Activism Episodes

Corporate leadership, faith, and cultural identity don't have to compete for space — they can be the same foundation. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Violette Omotosho, a Senior Relationship Manager, Pastoral Leader, speaker, and writer with over 15 years of experience navigating faith and leadership in the financial and insurance industries. Violette shares how showing up as her full, authentic self — rather than code-switching...

becoming a changemaker Presence isn't just what you carry into a room — it's what you build in a community, and what you leave behind. That's legacy. In this episode, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Dr. Dominica McBride—community psychologist, founder of Become, champion of culturally responsive evaluation, and author of Becoming Changemakers, who has spent over a decade building the capacity of communities across Arizona, Chicago, and Tanzania to create the reality they desire and d...

purpose-driven leadership The Purpose Catalyst: Leadership, Risk & Resilience with Dr. Connie Y. Bell What if the most powerful thing you can bring to the boardroom is exactly what they told you to leave at the door? Host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Dr. Connie Y. Bell in this episode of The Execution Series: Power, Pivot & Purpose. Dr. Bell is a transformational executive leader, doctoral mentor, and author who excels at the intersection of leadership, risk governance, and human resil...

"She didn't wait for the system to catch up. She built a new one." In this episode of our May series, She Who Mothers: Redefining Legacy, Love & Lineage, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Muji Bekomson — Medical Laboratory Scientist, Founder of FEMME Health Companion, and Top 50 Voice in African Tech — to explore what happens when a woman stops waiting to be heard and starts building what should have existed all along. When a doctor dismissed Muji's severe symptoms with "just get pregnant,...

She arrived in the U.S. at 27. Never been on a plane. Left her entire family in India. Faked her accent so no one would notice where she came from. Worked harder than anyone in the room — and learned the hard way that hard work without a voice is invisible. Dr. Charu Chopra is a physical therapist of 17 years. For the past 7+, 100% of her patients have been women. She specializes in pelvic floor and breast rehab therapy — and she is one of the most honest, direct voices in women’s health workin...

Episode 190 In this intimate and deeply necessary conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Ashley — a nationally recognized Black and biracial clinician, professor, author, change agent, and Department Chair of the MSW program at Cal State Northridge. Her current book is a bold act of reclamation: a vulnerable exploration of biracial identity, anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and light-skinned privilege — and the healing that becomes possible when we stop suppressing our truths. Together, we u...

Hollywood’s Gatekeepers Are Changing ~ How Black Women Are Taking Over Media with Ashley King Episode 165 The entertainment industry is shifting, but for Black women and other marginalized creators, success isn’t about waiting for an invitation—it’s about building your own table. In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, casting director and entrepreneur Ashley King shares the realities of Hollywood, the power of self-initiative, and why community is the key to break...

In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett welcomes her third male guest, Obong Priesto—a visionary musician and freedom activist behind The Plight Messenger’s. Obong offers deep insights into his creative process, revealing how time shapes his artistry and fuels his mission. He reflects on his birth name, Famous Endurance Friday, and shares the powerful meaning behind his chosen artist name. More than just music, his work is a call for freedom and a tool...

Shifting from DEI to Intentional Inclusion with Kelli Lester Episode 166 In this episode, we welcome Kelli Lester, co-founder and partner of Onyx Rising, a consultancy focused on transforming individual, team, and organizational behaviors. Kelly shares her deep commitment to inclusive leadership and innovation, which she refers to as "love in the workplace." She emphasizes her journey in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, highlighting her role as a voice for the voiceless and the impor...

Empowering Others: Finding Strength in Serving and Making a Difference with Amber Ontiveros Episode 160 Healing Trauma and Overcoming Discrimination through Consciousness Work In a podcast episode featuring Amber Ontiveros, President of Ontiveros and Associates, a central theme emerged regarding the significance of consciousness work in the process of healing trauma and overcoming discrimination. Amber stressed the importance of introspection, mindfulness, and engaging in practices like meditat...

Breaking the Glass Vase: A Story of Transformation and Empowerment Episode 156 with Dima Ghawi Highlights [00:02:33] Advancing individuals in leadership. [00:12:48] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs [00:33:06] The pressure to be perfect. In this episode, Keynote Speaker/Leadership Consultant/Author, Dima Ghawi, underscores the importance of advancing individuals in leadership to cultivate a world where leaders prioritize the well-being and growth of their teams, embrace diversity, and work towards...

Becoming Changemakers: Transforming Lives Through Collective Healing Episode 154 with Dr. Dominica McBride Topics Discussed [00:08:10] Creating community through healing. [00:08:50] Youth, safety, thriving community economy. [00:21:29] Healing as a leadership skill. [00:37:22] Community impact and growth. Healing plays a vital role in personal and community transformation, as discussed in the podcast episode featuring Dr. Dominica McBride. Dr. McBride underscores the significance of healing in ...

Career Growth: No-Fluff Advice to Accelerate Your Career with Pink Careers In the episode, Richa Bansal, Mom, Wife, Author, Leader, and Founder of Pinkcareers, emphasizes the power of pause and its ability to facilitate reflection on one's current work and its alignment with long-term career goals and aspirations. Richa highlights that a career is not limited to a short timeframe but rather spans a lifetime. It is crucial to consider whether the work being done on a day-to-day basis aligns with...

Deneen L. Garrett, a women's empowerment speaker, dream lifestyle coach, and the creator & host of the show, asks two thought-provoking questions then introduces those new, to the podcast. Deneen shares how the podcast is an extension of a successful panel organized by her for LGBTQ+ women of color and allies. Inspired by the positive feedback received, Deneen wanted to further elevate the voices of women of color and provide them with valuable resources and inspiration on their journey towards ...

In this 2020 re-release, delve into Episode 14 as Sonia Jackson Myles, CEO of The Sister Accord®️ & The Accord Group LLC, passionately emphasizes the profound significance of recognizing our unique assignments in spreading love, eradicating hate, and championing social justice. Sonia connects the essence of having breath in our bodies with a purpose – a responsibility to contribute to a better world. Discover Sonia's wisdom on finding your voice and understanding your values early in life, cruc...

In this 2020 re-release of episode 5, Dr. Damary Bonilla Rodriguez, emphasizes the importance of finding every opportunity to be a voice, make a difference, and positively impact others. She emphasizes that regardless of the scale of the opportunity, whether it be on a smaller or larger platform, it is crucial to find one's space to create positive change. Dr. Damary shares her own experiences and examples of how she has utilized various opportunities to make a difference. She mentions being th...

In this 2021 re-release, founder at Backstage Capital and Runner, Arlan Hamilton, explores the notion that making a difference doesn't always require grand or monumental actions. Control What You Can Control. This episode emphasizes that even small gestures or actions can have a significant impact on someone's life. Arlan provides various examples, such as starting a blog, speaking publicly, writing a book, or simply sharing personal experiences. The key point is that if just one person hears or...

In this 2020 Re-Release episode, the concept of holding space is explored as a form of healing. Minda Harts, Workplace Consultant, Speaker and Author, and MY favorite Podcaster, emphasize the importance of taking the time to heal and introspect before being able to support and be of use to others. Minda highlights that holding space allows individuals to openly discuss their experiences, both positive and negative. The societal expectation for Black women to be stoic and strong has long prevente...

About this episode In this episode, Mom/attorney/author/singer/songwriter, Aria Elan highlights the importance of using one's voice to advocate for marginalized groups. The discussion focuses on Overcoming Obstacles: The Importance of Exercising Your Rights and the silencing of women of color, LGBTQ+ youth of color, and young people in general. Aria Elan emphasizes the need for these groups to have a platform to express their ideas, goals, dreams, and concerns about injustice, just like any othe...

About this episode In this episode, Consultant/Operations & Marketing Exec and Chaos Coordinator, Shay Phillips emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate and asking for what you want in professional spaces. She mentions that it is crucial to communicate your needs and desires, whether it be help or a specific role you are excited about. Shay advises against assuming that others will automatically know what you want or that they will take care of you. Instead, she encourages, empowerin...

Moving with Purpose: Creating Opportunities for Women of Color with Nicole Durio Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Podcast Players In this episode Nicole and I, talk about: [00:01:06] Soul searching after job loss. [00:12:26] Significance in your difference. [00:16:05] Dreams and priorities. [00:19:51] The best way to live. Transcript Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams? Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. Deneen, F...

Finding Your Voice: Empowering Women of Color to Save Themselves with Poonam Bhuchar Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Podcast Players In this episode Poonam and I, talk about: [00:02:00] The SAFE method. [00:16:10] Seeking a better way to live life. [00:34:31] Trusting your gut and self. Transcript Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams? Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innova...

Overcoming Challenges: Women of Color on the Path to a Dream Lifestyle with Victoria Finch Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Other Podcast Players In this episode Victoria and I, talk about: [00:05:22] Going through the darkness. [00:09:23] Understanding trauma and healing. [00:27:15] Women serving as beacons. Transcript Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams? Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Pa...

with Dr. Denise Y. Mose | | In this episode Dr. Denise Y....