Women of Color Rise

Hosted by Analiza Quiroz Wolf

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100

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Aug 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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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

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