Broken Office Chair

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Adela Carlin, Senior Director of Advocacy at Illinois Partners for Human Service and Sarah Daniels, Chief Of Staff at ICOY for a special live recording of Cocktails & Complicity. This event was recorded on March 12th, 2026, This is Part 1 of a series related to Community of Care. Speakers touched on how true community is defined by mutual accountability and restorative connection, standing in direct opposition to the modern shift toward transactional, isolationist, and work-centric lifestyles. As rising costs, diminishing social spaces, and digital distractions erode our collective "free time," the nonprofit sector, and society at large, risks prioritizing capitalistic productivity over the essential human need to care for one another. To reclaim our well-being, we must dismantle the systems that frame social obligations as "unprofessional" and instead prioritize the relational ties that allow diverse communities to truly thrive.Adela Carlin is a Latina community lawyer with more than 20 years of experience advancing equity and justice alongside individuals, families, and community groups. She serves as Senior Director of Advocacy, co-leading the Living Wages, Thriving Communities Campaign to advance sustainable, equitable investments in the human services workforce. In her senior advocacy role, she mobilizes and supports partners to engage in strategic, values-driven advocacy that centers community voice and lived experience.Adela develops equity-focused training for coalition partners and is a Racial Justice Institute Fellow, national facilitator with Reframing Aging, and member of the National Health Equity Collective. She serves on the boards of Solutions for Care, Forefront, and AMPT Chicago.Adela grew up in Little Village, is bilingual in English and Spanish, and earned her law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law at Urbana-Champaign.Sarah Daniels received her BA in Communication/Public Relations from Millikin University. While debating on whether grad school would be the next best thing, she decided to stay at Millikin as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, where she focused on economic development and education for one school year. Many of her duties entailed creating service-learning opportunities, grant management for voter engagement, solidifying and maintaining partnerships with community organizations. She then went on to complete her Master of Public Administration degree at the University of Illinois- Springfield.At the start of a global pandemic, she joined ICOY as a Policy Analyst. A year into her role, she was promoted to Assistant Executive Director. She represents ICOY and its members on policy commissions, committees, and various workgroups. As a public servant, Sarah is someone who wishes to always teach and give back to those in the community, especially as it relates to regaining power in underserved areas by extending resources and opportunities for growth. When she is not “working”, she can be found selling real estate in the Chicagoland area, traveling with friends and family, binge-watching the latest TV shows, or enjoying brunch and creating content for her socials.

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Ald. Jessie Fuentes, Alderperson of the 26th Ward and a queer Latina grassroots organizer, educator, and public policy advocate.Growing up in Humboldt Park amidst the generational traumas of parental substance use, mental illness, and job instability, Jessie resorted to dealing with her own struggles of resentment and anger with the juvenile justice system, as experienced by far too many young Chicagoans.Jessie found a home at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School, an alternative high school in the heart of Humboldt Park. Jessie was politicized by educators who understood her life experiences. She graduated high school, earned a degree from NEIU, and returned home to Humboldt Park to serve as the Dean of Students of both Roberto Clemente Community Academy and her alma mater, ensuring Black and Latine students had the resources to transcend trauma and pursue their aspirations. As Director of Policy and Youth Advocacy at the Puerto Rican Cultural Center, she championed community-driven solutions that address violence, housing affordability, and re-entry for returning citizens.Now she utilizes her past experiences to serve as the Alderperson of the 26th Ward, bringing over a decade of experience in education, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, community development, and sustainability to give back to the community that shaped her.@[email protected]

