In this episode, Debra Johnson, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for External
Affairs for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), details the life experiences that have taught her why EDIB principles matter—in the workplace and in our personal interactions.

From her younger years in the South Side of Chicago to her pioneering work with notable figures like Carol Mosley Braun, Pete Buttigieg, and Bobby Rush, Debra offers candid reflections on the challenges and triumphs of navigating leadership roles while advocating for racial equity.

Along with hosts Tina Wright-Ervin and Alex Figueroa, Debra argues for the importance of having a sounding board, making your presence felt and, ultimately, the power of creating warm, welcoming spaces for leaders of color.

On this episode, we are joined by Dr. Raquel Hatter, Managing Director of the Human Services
Program at the Kresge Foundation, to discuss her approach to leadership as well as how she
implements equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) in her work every day.

At Kresge, Dr. Hatter focuses on family-centered systems change, with a particular emphasis on communities of color. This interview delves into the necessity for system change and the many challenges that arise in effecting those positive transformations.

Dr. Hatter's work is deeply rooted in her lived experience of growing up in a two-generation
household that relied on services, and in this interview, she offers lessons to other leaders as
they pursue this necessary work within their communities.

Resources:
“Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer: https://amzn.to/4aN8Jh4
“Collective Courage” by Jessica Gordon Nembhard: https://amzn.to/44boGv8

We sit down with Michael Becketts, the Director of Fairfax County, Virginia Department of Family Services. Michael shares the details of his professional journey, from being a social worker to understanding his desire to create a more macro-level impact in the sector as a
leader.

In his current role, Michael has learned the importance of seeing individuals as whole people, embracing their intersecting identities, and fostering authentic conversations that help them bring their best selves to the table.

This conversation provides an approach for human services workers to better understand and apply their strengths as they help communities thrive while also offering insight into how to navigate the intersections of race and identity.

Shaneen Moore, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services Children and Family Services and Director of the Administration’s Child Support Division, tackles the effects of imposter syndrome that many BIPOC leaders face, as well as the
deep importance of listening to people with lived experience.

Shaneen’s career in the human services sector began with an understanding of the value she brought as someone whose life was significantly enriched by the human services system. She stood in stark contrast to others who were on a more traditional career path, and so this episode talks about those differences along with the approach Shaneen takes to ensure she’s able to serve the communities of Minnesota while always being her authentic self.

Gain insight into what leaders can do to enhance their work with people from diverse backgrounds, and learn what it means to stand in your greatness.
____

“Whiteness in Plain View: A History of Racial Exclusion in Minnesota,” by Chad Montrie: https://amzn.to/48zpcnj

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.

Emeka Madu, the Health and Government Solutions Manager with KPMG, joins us to share his unique perspective as a leader of color and second-generation Nigerian immigrant. Working within the private sector, Emeka is able to offer a different take on nationwide human services work than what we’re used to hearing.

For Emeka, it’s been about leaders being able to help others feel seen and applying that understanding to their approach to mentorship. He sees his personal history as a testament to that need and a reason to ensure that we include all identities in the conversations that drive us forward. This episode speaks to the necessity for BIPOC leaders to be bold in their efforts to
build safe and inclusive communities while taking on underrepresentation in their respective industries.

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.

We speak to Jonathan Palmer, a nonprofit management consultant with director-level experience in local community centers throughout Minnesota. Jonathan details raw personal experiences that have not only shaped his professional journey but shed light on the profound impact of race on our nation. Throughout the interview, he delves into the historical injustices that have disproportionately affected certain communities while also outlining tactics that leaders can adopt to take on the modern-day implications of the past—within the human services sector and beyond.

Listeners are given a call to action to create positive change while understanding that change comes through connecting with others and building something better together within your
community.

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.

In this exciting bonus episode of Disrupt the Dialogue, hosts Tina Wright Irvin and Alex Figueroa welcome their first live audience. Recording at the APHSA National Human Services Summit 2023 in Baltimore, MD, this episode gathers past guests from season one in a discussion focused on the importance of self-care for those of us in the human services sector.

The conversation moves from the personal—how individuals incorporate self-care practices such as journaling—to the more structural, as they talk about the challenges of helping others while working in spaces where they are sometimes asked to adjust who they are.

This panel of experts dives deep into the motivations behind their work, why they do it, and how they continue to do it while also offering advice and perspectives from years of experience. Listeners are provided with a road map for how they can sustain their efforts to better their communities and themselves.

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.

In this discussion, Edgard Martinez, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager at Children and Families First, connects insights from his personal and professional journey to the many challenges that race and sexual orientation present to BIPOC leaders. He discusses his work to create programs and structures that empower LGBTQ+ youth while also challenging the legal restrictions that impede their growth and well-being.

Pairing his passion for positive change with a long-term vision that recognizes the realities ahead, Edgar shows us that this work will not always be easy, but it will be worth it. His thoughts on how leaders can create a more inclusive environment will help you to build stronger organizations as you support individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Be a part of Disrupt the Dialogue: use the hashtag #DisruptTheDialogue or write to us at jgaron@aphsa.org.

Disrupt the Dialogue is produced by APHSA. Editing and sound design for this episode was done by Bea Mitchell.