Women of Color Rise

Hosted by Analiza Quiroz Wolf

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100

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Women of Color Rise podcast! I'm Analiza Quiroz Wolf, proud Filipina American, mom of two, and former CEO of a non-profit and Captain in the US Air Force. My mission is to support having more diverse leaders at the table, especially women and people of color. We'll be talking with successful CEOs and C-suite women leaders of color and learning about their leadership journeys. If you are a woman or woman of color who wants a seat at the table, you're in the right place. Website: www.analizawolf.com

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60 recent

May 21, 202628 min

123. The Truth About Equity with Celeste Warren, Former VP and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Merck

How can we move from fearing equity to championing it? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Celeste Warren, former Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Merck and author of The Truth About Equity. With nearly three decades of experience, Celeste has been recognized by Black Enterprise's "Top Executives in Global Diversity and Inclusion." Celeste's father was the first black teacher and principal in western Pennsylvania. She shares how her "dinner table lessons" taught her that while obstacles are real, they are never an excuse to stop succeeding. She opens up about the internal struggle of stepping into a DEI role as a woman of color and how she learned to stop "putting her blackness to the back." She shares powerful lessons for rising leaders: The Rocks and the Fence. Equity isn't about taking things away; it's about providing the "rocks" needed to see over systemic fences while we work to tear those fences down. Boil Your Own Pot. You don't have to save the world alone. Impact starts by influencing the two or three people immediately around you. Growth vs. Fixed Mindset. View opportunity as a bar graph that can rise infinitely, rather than a finite pie where one person's gain is another's loss. Embrace Your "Lock and Load" Energy. Learn to balance your drive with a "servant leadership" heart that nurtures and protects your team. Celeste's journey to global DEI leader is a wonderful model of authenticity and intentionality. Get full show notes and more information here:

April 23, 2026Episode 12236 min

122. Build a "Tribe" Culture with Celeste Thompson, Founder of Tribe Consulting

How can we move from fearing equity to championing it? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Celeste Warren, former Vice President and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Merck and author of The Truth About Equity. With nearly three decades of experience, Celeste has been recognized by Black Enterprise's "Top Executives in Global Diversity and Inclusion." Celeste's father was the first black teacher and principal in western Pennsylvania. She shares how her "dinner table lessons" taught her that while obstacles are real, they are never an excuse to stop succeeding. She opens up about the internal struggle of stepping into a DEI role as a woman of color and how she learned to stop "putting her blackness to the back." She shares powerful lessons for rising leaders: •The Rocks and the Fence. Equity isn't about taking things away; it's about providing the "rocks" needed to see over systemic fences while we work to tear those fences down. •Boil Your Own Pot. You don't have to save the world alone. Impact starts by influencing the two or three people immediately around you. •Growth vs. Fixed Mindset. View opportunity as a bar graph that can rise infinitely, rather than a finite pie where one person's gain is another's loss. •Embrace Your "Lock and Load" Energy. Learn to balance your drive with a "servant leadership" heart that nurtures and protects your team. Celeste's journey to global DEI leader is a wonderful model of authenticity and intentionality. Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-122-build-a-tribe-culture-with-celeste-thompson-founder-of-tribe-consulting

March 26, 2026Episode 12125 min

121. Master Timing in Leadership with Christina Selby, VP of Production and Touring at Nederlander Producing Company of America

How can you find your spotlight in a competitive industry? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Christina Selby—Vice President of Production and Touring at Nederlander Producing Company of America, Adjunct Professor at Columbia University, and a leading voice on the Broadway League's Executive Committee. A first-generation Honduran-Haitian American and lifelong New Yorker, Christina's path wasn't scripted from the start. She spent years planning to be a pediatrician until a "hard look" in college led her to choose joy over expectations. From her first week out of college to becoming a high-level executive, she has navigated the world of Broadway with grace and infectious optimism. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Identify your joy. Don't just stumble into it; actively carve out time for what makes you happy. It's the fuel for your resilience. •Find the silver lining. Even in the darkest chapters, look for the light. Perspective is the only thing you can truly control. •Master the art of timing. Success isn't just about the "what," it's about the "when." Read the room and wait for the right headspace before making your big move. •Start where you are. You don't need $20 million to be a producer (or a leader). Gather your peers, book a room, and just start. •Learn to say "No" with grace. Setting boundaries early is essential for long-term success and self-care. Christina's story is a beautiful reminder that when we stand in our identity and lead with joy, we can open doors for ourselves and the next generation. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-121-master-timing-in-leadership-with-christina-selby

