Episodes
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Hey EYV fam, this wasn’t the conversation I hoped we’d be having after the 2024 election. Instead of looking ahead to progressive change, we’re unpacking what went wrong—and where we found moments of hope. Despite the results of the presidential election, there were historic wins for women of color, progressive ballot measures, and a brighter path in certain states. But we can’t ignore the challenges ahead, especially for marginalized communities.
In this episode, I reflect on:
- Historic Wins: The first two Black women elected to the U.S. Senate, pro-choice Democratic victories, and groundbreaking firsts like Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress.
- Ballot Measures: From protecting abortion rights to climate policies, there were wins that matter deeply.
- The Big Picture: Why Vice President Harris’ loss was driven by factors like misogynoir, misinformation, and economic dissatisfaction—and how they reflect larger systemic issues.
- What’s Next:How communities of color, women, and allies can come together to survive and advocate in the face of upcoming challenges.
This episode isn’t just about the election—it’s about survival, community, and figuring out where we go from here. I’m asking YOU, my listeners, to share your thoughts:
- What resources or topics can I cover to help you navigate these times?
- Who do you want to hear from on the show?
Email me your thoughts at [email protected]
Subscribe to the listserv at EmbracingYourVoicePod.com to get updates and resources.
Take care of yourselves. Rest, reflect, and connect with your community. We’re not just rebuilding democracy—we’re ensuring our collective survival. Let’s find ways to support and sustain each other.
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Season 2, Episode 9: Why Kamala Harris Could and Should Be President
- Articles I’ve written on misogynoir and Harris’ treatment as Vice President (links in the show notes)
Until next time, EYV fam. ❤️
Here are articles I've written on research on how women of color are treated as candidates and/or elected officials:
Navigating Double Standards for Women of Color Candidates
https://www.genderontheballot.org/navigating-double-standards-for-women-of-color-candidates/
Double Standards, Vice Presidency, and Kamala Harris
https://www.genderontheballot.org/double-standards-the-vice-presidency-kamala-harris/
Black Women's Political Leadership: The Barriers
https://www.genderontheballot.org/black-womens-political-leadership-part-2/
When The Run: The Challenges Women of Color Face in Politisc
https://www.genderontheballot.org/when-they-run-the-challenges-facing-women-of-color-in-politics/
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This episode is a re-release of S2 ep. 5
The first woman Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi called her ascending to the highest leadership role in the house as "breaking the marble ceiling" because the challenges for women to rise in politics as leaders is that much harder.
This is especially true for women of color who experience extreme bias as candidates not only due to their gender but race and ethnicity such as Vice President Kamala Harris. As more women of color run for office to make impact for their communities, we discuss the unique challenges they face. Is it possible to be a candidate/elected official who can embrace their voice while representing their community? Or do you have to appeal to stereotypes of women and people of color that many are comfortable with to be successful in making ? Can the remaining barriers to women of color in political leadership be broken, and if so how?
I talk about that with special guest Amanda Hunter, Executive Director of the Barbara Lee Foundation. The only kind of foundation solely focused on advancing women’s equality and representation in American politics. With extensive communications experience, Amanda brings her strategic insight to the Foundation’s work, including over six years on Barbara Lee’s senior leadership team. Amanda has covered the Foundation’s research on the role of gender in politics on PBS NewsHour, NPR, and CNN, as well as in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Vox, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation has been resolute in its goal of understanding the experience of women in politics and how to break the barriers women face when they are candidates on federal, state and local level. From how voters perceive women in crisis and even their changing hairstyles, to whether voters would really vote for women of color and queer candidates. Their research is in depth, and if you are someone who is committed to increasing representation of women in politics, particularly as candidates, this is one episode you’ll like.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
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Missing episodes?
