The Empowerment Zone

How can African Americans and Latino/as influence media?

Kamela Boyd, Part II: the impact of communications on culture - 
Listen to Part II of Ramona’s discussion with Atlanta-based media and communications expert Kamela Boyd. Kamela shares her thoughts about the evolving impact media has on culture and marketing. She also discusses why it is so important for African American and Latino/a professionals to pursue careers in journalism. According to Kamela, media has a profound influence on behavior. As media professionals, African Americans and Latino/as have the power to shape media. Kamela serves as director of communications and marketing for the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, leading all communications efforts. Originally from Tallahassee, Florida, Kamela now makes Atlanta her home.
To learn more about Kamela Boyd, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamelaboyd/..

Trailer! Kamela Boyd, Part II: the impact of communications on culture

Next episode available from Monday, August 1st with guest Kamela Boyd
How can African Americans and Latino/as influence media?

How do institutions usher under-represented groups into health professions?

Dr. Catherine Ortega: Pathway Programs, the key to increasing diversity - 
Like many other fields, the health profession lacks diversity, primarily due to the systemic structures that impede access to educational and professional opportunities. In this episode Ramona talks to Dr. Catherine Ortega about careers in health and how institutions and organizations can create pathways, as opposed to pipelines, for career access and success. Dr. Ortega explores the many challenges to entry into the health profession. More importantly, she expands upon the multiple strategies and tactics institutions can employ to attract and recruit under-represented groups into the health profession. Notably, these valuable pathway strategies may work for you, no matter your industry. Dr. Ortega is a Faculty Member at the University of Utah and a Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Ortega now resides in Utah.

Trailer! Dr. Catherine Ortega: Pathway Programs, the key to increasing diversity

Next episode available from Monday, July 25 with guest Dr. Catherine Ortega
How do institutions usher under-represented groups into health professions?

Part I: How identity shapes leadership

Joel Alvarado: The evolution of a transformative leader — 
Identity is so important to individuality and leadership. We are all constantly evolving. As many of you know, it is not so important how others define you, as it is for you to define yourself. In Part I of this series, Ramona talks to Joel Alvarado about the evolution of his personal identity. Joel discusses how his life experiences as a Puerto Rican growing up New York in a multi-national and multi-cultural community, visiting his Afro-Latino family members in Puerto Rico, attending Morehouse College—a Historically Black College and University in the South, and studying race and class has shaped his identity and approach to leadership.
Joel is Vice President of Strategy and Engagement at the Partnership for Southern Equity and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

Trailer! Joel Alvarado: The evolution of a transformative leader

Next episode available from Monday, July 18 with guest Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur
Part I: How identity shapes leadership

Do you need more rest?

Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur: Challenging the myth that you must “earn your rest” — 
What is something everyone needs, but few get enough of it? Rest. Rest and relaxation is vital to productivity and creativity. Rest rejuvenates our minds, bodies and spirits, so that we can enjoy life and perform at our maximum potential. Yet, most of us push ourselves for long hours and rest only enough to keep us moving along. In their conversation Ramona and Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur talk about their journeys in discovering the importance of rest. Saleemah encourages rest, suggesting ideas on how to rest in different ways without guilt or shame. Saleemah is the Director of the Office of the Chief Communications Officer and Chief of Staff of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Trailer! Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur: Challenging the myth that you must “earn your rest”

Next episode available from Monday, July 11 with guest Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur
Do you need more rest?

A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community

Dr. Natalia Molina: Elevating the significance of urban anchors in building community - 
There are places in every community where marginalized people come together to affirm their humanity, culture and community. In Los Angeles the Nayarit was one of those esteemed places and spaces. Today Ramona talks to Professor Natalia Molina about her most recent book A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community. Dr. Molina shares the life of her grandmother and how her restaurant operated as an urban anchor, an important site for community building. Natalia Molina is Distinguished Professor of American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California, specializing in History, Latinx Studies, Immigration, Gender, Foodways, and Public Health. She is also a 2020 MacArthur Fellow. To learn more about Natalia Molina, visit http://nataliamolinaphd.com/.
Follow Natalia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/uscdornsife/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Prof_NataliaMInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/prof_nataliam/

Trailer! Dr. Natalia Molina: Elevating the significance of urban anchors in building community

Next episode available from Monday, July 4 with guest Dr. Natalia Molina
A Place at the Nayarit: How a Mexican Restaurant Nourished a Community