Disrupt the Dialogue is a podcast designed to allow leaders of color to share their personal experience and insight regarding the effect that race has on their lives and careers. Through this open and honest sharing of individual experiences, we hope to connect our guests and our listeners to create a common understanding of the effects that race has on leaders of color, create a community of support, and share tools and resources to support BIPOC leaders.
Join co-hosts Tina Wright-Ervin, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, and Alexander Figueroa, Assistant Director of Learning and Development, in this podcast from the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Authentic and informative, these are the conversations that leaders of color are having about the office that don’t always feel safe in the office.
Publisher
The American Public Human Services Association (APHSA)
Navigating Leadership: Being Present and Being Seen
In this episode, Debra Johnson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for External
Affairs for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), details the life experiences that have taught her why EDIB principles matter—in the workplace and in our personal interactions.
From her younger years in the South Side of Chicago to her pioneering work with notable figures like Carol Mosley Braun, Pete Buttigieg, and Bobby Rush, Debra offers candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of navigating leadership roles while advocating for racial equity.
Along with hosts Tina Wright-Ervin and Alex Figueroa, Debra argues for the importance of having a sounding board, making your presence felt and, ultimately, the power of creating warm, welcoming spaces for leaders of color.
10 May 2024
Commit to Yourself. Commit to Community.
On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Raquel Hatter, Managing Director of the Human Services
Program at the Kresge Foundation, to discuss her approach to leadership as well as how she
implements equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) in her work every day.
At Kresge, Dr. Hatter focuses on family-centered systems change, with a particular emphasis on communities of color. This interview delves into the necessity for system change and the many challenges that arise in effecting those positive transformations.
Dr. Hatter's work is deeply rooted in her lived experience of growing up in a two-generation
household that relied on services, and in this interview, she offers lessons to other leaders as
they pursue this necessary work within their communities.
Resources:
“Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer: https://amzn.to/4aN8Jh4
“Collective Courage” by Jessica Gordon Nembhard: https://amzn.to/44boGv8
9 Apr 2024
Take Every Opportunity to Teach
We sit down with Michael Becketts, the Director of Fairfax County, Virginia Department of Family Services. Michael shares the details of his professional journey, from being a social worker to understanding his desire to create a more macro-level impact in the sector as a
leader.
In his current role, Michael has learned the importance of seeing individuals as whole people, embracing their intersecting identities, and fostering authentic conversations that help them bring their best selves to the table.
This conversation provides an approach for human services workers to better understand and apply their strengths as they help communities thrive while also offering insight into how to navigate the intersections of race and identity.
4 Mar 2024
Learning to Stand in Your Greatness
In this interview with Shaneen Moore, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Children and Family Services and Director of the Administration’s Child Support Division, we tackle the effects of imposter syndrome that many BIPOC leaders face, as well as the deep importance of listening to people with lived experience.
Shaneen’s career in the human services sector began with her understanding the value she brought as someone whose life was significantly enriched by the human services system. After applying for a position within the sector and getting it, she stood in stark contrast to others who were on a more traditional career path. We talk about those differences as well as what approach Shaneen takes to ensure she’s able to serve the communities of Minnesota while always being her authentic self.
Join us to gain insights into what leaders can do to enhance their work with people from diverse
backgrounds and learn what it means to stand in your greatness.
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Resources:
“Whiteness in Plain View: A History of Racial Exclusion in Minnesota” by Chad Montrie:
https://amzn.to/48zpcnj
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Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at
jgaron@aphsa.org (mailto:jgaron@aphsa.org).
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
6 Feb 2024
Being Bold: Building Safe and Inclusive Communities
Emeka Madu, the Health and Government Solutions Manager with KPMG, joins us to share his unique perspective as a leader of color and second-generation Nigerian immigrant. Unlike previous guests of the show, Emeka works within the private sector, which means he’s able to offer a different take on human services work nationwide, as well as lessons gained from his multicultural upbringing and the associated challenges.
For Emeka, it’s been about leaders being able to help others feel seen and applying that understanding to their approach to mentorship. He sees his personal history as a testament to that need and a reason to ensure that we include all identities in the conversations that drive us forward. This episode speaks to the need for BIPOC leaders to be bold in their efforts to build safe and inclusive communities while taking on underrepresentation in their respective industries.
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Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at
jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
12 Jan 2024
Intersectionality and Authenticity: Understanding Perspectives from the Past to Change the Future
In our second episode of the season, we spoke to Jonathan Palmer, a nonprofit management consultant with director-level experience in local community centers throughout Minnesota. Jonathan details raw personal experiences that have not only shaped his professional journey but shed light on the profound impact of race on our nation.
Throughout the interview, he delves into the historical injustices that have affected communities who have been marginalized while also outlining tactics that leaders can adopt to take on the modern-day implications of the past within the human services sector and beyond.
Jonathan emphasizes the need for leaders to commit to creating positive change while understanding that change comes through community—connecting with others and building something better together.
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Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
14 Dec 2023
Nurture Yourself, Sustain the Work: BONUS Live Episode
In this exciting bonus episode of Disrupt the Dialogue, hosts Tina Wright Irvin and Alex Figueroa
welcome their first live audience. Recording at the APHSA National Human Services Summit 2023 in
Baltimore, MD, this episode gathers past guests from season one in a discussion focused on the
importance of self-care for those of us in the human services sector.
