Women of Color Rise

Hosted by Analiza Quiroz Wolf

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Oct 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

October 8, 2026Episode 12825 min

128. Hormonal Cycle Synching with Dr. Alicia Newsome

How can understanding our hormones help women in leadership and life? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Alicia Newsome, a doctor, author of Worth of Rest, and Presidential Lifetime Achievement awardee. Alicia specializes in helping women work with their body's hormones, digestion, and metabolism rather than against them. Alicia opens up about her health issues and how it led her to a mission of serving women of color in a functional medicine space that often ignores us. She shares lessons for women leaders: •Own your identity. Understand how your background shapes your drive and your health. •Listen to your cycle. Learn the "Cycle Syncing" method to align your work and exercise with your hormonal phases. •Interrupt the "Yes." Practice the 24-hour rule before committing to new tasks to protect your capacity. •You are worthy of rest. Stop worshipping exhaustion and give yourself permission to do nothing. •Stay in your lane. Comparison is the thief of joy. Trust your unique purpose. Alicia's story is a reminder that we are worthy of rest and can work, instead of against, our bodies.

September 10, 2026Episode 12722 min

127. Stop People-Pleasing with Stephanie Hull, CEO of Girls Inc.

How can you stop people pleasing? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I'm joined by Stephanie J. Hull, CEO of Girls Inc. Stephanie opens up about her journey from being a shy child to leading a national movement that inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We dive deep into why so many women struggle with people-pleasing. Stephanie explains the "biology of connection," how we are often socialized to prioritize being liked over being heard, and how that holds us back from our true leadership potential. In this episode, we discuss: •Breaking the "Quiet" Stereotype: Why being quiet doesn't mean you lack confidence. •The People-Pleasing Trap: How the urge to fit in can lead us to "dim our light" to make others comfortable. •The Power of "No": Understanding that "ladylike" or "nice" shouldn't mean staying silent in the face of injustice. •Building a Support Squad: Surrounding yourself with a community that celebrates your boldness instead of policing your tone. Stephanie reminds us that you don't have to wait for permission to be amazing. You are already enough, exactly as you are. Get full show notes here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-127-stop-people-pleasing-with-stephanie-hull-ceo-of-girls-inc

August 13, 2026Episode 12629 min

126. Radical Self-Care and Leading Through Crisis with Dr. Meisha Porter, Former NYC schools Chancellor

How do you lead through the ultimate crisis while staying true to yourself? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Dr. Meisha Porter—lifelong educator and former NYC Schools Chancellor. Meisha was the first Black woman to lead the nation's largest school district, navigating the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and a mayoral transition. A proud Black woman and "nurturer of community," Meisha shares the raw truth about the costs of high-level leadership and why "having it all" is a myth. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Reject the "Have It All" myth. Success without rest leads to burnout. You must pour back into yourself to stay in the game. •Lead with one version of you. Authenticity is a superpower. Whether on a keynote stage or in the grocery store, Meisha was the same Meisha. •Don't read the comments. Not everyone will like your decisions. Trust your integrity and the love of those who truly know you. •Practice radical self-care. As Audre Lordes shared, self-care is an act of political warfare. Do something selfishly for yourself today. Through her journey, Meisha reminds us that the most important person to like and love you is you.

July 16, 2026Episode 12527 min

125. Art as Resistance: Uplifting Women's Stories on Broadway with Jamila Ponton Bragg, Founder of JamRock Productions

How can art serve as an act of resistance? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Jamila Ponton Bragg, founder of JamRock Productions and a leader named to the Broadway Women's Fund "Women to Watch" list. After 20 years in the nonprofit world, Jamila pivoted to theater, co-producing hits like Passover (2021), Death of a Salesman (2022), Tony Nominated Best Play Fat Ham (2023), The Whiz (2024), Gypsy (2024) and Soul Train (2025). A proud African American woman, Jamila is on a mission to ensure women's stories have depth and aren't confined to tropes. She shares how she stayed true to her values while navigating the high-stakes world of Broadway. She shares lessons for rising leaders: •Art is Resistance. In a world that often marginalizes women of color, telling our stories is a powerful way to fight back. •Trust Your Instincts. Surround yourself with "your people"—those whose values and tastes align with your mission. •The Power of Showing Up. Leadership isn't always big gestures; it's the follow-up email, the check-in, and being present for others. •Find Your Mentors. Don't be afraid to send that "cold email." People are often more willing to help than you think. •Keep Your Message Consistent. Reliability and a clear mission build the trust needed to fundraise and lead through tough climates. Jamila's story is a reminder that when we stand in our identity and support one another, we can change the narrative on the world's biggest stages. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-125-art-as-resistance-uplifting-womens-stories-on-broadway-with-jamila-ponton-bragg

June 18, 2026Episode 12426 min

124. Build a 230-Year Legacy with Cheryl McKissack Daniel

How do you build a legacy that lasts five generations? In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Cheryl McKissack Daniel, Former CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the oldest minority and woman-owned design and construction firm in the U.S. From JFK Airport to Columbia University, Cheryl's work shapes the very skyline of New York. As a fifth-generation builder, Cheryl didn't always plan to run the family firm. She once dreamed of being an airline stewardess! But she realized that rather than climbing a corporate ladder where few looked like her, she could chart her own destiny and amplify a 230-year history of Black excellence. She shares her "5 Ps" for building a lasting legacy: •Persistence: Show up in rooms where you aren't expected. Your presence is resistance. •Preparedness: Excellence erases doubt. Always be the most prepared person in the room. •Perseverance: Stay the course when progress feels slow. Legacies aren't built on a single win. •Productivity: Let your results speak for themselves. Quality is undeniable. •Prayer: Center yourself. Clarity and peace are your competitive advantages. Cheryl's story models what it means to stand on the shoulders of ancestors and open doors for the next generation. Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-124-build-a-230-year-legacy-with-cheryl-mckissack-daniel

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

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