In this episode, Bessie sits down with Dr. Rebekah Levin to discuss her experience as an American Jew advocating for Palestinian Liberation. Rebekah shares stories from her experiences in Palestine and her own path of deconstructing her beliefs and identity ..read more

In this episode, Bessie is joined by Stephanie Skora and Raeghn Draper to talk about the upcoming local elections in Chicago. They cover topics ranging from our right to vote or not vote as we see fit, voting based on personal values, single-issue voting, the importance of local elections, and so much more! Stephanie Skora is a writer, educator, speaker, organizer, and non-profiteer based in Chicago, Illinois. She lives as a Stone Top hard femme trans Lesbian and working-class anti-Zionist Ashkenazi Jew, and mobilizes her identities to work in solidarity with Palestinians, to queer Jewish spac ..read more

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie sits down with Vu Le, writer of the blog NonprofitAF.com to talk about funding ethics, progressive vs conservative funders, zodic signs in nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and much more. Vu Le (“voo lay”) writes the blog NonprofitAF.com. He is the former executive director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by supporting leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration between diverse communities. Vu is a founding board member of Community-Centric Fundraising, a movement ..read more

In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie is joined by analía rodríguez to discuss the future of philanthropy, and what transitioning from Executive Director at a nonprofit to Philanthropic Program Officer looked like. analía rodríguez (they/them/elle) is a longtime community organizer and immediate former executive director of the Latino Union of Chicago, a grassroots community organization that fights wage theft and advocates for improved temporary worker conditions. analía lives in Little Village. In their role as Leadership Investment Program Officer at Field, rodríguez (who does not ..read more

Bessie sits down with Dr. Cynthia Treadwell, Executive Director of Social Emotional Learning at Chicago Public Schools to discuss Chicago Public Schools, social and emotional learning, suspension rates, student-centered classrooms, and how to create positive change in CPS.Dr. Cynthia Treadwell, currently serving as the Executive Director for the Office of Social and Emotional Learning, brings 22 years of experience in Chicago Public Schools, including roles as a Principal, Assistant Principal, District Reading Coordinator, classroom teacher, and Adjunct Instructor at Chicago State University a ..read more

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In this episode of Broken Office Chair, Bessie Alcantara and Xavier Ramey continue their conversation and cover the topic of Black men in the social impact sector. Xavier Ramey is the Founder and CEO of Justice Informed, a Chicago-based consultancy. He collaborates with a wide range of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and institutions. Xavier's expertise lies in shaping inclusive workplaces, improving services, and addressing legal and reputational challenges. Notable clients include Ingredion, Emerson, Northwestern University, and more. Xavier is a global key ..read more

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Xavier Ramey, CEO of Justice Informed, to discuss DEI backlash, hypercapitalism, anti-racism, pay equity, and so much more. Xavier Ramey is the Founder and CEO of Justice Informed, a Chicago-based consultancy. He collaborates with a wide range of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and institutions. Xavier's expertise lies in shaping inclusive workplaces, improving services, and addressing legal and reputational challenges. Notable clients include Ingredion, Emerson, Northwestern University, and more. Xavier is a global keyn ..read more

In this episode, Bessie sits down with Tim Jones to discuss finding purpose, motivations to work in the nonprofit sector, faith-driven work, and much more. Tim Jones is a thought leader, communicator, and author. Mr. Jones has found success in providing a context, different from the expectation. He provides influence and perspective on leadership, motivation & inspiration. He currently keynotes, hosts, and facilitates discussions throughout the city of Chicago and the nation. Born into a heritage of community leaders on the south side of Chicago, Tim also provides leadership addressing the ..read more

In this episode, Bessie sits down with ángela munguía, Executive Director at AMPT, to discuss everything from privilege and power in leadership to the importance of capacity building, managing organizational growth, and more. ángela has a passion for social justice, racial equity and community development – specifically, for Black and Brown communities. She was chief dream director for The Future Project, where she handled organizational and fundraising strategies, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and staff development. Currently, munguía is a board member of the Chicago Freedom School whe ..read more