In this episode of No Second Class Citizens, we sit down with Michelle Yañez-Olivares, the powerhouse behind Amiga Mia—a thriving community hub connecting and empowering Latin Americans across Australia and New Zealand. Michelle shares her incredible journey as the daughter of Chilean immigrants, navigating cultural identity, and how she turned her passion for community building into a platform with 75,000+ followers.

We dive into the challenges faced by the Latin community, the inspiration behind Amiga Mia, and how Michelle continues to advocate for the visibility and success of migrants in Australia. Her story is one of resilience, empowerment, and creating space for others to shine.

Michelle told us about a key figure in her journey, her grandmother, abuelita Ines, whose strength, wisdom, and support played a pivotal role in shaping who she is today. 

Michelle also shared with us about her personal transformation—from feeling embarrassed about her cultural heritage as a teenager to now embracing and proudly celebrating her Latin roots. 

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a member of the Latin community, or someone passionate about social impact, this episode is full of insights and inspiration!

Follow Amiga Mia on Instagram: @soy_amigamia

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

In this insightful episode of "No Second Class Citizens," we're joined by Liza Nadolski, the trailblazing CEO of Melbourne Women's Foundation. Liza shares her journey to becoming the first CEO of this impactful organization, detailing key milestones that shaped her career in creative thinking, strategic planning, and community building.

We dive deep into the mission of Melbourne Women's Foundation, exploring how its Giving Circle model empowers women through strategic funding and partnerships. Liza provides an inside look at how the Foundation selects its beneficiaries, with a particular focus on their support for initiatives like Prison Network and St Kilda Gatehouse.

Liza also offers valuable advice on building strong, reflective communities, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces and fostering strategic partnerships. Whether you’re a leader looking to strengthen your community or simply interested in supporting women’s foundations, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Tune in to discover the future projects of the Melbourne Women's Foundation and learn how you can get involved in making a difference. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from a leader dedicated to driving positive change and empowering women across the community.

If you'd like to connect with Liza, you can do it through her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-nad/

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

In this episode, we welcome Payal Tiwari, an accomplished professional with over 15 years of experience in management consulting, IT strategy, and customer success. 

Beyond her professional success, Payal is deeply committed to advocating for women and children, particularly in family violence prevention. As a Board Director at Refuge Victoria and a Strategic Advisor for multiple agencies, she focuses on creating initiatives for multicultural communities. With over three and a half years dedicated to this cause, Payal has significantly contributed to prevention, crisis management, and recovery services.

Join us as we delve into Payal’s inspiring journey in the IT industry, exploring the challenges and triumphs of a woman thriving in a male-dominated field. We also discuss her passionate advocacy against domestic violence, examining the unique challenges faced by women from multicultural backgrounds and the strategies she employs to create meaningful change.

Whether you are interested in IT, social advocacy, or the intersection of both, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in to hear Payal’s invaluable perspectives on balancing professional success with impactful advocacy, and her advice for those looking to make a difference in their careers and communities.

Link to IT Training Program for migrant women:
https://events.humanitix.com/industry-insights-training-it

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

En este episodio de "No Second Class Citizens", conversamos con Natalia Godoy, periodista chilena y podcaster feminista. Natalia comparte su trayectoria desde Chile hacia Australia, los desafíos como mujer inmigrante y los contrastes y similutedes en la lucha por la equidad de género entre ambos países. 

Hablamos además sobre  su podcast "Equality el podcast", la lucha contra los sesgos de género y la violencia contra la mujer, tanto en Chile como en Australia. Natalia también reflexiona sobre sus primeras experiencias laborales como periodista en Chile, trabajando en una industria altamente dominada por hombres, donde debio enfrentar situaciones misogenas las cuales la motivaron a emigrar.

No te pierdas esta inspiradora conversación llena de anécdotas, reflexiones y consejos valiosos!

In this groundbreaking episode, we delve into a conversation that is often sidelined in professional spheres: menopause and career progression. Our guest, Fiona Trafford-Walker, a trailblazer in the investment industry, courageously shares her journey of navigating menopause while excelling in her career. With over 30 years of senior executive experience, Fiona brings a wealth of insight into the challenges women face during this phase of life and how it impacts their professional trajectories.

We confront the taboo surrounding menopause, exploring strategies to foster an open and supportive dialogue in professional settings. Beyond individual experiences, we examine broader societal shifts necessary to destigmatize menopause and prioritize women's health and well-being.

Fiona also shares her perspective on gender equality in the corporate realm, offering insights into successful initiatives and strategies to promote women's advancement in traditionally male-dominated fields. Drawing from her extensive leadership roles, Fiona addresses the impostor syndrome, offering actionable advice to aspiring women in finance striving to overcome gender barriers and carve their paths to success.

Tune in to this empowering episode as we shatter stereotypes, challenge norms, and pave the way for a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all.

About Dr Lisa Mosconi, neuroscientist:
https://www.lisamosconi.com/

About Dr Louise Newson, Newson Health:
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

En este imperdible episodio de No Second Class Citizens, Diana Páez, cineasta colombiana radicada en Australia desde 2014, comparte su fascinante trayectoria y experiencia como mujer inmigrante en la industria cinematográfica. Desde sus inicios como estudiante de cine hasta la realización de su exitoso documental "Nuestras Voces", exploramos los desafíos y éxitos de su carrera.

También discutimos el papel de las mujeres en el cine y la importancia de la representación femenina en la industria. Diana comparte su visión sobre el feminismo en Colombia y Australia, destacando las diferencias culturales y los desafíos que enfrentan las mujeres en ambos países.

