Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics- Political Impact on Rural Communities
Welcome to the New Year of Women and Community Politics. We are starting out with uplifting the voices of rural Virginia. Joining us today are:
Finale Johnson Norton
Finale Johnson Norton was born and raised in Exmore, on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. She will be a tireless advocate for working families in the General Assembly because her own family had to work hard to make ends meet. Her mom cleaned homes before earning her cosmetology license later in life, and her father shucked clams and laid ground cable. In the hard times that followed her father’s death in a truck accident when Finale was in eighth grade, Social Security helped her family get through. Through high school, Finale worked various jobs before and after school to make ends meet. Thanks to Virginia public schools, Finale had a chance to further her education. After graduating from Northampton High School, she attended Hampton University and earned her Bachelor of Science degree.
For the next 20 years as a Navy wife and businesswoman, she resided in Norfolk, remaining close to her family members in Norfolk and on the Eastern Shore. Finale began working at Bank of America (FKA) Sovran Bank in 1988. Always advocating for inclusion and equity, she served on Bank of America’s Diversity Council and was an executive sponsor for the company’s Lead for Women initiative and LGBTQ initiative. During her 26-year tenure at Bank of America, Finale worked her way up to becoming an executive responsible for more than 3,500 employees. She then worked at a global consulting company before retiring from corporate America. She has since moved back home to the Eastern Shore to be closer to her family.
Over the years, Finale has given back to the community through United Way campaigns, a Junior Achievement mentorship, Habitat for Humanity builds, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, March of Dimes fundraising, and the Urban League
Lynlee Thorne
Lynlee Thorne lives in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley on a small farm with her 2 young children and a menagerie of livestock. She has served as Chair of her local Democratic committee and as campaign staff for multiple local and statewide campaigns over that last 5 years, including multiple statewide coordinated campaigns and local races. Both farming and being a rural Democrat require a long-term commitment to hard work, perseverance, and cultivation of resilient communities, which Lynlee brings to her work with Rural GroundGame.
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics January 6th, 2022
Posted In: Local, Music Shows, News
Tags: carololson, finalenorton, LynleeThorne, ruralgroundgame, SheriShannon, womenand politics
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics- Sharing our Platform for Racial Equity: Ep 7: Academia, Arts, and Intersectionality
For the next 6 weeks, Women & Politics is on a break and sharing our platform with Ebony Guy and her Racial Essays podcasts and interview series. You can find them at: https://richmondracialequityessays.com/podcast
In this podcast, urban planner and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ebony Walden talks with 15 Richmonders from all walks of life and sectors to explore their visions for an equitable Richmond, especially as it relates to racial equity, and the strategies that will help us get there. We hope this can be a model for discussion in other U.S. cities.
Today we listen to Episode 7: Dr. Chaz Barracks speaks with Ebony from multiple perspectives and through many lenses but weaves together a dynamic history, expertise and vision for a creative, intersectional approach to advancing racial equity in Richmond.
The Second half of the show Activist, urban farmer and Happily Natural Day Executive Director Duron Chavis discusses his passion for food justice and the need for Black land ownership if we are to achieve true justice and liberation.
Ebony Walden is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Ebony Walden Consulting (EWC), an urban strategy firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At EWC, she works with a wide range of organizations to design and facilitate meetings, training, strategic plans, and community engagement processes that explore race, equity, and the creation of more just and inclusive communities. Before founding EWC, Ebony worked in local government and for non-profit organizations dedicated to citywide and neighborhood-level revitalization. Currently, Ebony is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the City. Ebony’s work has been featured in The Hill, Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Nature of Cities. She holds a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Inspired by The Just City Essays, Ebony Walden conceived the idea of an essay collection focused on Richmond (The Richmond Racial Equity Essays) in hopes of bringing together thought leadership and practice to advance racial equity in the region.
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics December 30th, 2021
Posted In: Music, Music Shows, News
Recovery Is – Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center
On today’s show, Dr. Porter talks with Lindsay Cassada of the Chesterfield Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center.
