In this episode of 'The Shift,' host Mark Travis Rivera shares a heartfelt conversation with Gabrielle Claiborne, co-founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide. They discuss the importance of storytelling in fostering understanding and connection, the challenges faced by the transgender community, and the power of authenticity and joy in the face of adversity. Gabrielle shares her insights on resistance, resilience, and the need for deeper connections in a divisive world, emphasizing that true allyship comes from a place of understanding and compassion.
Guest Bio:
Gabrielle Claiborne is Co-founder and CEO of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, an inclusion training and consulting firm with a transgender and gender expansive focus. Her award-winning and certified LGBT business enterprise consultancy helps cutting-edge organizations create fully trans-inclusive workplace cultures. Some of her clients include Home Depot, UPS, Mercedes-Benz, Bank of America, Royal Bank of Canada, Comcast, The Grammys, Microsoft, HubSpot, Delta Air Lines, Papa John’s, the Centers for Disease Control, and more. She has served or currently serves as Co-Chair of the National LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce’s TGX Initiative, as Co-Chair of the Trans Affairs Committee on the City of Atlanta’s LGBTQ Mayoral Advisory Council, as Secretary of the Out Georgia Business Alliance and as Chair of their TGX360 Workplace and Entrepreneurship Initiative and as Chair of the International LGBTQ+ Travel (IGLTA) Foundation’s Gender Diverse travel Advisory Group. In 2020, she published her memoir-meets-self-help book Embrace Your Truth: A Journey of Authenticity. In 2019, the Atlanta Business Chronicle acknowledged her as their Diversity & Inclusion “Outstanding Voice” Award recipient, and she delivered a TEDx talk for Centennial Park Women TEDx. In 2018, Gabrielle received the Georgia Small Business Administration’s LGBT Small Business Champion Award in recognition of her efforts in advancing LGBT business ownership. In 2015, Gabrielle was chosen as Atlanta’s Best Trans Activist, and her work has been featured in Forbes and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
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In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Maria D. Flowers about the themes of resistance and resilience in today's challenging socio-political landscape. They explore the importance of authenticity, the implications of reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare, and the interconnectedness of health equity and democracy. Dr. Flowers shares her insights on the current state of democracy, the urgency of collective action, and the impact of apathy in the face of systemic oppression. In this conversation, Dr. Flowers and Mark delve into the complexities of workplace trauma, its effects on mental health, and the importance of resilience. They discuss the evolution of workplace dynamics, the necessity of recognizing toxic environments, and the journey towards personal growth and advocacy in health equity. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the significance of understanding one's worth and the power of forgiveness in overcoming past traumas.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Maria D. Flowers writes, speaks, trains, and consults on health equity, patient safety, and social determinants. She is the CEO of Maria D. Flowers & Associates Consulting and the founder of Safer Healthcare For All, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the patient's voice for safe and equitable healthcare. Maria earned a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Southern California and has over twenty years of experience in healthcare administration. For inquiries, please contact info@mariadflowers.com.
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In this episode of Shift Stories, host Mark Travis Rivera welcomes back Araya Baker for a deeper dive into their shared experiences and insights on social justice, mental health, and the current political climate. They discuss the legacy of slavery, the impact of history on present-day issues, and the importance of collective resistance against systemic injustices. Araya shares their personal journey and how their background informs their advocacy work, while Mark emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in the face of political challenges. In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Araya Baker explore the complexities of activism, individualism, and the historical context of civil rights movements. They discuss the importance of collective responsibility, personal growth, and resilience in the face of societal challenges. The dialogue also emphasizes mental health strategies during crises and the role of joy as a form of resistance. Additionally, they highlight the power of storytelling in activism and the need for accessible communication to engage a broader audience.
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Show Notes:
In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Yolany Gonell explore themes of resilience and resistance through personal stories and professional experiences in higher education as first-generation college graduates. They discuss the importance of mentorship, allyship, and cultural connections in navigating systemic challenges. Their conversation emphasizes the need for equity in education and the role of individuals in creating positive change within their communities. Yolany shares her journey as a first-generation Latina and a veteran, highlighting the significance of breaking cycles and fostering belonging for students from diverse backgrounds.
