Diversity Straight Up

In this episode, our hosts chat remotely with Courtney Reyes, Executive Director of One Iowa, a statewide LGBTQ equality organization. Anthony and Sarika talk with Courtney about One Iowa’s mission, how her background brought her to this line of work, and what executives can do to be more inclusive of their employees and teams. The group also explores their thoughts on recent shootings in America and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.

Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Janessa Calderon, Executive Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Anthony and Sarika talk with Janessa about her work with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, what it has meant for her to be the youngest person to ever hold the position, how she manages to create impact as a one-person team, Janessa shares some insightful advice, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.

Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Joe Enriquez Henry of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Forward Latino.

Anthony and Sarika talk with Joe about how he and LULAC have navigated crisis, his experiences and accomplishments as a leader in the social justice space, and the group explores the current state of Puerto Rico's journey to become the 51st state. Additionally, Sarika shares how the mass protests in Iran are on her mind, and everyone takes a turn with the Diversity Thumb Ball!

Learn more about LULAC at IowaLatinos.org.

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.

Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Okpara Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Tanager Place, the nonprofit providing services to children and families that inspire, empower, and heal.

Anthony and Sarika talk with Okpara about how they're approaching gun violence in the world today, how our collective approach to mental health has changed since the pandemic, how Okpara's background and childhood led him to this line of work, the group tackle a question from a listener, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!

Learn more about Tanager Place by visiting tanagerplace.org

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.