February 26, 2026Episode 12036 min

120. Choose Joy and Purpose with Patrice Tanaka, Founder of Joyful Planet Foundation

How can you transform exhaustion into a life of purpose and joy? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Patrice Tanaka—award-winning PR leader, author, and founder of the Joyful Planet Consultancy and Joyful Planet Foundation. After co-founding three successful PR agencies, Patrice found herself reeling after 9/11. That moment sparked a radical shift from being a "micromanaging" CEO to a leader driven by joy. A proud Japanese American woman born and raised in Hawaii, Patrice shares how the "Aloha spirit" guides her work in NYC and how she finally fulfilled her childhood dream of ballroom dancing at age 50. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Live Aloha. Bring love and community (Ohana) into every business communication. •Clarify your purpose. A true life purpose leverages your talents in service of others and the planet, which brings joy. •Let go of perfection. Especially for women of color, waiting for "perfection" before speaking up is a waste of your brilliant energy. •Embrace the "Follower" role to be a better Leader. Lessons from ballroom dancing can make you a smarter, more empathetic CEO. Patrice's journey from "Ayatollah Tanaka" to a Joy Advocate shows that when we lead with purpose, we unleash our greatest success. Free Purpose Consultation: Patrice is kindly offering a free purpose consultation for our audience. Email her at Patrice@joyfulplanet.com to receive her 11-question questionnaire and schedule a free session to articulate your life and leadership purpose. Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-120-choose-joy-and-purpose-with-patrice-tanaka

January 29, 2026Episode 11928 min

119. Stop Bullying at School and in the Workplace with Dali Rivera, Founder of the Diversity and Anti-Bullying Academy (DABA)

Facing a bully at work? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dali Rivera—parenting coach, U.S. Army veteran, author, and founder of the Diversity and Anti-Bullying Academy (DABA). Dali transformed her pain over both her and her daughter's bullying into a powerful purpose, creating tools for confident advocacy in schools and in the workplace. Dali shares advice for leaders to confidently address a workplace bully or a hostile situation: Stop Blaming Yourself: Immediately shift your mindset from shame or guilt to self-advocacy. Know you deserve respect. Document Everything (Your Paper Trail): Collect dates, times, witnesses, and specific details of every incident. If it's verbal, it's hard to prove. Know Your Resources & Suggest Solutions: Research your company's HR policies before you need them. When you report, bring a suggested, realistic resolution. Seek External Counsel: Remember that HR's loyalty is to the company, not the employee. Be smart—be prepared to seek an attorney or HR coach to protect yourself. Dali's story is a powerful reminder that our pain can become our greatest purpose, giving us the strength to advocate not only for our children but for ourselves in the workplace. Do not be afraid of the power of your voice. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-119-stop-bullying-at-school-and-in-the-workplace-with-dali-rivera

January 15, 2026Episode 11834 min

118. Neurodiversity is a Strength with Nella Garcia Urban, CEO of DSST Public Schools

How can neurodiversity become a leadership strength? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Nella Garcia Urban, CEO of DSST Public Schools. Nella came from YES Prep Public Schools, Houston, where she spent over 20 years in various roles leading and operating charter schools. Nella is also the Board Chair of LEAL, Latino Educators Advancing Leadership. As a proud Latina and neurodiverse leader, Nella shares how embracing her identity—and being open about her needs—has made her a stronger and more authentic leader. What once felt like a challenge became her power: seeing the world differently, asking questions others might not, and showing up fully as herself in every space. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Celebrate neurodiversity. What sets you apart can be your greatest strength. •Ask for what you need. Self-advocacy is essential to thriving in leadership. •Model authenticity—unapologetically. By showing up as your true self, you give permission for other adults and kids to do the same. Nella's story shows that when we embrace neurodiversity, advocate for ourselves, and lead with authenticity, we not only rise—but create a culture where others can rise too. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-118-neurodiversity-is-a-strength-with-nella-garcia-urban-ceo-of-dsst-public-schools

