Embracing Your Voice

We’re back from hiatus with a deep-dive political conversation you’ve probably been craving. Atima is joined by returning guest Roshni Nedungadi, founding partner and Chief Research Officer at HIT Strategies, to break down what happened in the 2024 and 2025 elections, why turnout shifted among young voters and voters of color, and what it all means as we head into 2026.

This episode focuses on the big question: how do Democrats win when trust is low, costs are high, and voters are exhausted by chaos—and what does the data say voters actually need to hear to show up?

IN THIS EPISODE:

1. Why turnout dropped among Black, Latino, and AAPI voters in 2024—and what that meant for Democrats
2. HIT Strategies’ core framework: mobilize marginalized base voters vs. prioritizing persuadable moderates
3. The “what have you done for me lately?” question young voters kept asking—and why it mattered
4. Why cost of living (not abstract “the economy”) remains the dominant driver
5. What 2025 results suggested: broad movement toward Democrats in many places, including shifts even in rural areas
6. Why “vote against Trump” isn’t enough—and what voters want to vote for instead
7. What voters mean when they say they’re tired of empty promises and want real action
8. The role of authenticity: why messaging can’t just be “poll-tested paragraphs”
9. What issues are rising now: healthcare affordability and fears tied to racism/discrimination and safety
10. How to read polls critically (sample size, registered vs. likely voters, and why “women voters” stats often erase women of color)
11. What everyday people can do: talk to your networks and break through siloed information

If you’re trying to make sense of conflicting narratives—“the base is disengaged” vs. “Democrats are rebounding”—this episode helps you hold both truths at once. Roshni explains what the data shows about trust, turnout, and persuasion, and why the road to 2026 depends on rebuilding relationships with the voters who make up the Democratic coalition—especially young voters and voters of color.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00:00 — Atima welcomes listeners back from hiatus + introduces Roshni Gati (HIT Strategies) and the focus: what 2025 results mean for 2026
2. 00:03:00 — The 2024 turnout drop: Black, Latino, and AAPI turnout declines (and what that signaled for Democrats)
3. 00:07:00 — Why young voters of color disengaged in 2024: “Democrats have been in charge… what have you done for my life?”
4. 00:13:00 — 2025 election results + what drove wins in places like NYC and Virginia: affordability message discipline + different candidate styles
5. 00:21:00 — The big warning for 2026: it can’t only be “vote against Trump”—voters need something to vote for and want politicians who fight visible.
6. 00:33:55 -The danger of avoiding political conversations out of fear of discomfort or conflict
7. 00:34:20. - Why solidarity and community dialogue are critical to mobilization right now
8. 00:34:55 - What collective action actually looks like beyond voting: conversations, organizing, showing up

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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Roshni is a founding partner and chief research officer of HIT Strategies. Roshni has led expansive, multi-phase research projects exploring how people across the United States feel about abortion access, gun control, mass incarceration, and other important issues on behalf of advocacy leaders such as Everytown for Gun Safety, NARAL, and Vera Institute for Justice. Roshni’s research seeks to find nuance in how Americans, particularly BIPOC individuals and low-propensity voters, conceptualize these issues at a time where division and partisanship run rampant. Roshni’s research on behalf of HIT Strategies ultimately is meant to lift up the voices of marginalized communities in the United States, one of the fastest-growing and oft-ignored voting blocks in American politics.

https://hitstrat.com/our-team/

Instagram: @hitstrategies

Also to learn more about Roshni's personal and professional journey. Check out the Ep 9 in this season 4.

In this episode, I am joined by my guest, the brilliant award-winning economist Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman writer, founder, and speaker, to discuss her new book: The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid.

We dive deep into the unseen labor and costs that women, especially women of color, navigate daily—whether it’s managing societal expectations around beauty, facing structural inequities in the workplace, or advocating for change in a world resistant to it. From colorism and the “hot girl tax” to pay transparency, unionization, and the power of community, Anna shares candid insights, expertise, and personal experiences to illuminate both challenges and actionable solutions.

