Broken Office Chair

Tune in to hear Vu Le and Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara answer questions submitted to the Broken Office Chair Advice Column.

Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.

Bessie is joined by Tawa Mitchell, Senior Program Officer of MacArthur Foundation's Chicago Commitment as they talk about growing up in Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, mental health, public health, critical race theory, and philanthropy in Chicago.

Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the 2024 Presidential Election, though the issues remain as pressing as always.

Join host Bessie Alcantara in this powerful episode featuring Andrea Ortez, Program Officer at Woods Fund Chicago. Together, Bessie and Andrea dive into the profound impact of the conflict in El Salvador, exploring how their shared heritage and experiences have shaped their identities and leadership styles. Tune in for a candid conversation about asylum seekers, the implications of being a Sanctuary City, and the responsibility of philanthropy in funding advocacy work.

Join host Bessie Alcantara in this powerful episode featuring Andrea Ortez, Program Officer at Woods Fund Chicago. Together, Bessie and Andrea dive into the profound impact of the conflict in El Salvador, exploring how their shared heritage and experiences have shaped their identities and leadership styles.

Tune in for a candid conversation about asylum seekers, the implications of being a Sanctuary City, and the responsibility of philanthropy in funding advocacy work.

Join us for an inspiring episode as Bessie sits down with two powerhouse leaders, Candice Jones and Thena Robinson Mock. Together, they dive into their journeys in advocacy, justice, and community building. Candice, President and CEO of Public Welfare Foundation in DC, shares her insights on philanthropy and Black leadership, while Thena, VP of Programs at Public Welfare Foundation, and a racial justice lawyer with over a decade of experience advancing community-led efforts for education and youth justice, discusses her vision for the future of social justice and equity.

In this candid conversation, they explore the challenges they've faced, the successes they've achieved, and their passion for empowering others. Tune in for practical advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a glimpse into how these incredible women are shaping their fields and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In this episode, Bessie steps into a new role—interviewee. For the first time, she shares her personal & professional journey, offering listeners a rare glimpse behind the mic. Bessie's guest, Maha McDiarmid turnst the tables and interviews Bessie, diving deep into the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the passion that drives her, and her vision for the future. It's an inspiring and raw episode that reveals the human story behind the voice of Broken Office Chair.

This week, our Host, Bessie Alcantara sits with Restorative Works! Podcast host, Claire de Mézerville López, M.Ed., M.S., to speak about the ways in which restorative practices are making a difference in their communities and places of work. Bessie and Claire explore the complexities of self-regulation, having challenging conversations, and holding space for multiple truths to exist simultaneously. Listen as Claire and Bessie relay stories that reveal the power of using our words in times of deep polarization and violence.

Restorative Works! Hosted by Claire de Mézerville López, M.Ed., M.S., is centered around restorative practices – the study of building relationships and community. With guests from across the globe, you can listen and be inspired by transformational stories from passionate restorative practitioners, community leaders, researchers, and more. Learn practical solutions to addressing harm/traumas and proactively increasing a sense of belonging in your community, schools, and at home. Explore methods to facilitating meaningful conversations that create understanding and positively impact the people around you.

Tune in to hear more from Claire and Bessie on their perspectives on storytelling for the good of our youth and global community.

In this episode, Alternatives' Executive Director, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Nazek, USPCN-Chicago Co-Chair and Nick, USPCN member to talk about what has happened since October 7, 2023. They discuss mobilizing efforts, the power of public narrative shifts, cross-cultural relationships, and what it means to live with Palestinian identities in the United States.

In this powerful episode of The Broken Chair Podcast, we sit down with Illinois State Senator Robert Peters to discuss the key elements of political change—collaboration, organization, and the importance of open dialogue. Senator Peters shares his insights on how building coalitions and staying flexible in your approach can lead to meaningful change, even in the most challenging political landscapes. We explore how movements are built through collective action, why no one should say "no" to themselves before trying, and how keeping the door open for conversation can break down barriers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you thinking about the power of teamwork and the critical role of communication in creating a better future.

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Dr. Rebekah Levin to discuss her experience as an American Jew advocating for Palestinian Liberation. Rebekah shares stories from her experiences in Palestine and her own path of deconstructing her beliefs and identity.