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The social safety net (or lack thereof) in the US for childcare, eldercare and long term care for disabled folks is another issue of great importance to women voters. What is left of this social safety net in the US was weakened further by the Covid 19 pandemic. Why the caregiving social safety net is important to women is because they take on the bulk of the caregiving duties in their families. Women make up the majority of the workforce that professionally provide care to those in need, and most of the women professional caregivers are women of color. This doesn't even include those who are house cleaners
Advocating and organizing for strong care economy for families and its workers is the mission of organizer and strategist Jenn Stowe, Senior Advisor for Care in Action a sister organization to the Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), the leading national voice for dignity and fairness for domestic workers in the United States. In this episode, we talk about Jenn's personal journey into caregiving and how it became very political for her at an early age; why women of color make up so much of the caregiving workforce; the importance of having a strong network of support as a woman of color in the advocacy and political space where so few exist; showing up as you are in the work; and the challenges of paid and unpaid caregivers in the US; and how to get involved in building political power for a strong care economy for all
To learn more about Care in Action (and it's sister org NDWA) check out: https://careinaction.us/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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This week, check out this brief conversation I had earlier this season with guest Chris Love, Senior Advisor to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona and Spokesperson for the Arizona for Abortion Access Ballot initiative. We talked about the intersection of horror movies and reproductive rights.
You might wonder what horror movies have to say on the topic? Turns out quite a bit. Movies and TV are a powerful medium in which not only to tell a story but to reflect a society's values at any point in time. Horror movies are no different
Enjoy this bonus short episode on how horror movies have to say on reproductive rights, pregnancy and sex generally. And if you're interested in learning more. Chris has written and spoken a lot about the topic.
Check out her movie recommendations on LetterboxD: https://letterboxd.com/legallylove/list/repro-horror/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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What do you do when your issue has become the new third rail in American politics?
Immigration is front and center in the US election in 2024 and has been a part of the national conversation for a long time. Most everyone regardless of where you stand would agree that how our country approaches immigration needs a change but after that, there are wildly different view points on how to do so.
Pushing for immigration reform that balances contrasting viewpoints while ensuring the rights and dignity of immigrants is the job of organizer, strategist, and advocate, Vanessa Cardenas. As Executive Director of America's Voice, Vanessa works with her team to build the public support and the political will needed to enact policy changes that secure freedom and opportunity for immigrants in America.
Vanessa and I talk about how her own unique immigrant story ignited her interest in advocacy work, her personal and professional journey that took her from organizer, to political strategist, policy advocate, consultant and now non profit executive. She also shares her thoughts on everything from the current moment we're in politically on immigration, why she has had to apply a lot of compromise she doesn't like to move immigrant reform foward.
To learn more about America's Voice and it's work: https://americasvoice.org/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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Since Roe was overturned, the stories of those who've had abortion have become a central part of our national conversation. In part, that's due to the work of many activists in the reproductive rights and justice movement, like Renee Bracey Sherman, reproductive justice activist, abortion storyteller, and writer. She is the founder and executive director of We Testify, an organization dedicated to the leadership and representation of people who have abortions and share their stories at the intersection of race, class, and gender identity.
Her path as a bi-racial Black woman to do the work that unabashedly centered abortion rights as a human right and communities that disproportionately seek abortion care (people of color) was not easy. Renee and I do a deep dive on her personal and professional journey as an activist and advocate. She also shares her thoughts on everything from the current moment we're in politically on abortion rights, why she has always chosen to be uncompromising in her fight for abortion access, the payoff from committing to finding your own path, some great tidbits from her recently released first book Liberating Abortion and more!
Links:
Go to https://www.liberatingabortion.org/ to learn more about the stories of people of color and their fight to access abortion in the US
Listen to the podcast The A Files: A Secret History of Abortion on which Renee is a co-host https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-a-files-a-secret-history-of-abortion/id1725152802
Learn more about Renee's organization "We Testify" and how to get involved and/or show support https://wetestify.org/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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So you've heard the phrase "abortion is on the ballot" well there aremany states that actually will have the right to abortion access on its ballot this election. And one of the states that will is Arizona. I am joined by Chris Love the Senior Advisor to Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona and Spokesperson for Arizona for Abortion Access, the committee for the 2024 Ballot initiative that if it passes will establish a fundamental right to abortion in the Arizona state constitution.
