Diversity Straight Up: Recent Episodes
Corridor Business Journal
“Diversity Straight Up” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. Released monthly.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Lisha Coffey, President of Travero, a subsidiary of Alliant Energy that is providing freight solutions to keep customers moving.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Lisha about pride month and the issues that the State of Iowa is grappling with therein, about the nuances of "tokenism" and the differences between being identified as a female leader versus just a leader, the group tackle a question from a listener, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!
Learn more about Travero at travero.com.
Learn more about our sponsor, Alliant Energy, at alliantenergy.com.
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Okpara Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Tanager Place, the nonprofit providing services to children and families that inspire, empower, and heal.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Okpara about how they're approaching gun violence in the world today, how our collective approach to mental health has changed since the pandemic, how Okpara's background and childhood led him to this line of work, the group tackle a question from a listener, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!
Learn more about Tanager Place by visiting tanagerplace.org
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Katie Castillo-Wilson, Founder and CEO of Tap On It, a mobile database development company based in Davenport, Iowa.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Katie about the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, her unique personal journey in discovering and claiming her cultural background, what it means for a business founder to "claim the race", how she has navigated multiple rounds of capital fundraising (including through a major company pivot brought about by the pandemic), and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!
Learn more about Tap On It by visiting taponit.com. To learn more about Katie, you can visit her LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/kwilsonqc/
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Tina Gridiron, Vice President of the ACT Center for Equity in Learning.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Tina about the education of black history in schools, what it’s like to be the woman who advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in every job she’s had, and the role that standardized testing plays in access to higher education in today’s world. Tina also answers a listener question on accelerating diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!
Learn more about Sacred Heart University, visit SacredHeart.edu. To learn more about Maurice, you can visit his LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/maurice-nelson/
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Maurice Nelson, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of Sacred Heart University.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Maurice about the unique work of serving as an advocate for social justice and DEI in a religious institution, how his "non-negotiable values" informed his position to take on the job, how they're dramatically increased enrollment in a short period of time, how he navigates a unique working relationship with his boss, and much more.
Learn more about Sacred Heart University, visit SacredHeart.edu. To learn more about Maurice, you can visit his LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/maurice-nelson/
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Joe Enriquez Henry of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Forward Latino.
Anthony and Sarika talk with Joe about how he and LULAC have navigated crisis, his experiences and accomplishments as a leader in the social justice space, and the group explores the current state of Puerto Rico's journey to become the 51st state. Additionally, Sarika shares how the mass protests in Iran are on her mind, and everyone takes a turn with the Diversity Thumb Ball!
Learn more about LULAC at IowaLatinos.org.
This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.
This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.
This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.
This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Janessa Calderon, Executive Director of the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Anthony and Sarika talk with Janessa about her work with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, what it has meant for her to be the youngest person to ever hold the position, how she manages to create impact as a one-person team, Janessa shares some insightful advice, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball! This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by https://www.act.org/ (ACT), https://www.alliantenergy.com/ (Alliant Energy), and https://crbt.bank/ (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust). This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit https://corridorbusiness.com/ (corridorbusiness.com). This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://LASMediaGroup.com (LASMediaGroup.com).
Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Beth Malicki, News Anchor and Managing Editor for KCRG-TV9 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa since 2005. Anthony and Sarika talk with Beth about her personal experiences with inclusivity and adversity, her thoughts on how the media can grow in diversity and equity, how her work as a founding director of the Zach Johnson Foundation has influenced her views on the needs of others, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball! This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by https://www.act.org/ (ACT), https://www.alliantenergy.com/ (Alliant Energy), and https://crbt.bank/ (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust). This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit https://corridorbusiness.com/ (corridorbusiness.com). This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://LASMediaGroup.com (LASMediaGroup.com).
In this episode, our hosts chat remotely with Courtney Reyes, Executive Director of One Iowa, a statewide LGBTQ equality organization. Anthony and Sarika talk with Courtney about One Iowa’s mission, how her background brought her to this line of work, and what executives can do to be more inclusive of their employees and teams. The group also explores their thoughts on recent shootings in America and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball! This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by https://www.act.org/ (ACT), https://www.alliantenergy.com/ (Alliant Energy), and https://crbt.bank/ (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust). This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit https://corridorbusiness.com/ (corridorbusiness.com). This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://LASMediaGroup.com (LASMediaGroup.com).
Anthony and Sarika are Keepin' It Real at EntreFEST 2022! This episode was recorded live in front of an audience at EntreFEST in Iowa City on Thursday, June 9th, 2022. In this episode, our hosts chat with Rajesh Anandan, Co-Founder and CEO of Ultranauts, Inc. Rajesh shares how Ultranauts is reimagining how a company hires talent, most notable in the fact that over 75% of their employees are on the autism spectrum. The group also dispels myths about neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, discuss ways that other executives can revolutionize their approach to engaging their teams, share their thoughts on gun violence in America, and everyone takes a turn with the Diversity Thumb-Ball. This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by https://www.act.org/ (ACT), https://www.alliantenergy.com/ (Alliant Energy), and https://crbt.bank/ (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust). This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit https://corridorbusiness.com/ (corridorbusiness.com). This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://LASMediaGroup.com (LASMediaGroup.com).
