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 information
Foundation: spmcf.org
— Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundation
More 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 Agbaje
Paul Wellstone
Trista Harris
Rena Moran
Senator Bobby Joe Champion
V3 Sports
Ascension Church
General Mills
Jim Wallace
Governor 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/2BqlKM3
https://www.drtonyajackmanhampton.com/
IG @drtonyajackmanhampton_author
https://conversationswithchanda.com/
IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda
Chief Medaria Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief and author of "Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd," reveals the raw, unfiltered story of leadership during America's most pivotal racial moment. Hear how one man's unwavering commitment to truth transformed policing, challenged systemic racism, and chose humanity over institutional silence.
To Pre-Order Book: Out on May 13th!
Chief Rondo: Securing Justice for the Murder of George Floyd
https://conversationswithchanda.com/
IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda