Ep012: Desiree Adaway On Leading Difficult Conversations On Race, Class + Gender
Desiree is a Principal of The Adaway Group. With over 20 years experience creating, leading and managing international, multicultural teams through major organizational changes in over 40 countries, she is uniquely qualified to partner with talented leaders to successfully navigate through integrations, reorganizations, and all stages of organizational evolution.
Desiree has held senior-level roles in several large, well-respected organizations in the nonprofit and grant management sectors. Her deep level of expertise in fundraising, grant management, and environmental, social justice, and faith-based initiatives, allows her to offer specific insights that help organizations achieve consistent, quality program results at the chapter, national, and international levels.
in this episode, Desiree & i explore:How to bring social justice into our businesses to make changeUnderstanding the value of black women’s work and how this shows up in creating prices for your businessHow our systems are both racist and patriarchal and how this particularly affects black womenWhiteness as a justification for slavery and the power playDifference between diversity, inclusion, equity and justiceHow to spot the difference between tokenism and true equity in discussions being heldRelationships needs to be transformation and not transactionalAffirming and centering yourself as a black woman and woman of colorOur sense of responsibility to the collective to get freeHow whiteness is a system, a construct, that we (all of us) are responsible for dismantlingWhile social constructs are just that, they do have powerful implications and provide privilegeSocial justice and spirituality go hand in hand, they are not separatePutting the vision in place, not just focus on getting rid of the systemsLiberation, joy (especially black women joy) is an act of resistanceHow we can decline privilege to uplift others voicesI hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Click the play button below to listen in now.
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other resources shared during our conversation:Heteropatriarchy And The Three Pillars Of White Supremacy by Andrea SmithDiversity Is An Asset 'Seeing White' podcast seriesThe Cycle Of Liberation by Bobbie Haro'Dear Sister (not just cister)' CardsAbout Desiree AdawayDesiree is a seasoned nonprofit consultant and facilitator. All of her presentations have a mix of thought provoking content presented with humor and wit. When she teaches she makes a point to connect with every person, and create a safe space for their growth. She is known by staff, senior leadership, peers, and partners as being great at open, honest, and productive conversations. She is not afraid of addressing anything that gets in the way of great work.
Connect with Desiree at:
Website - DesireeAdaway.comFacebook - facebook.com/desireeadawayTwitter - @desireeadawayLinkedIn - Desiree AdawayDid you enjoy this episode?Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes.
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