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

Subscribe to Embracing Your Voice for more stories of trailblazing women of color and their journeys to success. Sign up for our newsletter at Embracing Your Voice for updates and resources.

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, I got to sit down with the amazing Mandi Woodruff Santos—host and executive producer of the award-winning Brown Ambition podcast and the powerhouse behind Mandi Money Media. We talk about everything from humble beginnings and financial trauma to building a multi-six-figure career and helping other women of color do the same.

Mandi’s story is real, raw, and deeply inspiring. From growing up with a single mom and tight finances to getting laid off just three months into her "dream" job in NYC, she shares how she turned those challenges into fuel for creating financial security—and eventually, financial freedom. Now, with nearly a decade of podcasting and millions of listeners behind her, she's using her voice and experience to empower others.

What we cover in this episode:

• How Mandi turned her love of books and storytelling into a journalism career
• The financial trauma that shaped her drive to build wealth
• Why getting laid off early in her career was a blessing in disguise
• The myth of stability and how it keeps women stuck
• Mandi’s journey from $35K to $300K a year—and how she helps others do the same
• The importance of negotiating, pivoting, and betting on yourself
• Why now, more than ever, women of color need financial autonomy

This isn’t your typical finance chat. Mandi keeps it 100% real about the emotional weight of money, how to take back your power, and how she’s creating generational change—not just for herself, but for her kids and her community. Whether you're mid-pivot, dreaming of more, or just tired of feeling stuck, this conversation will light a fire under you.

Mandi Woodruff-Santos is sought after personal finance expert and career coach. Most famously, she is the Host and Executive Producer of the very popular and award winning podcast Brown Ambition, the first money and career podcast for women of color by women of color. She is also the founder of the growing Mandi Money Media LLC which provides coaching and training on careers and negotiating those paychecks. Her mission with both is to empower women of color through financial and career education.

Before all of this, Mandi started off as a journalist, but it was being laid off her job three months in trying to make ends meet that led her to vow to really teach herself about building a financial safety net and personal wealth and that was the beginning of a personal and professional journey that led her to the businesses she runs today.

Need career coaching or help negotiating your salary for a new job or raise? https://www.mandimoney.com/

And if you somehow haven't check out Brown Ambition podcast on Apple/Spotify and major streaming platforms. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-ambition/id1039708229

In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, I sit down with Rosa Mendoza, Vice President of Account Management at Global Strategy Group. Rosa opens up about her journey from aspiring lawyer to data powerhouse in Democratic politics. From manually building spreadsheets to leading analytics for national campaigns like Kamala Harris’s 2020 presidential run, Rosa shares how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities helped her uncover her true path and purpose. If you’ve ever felt like your journey didn’t make sense—until it did—this episode will speak directly to you.

Key Takeaways:

• How Rosa’s pre-law background transformed after volunteering on Obama’s campaign
• The power of curiosity and how it shaped her data career
• Learning to code on the job and trusting your intuition
• The role of community and purpose in political campaign life
• How mentorship and asking questions accelerated her growth
• Navigating cultural expectations while forging your own path
• Becoming a pollster—and finally helping her family understand her work

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro and Rosa’s Pre-Law Origins

04:30 – Discovering Politics Through Obama’s 2012 Campaign

09:15 – From Volunteer to Full-Time Political Work

13:20 – Falling Into Data Analytics by Following Curiosity

19:00 – Building Skills on the Job (and Googling Everything)

23:45 – Behind the Scenes of Campaign Life and Data Culture

29:30 – Leading Analytics for Major National Organizations

36:00 – Making a Career Make Sense to Family

41:50 – What She Loves About Her Role Today

46:10 – Final Thoughts and Advice for Listeners

In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, I talk with Rosa Mendoza, who shares her powerful story of transformation—from pursuing law to leading major data analytics in political campaigns. Rosa walks us through the pivotal moment she shifted her path: volunteering for Obama’s campaign in 2012. What started as community engagement soon became a full-blown career in progressive politics.

Rosa opens up about learning to trust her instincts, taking on roles she didn’t feel fully prepared for, and embracing her natural curiosity. Her story reveals how she transitioned into data analytics—despite having no formal background—and how she taught herself to code by simply Googling, asking questions, and figuring it out one step at a time.