🔍 IN THIS EPISODE:

• The global implications of anti-DEI movements and the enduring impact on marginalized communities
• Understanding colorism and the “hot girl tax” as labor that women perform to meet societal standards
• Personal stories of navigating career expectations, leadership roles, and professional appearance
• Strategies for minimizing the time and energy spent on appearance while maintaining credibility
• The societal norm shift: advocating for women to be seen without performing beauty
• Anti-aging culture, Instagram filters, and unrealistic beauty standards affecting young women
• Double standards in professional settings between men and women
• Structural solutions: pay transparency, unionization, and collective bargaining
• Building supportive communities among women of color to create opportunities and resilience
• Advice for allies on moving from awareness to tangible action
• Reflections on reliability, resilience, and advocacy within Black women’s leadership

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating professional spaces as a woman of color, ally, or advocate. It explores the intersection of appearance, labor, and structural inequity, while offering tangible strategies for change, solidarity, and empowerment. Whether you’re seeking insight into pay equity, building supportive networks, or challenging societal norms, this conversation provides practical advice and a call to action for both individuals and organizations.

TIMESTAMPS :

03:45 – The global impact of DEI and anti-DEI movements

08:10 – Colorism and the “hot girl tax”: understanding appearance labor

12:35 – Personal reflections: growing up as a defiant tomboy

17:20 – Career and appearance: expectations when running for leadership

22:50 – Streamlining beauty routines while maintaining professional presence

27:15 – The societal norm shift: women being taken seriously without performing beauty

32:40 – Anti-aging culture and Instagram filters impacting young women

37:05 – The double standard: men vs women in professional settings

41:50 – Structural solutions: pay transparency and unionization

46:25 – Importance of community among women of color for opportunities and support

51:10 – Advice for allies: moving beyond listening to tangible action

56:00 – Reliability and resilience of Black women in political and professional spaces

01:00:45 – Reflection on social progress, corporate accountability, and anti-Blackness

About Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

is an award-winning economist, writer, founder, and speaker. She is a doctoral student at Harvard Kennedy School studying public policy and economics where she focuses on race, gender, and the economy. She is the youngest recipient for a CEDAW Women’s Rights Award by the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women formerly awarded to Vice President Kamala Harris. Her first book, The Black Agenda, received widespread coverage from outlets like NPR, ESSENCE, TELEMUNDO, FOX Soul, and The New York Times. Her second book, The Double Tax, explores the hidden and not-so-hidden costs women, especially of color, face and has been covered by ABC News, Marketplace, The New York Times, NPR, Essence, and more.

For more information about Anna and to get her latest book: The Double Tax check out

https://annagifty.com/

Instagram and Bluesky @itsafronomics

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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In the season finale of Embracing Your Voice, Atima reflects on the themes of Season 4—centered on women of color in business—and the lessons we can all carry forward. From navigating setbacks in traditional workplaces to carving out new paths that honor who we really are, this episode is both a look back and a rallying call for what’s ahead.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why embracing all of who you are is a radical act of leadership
• The hard truths about workplace setbacks for women of color in 2025
• Why side hustles, freelancing, and entrepreneurship can provide both safety nets and freedom
• Atima’s personal reflections on creating this season while writing her upcoming book
• A heartfelt call to action: supporting women-led podcasts so their voices are heard

This finale ties together the stories, struggles, and triumphs of women of color who refuse to compromise their identities for success. It’s a reminder that authenticity isn’t about being palatable—it’s about being powerful. If you’ve ever felt pressured to shrink yourself to fit in, this conversation will encourage you to stand taller and build success on your terms.

Share this podcast with 3 friends who would love it!