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You can find past shows on our blog at RecoveryIs.Life and follow us on twitter at @recoveryradiova
You can find Carol on twitter at @carololson
Carol Olson December 24th, 2021
Posted In: Local, Music, Music Shows, News
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics- Sharing our Platform for Racial Equity: Ep 6: History and Innovation
For the next 6 weeks, Women & Politics is on a break and sharing our platform with Ebony Guy and her Racial Essays podcasts and interview series. You can find them at: https://richmondracialequityessays.com/podcast
In this podcast, urban planner and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ebony Walden talks with 15 Richmonders from all walks of life and sectors to explore their visions for an equitable Richmond, especially as it relates to racial equity, and the strategies that will help us get there. We hope this can be a model for discussion in other U.S. cities.
Today we listen to Episode 6: Historians Free Bangura of Untold RVA and The Valentine’s Bill Martin, share their vision for how telling the story of history truthfully can spark innovation and long-term change. Advancing equity includes truth-telling, knowing our own story and broadening the voices that highlight our past and shape our future.
The Second half of the show Activist and urban farmer Duron Chavis chats with Kim Young, Director of Family & Community Engagement of Peter Paul Development Center, on increasing the visibility, eliminating barriers to the dreams and aspirations of, and creating pathways of opportunity for Black youth.
Ebony Walden is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Ebony Walden Consulting (EWC), an urban strategy firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At EWC, she works with a wide range of organizations to design and facilitate meetings, training, strategic plans, and community engagement processes that explore race, equity, and the creation of more just and inclusive communities. Before founding EWC, Ebony worked in local government and for non-profit organizations dedicated to citywide and neighborhood-level revitalization. Currently, Ebony is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the City. Ebony’s work has been featured in The Hill, Richmond Times-Dispatch and The Nature of Cities. She holds a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Inspired by The Just City Essays, Ebony Walden conceived the idea of an essay collection focused on Richmond (The Richmond Racial Equity Essays) in hopes of bringing together thought leadership and practice to advance racial equity in the region.
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics December 23rd, 2021
Posted In: Local, Music, Music Shows, News
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics: Sharing our Platform for Racial Equity: Ep 5: Affordable Housing and Equity
For the next 6 weeks, Women & Politics is on a break and sharing our platform with Ebony Guy and her Racial Essays podcasts and interview series. You can find them at: https://richmondracialequityessays.com/podcast
In this podcast, urban planner and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ebony Walden talks with 15 Richmonders from all walks of life and sectors to explore their visions for an equitable Richmond, especially as it relates to racial equity, and the strategies that will help us get there. We hope this can be a model for discussion in other U.S. cities.
Today we listen to Episode 5: From the impacts of redlining to combatting the eviction crisis, affordable housing advocates Stephen Wade of Partnership for Smarter Growth and Virginia Poverty Law Center’s Laura Wright make their case for policy changes and greater resource allocation to move towards housing equity.
See the affordable housing platform for the region they worked on with other community leaders.
Ebony Walden is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Ebony Walden Consulting (EWC), an urban strategy firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At EWC, she works with a wide range of organizations to design and facilitate meetings, training, strategic plans and community engagement processes that explore race, equity and the creation of more just and inclusive communities. Before founding EWC, Ebony worked in local government and for non-profit organizations dedicated to citywide and neighborhood level revitalization. Currently, Ebony is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the City. Ebony’s work has been featured in The Hill, Richmond Times-Dispatchand The Nature of Cities. She holds a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Inspired by The Just City Essays, Ebony Walden conceived the idea of an essay collection focused on Richmond (The Richmond Racial Equity Essays) in hopes of bringing together thought leadership and practice to advance racial equity in the region.
The Second half of the show Activist and urban farmer Duron Chavis chats with Mayor Levar Stoney and Councilwoman Ellen Robertson about what led them to their public service, the future of equity in Richmond, and how to deal with challenges to racial inequity in Richmond today.