We dive into the campaign world, where Rosa describes what it was like building something bigger than yourself alongside a team of mission-driven people. She also reflects on how her identity, upbringing, and immigrant parents' expectations shaped her resilience and drive.

By the end of the conversation, Rosa explains how becoming a pollster finally helped her work “click” for her family, and she shares what keeps her energized in this new phase of her career.

Guest Information:

Rosa is Vice President of Account Management at The Global Strategy Group an award winning full-service communications, research, and public affairs agency. Global Strategy Group or GSG is a highly respected agency that has worked with top Fortune 100 companies, leading national advocacy organizations, as well as federal and state elected officials Rosa came to the firm having worked in Democratic politics for years. She started her career in politics during Obama’s 2012 Presidential reelection campaign and has served in numerous data-driven roles for NextGen, the Human Rights Campaign, and Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Rosa most recently served as Chief Analytics Officer for Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Rosa graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University, earning degrees in Economics and Political Science

Learn more about some of Rosa's work at the Global Strategy Group especially on the Hispanic/Latino thoughts on some of the important issues in te US https://globalstrategygroup.com/2024/07/23/latino-lens-2024/

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! In today’s episode of Embracing Your Voice, I’m sitting down with Gwen Young - CEO of the Women Business Collaborative (WBC) and visiting scholar at George Washington University. Gwen’s career journey is incredible, from humanitarian work to global development to leading the charge for women’s leadership across industries.

We get into some real talk about why women’s voices (especially women of color) are still underrepresented in leadership spaces, and what it’s going to take to change that. If you’re passionate about building a better, more equitable future, you’re going to love this one.

What We Cover:

• How Gwen’s early experiences - like attending a women’s college -shaped her passion for leadership
• What working in humanitarian crises taught her about women’s voices and global leadership
• Why women need a seat at every table (not just one)
• What’s actually happening in the C-suite today and why diversity numbers still lag behind
• The real barriers women face when climbing the leadership ladder
• How mentorship, sponsorship, and building strong networks can change the game for women
• Action steps organizations (and all of us) can take to create more pathways to leadership

Timestamps:

00:00 – Kicking things off

02:00 – Meet Gwen Young

06:30 – Gwen’s early leadership influences

10:15 – Lessons from humanitarian work

15:20 – Why women’s representation matters across every sector

21:00 – The state of women in leadership today

27:45 – Why women of color still face the steepest hurdles

34:10 – How networks, mentorship, and sponsorship make a difference

41:20 – Real ways organizations can step up

48:00 – Final thoughts + my takeaways

In this episode, I’m chatting with Gwen Young, someone who has spent her career pushing for real change when it comes to women’s leadership.

We kick things off by talking about Gwen’s time at Smith College and how being in a women-centered environment shaped her belief that women belong at the decision-making table. From there, we dive into her humanitarian work and the experiences that made her realize how differently women experience crises, leadership, and opportunity.

We also talk about what’s going on in corporate America today: yes, we’ve made progress, but there’s still a big gap - especially for women of color. Gwen breaks down the systemic barriers that are still holding women back, like microaggressions, a lack of networks, and missed opportunities for professional development.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation? When Gwen talks about building the “women’s old girls’ network” a powerful, supportive network that can rival the “old boys’ clubs” that have existed forever.

There’s so much good stuff in here about mentorship, sponsorship, leadership programs, and how organizations can actually move the needle - not just talk about it.

If you care about women’s advancement, leadership, and making sure ALL women have the chance to lead, you’re going to walk away from this episode fired up and ready to take action.

Guest Info:

Gwen K. Young is the CEO of the Women Business Collaborative. She is also a Visiting Scholar at the Elliot School of International Affairs, George Washington University and former Director of the Global Women’s Leadership Initiative at the Wilson Center.  She is an Advisor to Concordia.

Ms. Young has worked across the globe developing strategy, programming and advocacy in the areas of humanitarian policy, international affairs and international development. This includes developing public private partnerships focused on public health, agriculture, gender equality, and access to finance.. As an attorney, Ms. Young has worked as a professional advocate for women and human rights in corporate law settings, with the ICTY and the Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego.  An alumna of Smith College, Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government and the University of California Davis, School of Law

Are you a woman working in the private sector as an employee or an entrepreneur?

