Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

Today we welcome Mia Birdsong, a pathfinder, writer, and facilitator who engages the leadership and wisdom of people experiencing injustice to chart new visions of American life. As the Founding Executive Director of Next River, she nourishes communities toward a liberated future.

In her book "How We Show Up" and the podcast miniseries "More Than Enough," she highlights community vitality and the guaranteed income movement. Previously, Mia was Co-Director of Family Story and Vice President of the Family Independence Initiative, promoting new narratives and leveraging data to support low-income families.

Her public dialogues, TED talks, and other initiatives spotlight marginalized voices as leaders of change. A Senior Fellow at the Economic Security Project and a Future Good Fellow, Mia lives in Oakland, tending to bees, chickens, and plants on the occupied land of the Chochenyo Ohlone people.

In this episode, Darren and Mia discuss what constitutes something as radical, a future without poverty, and finding joy and optimism in activism.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump straight into:

(00:22.7) Introduction of Mia Birdsong, Founding Executive Director of Next River.

(06:27.5) Cracked open: Mia shares her educational beginnings in Rochester and how an unexpected Public Enemy cassette tape on a school bus ignited her path to activism.

(09:19.9) Critical Resistance and Mia’s journey to becoming an abolitionist.

(12:04.2) The American dream vs. the collective dream.

(13:43.1) Ending poverty is not a problem of lacking solutions, but of lacking belief. Mia Birdsong explores her initial efforts advocating for a guaranteed income.

(20:59.9) Dismantling power structures and moving beyond wealth and power hoarding.

(22:51.2) We explore Mia’s work with Next River and her unwavering commitment to guaranteed income, guaranteed housing, education and universal healthcare.

(26:02.6) What is radical? Mia shares how many “unattainable radical beliefs” are actually being successfully performed all over the world and how discovering these stories of small communities implementing these systems for themselves inspires her work.

(29:38.2) The path of least resistance: Mia discusses finding strength in vulnerability and staying optimistic vs. falling into cynicism.

Episode Resources

• Keep up with Mia on Twitter, Instagram, & LinkedIn
• Learn more about Mia through her website.
• Order Mia’s book “How We Show Up” here.
• Listen to Mia’s podcast “More Than Enough” here.
• Watch Mia’s TEDX Talk “The Story We Tell About Poverty Isn’t True” here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, we sit down with Naomi Ostwald Kawamura, the Executive Director of Densho, an organization devoted to documenting the testimonies of Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Naomi has a rich background, with a BFA in Metal Design from the University of Washington, a Master’s in Education from Harvard, and a PhD from the University of British Columbia, where she studied the intergenerational transfer of memory in Japanese-American and Japanese-Canadian communities. Before Densho, she led the Nikkei Place Foundation and held key roles at the San Diego History Center and the California Center for the Arts. Naomi is passionate about addressing the challenges faced by community history organizations, especially concerning the legacy of Japanese American WWII incarceration, and has shared her insights in various publications, including an upcoming book on ethnic diversity and national identity in history education.

Join this conversation as Naomi explores themes of heritage, resilience, and storytelling. She discusses her upbringing as the daughter of Japanese immigrants in California and her parents' encouragement to embrace both her Japanese and American identities. Naomi shares her family's history, including her father and grandfather's survival of the American atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and emphasizes the importance of making history relevant for younger generations. Listen as she highlights the challenges of preserving oral histories, the role of technology in accessibility, and the power of art in conveying complex emotions and histories.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump Straight Into:

(00:22.2) Introduction of Naomi Ostwald Kawamura, Executive Director of Densho.

(01:37.9) Naomi reflects on an inspirational visit to the Meiji Jingu Shrine.

(02:45.7) Naomi discusses her roots and the immigration story of her parents.

(06:07.2) Naomi connects her history to the bombing of Hiroshima.

(07:52.6) Being a light in the darkness: Naomi shares how her family’s history inspires her work.

(12:15.6) Naomi dives into memory research and discusses collecting stories from diverse perspectives to honor and preserve each viewpoint, thereby creating comprehensive historical narratives.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Naomi through LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Densho through their website.
• Read Naomi’s interview with Densho here.
• Read Naomi’s Densho article “Building Community and Connection that Transcends Borders” here.
• Watch Naomi’s town hall on community and connections here.
• August 6th and 9th, 2024, mark the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This New York Times Op-Ed presents survivor testimonies and underscores the significance...