Diana además, nos brinda una vista previa de su próximo proyecto cinematográfico centrado en las experiencias de las mujeres profesionales inmigrantes en Australia. No te pierdas esta conversación inspiradora sobre cine, migración y empoderamiento femenino.

El documental Nuestra Voces lo puedes arrendar en el siguiente link: https://www.latinstoriesaustralia.com/documentary-nuestras-voces-individuals

Diana mencionó a Noora Niasari con su pelicula Shayda, como otra directora inmigrante haciendo cine en Australia.

Contáctanos en @no_second_class_citizens

Musica: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

Join me in this insightful episode with Dr. Niki Vincent, the Public Sector Gender Equality Commissioner for Victoria, Australia. We'll explore the impact of the Gender Equality Act (2020) on workplaces, focusing on leadership, transparency, and the gender pay gap.  This groundbreaking legislation propels gender equality, emphasizing transparency, leadership, and addressing the gender pay gap in the Public Sector.

Dr. Niki shares the Act's success, potential targets, and practical measures for progress. We also discuss the private sector's role.  Would it be possible to have this legislation in the private sector?

Discover key insights from the Intersectionality at Work report, uncovering challenges faced by culturally diverse women. Our talk addresses Australia's journey toward workplace diversity, exploring strategies for change and support networks.

In the final segment, Dr. Niki discusses her vision for more women in leadership, touching on parental leave, flexibility, and experiences of discrimination. This conversation offers down-to-earth perspectives on gender equality, leadership, and building inclusive workplaces.

Don't miss this engaging chat with Dr. Niki Vincent, providing relatable insights into gender equality and leadership in Australia.


About The Gender Equality Act: https://www.genderequalitycommission.vic.gov.au/about-gender-equality-act-2020

About the Intersectionality at Work report: https://www.genderequalitycommission.vic.gov.au/intersectionality-work


Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/intl-es/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ&nd=1&dlsi=dbb2256e5316441f

In this enlightening episode, we are honored to have Amanda Blesing,  one of Australia’s freshest thinkers and speakers on feminine ambition–how to spark it, tackle it, and see it flourish.  Amanda challenges the men and women of the C-suite and board rooms to acknowledge and sell the message that gender diversity is a lever that drives higher performance. And that gender diversity is not just good for business, it’s good for both men and women as well.

Our conversation delves into the multifaceted challenges women encounter on their journey to leadership. From uncovering hidden biases and stereotypes to navigating the intricacies of Impostor Syndrome, Amanda shares her expertise in coaching and mentoring women to accelerate their careers.

The dialogue expands to the broader landscape of leadership, addressing the persistent gender gap and the slow progress in achieving diversity. Amanda provides valuable insights into her clientele, offering success stories of culturally diverse women she has helped become leaders. The importance of networking for women's leadership and strategies to overcome obstacles is explored, providing practical advice for listeners.

The episode concludes with a glimpse into Amanda's latest book, "From Invisible to Invincible," promising a powerful narrative on empowerment.

Link to Amanda's books: https://www.amandablesing.com/books/ 

Listeners can avail a 50% discount on the audiobook by entering the code HYT5ZNQU. Visit the link above or Awesound to apply the discount.

Link to retreat mentioned: https://www.amandablesing.com/retreats/

Link to Amanda's LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandablesing/

Please include a note to Amanda about hearing her on the podcast when connecting with her.

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ

En este fascinante episodio, exploramos el Síndrome Premenstrual Disfórico (SPM-D) con la destacada psiquiatra de adultos y perinatal, la Dra. Beatriz Loyola. Con más de 10 años de experiencia clínica y formando parte del equipo de Centro Sermujer y de la plataforma de teleconsulta www.tupsiquiatra.cl, la Dra. Beatriz nos guía a través de las complejidades de este síndrome.

Desde definir el SPM-D y su diferencia con el síndrome premenstrual común hasta desentrañar mitos y ofrecer herramientas de manejo, esta conversación no solo proporciona información valiosa, sino que también comparte experiencias personales.

Descubriremos tratamientos efectivos, consejos para el bienestar mental y tratamos también cómo el SPM-D puede influir durante el embarazo. Concluímos el episodio con preguntas provocadoras sobre misoginia, autoevaluación de micro-machismos y recomendaciones de literatura feminista.

Únete a nosotros para desmitificar el SPM-D y obtener conocimientos prácticos para mejorar la salud mental en esta etapa crucial de la vida de la mujer. ¡No te pierdas este episodio cargado de información y experiencias!

*Síguenos en @no_second_class_citizens
*La musica de introducción y despedida es original de Karina Lehman. @karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ

In this thought-provoking episode, we have the privilege of hosting Paulina Yazigi, President of the Association of Pension Funds in Chile. Our discussion delves deep into the vital issue of pension funds and their role in fostering financial independence, particularly for women. From exploring the persistent pension gap to advocating for structural changes, we unearth potential solutions and challenges.

The conversation extends to evolving gender roles and family commitments, highlighting the heartening shift in how men are increasingly engaging in family responsibilities, even in cultures traditionally dominated by machismo. We emphasize the importance of promoting gender-neutral parenting representation to rebalance family obligations.

Our episode concludes with a personal anecdote that underscores the significance of open dialogues about women's issues in the workplace. The conversation fosters a call for more extensive discussions about diverse challenges faced by various groups to create a more inclusive and empathetic work environment.

In summary, this episode is a treasure trove of insights into pension funds and their pivotal role in advancing women's financial independence. It encourages a more inclusive and equitable future while setting the stage for a subsequent episode discussing Australian pension funds.

Contact us at @no_second_class_citizens

Music: Karina Lehman
@karinalehmansmusica
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ZTm4QI2traQXLcpvJCE8V?si=6OhEwbKuS6KdE5_xhNEHhQ