Natalie E. Norfus

Kathryn interviews Strategist, Podcast Host Natalie E. Norfus.The Norfus Firm was formed by Natalie E. Norfus in 2019, born out of nearly two decades of Human Resources & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experience.Today Norfus has an alliance of consultants that help bring organizational solutions to clients in various areas. She believes there is no "one-size fits all" approach to HR or DEI initiatives and uses a metrics-based model to help organizations develop policies, programs and goals that are customized to their needs. She is the co-host of the "What's the DEIL?" podcast for organizational leaders – and those who support them – as they make their way along their DEI journey. In this podcast, Norfus explores how leaders can create space for authentic human connection through the lens of DEI, focusing on practical strategies and best practices that improve employee engagement, retention and impact.Kathryn also interviews Author Meryl Frank.As a child, Meryl Frank was the chosen inheritor of family remembrance. Her aunt Mollie insisted that Meryl never forget who they were, where they came from and the hate that nearly destroyed them. Over long afternoons, Mollie told Meryl about the city, the theater and Meryl's cousin, the radiant Franya Winter who was the leading light of Vilna's Yiddish theater. Yet there was one thing her aunt Mollie would never tell Meryl: how Franya died. Before Mollie passed away, she gave Meryl a Yiddish book containing the terrible answer, but forbade her to read it. For years she obeyed. But eventually, during Meryl's search for Franya, she discovered the shocking truth. Frank is an international champion of women's leadership and human rights. She was appointed Ambassador to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women by President Barak Obama in 2009, and in 2012 was selected as one of "The Most Influential Jews in the World".