Culture Stew Maria Morukian

That's a Wrap on Season 5 of Culture Stew!
We’ve come to the end of another incredible season of Culture Stew. Thank you to all our amazing guests who brought insights, laughter, and profound lessons to our conversations.
In this season finale, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano dive deep into the emotional journey of DEI work, addressing both the heartfelt challenges and the practical hurdles of navigating resistance and advocacy. They explore the emotional toll DEI work can take, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and validating this labor.
Maria and Roger discuss how essential it is to foster environments where individuals can openly share their struggles and set realistic boundaries. They also underline the significance of building authentic relationships with marginalized communities, practicing self-care, and maintaining accountability in this demanding field.
Tune in as they share personal stories of facing pushback and resistance, offering valuable insights and advice on how to persevere and thrive in DEI work.

In this poignant episode of Culture Stew, host Maria Morukian engages in a profound conversation with Danne L. Johnson, Kai Stowers, and Wendy Moomaw. Together, they explore the multifaceted nature of joy, offering insights on how to cultivate resilience and authenticity in challenging times. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the guests delve into the deeper dimensions of joy, discussing its intersection with self-awareness, societal pressures, and the pursuit of authenticity. From sensory experiences in nature to moments of self-knowing, they share practical strategies for reclaiming joy and resilience amidst adversity.
As the conversation draws to a close, Maria Morukian and her guests leave listeners with a powerful call to action. They invite listeners to embrace authenticity and cultivate joy as essential pathways to personal and collective empowerment. Encouraging listeners to explore their own joy practices and deepen their self-awareness, the guests emphasize the transformative potential of joy in navigating life's challenges. By reclaiming joy and embracing authenticity, listeners can embark on a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and meaningful connection with themselves and others.
 
Key Discussion Points:
Defining Joy: The guests explore the nuanced definition of joy, distinguishing it from happiness and positivity. They discuss how joy manifests in different aspects of life, from sensory experiences to moments of self-knowing.
Cultivating Joy: Sharing personal practices and reflections, the guests delve into how they cultivate joy amidst societal pressures and challenges. They highlight the importance of self-awareness, presence, and embracing authenticity.
Resilience and Self-Knowledge: Reflecting on the intersection of joy and resilience, the guests emphasize the role of deep self-knowing in navigating adversity. They discuss strategies for reclaiming power and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
 
Guests:
Danne L. Johnson: An accomplished professional specializing in building inclusive cultures, Danne L. Johnson brings deep expertise in implicit bias and impactful training. She is the founder of Our Work LLC, a renowned DEIB firm.
Kai Stowers, MA, PCC: From a background in science to becoming a Leadership and DEI Consultant, Kai Stowers partners with leaders to foster inclusive teams. He holds a master’s degree in Organizational Psychology and Change Leadership from Columbia University.
Wendy Moomaw: A systems thinker and executive coach, Wendy Moomaw empowers leaders to navigate complex challenges with intentionality. She holds an MBA/MS Finance from the University of Maryland and is certified in various coaching methodologies.

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano meet with Veronica H. Moore, a dedicated professional with a profound passion for enhancing educational experiences and fostering inclusive environments.
Veronica shares insights from her diverse background, spanning leadership, program development, and community advocacy. She discusses the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being in enacting social change, highlighting the power of nature and community building.
The conversation delves into Veronica's journey of self-discovery, the impact of early messages on her life choices, and her commitment to advocating for others. She shares the inspiration behind her children's book, "Rosie's Special Gift," which celebrates kindness, empathy, and the transformative power of nature.
Listeners gain valuable insights into nurturing personal wellness practices and finding one's place within advocacy efforts. Veronica emphasizes the interconnectedness of wellness, disruption, and social justice, urging listeners to prioritize self-care to better serve their communities.
To learn more about Veronica H. Moore and her work, visit her website at VeronicaHMoore.com.
 

Empowering Mental Wellness: A Conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Dominique Pritchett, a mental wellness strategist, speaker, therapist, and podcast host. Dr. Pritchett's extensive expertise spans from clinical psychology to social work, guiding organizations and individuals towards prioritizing mental wellness and emotional intelligence.
Themes Explored:
Empowerment Through Identity: Dr. Pritchett shares her journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's identity and advocating for oneself amidst societal challenges, particularly for Black women.
Manifestation and Hope: Delving into the power of hope and manifestation, the conversation highlights how envisioning possibilities and setting intentions can lead to transformative change, both personally and professionally.
Navigating Challenges with Purpose: Through anecdotes and insights, Dr. Pritchett discusses strategies for navigating systemic barriers, maintaining balance, and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
 
Tune in to gain invaluable insights into mental wellness, empowerment, and effective advocacy from Dr. Dominique Pritchett on Culture Stew.
Learn More about Dr. Pritchett: https://www.dominiquepritchett.com/ 

Join us for a dynamic discussion on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace in this episode of Culture Stew. Our guest, Dr. Carol Parker Walsh, CEO and Strategic Advisor of Carol Parker Walsh Consulting, is here to share her expertise and insights.
Dr. Parker Walsh's impressive credentials include a J.D., Ph.D., and nearly three decades of experience in law, academia, and executive leadership. As an award-winning master-certified executive coach, personal brand strategist, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation.
In this episode, Dr. Parker Walsh dives into the importance of fostering inclusive workplace cultures, strategies for overcoming resistance to DEI initiatives, and the transformative power of coaching for professional growth. With her Fearless: The Career Rebel Academy and extensive training catalog, she's empowering professionals to drive innovation and create inclusive environments.
In this podcast, we discuss:
Embracing Authenticity: Explore the importance of authenticity in the workplace and its role in cultivating inclusive cultures.
Overcoming Resistance: Discover strategies for addressing resistance and advancing DEI efforts within organizations, even in the face of challenges.
Coaching for Growth: Uncover the transformative potential of coaching in promoting self-reflection and professional development, especially in the realm of DEI leadership.

Learn more about Dr. Parker Walsh - https://www.carolparkerwalsh.com/

In this episode of Culture Stew, hosts Maria Morukian and Roger Moreano engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Ayanna F. Brown. Dr. Brown shares insights into her upbringing, highlighting the powerful messages she received at an early age. They delve into the importance of Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) in education, discussing its evolution over time and its impact on student well-being and academic success. The conversation also explores the challenges facing DEI work, including misinformation and intra-community dynamics. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for institutions to develop cultural competence and institutional will to create lasting change toward equity and inclusion.
Key Areas of Discussion:
Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT): Dr. Brown defines CRT as an approach that goes beyond cultural competency to encompass critical consciousness and sociopolitical responsibility. She highlights the importance of understanding students as complete human beings and fostering a sense of communal responsibility within education.
Challenges to DEI Work: The discussion addresses political attacks rooted in misinformation and intra-DEI challenges. Dr. Brown emphasizes the need for effective communication to clarify what DEI entails and how it benefits everyone. She also explores the dynamics within the DEI community and strategies to address them.
Creating Lasting Change: Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of developing cultural competence and institutional will within organizations to advance equity and inclusion. She advocates for consistent assessment and data collection to inform proactive actions toward greater equity, safety, and cultural responsiveness.
Visit Dr. Ayanna F. Brown's website, https://thought-spectrum.com/about/,  to learn more about her work and listen to the full podcast episode for further insights!