Takeaways
Guest Bio:
Yolany Gonell (she/her) is a first-generation college graduate, a US veteran, and has over 21 years of progressive experience in higher education, providing guidance and strategic direction to advance belonging and close equity gaps. Her work spans student development, transition programs, career readiness, and residential life, working collaboratively with partners across the university to examine policies and practices, expand resources, and develop data-driven strategic plans that support the retention and persistence of all students. In addition to her work in higher ed, Yolany serves on the advisory board for organizations supporting and strengthening LGBTQ communities through direct service and action.
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In this heartfelt episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera sits down with Dr. Anne Huang, Executive Director of World Arts West, for a profoundly moving conversation about identity, ancestry, and the healing power of the arts.
Together, they explore how storytelling becomes a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities. Dr. Huang reflects on her Taiwanese heritage and how it roots her daily life and leadership. From her early days as a dentist to becoming a passionate advocate for immigrant artists, Dr. Huang shares a remarkable journey of transformation—one that speaks to the courage it takes to shift paths and honor one’s calling.
Listeners will hear about the resilience of artists navigating uncertainty, the critical need for cultural representation, and the arts as a vehicle for social justice and community healing. With grace and insight, Dr. Huang offers a unique lens into what it means to be both an artist and a leader—especially in a time that demands empathy, cultural fluency, and bold imagination.
Whether you're an artist, an advocate, or someone searching for connection in today’s fragmented world, this episode will leave you inspired by the quiet power of being your whole self.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Anne Huang is the Executive Director of World Arts West, a 47-year-old arts organization that serves the largest world dance network in the US through artist services, performance presentations, and collective advocacy. In 2019, she was appointed as the first person color and cultural artist to lead World Arts West. Under Dr. Huang’s leadership, World Arts West greatly expanded the accessibility and reach of the World Arts West Dance Festival, launched its first grantmaking initiative, and instituted pioneering programs such as the Arts Equity Research Project, and Grants Accelerator Program, an one-of-kind program that helps cultural artists access grants funding. As a thought leader with deep knowledge of challenges and solutions for cultural artists in the 21st century, Dr. Huang is a sought after consultant for culturally-specific capacity building methodology and resource equity in philanthropy. She has been a National Association of Latino Arts & Culture Advocacy Leadership Fellow, and Greater Bay Area Arts Coalition Organizing Fellow. Dr. Huang has served in leadership roles for Dance/USA Board of Trustees, Greater Bay Arts Coalition, and New York Foundation Immigrant Artist Program.
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In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera engages in a powerful and heartfelt conversation with Joél Leon, acclaimed poet, cultural critic, and author of Everything and Nothing at Once: A Black Man’s Reimagined Soundtrack for the Future.
Together, they explore themes of resistance and resilience, as well as the vital role of storytelling in cultivating understanding and building community. Joél shares personal reflections on fatherhood, masculinity, and the challenges of body image as a Black man. He also discusses the importance of expanding our frameworks of care and accountability, particularly by learning from other communities—such as the queer community.
Throughout the episode, Joél pays homage to the legacy and influence of brilliant artists, writers, and activists such as Sonia Sanchez, Toni Morrison, Cherrell Brown, and Dr. Jenn Jackson. His insights illuminate the intersections of classism, racism, and vulnerability, underscoring the need for grace and safe spaces for men to engage in their healing work.
This is more than a conversation—it’s a blueprint for reimagining masculinity and our future.
Guest Bio:
Joél Leon, author of the 2025 Gotham Book Prize nominated “Everything and Nothing At Once: A Black Man's Reimagined Soundtrack For the Future” is a Bronx-born girl dad, poet, performer and cultural critic who writes and tells stories for Black people. His TED talk on co-parenting has over 1.6M views, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, People, The Boston Globe, ABC NEWS, TED, EBONY, Okayplayer, Pop Sugar, The Root, Newsweek, Forbes and others. He is a Creative Collective NYC Creative Class alumni, winner of the BCA Bronx Recognizes Its Own Award in Poetry, member of the Top 50 Waymaker Class of 2025 and author "Things I will Tell My Daughter", and "God Wears Durags, Too" (Bottlecap Press). He is currently a Creative Director at the New York Times' T Brand Studios. His latest book, the Holt/Macmillian essay collection, “Everything and Nothing At Once: A Black Man’s Reimagined Soundtrack For the Future” is nominated for the 2025 Gotham Book Prize. Joél is repped by Folio Literary.