December 18, 2025Episode 11737 min

117. Move, Think, Rest to Promote Creativity with Natalie Nixon, CEO of Figure 8 Thinking

How can you unlock creativity to thrive in leadership and life? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Natalie Nixon—creativity strategist, author of The Creativity Leap and Move, Think, Rest, and CEO of Figure 8 Thinking. Recognized on the Thinkers50 Radar and named one of the Top 50 keynote speakers by Real Leaders, Natalie helps executives and organizations harness creativity as a strategic advantage. A proud African American woman and Gen Xer, Natalie grew up on the East Coast in a family that modeled discipline, faith, imagination, and rest. From her father's example of Sabbath practice to her mother's encouragement of daydreaming, Natalie learned early that curiosity and movement fuel innovation and resilience. She shares lessons for leaders: Embrace creativity everywhere. It's not just for artists—engineers, CFOs, and educators all thrive when they pair wonder with rigor. Build curiosity into culture. Ask better "what if" questions to unlock new possibilities. Honor natural rhythms. Movement and rest sharpen thinking and prevent burnout. Connect ROI to creativity. Collaboration and curiosity drive productivity, efficiency, and innovation. Trust intuition. Imagination and foresight are as powerful as logic in leadership. Natalie's story shows that by moving, thinking, and resting with intention, leaders can reimagine what's possible and create lasting impact. Order Natalie's book Move Think Rest here. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-117-move-think-rest-to-promote-creativity-with-natalie-nixon

December 4, 2025Episode 11636 min

116. Accelerate Your Path to CEO with Dr. Rahesha Amon, CEO of City Teaching Alliance

How can you accelerate your path to CEO? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Rahesha Amon, CEO of City Teaching Alliance. With 25+ years of leadership experience, Rahesha has been a teacher, coach, principal, and senior executive at NYC DOE before stepping into her current role. A proud Black woman and fourth-generation New Yorker, Rahesha never dreamed of being a CEO—she once wanted to act, then pursued pre-med. But her all-girls school experience, community encouragement, and resilience helped her find her voice and chart her own leadership path. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Own your identity. Authenticity is power. •Trust the process. Successes and failures both teach. •Keep building your toolkit. Seek experiences that stretch you. •Find your board of directors. Surround yourself with mentors and advocates. •Believe in yourself. Look to the light and draw strength from those who came before you. Rahesha's story shows that with identity, faith, and community, we can accelerate our own path to CEO. Get full show notes and more information here:https://analizawolf.com/episode-116-accelerate-your-path-to-ceo-with-dr-rahesha-amon-ceo-of-city-teaching-alliance

November 20, 2025Episode 11524 min

115. Play the Game to Change the Game with Erica Mosca, Nevada State Assemblymember and Founder/Executive Director of Leaders in Training

What does it mean to play the game to change the game? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Erica Mosca—Nevada State Assemblymember and Founder/Executive Director of Leaders in Training. Her nonprofit now empowers over 200 students annually with a 100% college acceptance rate and 81% postsecondary persistence. Erica is also the first Filipina elected to the Nevada State Legislature and is running for her third term. Growing up, Erica didn't see herself represented in classrooms, on television, or in politics. When she learned that only 1% of elected officials were APIA, she realized she needed to "play the game to change the game." For her, that meant running for office. She shares powerful lessons for anyone looking to lead and serve: Lead with values. It's not about you—it's about advocating for your community. Seek support. Programs like APAICS, New American Leaders, Emerge America, and Leadership for Educational Equity offer training even if you're not ready to run yet. Reframe fundraising. Fundraising isn't asking for money—it's giving people a chance to have their voice at the table. Navigate politics with humility. Listen, meet people where they are, and show up consistently—even outside election season. Know you are enough. Your lived experiences matter more than degrees or titles. Through her leadership, Erica has helped create meaningful change across Nevada. She truly embodies what it means to play the game to change the game. Donate to Erica's campaign at ericamosca.com. Even $14 is meaningful! Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-115-play-the-game-to-change-the-game-with-erica-mosca

November 6, 2025Episode 11432 min

114. Embrace Feminine Energy in Leadership and Parenting with Shavon Terrell-Camper, Realignment Coach and Former Therapist

What does it mean to bring feminine energy into leadership and parenting? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Shavon Terrell-Camper, a Realignment Coach and former therapist with over 3,000 hours of coaching experience helping individuals build self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and authentic leadership. Shavon shares how to shift from default masculine approaches—power, control, being right—into a more expansive definition of leadership and parenting grounded in feminine energy. Go beyond default definitions: Strong leadership doesn't have to mean domination or control. Feminine energy invites us to evolve past fear, hold space, and lead with authenticity. See the benefits of feminine energy and choice points: In a culture of "go, go, go," we can pause and ask, What do I need to nourish my business, family, and self? or How can I hold space instead of forcing outcomes? Start with you: Leadership and parenting begin with the relationship we have with ourselves. Rather than fixing others, we can focus on treating ourselves with compassion and presence. Shavon's wisdom is a powerful reminder that we don't have to lead or parent from default settings—we can choose to bring more feminine energy to care for ourselves, our families, and our teams. Check out Shavon's family workshop offering to improve communication and connection here. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-114-embrace-feminine-energy-in-leadership-and-parenting-with-shavon-terrell-camper/