All Episodes

This episode honors the life and legacy of Gladys Krigger Washington, the late Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, reflecting on her remarkable contributions to philanthropy and her role as a trailblazing Black woman leader. Through her impactful work, Washington exemplified the values of self-care, honesty, and community building, inspiring countless others. Her wisdom, including the importance of lightening up, truly listening, and engaging in challenging conversations, continues to resonate, offering a powerful reminder to embrace diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Sheena Meade, highlighting her journey from being a teen mom and facing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform. Sheena shares her experiences with incarceration, including a $87.26 bounced check leading to arrest and the impact on her life. Sheena is the CEO of the Clean Slate initiative, which aims to automatically clear records for eligible individuals, with 12 states adopting such laws and 15 million people benefiting. The conversation emphasizes the need for bipartisan support, narrative change, and community involvement in criminal justice reform. Discover how her work with The Clean Slate Initiative is changing lives and transforming communities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.cleanslateinitiative.org Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities United Way https://www.gtcuw.org/

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, and Ali Knight, the incoming national director and CEO. GreenLight Fund is a national network of sites partner with local communities to tackle the barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving inclusive prosperity. They select and scale proven programs to directly address those barriers identified by each community. The model involves identifying local leaders and unmet needs and then adapting proven models to fit local contexts. They have expanded to 13 cities, with 14 sites, including a new one in Miami. Simone emphasizes community-led processes and partnerships, citing their first investment in LEAD Minneapolis, housed at Pillsbury United Communities. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk-taking and learning from failures in innovation. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker greenlightfund.org IG @greenlightfund Sponsored by: The Black Collective Foundation https://www.minnesotablackcollectivefoundation.org/

Andrea Caupain Sanderson, a racial and social justice advocate for over 25 years, discussed her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 12 and becoming a single mother at 19 to becoming CEO of the Byrd Barr Place. She is currently the co-founder and co-executive director of the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition and one of four architects of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s first cooperative philanthropy created by and for Black people to ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. In this episode, she emphasized the need for black-led organizations to receive funding and support and highlighted the importance of self-care and creating spaces for black leaders to thrive. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen https://bipocedcoalitionwa.org/ https://www.blackfuturewa.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker speaks with Charles Adams, an Author of Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach, about his Northside upbringing and the complexities of community policing. They discuss the challenges black officers face, the impact of George Floyd's murder, and the removal of officers from schools. Joining the conversation is Jayland Baker, a North High alumnus and former football player coached by Charles, who shares his perspective on the importance of having officers in schools and the sense of security they provided. To purchase 'Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach': https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Cities-Black-Championship-Coach/dp/030683054X www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Meet Nevada Littlewolf, Executive Director of Women Winning, as she discusses the importance of policy-focused presidential debates, inclusive democracy, and reproductive justice, and how you can get involved in creating a more equitable future. Women Winning recruits, trains, endorses and elects pro-choice women to all levels of public office in Minnesota. Sponsored by the Greater Twin Cities Minnesota Chapter of the Links, Inc. https://www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://womenwinning.org/

Black women leaders face a unique set of challenges that can be exhausting, overwhelming, and often invisible. In this episode, Sadiqa Reynolds shares her unflinching account of the struggles she's faced as a Black woman leader, from being criticized for promoting diversity to dealing with the emotional toll of constant scrutiny. Listen in as she reveals the importance of support systems, true diversity and inclusion, and the power of community in overcoming the unspoken struggles of Black women leaders. Sadiqa Reynolds is CEO of Perception Institute and Founder and President of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Before Perception Institute, Reynolds was CEO of the Louisville Urban League, the first woman to hold this title in the affiliate’s 95-year history raising more than $100 million, quadrupling the agency's budget, increasing the assets by more than $70 million, and building a $53 million state-of-the-art sports and learning complex, during a pandemic and amid civil unrest. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://perception.org/

Ruth Richardson is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. She became the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate in October 2022. She is a lawyer, health equity champion, and a trailblazer. Ruth brings her unique perspective as the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate and as a former Minnesota House Representative, to illuminate the intersections of voter rights, reproductive justice, and the essential nature of civic engagement. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Sponsored by Greater Twin Cities (MN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated https://www.gtclinks.org/