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In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera talks with Dr. Lakeya Cherry, an executive leadership coach and entrepreneur, about owning our stories. Our stories are perhaps the keys that unlock many of our life choices and unlock much of this conversation—showing up as our whole selves gives us the courage to imagine changing careers or pursuing entrepreneurship. Dr. Cherry addresses the unique challenges women of color face in building a business and highlights the spaces we create when we live in our truth. Although flexibility can bring challenges, this conversation, paraphrasing Dr. Cherry’s words, shows that obstacles are the mountains we climb and conquer. The peaks and valleys come with different points of view. We must be honest about the hike endured to live the lives we desire, especially within this political climate of pursuing entrepreneurship. Talks like these are why authenticity matters in leadership and why our morals should never be absent. Despite what is popular, inclusivity is not a fad; it's an intrinsic and extrinsic belief that accentuates resilience, resistance, and connection to all people.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW, PCC, is the CEO/Founder of Lakeya Cherry LLC, a Partner at Evolution, and an executive leadership coach who has dedicated her career to the growth and development of individuals and their organizations. As an ICF Certified Coach, a StartingBloc Fellow, a Rmrkblty #IAmRemarkable Facilitator, and a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, she believes that when leaders are empowered to reach their fullest potential, they will be able to support those around them more effectively. Her experience with coaching ignited her passion for supporting individuals, teams, and organizations to lead more authentically and courageously. Her former clients include Glassdoor, LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI), Snap, Cisco, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP), The Trust powered by the NFL Players Association, The Gates Foundation, Chicago Foundation for Women, Seattle Children’s Hospital, UCSD Palliative Care, Black Administrators of Child Welfare, and the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute amongst many others. Dr. Cherry is the former Chief Executive Officer of The Network for Social Work Management, an international organization dedicated to strengthening and mobilizing diverse social impact leaders through education, leadership development, networking, and community-building. Under her leadership, the Network has expanded globally and introduced transformative programming that produced better leaders and enhanced organizational cultures. She also serves as a Commissioner on San Diego’s Commission on the Status of Women, which helps to address the needs of San Diego women in their social, economic, and vocational pursuits. Her approach is informed by her Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Southern California, where she was honored with the coveted Order of Arête award, her M.S. in Social Work from Columbia University, and her B.A. in Psychology and Legal Studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz. Additional qualifications: iEQ9 Enneagram, Team Coaching, Psychological Safety, EQi 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, Diversity and Inclusion and Women's Entrepreneurship certification (eCornell), and Nonprofit Executive Leadership certificate (National Human Services Assembly).
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In this episode, Mark Travis Rivera welcomes author and CEO of The Memo, LLC, Minda Harts, to have a conversation emphasizing storytelling's power in bridging divides and fostering understanding among differing perspectives. Together, Mark and Minda explored themes of self-awareness, trust, identity, and resilience in the context of personal and professional growth. They discuss the importance of making decisions that enhance trust within communities, navigating the complexities of identity in political discourse, and the challenges women of color face in entrepreneurship. They remind us that self-reflection, community support, and acknowledging past mistakes are essential to building a more inclusive and trusting society.
Guest Bio:
As a highly sought-after speaker, Minda delivers transformative talks on self-advocacy, trust, and courageous leadership. She has presented at major conferences and worked with Fortune 100 and 500 companies to create empowering workplace cultures. Minda is an assistant professor of public service at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the founder of The Memo LLC, a career development company. Her forthcoming book, Talk To Me Nice, focuses on restoring trust in the workplace, a critical issue in today’s evolving work environment. Recognized for her impact, Minda was named LinkedIn’s #1 Top Voice in the Workplace in 2020 and one of Business Insider’s Top 100 People Transforming Business in 2022. She also hosts Secure the Seat, a weekly career podcast offering practical advice and inspiration for professionals navigating their careers.
