Get ready for a lively chat in this episode of Black Girls Eating! Hosts Candace and Tanorria sit down with Elise Schrock, a powerhouse Democratic communication strategist known for her killer fashion sense and fierce advocacy. Elise shares her incredible journey, inspired by her family's history of activism and resilience. Her great-grandma's escape from fascist Spain and her family's success in America through organized labor have fueled Elise's passion for political engagement and community empowerment.

Elise talks about why it's crucial for women to dive into politics, highlighting the need for female representation and leadership. As a founding board member of Hoosier Women Forward, she spills the tea on how the program gears up women for political leadership and builds a supportive network to help them crush it. With a whopping 78% success rate in elections, Hoosier Women Forward is shaking things up in Indiana's political scene, proving women are more than ready to lead and make waves.

The convo takes a deep dive into today's political climate, spotlighting the importance of female voices in the Democratic Party and how creativity and art play a role in politics. Elise shares her excitement about the shifting energy in politics and the need to engage diverse voices for a more inclusive and dynamic community.

Listeners, it's time to step up! Elise dishes out practical tips and resources to get you registered to vote and engaged in the political process. From understanding voter registration deadlines to tackling those tough conversations with folks hesitant to vote, this episode is packed with insights to help you make a real impact in your community.

Join Candace, Tanorria, and Elise for an inspiring chat about the power of community, the importance of voting, and the game-changing potential of women in politics. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just dipping your toes into civic engagement, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fired up about making a positive change.

Don't miss this enlightening convo with Elise Schrock—tune in to Black Girls Eating to hear more about her journey, her work with Hoosier Women Forward, and how you can jump into action in your community. Your voice matters; let's use it to shake things up!

Bio:

Elise Shrock is an empowering, engaging, and energizing maven. Elise Shrock is a Democratic communications strategist and specializes in candidate communications development, strategic campaign communications, and press relations. She is the Communications Director for the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and Christ Church Cathedral, a progressive faith community in the heart of Indianapolis, IN. Since 2008, she has served in various roles around the Indiana General Assembly, both on the inside as Communications Director, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Hispanic Affairs Director and in the lobby as Vice President of Tamm Capital Group, a boutique public affairs firm. Elist joins Black Girls Eating to share incredible insights into the city of Indianapolis and the political scene as well as what it means to truly be civically engaged

Inspiring Civic Engagement: A Conversation with Kelly Doucet

In our latest episode of Black Girls Eating, we had the privilege of sitting down with Kelly Doucet, the dynamic Director of Community Relations at the Indianapolis Urban League. Kelly is a powerhouse of knowledge and passion when it comes to civic engagement and community leadership. Her journey and insights are a testament to the power of voting, local government involvement, and the impact young professionals can have on their communities.

Kelly shared her personal story of how she fell in love with civil service during her senior year of high school. A mock election in her government class sparked a lifelong commitment to understanding and participating in the political process. This early experience taught her the importance of voting and staying engaged, even when outcomes aren't favorable. Kelly's dedication to civic duty is a reminder that our involvement in local and national elections shapes the policies that affect our daily lives.

One of the standout moments in our conversation was Kelly's emphasis on the importance of local elections. While many people focus on presidential elections, it's the local officials—city councilors, mayors, and judges—who have a direct impact on our communities. Kelly urged listeners to get to know their local elected officials, attend city council meetings, and even consider running for office. She highlighted the significance of understanding how policies are made and how they affect everything from housing and education to public safety.

Kelly also talked about her role at the Indianapolis Urban League and the Exchange, its young professional auxiliary. The Exchange focuses on personal and professional development with an emphasis on civic engagement. Kelly's leadership in this organization has created a supportive community where young Black professionals can thrive, find mentorship, and make meaningful contributions to their city.

For those under 25 looking to get involved, Kelly offered practical advice: start by understanding who your local elected officials are, attend city council meetings, and consider volunteering for campaigns. She also encouraged young people to run for office themselves, emphasizing that waiting your turn is not necessary. If you have ideas and passion, now is the time to step up and make a difference.

Kelly's dedication to her community extends beyond her professional life. She shared how she takes care of herself by setting aside Sundays for personal time and staying active through regular gym sessions. Her commitment to self-care ensures that she can continue to give her best to her community and her work.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of staying engaged in the political process and the impact that each of us can have on our communities. Whether you're a seasoned activist or just starting to explore civic engagement, Kelly's insights will inspire you to take action and make a difference.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Kelly Doucet. Tune in to the latest episode of Black Girls Eating to hear more about her journey, her work with the Indianapolis Urban League, and how you can get involved in your community. Your vote is your voice—let's use it to create positive change.

Your favorite hosts are back!

Back from their summer hiatus, Tanorria and Candace come back to the airwaves with a summer recap like no other. Catch up with your favorite duo as they share seasonal happenings, birthday shenanigans, and what it feels like to get older. Tanorria digs deep into her garden, and Candace writes to see another day.

A Summer of Growth and Engagement After a much-needed summer hiatus, Candace and Tanorria return to the Black Girls Eating podcast with a heartwarming and insightful episode that captures their summer adventures and delves into pressing social issues. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode is a perfect blend of personal growth, community engagement, and, of course, delicious food talk.

Candace kicks off the episode by sharing her exciting journey back to school. Enrolled in a dual degree program for a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology, Candace opens up about her passion for bridging the connection between food and faith. Her goal? To create a welcoming table for all of God's people. This journey, she confesses, has been both exhilarating and challenging, but the support she's received has been overwhelmingly positive. "I want to share what it means to create the table and welcome the table to all of God's people," Candace says, encapsulating her mission beautifully.

Meanwhile, Tanorria has been busy with her consulting work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Despite the challenges in the current political climate, she finds joy and fulfillment in working with nonprofits that genuinely care about making a difference. Her consulting work has even led her to explore new areas of diversity, such as the aging community, adding another layer of expertise to her already impressive resume. But it's not all work and no play for these dynamic women. Tanorria shares her newfound love for gardening, describing it as a way to connect with her ancestors and find peace. From growing various types of okra to planning a quest for the perfect watermelon, her gardening adventures are as inspiring as they are educational. "I love getting my hands in the dirt and feeling connected to our ancestors," she says, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of gardening.

As the episode progresses, the conversation shifts to more serious topics, particularly the importance of civic engagement and voting rights. With the political landscape becoming increasingly volatile, both Candace and Tanorria stress the need for informed voting and active participation in civic duties. They discuss the potential impacts of Project 2025 and urge listeners to educate themselves on the issues at hand. "We would be doing the world a disservice if we didn't at least make mention what it means to have civic leadership and being involved and engaged," Candace asserts, emphasizing the podcast's commitment to social justice.

This episode of Black Girls Eating is a testament to the power of community, education, and civic responsibility. It's a reminder that while life can be busy and challenging, there's always room for growth, joy, and making a difference. So, whether you're interested in the intersection of food and faith, looking for gardening tips, or eager to understand the importance of civic engagement, this episode has something for everyone. Tune in to catch up with Candace and Tanorria and get inspired to make a positive impact in your community. Trust us; you won't want to miss it!