EquitAble

"For us, the central premise of equity from an early childhood standpoint is that all people begin their developmental journey with very differing levels of resources. Those resources are determined by social positioning. So race, ethnicity, class, gender, ability, sexuality, nationality, on and on. And in order for us to realize equity, we have to redistribute resources based on the needs of the individual and the family and the child." - Dr. Kandace Thomas

Dr. Kandace Thomas and Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams explore the disparities in care and education for children, emphasizing the need for equitable policies and resource redistribution based on individual and family needs. They discuss the importance of investing in maternal health, infant mental health, and early childhood education, especially in historically marginalized communities. Whether you're a policy advocate, educator, or simply someone looking to make a difference, this episode promises valuable insights into the future of equitable early childhood education. Tune in and join us on this journey towards making positive change for our youngest generations.

"For all the work that I do, I don't actually use the word equity in my work. Generally, right? Because I don't know that it's achievable. What I probably use is trying to do right by people or trying to be fair. And you know, the myriad definitions of fair...I really try to think through, how do I do right by this person? How do I do right by people? And I would say, the growth over the last 3 years has recognized that I am part of people too."

Today we're looking into the crucial intersections of mental health care and equity with our distinguished guest, Dr. David Goode-Cross, a licensed psychologist and the founder of The Goode Practice. Dr. Goode-Cross brings a wealth of experience and a revolutionary approach to mental health care, focusing on empowering marginalized communities and disrupting traditional systems to create more equitable healthcare environments.

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore Dr. Goode-Cross’s unique perspective on systemic change within mental health practices, the challenges of providing services in an equitable fashion, and the importance of identity concordance in therapeutic outcomes. Dr. Goode-Cross also sheds light on his personal journey from aspiring self-help author to becoming a reputable psychologist, his research on resilience among Black gay and bisexual men, and the day-to-day realities of working within a practice that primarily serves people of color who are also gender or sexual minorities.

"Writing Black stories that center joy and everyday experiences is a revolutionary act that shifts narratives and challenges stereotypes."

This episode with Kelis Rowe spotlights the critical need for authentic representation of Black American teenagers in young adult romance novels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of these narratives in fostering a positive self-image and broader societal perception. Both Kelis and host Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams dive into the often overlooked areas of Black joy and everyday experiences beyond racial pain, advocating for a more inclusive approach in literature and media.

"Sustainability is about legacy. Looking forward to generations of people and shifting your behaviors today so that they can have a better outcome tomorrow."

This episode focuses on how Yinka Bode-George's organization acts as a catalyst in aligning corporate sustainability efforts with environmental justice. Addressing the complex issues of environmental racism and inequity, Yinka shares insights on projects aimed at creating a sustainable future that honors equity, such as the Sustain Our Future initiative. The overarching theme resonates with the goal of writing a love letter to future generations through sustainable and just environmental practices.

If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. That is a really important part of doing equity work.

As the world undergoes significant shifts in 2025, having a stable foundation is essential. That requires strong policies, effective practices, and a deep understanding of how to institutionalize equity. Christina-Mai Just (Chief Equity Officer) and Kat Johnson (Chief of Staff) of Utah's Promise, who are also Standpoint Consulting's clients, have successfully navigated these challenges through alignment services and executive leadership team coaching. In this episode, they discuss how their years of equity work have prepared them for today’s disruptions in the U.S. They share practical strategies for embedding equity within systems and structures, demonstrating how this approach drives both organizational success and societal impact. Through real-world examples from various departments, they also highlight how equity is not just an initiative but a fundamental aspect of organizational culture and operations.