In this first episode, Mia is joined by one of the podcast producers, Alysia Tate, to explain the intention behind this season, how we chose episode topics and guests, and why justice and equity work matters in every area of life (no matter your career choice).

Alysia interviews Mia and also shares how she now applies the concept of shared power within the Montessori classroom. 

“There is no limit to power: The world is better when we ALL have power… and we have to recognize this, even if society doesn’t.” - Lisa Marie Pickens

Why do so many DEI initiatives fall short? What does shared power look like in organizations, even the homogenous ones? Can a shared power analysis reframe and expand DEI work? 

These are the questions Mia explores in this episode with Nonprofit Consultant, Lisa Marie Pickens. 

Mia and Lisa Marie discuss the problems with general DEI initiatives, the day-to-day practicing of shared power through collaborative learning and modeling, why Shared Power is for EVERYONE in your organization, and how to sustain this internal shift long-term.

Plus, Lisa Marie shares some inspirational examples of nonprofits that have completely transformed their understanding and practice of DEI work to embrace Shared Power.

“Starting with a relationship instead of starting with a project is foundational, because relationships will continue even as projects and organizations close or change.” -Yashna Padamsee

How do we fulfill our organization’s mission without sacrificing its people?  And how do we support our people without sacrificing our mission? 

For this episode, Mia is joined by Yashna Padamsee, a consultant with over 17 years serving social movements, to talk about the importance of sharing our origin stories when working together in organizations and collectives.

Yashna and Mia discuss what it means to share our origin stories, how sharing stories fosters trust within an organization, why it’s important to prioritize relationships (even given the urgency of crisis work), plus the real cost of not prioritizing stories and relationships.