In addition to discussing the importance of the ballot initiative, Chris and I also discuss how her own reproductive health experiences as a Black woman got her into the work fighting to preserve and expand abortion access. Other topics we hit: how communities of color are most impacted when abortion bans are in place and why its critical to have women of color at the table of decision making on reproductive rights policy; holding true to your values as an advocate as well as navigating when those values conflict with immediate policy goals and importance of having advocates and activists fighting for abortion access when
Learn more about how you can help or donate to the efforts of abortion rights advocates in Arizona working on this initiative: Check out
https://www.arizonaforabortionaccess.org/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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In premiere of season 3, and in a continuation of season 2, Atima reflects on what does it mean to embrace your voice in the advocacy and active space particularly for women of color? Drawing from her own personal experiences in the work that led her to start her own consulting firm, Omara Strategy Group.
This season we'll get to know some great guests leading in the advocacy and activism space on major issues, many of which are shaping the election, but also use the time to go more in depth on some of those major issues. Topics include: what is it like to be a leader on a major ballot initiative effort, start a nonprofit organization, assume the leadership of a new one all in service to a major cause. We'll discuss how women of color are underfunded, under supported, under promoted, in the field; the place of activism and advocacy in election season; the price that advocates and activists for doing this work and advocating for communities long ignored and intentionally marginalized. And we'll also go deeper on some of the most important domestic issues of our time and what it takes for long term culture change beyond election day
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And here we are at the end of Season 2. This season was focused on the how you can make a difference for your community in politics while being true to yourself and values. And it was quite timely given the historic shake up in American politics! But with MVP Kamala Harris becoming the first woman of color nominee for President of a major political party, it gave us a perfect setting for our discussion this season. This episode I sum up our season and how the lessons can tie across industry, but I also discuss the particular importance of each of us embracing your voice in politics for the benefit of your community and country.
As we close out this season, thank you to the guests for sharing their expertise and experiences. And to you, our listeners, thank you for joining for season 2. Your continued support means everything.
If you have enjoyed listening to episodes
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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Is it possible to build a more equitable workplace, a community, or a world where you can also be unapologetically yourself? Organizer, community builder, and social impact strategist, Christin "Cici" Battle says absolutely. Her determination to make her community better led on her extensive career working in multiple sectors on behalf of her fellow Floridians.
Subsequent burnout from trying to be what other people expected from a woman of color of leader led Cici to a personal transformation and professional transition that included starting her own global equity and justice consulting firm.
Discover:
🎙️ How to make space for your authentic self to show up daily
🎙️ The various ways "first" and "only" leaders of marginalized identities in the workplace are expected to perform and the stress that comes with that
🎙️ What is frolicking and and how does that tie to equity, justice, in the workplace and world?
Learn more about Cici's work at cicibattle.com and https://www.thefrolicculture.com/
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In this episode of Embracing Your Voice, host welcomes Yulín Níu, a former legislative aide, community organizer, and public service advocate. Yulín shares her journey from Taiwanese immigrant to being the first Asian American elected to the New York State Assembly for the 65th district. She discusses her early inspirations, her career in public service, and the challenges she faced, including racism, sexism, and navigating machine politics.
Yulín reflects on her progressive legislative work, including tenant rights, consumer protection, and advocacy for increased funding for the New York City Housing Authority. She also talks about her congressional run, her experience with mentorship, and the importance of representation and using one's voice to effect change.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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So it finally happened, the official Democratic nominee for President of the United States is a woman of color. Vice President of the United States Kamala Harris, has made history as the first Black and South Asian American woman, to capture a major political party nomination for President.
I didn't think this day was coming for women of color in politics as soon as it did, but now here it is. Despite the record levels of excitement for her candidacy and (now her VP pick), a lot of the American public is still getting to know her, and some are wondering if Americans will rise above it's racism and sexism to elect a Black and Asian woman as President, especially after 2016.
