Diversity Discourse

Breaking Barriers in Spirits: Blackleaf Organic Vodka is Redefining Luxury and Sustainability

In this conversation, Kevin Larkai and Monté Burrow, the founders of Black Leaf Organic Vodka, discuss their journey in creating the first French organic vodka in the U.S., emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, overcoming barriers in the spirits industry, and the importance of cultural authenticity. They share insights on the challenges faced as Black entrepreneurs, the significance of their accolades, and offer advice to other underrepresented founders. The discussion highlights their vision for the future and the importance of consistency in growth.

Fatima Smith: Reimagining Philanthropy for Black & Brown Communities

This Diversity Discourse conversation with Fatima Smith, founder of Collective 365, explores the mission and operations of Collective 365, an organization dedicated to supporting Black and Brown communities through unrestricted funding and community-driven grants. The discussion highlights the importance of democratizing philanthropy, the challenges faced by grassroots organizations, and innovative approaches to grant-making that prioritize community needs and sustainability. Fatima emphasizes the need for a shift in the philanthropic landscape to better serve marginalized communities and encourages individuals to engage in giving in various forms.

Hyacinth Henderson: The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Consumers

Financial expert Hyacinth Henderson of The Henderson Group discusses the implications of proposed tariffs on small business owners and consumers, emphasizing the need for immediate financial actions to secure one's finances. She outlines investment strategies to protect wealth against inflation, particularly for minority women-owned businesses reliant on imported materials. Hyacinth stresses the importance of building long-term financial resilience and knowing one's financial numbers, while also providing resources for financial planning and support.

Danielle Dietrich: Executive Orders and Navigating the New Landscape for Small Businesses

Attorney Danielle Dietrich of Potomac Law discusses the implications of recent executive orders on small businesses, particularly those owned by women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. She explores the current legal landscape, the safety of existing certifications, and practical steps for businesses to safeguard their interests amidst uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the potential for legal battles and the importance of state laws in the face of federal changes.

Paola Santana: The Tech Maverick Disrupting the Government Marketplace

In this conversation, Paola Santana, CEO of GLASS Commerce, discusses the innovative approach of her GovTech company in transforming government procurement processes to empower small businesses. She explains how the G-Commerce platform simplifies the purchasing process for government buyers while enabling small businesses, particularly minority and women-owned, to easily access government contracts. The discussion highlights the importance of vendor verification, the success stories of small businesses benefiting from the platform, and how interested businesses can get involved.

RGMA Digital Suite: How Two Visionaries Are Reshaping Supplier Diversity

Ralph G. Moore, founder and president of Ralph G. Moore and Associates (RGMA), and Reginald Layton, RGMA chief technology officer, discuss how RGMA digitized its playbook through its new RGMA Digital Suite, which leverages the company’s RGMA Five Levels of Supplier Diversity Maturity Model™.
Discover how this innovative Digital Suite is revolutionizing supplier diversity by providing corporations with powerful tools to enhance diverse supplier performance and operational excellence.
Ralph and Reggie also discuss the economic impact of diverse suppliers and how to counter the uncertainty of the future of supplier diversity.

Britt Hogue on Reimagining Corporate Leadership and DEI's Evolution

In this episode, Britt Hogue, founder of The Collective Good, discusses the evolving landscape of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in corporate settings. She emphasizes the importance of understanding DEI as core human values and the necessity for organizations to adapt their approaches amidst societal pushback. Britt highlights the role of corporate culture in fostering inclusivity and the impact of consumer expectations on corporate decisions. She also shares her journey from Wall Street to social impact, advocating for a rebranding of DEI initiatives to maintain their effectiveness in a polarized environment.

Omar L. Harris: Approaching DEI Through J.E.D.I Leadership

In this conversation, MBE Magazine Publisher Tanya Isley interviews Omar Harris, a former pharmaceutical general manager and author, about his innovative approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) through J.E.D.I leadership. Harris critiques the traditional HR-centric approach to DEI, advocating for a broader organizational commitment to these principles. He introduces the concept of J.E.D.I leadership as a problem-solving framework that addresses injustices within organizations. Harris also discusses his latest book, “The J.E.D.I Leaders Playbook,” which serves as a guide for leaders to navigate social issues and foster inclusive environments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind DEI efforts and the need for a strategic approach to implementing change.

Ep. 33: Money Mindset: The Rich Method for Living with Felicia Kelly

In this episode, Felicia Kelly shares her journey of empowerment and self-discovery through the Rich Method for Living. After facing personal challenges, including a tragic loss and a health diagnosis, Felicia emphasizes the importance of redefining wealth beyond monetary success. She discusses the impact of high-stress environments on personal relationships and the significance of healing and self-care. Felicia encourages listeners to build meaningful relationships and take steps towards living a rich life, emphasizing that true wealth encompasses peace, joy, and fulfillment in all areas of life.

Money Mindset: Understanding Your Numbers: The Key to Growth

In this episode of Money Mindset, host Alleson Tate speaks with Charese Chambers, an award-winning fractional CFO and founder of Financial Fancy. They discuss the importance of financial management for entrepreneurs, the role of a fractional CFO, and the significance of understanding profit and loss statements. Charese shares insights on navigating business challenges and emphasizes the need for intentional spending and budgeting. The conversation also touches on the importance of business coaches and the empowerment that comes from financial awareness, particularly for Black and brown businesses.