In part 2 of their conversation, Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Sufyan Sohel, Chair of Cook County Commission on Human Rights - Consultant Social Impact, board member of ACLU, whose career centers on combating hate and advancing justice for marginalized communities, and he is the Founder of Globalize Good, where he advises leaders and supports nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in navigating internal conflict, building strategic capacity, and scaling equity-centered solutions. He also leads CAIR-Chicago’s Travelers Assistance Project, providing critical guidance and support to individuals and families facing challenges at airports and borders. In part 1 of this conversation, Bessie and Sufyan talk about privilege, values, politics and cancel culture.Sufyan currently chairs the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, serves as Equity Officer for the ACLU of Illinois, co-chairs the DePaul Law Diversity Council, is Board Chair of the South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy (SACRED), and facilitates anti-hate and bystander intervention trainings with Right To Be. A trained facilitator, storyteller, and poet, he uses public narrative, media, and movement-building to uplift impacted communities and inspire collective action rooted in justice, dignity, and belonging.You can follow Sufyan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sufyansohelhttps://www.instagram.com/sufyansohel/https://www.threads.com/@sufyansohel----------------------------------------------------------CAIR-Chicago provides information and legal services free of charge.For EMERGENCIES AT THE AIRPORT ONLY, please text (630) 930-2987 with the traveler’s full name, passport number, nationality, flight departure/arrival/airline details, visa details, and emergency contact person’s details.

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Sufyan Sohel, Chair of Cook County Commission on Human Rights - Consultant Social Impact, board member of ACLU, whose career centers on combating hate and advancing justice for marginalized communities, and he is the Founder of Globalize Good, where he advises leaders and supports nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises in navigating internal conflict, building strategic capacity, and scaling equity-centered solutions. He also leads CAIR-Chicago’s Travelers Assistance Project, providing critical guidance and support to individuals and families facing challenges at airports and borders. In part 1 of this conversation, Bessie and Sufyan talk about privilege, values, politics and cancel culture.Sufyan currently chairs the Cook County Commission on Human Rights, serves as Equity Officer for the ACLU of Illinois, co-chairs the DePaul Law Diversity Council, is Board Chair of the South Asian American Coalition to Renew Democracy (SACRED), and facilitates anti-hate and bystander intervention trainings with Right To Be. A trained facilitator, storyteller, and poet, he uses public narrative, media, and movement-building to uplift impacted communities and inspire collective action rooted in justice, dignity, and belonging.You can follow Sufyan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sufyansohelhttps://www.instagram.com/sufyansohel/https://www.threads.com/@sufyansohel----------------------------------------------------------CAIR-Chicago provides information and legal services free of charge.For EMERGENCIES AT THE AIRPORT ONLY, please text (630) 930-2987 with the traveler’s full name, passport number, nationality, flight departure/arrival/airline details, visa details, and emergency contact person’s details.

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Mercedes Brown Racial Equity Assessment Director from the Building Movement Project (BMP) and Frances Kunreuther former Co-Executive Director from BMP. BMP supports and pushes the nonprofit sector to tackle the most significant social issues of our times by developing research, creating tools and training materials, providing guidance, and facilitating networks for social change. In this episode, Bessie, Frances, and Mercedes talk about the Race to Lead surveys, the difference between DEI and Racial Equity, and other surprising (and not so surprising) results from the Race to Lead survey.Frances Kunreuther (she/her)Former Co-Executive DirectorBuilding Movement ProjectFrances Kunreuther is the Former Co-Executive Director of the Building Movement Project, dedicated to strengthening U.S. nonprofits as sites for civic engagement and social change. She co-authored From the Ground Up (Cornell, 2006) and Working Across Generations (Jossey Bass, 2009). Frances was a senior fellow at Harvard’s Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations for five years and previously led the Hetrick-Martin Institute for LGBTQ youth. She has been recognized with an Annie E. Casey Foundation Fellowship for her work with homeless youth and families, undocumented immigrants, and other vulnerable populations. She writes and presents frequently on nonprofits, leadership, and social change issues.Mercedes Brown (she/her)Race Equity Assessment DirectorBuilding Movement ProjectMercedes Brown is the Director of Race Equity Assessment at the Building Movement Project, where she leads the organization’s race equity assessment process, Building Blocks for Change, to strengthen racial equity in the nonprofit sector. With nearly 17 years of experience in public policy and social services, Mercedes has a background in advancing social and racial justice through cross-system transformation. She previously served as Michigan Director at the Corporation for Supportive Housing. Mercedes holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan and a JD from Western Michigan University. She also teaches policy and community organizing as a part-time lecturer.

