Episodes

  • Career Coach Aaron Fung has Advice for People Feeling Stuck in their Careers

    Career Coach Aaron Fung has Advice for People Feeling Stuck in their Careers
    Jul 24 2024
    On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson sits down with career coach and DEI professional, Aaron Fung, to talk about balancing your personal passions with your career goals. Aaron’s career coaching business, CoachingAF, helps people find a career path that actually resonates with them. As someone who moved around jobs and industries in the past, Aaron hopes to help others feeling the same way he did – stuck or lost – to find their true passions. Brenda and Aaron open up about the valuable information they’ve both gleaned from trying work in different spaces that didn’t suit their personal goals. Plus, Aaron shares some of his career coaching advice like the powerful questions he asks to get his clients thinking more deeply: “How did you get into your first job?” “What do you really want from work?” Aaron, who once thought he’d be working in financial planning forever, also talks about his latest role at startup company, Crew, where he focuses on coaching operations and business development. Brenda and Aaron also discuss how personal family experience impacts what they do in the workplace. Aaron was previously a diversity and inclusion manager at Pinterest, and he’s passionate about bringing inclusivity into all the new work that he does. “If you can have some perspective to help people who are in a different identity segment, you are establishing your character as recognizing that there are differences in the ways people are perceived. And, we should do better to open the doors wider. So that more underrepresented founders can have that chance to get funded because their idea really could be world changing.” For more, check out Aaron... On LinkedIn - /aaronlfung, /coachingaf and /inclusionaf On Instagram - @goseetheworldfung/ On the Web - coachingaf.com and aaronfung.me ---- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    59 mins
  • Breaking Down the Myths about Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver

    Breaking Down the Myths about Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver
    Jul 18 2024
    On today’s episode of “B The Way Forward” we’re busting some common menopause myths with Dr. Mary Claire Haver. Host Brenda Darden Wilkerson sits down with Dr. Haver who not only is a board-certified OB/GYN, physician, and entrepreneur but she’s also amassed over 3 million followers on her social media platforms. Dr. Haver uses her voice as a resource for women to better understand both perimenopause and menopause symptoms and solutions for improved health. She’s also founder of the “Pause Life,” a comprehensive approach to menopause education and founder of “The Galveston Diet,” a nutrition program for women in menopause. Brenda and Dr. Haver talk about the shocking misconceptions and cliche symptoms – hot flashes, weight gain – that don’t always complete the big picture for every woman. Their conversation hopes to bring attention to and normalize conversations around women's health. Plus, Dr. Haver opens up about all the wrong information she was once taught and why that inspired her to become a resource for women everywhere. Dr. Haver’s second book, “The New Menopause,” is out now. “I'd go digging, digging, digging in the research and find, oh my gosh, there is a connection here and no one's talking about it. So, I start talking about it just so I can educate others so we stop being gaslit and feel so crazy with no explanation of how we went from healthy to suffering with no answers.” Find more of Dr. Haver and her work... On TikTok - @drmaryclaire On Instagram - @drmaryclaire & @the.galveston.diet On Facebook - /drmaryclaire On YouTube - /@maryclairehavermd8473 On LinkedIn - /the-pause-life --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    58 mins
  • Mentra’s Jhillika Kumar is on a Mission to Empower the Neurodivergent Workforce

    Mentra’s Jhillika Kumar is on a Mission to Empower the Neurodivergent Workforce
    Jul 10 2024
    On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson and guest Jhillika Kumar discuss her passion to empower the neurodivergent community. Jhillika’s list of accolades started at a young age including the AnitaB.org Student of Vision Award, her inspiring Ted Talk and Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition. Jhillka is the CEO and founder of Mentra, an employment network committed to matching neurodivergent individuals with employers. From a young age, Jhillika was inspired to build an inclusive world and place for her non-speaking, autistic brother to thrive. Now, she’s offering advice and guidance to communities of students and neurodivergent individuals and helping them find opportunities in the workforce. Jhillika’s company has found great success so far with around 44,000 neurodivergent job seekers on their platform today and an investment from OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman. Jhillika and Brenda discuss why it’s important for hiring managers to understand intersectionality and learn how people can have differences ranging from life experiences, cultures, gender identities, and more. Plus, Jhillika offers her advice for other young entrepreneurs looking to make a change in the world. “Our company serves as Mentors to both job seekers, because we empower them through the journey to find a job, to navigate interviews and all the executive functioning involved in that complicated process, to mentoring the recruiters on how do you communicate with someone who's neurodivergent and thinks differently? How do you evaluate talent? How do you overcome the bias that you might have because someone behaves a certain different way or speaks differently?” For more of Jhillika and her work check out: LinkedIn - /jhillika Instagram - @jhillika X - @Jhillika Facebook - /jhillika --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    58 mins
  • The Power of Inclusion: Breaking the Status Quo with former Netflix VP of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers

    The Power of Inclusion: Breaking the Status Quo with former Netflix VP of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers
    Jun 19 2024
    This episode of “B The Way Forward,” explores how to take action and overcome bias with world renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant, Vernā Myers. Vernā has spent over 25 years in DEI consulting, helping companies find value and focus on more inclusive environments. She tells Brenda about her early career journey – as a Harvard educated lawyer – and why she ultimately founded The Vernā Myers Company for building more inclusive and culturally competent work environments. Vernā also served as Netflix’s first head of inclusion strategy where she was instrumental in leading initiatives that moved DEI to the forefront of the company. In this episode, Brenda and Vernā look back at civil rights leaders and the moments that led towards positive social change, and what lessons we can learn from them today. Plus, Vernā shares more about her podcast, Sundays With Vernā which features powerful conversations about bridging our divided society. This conversation offers insight into why we should all use reflection and compassion to play a role in making our world better. “DEI is saying we need to create a place where people feel that they are expected, that they are reflected, and that they are respected. Like all of those things that were not happening because we created organizations to really fit around a certain, powerful status group.” Check out more of Verna and her work... On X - @VernaMyers On Instagram - @VernaMyers On LinkedIn - /Verna Myers On Facebook - /VernaMyers.SpeakerPage --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    59 mins
  • From Chalkboards to Devices: How Ed Tech's Monica Burns is Leveraging Digital Tools in the Classroom

    From Chalkboards to Devices: How Ed Tech's Monica Burns is Leveraging Digital Tools in the Classroom
    Jun 5 2024
    In today’s digital age, there’s been a massive shift in the way we’re teaching and learning in the classroom. On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” Dr. Monica Burns, author of EdTech Essentials, joins host Brenda Darden Wilkerson to unpack the unique ways to use technology in education. Monica is an EdTech consultant and expert who started the online platform, Class Tech Tips. She helps students, teachers, administrators and parents alike learn how they can benefit from and integrate new digital tools in their education journeys. Monica talks with Brenda about what types of tools and features are assisting with student engagement, how to integrate technology in varying educational settings and tips for how to successfully adopt EdTech in the classroom. They also discuss equity in education and how EdTech can help provide a voice to all people in all communities such as through accessibility features within particular tools. Monica hopes that everyone walks away with the knowledge and inspiration to integrate EdTech in their respective educational settings. “The biggest way to make an impact is to listen and take action on what you're hearing. Not what you wish you heard, or what you sort of heard, but what you're actually hearing from people. What they need, what their pain points are, what they're asking for without saying. What are they telling you?” For more of Dr. Burns and her work check out... Class Tech Tips on the web, X, Pinterest, and Instagram. Sign up for the Class Tech Tips Newsletter Listen to the Easy EdTech Podcast Connect with Dr. Burns on LinkedIn. --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    53 mins
  • Liz Fong-Jones on Her Journey from Google Engineer to Activist to Author

    Liz Fong-Jones on Her Journey from Google Engineer to Activist to Author
    May 15 2024
    On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson explores what it means to be more than your job description. Our guest, Liz Fong-Jones is the perfect example of a talented tech employee who engages in workplace activism for employee rights while also excelling in her day job as an engineer. Liz began a lot of her activism while she was a site reliability engineer at Google. As a trans woman, Liz discusses the importance of workplace inclusion and why she fights so hard for marginalized groups in the workplace. Liz offers listeners all sorts of helpful tips from finding success despite an untraditional education – Liz was a college dropout herself – to how to best garner support for your own petitions and activism at work. Liz is now Field CTO at the female-led software company Honeycomb.io. “The fight is going to take various shapes over the next several years. But I think intersectionality is the most important thing that we can and should be doing. I think that means that we should reach out and build intersectional allyship, that we should think about people who sit at the intersections, who sit at those margins, right? If someone is a transgender person and they are a person of color, especially if they're black, that dramatically increases the likelihood that they are going to become the victim of violence that is transphobic. I think the number one power that we have right now is we need to think about protecting people's privacy.” For more on Liz and her work, check out... Linkedin - /efong Twitter - @honeycombio --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    55 mins
  • Funding Dreams: How Ruthe Farmer’s Last Mile Education Fund Helps Tech Students in Need

