The Social Change Diaries
The Social Change Diaries, hosted by Vanessa Wakeman, explores the stories and strategies shaping today's social change sector. It features thought leaders, researchers, and disruptors discussing narrative, communications for social change, and how language informs behavior and society. The podcast tackles urgent questions relevant to nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, socially responsible executives, and changemakers. It offers timely insights and inspiration for those working toward social impact.
Episodes
Glen Galaich from Stupski Foundation on Breaking Fake Rules
In this episode of the Social Change Diaries podcast, Glen Galaich, CEO of Stupski Foundation challenges us to reimagine philanthropy's role in protecting our democracy by breaking the fake rules that preserve a system, but not the people it was designed to serve. Glen shares details of Stupski's spend-down, what he and his team envision for philanthropy, and all of the ways fake rules are getting
Richard Tate, President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation on Building the Power to Be Well
Righting and Writing History: Episode 8, Vanessa is joined by Richard Tate, President and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation. Together, they explore why philanthropy must mobilize more than money, the role of voice, influence, and community power in advancing social change, and what it means to build the power to be well. They also discuss the importance of creating space not only to addres
Angelique Power, President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation on Foundations as the Connective Tissue
Righting and Writing History: On Episode 7, Vanessa is joined by Angelique Power, President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation. Together they discuss the four pillars of community change, the role of foundations to serve as connective tissue for the future-building youth who are driving change in Detroit, why public schools should be at the center of policy change, and the strength that comes from D
Jen Ford Reedy of Bush Foundation on New Philanthropic Narratives
Righting and Writing History: Episode 6 Vanessa is joined by Jen Ford Reedy, President of the Bush Foundation. In conversation, they explore the importance of long-term thinking, strategic communications understood as programs work, and the way that multiple narratives enrich our understanding of our democracy.
Stephen Heintz of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund on A Fourth Democratic Founding, for Our Country's Future
What can philanthropy do to bolster the power of people to participate in our government for the people and by the people? What role has the information environment played in the deterioration of our democratic guardrails? What can we learn from periods like this before, or elsewhere, to map out how we can build a stronger democracy and economy that simultaneously advances human well-being? This
Keenya Lambert from Chicago Foundation for Women on Movement Building is Long Term
Righting and Writing History: Episode 4, Vanessa is joined by Keenya Lambert, President and CEO at the Chicago Foundation for Women. Together they explore the incredible change that has been advanced to this moment through our democratic history, and what it will take to build the infrastructure for lasting change for women and gender expansive people.
Alesha Washington from Seattle Foundation on The Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity for Foundations
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Alesha Washington, President & CEO of the Seattle Foundation. At the foundation, Alesha leads efforts to inspire transformative philanthropy with the objective of fostering a joyful region of shared prosperity, belonging, and justice. With her leadership, the foundation has set a refreshed strategic direction, elevated its positioning on key issues like afford
Kevin Walker from Northwest Area Foundation, on Philanthropy's Commitment to Democracy
In this discussion, Vanessa sits down with Kevin Walker, President of Northwest Area Foundation, who leads efforts to advance racial, social, and economic justice across eight states and 76 Native nations, including a longstanding commitment to Native-led organizations. Their conversation explores lessons learned in periods of crisis, and how foundations can contribute to a strong democracy. Exami
Supriya Lopez Pillai from Libra Foundation, on Philanthropy's Role in Democracy
Vanessa kicks off season seven with Supriya Lopez Pillai, President of the Libra Foundation. As a philanthropic leader with nearly three decades in social movements and 20 years in institutional philanthropy, Supriya contributes to an inspiring discussion about how philanthropic leaders can meet the challenges we face today. Their conversation touches on the importance of reflection on the origin
Vanessa Wakeman & Camaro West do a Communications Pulse Check
In our final episode for season 6 of the Social Change Diaries Podcast, Communications Strategist and Wakeman Agency CEO, Vanessa Wakeman sits in the interviewee chair, sharing her latest insights. Joined by Camaro West, Executive Director of Peace is Loud, a nonprofit that uses the power of storytelling to advance gender justice, Vanessa dives into how nonprofits can surface narratives to prompt
Courtney Lewis from Institute for Nonprofit News, on Redefining Narrative Power
Listen in for a fantastic conversation on the growing field of nonprofit news and how this model transforms how stories are told, and information is shared in our society. In this episode of the Social Change Diaries podcast, Vanessa is joined by Courtney Lewis, Chief of Growth Programs at the Institute for Nonprofit News, an organization that works with over 500 nonprofit news organizations commi
Anat Shenker-Osorio, Founder of ASO Communications, on Bringing Narratives to Life
In our most recent episode, Vanessa dives into how to bring narratives to life, with our guest Anat Shenker-Osorio, Principal and Founder of ASO Communications. Their conversation examines how social change communicators can approach language, specifically when it is contested, and how to increase impact for meaningful and transformative change on social issues. See this episode on our website.
