer has a place in 2025.

They explore:

✨ The purpose and power of women-centered ERGs
✨ Why storytelling matters in advancing women’s leadership
✨ How embracing boldness (and big earrings!) can change the workplace
✨ Advice for young women finding their voice and path

A warm, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about empowerment, community, and the women shaping the future of the Y.

In this powerful episode of The 1856 Podcast, host Rodrigua Ross digs into the vital role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and how they shape the future of organizations. Today’s spotlight is on RISE—Rising Innovators Sustaining Excellence, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ ERG for staff ages 35 and under.

Rodrigo sits down with the dynamic and inspiring Jasmine Wilson, Youth Development Director and Chair of RISE, for a vibrant, honest, and deeply relevant conversation about leadership, belonging, and the next generation of change makers.

Together, they explore:

✨ Why ERGs still matter—even in an era of evolving workplace norms, restructuring, and shifting cultural climates.
✨ What young professionals really want in today’s workforce (hint: it's respect, visibility, and authenticity).
✨ How social media and digital engagement are shaping the way new leaders connect, grow, and find opportunity.
✨ The importance of in-person connection—and why this generation needs us to invite them out from behind the screen.
✨ The power of mentorship, intentional communication, and resource awareness within large organizations.
✨ Jasmine’s personal leadership journey—from aspiring pediatric nurse to youth development director to ERG chair—and her long-term dream of creating her own therapeutic care facility.

This is a celebration of young leaders, a challenge to organizations to stay culturally relevant, and a reminder that the future belongs to those willing to listen, uplift, and empower.

Whether you supervise young staff, are a rising leader yourself, or simply care about building workplaces where everyone can thrive, this episode will energize and inspire you.

🎧 Tune in now and be reminded: the best way to build the future is to build the people.

On this episode of 1856, host Rodrigua Ross sits down with Dr. Stenette Byrd, Chair of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads’ Mission Advancement Committee and Chief of Schools for Suffolk Public Schools. Together, they dive into the power of giving—of time, talent, and treasure—and how intentional leadership and belonging shape stronger communities. From Dr. Byrd’s lifelong connection to the Y to his passion for music, mentoring, and making impact, this conversation is equal parts inspiring, insightful, and full of laughs.

What does a Chief Volunteer Officer (CVO) actually do—and what does dark chocolate have to do with it?

Find out as Rodrigua Ross hosts Steve Romine, CVO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, for a fun and insightful conversation about leadership, impact, and living the Y’s mission every day.

Welcome to 1856, a brand-new podcast brought to you by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads.
And what better way to launch than with the story of our own President & CEO, Anthony Walters?
Host Rodrigua Ross takes us through Anthony’s Y journey — from a teen sneaking into the Y to a leader guiding one of the most dynamic YMCA associations in the country.