Journeys to Equity
Welcome to CenterForce's Journeys to Equity Podcast, where we explore the inspiring stories of diverse leaders and women who have conquered challenges to achieve remarkable success. Join us as we uncover the pivotal moments and strategies that propelled them forward, offering invaluable insights and tools for driving meaningful change. Tune in to learn from their experiences and accelerate your own journey towards equity and empowerment.
Episodes
50 episodes
An Entrepreneurs Journey from Wall Street to Paragon Legal
Trista Engel, CEO of Paragon Legal, and Jessica Markowitz, President & COO of Paragon Legal, share their journey from the 2008 Wall Street Financial Crisis to raising money to buying Paragon Legal and now successfully growing the business.&...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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40:50
Tonya Mitchem Grindon on Breaking Bias and Seizing Opportunities
In this episode, we are joined by Tonya Mitchem Grindon, a trailblazing Partner at Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, as she shares her remarkable journey to equity in the corporate world. From her humble beginnings in rura...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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50:56
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Nancy Del Pizzo on Professional Fulfillment and the Power of Organizational Culture
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Nancy Del Pizzo, Partner at Rivkin Radler LLP, as she shares her remarkable journey from the publishing industry to the legal profession, with a focus on intellectual property law. Nancy offers candid in...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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46:38
Jenna Gabay on Navigating Dual Realms: Litigation and Motherhood
In this podcast episode, Jenna Gabay, a seasoned attorney and partner at Rivkin Radler LLP, unfolds her journey through the legal profession, placing a spotlight on her interplay between motherhood and career ambitions. Jenna provides nuanced i...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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43:10
Building Community & Providing Resources: TCDI's Impact on Military Spouses
In this episode Colleen Sweeney, Jennifer Andres, Janet Hamilton, and John Mielitz from TCDI discuss the unique challenges faced by military spouses that can make it difficult for them to pursue their personal and professional goals. Frequent m...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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52:57
Eva Heintz On Building Grit
Building a Foundation for Success This episode highlights the career journey of Eva Heintz, Chair of The Board of Directors at Solvay GGF. Eva initially trained as a chemist, and therefore, understands the advantage that come...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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43:12
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Desiree Wolfe on Deliberateness, Diversity, and Representation
We can all do something to become better.In this episode, Desiree Wolfe, Senior Director at Salesforce, highlights the importance of intentionality in our processes towards progress. She emphasizes that as leaders, peers, collea...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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47:53
Noreen Kelly On Mastering the Balancing Act
Honoring Commitments to Others While Honoring Commitments to YourselfIn this episode, Noreen Kelly, Partner at McGuireWoods, shares her career development from a junior associate to a partner while being a single mother of two. ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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43:03
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Deborah Solmor on Addressing Diversity as a General Counsel
Taking Affirmative Steps Towards InclusivityIn this episode, Deborah Solmor, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at TCS Education System, shares her journey up the legal ladder. She highlights her interest in and passion for...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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48:36
Nicole Kelsey on Adjusting, Advancing and Advocating
Using your Power to EmpowerIn this episode, Nicole Kelsey, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Amyris, Inc., shares how we can all step up to the plate by using our compounded experiences to adjust, adapt, and aid in advancing ...
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Season 1
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Episode 43
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47:35
Sabria A. McElroy On Making DE&I a Priority
How Women of Color Can Self-AdvocateIn this episode, Sabria A. McElroy, Partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, shares her perspectives on the challenges women and people of color face in the legal industry. She offers her insights o...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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42:36
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Indhira Arrington on Support, Sponsorship, and Success
Being Purposeful in ProgressIn this episode, Indhira Arrington, Managing Director and Global Chief Diversity Officer at Ares Management, gives us valuable takeaways on how to succeed in the corporate space. She highlights that s...
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Season 1
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Episode 42
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47:05
Courtney Statfeld On Discovering Your Strengths
Show Up For the Job You Want Not the Role You Have In this episode, Courtney Statfeld, Principal at McKool Smith, addresses the importance of confidence, preparation and staying true to yourself as you progress in your career. Earl...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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37:32
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Kyle Lewis On Diversity, Vulnerability and Balance
Creating a Culture of BelongingThis episode highlights the career journey of Kyle Lewis, Senior Counsel, Safety & Insurance Litigation, US East at Uber. Here, Kyle discusses the importance of cultivating a diverse talent pool. He als...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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52:27
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Cassandra Labbees On Community, Culture, & Commitment
Cultivating a Sense of Belonging In this episode, Cassandra Labbees, Firm Member at Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., shares the importance of creating a culture of belonging. As a child of Haitian immigrants, Cassandra hig...
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Season 1
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Episode 41
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51:53
Natalie Edwards On Expertise in DEI
Moving Past Passion and Utilizing Strategy In this episode, Natalie Edwards, Global Chief Diversity Officer at National Grid, highlights the impact of expertise in DEI initiatives. Her insights on DEI prompt change agents t...
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Season 1
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Episode 40
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52:20
Marla Sofer On Taking Action
Listen to All Voices but Trust Your Own This episode highlights the career journey of Marla Sofer, Financial Services Lead, Industry Solutions CTO at Microsoft. She has followed her passion through various sectors including Wall ...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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55:45
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Tamara O’Neill Moreland On Pushing Forward Through Adversity
The Price and the Rewards of Pursuing Growth In this episode, Tamara O’Neill Moreland, Shareholder at Larkin Hoffman, discusses her journey from young attorney to making partner, and the difficulties women must overc...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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40:56
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LeeAnn Jones On the Importance of Being Yourself
Creating a Culture of Acceptance and BelongingIn this episode, LeeAnn Jones, Partner at Taylor English Duma LLP, shares her thoughts on the recruitment and retention of diverse attorneys. With so much emphasis being placed on fron...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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44:16
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Janine Jansen on Authenticity and Diversity
Creating Opportunities to Change our Behavior In this episode, Janine Jansen, Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Lead at Organon, shares what it means to be authentic in our equity journeys. Janine explains ...
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Season 1
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Episode 39
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40:34
Lori Stacy On Prioritizing Professionalism and Parenthood
Handling Responsibility and Recognizing High Potential In this episode, Lori Stacy, CEO at Trader Interactive, shares how to balance the responsibilities of career and caretaking. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Lori emphasize...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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51:23
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Susanne Jones and Elizabeth Burke on STEM and the Benefits of a Boutique Firm
Bigger is Not Always BetterIn this episode, Susanne Jones, Founder of Jones Robb–a boutique law firm handling patent prosecution and counseling–and Elizabeth Burke, a Member of the firm, share their insights on being women in STEM and h...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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56:06
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Emily Collins on the Physics of Breaking Invisible Barriers
Defying the Odds through Science, Law, and Ambition As a physics major at Oxford University, Emily Collins, VP of Kilburn & Strode’s San Francisco’s Liaison office, knew early on that science was her passion, but she also had a ...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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50:34
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Lale Topcuoglu on Meritocracy
Breaking the Glass CeilingIn this episode, Lale Topcuoglu, Head of Credits at Swiss Re gives her outlook on what true inclusivity looks like. She provides a unique point of view by expounding on her experience immigratin...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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48:25
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Lara McLeod On Progress Over Perfection
Performing ProgressivenessIn this episode, Lara McLeod, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at FullStory connects the intersection between identity and DEI work. She opens up about the impact racism, sexism, bias, and stereot...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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44:53
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