Amanda Zamora, Founder & Principal of Agencia Media, On The Power of Story
The Social Change Diaries podcast does it again—bringing you crucial conversations about what's driving today's social change communications landscape. In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Amanda Zamora, Founder & Principal of Agencia Media, a consultancy that partners with organizations to drive narrative change and civic engagement, especially with, and for, communities of color. Together, they
Bridgit Antoinette Evans, CEO of Pop Culture Collaborative, On Shaping The Narrative
In this episode of our newly launched Social Change Diaries Podcast, we dive into the question of how social change can use storytelling to change culture through narratives. The discussion features Bridgit Antoinette Evans, CEO of Pop Culture Collaborative, in conversation with Vanessa Wakeman, and explores the power of storytelling to tackle deeply held beliefs, language as a medium of cultural
Tracie Powell from The Pivot Fund, on Reimagining Story Power
In another engaging conversation, we tackle the question: What would narrative ecosystems look like if we could totally redesign who participates in crafting the story? In this important conversation, Vanessa is joined by Tracie Powell, CEO and Founder of The Pivot Fund, which works to shift power through equitable journalism funding by investing in independent community-led news organizations. Re
Dr. Safiya U. Noble, on Algorithms as Storytellers
Our first episode features the conversation between Vanessa and Dr. Safiya U. Noble, author of Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, as she shares the impact of algorithmic injustice and how it shapes storytelling.
NYCLU Executive Director, Donna Lieberman, on Civil Liberties and Our New Normal
At no point in recent history has civil rights been so loudly at the forefront of everyday life, in multiple ways. The tidal wave of shared trauma ushered in by the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent slew of racially motivated murders presents glaring questions and implications around civil rights and how this moment can be a springboard for true systemic change. As an expert in policies, laws and
Global Press Visionary, Cristi Hegranes, on the Need for Consequence Driven Reporting
In this episode, Global Press Founder, Cristi Hegranes, shines a powerful light on solutions to institutional, ingrained problems that underly today's news media. She outlines key differences between action driven reporting and its more informative, impactful alternative: consequence driven reporting. Learn why trained local journalists, equipped to provide precise narratives that accurately infor
Behind the Scenes of Corporate Giving: Insights from Salesforce Philanthropy VP, Becky Ferguson
How nonprofits can successfully and efficiently secure corporate giving is a more important issue than ever before. This conversation with Becky Ferguson, VP of Global Philanthropy for pioneering powerhouse, Salesforce, provides key insights and concrete information for nonprofits to consider when strategizing, securing and sustaining corporate partnerships.