Timestamps:

00:01:00 – Season 4’s focus on women of color in business

00:02:00 – The challenge of “palatable authenticity” in the workplace

00:03:00 – Economic & cultural backlash women of color face today

00:05:00 – Redefining career success: side hustles, freelancing, and entrepreneurship

00:06:00 – Behind the scenes: Atima’s book project and what’s next for the show

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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This week, I’m closing out the season with a conversation that looks a little different. Most of our past guests have been service-based entrepreneurs, but today we’re diving into the product and retail side of things. My guest is Gelaine Santiago, an award-winning entrepreneur who lives and works at the intersection of entrepreneurship, social justice, and cultural identity.

Gelaine is the co-founder and CEO of Cambio & Co., a Filipino jewelry brand, and Sinta & Co., which focuses on Filipino weddings. Both companies are rooted in sustainable livelihoods for artisans in the Philippines. In this conversation, we talk about the realities of running a women-owned, impact-driven business—navigating tariffs, centering cultural identity, and building ecosystems that grow collective wealth and joy.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• How Gelaine winding path—from HR to social entrepreneurship—shaped her perspective
• The challenges of leaving corporate life and the misalignment of HR with worker advocacy
• Real stories of navigating racism, bias, and microaggressions in the workplace
• Why she and her partner started Cambio & Co., and the pivot from a global marketplace to focusing on Filipino artisans
• What it really takes to build a retail brand rooted in social justice and cultural pride

Timestamps:

• [00:05:00] – Growing up Filipino and Chinese, middle child of five, immigrating to Canada at age three, and later reconnecting with Filipino heritage in her twenties
• [00:09:00] – Working in HR and talent acquisition, discovering misalignment with corporate values, and realizing she loved people and branding more than serving executives/shareholders.
• [00:24:00] – Early struggles with slow sales, hustling through pop-ups and farmers’ markets, and facing depression while juggling side jobs.
• [00:27:00] – Discussion of the challenges and myths of e-commerce versus the realities of building a brand.
• [00:29:00] – Building supply chain infrastructure, running logistics in-house, and creating meaningful livelihoods for their team.
• [00:31:00] – Sourcing products that reflect cultural heritage, using significant materials like gold and pearls, tied to Filipino history
• [00:37:00] – Building a values-driven business model, and how it differs from exploitative capitalism.
• [00:41:00] – Launch of sister brand Cinta Weddings, born from the couple’s own challenges in incorporating Filipino traditions in their wedding.
• [00:44:00] – Challenges of balancing both brands, with Cinta sometimes getting less attention, leading to intentional prioritization.
• [00:50:00] – Challenges of running an intentional e-commerce business with small-scale artisans in the Philippines, and the strain of infrastructure gaps.
• [00:59:00] – The importance of community support, and how leaning into values attracted aligned collaborators and customers.
• [01:08:00] – Closing reflections on building ecosystems, not empires, and what it means to create interdependent businesses rooted in collective thriving.

Too often, entrepreneurship conversations center on service-based models, leaving out the unique challenges that come with building product-based businesses—especially ones led by women of color. Gelaine's story is about more than just business growth; it’s about reconnecting with heritage, challenging stereotypes, and creating wealth that’s collective rather than extractive.

In this episode, I sit down with Grace Yung Foster, a Korean adoptee, foster care alumna, and NYU MBA graduate who shares her powerful story of navigating identity, systemic barriers, and the nonprofit world. Grace opens up about growing up in white environments, the struggle with internalized racism, and how becoming a mother sparked a turning point in embracing her heritage and herself. Now, as the founder of the Inclusion Initiative, Grace is creating spaces for adoptees and foster youth of color to find community, mentorship, and professional support that she didn’t have.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Grace’s experience growing up as a transracial adoptee in foster care
• Challenges she faced in the nonprofit sector and leadership roles
• The internalized racism and self-acceptance journey that transformed her life
• How motherhood became a catalyst for embracing her Korean identity
• The founding and mission of the Inclusion Initiative, focused on building community and access for adoptees and foster youth of color
• The importance of authentic mentorship and allyship in breaking systemic barriers

Grace’s story sheds light on the often unseen struggles of adoptees and foster youth of color, especially in professional spaces where representation and support can be scarce. Her honest reflections and dedication to creating inclusive communities remind us all of the power of visibility, self-love, and advocacy.

