Linked in Impact with DC Metro Area Chapters of The Links, Incorporated

Hosted by The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated

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Jun 2026

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Linked In Impact with DC metro area chapters of The Links, Incorporated is a podcast which transforms our community by highlighting the issues, resources and leaders that YOU need to know.

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28 recent

June 9, 2026Episode 2817 min

How Businesses Can Support and Strengthen Local Communities

On this episode of Linked in Impact—hosted by the DMV chapters of The Links, Inc. —the discussion focuses on how businesses can better support their local communities. Guest Angela Mitchell, President and CEO of ARM Consulting LLC and the first Black woman to serve as Board Chair for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, joins the conversation to share her insights.The episode explores why corporate giving and volunteering are essential for a strong local economy, and how companies can create real opportunities for workers to thrive. Listeners will learn how to use their professional roles to build a more fair and successful community.Key TakeawaysInvest in People: True community development requires building clear career paths and supporting local workers.More Than Charity: Business philanthropy is an essential responsibility that keeps local workforces stable, not just an afterthought.Lead by Example: Business leaders are challenged to give their employees meaningful ways to volunteer and connect with their community.

May 11, 2026Episode 2724 min

The Chief’s Vision: Shaping the Future of Local Education

In this episode, we sit down with Rae Mitchell, the inaugural Chief of Schools for Loudoun County Public Schools. Since stepping into this pioneering role in 2021, Rae has leveraged her 27 years of experience across Fairfax and Newport News to advocate for student success and academic excellence.Beyond her professional accolades, Rae is a deeply rooted community member and a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. We dive into her journey as an educator, a parent of two, and a local leader who transitioned her passion for student achievement into a district-wide vision.Meet Our Guest: Rae Mitchell• Current Role: Inaugural Chief of Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools.• Experience: 27 years of leadership in Fairfax and Newport News school systems.• Education: Alumna of North Carolina State University and Old Dominion University.• Community: Over 20 years as a Loudoun resident and an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Key Takeaways• Pioneering Leadership: Insights into what it means to be the first to hold a strategic executive role in a major school district.• The Power of Experience: How over two decades in the classroom and administration shape advocacy for student success.• Community Roots: The importance of leading in the same community where you live and raise your family.• Vision & Influence: Understanding the vital connection between local leadership and your personal sphere of influence.

April 4, 2026Episode 2629 min

From Weathering to Well-Being: Let's Talk about Black Women's Health

In this episode of Linked In Impact, host Krysta Jones welcomes Joy D. Calloway, President and CEO of the Black Women’s Health Imperative (BWHI), to honor National Minority Health Month. As a veteran leader with over 30 years in healthcare, Calloway discusses the urgent "survival and success mandate" of health equity in 2026.The conversation explores the systemic phenomenon of weathering—the cellular erosion caused by toxic stress—and BWHI’s mission to move toward "pleasure" to ease this impact. A major focus of the discussion is the evolving narrative around menopause, highlighting how women are reclaiming their power during this transition.

March 7, 2026Episode 2518 min

They Call Her Madam Ambassador

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Alexandria Maloney, a powerhouse foreign affairs professional and President of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). Named one of the top 100 most influential people of African descent, Alexandria has served at the U.S. Department of Defense and the White House, building ecosystems that empower over 60,000 professionals.In this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking Madam Ambassador Program. Launched in partnership with area chapters of The Links, Incorporated, this transformative program equips young women with the diplomatic, leadership, and branding skills necessary to reach senior international ranks. We explore why her mission is critical for the future of global diplomacy.

February 6, 2026Episode 2425 min

Our Hidden Secret: Working Together to Address Trafficking in the DMV

In this episode, we dive into the critical work being done to safeguard and uplift the Northern Virginia community. We explore the commitment of the Loudoun County (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated to eradicating human trafficking and their strategic partnership with Reset180.Key Highlights:The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Learn how the Loudoun County Links have addressed local exploitation since before their chartering. Through the National Trends and Services Uplifting Restoration program, they provide survivors with essential "Restore" pillar services, including professional wardrobes, financial aid, and scholarships for industry certifications.Expert Insight: We are joined by Esther Daniel, Executive Director of Reset180. A former engineer turned human rights lawyer with experience at the International Justice Mission, Esther discusses her trauma-informed approach to disrupting cycles of abuse. HBCU Excellence: We highlight the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). As the only public HBCU in the nation’s capital, UDC serves as a vital engine for urban sustainability and a launching pad for leaders in government and policy.Links & Resources:Reset180: Learn more about survivor restoration and advocacy. https://reset180.com/The University of the District of Columbia: Exploring the "beacon" of the HBCU ecosystem. https://www.udc.edu/