Futurist Rohit Talwar on Thinking the Unthinkable and Reframing Positions of Power to Positions of Responsibility
We kick off our 5th season with Rohit Talwar, the CEO of Fast Future, a UK based research and insights business that specializes in the fields of futures and foresight. In this dialogue, Rohit and Vanessa discuss the implications of the groundbreaking events that have occurred in the first half of 2020. In Rohit's words: "This has been quite a good rehearsal for how we prepare better for the futur
GLAAD's Rich Ferraro on Celebrity Social Media Channels as Today's Most Trusted Media Outlet
Another must listen to episode from our Celebrity and Influencers season. For nonprofits looking to elevate their impact through communications and messaging, The Social Change Diaries provides a peek behind the curtain. In this episode, GLAAD's Chief Communications Officer, Rich Ferraro, shares "aha moments" and first hand experiences, including how GLAAD has evolved with the changing media lands
VICE's, Paola Ramos, on Why Everyday People are the True Influencers
Today's episode was recorded live at the 2019 Hispanics in Philanthropy conference in Washington D.C. In this dialogue, VICE Media's, Paola Ramos, shares unusual insights that elevate our conversations this season about celebrity and influencers. She asserts that the true influencers making an impact are everyday people. This perspective helps us consider where the opportunity is for nonprofits to
Color Of Change President, Rashad Robinson, on Presence Versus Power
At the helm of Color Of Change, the largest online racial justice organization in the country, Rashad Robinson's reach and influence is undeniable. In this episode of the Social Change Diaries, Rashad reveals the core structure that makes Color Of Change so powerful. He talks about leading the successful campaign against credit companies who accepted money from hate groups- an effort that catalyze
Jacqueline Saturn on How to Leverage Celebrity Musician Activism for Social Causes
When considering how to leverage celebrity voices to impact social causes, it's important to understand the landscape and culture of for profit companies and how best to approach them about the artists they represent. This episode features a key leader in today's music industry, Jacqueline Saturn, President of Caroline Music Distribution. Jacqueline shares insights that shed light on how nonprofit
Kimberly Peeler-Allen's Guide to How Nonprofits Can Engage Audiences to Create Change
To understand the true meaning of #FollowBlackWomen, tune into this interview with Higher Heights Co-Founder, Kimberly Peeler-Allen. Kimberly shares the roadmap of how she and her co-founder built a movement that yields power and influence in the political realm. This interview provides a step-by-step guide to help nonprofits engage audiences in creating change. The organization's ability to ampli
PETA Founder, Ingrid Newkirk, on Their Unprecedented Rise to Power and Influence
Vanessa thought it would be fitting to launch the new season on Celebrity and Influence, with Ingrid Newkirk, the President and Founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Long before she was doing work in the social change sector, Vanessa marveled at how influential PETA was and how effective their communications and marketing were. Over the years, PETA's influence has grown su
PR Legend, Patrice Tanaka, on Why Impactful Leadership and Living Your Life Purpose Go Hand in Hand
Serial Entrepreneur and PR legend, Patrice Tanaka, knows how to achieve the most impactful leadership style possible. In our final episode of our Leadership season, she shares how defining her life purpose and pursuing it with courage not only influenced the evolution of her leadership style, but how it's essential for all of us in order to become the best leaders possible in our work and lives ov
Jeremy Heimans on How New Power Catalyzes Deep Social Change Movements
We kick off 2019 with a quick sit down with Jeremy Heimans, Co-Founder & CEO of Purpose and author of New Power: How Power Works in Our Hyperconnected World--and How to Make It Work for You. We get his take on new power and it's potential as a catalyst for social movements. During the conversation, Jeremy cites examples of how new power is being leveraged in the world around us and it's powerful i
Legal Rebel, Janelle Orsi, Transforms the Way We Think About Leadership
In 2010, The American Bar Association named Janelle Orsi a Legal Rebel, for being an attorney who is remaking the legal profession through the power of innovation. We agree- Janelle is a rebel with a cause, transforming the way we think about leadership in this shifting economy. From participatory leadership to salary transparency, Janelle is leading by example to expand our definition of leadersh
How Climate Warrior Elizabeth Yeampierre Has Re-Written the Rules of Power
With the urgency and focus of a woman on a mission to save the planet, Elizabeth Yeampierre leads UPROSE with a fierce commitment to a "leaderful" leadership model, that distributes power to all. With an emphasis on intergenerational and intersectional leadership, Elizabeth has rewritten the rules of power and placed it in the hands of the most marginalized groups. In this interview, Elizabeth tal
Rusty Stahl's Radical Vision for a Transformed Nonprofit Workforce
The typical nonprofit playbook includes a scenario where an organization has constrained resources and overworked staff, with limited access to professional development opportunities. Rusty Stahl, CEO and Founder of Fund the People, is advocating for something radically different. In this episode of Social Change Diaries, Rusty makes the case for an industry wide overhaul of how we invest in the n
Stosh Cotler on the Jewish Community's Role in Progressive Social Change in the US
In this time of heightened social activism, Stosh Cotler sees tremendous opportunity and need for Bend the Arc, the National leading Jewish voice dedicated to mobilizing Jewish Americans to advocate for the nation's most vulnerable. In this episode, Stosh talks about impactful leadership, current day Jewish identity and social movements.