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In this episode of The Shift, Mark Travis Rivera engages in a heartfelt conversation with Obella Obbo, a DEI specialist and licensed therapist, he is also the CEO of The Radical Empath, LLC. They explore themes of resistance and resilience, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of mental health. Obella shares his journey as a radical empath, emphasizing the need for self-love and community support. The conversation also touches on the significance of storytelling in navigating personal and societal challenges.
Guest Bio:
Obella Obbo (he/him) is a DEI specialist, licensed therapist, and creative artist who loves to talk about identity, cultivate growth environments, and strategize on how to turn compassion into action. As The Radical Empath, Obella aims to use his years of experience and his lens as a Black, queer, second-generation Ugandan-American man to decolonize toxic belief systems and reframe them to empower folks to be the most authentic versions of themselves, and create an accepting community of healing.
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In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera speaks with Araya Baker, a counselor and advocate for social justice. They explore themes of identity, care, and the importance of lineage in shaping personal and collective resilience. Araya shares insights on the significance of representation in media, the challenges of being a writer in the face of criticism, and the necessity of asking for help in times of despair. The discussion highlights the power of storytelling in creating an inclusive world and the role of community in supporting one another. In this conversation, the speakers explore themes of shame, community support, and the power of writing as a healing tool. They discuss the importance of understanding inter-community conflicts within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly regarding trans and non-binary individuals. The conversation also delves into the intersection of gender and sexuality, the violence faced by marginalized groups, and the need for authenticity and solidarity in advocacy efforts. The speakers emphasize the importance of culturally competent care and the role of storytelling in fostering empathy and understanding.
Guest Bio:
Araya Baker is a counselor, suicidologist, and policy analyst. For over a decade, Araya Baker [they/them/their(s)] has contributed to social justice and human rights movements, primarily by lending support to people-over-profit-oriented artist coalitions, faith communities, political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, research centers, think tanks, and public school systems. Araya’s advocacy and public scholarship have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Education Post, Vice, Buzzfeed, and The Tennessean, among other outlets. Essence Magazine, Native Son Now, and The Mighty have also recognized Baker’s activism. Baker’s mental health advocacy, in particular, has included collaborations with The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, The Trevor Project, and Mental Health America, as well as public schools, public health organizations, historic Black civic organizations, and intersectional LGBTQ and feminist cultural centers. Baker holds a master's in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where they received the Award for Excellence in Promoting Diversity & Inclusion, and a master's in Human Development & Psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where they served as an Equity & Inclusion Fellow.
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In this episode of The Shift, host Mark Travis Rivera has a profound conversation with Sarah Phelps, an advocate and community educator. They explore themes of resilience and resistance, particularly in the context of marginalized communities and women's rights. The discussion delves into the complexities of privilege, the political climate affecting women's rights, and the role of white women in social justice movements. Sarah shares her experiences and insights on the importance of community and the need for awareness in the face of systemic oppression. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by various communities and the necessity of allyship and understanding in the fight for equality.
Guest Bio:
As an advocate, speaker and community educator, Sarah Phelps brings a unique approach to understanding and belonging for marginalized communities. She helps organizations combine principles of wellbeing, justice and innovation in program development, training and facilitation, and leadership coaching. With degrees in history and international relations and over 20 years of non-profit and corporate experience, she has a strategic and creative approach to programming and thought leadership. She centers community care and universal thriving in her work and is passionate about helping all people gain understanding and empowerment. Sarah is adept at empathetic and agile adaptation of messages to her audience and has spoken at a wide variety of venues such as police departments, diversity conferences, social service providers, annual stakeholder meetings and executive roundtables. She is also a diversity conference planner, founder of the Emerging Speakers Institute, facilitator for Inclusive Communities, and is honored to serve as the Board President of Umbrella US, providing resources and coaching for neurodivergent adults nationwide. In her free time, Sarah gardens, enjoys great design, and reads voraciously (150+ books per year, 5-9 newspapers per day).
