Conversations with Chanda

In this episode of Centering Conversations, an exclusive segment with Voice Vision Value, Ashleigh Gardere, the President of PolicyLink, shares a bold vision to redesign the nation from the ground up. Challenging the status quo, Gardere argues that current systems were never designed for collective flourishing - it's time to redefine the values and legal frameworks that will deliver a just and equitable future for all.

Read PolicyLink's Vision:

https://www.policylink.org/vision

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We are highlighting an episode on Centering Conversations aired in 2023 with the award-winning journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023. Dive into overcoming perfectionism, identity struggles, and the importance of representation. From burnout lessons to reclaiming dreams, this episode is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care.

https://www.lorealthompsonpayton.com/

To purchase book: https://a.co/d/9gn9gIA

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Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y’all Too," "STEM, STEAM, Make Dream," and much more. Chanda and Chris discussed the major challenges in our education system. Emdin boldly declares the education system is flawed and rooted in oppression. But he offers a radical alternative that embraces hip-hop culture's creativity, rhythm, and critical thinking.

https://chrisemdin.com/

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Detria Austin Everson, CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey in philanthropy and social justice. Discover how service can be your superpower as Everson reveals the keys to unity, resilience, and hope in leadership. Learn how celebrating small victories can lead to big changes and why black women's voices are crucial in the fight for equity.

https://detriaaustineverson.com/

https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen

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John W. Rogers, Jr. is the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, the global value-based asset management firm he founded in 1983 and first African American-owned asset management firm in American history. Chanda sat down with John to talk about moving away from supplier diversity and into business diversity, along with the importance of creating multigenerational wealth for Black and Brown communities.

https://www.arielinvestments.com/

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Join Chanda Smith Baker in conversation with philanthropic leader Lauren Y. Casteel as they explore Black women's leadership in philanthropy. Lauren Y. Casteel is president and CEO of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Drawing from her family's civil rights legacy and 35-year career, Lauren shares powerful insights on community building, navigating racism, and fostering systemic change. Together, they discuss how bold, innovative philanthropy can create lasting impact for marginalized communities.

https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen

https://www.wfco.org/

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Discover how two visionaries turned music into a lifeline for struggling students, challenging everything you thought you knew about education. David "TC" Ellis, a pioneering Minnesota rapper and music producer, and Tony, an accomplished entertainment lawyer and educational leader, co-founded Studio 4 and the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA). Tony Simmons and David Ellis reveal the groundbreaking approach that's not just keeping kids in school, but launching careers and transforming lives. Find out how this innovative model could reshape education across America.

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www.hsra.org/

This episode of Conversations with Chanda takes you inside the mind of a prosecutor who is challenging the status quo and redefining what true public safety looks like. Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, shares a refreshingly honest and nuanced perspective on the criminal justice system - one that moves beyond simplistic notions of punishment and instead seeks to address the root causes of crime through compassion, rehabilitation, and community-based solutions. Her insights on the importance of early intervention, restorative justice, and empowering the community to engage with the legal process will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the role of a prosecutor.

www.hennepinattorney.org

YT: @HennepinAttorney

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This episode honors the life and legacy of Gladys Krigger Washington, the late Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, reflecting on her remarkable contributions to philanthropy and her role as a trailblazing Black woman leader. Through her impactful work, Washington exemplified the values of self-care, honesty, and community building, inspiring countless others. Her wisdom, including the importance of lightening up, truly listening, and engaging in challenging conversations, continues to resonate, offering a powerful reminder to embrace diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections.

https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen

www.conversationswithchanda.com

IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

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