Well in this solo episode I answer some of these questions with six reasons why
Madam Vice President Kamala Harris can (and should be) elected the 47th President of the United States:
In this episode I talk about:
🎙️ Highlights of the accomplishment VP Kamala Harris' long career in public service
🎙️ Why she is actually ready as a candidate for this moment and to take on the GOP
🎙️ The sexism and racism rampant in critiques of Vice President Harris
🎙️ And why despite the racism and sexism built into our nation's DNA, Vice President Harris actually has a shot at becoming President Harris.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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In recent years, more than ever people in favor of major change rail against the two party system in the United States and how it's not helpful for enacting change through the political process. So we're talking this week about what does embracing your voice: being unapologetically yourself, and representing the interests of your community, look like while representing a political party, specifically the Democratic Party
I'm joined by Precious McKesson, Executive Director of the Nebraska Democratic Party. A single mom who got into public service to help her family made history in Democratic politics when she became the first woman and the first Black person to cast an Electoral college ballot for a Democrat in Nebraska in 2020. Prior to that, she a former Biden Administration Political Appointee to the Office of Communications and Outreach in the US Department of Education and former political director for the 2020 Presidential Campaign of Joe Biden in the 2nd District of Nebraska
Precious' leadership and organizing on behalf of Democrats for her community in Omaha was described by NBC News in 2018 as "indicative of a new breed of Democratic operative - progressive, outspoken and authentic, even in a deep red state"
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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In this solo episode, I dive into the historic and unexpected developments in the 2024 presidential race. President Joe Biden has suspended his reelection campaign following weeks of speculation after his debate performance against Donald Trump.
Biden's decision has significantly shifted the political landscape, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. I provide a detailed recount of that pivotal Sunday, my immediate reaction, and the subsequent rush to mobilize support for Harris within the Democratic Party.
As a political strategist and elected member of the Democratic National Committee, I share my insights on Harris's qualifications, the critical support she has garnered, and the path forward leading to the Democratic National Convention.
This episode encapsulates a crucial moment in U.S. politics, highlighting themes of leadership, representation, and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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Can you be a progressive representing a legislative district that is deeply conservative? In politics, it is often the belief that it's not possible. But there are moderates and conservatives who've represented more liberal districts (and states even!).
This is a question that my friend and guest, Sammi Brown, challenged when she ran for office as an unabashed young progressive woman of color in a West Virginia legislative district that had gone double digits for Trump in 2016.
Raised in a Union household Sammi would work multiple jobs to pay her way through college and grad school (and would earn both her Bachelors and MBA from Shepherd University). A career in media, would eventually lead her into organizing on behalf of her state’s working families, advocate for the Healthcare of our population’s most vulnerable, and train movement leaders across the country to carry on this work in their respective spaces.
I had the privilege to work with Sammi on this race. As a young progressive woman of color in West Virginia, she was viewed as an “underdog” from the start, she would proceed to knock over 3000 doors, earn the endorsement of many progressive organizations and ultimately FLIP the 65th District in the West Virgina House of Delegates in 2018. As a result, she is credited with the State’s largest “comeback” in a single cycle: covering a 30 point spread.
She talks about her journey to political service to the community in which she was raised, what it looks like to embrace your voice as an elected official, especially when it's in the best interests of your constituents, how she dealt with sexism and racism in political leadership, and more.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
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The first woman Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi called her ascending to the highest leadership role in the house as "breaking the marble ceiling" because the challenges for women to rise in politics as leaders is that much harder.
This is especially true for women of color who experience extreme bias as candidates not only due to their gender but race and ethnicity such as Vice President Kamala Harris. As more women of color run for office to make impact for their communities, we discuss the unique challenges they face. Is it possible to be a candidate/elected official who can embrace their voice while representing their community? Or do you have to appeal to stereotypes of women and people of color that many are comfortable with to be successful in making ? Can the remaining barriers to women of color in political leadership be broken, and if so how?