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:30:00] Discussing the underrepresentation of people of color, especially women, in nonprofit leadership and the limits of advanced degrees in breaking systemic barriers

[00:32:00] Personal reflections on feeling silenced despite credentials and expertise in leadership roles

[00:34:00] The decision to walk away from nonprofit leadership and create a space to embrace and amplify marginalized voices

[00:36:00] The racial reckoning of 2020–2021 and how workplace conversations about race often felt performative and incomplete

[00:38:30] Challenges of acceptance within Asian communities as a transracial adoptee raised in a white family

[00:42:00] Growing up minimizing Korean identity due to pressure to assimilate in predominantly white environments

[00:44:00] The impact of internalized racism and learned self-hate during youth and early adulthood

[00:45:30] The turning point of impending motherhood sparking the desire to reclaim and embrace cultural identity

[00:48:30] The importance of unlearning unconscious bias and committing to ongoing self-reflection and cultural competency

[00:51:30] Feeling excluded from nonprofit sector despite education and experience, highlighting the lack of authentic mentorship and sponsorship

[00:54:30] The stigma around foster care and adoption in professional spaces and the invisibility of foster alumni leaders

[00:56:30] The critical role of authentic mentorship and the difficulty in finding mentors who share or understand lived experiences

[01:02:00] Building the Inclusion Initiative to create access, community, and visibility for adoptees and foster alumni facing systemic barriers

[01:04:00] How the Inclusion Initiative supports career navigation, networking, and leadership development for marginalized identities

After a career in nonprofits and getting her MBA, Grace Yung Foster wanted to do something with more impact. She is now the Founder & CEO of The Inclusion Initiative that focuses on changing the future of work and close the professional opportunity gap Adoptees and Foster Care Alumni often face due to a lack of an established network.  Through The Inclusion Initiative, she works to create belonging. The company was born from Grace’s lived experience in struggling to achieve the professional and career opportunities that her peers were achieving who do not share her identities and lived experiences.

Inclusion Initiative Website

https://www.theinclusioninitiative.com/

The Inclusion Conversation

https://www.theinclusioninitiative.com/podcast

Support Grace and Inclusion Initiative at SXSW 2026

Vote on following panels

Panel 1: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-sxsw/page/community-voting/session/1753369972829001RNq5

Panel 2: https://participate.sxsw.com/flow/sxsw/sxsw26/community-voting-sxsw/page/community-voting/session/1753241104522001N55Z

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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We’re back from hiatus with an incredible conversation featuring Roshni Nedungadi — co-founder, founding partner, and Chief Research Officer of HIT Strategies. Roshni is one of the sharpest minds in political research today, with a career built on elevating the voices of communities too often ignored in traditional polling: people of color, young voters, and low-propensity voters.

In this episode, we talk about how she found her path from Wisconsin politics to running her own firm in D.C., why representation in research matters, and what it means to build something new in a field that’s still overwhelmingly white and male. If you’ve ever questioned how change actually happens behind the scenes in politics — this is the episode for you.

• 00:01:00 – Meet Roshni: a polling expert and co-founder of HIT Strategies
• 00:03:00 – The 2008 election, student protests, and how political activism shaped her early career
• 00:08:00 – From legislative aide to data analyst: building technical skills through direct mail and targeting
• 00:12:00 – The power of representation: working for a Black-led firm and learning to take up space
• 00:14:00 – How she and co-founder Terrance Woodbury started HIT Strategies
• 00:15:00 – The 2016 election, youth voters, and the warning signs that went ignored
• 00:18:00 – Starting a firm as women and people of color in a predominantly white industry
• 00:20:00 – The role her mother played in modeling entrepreneurship and offering support
• 00:22:00 – Breaking into political consulting and navigating gatekeeping in the industry
• 00:23:30 – Building early momentum with the Steyer campaign and work on Black and Latinx voters
• 00:24:30 – Responding to the moment: 2020, George Floyd, and a demand for deeper polling
• 00:25:30 – Roshni’s current focus: polling young women, AAPI voters, and reproductive justice
• 00:26:30 – The gaps in AAPI polling — and why representation in data still matters
• 00:28:00 – What it means to scale while staying rooted in community
• 00:29:30 – Advice for BIPOC folks trying to break into politics, research, or entrepreneurship
• 00:33:00 – Final reflections on pushing the industry forward and showing up with authenticity