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics December 16th, 2021
Posted In: Music, Music Shows, News
Bumps N Banter presents:
Rhesa Weatherspoon and RAW Affects
Listen in as guest host DeAndra Lee has a simple and down to earth yet inspiring conversation with the wonderful owner of RAW Affects, LLC, Rhesa Weatherspoon, about holistic health and wellness. Rhesa shares who she is, the skill set she brings as a fitness expert, and the importance of exercising. Listeners will also learn how to find and join Rhesa and others at RAW Affects for workouts for to empower your mind, body, and spirit.
Show website: InspireInDeed.me
christamotley Bumps N Banter December 10th, 2021
Posted In: Music, Music Shows, News
Tags: WRIR
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics: Sharing our Platform for Racial Equity: Ep 1: Entrepreneurship and Engagement
For the next 6 weeks, Women & Politics is on a break and sharing our platform with Ebony Guy and her Racial Essays podcasts and interview series. You can find them at: https://richmondracialequityessays.com/podcast
In this podcast, urban planner and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ebony Walden talks with 15 Richmonders from all walks of life and sectors to explore their visions for an equitable Richmond, especially as it relates to racial equity, and the strategies that will help us get there. We hope this can be a model for discussion in other U.S. cities.
Today we listen to Episode 1: Ebony talks with Richmond Night Market and The Artisan Café co-creators, Melody Short and Adrienne Cole Johnson about how Richmond can advance racial equity by supporting Black entrepreneurship and improving community engagement.
Ebony Walden is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Ebony Walden Consulting (EWC), an urban strategy firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At EWC, she works with a wide range of organizations to design and facilitate meetings, training, strategic plans and community engagement processes that explore race, equity and the creation of more just and inclusive communities. Before founding EWC, Ebony worked in local government and for non-profit organizations dedicated to citywide and neighborhood level revitalization. Currently, Ebony is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the City. Ebony’s work has been featured in The Hill, Richmond Times-Dispatchand The Nature of Cities. She holds a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Inspired by The Just City Essays, Ebony Walden conceived the idea of an essay collection focused on Richmond (The Richmond Racial Equity Essays) in hopes of bringing together thought leadership and practice to advance racial equity in the region.
The Second half of the show we highlight two individual essays. “Reading and writing essays isn’t for everyone. However, we wanted to get more perspectives on: the inequities our city faces, what a vision for racial equity would look like and how to get there. Curated by Duron Chavis, below are 7 short video interviews designed to expand the discussion.”
Today we play video essays by Donald Coleman and Carolyn Lofton
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics December 2nd, 2021
Posted In: Music, Music Shows, News
Recovery Is – HIV Outreach and Testing
On today’s show, Dr. Porter talks with local activists working to expand HIV Outreach and Testing.
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You can find past shows on our blog at RecoveryIs.Life and follow us on twitter at @recoveryradiova
You can find Carol on twitter at @carololson
Carol Olson November 26th, 2021
Posted In: Local, Music Shows, News
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics: Sharing our Platform for Racial Equity: Ep 2: Public Housing
For the next 6 weeks, Women & Politics is on a break and sharing our platform with Ebony Guy and her Racial Essays podcasts and interview series. You can find them at: https://richmondracialequityessays.com/podcast
In this podcast, urban planner and diversity, equity and inclusion consultant Ebony Walden talks with 15 Richmonders from all walks of life and sectors to explore their visions for an equitable Richmond, especially as it relates to racial equity, and the strategies that will help us get there. We hope this can be a model for discussion in other U.S. cities.
Today we listen to Episode 2: Patrice Shelton and Sherrell Thompson converse with Ebony about their personal and professional experiences with public housing and as community health workers. From their perspective, racial equity requires better access to health resources and affordable housing for low to moderate-income Richmonders.
