Conversations with Chanda

Ganesha Martin is the Bureau Chief of Constitutional Policing at the Minneapolis Police Department — one of the first civilians to hold an executive rank in MPD — and a nationally recognized police reform leader who served as Deputy Mayor of Public Safety in Baltimore and helped guide that city through its federal consent decree. She joins Chanda to talk about how she got into this work, what Minneapolis's settlement agreement and consent decree actually require, what Community Violence Intervention looks like when it's done right, and why "trust" needs a clearer definition.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Katherine Hayes spent 25 years as portfolio manager for her family's investment partnership — managing wealth she didn't earn, inside a system built to protect it. In this conversation with Chanda Smith Baker, she opens up about "money morality": the guilt that can come with inherited wealth, the silence families keep around money, and why she walked away from the industry she once worked inside.Katherine and Chanda talk through hoarding vs. stewardship, why "stockpiling for a rainy day" doesn't hold up when it's already raining, and how she now works directly with other inheritors to help them find their own way through it.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Dr. Marcheta Evans is the 12th president of St. Catherine University — and the institution's first African American president — after nearly 30 years in higher education leadership, including as Chancellor and President of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. In this conversation, she and Chanda talk about what it means to be "the first," why finding your community matters, and how she's led through profound personal loss. Dr. Evans shares the story of an unexpected mentor who helped her finish her doctorate, how she's learned to stay authentically herself while navigating very different rooms, and what she believes today's students — and today's universities — actually need.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/https://spmcf.org/IG @chandasbaker, @conversationswithchanda, @spmfoundation

Recorded live for the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation's launch of the Power of Possible Giving Circle, Hali Lee — author of The Big We — joins Chanda Smith Baker to talk collective giving, "Big Phil," and why relationships are infrastructure.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchandahttps://spmcf.org/

Marlene Johnson was Minnesota's first woman lieutenant governor, a founder of NAWBO, and a leader who believes the only time you can't move forward is when you stop listening. In this conversation, she shares what it really means to be the first—and why that responsibility is ultimately about creating opportunities for others.Drawing from her new memoir, Rise to the Challenge, Marlene reflects on a lifetime of leadership across public service, business, and international education. Together, she and Chanda Smith Baker explore mentorship, courage, intuition, the importance of quiet reflection, and why some of the most meaningful leadership happens when no one is watching.This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't defined by a title—it's defined by how we show up for others. Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Cathy ten Broeke, Assistant Commissioner and Executive Director of the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness, has spent more than 30 years working to end homelessness — long enough to know it isn't a problem any one person, agency, or shelter solves alone.She started at 24, working overnight shifts at a Minneapolis shelter, certain she had nothing to offer a conversation about policy. Someone told her otherwise. Thirty years later, she leads the Minnesota Interagency Council on Homelessness — and she's built her work on a simple conviction: the people closest to a problem are the ones who know how to fix it.In this episode, Alphonso Wenker sits down with Cathy to talk about what changes when systems are designed with and by people who have lived through homelessness — and why the difference between staying housed and falling through the cracks is so often a question of who is there to catch you.It's a conversation about home, belonging, and the kind of community that makes sure no one faces homelessness on their own.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Recorded live at the Stewardverse Business Forum on Earth Day, Chanda sits down with Bill George — author of Authentic Leadership and True North, former CEO of Medtronic, and longtime Harvard Business School professor — for a conversation that becomes, in her words, a master class.Bill tells the story of an executive who confessed on the verge of retirement: "Bill, without a title, I'm nothing." That moment becomes the thread. Chanda and Bill move through what gets shaped in a crucible, why so many business leaders went silent during the ICE raids while 50,000 community members showed up downtown, and the test Bill says every leader should be running on themselves: when your granddaughter asks what you did to make the world better, what will you say?A conversation about courage, community, and staying true to yourself when the pressure is to be someone else.Hosted by Stewardverse Strategies. Learn more at stewardverse.com.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong grew up as a first-generation Hmong American, navigating government systems for her parents as a child. Now she sits on the county board — shaping housing policy, stewarding public dollars, and governing for all 78,000 people in her district.In this conversation with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation Senior Vice President Alfonso Wenker, Commissioner Xiong talks about what called her into leadership, how she thinks about power, and why she believes Minnesota's strength has always been its people showing up for each other.Find us:https://spmcf.org/https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

