Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women

Joia Jefferson Nuri
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Management
  • Bimonthly

Women of color aiming to lead are constantly under the spotlight—expected to outperform, outshine, and outlast. The pressure is undeniable yet rarely addressed openly. Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women is here to change that. This bold, unapologetic podcast is the go-to space where women of color—and anyone ready to listen—can confront challenges, rewrite the narrative, and build a game plan for unstoppable success, all while finding moments to laugh and grow. Our podcast is dedicated to the legacy of Harriet Tubman. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering fight for freedom inspire everything we do.

  1. 3d ago

    It's Not Race. It's Racism: Black Women's Reproductive Struggles

    Why are Black women in America still dying from pregnancy and childbirth at rates far higher than white women? And why do these disparities persist even among women who are educated, financially secure, and have access to healthcare? The answer, according to my guest today, is not race. It's racism. Welcome to Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women. I'm your host, Joia Jefferson Nuri. Today, we're confronting one of the most troubling realities of American healthcare: a system in which Black women continue to experience medical bias, unequal treatment, and life-threatening consequences. My guest is Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, an obstetrician-gynecologist and nationally recognized advocate for Black maternal health and reproductive justice. Her commitment to this work is deeply personal. After experiencing premature labor during her own pregnancy, she began questioning medical explanations that blamed poor maternal outcomes on being Black rather than examining the systemic conditions affecting Black women's health. Today, she challenges the assumptions and institutions that have perpetuated these disparities for generations. And there's something else special about today's conversation. In all my years, I've rarely encountered another woman who shares my first name. So today, for the first time on the Lantern, we have two Joias having one very important conversation. We're talking about racism in medicine, the value of Black women's lives, and what must change to ensure that every woman receives the care, dignity, and respect she deserves.

    It's Not Race. It's Racism: Black Women's Reproductive Struggles

  2. Nov 3

    The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Poverty, Self-Worth, and the Courage to Heal

    What happens when the little girl who grew up in poverty becomes the woman who leads? In this deeply personal episode of Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women, host Joia Jefferson Nuri welcomes Monique Fortenberry for a candid and courageous conversation about the hidden emotional costs of leadership. Together, they explore something rarely discussed in conversations about success: the lingering shame and feelings of unworthiness that can follow us from childhood into the highest levels of professional achievement. Both women know what it means to grow up in poverty and carry the unspoken belief that somehow, because of where they came from, they were less deserving. Even as they achieved success, those early messages continued to shape how they saw themselves. Monique speaks openly about anxiety, depression, personal sacrifice, and the consequences of placing an organization's mission ahead of her own well-being. Her honesty invites us to examine the price we sometimes pay for being strong, capable, and constantly available to others. This is a conversation about the destructive inner critic, the emotional weight of our beginnings, and the courage it takes to recognize that our worth was never determined by our circumstances. Monique's message is not, Don't lead. It is: Please lead. But learn from me. If you've ever felt that no amount of success could silence the voice telling you that you weren't enough, this conversation is for you. Because you were worthy long before you achieved anything.

    The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Poverty, Self-Worth, and the Courage to Heal

  3. Sep 1

    From Dreams To Drive with Author Tanisha Yerby

    In this episode of Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women, Joia Jefferson Nuri sits down with author and motivator Tanisha Yerby for an inspiring conversation about dreams, faith, purpose, and what it takes to move from wanting something more to actually pursuing it. Tanisha is the author of From Dreams to Drive: Trust Gods Plan, Embrace Your Gifts, and Walk in Purpose, a deeply personal and faith-filled book that encourages women to stop allowing fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt to keep them from the lives they know they are meant to live. Together, Joia and Tanisha explore what happens when you have a dream but dont know how to make it real. They talk about trusting God when the path isnt clear, recognizing the gifts already within you, finding the courage to move forward, and understanding that purpose requires more than dreamingit requires action. This is a conversation for every woman who has ever thought, There has to be more for me than this. Your dream may be waiting for something very simple: you to begin.

