Souphak Kienitz

Join Chanda Smith Baker in a powerful conversation with Qiana Thomason, the visionary CEO of Health Forward Foundation. Discover how Qiana's dedication to health equity and community empowerment shapes her leadership journey. Explore her insights on truth reconciliation in philanthropy, the importance of mentorship, and the transformative power of intentional spaces.

Join Chanda Smith Baker as she engages in a conversation with Conniel Malek, Founding Executive Director of True Costs Initiative, a nonprofit which seeks to increase corporate accountability and strengthen legal systems in the Global South. In this powerful episode, discover how she collaborates across borders to internalize the true costs of corporate actions, all while embracing personal uniqueness in leadership.

Sponsored by kpCompanies. Join host Chanda Smith Baker on Conversations with Chanda as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shayla Michelle. In this episode, they delve into Shayla's journey of bringing her book "Echo in the Distance" to life, discussing the courage needed to embrace vulnerability, the merging of personal and professional storytelling, the transformative power of grief, and the importance of allowing oneself to try new things. Shayla's vibrant storytelling and insightful reflections make for a captivating episode that resonates with those seeking growth and authenticity. Programming is supported by kpCompanies a woman owned recruiting and staffing firm based in Minnesota helping companies across various industries find exceptional and diverse talent you can start your talent search today by visiting kpCompanies.com

Host Chanda engages in an inspiring conversation with Tashion Macon, exploring the complexities of identity, leadership, and the journey of black women in philanthropy. Unveil the courage to dream, declare, and disrupt societal norms while embracing the path of purpose. Celebrate the strength of black women and their pivotal role in shaping philanthropy. Centering Conversations is powered by Voice, Vision, Value: Black Women Leading Philanthropy

In this powerful episode, Chanda Smith Baker hosts Toya Randall, founder of Voice Vision Value, for an insightful conversation on Black Philanthropy Month and the groundbreaking book "Portraits of Us." Explore the importance of creating safe spaces, expanding community, and resourcing impactful work as we honor the legacy of Black women in the sector. Listen in on the valuable perspectives on effective partnerships, the future of Black women leaders, and the transformative power of philanthropy.

Chanda Smith Baker engages in an enlightening conversation with Maya Moore Irons and Jonathan Irons. They delve into various topics, including faith, criminal justice reform, the power of love and friendship, and the journey of redemption. Maya and Jonathan share their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of justice. Their book, 'Love & Justice,' is available now. To learn more about their nonprofit organization, visit winwithjustice.org.

Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times bestselling author. Her latest book, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" digs into the unspoken caste system that has shaped modern-day America. Chanda sat down with Ms. Wilkerson to discuss her writing and guides us through a deep exploration of our shared history and the urgent need for dismantling the caste system.

Nikki McComb's work lies in the intersection of art and violence prevention. She is the owner of Art is My Weapon and the founder of the #ENOUGH Campaign for Gun Safety. Chanda sat down with Nikki to discuss the ripple effect of gun violence, holistic approaches to community work, and the healing power of art.

Artika Roller is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA). In this episode, Chanda and Artika discuss how MNCASA addresses sexual violence through advocacy, prevention, racial justice, and systems change. They also explore Artika’s intentional leadership strategy and why the healing journey is essential.

Tameka Jones launched her business, Lip Esteem, in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and civil unrest. Chanda connected with Tameka to discuss Tameka's entrepreneurial spirit, the decisions that led her to the beauty industry, and how she found healing through her artistry.

Tish Jones is a poet, narrative strategist, cultural producer, educator, and the Founder & Executive Director of TruArtSpeaks. In this episode, Chanda and Tish discuss the connection between art and healing, the relational work within the education system, and why there’s hope for our new generation of creators.

Linda Villarosa is a New York Times contributor, professor, and author of "Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism on American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation." In this episode, Chanda and Linda discuss the structural changes needed in our healthcare system, how the pandemic affected mental health, and the toll of micro and macro aggressions.

Miquel McMoore is the Founder and Managing Director of kpCompanies. Her business helps small, mid-size, to large multinational companies find the right executive talent for their culture. Chanda connected with Miquel to discuss job market trends, the complexities of DEI work, and the importance of relationship building.

Jana Shortal is an Emmy award-winning journalist and host of KARE 11's "Breaking The News." In this episode, Chanda talks to Jana about her news career, the power of authenticity, and the joys of parenthood.

Lutunji Abram's background in community development, the arts, and food brings a lot to the table. She has created multiple businesses, including Lutunji's Palate Bakery & Cafe. In this episode, Chanda talked to Lutunji about her journey to becoming an entrepreneur and the power of finding your purpose.

Lewiee Blaze, K.J. Rolenc, and Brandon Williams are leaders on the Minneapolis Foundation's Fund for Safe Communities Advisory Committee. This past fall, the three of them attended a convening hosted by Cities United—a national organization focused on violence reduction and public safety. In this conversation, they discuss the strategies and systems they learned about at the conference and how their lived experiences inform their work.

Eric Holder is a civil rights leader, former U.S. Attorney General, and the author of "Our Unfinished March: The Violent Past and Imperiled Future of the Vote—A History, a Crisis, a Plan." Chanda sat down with Eric to discuss the actions people can take to protect our democracy, the danger of disinformation, and the connection between optimism and activism.

Kayce Ataiyero is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Joyce Foundation — a private foundation that aims to advance racial equity and economic mobility in the Great Lakes region. Kayce connected with Chanda to discuss her journey from journalism to philanthropy and why both sectors need to create a better environment for people of color to thrive and ascend.

Jesse Leon's recent memoir, "I'm Not Broken," shares his story of resilience. Jesse survived devastating childhood abuse and years of addiction to become the leader he is today. His experiences have informed his perspective on philanthropy, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and more. In this heartfelt conversation, Chanda and Jesse discuss the importance of sharing his story and investing in mental health.

As an author, leader, and consultant, Trista Harris helps mission-driven organizations plan for the future. Chanda sat down with Trista to talk about current trends in the philanthropic sector, the tools of futurism, and her experiences working in nonprofits and foundations.