Welcome back to another insightful episode of Embodied Justice. Today, host Dr. Judy Lubin is joined by Dr. Venessa M. Perry, an esteemed organizational psychologist, executive coach, and racial equity leader. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Perry has dedicated her career to fostering transformational change in public health, leadership development, and organizational equity. As the CEO of Health Resources Solutions and author of the forthcoming book The Path to Inclusivity: How to Create Safety, Well-being, and Belonging for Black Women in Financial Services, she brings a wealth of knowledge on dismantling systemic barriers and creating spaces where Black and Brown women can thrive.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Future of Racial Equity and DEI Work – The challenges, shifts, and opportunities for organizations committed to meaningful change.
• Leadership & Well-Being for Women of Color – The importance of soul work, self-care, and navigating workplace environments that often overlook the needs of Black and Brown women.
• Menopause & Workplace Inclusivity – Why it’s time to address the impact of menopause on women in leadership and how organizations can foster more supportive spaces.

About Our Guest

Dr. Venessa M. Perry is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and racial equity strategist with over two decades of experience in leadership development, public health, and organizational change. As the CEO of Health Resources Solutions, she works to transform workplace cultures and foster inclusivity. Her upcoming book, The Path to Inclusivity, provides a framework for creating workplaces where Black and Brown women experience safety, belonging, and success. Through her expertise, Dr. Perry is reshaping conversations on equity, leadership, and well-being in professional spaces.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on reimagining equity, leadership, and well-being in the workplace.

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In the premiere episode of Embodied Justice's second season, host Dr. Judy Lubin sits down with the talented Bayo Akomolafe. A speaker, poet, and philosopher, Bayo is renowned for his thought-provoking perspectives on global crisis, social change, and the transformative potential of embracing chaos. Together, they dissect the exhaustion often felt in activism and discuss unconventional frameworks for creating just and equitable communities. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we engage in resistance and to consider finding hope and beauty amidst societal upheavals.

In this episode:

• Rethinking Activism: Dr. Judy Lubin and Bayo Akomolafe explore the limitations of traditional resistance frameworks and introduce the trickster philosophy as a transformative alternative.
• Navigating Exhaustion:Discussion on the collective fatigue felt by Black change makers and how acknowledging this exhaustion can guide us toward sustainable activism.
• Post-Activism Possibilities: A deep dive into "post-activism" and the potential of blackness as a cosmic, counter-hegemonic force for redefining success and liberation.

About the Guest:

Bayo Akomolafe is a celebrated speaker, poet, and philosopher whose work weaves in the wisdom of African culture and Yoruba cosmology. He is the founder and elder of the Emergence Network, offering new perspectives on ancient problems through the trickster philosophy. Akomolafe's writings challenge conventional views of activism and community, inviting us to embrace the uncertainties and potentialities of our chaotic world. Justice and Belonging in Times of Crisis with Bayo Akomolafe.

To learn more about Bayo’s work, head to his website: https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In this enriching episode of “Embodied Justice”, Dr. Judy Lubin converses with Toyin Ajayi, founder of Outdoorsy Black Women. The discussion navigates through Toyin’s inspiring journey of building a community for black women interested in outdoor activities, the transformational power of connecting with nature, and the imperative of rest in the zone of social change and racial equity work. Toyin passionately underscores the therapeutic essence of nature, the importance of mindfulness practices, and the critical safety measures necessary to ensure black women can freely enjoy and benefit from outdoor experiences.

In this episode you will learn about:

• The Restorative Power of Nature: Toyin Ajayi emphasizes the significant impact nature has on personal well-being and rest. Nature provides opportunities to wake up naturally, encourages patience, and reinforces the idea that one cannot control everything. This connection to the natural world can lead to a more restorative and balanced life.
• Safety and Community in Outdoor Spaces: Safety concerns, especially with respect to encounters with white supremacists, are a stark reality for black women in outdoor settings. Toyin discusses the steps Outdoorsy Black Women takes to create a safe community, including an exhaustive screening process for membership and stringent measures against potential threats.
• Mindfulness and Living in the Moment: Through practices like journaling and taking quiet moments, along with more adrenaline-pumping activities such as skydiving, Toyin underscores the importance of mindfulness. Recognizing the rapid changes in nature acts as a powerful reminder to live in the present and appreciate the moment. She encourages everyone, even city dwellers, to find simple yet meaningful ways to connect with nature.

Tune in to explore these profound insights and appreciate the significant interconnection between nature, well-being, and social justice work, as shared by the remarkable Toyin Ajayi. Join the conversation and learn how to bring these transformative ideas into your own life.

About Our Guest:
Toyin Ajayi is a visionary leader and founder of Outdoorsy Black Women, a vibrant community of over 7,000 women dedicated to reconnecting with nature and reshaping the narrative around black women's presence in outdoor spaces. With a deep passion for adventure and wellness, Toyin has transformed her personal journeys into a movement that emphasizes the healing power of nature, especially for overworked and trauma-affected individuals. Her diverse and exhilarating outdoor experiences, ranging from skydiving to walking barefoot in nature, underline her commitment to promoting holistic well-being. Toyin's dedication to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for black women in the outdoors stands as a testament to her leadership and advocacy in advancing racial equity and communal care.

Connect with Our Guest:
On the Web: outdoorsyblackwomen.com
On Instagram: @outdoorsyblackwomen/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorsyBlackWomen

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/