    From Dreams To Drive with Author Tanisha Yerby

  4. Aug 14

    Disability Advocacy, Leadership, and Belonging: Samyuktha Neeraja

    What does it mean to lead when the world was not designed to include you? And what happens when you decide that simply being allowed into the room is no longer enough? Todays conversation is about disability advocacy, leadership, and the fundamental human need to belong. My guest challenges us to look beyond performative inclusion and consider what it truly takes to create workplaces, institutions, and communities where every person is seen, valued, heard, and given the opportunity to thrive. This is also a conversation about couragethe courage to advocate for yourself, to use your lived experience as a source of leadership, and to challenge systems that too often ask people to adapt rather than removing the barriers standing in their way. Whether you live with a disability, love someone who does, lead a team, or simply want to become a more conscious and compassionate human being, this conversation has something important to teach us. Lets get unshackled.

    Disability Advocacy, Leadership, and Belonging: Samyuktha Neeraja

  5. Jul 22

    Black Women in Law: Leadership & Democracy with Tanisha M. Edwards, Esq

    Podcast Show NotesWhat does it take for Black women attorneys to lead with courage, influence, and purpose during turbulent political times? In this episode of Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women, Executive Leadership Coach and Emmy Award-winning journalist Joia Jefferson Nuri sits down with Tanisha M. Edwards, Senior Venture Capital Counsel at NextEra Energy, to explore the critical role of the rule of law, leadership, and career advancement for women of color in the legal profession. As our nation continues to grapple with political division and challenges to democratic institutions, the law remains one of the strongest protections against tyranny. Tanisha shares how legal professionalsespecially Black women leadersare helping shape a more just future while navigating careers in environments that have not always welcomed them. From her work in environmental law and private practice to her leadership in the energy sector, Tanisha offers a powerful perspective on building a career rooted in excellence, integrity, and service. She also discusses her work as a board member of the Legal Institute for Women of Color Attorneys (LIWOCA), an organization dedicated to advancing leadership, mentorship, and opportunity for women of color in law. One of the episode's most compelling conversations centers on a bold career decision: taking a pay cut to pursue long-term purpose and leadership growth. Tanisha explains why meaningful career advancement isn't always measured by salary, but by impact, learning, and the opportunity to create lasting change. Whether you are a lawyer, executive, entrepreneur, law student, or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into executive leadership, career strategy, professional development, and building a legacy that empowers others. In This Episode We Discuss:Why the rule of law is essential to protecting democracyLeadership lessons for Black women attorneys and women leadersThe challenges facing women of color in the legal professionBuilding executive presence and influence in high-stakes environmentsWhy mentorship changes careersand livesThe courage to make career decisions based on purpose instead of paycheckOvercoming barriers while creating opportunities for future generationsBuilding a lasting leadership legacy through service and advocacyAbout Our GuestTanisha M. Edwards is Senior Venture Capital Counsel at NextEra Energy, where she provides strategic legal counsel in one of America's fastest-growing industries. She previously practiced at Foley Hoag LLP and served as an Associate Attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center. In addition to her corporate leadership, Tanisha serves on the board of the Legal Institute for Women of Color Attorneys (LIWOCA), helping advance mentorship, leadership development, and professional success for Black women attorneys and women of color in law. Why You Should ListenIf you're interested in leadership, executive coaching, career advancement, women in leadership, Black women in law, or using your professional influence to create meaningful change, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and inspiring leadership lessons. Tanisha's journey demonstrates that authentic leadership is about more than professional successit's about opening doors, lifting others, and leaving the profession stronger than you found it. Connect with Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black WomenSubscribe to the podcast for inspiring conversations with exceptional Black women leaders who are transforming business, government, law, health care, education, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a colleague, mentor, or friend. Together, we are quieting the inner critic, amplifying authentic voices, and empowering Black women to lead with confidence, clarity, courage, and purpose. Reach Joia Jefferson Nuri on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joiajeffersonnuri/ Peace.

