Colors of Influence

Centering Community Voice in Advocacy

Joe-Silem B. Enlet serves as Consul General of the Federated States of Micronesia, based in Portland, Oregon.  He serves as President of the COFA Alliance National Network, an advocacy organization with chapters in Washington, Arizona, Texas, and Eastern Oregon.

Born and raised in Chuuk, Micronesia, Joe has lived in Portland for the past 12 years.  He has been actively involved in public policy and advocacy, both locally and nationally. He was appointed  to serve on the statewide taskforce addressing racial disparities in homeownership.  Oregon Governor Kate Brown appointed Joe as a member of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Advisory Committee. In 2018, the City of Portland honored Joe as an "Emerging Leader" through the Emily Gottfried Human Rights Award.

In this episode, Joe shares lessons learned, opportunities and challenges in advocating for the Micronesian community. He also shares his journey of service through his faith and dedication to advancing social justice and human flourishing. 

"You Can Keep That To Yourself"

Adam Smyer is the author of  "You Can Keep That to Yourself: A Comprehensive List of What Not To Say to Black People, for Well-Intentioned People of Pallor.” Using humor, Adam relays harsh truths about U.S. race relations through the persona of Daquan, the Black co-worker who also doubles as that one Black friend. In exposing the Black point of view, Adam doesn’t mince words and he is very intentional about its purpose and audience.

From “articulate” to “not all white people” to “uppity,” many of the terms in the book are racial microaggressions, racial dog whistles, or bullhorns and Daquan’s explanations serve as witty and dignity-restoring clapbacks. Read the book review on the Colors of Influence blog.

In our conversation, Adam talks about the creative -- often cathartic -- process in writing the book, and his reflections on its purpose during this important time of racial reckoning. 

(This episode contains strong language.)

Building Bridges, Focusing on Fairness

Michael Tom, J.D., is founder and chief consultant of Northwest Workplace Investigations, based in Portland, Oregon. The firm partners with businesses and organizations to conduct investigations into complaints related to employment and labor issues, with a clear emphasis on neutral and fair fact-finding.

Before establishing his own firm, Mike has a 25-year track record in employment law, civil rights investigations, litigation, affirmative action planning, and diversity and inclusion leadership. Most recently at Oregon Health & Science University, he served as Director of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO). He co-led the University's Diversity Advisory Council and the Physical Access Committee that focused on supporting communities of disability. He successfully led OHSU's AAEO team, supervising investigations into all aspects of employment law and civil rights concerns. 

In this episode, Mike shares his career path in advocating for disability rights and commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Harnessing the Power of Resilience

Featuring Stanley Greene, President and CEO of Power Thinking, a company that offers training and coaching to global professionals. Through Power Thinking, Stan offers evidence-based strategies based on more than 30 years of scientific research at the University of Pennsylvania.

Stan has spent more than 25 years leading and changing organizations in both the public and private sectors by focusing on changing the thinking of each member of the respective teams. He has led companies in the cable TV, cable programming, Internet and synthetic turf industries. He also served as a Deputy Treasurer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He delivers resilience training  globally, expanding Power Thinking's reach in China, Japan, Australia, Kenya, Liberia, among other countries.

Our discussion focuses on how people can harness the power of resiliency and positive psychology to withstand adversity, especially during these challenging times.

Interrogating Whiteness, Advancing Racial Equity

Dr. Cheryl Matias shares her experiences as a scholar & academic championing racial equity in education in Colorado for the last 10 years, as she transitions to the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on race and ethnic studies in education with a theoretical focus on critical race theory, critical whiteness studies, critical pedagogy and feminism of color. Read the 2019 Colors of Influence interview with Dr. Matias where she discusses the underpinning of her inquiry into Critical Whiteness Studies. Learn more about Dr. Matias' work at http://www.cherylmatias.com.

(This episode contains strong language.)

Leadership Competencies in Diversity & Inclusion

Yolanda Chase, founder of Diversity WayMaker, discusses the importance of leadership competencies in diversity, equity and inclusion work, as well as the consciousness and self-awareness required to stay true to one's core values. Throughout her 30-year career in human resources and diversity & inclusion management, Yolanda has built a solid reputation as a trusted advisor and expert. Connect with Yolanda at www.diversitywaymaker.com.

Colors of Influence Trailer

Colors of Influence features interviews with Black, Brown, indigenous and immigrant leaders of color who are championing diversity, equity and inclusion in their everyday work. Leaders share stories of purpose and intention in their tireless advocacy for greater equity and justice. Hosted by Maileen Hamto (Pinay/Tagalog), a diversity, equity and inclusion expert based in Colorado.