On this episode of Diversity Straight Up, hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk to https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-cline-247aaa47 (Stacy Cline), Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at https://www.godaddy.com/ (GoDaddy). Stacy shares her thoughts on how GoDaddy has implemented changes to address previous inclusivity concerns, how her childhood experiences impacted her career path, and why GoDaddy's initiatives in the accessibility of resources for entrepreneurs in under-served areas is an exciting step forward. This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by https://www.act.org/ (ACT), https://www.alliantenergy.com/ (Alliant Energy), and https://crbt.bank/ (Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust). This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability. This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit https://corridorbusiness.com/ (corridorbusiness.com). This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://LASMediaGroup.com (LASMediaGroup.com).
On this episode of Diversity Straight Up, hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, talk to James Klein, President of Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust. Mr. Klein recently became one of the the first leaders in the state of Iowa to earn their Certified Diversity Professional credential within the banking industry. The Certified Diversity Professional credential (CDP) is a professional qualification credential that is designed to enhance cultural competency and help an organization enrich its approach to inclusion. In this episode, Mr. Klein speaks about his experience in becoming certified. Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, ACT and Alliant Energy.
In this final episode for 2021 of Diversity Straight Up, hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk about pitfalls to avoid, best practices, and trends in 2022. Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
On the latest episode of Diversity Straight Up, hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, talk to Mark Nook, president of the University of Northern Iowa. Mark discusses the work required to make sure all groups have equal opportunity for success on a university campus, how his previous experiences with prejudice have prepared him for his current role, and how a nationwide pandemic has impacted the communities he represents. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of Diversity Straight Up, hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk to national authority on diversity Dr. Nika White about strategies for battling “diversity fatigue.” Also, legendary broadcaster Tavis Smiley talks about overcoming mistakes and defending yourself during the age of cancel culture. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Cedric Ellis, executive vice president and chief enterprise services officer at CUNA Mutual Group, about his family background and work ethic. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Ray Brown, CEO of ESCO, about his purpose and passion and being mindful of the big picture. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Marcus Bullock, co-founder and CEO of Flikshop, an app and website to keep families connected with loved ones in prison, about being your authentic self, resiliency and justice reform. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Hugh Ekberg, CEO and president of CRST, about diversity in the trucking industry. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Rafael Espinal, the executive director of Freelancers Union, about freelancers in today's workplace ... who they are, why their ranks are growing and why their diversity matters. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by Collins Aerospace and the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of "Diversity Straight Up," hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Janet Godwin, CEO of ACT, about diversity, inclusion, equity and engagement in an industry best known for getting elite students into elite colleges. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Jennifer Bennett, president of Shive-Hattery, about her leadership role in the engineering field and the benefits of having a mentor. Diversity Straight Up is brought to you by GreenState Credit Union and sponsored by Alliant Energy. Additional support is provided by the city of Cedar Rapids.
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Alanna Arrington, Anthony's daughter, about about her life as a global supermodel and diversity and equity issues in the world of high fashion.
In the Season 2 debut of "Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with author, inspirational speaker and social impact advisor Michele Sullivan about growing up different, starting tough conversations, and her new book, "Looking Up." (S2, E1)
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Steve Shriver, co-founder and CEO of Eco Lips, about being an ally in turbulent times, the return on investment when it comes to social and environmental leadership, and the journey of becoming a Certified B Corporation.
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Suzanne McCormick, U.S. president of United Way Worldwide, about the recent racial tensions in the country, her own experiences as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand and leading through transformational times.
In the latest episode of "Diversity Straight Up," hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington take the show live for EntreFEST 2020 in Cedar Rapids, with guests Pernell Cezar, Sona Raziabeegum and Jacob Hsu. They talk George Floyd, bias, stepping outside of your comfort zone at life and work, and the role of diversity in innovation in this special edition of DSU.
In the latest (remote) episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Suresh Gunasekaran, CEO of University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, about caring for diverse communities during a pandemic, leading change at one of Iowa's most visible institutions, and his experience growing up in "two Americas."
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with TaJuan Wilson, associate vice president of inclusive excellence and chief diversity officer with Georgia Southern University, about equity and equality in academia, affecting change as a diversity executive and what it takes to achieve "inclusive excellence."
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Amy Friedrich, president of U.S. Insurance Solutions with Principal Financial Group about new moves at the company aimed at increasing inclusion, addressing long-standing biases in financial services and thinking globally.
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Joel Schmidt, vice president of business development with Alliant Energy, about the importance of authentic conversations, lessons from his days of international travel and how diversity can lead to positive change.
In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Jeff Disterhoft, president and CEO of GreenState Credit Union, about his role in driving diversity at one of Iowa's largest financial institutions, understanding privilege and bringing your whole self to the workplace.
Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Phil Jasper, president of Mission Systems at Collins Aerospace, about the role of diversity in innovation, reverse mentoring and the importance of cultural competency in leadership. Presented by the City of Cedar Rapids, Collins Aerospace and Alliant Energy.
Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Marci Chickering, executive VP and chief human resources officer with Wellmark, about gender parity in the C-suite, building diversity in the insurance industry and finding people's innate gifts. Presented by the City of Cedar Rapids, Collins Aerospace and Alliant Energy.
Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart about the city's efforts to improve equity, diversity and inclusion, new initiatives to attract minority candidates to city posts and the rising "ban the box" movement in the latest CBJ podcast.
Hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Corridor Business Journal Editor Adam Moore about the origins and ideas behind Diversity Straight Up, the four "tools" of talking about diversity, and what's ahead for this new CBJ series.