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Dr. Cristina Pacione Zayas as they talk about parenthood, Pacione Zayas's trajectory from nonprofit to the State Senate, the importance of Latina representation in leadership and more.Pacione-Zayas, a distinguished leader born and raised in Chicago, with an extensive background in public service, policy development, and advocacy is Chicago's first Latina chief of staff to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.Dr. Pacione-Zayas experience includes her service in the Illinois State Senate, where she served on several key committees including Early Childhood, Education, Education Appropriations, Health, Higher Education, Human Rights, and Revenue. Her contributions as secretary to the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois Early Learning Council, the Legislative Audit Commission, the BUILD Initiative, the Illinois Crime Reduction Task Force, State Designated Cultural Districts Advisory Committee, and the Title V Needs Assessment Advisory Committee have been instrumental in shaping policies to support a spectrum of public programs and services across the state. Prior to her legislative work, Dr. Pacione-Zayas was the Associate Vice President of Policy at Erikson Institute, where she led efforts to support young children, families, and communities through policy development, leading to greater racial equity and access to critical services and intervention in the early years. She is credited with establishing the Early Childhood Leadership Academy and the Community Data Lab, initiatives that have had a statewide impact on child development policies. Her commitment to education policy, restorative justice, and community engagement was further demonstrated through her impactful work with Chicago Public Schools, Enlace Chicago, Latino Policy Forum, and Palenque LSNA, where she leveraged community partnerships to build systems, craft policy, and design programs that supported young people, parents, and educators.

Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara is joined by lauren Ornelas as they talk about environmental/climate/food justice, animal rights, community organizing, and more. lauren Ornelas (she, her, hers) is Food Empowerment Project's founder and general programs team member. lauren has been active in the animal rights movement for more than 37 years. She is the former executive director of Viva!USA, a national nonprofit vegan advocacy organization that Viva!UK asked her to start in 1999. While lauren was the director of Viva!USA, she investigated factory farms and ran consumer campaigns. In cooperation with activists across the country, she persuaded Trader Joe’s to stop selling all duck meat and achieved corporate changes within Whole Foods Market, Pier 1 Imports, and others, and she helped halt the construction of an industrial dairy operation in California. lauren was also the spark that got the founder of Whole Foods Market to become a vegan. In addition, she served as campaign director with the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition for six years. Watch lauren’s TEDx talk, The Power of Our Food Choices.

Bessie is joined by Prisca Rodriguez, founder of Latina Rebels. as they talk about being raised as Latina women in dual culture environments, leadership as women of color, and how to share access to elitist spaces.Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez is a leading Latine activist, writer, and speaker. She is the founder of Latina Rebels, a platform with over 350,000 followers, and the author of For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts. She has been featured on NPR, New York Magazine’s The Cut, Teen Vogue, and Cosmopolitan.  She earned her master’s from Vanderbilt and lives in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bessie is joined by Tinisha Dorsey, Senior Principal, Central Zone Leader at Mercer as they talk about professional development, leadership as women of color, and how to show up for your community while in leadership positions. Tinisha Dorsey is a Principal Central Market leader of Mercer’s Life, Absence and Disability (LAD) practice. As a highly valued leader of the LAD consulting team, she manages a team of consultants, provides practice oversight of the client engagement & selling work streams and leads in developing overall client strategy.Tinisha’s career spans more than 20 years of director-level consulting experience in the national and global market, including premier carrier account management, operations & supply chain management and regional leadership within the insurance and consulting industry. Tinisha currently lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband of 25 years and three adult/collegiate children, where she volunteers for a number of organizations, most notably serving on the Board of Directors as the Business Manager for The Spirited Pearls Foundation and as a featured mentor/sponsor for Greenhouse Scholars.