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In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Paulaska Ramirez explore themes of resistance and resilience, sharing personal stories and insights on the impact of current societal issues on future generations. They discuss the importance of community, education, and advocacy in fostering empowerment and navigating challenges while reflecting on the need for collective action in the face of adversity. In this conversation, Paulaska Ramirez and Mark Travis Rivera explore the themes of privilege, community support, self-doubt, and the power of storytelling. They discuss how understanding one's positionality and embracing intersectionality can empower individuals to overcome challenges and create transformative change in their communities. The importance of having a supportive tribe and the impact of collective storytelling are emphasized as essential elements in fostering resilience and authenticity.
Guest Bio:
Paulaska Ramirez is a dynamic speaker, educator, and advocate with over a decade of experience in higher education, leadership development, and organizational transformation. As the founder of Generation Fearless and Fearless Impact Collective LLC, she empowers first-generation individuals, women of color, college students, and professionals to navigate new spaces with confidence and purpose. Through her work in higher education and consulting, Paulaska specializes in leadership development, professional growth, and cross-cultural and generational communication. She partners with individuals, groups, and organizations to foster resilience, amplify voices, and drive sustainable impact. She is a passionate mentor and facilitator committed to advancing equity, access, and transformational change across communities and industries.
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In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and DoctorJonPaul explore themes of identity, resistance, resilience, and self-love. They discuss the complexities of navigating capitalism, the importance of storytelling, and the need for authenticity in a world that often marginalizes diverse voices. DoctorJonPaul shares personal experiences and insights on embracing one's identity and the power of community in fostering self-acceptance and love.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins (DoctorJonPaul) is an award-winning educator, professor, national speaker, freelance journalist, thought leader, and media critic who examines the intersections of identity, gender, and race in entertainment. Named National Black Justice Coalition's Inaugural Emerging Leaders to Watch and Business Equality Magazine's "Top 40 LGBTQ People Under 40", their work has been featured on sites like Essence, Ebony, Complex, MTV NEWS, Out Magazine, BET & Entertainment Weekly. A Culture Strike 2021 Disruptor, Black Boy/Girl Writes Fellow, and Twitter Spaces Spark Creator, DoctorJonPaul is a trailblazer creating, sharing, and crafting the stories their ancestors didn't get to tell.
Dr. Higgins is the inaugural Director of Strategic Media & Advocacy for Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance and has held positions at Chernin Entertainment and Edith Productions. They have consulted with multiple brands on inclusion projects, including United Artists, Amazon Prime, Fox, the NFL, Apple, Disney, Instagram, Buzzfeed, G.L.A.A.D., and, most recently, Ulta Beauty.
They are the creator, executive producer, and host of the "Black Fat Femme Podcast," which was developed via IHeartMedia's Next Up Initiative in 2021. The podcast has gone on to be named one of the "top Black podcasts to listen to" by both Ebony and Pride Magazine and was named a Webby Honoree, along with a Shorty Award win for best Lifestyle & Entertainment podcast. Currently, they are working on their first book, Black Fat Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself, acquired by Wiley Global and slated for release in March of 2025.
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DoctorJonPaul's BFF: Black Fat Femme Podcast
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Show Notes:
In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Amber Cabral explore the themes of resistance and resilience, the importance of human connection, and the evolving landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work. They discuss the significance of being authentic and intentional in their efforts to create a more inclusive world while also addressing the challenges faced in the current socio-political climate. Amber shares her insights on 'humaning well' and the need for individuals to prioritize their well-being to support others effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of storytelling and personal impact in fostering community and understanding. In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Amber Cabral explore the complexities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-care, team dynamics, and the pursuit of joy amidst uncertainty. They discuss the challenges leaders face, the necessity of prioritizing mental health, and the impact of personal choices on society. The conversation highlights the significance of being present and intentional in personal and professional realms, advocating for a holistic approach to leadership and life.
Guest Bio:
Amber Cabral believes knowledge is one effective way to level the playing field, so she strives to be generous and useful in sharing what she has learned and creating spaces for others to do the same. Writing, speaking, and teaching have proven valuable platforms to connect with thousands of professionals, college students, athletes, and coaches. Her books Allies and Advocates (Wiley, 2020) and Say More About That (Wiley, 2022) are just one set of tools she has been able to share with others. She is known for relating to readers and event participants through compelling stories, interactive facilitation, and simple, practical approaches. Her communication style is genuine and inviting, allowing her to respectfully engage and educate various audiences, from students to executives. She is also the host of the Human(ing) Well podcast, available wherever you stream your podcast.