Keesha Gaskins-Nathan is the Director of the Democratic Practice–United States program and the Racial Justice Initiative at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Join Chanda Smith Baker and Keesha Gaskins-Nathan as they dive into the harsh realities of women in politics, particularly for women of color like Kamala Harris. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and uncover the truth about the attacks on Harris, the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action, and the role of nonprofits in promoting voter participation. Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities MN Chapter of The Links, Incorporated www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Gun violence is stealing childhoods. Dr. Marc Gorelick, CEO of Children's Minnesota, and Chanda Smith Baker demand action, urging a comprehensive approach that tackles poverty, mental health, and responsible gun ownership to prevent further tragedies. Purchase Dr. Gorelick's new book "Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc’s Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis": https://a.co/d/3WpVt84 ww.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Ever wondered how a former attorney turns passion for science into a thriving distillery? Join Chanda Smith Baker as she dives deep with Chris Montana, founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. Discover the transformative power of mentorship, the gritty realities of fundraising, and the resilience needed to pivot during a pandemic. Hear how producing hand sanitizer for first responders and homeless shelters became a lifeline. This episode will inspire you to invest in people, embrace adaptability, and transform challenges into opportunities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://shopdunord.com/ https://dunordsocialspirits.com/

Can police departments evolve to prioritize trust and accountability? Chanda and Assistant Chief Alice White explore the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement, and what it takes to create lasting change. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

This is part of the Shaping the Future: Women in Law Enforcement Series. Join Chanda Smith Baker and retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, Kris Arneson, as they navigate the urgent need for change in policing culture, community engagement, and the invaluable impact of women in law enforcement. Learn from Kris's 32-year journey about breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and championing ethical policing practices. Don't miss this conversation about reshaping the future of law enforcement and unleashing the potential of women leaders!

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker and Dawn Selle sit with trailblazing guest Deborah Montgomery, the first female police officer in St. Paul, MN, in 1975. Now retired, Montgomery reflects on her remarkable career dedicated to breaking barriers, championing civil rights, and making a lasting impact on her community. They explore critical topics surrounding policing, community justice, and fostering genuine connections within the community. Emphasizing the vital roles of empathy, communication, and resourcefulness in crisis situations, Montgomery shares invaluable insights on effecting positive change. Additionally, they explore the importance of creating a more inclusive and respectful hiring process, advocating for better pay and benefits, and promoting opportunities for professional growth and development to enhance police recruitment and retention.

Join Chanda Smith Baker as she talks with Pulitzer Prize finalist Lee Hawkins about his journey to uncover years of family history, revealing the intertwined lives of Black and White families and the impact of historical trauma on contemporary America. Listen to the prelude "WHAT HAPPENED IN ALABAMA?" podcast at whathappenedinalabama.org and pre-order "I AM NOBODY’S SLAVE: How Uncovering My Family’s History Set Me Free" (HarperCollins 2025) on Amazon. www.whathappenedinalabama.org (podcast) https://a.co/d/9BBS3zl (Pre-order Book) www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

In our latest episode of Conversations with Chanda, we are joined by Dr. Rachel R. Hardeman, a Professor at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and Director of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity and Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, both trailblazers and twin sisters committed to equity and social justice. We explore the powerful legacies of black Minnesotan families and their impact on community service and leadership. The conversation uncovers how addressing the root causes of challenges can lead to meaningful change. Listen now to be inspired by these stories and empowered to take action for a more equitable and just world.

In this powerful episode of Centering Conversations, Dr. Gisele Shorter, President and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, shares her deep belief that an equitable society starts with an equitable education system. With over 15 years of experience leading large-scale community-based programs, Dr. Shorter is committed to advancing education justice and closing the opportunity gap for Black and Brown youth. Tune in to hear her insights on building a more just and equitable world through education.

In this live event at the Medtronic Club, U.S. Bank Stadium, Chanda interviews panelists Alice White, Deborah Montgomery, and Kris Arneson on their experiences and insights in recruiting and retaining women in law enforcement. Alice White, currently the Assistant Chief of the Golden Valley Police Department, shares her journey from Community Service Officer to Sergeant, and her role in implementing Procedural Justice training. Deborah Montgomery, a trailblazer in law enforcement, made history as the first female African American police officer in St. Paul, Minnesota, and rose to the rank of Commander in her distinguished career. Kris Arneson, retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, brings over 32 years of experience and highlights her work in community policing and improving relations with East African and African American communities. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and strategies for promoting gender equality in the force and creating a safer, more inclusive community.

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Chanda, Dr. Tashion Macon, Culturalist and Communication + Cachet Catalyst, shares her inspiring journey and the secrets to achieving peak performance and successful outcomes. Dr. Tashion is a master at moving others to see where culture and the consumer are headed, making her an invaluable asset to individuals and institutions alike. From her humble beginnings in East St. Louis to her high-powered career in global entertainment and marketing, she shares her insights on spirituality, stardom, success, and the implications they have on the soul and society. Listen now to learn how Dr. Tashion empowers others to live their purpose and achieve unshakeable success. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker https://www.tashionmacon.com/ IG @tashionmaconphd

Antoinette Malveaux, Managing Director at Casey Family Programs, joins Chanda to discuss leadership development, social justice, racial equity, and philanthropy's role in driving systemic change. They explore the importance of inclusive leadership, listening, and accountability in creating a more just and equitable world. www.smithbaker.co www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter: @chandasbaker