    Black Women in Law: Leadership & Democracy with Tanisha M. Edwards, Esq

  6. Jul 7

    Black Women : Resilience in Crisis with Avis Jones DeWeever

    Black Women: Resilience in Crisis | Featuring Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever In this powerful episode of Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women, Executive Leadership Coach and Emmy Award-winning journalist Joia Jefferson Nuri, PCC, sits down with award-winning author, political commentator, entrepreneur, and leadership expert Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever to explore what it takes for Black women to lead with courage during times of political uncertainty, social change, and personal adversity. Together, they discuss Black women's leadership, resilience, executive presence, political power, strategic communication, entrepreneurship, race and gender equity, wealth building, and the unique challenges facing Black women leaders in today's rapidly changing world. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, Dr. Avis shares practical wisdom on navigating crisis, influencing change, communicating with purpose, and building a lasting legacy while remaining authentic. Whether you're an executive, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, public servant, or an emerging leader seeking to strengthen your confidence and leadership impact, this conversation offers inspiration and practical strategies for leading with clarity, resilience, and purpose. In this episode you'll learn about: Black women's leadershipResilience during times of crisisExecutive leadership and career advancementStrategic communication and influencePolitical leadership and civic engagementEntrepreneurship and business leadershipRace, gender, and workplace equityBuilding confidence and personal powerAbout the Podcast Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women is hosted by Joia Jefferson Nuri, PCC, Executive Leadership and Public Speaking Coach, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and former Technical Director of the CBS Evening News and Face the Nation. Each episode features extraordinary Black women leaders who share their journeys, wisdom, and practical strategies for overcoming the inner critic, strengthening executive presence, and leading with confidence and purpose. Connect with Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever Website: https://nouveauxstrategies.comEmail: avis@avisjonesdeweever.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dravisjonesdeweever/ Connect with Host Joia Jefferson Nuri Website: https://www.inthepubliceyecoaching.comEmail: jjn@inthepubliceyecoaching.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joiajeffersonnuri/

    Black Women : Resilience in Crisis with Avis Jones DeWeever

  7. 06/17/2025

    From Uneasy Peace to Real Progress

    Progress has never come easy. Every step forwardwhether for Black Americans, women, or immigrantshas faced resistance. Power doesnt let go quietly. We have made progress, but there still remains an uneasy peace. But the world is changing, and were being called to help it to continue to change. Our guest today, Vanessa Feliberti Bautista, Senior Corporate Vice President of Microsoft 365 Platform, knows this firsthand. Her story is one of owning identity, navigating complexity, and opening doors for others in tech and beyond. As a woman of mixed Puerto Rican heritage, shes faced the tension of not fitting neatly into any box. But instead of hiding her differences, she embraced themand used them to lead. From community colleges in underserved communities to corporate boardrooms, Vanessa has fought to make space for voices too often ignored. Shes had tough conversations, pushed through resistance, and helped transform teams into creative, inclusive powerhouses. Today, shes here to talk about what it really takes to move from the uneasy peace to lasting changeand how each of us plays a part in shaping the future.

    From Uneasy Peace to Real Progress

  8. 05/05/2025

    Women of Color, Mental Health, and the Power of Representation

    In this episode, we sit down with Stefanie Reeves from the American Psychological Association for a candid and empowering talk about mental healthespecially for women of color. Stefanie brings passion, purpose, and deep insight as we dive into why mental health matters and the diverse career paths making a difference in this vital field. From breaking stigmas to building solutions, Stefanie shares how shes championing change every step of the way. Grab your headphonesyou wont want to miss this inspiring conversation!!

    Women of Color, Mental Health, and the Power of Representation
See All (37)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Women of color aiming to lead are constantly under the spotlight—expected to outperform, outshine, and outlast. The pressure is undeniable yet rarely addressed openly. Unshackled Leadership: A Lantern for Black Women is here to change that. This bold, unapologetic podcast is the go-to space where women of color—and anyone ready to listen—can confront challenges, rewrite the narrative, and build a game plan for unstoppable success, all while finding moments to laugh and grow. Our podcast is dedicated to the legacy of Harriet Tubman. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering fight for freedom inspire everything we do.

Information