Pathways to Empowerment: Michele Heyward's Quest for Racial and Financial Equality in STEM

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04/04/24 • 49 min

In this insightful episode of "Money & Racism," host Dr. Joe Burns and this week's guest, Michele Heyward delve into the intersections of financial inequity and racial discrimination. Michele begins by recounting her formative years, where a love for science and math collided with the realities of growing up in rural South Carolina. She reveals her generational ties to construction and land ownership, highlighting the significance of these assets within Black communities and their impact on familial and economic stability.

The conversation further unpacks the advantages and complexities of land ownership concerning opportunities and historical context. Michele and Joe examine how access to resources and support systems shape educational and professional prospects, particularly within STEM fields.

Shifting the focus to the modern workforce, Joe and Michele tackle the enduring racial inequalities in hiring and compensation. They discuss the systemic challenges Black women face in the job market, including disparities in pay and the heightened difficulties in negotiation and career advancement.

Michele shares her journey from Clemson University to the electrical business unit of a tech firm and the construction industry, emphasizing the critical need for marginalized individuals to claim their value and push beyond societal limitations.

The episode rounds off with a call to action, encouraging listeners to engage in the conversation and recognize the deep-seated issues of racism that permeate aspects of daily life, from finance to personal development.

You can find Michele Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward/

You can find Michele Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelecheyward/

Previous Episode

Cultivating Resilience: Overcoming Financial Racism in Agriculture with Nia Kiara Cole

In this episode of Money & Racism, we're joined by agricultural education consultant Nia Kiara Cole. Together, we unpack the historical and current challenges that black and brown farmers face, from access to land to systemic discrimination in lending practices. We explore the intergenerational trauma rooted in the loss of land and culture and the importance of overcoming these deep-seated issues for community health and societal healing.

Nia shares her personal journey in rekindling her family's farming legacy and the barriers that people of color encounter in agriculture. The discussion goes beyond just financial support, focusing on alternative ways of backing the farming initiatives of black and brown communities, including mentorship, education, and the sharing of resources.

Highlighting key concepts like food apartheid and the crucial role of land access in combating food deserts, Nia emphasizes the need for a more equitable food system and the empowerment of marginalized communities through sustainable agriculture. The conversation invites listeners to contribute beyond monetary means, advocating for a unified effort to understand and aid in the battle against institutional racism within the farming sector.

Tune in for a compelling dialogue that sheds light on the intersection of finance, land ownership, and racism, and the various ways we can collectively foster growth and healing in black and brown communities.

Next Episode

Confronting Racism in Breast Cancer Care and Funding

Welcome to a powerful episode of "Money & Racism." Today, we're exploring the intersection of financial disparity and healthcare through the lens of racial inequity, with a special focus on the black community's struggle against breast cancer. Join your host, Joe Burns, and guest Reverend Dr. Tammie Denyse, as they delve into Tammie's personal journey as a breast cancer survivor and her trailblazing work with Carrie's Touch, an organization dedicated to supporting black women battling this disease.

In this episode, we confront the 'strong black woman syndrome' and its consequences on health outcomes, discuss the role of community in uplifting those in need, and highlight the harsh statistics that underscore higher mortality rates for black women with breast cancer. Reverend Dr. Tammie Denyse shares her experience of finding a research partner for Project Soar. This project aims to help black women navigate their breast cancer experiences, emphasizing the importance of accepting help, be it emotional, mental, or financial, even from unexpected allies.

Joe Burns offers an honest reflection on the racial dynamics at play and his commitment to addressing past injustices within the white community. Together, they touch on the Childhood Money Belief System and its lasting impacts, and Tammie's touching story of her community providing a financial lifeline during her treatment.

As we unpack these topics, we'll also discuss the lack of resources, the impact of systemic racism in medical research and treatment, and the financial traumas facing not just individuals, but entire communities. Listen in as Tammie and Joe foster crucial conversations about sharing personal stories, advocating for education and support, and ultimately working toward dismantling outdated, oppressive systems.

So tighten your seat belts; we're diving deep into these complex issues, shedding light on the true cost of money and racism, here on "Money & Racism."

https://carriestouch.org/

https://www.facebook.com/carriestouch1/