In this episode, Chanda is joined by Dr. Patricia Virella, an Assistant Professor of Urban Educational Leadership at Montclair State University, to explore the role of belief in education, leadership, and identity.Patricia shares her journey from being underestimated in school to becoming a principal and professor, and how those experiences shaped her approach to advocating for students and families. Together, they discuss what it means to navigate systems that don’t always see you—and how parents and leaders can respond with clarity and intention. The conversation expands into leadership, where Patricia reframes hope as a strategy—not a feeling—rooted in agency and action. They also reflect on burnout, navigating white spaces, and the importance of creating environments where people feel seen, safe, and supported.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchandahttps://patriciavirella.com/

In this conversation, Senior Vice President of Impact Alfonso Wenker of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation sits down with Marcus Owens, Director of the Office of Financial Empowerment for the City of Saint Paul.Marcus shares how financial empowerment is about more than money—it’s about dignity, access, and creating real pathways for people to move forward. From leadership to systems change, this conversation explores what it means to build wealth in a way that includes everyone.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchandahttps://spmcf.org/IG @spmfoundation

In this episode, Chanda Smith Baker sits down with Henry Jiménez, CEO of Propel Nonprofits and a longtime nonprofit leader in Minnesota, for a conversation about what it really takes to support organizations doing the work closest to community.Drawing from decades of leadership, Henry reflects on the growing demands nonprofits face, from reporting requirements to short-term funding cycles, and how those systems can unintentionally slow down impact.Together, Chanda and Henry explore what a more trust-based approach to philanthropy could look like, and how stronger partnerships between foundations and nonprofit leaders can create lasting change in our communities.https://propelnonprofits.org/Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/https://spmcf.org/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, Senior Vice President of Impact Alfonso Wenker interviews Jamie Verbrugge, President & CEO of Catholic Charities Twin Cities, about nonprofit leadership, housing stability, and leading with dignity in complex times.Catholic Charities Twin Cities is one of the largest social service providers in Minnesota, serving people experiencing homelessness through permanent supportive housing, emergency shelter, family services, and aging and disability support. Jamie shares how his background in municipal leadership prepared him to guide a 150-year-old faith-based nonprofit rooted in Catholic social teaching and community impact.This conversation explores radical welcome, moral clarity in leadership, and how institutions can build trust by serving without condition. They discuss homelessness in the Twin Cities, housing access, stewardship leadership, trauma-informed care, and what it means to “do things with people” rather than for them.Learn more about Catholic Charities Twin Cities at www.cctwincities.org.Find us:https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, Chanda Smith Baker speaks with Ashani O’Mard, President of the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, about what it takes to align capital, leadership, and community around affordable housing.Recorded during a Minnesota–Atlanta housing learning exchange, this conversation explores cross-sector collaboration, capital strategy, and why housing is ultimately a shared responsibility.https://www.andpi.org/https://conversationswithchanda.com/IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Chanda is joined by philanthropy leader, board member, and author Nausheena Hussain for a thoughtful conversation about faith, money, leadership, and legacy.Nausheena reflects on her journey from corporate America to nonprofit leadership, the intentional decision to step away from an organization she built, and why healthy leadership transitions—especially for women of color—remain so rare. Together, they explore how faith shapes our relationship with money, generosity, and responsibility, and why philanthropy must expand beyond narrow definitions of wealth and power.To purchase book:Prosperity with Purpose: A Muslim Woman's Guide to Abundance and Generosity

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, Chanda Smith Baker explores the human side of healthcare where care, leadership, and crisis intersect. The conversation begins with Bridget Rosario-Vega, a staff member at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, who shares her deeply personal experience navigating a serious hospital stay and the nurses and caregivers who showed up with compassion when she needed it most.Chanda is then joined by Lisa Shannon, CEO of Allina Health, for a candid discussion about the realities shaping healthcare today, from workforce strain and mental health gaps to innovation, AI, and the hard choices healthcare leaders are facing. Together, they hold two truths at once: a system under pressure and the people within it who continue to show up with humanity and care.This episode is a reminder that healthcare is not just a system. It is people caring for people, and leadership showing up in moments that matter most.

