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Here I am, a white chick, learning what’s appropriate to ask of a black woman when it comes to her lived experience. Thank God for Wanda Smith who is grace and wisdom embodied into one beautiful human. I ask a lot of careful, race-related questions because I am so afraid of doing it wrong - but she gets me.
Our conversation highlights the importance of curious dialogue to create empathy and self-awareness. We talk about the importance of being in circles with safe people who get us and forged even greater bonds discussing grief and struggle. So grateful. Join us…
Here I am, a white chick, learning what’s appropriate to ask of a black woman when it comes to her lived experience. Thank God for Wanda Smith who is grace and wisdom embodied into one beautiful human. I ask a lot of careful, race-related questions because I am so afraid of doing it wrong - but she gets me.
Our conversation highlights the importance of curious dialogue to create empathy and self-awareness. We talk about the importance of being in circles with safe people who get us and forged even greater bonds discussing grief and struggle. So grateful. Join us…
Resources mentioned during this podcast:
Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iammswanda
She Believed, Vol II Book - https://www.amazon.com/She-Believed-II-Unapologetic-Determined/dp/1726711714/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mfAeqDkSrASMo9NsegZpPQ.4CyGlegEqkNbQ_XXYOPhAZD_XoTu40yzst8E0qM112w&dib_tag=se&qid=1710719111&refinements=p_27%3AWanda+Abney&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Wanda+Abney
SB188 The CROWN Act signed into law, making California the first state to ban hair discrimination in work and school - https://www.thecrownact.com/california
Wanda Smith's Bio:
Wanda Smith is a highly sought-after speaker, coach, moderator, talk show host and Founder of SpeakHer Consulting LLC. Ms. Smith walks alongside those who seek to become confident speakers by helping them craft a message that supports their vision and authentic voice.
Wanda is the host of Full Circle, a weekly radio show dedicated to empowering black women through conversation. Each week she hosts lively dialogue aimed at inspiring women to achieve their desired vision for their lives. You can hear “Ms. Wanda’s Full Circle Radio” on your favorite podcast platform.
Wanda is enthusiastic and has a heart for seeing people thrive in every situation. As a 20-year cancer survivor, she readily shares stories of her journey on stage and in workshops. In the anthology, She Believed, Vol. II, her chapter, “Freedom by G.R.A.C.E.”, recounts the steps she took to heal after a painful divorce. Her talk “Becoming Ms. Wanda” is one of the most viewed segments on Creative Mornings, the world's largest face-to-face creative community.
Wanda obtained her coaching certification from the UC Davis Coaching for Life and Work Program to add to her more than 25 years as a training and learning development professional for the State of California. By developing meaningful relationships with her clients, Wanda is an expert at creating space for individuals to disrupt thought patterns, get clear and show up and deliver their message with confidence. As a result, her clients grow their businesses, gain visibility in their organizations and become community leaders.
In 2019, Wanda was recognized as an Exceptional Women of Color by the Sac Cultural Hub Media Foundation. When not speaking or training, Wanda can be found spending time at the ocean, traveling or training for her next 5K.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/full_circle97.5/?fbclid=IwAR3DslCSI_RO9pO7WOo4jCbPmKCzgPPRDZO2qhSgO-g6c1VAlfG4kk5T318
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100045496076412
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanda-smith-b1003b125/
About Jen Oliver:
I pursue and create environments where we converse on the REAL stuff that changes us. I’m designed to bring others on my personal journey with honest admissions to help us all transform - that’s my sweetspot and I speak, lead, and write from that space.
REAL conversations stir deeper connection and community - to explore ways that you can work with me, go to:
email: jen@REALjenoliver.com
podcast website: ListenForREAL.com
website: REALJenOliver.com
LinkedIn:@realjenoliver
Facebook: @realjenoliver
If you believe conversations like these belong in the world, please subscribe, rate & review this podcast - and even better, share it with someone else as a REAL conversation starter. Subscribe to all things Jen at