Trista Harris on How Futurism Holds the Keys to Deep Social Change
As a champion for nonprofits, Futurist and author, Trista Harris, helps organizations reimagine the future. In this conversation about leadership and philanthropy, Trista talks about the necessity for more organizations to embrace futurism as a way to solve social issues in the most impactful ways possible.
Sean Thomas-Breitfeld on the Uneven Playing Field of Nonprofit Leadership
They say what gets measured gets done. A conversation with Sean Thomas-Breitfeld of the Building Movement Project shines a spotlight on the racial leadership gap in the nonprofit sector, as well as some specific measurable actions that can create much needed change in the leadership ranks. In the interview, Sean not only shares the cold, hard facts, he also takes us through his experience of prese
Kashif Shaikh on Leadership that Reframes the Narrative Around Muslim-Americans
As a first-generation Muslim American, Kashif Shaikh sees the world through a lens that ensures American Muslims have access to all of the freedoms and opportunities this country offers. In a conversation about leadership, he shares his vision and the importance of developing leaders who can tell their stories to create change, shifting the current narrative around Muslim-Americans. In less than a
Philanthropy and White Supremacy: A Conversation with Pamela Shifman & Vanessa Daniel
Institutional philanthropy plays a pivotal role in advancing social change, but far too often these same organizations hinder progress through systematic white supremacy. Vanessa Daniel and Pamela Shifman highlight the challenges and opportunities to bring about equity in the sector. The conversation highlights the huge disparity in funding and support for organizations led by people of color, who
Tamir Novotny On Emerging Practitioners Changing the Philanthropy Landscape
No need to worry about passing the baton to the next generation of leaders in the philanthropy space. In this conversation with Tamir Novotny, Executive Director for Emerging Practitioners of Philanthropy, we learn about the vision of emerging leaders and how they want to show up in the world to create change. This isn't your father's leadership model. Learn why this generation is focused on equit
Ana Marie Argilagos on Philanthropy By, For and About Latino Communities
There are an estimated 55 million Hispanic people in the United States, comprising over 17% of the population. HIP President, Ana Marie Argilagos, is working to usher in a new generation of philanthropy that is for, by, and about the Latino community. Looking to fill the gap unmet by institutional philanthropy, Ana talks candidly about what philanthropy looks like for Latinos and the exciting oppo
Edgar Villanueva on Decolonizing Wealth in America
Through a fascinating look at the history of our country, Edgar Villanueva provides a powerful, insightful argument for us to evaluate institutional philanthropy today. He believes that the way forward is to "heal the pain of the past and restore balance to the land." Tune in to hear his powerful call-to-action to decolonize wealth in America.