Hon. Harriette Chiggai, Advisor on Women’s Rights to the President of Kenya, joins Chanda Smith Baker for a powerful and deeply human conversation about courage, bias, and the fight for safety and dignity in leadership.From growing up in Nakuru to advising the highest office in her country, Harriette shares what she has learned about resilience, mentorship, and the cost and reward of breaking barriers. Together they explore the realities women face in power, the importance of creating safe homes and safe spaces, and why women must support one another if we want lasting change.This episode reminds us that no matter how heavy the journey gets, it is not over until it is over.https://conversationswithchanda.com/   IG @chandasbaker &  ⁨@conversationswithchanda⁩  TikTok @chndasmithbaker

In this episode, Chanda sits down with Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon for a conversation that goes beyond the ballot box. Together, they unpack the state of democracy in America and why choosing not to vote isn’t resistance, but resignation.From the real impact of government shutdowns to the erosion of public trust, Simon shares a behind-the-scenes look at how democracy actually functions and what happens when we disengage. He reminds us that voting isn’t charity; it’s power. It’s how communities get seen, resourced, and respected.This conversation is a wake-up call to anyone who has ever thought, “My vote doesn’t matter.” It’s also a roadmap for how to lead, connect, and rebuild across our differences.Learn more: mnvotes.gov  — official Minnesota voting informationFoundation: spmcf.org — Saint Paul and Minnesota FoundationMore episodes: conversationswithchanda.com

Steve Grove, a former Google executive and current Star Tribune leader, joins Chanda Smith Baker on 'Conversations with Chanda' to discuss his new book, 'How I Found Myself in the Midwest.' Listen as Steve dives into his personal journey of reinvention, the challenges and triumphs faced in his career transitions, and the unique community dynamics in Minnesota. Discover how local stories of hope and innovation can inspire broader societal change.

Guests Danielle Mkali and Lavasha Smith of Nexus Community Partners, and recipient Tari Sudduth, join Chanda Smith Baker to unpack the $50K Open Road Fund. Seeded by a $50M Bush Foundation grant, it’s redefining wealth, honoring Black futures, and repairing harm through direct investment in descendants of the transatlantic slave trade.https://nexuscp.org/2025 applications are now open! Apply by July 21, 2025, 11:59 pm CT.

In this episode, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan shares her inspiring leadership journey and discusses the influences of her upbringing by strong women. She highlights the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public service, the power of community, and the role of hope and activism in sustaining democracy. Flanagan also explores the challenges of motherhood and balancing personal and professional life while emphasizing collective action and storytelling.Mentions:Representative Esther AgbajePaul WellstoneTrista HarrisRena Moran Senator Bobby Joe ChampionV3 SportsAscension ChurchGeneral MillsJim WallaceGovernor Walz

Join Chanda Smith Baker in a powerful conversation with Dr. Tonya Jackman Hampton—a seasoned HR executive, author, and transformational leader. Raised in Minnesota, Tonya reflects on her family legacy, including her grandfather’s founding of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, and how it shaped her belief in the power of storytelling. She shares what it means to lead as a Black woman in corporate America, the importance of diverse mentorship, and key insights from her book The Myth of the Fearless Leader. This episode explores how acknowledging fear can strengthen leadership, build trust, and drive authentic growth.To purchase book:https://a.co/d/2BqlKM3https://www.drtonyajackmanhampton.com/IG @drtonyajackmanhampton_authorhttps://conversationswithchanda.com/ IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Chanda, former Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria “Rondo” Arradondo joins Chanda Smith Baker for an unflinching and deeply personal conversation about leadership, justice, and the weight of public service. As the first Black police chief in Minneapolis, Chief Arradondo reflects on his decades-long career, the crisis of George Floyd’s murder, and the decisions that defined his legacy — including the extraordinary choice to testify against an officer in his own department.Together, they explore the personal cost of doing what’s right, the limits of reform from within, and the role of moral clarity in moments of national reckoning. Drawing on their long-standing partnership in community, Chanda and Chief Rondo go beyond headlines to examine what it means to lead with humanity when everything is on the line.To Pre-Order Book: Out on May 13th! Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floydhttps://conversationswithchanda.com/   IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

