A chemist slips into dark alleys after midnight (Dr. Zafra Lerman), climbs to an attic, and teaches a seminar that could cost her freedom. By morning, she is back on the university circuit, lecturing in plain sight. That contrast frames our conversation with Dr. Zafra Lerman—scientist, educator, and peace builder—whose work proves that knowledge can be both shield and bridge.

We start with her clandestine support for Soviet refuseniks: smuggling journals, collecting CVs, and hosting secret classes so isolated scientists could stay connected to a global community. From there, we explore how a childhood in a resource-poor Israel forged values of service, creativity, and grit, captured in a birthday letter that set her life’s compass. Those values later shaped the Malta Conferences, where scientists from across the Middle East—Israel, Palestine, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf—met with Nobel laureates to tackle shared problems like water scarcity, air pollution, climate change, and science education. In those rooms, propaganda gave way to proximity; former “enemies” discovered collaborators.

If you believe science can be a common language that outlives the loudest slogans, this story will stay with you. Listen, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Subscribe for more conversations that turn courage into action and ideas into impact.

Website: https://www.zafralerman.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zafralerman/

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A single line from The Orange Blossom sets the tone: history isn’t distant—it breathes through our workplaces, classrooms, and homes. From that vivid reading, we sit down with educator, author, and cultural competency expert Jebeh Edmunds to explore how belonging is built step by step, not by slogans. Jebeh Edmunds offers a grounded plan to beat overwhelm—circle your top three priorities and move—and shows how scenario practice and simple language can transform tense moments into teachable ones.

We unpack psychological safety in concrete terms. It’s not a poster; it’s the feeling you don’t have to defend your hair or your lunch, the trust that leadership will address harm quickly and transparently, and the space to do your best work without shrinking yourself. Jebeh explains why recruitment without retention is a revolving door, and how managers can stop the spin with follow-through, clarity, and consistent repair. Her three C’s—Check, Correct, Connect—create a daily rhythm: check names and assumptions, correct bias and harm, connect beyond signs to real relationships.

Jebeh's journey—award-winning teacher to host of Cultural Curriculum Chat—adds heart and muscle to the playbook. She shares how to fold culture into literacy and history so students learn skills and see themselves, why asynchronous trainings helped her scale impact without burnout, and how joy keeps the work honest: dancing in the kitchen, family calls, and time to write. Along the way, we highlight practical ideas for nonprofits and arts groups, everyday actions families can take, and the moments that define success: when someone says “I’ll do better” and then proves it.

Ready to turn values into practice? Press play, pick your three priorities, and tell us the first change you’ll make. If the conversation resonates, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it.

Website: https://jebehedmunds.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063708180388

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jebeh01/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd22jkdaivSe6Qp-W0WOriA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturallyjebeh_/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jebeh-edmunds-3b9334101

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We sit with Donna Jones- Simmons —the co‑founder and architect of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women—to trace how a simple idea became a movement that documents excellence, accelerates careers, and reframes what leadership looks like across Canada. From five published books (with a sixth on the way) to fireside chats and biennial galas, Donna shows how visibility plus documentation turns into promotions, board seats, and public recognition.

We dig into her work at ACCES Employment, where speed mentoring connects newcomers directly to employers and the Speak English Cafe demystifies workplace language, idioms, and nuance. The results are tangible: faster hiring, stronger integration, and higher confidence. Donna also shares selection criteria for honourees—community leadership, impact with Black girls and women, and a track record of service—while explaining why archiving stories matters as much as awarding medals. When achievements are searchable and shareable, opportunity grows.

The conversation tackles tokenism head‑on. Donna’s approach is practical: lead with your business value, advocate for yourself, and turn identity debates into outcomes. She outlines mentoring tactics that build self‑advocacy, how to reframe tough questions without losing your voice, and why staying on topic earns respect. You’ll hear personal lessons on balance (including a legendary two‑graduations‑in‑one‑day story), the power of seizing hard opportunities, and what’s next: a trades symposium, continuing fireside chats, and Donna’s milestone as the first Black president of the Rotary Club of Toronto in 115 years.

If you care about mentorship, newcomer employment, inclusive leadership, and the future of Black excellence in Canada, this conversation is a masterclass in building systems that last. Listen, share with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these stories.

www.100abcwomen.ca

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Twitter: @100abcwomen

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