In this episode of the Pitch Black Podcast, Stephen Green sits down with Samantha Hosein (she/her), Director of DEI at Instrument—a leading digital brand and experience innovation company based in Portland.

Samantha shares her journey into diversity, equity, and inclusion work, rooted in a deep commitment to education and community. From classroom conversations to corporate boardrooms, her path has always centered on building belonging.

Together, she and Stephen explore how community shows up during moments of crisis, what it takes to build inclusive spaces—especially for youth—and how programs like Build Week at Instrument turn DEI values into tangible action.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to DEI and Samantha’s Personal Journey
05:04 – Navigating Crisis and Community Engagement
09:47 – The Role of Education in DEI
14:57 – Transitioning to Instrument and Corporate DEI
20:10 – Build Week: Collaboration and Community Impact
30:09 – Advice for Engaging in DEI Work

Want to build a future that includes everyone? Start here.

Follow Instrument on Instagram and LinkedIn
Connect with Samantha Hosein on LinkedIn

Eleazar Ruiz, founder of Odd Notion, joins host Jelani Memory to discuss the rebranding of Pitch Black and the deeper role of storytelling in design.

They explore the personal connection to community, the responsibility of creators to showcase the existing power within their communities, and how branding goes beyond just visuals—it’s about identity and positioning. Eleazar shares valuable insights for Black founders on how to embrace their unique narratives and use branding as a tool for empowerment.

The conversation culminates in key takeaways for the future of Pitch Black and the importance of representation in design.

Eleazar Ruiz is a designer, strategist, and founder of Odd Notion, a branding and design agency focused on purpose-driven storytelling. His work helps brands authentically connect with their audiences and elevate their presence in meaningful ways.

• Website: www.oddnotion.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleazaruiz/
• Follow Odd Notion: www.instagram.com/oddnotion.studio

• Follow Jelani Memory → https://www.instagram.com/jelanimemory
• Discover Pitch Black → https://www.pitchblack.org

Chapters

00:00 The Vision Behind Pitch Black Rebrand

10:54 Personal Connection to Community and Design

19:59 Advice for Black Founders

29:56 Key Takeaways and Future Aspirations

In this episode of The Pitch Black Podcast, Kimiko Matsuda and host Stephen Green explore the transition from corporate America to community engagement, the importance of local connections, and her journey into the food industry.

Kimiko shares her experiences in building a brand, the challenges faced, and the cultural responsibilities that come with being a business owner in Portland. She dives into the power of curiosity, the supportive culture among women entrepreneurs, and the role of community in the culinary scene. She also introduces The Idea Factory, her vision for empowering female founders and fostering collaboration.

Kimiko Matsuda is a Portland-based entrepreneur passionate about food, community, and innovation. She is the founder of The Idea Factory, a space dedicated to supporting and elevating female entrepreneurs.

Kimko's Instagram →  https://www.instagram.com/kimi.ko__

Discover Pitch Black → https://www.pitchblack.org

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:58 Feedback and Future Directions

05:59 Community Engagement and Personal Journey

08:55 Corporate to Community Transition

11:50 The Importance of Local Engagement

14:49 The Shift to the Food Industry

18:01 Building a Brand and Community

21:01 Lessons from Rose and Lincoln

24:03 Cultural Identity and Responsibility

24:59 Engaging with Communities and Personal Growth

30:23 The Importance of Curiosity and Assimilation

38:20 Women Supporting Women in Portland

41:20 Pitch Black: Celebrating Culinary Talent

45:09 The Idea Factory: A Vision for the Future

Ian Williams, the founder of Deadstock Coffee, sits down with host Stephen Green to talk about his journey from working at Nike to launching one of Portland’s most iconic sneaker-themed coffee shops.

Ian shares the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and how Pitch Black helped him along the way. From taking risks to finding the right people to support your vision, this conversation is packed with real talk about what it takes to build something that lasts.

Ian Williams is the founder of Deadstock Coffee, a sneaker-themed coffee shop in Portland that merges coffee culture with sneakerhead energy. Ian's journey took him from working at Nike to creating a space that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.

• Website: https://www.deadstockcoffee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deadstockcoffee
• Follow Ian: https://www.instagram.com/eeeweezie

• Follow Stephen Green → https://twitter.com/PDXStephenG | https://www.instagram.com/pdxstepheng
• Discover Pitch Black → https://www.pitchblack.org

In this premiere episode of The Pitch Black Podcast, host Stephen Green sits down with Ciara Pressler, founder of PREGAME, for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the state of Black entrepreneurship, the shifting DEI landscape, and the tangible ways to support Black businesses beyond performative gestures.

From the impact of today’s political climate to the realities Black entrepreneurs face daily, this episode challenges listeners to rethink their role in fostering real equity. Stephen and Ciara break down how money, policy, and action intersect—and why talking about it isn’t enough.

Ciara Pressler is the founder of PREGAME, a company that helps entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives level up their strategy and leadership. With deep experience in branding, business strategy, and coaching, Ciara provides valuable insight into what it really takes to sustain a business in an increasingly unpredictable world.

• Website: https://www.pregamehq.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themayoress/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciarapressler

• Learn more about PREGAME → https://www.pregamehq.com
• Follow Stephen Green → https://twitter.com/PDXStephenG | https://www.instagram.com/pdxstepheng
• Discover Pitch Black → https://www.pitchblack.org

Loved this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share with someone who needs to hear it. Let’s keep the conversation going—tag us on social media and tell us one action you’re taking to support Black businesses today.