B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes

Born in a Japanese American internment camp as Michael Yamamoto, Mia Yamamoto has experienced hate and injustice first hand. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Mia, a transgender criminal defense attorney, candidly discusses with Merle Vaughn the “model Asian” stereotype, historical racism and the need for all minorities to work together to effect change.

Megha Parekh believes everyone should have a voice and opportunity. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, she shares with Merle Vaughn what it’s like for her as a woman in the NFL, how living in the South is different from growing up in New Jersey and why she believes open conversations are important in the workplace.

Adrienne Lawrence is not one to sit still or let barriers stand in her way. A straight shooter, she holds nothing back in this inspiring conversation with Merle Vaughn that touches on sexual harassment, bullying, gaslighting and so much more in this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes.

When you are a white female, diversity often goes unnoticed. Carmen Chambers tells her story as a queer woman living in Birmingham and how assumptions are a daily part of her life experience. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Carmen and Merle Vaughn discuss self-identification and privilege as well as the networking group she and a friend started within the Alabama LGBTQ community.

Jeff Harleston, GC and EVP of Universal Music Group, has felt the impact of stereotypes within his career. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, he shares with Merle Vaughn how he is breaking down stereotypes within the music industry, embracing his authentic self and doing his part to effect change in the legal industry.

Paula Boggs took a leap into the unknown in 2012, leaving an unparalleled career in the law and starting her music career. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Paula retired GC of Starbucks and current frontwoman for the Paula Boggs Band, shares stories of her upbringing, her love of music and why being a Black woman has been her superpower.

Growing up, David Kelly wanted to be a basketball player and a musician. While his path ultimately has led him to a career as an NBA lawyer, he is also a successful musician and underground rapper. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, David, Chief Legal Officer of The Golden State Warriors, shares with Merle Vaughn how he landed his dream role, the sponsors who helped him along the way—and his insights on the league and team culture. He also discusses his passion for hip hop and how it allows him to be his authentic self.

Steven Hunter, partner at Quarles & Brady, doesn’t let anything hold him back from being his authentic self and living his best life. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Steven shares stories about what has inspired him to pursue his passions and chats with Merle Vaughn about his competitive drive and commitment to creating opportunities for other diverse lawyers.

Growing up on the basketball court, O’Melveny’s David Lash was not your stereotypical player. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, David chats with Merle Vaughn about getting beyond stereotypes personally and the eye-opening moments from some of his most memorable pro bono cases, several of which are “ripped from the headlines” and one that was made into a movie.

Sheila Foster, a Professor of Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University, loves disrupting expectations. In this episode of B.S.: Beyond Stereotypes, Sheila chats with Merle Vaughn about how her youthful appearance, race, and gender often present challenges within the classroom, and how she maintains her authenticity by always speaking her truth and staying grounded and connected to the community. She also explores the benefits of meditation and how her Zen-like focus helps her through tough situations.