Check out the Women Business Collaborative https://wbcollaborative.org/

For Women Entrepreneurs seeking investments in their business check out the Women Business Collaborative Summit on May 21-22, 2025 https://wbcollaborative.org/wbc-events/womens-capital-summit-2025/

If you loved this conversation, it would mean the world if you’d subscribe to Embracing Your Voice on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in.

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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I’m so excited to be back with a brand new season, and this time, we’re diving deep into the experiences of women of color in business. My first guest of the season is the incredible Cher Hale - founder and director of Ginkgo PR, an agency committed to creating a more equitable media landscape by amplifying historically excluded voices.

Cher’s story is deeply personal, incredibly inspiring, and wildly relatable, especially if you've ever struggled with stepping into your identity or navigating the expectations placed on you as a woman of color.

What we cover in this episode:

- Cher’s early love for reading, writing, and storytelling (and yes, she wrote a novel at 13!)

- How a “wrong” college class led to her first PR opportunity

- What it felt like to be young and burned out working in nonprofits

- The challenges she faced breaking away from traditional career expectations, especially in a multicultural family

- How Cher stumbled into communications career by accident, and started her first business even though she was encouraged to find a more stable job

- How the loss of her mother became a turning point in reclaiming and embracing her heritage

- Why she walked away from telling stories that didn’t feel aligned - and who her agency is really here to serve

We also got into some honest talk about internalized oppression, learning to find pride in our identity, and the pressure to “perform” in professional spaces that weren’t made for us.

This episode is for you if:

- You’ve ever felt the pull between “security” and your dreams

- You’ve wondered what it looks like to build a mission-driven business as a woman of color

- You’re navigating identity, legacy, and visibility in your own work

Cher’s vulnerability and clarity are such a gift, and this conversation set the tone for what’s to come this season.

About Cher Hale: 

As a first-generation Taiwanese-American, Cher is passionate about leveraging the power of media to tell diverse stories through online, print, TV, radio, and podcast mediums. She is the founder and director of Ginkgo Public Relations – a national boutique agency that believes in using storytelling and public relations as a force for good. They specialize in boosting visibility for underrepresented or marginalized authors, experts, and entrepreneurs through comprehensive communication and media relations effort.

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, what's up? EYV fam? It's been a little minute. Yeah, I know, but your girl needed a break, especially with everything going on in the world right now. But I am just dropping into the, let you know I haven't forgotten about you. Season four is just around the corner, and this season we're focusing on women of color in business.

With a lot of heated debate about diversity and inclusion in all sectors, but especially business and how big business has played a role, and business leaders in the US elections and in some cases around the globe. I thought this would be a rather relevant discussion to have. Now, we won't just talk about it in the rah rah girl boss way either.

Like, yes, we'll talk about the great parts of working in business, but. Well, let's talk about the not so great. We'll talk to women of color who have quit their jobs to start their own successful businesses and their challenges and hiccups through that process to women of color who made a go of working in corporate America and been able to bring their full selves to the table.

Unapologetically, we'll discuss. How to be a business that doesn't just exploit its workers and community for profit, as I feel like much of the news only talks about that and how to manage a side hustle when you aren't ready to leave that employer just yet. Some people need a side hustle because they wanna do something else besides what they do at their job, and they just need the extra cash 'cause it's expensive outside and it's only gonna get more so.

And of course, because we try to keep it real here and embracing your voice, we'll talk about the challenges and systemic biases that women of color face, whether we're starting a business or moving up the ranks in corporate. And we'll continue to share personal and professional insights and tips that could be useful in your life.

So stay tuned for season four of embracing your Voice, debuting on all major streaming platforms on Tuesday, April 22nd

In this episode, Chrysta Wilson, founder of Wilson and Associates Coaching & Consulting, shares her insights into the challenges DEI efforts face today. We begin with an overview of how DEI has become a political battleground, examining how corporate and governmental entities are rolling back initiatives and what that means for marginalized communities.

We talk about the misconceptions surrounding DEI, how it’s often weaponized, and why systemic changes are essential beyond surface-level diversity hiring. She also breaks down the impact of recent policy changes and how they shape workplace culture, leadership decisions, and opportunities for historically underrepresented groups.

• The current state of DEI and its politicization.
• How DEI efforts have been weaponized and misunderstood.
• The systemic roots of inequality beyond just hiring practices.
• The impact of policy changes on workplace culture and leadership.
• Strategies for moving forward and keeping DEI efforts effective.