Tune in to hear Vu Le and Broken Office Chair host, Bessie Alcantara answer questions submitted to the Broken Office Chair Advice Column.Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities.

Bessie is joined by Tawa Mitchell, Senior Program Officer of MacArthur Foundation's Chicago Commitment as they talk about growing up in Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, mental health, public health, critical race theory, and philanthropy in Chicago. Please note, this episode was recorded prior to the 2024 Presidential Election, though the issues remain as pressing as always.

Join host Bessie Alcantara in this powerful episode featuring Andrea Ortez, Program Officer at Woods Fund Chicago. Together, Bessie and Andrea dive into the profound impact of the conflict in El Salvador, exploring how their shared heritage and experiences have shaped their identities and leadership styles. Tune in for a candid conversation about asylum seekers, the implications of being a Sanctuary City, and the responsibility of philanthropy in funding advocacy work.

Join us for an inspiring episode as Bessie sits down with two powerhouse leaders, Candice Jones and Thena Robinson Mock. Together, they dive into their journeys in advocacy, justice, and community building. Candice, President and CEO of Public Welfare Foundation in DC, shares her insights on philanthropy and Black leadership, while Thena, VP of Programs at Public Welfare Foundation, and a racial justice lawyer with over a decade of experience advancing community-led efforts for education and youth justice, discusses her vision for the future of social justice and equity.In this candid conversation, they explore the challenges they've faced, the successes they've achieved, and their passion for empowering others. Tune in for practical advice, thought-provoking discussions, and a glimpse into how these incredible women are shaping their fields and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

In this episode, Bessie steps into a new role—interviewee. For the first time, she shares her personal & professional journey, offering listeners a rare glimpse behind the mic. Bessie's guest, Maha McDiarmid turnst the tables and interviews Bessie, diving deep into the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the passion that drives her, and her vision for the future. It's an inspiring and raw episode that reveals the human story behind the voice of Broken Office Chair.

This week, our Host, Bessie Alcantara sits with Restorative Works! Podcast host, Claire de Mézerville López, M.Ed., M.S., to speak about the ways in which restorative practices are making a difference in their communities and places of work. Bessie and Claire explore the complexities of self-regulation, having challenging conversations, and holding space for multiple truths to exist simultaneously. Listen as Claire and Bessie relay stories that reveal the power of using our words in times of deep polarization and violence.Restorative Works! Hosted by Claire de Mézerville López, M.Ed., M.S., is centered around restorative practices – the study of building relationships and community. With guests from across the globe, you can listen and be inspired by transformational stories from passionate restorative practitioners, community leaders, researchers, and more. Learn practical solutions to addressing harm/traumas and proactively increasing a sense of belonging in your community, schools, and at home. Explore methods to facilitating meaningful conversations that create understanding and positively impact the people around you.Tune in to hear more from Claire and Bessie on their perspectives on storytelling for the good of our youth and global community.

In this episode, Alternatives' Executive Director, Bessie Alcantara is joined by Nazek, USPCN-Chicago Co-Chair and Nick, USPCN member to talk about what has happened since October 7, 2023. They discuss mobilizing efforts, the power of public narrative shifts, cross-cultural relationships, and what it means to live with Palestinian identities in the United States.

In this powerful episode of The Broken Chair Podcast, we sit down with Illinois State Senator Robert Peters to discuss the key elements of political change—collaboration, organization, and the importance of open dialogue. Senator Peters shares his insights on how building coalitions and staying flexible in your approach can lead to meaningful change, even in the most challenging political landscapes. We explore how movements are built through collective action, why no one should say "no" to themselves before trying, and how keeping the door open for conversation can break down barriers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you thinking about the power of teamwork and the critical role of communication in creating a better future.