Featuring Derrik Anderson, Dannette Smith, LaRae Cantley, Vannessa Dorantes, and Natalie Williams,
the conversation moves from the personal—how individuals incorporate self-care practices such as
journaling—to the more structural. They discuss taking on the emotional challenges of helping others
while also, as BIPOC leaders, working in spaces where they are sometimes asked to adjust who they are
to make others more comfortable.
The panel of experts dives deep into the motivations behind the work they do, why they do it, and how
they are to continuing to do so while also dedicating time to themselves. Offering advice and
perspectives from years of experience, listeners are provided with a road map for how they can sustain
their efforts to better their communities and themselves.
12 Dec 2023
Empowering Voices, Inspiring Change
Disrupt the Dialogue is back with a second season! In this episode, we talk to Edgard Martinez, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at Children and Families First, one of Delaware's oldest and most trusted nonprofit leaders in providing supports and services children and their families need to thrive. Edgard connects insights from his personal and professional journey to the many challenges that race and sexual orientation present to BIPOC leaders.
Edgard discusses his work to create programs and structures that empower LGBTQ+ youth while also challenging the legal restrictions that impede their growth and well-being. He shares his thoughts on how organizations can create a more inclusive environment and support individuals from diverse backgrounds. Pairing his passion for positive change with a long-term vision that recognizes the realities ahead, Edgar shows us that this work will not always be easy, but it will be worth it.
19 Jan 2023
Discovering the Full Story
In this, the final episode of season one, we’re in dialogue with Natalie Williams. Natalie has over 25 years of experience in human services—working at the national, local, and community level and currently serving as the Chief Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer (EDIB) at the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). In this episode, she touches on the need for self-care and data-driven strategies to tackle challenges in racial equity and racial justice. Data, Natalie comments, provides focus on what may sometimes be a hard conversation by removing some of the emotion and focusing on outcomes and successes. She talks about witnessing successes first-hand in her work at Jefferson County (Colorado) Human Services, where she had the opportunity to see systems come together to help move people and families out of poverty. Discussing how she sees the principles of EDIB incorporated in human services work, Natalie spotlights the necessity to understand the value of different perspectives and to think big in making advancements in racial justice.
“I would tell future leaders to dream big about what's possible because our communities are going to need strategy and planning to be able to access, compete in, and understand what a global world means to them.”
Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag # DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
15 Dec 2022
Be Unafraid to be Bold
This episode is with Dannette Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Dannette has over 25 years of leadership experience in human services and is the Chair of the Executive Governing Board for the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). In our conversation, we delve into her decades-long career and what it means to be aware that, as a Black woman, not everyone will view you and your community the same way that you do. Dannette delves into her experiences in those spaces and the importance of being bold, courageous, and sure of yourself and where the work takes you. She also talks about the importance of carrying yourself with respect and graciousness in professional and personal spaces. Throughout, Dannette reflects on the ability to learn from failure as well as the need for a certain level of discomfort to initiate change beyond the status quo—both outside and within our individual communities.
“We have to allow people to sit in that. To feel a sense of uncomfortableness, but then be able to, when they’re ready, help them work through that. I think too often we want people to feel comfortable, but change doesn't happen with feeling comfortable, even for us.”
Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag # DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
17 Nov 2022
Forging A Path for Others
This episode features Vannessa Dorantes, Commissioner for the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in Connecticut and an Executive Governing Board Member of the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Having worked for DCF since 1992, Vannessa shares her journey as a social worker rising through the ranks to be appointed Connecticut’s first Black DCF Commissioner—a journey that included battling imposter syndrome to finally understanding her self-worth. During this episode, Commissioner Dorantes talks about the need to clearly understand EDI principles, what it means to stay true to them, and the importance of relating those values to others in your workplace. From paving the way for other BIPOC leaders to representation, she relates the work of EDI to her lived experience in the field and as an administrator.
“Is racial justice work something that should be a thing set aside to focus all of our attention on, or should it be woven throughout all of our work? My response is that it’s both, until it doesn't have to be.”
Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
10 Nov 2022
Creating Space for All
This episode features LaRae Cantley, Senior Manager of Centering Community Well-Being at Full
Frame Initiative in Greenfield, MA. LaRae has spent years as a community organizer, supporting those who confront issues of poverty, violence, trauma, and oppression. Her lived experience informs her work, and in this episode, LaRae shares her personal stories as well as an approach to human services that brings the voices of people who have been marginalized into the spaces where solutions are discussed. She argues that this shift not only provides more effective services but empowers those who need it most.
Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at
jgaron@aphsa.org (mailto:jgaron@aphsa.org).
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.
Links: Full Frame Initiative https://www.fullframeinitiative.org/
2 Nov 2022
Unapologetically Affirming Your Voice
Episode 1 features Derrik Anderson, Executive Director at Race Matters for Juvenile Justice and a certified diversity professional. Derrik has over ten years of experience within the field of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and in this episode, he talks about his journey into EDI, what it means to practice its principles, and the experiences that inform his approach to social justice. He also provides advice to others starting or currently on their leadership journey including the importance of unapologetically affirming your voice.
Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.
Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by the American Public Human Services Association (APHSA). Editing and sound design for this episode were done by Bea Mitchell.
Links: Race Matters for Juvenile Justice - https://rmjj.org/
https://aphsa.org/ (https://aphsa.org/)
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5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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