Advertise on podcast: DiversifyHER

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with LaChaun J. Banks a nationally recognized leader in equitable economic development, inclusive growth, and cross-sector collaboration. LaChaun is a Professor of Practice at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, where she teaches Markets, Government, and Sustainable Growth, and a research fellow at the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, contributing to the American Growth Project on place-based economic growth. She previously held senior leadership roles at Harvard Kennedy School, including serving as the inaugural Director for Equity and Inclusion at the Ash Center and the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, where she co-created the City Leader Guide for Equitable Economic Development now used by city leaders nationwide. With experience spanning academia, government, and the private sector, LaChaun has advised senior public officials, led multimillion-dollar initiatives, and helped shape frameworks that move equity from theory into practice, offering powerful insights on leadership, strategy, and building economies that work for everyone. Connect with Professor Banks! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lachaun-banks-3a201721/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Wilhem Hector, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, graduated Summa Cum Laude from MIT with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and made history as the first Haitian national awarded a Global Rhodes Scholarship. He will pursue a PhD in energy systems at Oxford, aiming to pioneer Haiti’s renewable energy infrastructure and expand hands-on learning in the national curriculum. Connect with Hector! Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhem-hector/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Dorothy G. Capers with us. She is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for C.H. Robinson, a global leader in logistics and transportation. She oversees a diverse legal team and reports directly to the CEO. Before joining C.H. Robinson, Mrs.Capers earned her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Illinois. She held senior legal roles at Xylem, National Express, and US Foods, and she also served as a litigator in both government and the private sector. She’s published on corporate governance and enforcement policy, and she actively gives back through mentoring and board service.  Connect with Mrs.Capers: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-g-capers-6982361/ Email: [email protected]

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Mary Esposito. She is a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill, entrepreneur, and content creator passionate about blending creativity with business. She is the founder of Purple Pear (@shoppurplepear), a crochet venture she started as a teenager that has grown into a thriving platform with an audience of over 307,000 on Instagram. She is also the creator of Money with Mary (@moneywithmary1), a financial literacy initiative with more than 49,000 Instagram followers, designed to make personal finance approachable and empowering for Gen Z.  Connect with Mary: Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-esposito-52485119a/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Lauryn Taylor. She  is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, double-majoring in Media & Journalism and Public Policy. She serves as the Class of 2026 Chief Marshal and is the founder of Girl Boss Gatherings, a campus community empowering female college students through career events, social experiences, and networking opportunities. During her time at Carolina, Lauryn studied abroad in London and gained professional experience interning at both a bank and an advertising agency. On campus, she’s represented brands like Grammarly, Bearpaw, and Uber Eats as a student ambassador, and she currently works with the Carolina Alumni Association to strengthen the post-grad experience while also hosting office hours for Hussman students seeking career advice. Connect with Lauryn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryntaylor/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Neville Poole. With a proven track record at global powerhouses including IBM and Accenture, Neville has partnered with Fortune 50/100 executives across financial services, retail, insurance, logistics, and hospitality sectors to implement lasting organizational change. Her expertise in operating model design and leadership coaching has made her a sought-after advisor for companies navigating complex transformations. Prior to fluent, Neville served as Managing Director and Business Agility Practice Leader at Accenture, where she led the largest pure-play global agile consultancy. At IBM, she was a key leader on the company's largest modernization project while serving as Partner and Enterprise Agility Strategy Leader. Bringing extensive education and professional credentials in organizational transformation and leadership development, Neville balances her executive career with community leadership, having served on the United Way Board of Directors and as chairperson for Southern Fried Agile for five years. Connect with Neville: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevillepoole/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Brianna Pinto. Growing up in a sports-focused family with both parents being UNC student-athletes, Brianna's path seemed destined for athletic success. Yet her story reveals the complex challenges of finding identity as a Black woman in spaces where representation remains limited. "You have to be comfortable in your own skin, knowing that there's a place for you in this sport, that you belong," she explains, detailing how this self-acceptance journey prepared her for success both on the field and in business settings. Brianna doesn't just play soccer - she's reshaping the landscape through her Pinto Football Foundation, working to create opportunities for children from underserved communities. Her philosophy that "in order to believe you can become something, you have to see it" drives her commitment to mentorship and community building. As a two-time NWSL Challenge Cup champion and UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School graduate, she brings unique perspectives on balancing athletic demands with personal growth. Connect with Brianna : LinkedIn : Brianna Pinto https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianna-pinto1/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Marlee Reiter. She is the Founder and Host of the Rooted podcast, where she interviews founders, executives, and thought leaders in the health and wellness industry who are helping our society get back to our roots in terms of our food system, social connections, purposes and passions. Connect with Marlee: Instagram: themarleemethod LinkedIn: Marlee Reiter https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlee-reiter-144b2a235/ Podcast: Rooted https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rooted/id1772484361