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode of Dreaming In Color, guest host Angela Maldonado, a partner at Bridgespan, welcomes Tarik Ward, Director of Global Strategic Operations and U.S. Programs at ELMA Philanthropies. As the manager of digital and physical infrastructure for ELMA Philanthropy Services, Tarik oversees their operations in New York, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kampala. He also directs U.S. programming for the ELMA Music Foundation, ELMA U.S. Foundation, and ELMA Caribbean Foundation.

Tarik's innovative approach has significantly expanded the reach and impact of the ELMA Music Foundation both in the U.S. and South Africa. His collaborations with organizations using music for youth development are transforming lives and creating brighter futures.

With a career journey as diverse as it is impressive, Tarik has worked as a flight controller for the International Space Station at NASA, a consultant at Deloitte focusing on education and early childhood development nonprofits, and as the COO of the Commit! Partnership, a nonprofit dedicated to quality education access in Dallas, Texas.

Tarik holds a B.S. in aerospace engineering from MIT, an M.B.A., and an M.A. in education from Stanford University. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a passionate trumpet player and has amassed a digital music collection of nearly 100,000 songs.

Join us as we dive into Tarik's journey, explore his insights on the educational potential of music, and discover how his work is making a global impact.

Jump Straight Into:

(00:22.1) Introduction of Angela Maldonado, Partner at Bridgespan.

(00:52.1) Introduction of Tarik Ward, Director of Global Strategic Operations and U.S. Programs at ELMA Philanthropies.

(01:55.1) Tarik reminisces on the memory of his mother and how she inspired him to dream and learn music.

(06:22.8) Tarik takes us on his journey from musician, to MIT student to eventually flying spaceships for NASA.

(11:56.6) Tarik tells us how he met his wife and how she inspired his journey to Stanford and eventually into education and non-profit work.

(18:28.9) Tarik talks about his non-traditional approach to funding and how he builds relationships with other leaders of color.

(22:19.1) Tarik comments on the current state of philanthropy and paints us a picture of what he hopes the future will look like.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Tarik through LinkedIn.
• Learn more about ELMA Philanthropies through their website.
• Follow Tarik on Twitter.
• Read Tarik’s interview with Entartain Impact here.
• Learn more about Jamaican composer and musician Ansel Collins here and follow him on Instagram here.
• Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, we welcome Jamie Allison, Executive Director of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund. In her tenure at Walter & Elise Haas Fund Jami ensures its work aligns with community values and catalyzes change. She focuses on organizational leadership, strategy, and governance, prioritizing staff well-being and grantmaking that promotes liberation and transformation. With over 20 years in philanthropy and experience in the public sector, Jamie leverages her expertise to drive real change. Inspired by community leaders, she aims to create a more just society. Born in Chattanooga, TN, and a San Francisco resident for over 20 years, Jamie loves adventure, attending music and film festivals, soccer matches, and traveling.

Join this insightful discussion as Jamie explores trust-based philanthropy and its transformative impact on communities, particularly for leaders of color. Listen as Jamie describes her journey from Tennessee to the Bay Area, reflects on the cultural significance of the region, and emphasizes the importance of supporting nonprofit leaders by maintaining joy, recognizing progress, and navigating burnout challenges.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump straight into:

(00:22.0) Introduction of Jamie Allison, Exective Director of the Walter & Elise Haas Fund.

(01:29.5) Jamie shares the words of interfaith civil-rights leader, Valerie Kaur.

(04:02.1) Jamie confesses her love for the Bay Area and takes us her journey from Tennessee to California.

(09:24.5) We learn more about Jamie’s tenure at the Walter & Elise Haas Fund and how the revolution of 2020 impacted her leadership.

(14:02.2) Jamie reflects on the work of Mia Birdsong and how it has framed her outlook on liberation.

(18:27.3) Making contributions vs. making commitments

(21:16.6) Jamie’s take on avoiding burnout for leaders in the social sector by providing multi-year grants vs. one time grants.

(29:24.9) Jamie reflects on the fullness of time.

(36:37.9) Music as joy: Jamie shares how her involvement with SF Jazz brings her joy and energy that lasts for days.

(38:04.8) The privilege and responsibility of being an elder.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Jamie Allison on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Walter & Elise Haas Fund here
• Learn more about SF Jazz here.

Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, our guest host, Jasmine Reliford, a Manager at Bridgespan, welcomes Rukaiyah Adams, a distinguished financier from Portland and CEO of 1803 Fund.

Listen as Rukaiyah talks about navigating her career and the challenges of investing in community wealth. Rukaiyah shares her reflections on the unique history of Portland's Albina neighborhood, the effects of systemic racism, and the importance of building a beloved community. Emphasizing the contributions and resilience of Black women, the conversation explores the creation of the 1803 Fund, a venture designed to empower Black Portlanders through strategic investment, advocacy, and inclusive planning. They also discuss the personal sacrifices and triumphs involved in leading such an initiative, underscoring the significance of collective achievement over individual success.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump Straight To:

(01:05.2) Introduction of Rukaiyah Adams, CEO of 1803 Fund.

(03:18.6)) Water In Motion: Rukaiyah discusses her love for Portland and how her family came to set roots in the city that, like water in motion, is always in motion.

(09:16.5) Rukaiyah discusses being an example of policy outcome and the excellent education she experience attending school in Portland’s Albina neighborhood.

(14:00.6) Money as a measure of energy: Rukaiyah explains the different forms of capital and how she strives to be the capitalist that teaches the next generations to convert creative or socia captial into financial capital for collective benefit.

(19:00.9) “Woe is me” vs. “whoa, it’s me.” Rukaiyah embraces her struggle and reflects on the heroism of Black women in the industry and the sacrifices they endure to reach career and life milestones.

(22:09.9) Rukaiyah explores the difference between working for freedom vs. working for liberation.

(37:09:9) We learn the origin story behind 1803 Fund.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Rukaiyah on LinkedIn
• Learn more about 1803 Fund through their website
• Learn about the history of Portland’s Albina neighborhood here.
• Learn more about Albina Vision Trust through their website.
• Watch Rukaiyah’s TEDx Talk “A Love Letter to Portland.”
• Watch Rukaiyah’s TEDx Talk “Homegirls’ Guide to Being Powerful”
• Explore the Alvin Ailey Dance theatre Rukaiyah references here.

Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, we welcome Frankie Miranda, the first openly gay President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. During Frankie’s tenure at the Hispanic Federation, he has expanded operations to several states and Puerto Rico, launched disaster relief projects after Hurricanes Maria and Irma, and established the ACT Initiative to support Latinx LGBTQ+ communities. He also oversees their annual gala, raising over $3 million each year. Previously, he held senior roles at New York Univision TV stations and worked on several political campaigns. Frankie serves on the New York State MTA Board, Comcast's Corporate DEI Advisory Council, and is a trustee of Fundación Banco Popular.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Frankie Miranda as he shares his personal and professional journey. Raised in a small town in Puerto Rico and educated at NYU, Frankie reflects on his upbringing, his family's sacrifices, and his experiences with his queer identity, and how these have shaped his work at the Hispanic Federation.

Tune in to hear about the importance of culturally competent voter outreach and the vital role of grassroots organizations in supporting Latinx communities. Frankie's story of perseverance, human rights advocacy, and his vision for an inclusive America underscore this insightful discussion.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump straight into:

(00:22.1) Introduction of Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation.

(01:54.2) Frankie starts the conversation with an invocation in Spanish and English.

(04:03.0) Frankie takes us back to his humble beginnings in a small mountain town in Puerto Rico.

(10:21.8) From Puerto Rico to New York: how Frankie’s background in theatre led him to one of the best theatre programs in the nation, NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.

(15:50.7) Post-grad life: the year is 1998 and Frankie lands a position as Production Coordinator for the Hispanic Federation where his queer identity is embraced and utilized to support their AIDS prevention and education program.

(17:13.2) Frankie delves into the deportation of his life partner and how the Hispanic Federation encouraged him to fight back, leading him to the Supreme Court.

(21:35.9) Frankie and Darren discuss the importance of mentorship in bringing about impactful change for generations to come

(26:32.3) Frankie discusses beauty in the complexity of Hispanic cultures and identities and how embracing those differences helps the organization promote civic engagement within the Latinx community.

Episode Resources:

• Connect with Frankie on LinkedIn.
• Learn more about Hispanic Federation at their website.
• Learn more about United States vs. Windsor here.

Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, Nithin Iyengar, Partner at Bridgespan and head of the San Francisco office, sits down with longtime friend, Liz Thompson, the President, Co-founder, and CEO of The Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education Group (The CAFE Group), which supports leaders of color through financial and programmatic aid. The CAFE Group aims to create a pathway from college intern to established leader, leveraging community genius to drive systemic change.

