In today's episode, Kahina Haynes, Executive Director of the Dance Institute of Washington (DIW), shares how her experience as a third-generation dance artist shapes her worldview. Today, she's transforming one of the most historically exclusive industries into a more equitable, accessible space for young BIPOC dancers.

Kahina defines dance as a powerful formula of expression, rhythm, and movement, one that lives everywhere from protest marches to boardrooms. She opens up about being unexpectedly "catapulted" into executive leadership after the sudden passing of the organization's founder, and the hard-earned lessons she learned about succession, documentation, and preparing the next generation to carry the mission forward.

This conversation goes beyond the stage, into identity, systems change, founder transition, nonprofit leadership, and what it truly means to facilitate impact instead of simply performing it. If you care about arts access, mission-driven leadership, or building something that lasts beyond you, this episode is essential listening.