    Funding Dreams: How Ruthe Farmer’s Last Mile Education Fund Helps Tech Students in Need
    May 1 2024
    On this episode of “B The Way Forward,” host Brenda Darden Wilkerson is joined by Ruthe Farmer, activist and policymaker, who has trailblazed a path toward increasing diversity, building inclusion, and prioritizing gender equity in technology. In Ruthe’s illustrious career, she has leveraged successful and current infrastructures to promote girls’ and womens’ participation in these fields. Ruthe continues to be a champion in this space - ushering in, and supporting, a new wave of women in technology. Ruthe’s advocacy work led her to found “The Last Mile Education Fund”, a gap-fund organization that invests in individuals already committed to STEM careers, by supporting them when unconventional circumstances challenge them otherwise. Ruthe shares the true battles women face while in higher education today - and spoiler alert, most of the time it isn’t in the classroom! The intimate stories of the lives touched by the Last Mile Education Fund help inform educational institutions, employers, and recruiters, about the daily challenges students are faced with before entering the professional workforce. With the average grant request being $956, it reveals how a little in someone’s world can be so impactful in another’s. Brenda and Ruthe’s conversation offers a broader perspective on how we can encourage young technologists to continue on their successful paths, starting with empathy and understanding. “Just last week we got a donation from a grantee and she said, ‘I'm happy to be now a donor instead of a grantee, please pay it forward on my behalf,’ and it really is a virtuous circle that is not only going to bring up the diversity of computing, but increase economic mobility for underrepresented people, but it's also incubating givers. And putting people into the ecosystem who are just the kind of people who are grateful and they want to pay it forward and pull the others up behind them.” For more about Ruthe and the work of The Last Mile Education Fund, check out... LinkedIn - /RutheF & /lastmilefund Facebook - /LastMileFund --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    59 mins
  • Challenging the Norms: How Diversability’s Tiffany Yu Aims for an Accessibility-First Culture for 1 Billion People

    Challenging the Norms: How Diversability’s Tiffany Yu Aims for an Accessibility-First Culture for 1 Billion People
    Apr 17 2024
    This episode of “B The Way Forward” brings the ideas of intersectional inclusivity and visibility to the forefront. Host Brenda Darden Wilkerson speaks with disability rights advocate, Tiffany Yu, about moving disability inclusion forward and why finding community is so important. Did you know that there are an estimated one billion people with disabilities worldwide? This statistic drives Tiffany’s important work, particularly as the CEO and Founder of her company, Diversability. In this episode, you’ll hear some of Tiffany’s own personal experiences, including where her story began at the age of 9 when she became disabled as a result of a car accident that took her father’s life. Now, she’s become a powerful voice and trailblazer for the disability community and is author of her new book, “The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World.” Brenda and Tiffany discuss why inclusion needs to be intentional and how representation in books and movies is a powerful tool for change – they even talk about Barbie! Tiffany’s powerful message will leave our listeners feeling inspired and confident to challenge the norms and make a change. "One of the things we talk about in the disability community is we don't like being seen as inspiring just because we exist as disabled people. But, if I can inspire you to take action and change the trajectory of your career to fight for disability equity, I’m all about that type of inspiration." For more about Tiffany and her work, check out... Tiffany's Website - tiffanyyu.com Facebook - /imtiffanyyu X: @imtiffanyyu Instagram - @imtiffanyyu TikTok - @imtiffanyyu LinkedIn - /tiffanyayu Threads - @imtiffanyyu Clubhouse - @imtiffanyyu And for more about Diversability, check out... On the web - mydiversability.com Facebook - /diversability Twitter - @diversability Instagram - @diversability TikTok - @diversability LinkedIn - /diversabilitycommmunity --- At AnitaB.org, we envision a future where the people who imagine and build technology mirror the people and societies for whom they build it. Find out more about how we support women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups in computing, as well as the organizations that employ them and the academic institutions training the next generations. --- Connect with AnitaB.org Instagram - @anitab_org Facebook - /anitab.0rg LinkedIn - /anitab-org On the web - anitab.org --- Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services. --- B The Way Forward Is… Produced by Dominique Ferrari and Paige Hymson Sound design and editing by Neil Innes and Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Associate Producer is Faith Krogulecki Executive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Riveter Studios and Frequency Machine Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson for AnitaB.org Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell and Arielle Nissenblatt with Riveter Studios and Tink Media in partnership with Carolyn Schneller and Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.org Photo of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media Productions For more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org
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    58 mins