Polling isn’t just about numbers — it’s about who gets seen, whose voice counts, and how decisions get made. Roshni’s work challenges the old norms of political research by centering voters that traditional firms often overlook. This conversation is a masterclass in how to build power through data, strategy, and representation — and a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of politics.

Roshni is a founding partner and chief research officer of HIT Strategies. Roshni has led expansive, multi-phase research projects exploring how people across the United States feel about abortion access, gun control, mass incarceration, and other important issues on behalf of advocacy leaders such as Everytown for Gun Safety, NARAL, and Vera Institute for Justice. Roshni’s research seeks to find nuance in how Americans, particularly BIPOC individuals and low-propensity voters, conceptualize these issues at a time where division and partisanship run rampant. Roshni’s research on behalf of HIT Strategies ultimately is meant to lift up the voices of marginalized communities in the United States, one of the fastest-growing and oft-ignored voting blocks in American politics. 

https://hitstrat.com/our-team/

Instagram: @hitstrategies

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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Hey EYV fam — I’m back! After a whirlwind few weeks packed with writing deadlines and client work, I’m hopping back on the mic to wrap up this season’s focus on women of color in business with something personal.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing the real lessons I’ve learned from seven years of building and running Omar’s Strategy Group. This one’s for the side hustlers, the full-time dreamers, the maybe-somedays — and even those who just need to make a little extra cash in this expensive economy. Whether you’re ready to jump or just testing the waters, there’s something in here for you.

In this episode, I share 5 key lessons I’ve learned, including:

• 01:00 – Who this episode is for: full-timers, side-hustlers, and the curious
• 01:15 – Lesson 1: Start with what you actually enjoy doing
• 02:00 – How to figure out what you’re interested in and test it with your circle
• 02:40 – Lesson 2: Find the need — why skill alone isn’t enough
• 03:40 – A cupcake-shop example to explain market saturation
• 04:00 – Lesson 3: Get your house in order — name, legal, and promo basics
• 05:00 – Why you need a lawyer (even early on) to get contracts and structure right
• 05:45 – Quick tips for websites (even if you’re not ready to hire help)
• 06:30 – Don’t skip this: why having something online matters
• 07:00 – Lesson 4: Your personal network is your first (and best) marketing tool
• 07:50 – How your network can refer others even if they’re not your ideal client
• 08:00 – Lesson 5: Find a business community so you don’t go it alone
• 08:40 – Where to look for support if you’re just starting out
• 09:00 – Final reflections and how to get in touch with questions

Too many people glamorize the hustle — but building something real and lasting takes more than ambition. This is my honest take on what it looks like to create a sustainable business, especially as a woman of color navigating systems that weren’t made with us in mind. This is the pep talk (and plan) you didn’t know you needed.

Have questions or want to connect? Email: [email protected]

Follow the show and share this episode with someone dreaming of their own business

In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, Atima welcomes music industry veteran, writer, and cultural commentator Naima Cochrane for an inspiring conversation about building a career that aligns with your true self. From her early days in entertainment law to leading marketing at iconic labels and managing artists like John Legend, Naima shares her journey through a changing industry. Tune in as they discuss navigating creative careers, the evolution of Black music and culture, and lessons on embracing the parts of yourself that make you stand out.