In this episode of Conversations with Chanda, Girl Scouts River Valleys CEO Marisa C. Williams and four-time bestselling author Luvvie Ajayi Jones shatter the myths of perfectionism and self-doubt. They dive into the transformative power of borrowed courage, revealing how women and girls can silence their inner critic and step boldly into their purpose. Girl Scouts River Valleys: https://www.girlscoutsrv.org/ Luvvie Ajayi Jones Books: https://luvvie.org/books/ https://conversationswithchanda.com/ IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Sharon Bush, President of Grand Victoria Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to challenge leadership norms. She reveals why sometimes the most radical act is choosing stillness over noise. Learn how an introverted leader transforms communities by listening deeply, building strategic power, and centering Black abundance—not just surviving, but thriving with purpose. https://grandvictoriafdn.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Pierre Berastaín, Regional Director of CPI Center for Public Impact, is a Harvard-educated, gay Latino immigrant who turns personal barriers into blueprints for social transformation. In this raw, powerful conversation, he dismantles systemic barriers through personal resilience, revealing how marginalized communities can transform pain into profound social change. Discover radical strategies for healing, leadership, and reimagining government that will challenge everything you thought you knew about survival. Centre for Public Impact: https://centreforpublicimpact.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Karla Henderson, the new CEO of Project for Pride in Living (PPL), joins Chanda Smith Baker to unpack her journey of unapologetic leadership. In a raw, powerful conversation, she reveals how to navigate complex challenges, stay true to community values, and transform unexpected opportunities into meaningful impact—all while redefining what it means to lead with resilience and purpose. Project for Pride in Living (PPL): https://www.ppl-inc.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to expose philanthropy's hidden power dynamics. In a raw, unfiltered conversation, she reveals how Black women leaders strategically navigate and dismantle institutional racism, offering a masterclass in resilience, strategic resistance, and transformative leadership that challenges the very foundations of charitable giving. Inspired by the legendary Gladys Washington—who embodied unapologetic leadership, mentorship, and radical love—this episode is a blueprint for systemic transformation, told by a leader who has fought and won battles most never see. Learn: * How to turn institutional barriers into strategic opportunities * The art of influencing power structures from within * Authentic allyship beyond performative gestures * Why incremental change requires patience and persistent vision

Join Chanda Smith Baker and the Jeremiah Program's CEO Chastity Lord, Board Chair Meredith Moore, and alumna Lavasha Smith as they discuss JP's two-generation approach to disrupting poverty. This conversation explores how JP's holistic support empowers single mothers and their children, combining personal experiences with different perspectives. Jeremiah Program: https://jeremiahprogram.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda sat down with Christo Brand, a former prison guard on Robben Island, who shares his remarkable story of friendship with Nelson Mandela. Discover how an unlikely bond formed between a jailer and the iconic leader, and the profound lessons of respect, humanity, and forgiveness that transformed them both. https://christobrand.co.za/ To purchase "Doing Life with Mandela" book: https://a.co/d/bK7jCAh www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

In this episode of Centering Conversations, an exclusive segment with Voice Vision Value, Ashleigh Gardere, the President of PolicyLink, shares a bold vision to redesign the nation from the ground up. Challenging the status quo, Gardere argues that current systems were never designed for collective flourishing - it's time to redefine the values and legal frameworks that will deliver a just and equitable future for all. Read PolicyLink's Vision: https://www.policylink.org/vision www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

We are highlighting an episode on Centering Conversations aired in 2023 with the award-winning journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023. Dive into overcoming perfectionism, identity struggles, and the importance of representation. From burnout lessons to reclaiming dreams, this episode is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care. https://www.lorealthompsonpayton.com/ To purchase book: https://a.co/d/9gn9gIA www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y’all Too," "STEM, STEAM, Make Dream," and much more. Chanda and Chris discussed the major challenges in our education system. Emdin boldly declares the education system is flawed and rooted in oppression. But he offers a radical alternative that embraces hip-hop culture's creativity, rhythm, and critical thinking. https://chrisemdin.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

Detria Austin Everson, CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey in philanthropy and social justice. Discover how service can be your superpower as Everson reveals the keys to unity, resilience, and hope in leadership. Learn how celebrating small victories can lead to big changes and why black women's voices are crucial in the fight for equity. https://detriaaustineverson.com/ https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