00:00 Welcome Back and Introduction to Chrysta Wilson

01:52 Chrysta Wilson's Background and Expertise

03:17 Current Events and Community Impact

06:13 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Under Attack

09:35 Systemic Issues and Personal Experiences

23:51 The Importance of DEI and Meritocracy

27:31 Impact on Black-Owned Businesses

27:53 Corporate DEI Commitments

28:37 Ben & Jerry's and Corporate Values

30:10 Costco's DEI Stance

31:18 Future of DEI in Companies

32:57 Navigating DEI Challenges

34:22 Cultural Competency in the Workplace

37:51 Adapting DEI Strategies

41:29 Emotional Impact on Marginalized Communities

47:47 Closing Thoughts and Resources

"True DEI work isn’t just about hiring—it’s about dismantling the systems that created inequality in the first place."

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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Chrysta Wilson Chrysta Wilson, MPA, PCC, is a DEI expert and organizational culture change consultant who is committed to empowering leaders to create equitable and inclusive workplaces.  She is the founder of Wilson and Associates Coaching and Consulting, LLC, a 16-year-old consulting firm, host of the Recipe for Transformation Podcast, and creator of The School For Transformation which houses e-learning programs such as Disrupt Your DEI and DEI Dinner Party.

Wilson and Associates: https://www.wilson-and-associates.com/

Receipe for Transformation Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-recipe-for-transformation/id1645889391

Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Embracing Your Voice on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts. Leave a review to help us reach more listeners!

#DEI backlash, #diversityandinclusion, #workplaceequity, #corporateDEIpolicies, #systemicinequality, #DEI strategy, #leadershipandinclusion

Growing up in Canada, Linh Nguyen never thought she'd be on the road fighting for the representation and visibility of in American politics. But like most women, she wanted something done, so she did it herself. Rising through the ranks of Democratic politics and movement work, she eventually landed as Executive Vice President and COO of AAPI Victory Fund which focuses on empowering 24 million strong Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to realize their power. We talked a lot about what she learned and experienced along the way on her professional and personal journey, such as the importance of working with other women of color, being a strong advocate for your community's needs and what happened with the AAPI Vote in the 2024 election.

https://www.aapivictoryfund.com/

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!

In this episode, we dive deep into preparing for the challenges ahead as we navigate the transitions in government and the potential impact on our communities. Drawing from my experience as a Black woman in advocacy, lessons from other women of color, and historical insights, I’m sharing actionable ways to stay grounded, connected, and effective. Let’s get into it:

The concept of community is more than a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s close friends, family, or chosen family, having people you can lean on is critical. Historically marginalized groups have always relied on this “village mentality” to thrive. Find your people and strengthen those bonds—you’ll need them.

As federal support shrinks, mutual aid becomes essential. Donate, volunteer, and contribute to local shelters, food banks, or schools in need. Think of it as investing in the resilience of your community.

Trustworthy journalism is under threat, making independent outlets more critical than ever. Seek out local and national nonprofit media and support them financially if you can. They’re vital for staying informed in an era of disinformation.

Despite setbacks, there’s still work to be done at the state and local levels. Support grassroots organizations and candidates who align with your vision. Progress is incremental, but every effort matters.

Burnout is real, and it’s important to care for yourself while caring for others. Dr. Sondra Dalton-Smith’s concept of the seven types of rest—physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, and spiritual—reminds us that rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. Find what restores you and make it a priority.

The road ahead may be tough, but by leaning into community, supporting local efforts, and prioritizing well-being, we can navigate it together. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Take a moment for yourself today, and let’s continue this work stronger than ever.

Until next time, EYV fam.

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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Ever been that only Black or Latino or Asian person in the room? And you had to advocate for your community's interests too? This is something Sindy Benavides faced a lot throughout her career that led her to work for civil rights organizations working on behalf of the larger Latino community.

As President of the Latino Victory Fund (LVF), Sindy's day to day is focused on building political power for Latinos at the local, state and federal level and advocating for issues important to this constituency as well.

As a long time colleague and friend in the work, we talk about everything including: her and life and career and why she thought it important to go to an HBCU for college (and how that informs her work today), how she got her start in politics, the importance of trusting your gut and speaking your truth (even if does make you anxious as hell), we also get to what happened with the Latino Vote in the 2024 election and what she and LVF are planning for the road ahead.

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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