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Dr. Rebekah Levin to discuss her experience as an American Jew advocating for Palestinian Liberation. Rebekah shares stories from her experiences in Palestine and her own path of deconstructing her beliefs and identity.

In this episode, Bessie is joined by Stephanie Skora and Raeghn Draper to talk about the upcoming local elections in Chicago. They cover topics ranging from our right to vote or not vote as we see fit, voting based on personal values, single-issue voting, the importance of local elections, and so much more!Stephanie Skora is a writer, educator, speaker, organizer, and non-profiteer based in Chicago, Illinois. She lives as a Stone Top hard femme trans Lesbian and working-class anti-Zionist Ashkenazi Jew, and mobilizes her identities to work in solidarity with Palestinians, to queer Jewish spaces, and to fight for justice and liberation for all trans people. Stephanie is the Co-Founder and Chief Development Officer of Brave Space Alliance, serves as Board Treasurer for the Midwest Institute for Sexuality and Gender Diversity, and is the author and editor of the "Girl, I Guess" Progressive Voter Guide. When not working or organizing, Stephanie can be found enjoying the pleasures of life for a Virgo: food, love, and being right.Raeghn Draper is a Chicago storyteller, digital strategist, and organizer. They craft compelling copy that brings brands to life through powerful language. They are passionate about advocating for hospitality workers and challenging toxic cultures in the industry. With 12+ years of experience, they draw inspiration from diverse perspectives and utilize the world around them to bring dreams to life through words.To check out the Girl I Guess voter guide, visit: www.stephanieskora.com/voter-guide**Please Note: As a 501c3 organization, we do not endorse or support any political candidates or parties. The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Alternatives. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and encourage critical thinking and informed discourse.

This special episode of Broken Office Chair was recorded in front of a live audience at Alternatives' Cocktails and Complicity event.In this episode, host Besie Alcantara is joined by Leslé Honoré and Ayoka Samuels to discuss everything from racist standards of professionalism to unfair expectations placed upon women of color in leadership.

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie sits down with Vu Le, writer of the blog NonprofitAF.com to talk about funding ethics, progressive vs conservative funders, zodic signs in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and much more.Vu Le (“voo lay”) writes the blog NonprofitAF.com. He is the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities. Vu is a founding board member of Community-Centric Fundraising, a movement that aims to ground fundraising practices in racial equity and social justice. Vu was born in Vietnam. He and his family came to the US when Vu was eight. He spent several years in Seattle, attending elementary and middle school, before moving to Memphis, Tennessee for high school and St. Louis for college and graduate school. He has a BA in Psychology and a Master in Social work. He is a vegan, a father of two kids (ages eight and five), and a staunch defender of the Oxford Comma.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie is joined by analía rodríguez to discuss the future of philanthropy, and what transitioning from Executive Director at a nonprofit to Philanthropic Program Officer looked like.analía rodríguez (they/them/elle) is a longtime community organizer and immediate former executive director of the Latino Union of Chicago, a grassroots community organization that fights wage theft and advocates for improved temporary worker conditions.analía lives in Little Village. In their role as Leadership Investment Program Officer at Field, rodríguez (who does not capitalize their name) is primarily responsible for managing Field’s signature Leaders for a New Chicago program, an innovative partnership between the Field and MacArthur Foundations, which recognizes past accomplishments and promotes leaders and their organizations, and whose influence informs decision-making in Chicago.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives

Bessie sits down with Dr. Cynthia Treadwell, Executive Director of Social Emotional Learning at Chicago Public Schools to discuss Chicago Public Schools, social and emotional learning, suspension rates, student-centered classrooms, and how to create positive change in CPS.Dr. Cynthia Treadwell, currently serving as the Executive Director for the Office of Social and Emotional Learning, brings 22 years of experience in Chicago Public Schools, including roles as a Principal, Assistant Principal, District Reading Coordinator, classroom teacher, and Adjunct Instructor at Chicago State University and DePaul University. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University and is the author of "30 Days of Encouragement for the Educator." Dr. Treadwell is dedicated to promoting education's transformative power and aims to create engaging, socially and emotionally supportive school communities.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie Alcantara and Xavier Ramey continue their conversation and cover the topic of Black men in the social impact sector.Xavier Ramey is the Founder and CEO of Justice Informed, a Chicago-based consultancy. He collaborates with a wide range of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and institutions. Xavier's expertise lies in shaping inclusive workplaces, improving services, and addressing legal and reputational challenges. Notable clients include Ingredion, Emerson, Northwestern University, and more.Xavier is a global keynote speaker, activist, and sought-after lecturer on racial justice and social impact. He hails from Chicago's west side and has held leadership roles at the University of Chicago, United Way, and other organizations. He's also a founding member of The #LetUsBreathe Collective and serves on various boards.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Xavier Ramey, CEO of Justice Informed, to discuss DEI backlash, hypercapitalism, anti-racism, pay equity, and so much more.Xavier Ramey is the Founder and CEO of Justice Informed, a Chicago-based consultancy. He collaborates with a wide range of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and institutions. Xavier's expertise lies in shaping inclusive workplaces, improving services, and addressing legal and reputational challenges. Notable clients include Ingredion, Emerson, Northwestern University, and more.Xavier is a global keynote speaker, activist, and sought-after lecturer on racial justice and social impact. He hails from Chicago's west side and has held leadership roles at the University of Chicago, United Way, and other organizations. He's also a founding member of The #LetUsBreathe Collective and serves on various boards.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Tim Jones to discuss finding purpose, motivations to work in the nonprofit sector, faith-driven work, and much more. Tim Jones is a thought leader, communicator, and author. Mr. Jones has found success in providing a context, different from the expectation. He provides influence and perspective on leadership, motivation & inspiration. He currently keynotes, hosts, and facilitates discussions throughout the city of Chicago and the nation. Born into a heritage of community leaders on the south side of Chicago, Tim also provides leadership addressing the social issues plaguing the city of Chicago and Urban America in the areas of Economic Development, Public Safety/Violence, & Education Equality. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Northern Illinois University. He specializes in challenging and persuading audiences, to live by the mantra he created and lives by: “Leave No Potential On The Table”. He is the author of Leave No Potential On The Table: Your Best Contribution to the World; a book to help individuals navigate and narrate their journey to their goals and dreams. Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives.

In this episode, Bessie sits down with ángela munguía, Executive Director at AMPT, to discuss everything from privilege and power in leadership to the importance of capacity building, managing organizational growth, and more. ángela has a passion for social justice, racial equity and community development – specifically, for Black and Brown communities. She was chief dream director for The Future Project, where she handled organizational and fundraising strategies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff development. Currently, munguía is a board member of the Chicago Freedom School where she sustains systems and structures to strengthen organizational capacity. Her prior experience includes tenures with City Year Chicago and Mikva Challenge, and assignments that include policy development focused on educational equity for historically marginalized identities within the Chicago Public Schools, cultural competency training, policies and program design, and youth and adult training programs.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives.

In this episode, Bessie chats with Sufyan Sohel, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Resilience Force and Host of the show Change Agents. They discuss international politics, racism, immigration, and how their personal experiences shape their views on the topics. Sufyan is a civil rights lawyer, mediator, and facilitator who has dedicated his career to strengthen community organizations and to be an advocate for our most vulnerable. Sufyan currently serves as Chief Operating Officer and general Counsel at Resilience Force, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of the workforce that rebuilds our communities after climate disasters. Sufyan is also Chair of the Cook County Human Rights Commissioner, the co-chair of the DePaul Law Diversity Council, and on the board of directors for the Chicago Access Network Television (CAN-TV), and the ACLU of Illinois, where he serves as the organization’s Affiliate Equity Officer. Sufyan also hosts a weekly cable talk show, Change Agents, where he spotlights critical issues impacting Chicagoans, and amplifies the voices and efforts of leaders and organizations working to create positive change in Chicago’s communities. Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives.