Ebony Walden is the Founder and Principal Consultant at Ebony Walden Consulting (EWC), an urban strategy firm based in Richmond, Virginia. At EWC, she works with a wide range of organizations to design and facilitate meetings, training, strategic plans and community engagement processes that explore race, equity and the creation of more just and inclusive communities. Before founding EWC, Ebony worked in local government and for non-profit organizations dedicated to citywide and neighborhood level revitalization. Currently, Ebony is an adjunct professor at Virginia Commonwealth University where she teaches Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the City. Ebony’s work has been featured in The Hill, Richmond Times-Dispatchand The Nature of Cities. She holds a Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Georgetown University. Inspired by The Just City Essays, Ebony Walden conceived the idea of an essay collection focused on Richmond (The Richmond Racial Equity Essays) in hopes of bringing together thought leadership and practice to advance racial equity in the region.
The Second half of the show brings back a discussion on housing with Stephanie Lynch, councilwoman of the 5th district; Rachelle Hunley, Manager of Bridging the Gap at VCU; and LaToya S. Gray, creator of Planned Destruction to talk about housing issues in Richmond. Discussion centers on the issues of homelessness in the city and the impact of red-lining and its contribution to the poverty and homelessness of the African-American community most specifically. Stephanie Lynch brings her experience in working within city government to attempt to make change, Rachelle and Carol bring their experience in working with victims of violence in our city and how violence and homelessness intersect, and LaToya describes her work on examining the history of land ownership, valuation and development in the City of Richmond and the maps used to destroy black communities.
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics November 25th, 2021
Posted In: Local, Music, Music Shows, News
Women & Politics presents:
Women & Politics – Post Election with Jewel Jordan and Ebony Guy – reairing! (It’s that good)
We are airing this post-election show again because we can’t get enough of these two amazing advocates. So if you missed it the first time… or want to to hear them again..
Jewel Jordan was born and raised in Portsmouth, VA and is a proud graduate of Norfolk State University with a Bachelors in Sociology and Iowa State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Disorganization, Victimization and Community Cohesion. In May 2012 she became a Fellow with the Obama for America campaign. It is here where her passion for civic engagement, community advocacy and organizing developed. After the re-election of President Obama, Jewel would continue her work on various state and local elections through her creation of the Suffolk Young Democrats (SYD). With the support of the Suffolk Democratic Committee, Jewel served as President of SYD from 2013 to 2015 and was able to organize numerous community engagement events, such as political education forums, voter registration, school supply and food drives. In 2017 Jewel took her gifts to Richmond, VA and began her work as an Assistant Legislative Aide for the Office of Senator Lynwood Lewis and the Office of Delegate Luke E. Torian.Jewel is a graduate of the Virginia Progressive Leadership Program, a Life Member of the NAACP, a former Suffolk Chair with the Hampton Roads Young Democrats, a former member of Urban League of Young Professionals Greater Richmond, has worked with the Virginia Civic Engagement Table as an Organizer for the Youth Virginia Votes Center-Richmond.
You can follow Jewel on twitter at: @The_BKC and @BrownVANews
Ebony B. Guy is an award-winning organizer, advocate, and community leader. She began to explore a career of service at seventeen by organizing in her hometown of Halifax County, Virginia, sharing information with residents throughout the year.
Over twenty-four years, Ebony has worked with local, state, and federal political officials, community leaders, citizens, and youth in various positions such as case manager for the federal government, campaign staffer and liaison, advisor, public speaker, and panelist.
She has become a well-respected strategist and consultant in Halifax County, her home, the city of Danville, and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ebony is currently producing a film documentary about her Grandmother, a global civil rights leader, and advocate while continuing to address matters of importance in southern Virginia.
You can follow Ebony on twitter at @hey_ebie
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Follow our show on our social media on twitter, facebook, and our blog – look for womenpoliticsva
Follow our host and producer at @sherishannon27 and @carololson
Carol Olson Women & Politics November 18th, 2021
Posted In: Music, Music Shows, News