John W. Rogers, Jr. is the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, the global value-based asset management firm he founded in 1983 and first African American-owned asset management firm in American history. Chanda sat down with John to talk about moving away from supplier diversity and into business diversity, along with the importance of creating multigenerational wealth for Black and Brown communities. https://www.arielinvestments.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Join Chanda Smith Baker in conversation with philanthropic leader Lauren Y. Casteel as they explore Black women's leadership in philanthropy. Lauren Y. Casteel is president and CEO of The Women’s Foundation of Colorado. Drawing from her family's civil rights legacy and 35-year career, Lauren shares powerful insights on community building, navigating racism, and fostering systemic change. Together, they discuss how bold, innovative philanthropy can create lasting impact for marginalized communities. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen https://www.wfco.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Discover how two visionaries turned music into a lifeline for struggling students, challenging everything you thought you knew about education. David "TC" Ellis, a pioneering Minnesota rapper and music producer, and Tony, an accomplished entertainment lawyer and educational leader, co-founded Studio 4 and the High School for Recording Arts (HSRA). Tony Simmons and David Ellis reveal the groundbreaking approach that's not just keeping kids in school, but launching careers and transforming lives. Find out how this innovative model could reshape education across America. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.hsra.org/

This episode of Conversations with Chanda takes you inside the mind of a prosecutor who is challenging the status quo and redefining what true public safety looks like. Mary Moriarty, the Hennepin County Attorney, shares a refreshingly honest and nuanced perspective on the criminal justice system - one that moves beyond simplistic notions of punishment and instead seeks to address the root causes of crime through compassion, rehabilitation, and community-based solutions. Her insights on the importance of early intervention, restorative justice, and empowering the community to engage with the legal process will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about the role of a prosecutor. www.hennepinattorney.org YT: @HennepinAttorney www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

This episode honors the life and legacy of Gladys Krigger Washington, the late Deputy Director of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation, reflecting on her remarkable contributions to philanthropy and her role as a trailblazing Black woman leader. Through her impactful work, Washington exemplified the values of self-care, honesty, and community building, inspiring countless others. Her wisdom, including the importance of lightening up, truly listening, and engaging in challenging conversations, continues to resonate, offering a powerful reminder to embrace diverse perspectives and foster meaningful connections. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Sheena Meade, highlighting her journey from being a teen mom and facing domestic violence to becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform. Sheena shares her experiences with incarceration, including a $87.26 bounced check leading to arrest and the impact on her life. Sheena is the CEO of the Clean Slate initiative, which aims to automatically clear records for eligible individuals, with 12 states adopting such laws and 15 million people benefiting. The conversation emphasizes the need for bipartisan support, narrative change, and community involvement in criminal justice reform. Discover how her work with The Clean Slate Initiative is changing lives and transforming communities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker www.cleanslateinitiative.org Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities United Way https://www.gtcuw.org/

Chanda Smith Baker hosts a conversation with Simone Hardeman-Jones, Executive Director of GreenLight Fund Twin Cities, and Ali Knight, the incoming national director and CEO. GreenLight Fund is a national network of sites partner with local communities to tackle the barriers that prevent individuals and families from achieving inclusive prosperity. They select and scale proven programs to directly address those barriers identified by each community. The model involves identifying local leaders and unmet needs and then adapting proven models to fit local contexts. They have expanded to 13 cities, with 14 sites, including a new one in Miami. Simone emphasizes community-led processes and partnerships, citing their first investment in LEAD Minneapolis, housed at Pillsbury United Communities. The conversation also touches on the importance of risk-taking and learning from failures in innovation. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker greenlightfund.org IG @greenlightfund Sponsored by: The Black Collective Foundation https://www.minnesotablackcollectivefoundation.org/

