Empowering Communities Through Faith and Action | Vanessa McDowell-Atlas

In today's episode, we are featuring a talk by Vanessa McDowell-Atlas at this year's Kingdom Justice Summit. This annual event is hosted in partnership with the Collaboration Project at Upper House. In this engaging keynote address, the Vanessa McDowell-Atlas reflects on her return to her community and shares powerful experiences from her involvement in a nationwide initiative to encourage voting through music. She highlights the challenges faced at polling locations, particularly in predominantly white spaces, and connects these experiences to broader social issues affecting marginalized communities. The McDowell-Atlas emphasizes the importance of positioning oneself for action, staying connected to faith, and actively participating in the fight for justice. She calls on individuals to take responsibility and get involved in their communities, urging everyone to 'get on your post' and make a difference.Vanessa McDowell-Atlas is a transformative leader, entrepreneur, and racial justice advocate with a passion for empowering marginalized communities. She made history as the first Black woman CEO of YWCA Madison, leading the organization through transformative growth, equitable initiatives, and the pandemic without layoffs. She is the founder of Madison Roots, LLC, dedicated to building generational wealth through Black homeownership, and VMA Entertainment and Consulting, LLC, offering DJ services and transformational leadership coaching for leaders of color and women. Currently serving as COO of Black Girl Ventures, Vanessa drives inclusive leadership and operational excellence. A recipient of the 2022 MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award, she holds a Sociology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves on its Board of Visitors. Vanessa resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband.Send us Fan MailCONNECT WITH USSubscribe to The UpWords Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and visit slbf.org/studio to learn more about our work at the intersection of faith, the academy, and the marketplace.This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave ConourEdited by Dave Conour