December 26, 2025Episode 2326 min

Back to Basics: A Conversation on How Civics will Change Our Communities

The health of our democracy depends entirely on active civic participation. In Virginia, we have elections every year, often more than once a year, so we have 365 days a year to be engaged. In this episode, we speak with Amini Bonane, a Congolese American Commissioner, community organizer, and award-winning advocate for women & girls, and Darrlynn Franklin, the President of the Alexandria Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), who has also served as a member of the Executive Committee since 2017.HBCUs are more than institutions of higher education — they are incubators of Black excellence, innovation, and leadership. They were created out of necessity, but they continue to thrive out of purpose.Even today, HBCUs represent just 3% of colleges and universities, yet they produce: • Nearly 20% of all Black college graduates, • 50% of Black doctors and lawyers, • 40% of Black engineers, • And some of the most influential voices in education, science, business, and culture.HBCUs remain essential because they provide access, belonging, and opportunity. They level the playing field by giving students the resources, mentorship, and culturally centered support that many PWIs simply can’t replicate.

November 21, 2024Episode 2226 min

Get Your Seat at the Table with the Black Women's Roundtable

A November 2024 article by Subramaniam Vincent on forbes.com, noted that Christine Slaughter, Chaya Crowder and Christina Greer, co-authored a recent paper that refers to Black women as keepers of American democracy. The researchers found that Black women are motivated by civic duty to vote in elections and perceive voting as an effective tool to have their voice heard. The article also noted that the news media should help fellow Americans understand the history that Black women bring to the ballot box when they vote. Our stories need to recognize that there is a profound sense of intergenerational solidarity and civic duty amongst Black women, fostered through the passing down of history from the civil rights era, shared everyday experiences, conversations, and a sense of collective responsibility.One organization which promotes Black women’s civic engagement is the Black Women's Roundtable, an initiative of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.The Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) serves as the coalition’s intergenerational leadership development, mentoring, empowerment and power building arm for Black women and girls. The BWR is at the forefront of championing justice and equitable public policies that center racial, economic and gender justice to promote health and wellness, economic security & prosperity, education and global empowerment as key elements of success. Our host, Krysta Jones, currently serves as one of the conveners of BWR Virginia, along with Lavern Chatman, and she is joined by Tameka Ramsey, a convener of BWR Michigan, and the founding director for the Michigan Coalition on Black Civic Participation and LaWana Brown, a co convener for the BWR Maryland. This conversation focuses on the impact BWR is making and how one can get involved.

November 13, 2024Episode 2141 min

Discovering Our Roots: A Conversation on Black Geneaology

According to Heritagediscovered.com, with there being nearly 48 million Black people in the US today, Black genealogy research can be a real challenge, especially for finding families before the 1870 census, the first census to name many Black people for the first time. Researching African American ancestors, whether freed or formerly enslaved, can be time consuming, yet fortunately, more resources are coming online as records get digitized to help you build your family tree.In this episode we speak with Viola Baskerville, Suzanne Walker, and Shamele Jordan.Viola Baskerville is a Richmond, Virginia native; however, she traces her paternal ancestry to several families with deep roots in both Buckingham and Cumberland Counties in Virginia. She has traced her maternal lines to King William County, Virginia and Sevier County, Arkansas. Shamele Jordan is a professional genealogist, producer, writer, and lecturer. Her biographical highlights include: award winning TV producer of Genealogy Quick Start, and researcher for the PBS series Oprah’s Roots: African American Lives I and II. She is the former president of the African American Genealogy Group in Philadelphia.Suzanne Walker is president of the Arlington VA chapter of the Links Incorporated and is a Family History Enthusiast.She has been curious about her family history for a very long time, and is focusing on research on her great grandmother being an enslaved person in Virginia. She promotes Black people honoring and knowing our history and believes it is a legacy worth preserving.

November 12, 2024Episode 2028 min

Is it Time to Renew Your Passport? Exploring the Benefits of Travel

According to Forbes.com, a survey by the travel organization Road Scholar has revealed that up to 30% of the company's tour participants are solo travelers; and of those solo travelers, 85% are women.According to Condor Ferries, 64% of travelers worldwide are female, while only 36% are male. The company estimated that $125 billion would be spent by women on travel in 2023.The average U.S. traveler is a 47-year-old woman. Some 75% of those who take cultural, adventure or nature trips are women. Despite possible dangers, 86% of women state that they are not afraid to travel. And whether women travel with their partners, their families, friends, solo or in groups, 80% of all travel decisions are made by women.In this episode, our host Krysta Jones speaks with Nickie Martin and Melandee Jones Canady about their experiences traveling.

September 3, 2024Episode 1920 min

The "Foundations of Our Community": Understanding Community Foundations

“At its core, the role of a community foundation is to create pathways that connect our community and its many different individuals, groups, and organizations to the resources needed to flourish.”How much do you know about community foundations and the impact they are making in your community? In this episode we speak with Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation, and Heather Peeler, President and CEO of ACT Alexandria, about these longstanding resources and change agents in our community.