Liz's nonprofit career began in 1993 as the founding Executive Director of City Year Chicago, influencing the AmeriCorps Program's development. She later expanded the Early Head Start program at Family Star Montessori School in Denver as its Executive Director. Before her nonprofit work, Liz had a successful decade-long career with Ameritech Corporation.

In this intimate conversation, Liz Thompson discusses her journey from growing up in Cabrini Green to becoming a transformative figure in philanthropy. Liz and Nithin explore themes of radical love, leadership, and service. Liz shares her experiences with challenging philanthropic relationships, her dedication to supporting Black educational visionaries who she likes to call Luminaries, and the founding of the CAFE Group. She guides us through the significance of authentic relationships, collective action, and the joy of giving. Liz reflects on her mentors, the future of education, and the emotional weight of her work before giving insights on self-care, the essence of freedom, and the power of love in her life and work.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump Straight Into:

(1:14:3) Introduction of Liz Thompson, CEO of CAFE Group

(4:52:2) Liz reflects on growing up in her beloved Cabrini Green community in Chicago.

(11:28:9) Liz shares the origin story of how she Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education with her husband.

(12:58:7) We explore the inspiration behind the origins of the 1954 Project.

(16:59:5) Liz and Nithin discuss creating strategy that changes the philanthropic landscape.

(27:30:6) Liz paints a picture of how she imagines the future of education.

Episode Resources

• Connect with Liz on LinkedIn here
• Learn more about CAFE Group here.
• Learn more about the 1954 Project here and read Bridgespan’s case study about it here.

Listen to the Dreaming In Color Spotify Playlist here.

Welcome to Dreaming in Color, a show hosted by Darren Isom, a partner with The Bridgespan Group, that provides a space for social change leaders of color to reflect on how their life experiences, personal and professional, have prepared them to lead and drive the impact we all seek.

In this episode, we welcome Erika Alexander, an actress known for iconic roles like Maxine Shaw in Living Single, Detective Latoya in Get Out, Cousin Pam in The Cosby Show and many others. Outside of acting, Erika wears many hats including activist, entrepreneur, creator, producer, and director.

In 2017 Erika founded Color Farm Media, a media company dedicated to building an ecosystem that fosters greater equity, inclusion, and diversity in media and that empowers and elevates voices who are underrepresented, overlooked, and undervalued. Some of Color Farm’s social impact films include John Lewis: Good Trouble and The Big Payback, about the reparations movement.

Join this conversation as Darren and Erika discuss the significance of her iconic character Maxine Shaw from Living Single and how that led to the so-called “Maxine Shaw Effect” which inspired many young women to pursue careers in leadership and law.

Listen as we explore the intersection of storytelling and electoral politics and examine how narratives shape public perception and policy reinforcing the need for philanthropy and the social sector to support storytellers and create spaces for diverse narratives to thrive.

This is Dreaming In Color.

Jump straight into:

(00:25.7) Introducing Erika Alexander: Actress, Producer, Director, and Founder of Color Farm Media.

(03:36.4) Erika’s early beginnings in the Southwest.

(05:25.9) We explore the early ideas of futurism spreading through the words of pastors, clergy & teachers.

(06:08.5) The Maxine Shaw Effect - how Erika’s portrayal of Maxine Shaw inspired leaders like Stacey Abrams, Ayanna Pressley, and Mayor de Blasio

(9:58.1) American Fiction and creating complex narratives for Black characters in media.

(12:14.6) Erika delves into the work of ColorFarm Media.

(13:48.8) We dive into the influence of storytelling in politics and Erika’s work on Capitol Hill.

(18:33.5) Architecting the third reconstruction: building new narratives and shedding old ones.

(20:46.4) Building a society around the sustainability of storytellers.

(22:27.6) Fusion politics, people being oppressed simultaneously and how we have the power to retell stories of the past through a different lens.

(23:16.5) Erika references the dark underbelly of the silent investors in media.

(25:36.7) Going within, how coping mechanisms turned darkness into light, into Black Futurism.

Episode Resources

• Keep up with Erika on Twitter, Instagram, & Facebook
• Learn more about Erika through her website
• Learn more about Color Farm Media at their website
• Listen to Erika’s podcast “Reparations: The Big Payback” on Apple Podcasts