Valaida Fullwood on the History of African Americans and Philanthropy
Contrary to popular belief, philanthropy has been a long standing tradition of the African American community. Valiada shares her insights about how African Americans give, why they give and what the future holds. Through interviews completed while researching for her book, Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists, she uncovered the spirit of generosity that has st
Dr. Jason Franklin on the Many Faces of Philanthropy
Philanthropist, Author and Researcher, Dr. Jason Franklin, talks about the role of philanthropy in transforming communities. As the first holder of the W. K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair, he is focused on reframing conversations and actions about how communities take care of the people that occupy them. From "outrage giving" to donating time, Jason talks about the many ways and reasons tha
Global Perspectives on the Fight for Women's Equality with UN Secretary General, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuk
In honor of Women's History Month, we talked all things women and girls with Under-Secretary-General of the UN and UN Women Executive Director, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. Looking at the world through the global lens on gender equality isn't for the faint of heart. The Secretary General offers inspiration and marching orders for our listeners. Enjoy! PS: Get ready for Social Change Diaries Season 2, d
Melissa Harris-Perry on the Power of Failure in Building Movements and Our Lives
If you've ever heard her speak or read her writing, you know that Melissa Harris-Perry is going to teach you something you didn't already know, while also sharing her powerful truth. In her interview on the Social Change Diaries, she does just that- with a no holds barred sit down with Vanessa.
Jacki Zehner's Bold Mission to Mobilize Unprecedented Resources for Women and Girls
Jacki Zehner is a community builder. Through Women Moving Millions, she, along with a group of 270 women, have provided more than 1 billion dollars in funding for the causes that impact women and girls around the world. As one of today's most influential voices on women, money and changing the world, Jacki reframes the notion of power to be inclusive, collaborative and empowering.
Abigail Disney: Film, Universal Languages of the Heart and Social Change
Some people believe that women were written out of history, but Abigail Disney believes that women were never written in. Through her films, she's on a quest to change that. Abigail's passion for storytelling, and for accurate representations of women in the quest for peace, has led her to understand what makes a woman courageous enough to share her truth, even in the most dangerous and politicall
Saru Jayaraman and Moral Jiu Jitsu as a Force for Change
Saru Jayaraman has been championing the rights of restaurant workers for more than a decade. Her activism and unapologetic pursuit for justice makes her a natural thought leader and visionary.
Rinku Sen's 360 View on Racism, Classism and Sexism
In this episode, Race Forward Senior Strategist, Rinku Sen, looks at the world through the eyes of an activist and journalist, sharing her observations and convictions about the challenges facing women of color, in advancing their respective agendas. As a racial justice expert, Rinku beautifully touches on the importance of support and what is needed for women to excel in leadership roles.
Strategist Erica Payne Is No Shrinking Violet
Strategist and storyteller Erica Payne is a fearless advocate for economic justice. Known to "poke the bear" as creator of some of the most powerful issue campaigns of the last decade, Erica has built a thought leadership platform that provides a trail of bread crumbs for how women can leverage their ideas and expertise to create meaningful change.
Reclaiming Your Voice with Marianne Schnall
Answering the question what will it take for women to occupy the spaces and places where we are normally silenced, Marianne Schnall shares her insights gathered from over two decades of progressive thought leadership on feminism. During her interview, she advocates for the reclamation of the term "power" and encourages women to consider how "power with" and "power to" can be used to spark change.
Ana Oliveira Explains Why Money Follows Leadership
We all have a unique contribution to make when we care about something and put our actions behind it. Today's guest, Ana Oliveira shares with us her thoughts on how women can share their voices to shape the future. Ana Oliveira is President and CEO of The New York Women's Foundation. Since 2006, Ana has led the increase of The Foundation's grantmaking from $1.7M to $7.6M today. Focusing on econo
The Power of Women Working Together w/ Ai-jen Poo
Ai-Jen Poo wants to democratize the vision of what it means to be a good leader and elevate the ideas and vision of women who she feels are underutilized in todays society. There is power in working with a group rather than solo, as the strategy and ideas come from the collective energy. It can give strength and courage to boldly move forward without overthinking. Ai-jen Poo is the Director of
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