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In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and Yolo Akili Robinson explore the themes of resistance and resilience in the context of personal and professional lives. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the toll of being in a constant state of resilience on mental health, and the need for spaces to process grief and emotions. Yolo shares insights from his work with BEAM, emphasizing the significance of community support and advocating for Black mental health. In this conversation, Yolo discusses the profound impact of community activists and writers like Joseph Beam, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Esther Perel, and Tarana Burke on his understanding of leadership and community. He emphasizes the importance of sharing queer perspectives, particularly for people of color, and the need to interrogate male privilege within Black gay communities. Yolo also shares his vision of passing the baton to future generations, ensuring that the next generation is ready to continue to do the work.
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In this episode of The Shift, Mark Travis Rivera and Yvonne Alston delve into themes of resilience and the importance of understanding our shared humanity amidst political and social divides. They explore the nuances of resistance and resilience, the impact of apathy on society, and the necessity of maintaining dignity and integrity in conversations with those with differing views. The discussion emphasizes the need for awareness and empathy in navigating complex social issues, particularly in today's polarized climate. In this conversation, Yvonne Alston and Mark Travis Rivera explore the complexities of navigating relationships in digital and real-world spaces, emphasizing the importance of understanding lived experiences and the nuances of identity. They discuss the dangers of cancel culture, the impact of social media on society, and the need for resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, they advocate for valuing humanity beyond disagreements and recognizing the shared experiences that connect us all.
Guest Bio:
An architect of inclusive excellence, Yvonne Alston is a visionary leader and the driving force behind Indelible Impressions Consulting, a firm committed to developing inclusive organizational cultures and transformative leaders.
Yvonne designed Indelible to advance important competencies that help individuals, groups, and organizations understand the importance of identity and culture, and their impact on the human experience. With a diverse team of consultants who possess an unwavering commitment to authenticity and empathy, Indelible empowers organizations to build robust, people-centric environments that catalyze innovation and propel employee and organizational success. The firm offers its clients comprehensive strategies that drive systemic change through tailored programming. These strategies impact every organizational tier while amplifying the unique experiences, knowledge, and skills that each individual brings to the workplace.
Indelible supports federal, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations and university system clients with:
Capacity Building
Cultural Learning & Development
Leadership Development
Critical Community Conversations
Partnering with Indelible, organizations don't just adapt to change—they become the catalysts for it. Its work goes beyond traditional consulting, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of corporate culture and paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and successful future for businesses and their people alike.
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License code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVU
About The Series:
The Shift began as a LinkedIn Live Audio Series in 2023. In 2025, after the 2024 election results, Mark decided to refocus the series on the themes of resistance and resilience and turn It into a multi-platform series.
Show Notes:
In this conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and John Graham, Jr. discuss the purpose of The Shift series and delve into the concepts of resistance and resilience. They explore the significant role of Black women in democracy and the intersectionality of race and gender in political dynamics, emphasizing the need for community and collaboration in addressing societal issues. In this engaging conversation, Mark Travis Rivera and John Graham, Jr. explore the importance of community and collective identity among marginalized groups, the challenges of navigating resistance and rest in activism, the complexities of power dynamics, and the impact of economics on human rights. They emphasize the need for inquiry and better questions to shift societal perspectives and foster understanding.
Guest Bio:
Husband, father, friend, author, humanity practitioner, and disruptor of the status quo. John Graham, Jr. connects the dots between history and the modern-day lived experiences of the historically underestimated through his book, "Plantation Theory: The Black Professional's Struggle Between Freedom & Security." Featured in some well-known publications and credentialed by some well-known institutions, what's most important is his belief in the potential of humanity when human nature gets out of the way. He is the VP of Employer Brand, Humanity & Culture at Shaker Recruitment Marketing.
Connect with Mark and his Guests:
Questions or Comments?
Email us at Hello@MarkTravisRivera.com.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
License code: HH1UUNHIRJ7LUSVU