Key Takeaways

1. Career Alignment Comes Over Time: Naima shares how her current career—teaching, writing, and storytelling—is the most aligned with who she has always been.
2. The Power of Storytelling in Marketing: Through her marketing work at major labels, Naima learned that telling the artist’s story is as critical as promoting their music.
3. Managing Talent Is About Trust: Her time managing John Legend revealed how essential communication, trust, and healthy boundaries are in artist management.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] — Naima’s early life growing up in a musical family; roots of her love for music.

[00:09:00] — Moving from a corporate marketing career into freelance and entrepreneurship.

[00:17:00] — How #MusicSermon began as a passion project on Twitter.

[00:24:00] — Building an authentic community online and resisting pressure to monetize early.

[00:31:00] — The moment #MusicSermon unexpectedly launched her journalism career.

[00:36:00] — Balancing full-time teaching with creative and entrepreneurial work.

[00:42:00] — Dealing with perfectionism and ADHD when creating content.

[00:49:00] — How her values drive her work and decision-making.

[00:55:00] — The challenges of scaling as a solo creative — when and how to bring on help.

[01:03:00] — Learning to embrace being seen as a thought leader in music and culture.

[01:14:00] — Community is the true driver of #Music Sermon — why she continues to resist monetization that changes the experience.

[01:15:00] — How #Music Sermon opened doors to journalism, teaching, and partnerships.

[01:23:00] — Leading the award-winning marketing campaign for Aaliyah’s catalog release.

[01:27:00] — Learning to promote her own voice and accomplishments after years of building others’.

[01:33:00] — Final advice for creatives: sell your unique voice, trust the process, and give yourself grace.

Quotes

"Everything that I do now reflects little Naima in a really great way—even the parts of myself I once tried to turn down." — Naima Cochrane

"Marketing is where you get to tell the artist’s story, explain the vision, and help shape how the world sees them." — Naima Cochrane

"As a manager, your job is to free the talent to be creative. You take on the logistics so they can focus on their art." — Naima Cochrane

Naima Cochrane is a music industry veteran who is a storyteller, and leading voice on Black music and culture. She spent 20 years rising through the ranks at legendary music labels Arista, Columbia and Epic Records. She would then work on the artist management side with EGOT John Legend and Emmy, Grammy, and Tony award winning Cynthia Erivo.

Now, she is best known for being the creator of the viral storytelling series on Twitter and Instagram called #MusicSermon which prompted a move from the business side into more music journalism and commentary. She also now a visiting arts professor at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and she has been named to Essence’s Power 40 list for Music.

https://naimacochrane.com/musicsermon/

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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In this episode of the Embracing Your Voice podcast, Atima Omara sits down with Carissa Begonia, founder of Conscious Exchange. From her journey as a Filipina American in corporate America to her pivot into coaching, Carissa shares her lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating the space you want for yourself. Together, they explore identity, resilience, and empowerment themes for women of color navigating traditional career paths and beyond.

[00:00:00] Introduction: Atima introduces the podcast and its focus on empowering women of color to create impactful careers while being unapologetically themselves.

[00:01:00] Meet Carissa Begonia: Carissa Begonia, a second-generation Filipina American and founder of Conscious Exchange, is introduced. Her work focuses on helping BIPOC entrepreneurs build time, location, financial, and occupational freedom.

[00:09:00] Career in Fashion: Carissa discusses her journey working at Macy’s, including managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and learning key skills in business planning and forecasting.

[00:13:00] Navigating Corporate Spaces: Carissa describes her experiences as a young Asian woman in corporate America, including challenges with representation, office politics, and microaggressions.

[00:17:00] Thriving Under Women of Color Leadership: Carissa reflects on how mentorship and leadership from women of color positively impacted her career and contrasts it with experiences under white male leadership.

[00:20:00] The Journey to DEI Work: Carissa recounts her transition into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work, creating spaces for women and marginalized groups within companies like Zappos.

[00:30:00] Challenges of Representation: Atima and Carissa discuss the pressures and biases women of color face in leadership roles, including stereotypes and the difficulty of balancing assertiveness with emotional intelligence.