I talk about that with special guest Amanda Hunter, Executive Director of the Barbara Lee Foundation. The only kind of foundation solely focused on advancing women’s equality and representation in American politics. With extensive communications experience, Amanda brings her strategic insight to the Foundation’s work, including over six years on Barbara Lee’s senior leadership team. Amanda has covered the Foundation’s research on the role of gender in politics on PBS NewsHour, NPR, and CNN, as well as in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Vox, the Los Angeles Times, and Politico. The Barbara Lee Family Foundation has been resolute in its goal of understanding the experience of women in politics and how to break the barriers women face when they are candidates on federal, state and local level. From how voters perceive women in crisis and even their changing hairstyles, to whether voters would really vote for women of color and queer candidates. Their research is in depth, and if you are someone who is committed to increasing representation of women in politics, particularly as candidates, this is one episode you’ll like.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
Instagram
Twitter
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In this episode, I talk with Madeline Mielke, a nationally recognized rights leader and president and CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAC). With nearly 25 years of experience in political campaigns, fundraising, and political training, Madeline discusses her journey, the importance of increasing Asian American representation in politics, and the challenges and successes she has encountered along the way.
We explore topics such as the role of diverse consultants, the significance of empowerment and training, and the impact of cultural and generational shifts in political participation. This conversation sheds light on the pathways to more inclusive and representative political landscapes for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke is a nationally recognized civil rights leader and a member of USA Today’s Inaugural Leaders of Change who brings nearly 25 years of experience working in political campaigns and specializes in political/non-profit fundraising and political training.
Today she is the President & CEO of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office and Founder and Principal of Arum Group, LLC. For her work, the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce awarded Ms. Mielke with its National Community Service award for her work in mentoring and promoting Vietnamese American civic participation.
Know someone who could benefit from being involved with APAICS? Check out opportunities here: https://www.apaics.org/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
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In this episode I interview Alicia Cisneros, The daughter of teachers and granddaughter of a proud IBEW electrician and USPS postal worker, Alicia came to this work rooted in protecting hard working families.
She is the Founder and President, Sisneros Strategies, is a 100% Latina woman-owned and led award winning direct mail and field strategy political consulting firm. Alicia goal is to bring a diverse voice in politics for her client’s communication strategy and direct mail programs.
She founded Sisneros Strategies because she saw a need for more women and people of color to help candidates shape their campaigns and be a voice to help create change within the progressive community and our country.With a depth of knowledge at the Federal, state, and local-level, Alicia has created award-winning direct mail for multi-million-dollar independent expenditures, ballot initiatives and for non-profit organizations and small businesses, from the Clark County School Board Election, to the DCCC 2016 and 2018 General Elections. At Sisneros Strategies, she gives her clients the very best of her talents and most dynamic designs to win elections.
Alicia discusses the challenges she faced, her motivations, and her efforts to create a more inclusive political landscape.
To engage her services or reach out to chat go to: https://www.sisnerosstrategies.com/
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
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In this episode, I interview political strategist Maya Rupert as she shares her journey through advocacy and politics, from managing Julian Castro's 2020 presidential campaign to advising Senator Elizabeth Warren.
She discusses the significance of authenticity, particularly for marginalized communities, and her career transition from law to political advocacy. Maya highlights the importance of seeing oneself as a strategist, especially for women of color, and shares lessons on trusting expertise and embracing a visionary role.
We also talk about her upcoming book, 'All That We Are,' and limited series podcast, 'When We Win,' celebrating the successes of women of color in politics.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
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In the premiere of season two, Atima reflects on the challenges and rewards of engaging in political work, particularly for women of color. Drawing from her own personal experiences from her career in politics, including microaggressions and systemic barriers, and discusses the motivations behind starting her own consulting firm, Omara Strategy Group.
The season will focus on the dynamics of electoral politics, with insights from professionals committed to making genuine change while staying true to their values. Topics including managing presidential campaigns, setting strategies, and advocating for marginalized communities will be explored, all against the backdrop of the upcoming 2024 elections.
If you enjoyed the show and you want to join our community of other women of color who are embracing their voice head over to https://embracingyourvoicepod.com/
Connect with Atima on:
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