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In Their Own Words

Listening to Black Voices

Entrepreneur Lillian Lambert on Being the First Black Woman to Graduate from Harvard Business School

"In my class of about 800 students, 18 were women and six were Black: five men and me."

05/10/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Former J&J Executive Marilyn Thompson on Diversity, Inclusion and Corporate Culture

Marilyn Thompson also weighs in on the Will Smith/Chris Rock altercation and its broader implications for the Black Community.

04/12/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Neirda Thompson-Pemberton on Diversity in Engineering and Inspiring Kids Through S.T.E.A.M.

"Diversity and inclusion aren’t about an afterthought. They're about intent, from the beginning."

03/16/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Q & A

A Local Ukrainian Shares Her Thoughts on The Russian Invasion

"I think Putin was planning to do this over many years but didn't expect us to stand up to this," says Halyna Kovalyshin, who lives in North Port.

03/08/2022 By Kim Doleatto

Listening to Black Voices

Attorney E. Keith DuBose on Why Sarasota Needs More Black Lawyers

"As a nation, we have become so polarized that it seems the goal is to make others wrong instead of realizing what’s right. We need common voices right now."

02/08/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Lisa Merritt on Epigenetics, Access and Equity in Health Care

"Be purposeful, tell the truth, and elucidate what the issues are—and, at the same time, come ready with solutions and strategies."

01/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Diverse Voices

Stacy Hanan on Being Jewish in Sarasota

The longtime resident is deeply involved in our Jewish community, which is undergoing both demographic changes and unsettling examples of anti-Semitism.

12/28/2021 By Kay Kipling

Listening to Black Voices

Information Engineer Derik Perry on Artificial Intelligence, Algothrimic Bias and Social Media

"We have to be aware that social media has the potential to do harm and that, purely by the use of it, people are exposed to an algorithmic bias."

12/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Diverse Voices

Sal Serbin on What It's Like to Be Native American in Sarasota

As a member of the Assiniboine Tribe, Sal Serbin works as an advocate for Indigenous people, bringing awareness to hardships they face.

11/23/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Listening to Black Voices

Talent Agent and Attorney Nurisha Harvey on Activism, Implicit Bias, and Equity vs. Equality

Harvey, who grew up with major civil rights activists, talks about where we are today in the struggle for equality.

11/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Diverse Voices

An Undocumented Immigrant on What It's Like to Live in the Shadows

From picking oranges to hanging $6,000 chandeliers, an undocumented resident shares what it's like to live and work here.

10/26/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Listening to Black Voices

Marketing Exec Frank E. Griffith Jr. on Living Through Race Riots and Diversity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

"Discern where you need to improve and be open to educating yourself about other cultures."

10/12/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Retired U.S. Special Agent Henry Hunter on His Career at the State Department

Hunter also reflects on the impact of strong women on his life—including his sister, award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

09/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Diverse Voices

Mason Gallo on Being Trans, Sexual Orientation and Equality

Gallo talks about his personal journey and the need for openness and inclusivity.

09/07/2021 By Susan Burns

Listening to Black Voices

Former New York Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence Jr. on 9/11, Vietnam and Peaceful Protests

On September 11, 2001, Lawrence—now a Sarasota resident—was the highest-ranking officer at NYPD headquarters, just blocks from Ground Zero.

08/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Liz Walker on Civil Rights, Faith and Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers

Walker talks about growing up with a front seat to the civil rights movement and her work as a news anchor and pastor.

07/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Nancy Boxill on Creating Change and How Racism Affects Black Families Through Generations

“I’m not so sure we’re spending much time on structural changes, and that’s where the hard work is, in my view."

06/08/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Diverse Voices

Tihda Vongkoth on Anti-Asian Hate, the Music World and the Risk of Speaking Out

'It is possible to be your authentic self, pursue the music that you really believe in and be anti-racist.'

05/25/2021 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Listening to Black Voices

Étienne Porter on Music, Black Lives Matter and His Humanitarian Efforts in Mozambique

"Real inclusivity is not scrambling to find it, but rather cultivating friendships with people of color in a meaningful way."

05/11/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Conductor and Minister Jamal Sarikoki on Music and Keeping Faith in the Face of Racism

Sarikoki, who moved to Sarasota in 2018, is a minister at Venice Presbyterian Church and associate conductor for Key Chorale.

04/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

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