Andrea Caupain Sanderson, a racial and social justice advocate for over 25 years, discussed her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at 12 and becoming a single mother at 19 to becoming CEO of the Byrd Barr Place. She is currently the co-founder and co-executive director of the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition and one of four architects of the Black Future Co-op Fund, Washington’s first cooperative philanthropy created by and for Black people to ignite Black generational wealth, health, and well-being. In this episode, she emphasized the need for black-led organizations to receive funding and support and highlighted the importance of self-care and creating spaces for black leaders to thrive. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen https://bipocedcoalitionwa.org/ https://www.blackfuturewa.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Chanda Smith Baker speaks with Charles Adams, an Author of Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach, about his Northside upbringing and the complexities of community policing. They discuss the challenges black officers face, the impact of George Floyd's murder, and the removal of officers from schools. Joining the conversation is Jayland Baker, a North High alumnus and former football player coached by Charles, who shares his perspective on the importance of having officers in schools and the sense of security they provided. To purchase 'Twin Cities: My Life as a Black Cop and a Championship Coach': https://www.amazon.com/Twin-Cities-Black-Championship-Coach/dp/030683054X www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Meet Nevada Littlewolf, Executive Director of Women Winning, as she discusses the importance of policy-focused presidential debates, inclusive democracy, and reproductive justice, and how you can get involved in creating a more equitable future. Women Winning recruits, trains, endorses and elects pro-choice women to all levels of public office in Minnesota. Sponsored by the Greater Twin Cities Minnesota Chapter of the Links, Inc. https://www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://womenwinning.org/

Black women leaders face a unique set of challenges that can be exhausting, overwhelming, and often invisible. In this episode, Sadiqa Reynolds shares her unflinching account of the struggles she's faced as a Black woman leader, from being criticized for promoting diversity to dealing with the emotional toll of constant scrutiny. Listen in as she reveals the importance of support systems, true diversity and inclusion, and the power of community in overcoming the unspoken struggles of Black women leaders. Sadiqa Reynolds is CEO of Perception Institute and Founder and President of the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center. Before Perception Institute, Reynolds was CEO of the Louisville Urban League, the first woman to hold this title in the affiliate’s 95-year history raising more than $100 million, quadrupling the agency's budget, increasing the assets by more than $70 million, and building a $53 million state-of-the-art sports and learning complex, during a pandemic and amid civil unrest. https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://perception.org/

Ruth Richardson is President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States. She became the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate in October 2022. She is a lawyer, health equity champion, and a trailblazer. Ruth brings her unique perspective as the first Black woman to lead the five-state affiliate and as a former Minnesota House Representative, to illuminate the intersections of voter rights, reproductive justice, and the essential nature of civic engagement. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://www.plannedparenthood.org/ Sponsored by Greater Twin Cities (MN) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated https://www.gtclinks.org/

Keesha Gaskins-Nathan is the Director of the Democratic Practice–United States program and the Racial Justice Initiative at the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Join Chanda Smith Baker and Keesha Gaskins-Nathan as they dive into the harsh realities of women in politics, particularly for women of color like Kamala Harris. Get ready to challenge your assumptions and uncover the truth about the attacks on Harris, the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action, and the role of nonprofits in promoting voter participation. Sponsored by: Greater Twin Cities MN Chapter of The Links, Incorporated www.gtclinks.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Gun violence is stealing childhoods. Dr. Marc Gorelick, CEO of Children's Minnesota, and Chanda Smith Baker demand action, urging a comprehensive approach that tackles poverty, mental health, and responsible gun ownership to prevent further tragedies. Purchase Dr. Gorelick's new book "Saving Our Kids: An ER Doc’s Common-Sense Solution to the Gun Crisis": https://a.co/d/3WpVt84 ww.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

Ever wondered how a former attorney turns passion for science into a thriving distillery? Join Chanda Smith Baker as she dives deep with Chris Montana, founder of Du Nord Social Spirits. Discover the transformative power of mentorship, the gritty realities of fundraising, and the resilience needed to pivot during a pandemic. Hear how producing hand sanitizer for first responders and homeless shelters became a lifeline. This episode will inspire you to invest in people, embrace adaptability, and transform challenges into opportunities. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker https://shopdunord.com/ https://dunordsocialspirits.com/

Can police departments evolve to prioritize trust and accountability? Chanda and Assistant Chief Alice White explore the challenges and opportunities facing law enforcement, and what it takes to create lasting change. www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

This is part of the Shaping the Future: Women in Law Enforcement Series. Join Chanda Smith Baker and retired Assistant Chief of the Minneapolis Police Department, Kris Arneson, as they navigate the urgent need for change in policing culture, community engagement, and the invaluable impact of women in law enforcement. Learn from Kris's 32-year journey about breaking barriers, fostering diversity, and championing ethical policing practices. Don't miss this conversation about reshaping the future of law enforcement and unleashing the potential of women leaders!