[00:39:00] Pivot to Entrepreneurship: Carissa explains her decision to leave corporate America, finding her purpose in creating spaces and opportunities for marginalized communities through entrepreneurship.

[00:54:00] Challenges of Starting a Business: A candid discussion about the realities of entrepreneurship, including financial struggles, systemic barriers, and the need for honest mentorship.

[00:59:00] Creating Spaces for BIPOC Entrepreneurs: Carissa emphasizes the importance of representation and community for entrepreneurs of color, shifting her focus to business coaching for people of color.

[01:03:00] Closing Thoughts: Carissa shares insights on self-awareness, recognizing patterns, and aligning purpose with action to create impactful and fulfilling work.

• Leadership Lessons: Authentic leadership requires empathy and courage.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Align your values with your work for a more significant impact.
• Overcoming Barriers: Empowerment starts with giving yourself permission.

To learn more about her/or work with her. Check out: https://www.consciousxchange.com/home

If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/

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Overview:

This week on Embracing Your Voice, host Atima Omara is joined by Alicia Sisneros, founder of Sisneros Strategies, a 100% Latina-owned political consulting firm. Alicia opens up about her career journey, from breaking into the industry to launching a successful business centered on diversity and inclusion. Together, they discuss navigating systemic challenges, the importance of mentorship, and how Alicia's firm is reshaping the political consulting space for women and minorities.

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Atima introduces the show and its focus on empowering women of color, followed by an introduction of Alicia Sisneros and her firm, Sisneros Strategies.
• [00:02:30] Meet Alicia Sisneros: Alicia introduces herself as a business owner, mother, and advocate and reflects on her upbringing in a union family and the lack of career awareness growing up.
• [00:14:00] Highlights in Nevada Politics: Alicia discusses her role in electing the most women and Latino/a legislators in Nevada's history.
• [00:16:30] Transition to National Politics: Alicia reflects on her move to Chicago to work for Organizing for Action, Obama's C4 organization, and her unique role as a data visualization manager.
• [00:20:00] Entry into Political Consulting: Alicia describes her transition into consulting in Ohio, gaining experience with multiple campaigns and nonprofit organizations.
• [00:24:00] Challenges in Consulting Firms: Alicia discusses facing limited opportunities for upward mobility in white-male-dominated consulting firms.
• [00:28:00] Building Her Own Firm: Alicia explains her motivation to launch Sisneros Strategies in 2019, including her desire for flexibility, authenticity, and better work-life balance.
• [00:35:00] The Impact of the Pandemic: Alicia discusses how the pandemic leveled the playing field for consulting firms and created new opportunities for her business.
• [00:38:00] Breaking Barriers as a Latina Business Owner: Alicia reflects on being overlooked in traditional consulting spaces and her determination to change the culture of political consulting.
• [00:42:00] Supporting Women and Diverse Voices: Alicia describes her commitment to mentoring women of color in politics and fostering authenticity in her candidates and employees.
• [00:46:00] Challenges in Securing Clients: Alicia shares anecdotes about being stereotyped as "too niche" while advocating for diversity and cultural competency in political outreach.
• [00:49:00] Balancing Career and Family: Alicia emphasizes the importance of defining work-life balance on her terms and creating a supportive work environment for her team.
• [00:53:00] Closing Thoughts: Alicia encourages listeners to spend their energy wisely, embrace authenticity, and challenge traditional structures in their industries.

• Diversity in Campaigns: Sisneros Strategies redefines political consulting by prioritizing cultural competency and authentic representation.
• Mentorship Matters: Alicia emphasizes the importance of mentoring women of color to ensure the next generation faces fewer barriers.
• Resilience in Leadership: Alicia's journey highlights the power of persistence and creating opportunities when the system won't make space for you.

• Learn More about Sisneros Strategies: Visit Alicia's Website
• Networking Tips for Women Leaders: Read This Guide
• Starting a Consulting Business: Explore These Steps

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