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Jamyle Cannon, Executive Director and Founder of The Bloc, to discuss walking in your values with conviction, the philanthropic landscape from a POC perspective, and what nonprofit heartbreak looks like for them.Jamyle is the 2009 National Collegiate Boxing Champion and a Teach for America Alumni member. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and a Masters in Education from Arizona State University. In 2016, after building a popular boxing program in his classroom, Cannon combined his love for youth development, boxing, and education to form The Bloc. He has been recognized as a CNN Hero, a 4-Star Chicagoan by Windy City Live, an Economic Game Changer by the New Covenant Community Development Corporation, profiled as one of the Hardest Working Voices in Sports by Chicago Sun-Times, awarded the Rich O’Leary Community Sports Award at Notre Dame University, and is generally considered by the fighters in The Bloc to be the baddest man alive. He has sincere plans to change the after-school landscape of Chicago’s West Side and provide community-building resources to his neighbors.Please note guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bessie or Alternatives.

In this episode, our guest Ozzie Godinez and host, Bessie Alcantara, discuss performative activism in marketing, what genuine DEI looks like, how social change shifts marketing strategies, and much more.

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie Alcantara and Diana Castaneda share their experiences with anti-Blackness in the Latinx community. They cover everything from why they choose to say Latinx instead of Hispanic to their understanding and solutions to anti-Blackness in the latinx community.

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie Alcantara and Lesle Honore chat about the cost of being poor, how their lived experiences influence their careers, and how society dehumanizes people facing poverty.*Disclaimer: In this episode, Bessie and Leslé chat about their experiences facing poverty and how those experiences shaped their perceptions of what it’s like to fall below the poverty line. Since the recording of the podcast, we have learned that the use of the word “poor” further marginalizes and places blame on individuals. At Alternatives, we recognize poverty as a systemic issue and not the fault of any individual and want this opportunity to reflect our learning and how we are consistently working to be better.

In this episode, Hilesh Patel sits down with host Bessie Alcantara to discuss the Philanthropy sector, the nonprofit industrial complex, organizational DEI work, and creating a more equitable work culture.

In Episode 2 of Broken Office Chair, our host, Bessie Alcantara, sits down with Ayoka Knoell Mota Samuels to continue their conversation about being women of color in nonprofit leadership. They discuss what it looks like to do work through an equitable lens and what it’s like to be role models for other women of color working in the nonprofit sector.*Listener Note: This episode contains explicit language that may not be appropriate for all listeners. Viewer discretion is advised.Resources:https://www.thecrownact.com/https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/hair-and-the-culture-of-the-ancient-mayahttps://tulanehullabaloo.com/51652/intersections/business-professionalism-is-racist/

In this episode, our host Bessie Alcantara sits down with Ayoka Knoell Mota Samuels to discuss their journeys of rising the ranks in nonprofits and the challenges that they faced as women of color in nonprofit leadership.*Listener Note: This episode contains explicit language that may not be appropriate for all listeners. Viewer discretion is advised.Resources:https://www.thecrownact.com/https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/hair-and-the-culture-of-the-ancient-mayahttps://tulanehullabaloo.com/51652/intersections/business-professionalism-is-racist/

Introducing Broken Office Chair, a new podcast produced by Alternatives, a Chicago-based nonprofit. Broken Office Chair is hosted by Alternatives’ Executive Director, Bessie Alcantara, a Chicago native and a first-generation Salvadoran-Mexican American who’s passionate about dismantling systemic racism.In each episode, Bessie will be joined by friends and colleagues who are ready to talk frankly about the most important issues within the nonprofit sector. Topics range from challenges for women of color in nonprofit leadership to the cost of being poor.To learn more, visit our website: www.alternativesyouth.org/brokenofficechair