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Annabel Lissade. She is a junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, pursuing a double major in Economics and Political Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, she brings a unique global perspective to her academic and professional endeavors. Annabel is passionate about addressing systemic challenges and leveraging innovative solutions to create sustainable change, particularly in education and governance. Her academic focus, coupled with leadership roles and practical experiences, positions her as a forward-thinking changemaker dedicated to making a meaningful impact especially in her home country of Haiti. Connect with Annabel! LinkedIn: Annabel Lissade https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabel-lissade-0589a9229/

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Alycea Rae. Alycea Adams is an entrepreneur who embodies authenticity and grit. A fourth-year student at UNC-Chapel Hill, she will graduate in May with a B.S. in Information Science and minors in Entrepreneurship and Urban Planning, earning Summa Cum Laude honors. With 1.2M+ followers across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Alycea collaborates with top beauty brands like Aveda, Mielle Organics, and Sephora. She was recently named a Sephora Squad 2025 creator. Passionate about technology and storytelling, she co-founded HairMatch, a consumer app recommending hair products based on hair type. She also launched the She Means Business podcast, featuring industry leaders. After graduation, Alycea will join IBM as a brand specialist in their sales program. Connect with Alycea!  Instagram/Tiktok/Youtube: Alycearae Podcast: Shemeansbusinesspodcasts HairMatch: HairMatchapp 

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, reflects on her journey with the podcast thus far. In this heartfelt solo episode, Raven opens up about the challenges of balancing college life, internships, and hosting a platform dedicated to empowerment and inclusion. She shares how taking time to pause and reflect has helped her realign with her purpose, set intentional goals, and move toward the next level of growth. Tune in for an honest conversation about the ups and downs of juggling multiple commitments and the importance of giving yourself grace while pursuing your passions. 4o

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Dr. LaTricia “LT” Frederick. She is a dynamic speaker, passionate field researcher and certified professional coach who has spent more than 20 years enabling and empowering corporate leaders to successfully climb the ranks, develop highly productive, engaging teams and transform organizations. She currently serves as the Head of the Executive Talent Solutions group at Cisco Systems, Inc. where she leads a global team focused on the development and acceleration of executive talent and organizational growth initiatives. Connect with Dr.LT LinkedIn: LaTricia (LT) Frederick

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Kennedy Byrd is a third-year JD/LLM candidate in Entertainment, Arts, and Sports Law at the University of Miami School of Law. She is the Editor-in-Chief of the Race and Social Justice Law Review. Originally from North Carolina, Kennedy graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a major in Journalism and minors in Entrepreneurship and Social & Economic Justice. Kennedy is focused on pursuing a career in the sports field, with a particular interest in policies that promote equity in women's athletics. At the University of Miami, she is involved in the Innocence Clinic, the Entertainment and Sports Law Society, and the Black Law Students Association. Connect with Kennedy! Linkedin: Kennedy Byrd  Instagram: Kennedy.b3

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Shelmina Abji As an immigrant of humble beginnings and a first-generation college graduate, Shelmina rose up to become one of the highest-ranking women of color at IBM while raising her two children as a single mother. With experience leading global teams in multiple sectors, she has delivered over $1 billion in revenues annually, maintained high client satisfaction as well as team morale, and hired and promoted hundreds of professionals. In pursuit of her passion for creating gender equality in leadership, Shelmina now speaks at corporations, colleges, and conferences globally and serves on the advisory board of Girl Up.  Endorsed by CEO of Hilton Chris Nassetta, President of Marriott International Stephanie Linnartz, and CFO of W. W. Grainger Deidra Merriwether, Shelmina’s new book, Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work, is a proven blueprint to accelerate career success and fast track into leadership roles by being strategic and intentional – especially for women who are underrepresented in their fields. Connect with Ms.Abji: Book: Show Your Worth: 8 Intentional Strategies for Women to Emerge as Leaders at Work LinkedIn: Shelmina Abji

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with Michelle Gethers. She recently served as Chief Diversity Officer and Head of Corporate Responsibility for Visa. She lead the company's global strategy for growth in inclusive and diverse talent, social impact and environmental sustainability. Prior to joining Visa, Michelle served as the President and CEO at United Way of Greater Greensboro where she and her team focused on partnerships to end poverty. Michelle also held a variety of roles over 21 years at American Express, including Senior Vice President and General Manager of Card Operations. She also has experience as an entrepreneur with a consulting firm, as a certified public accountant, and as an author. Her accomplishments and career have been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise, Working Mother, Biz Life, Triad Business Journal's 2017 Most Admired CEO and 2021 Leader in Diversity, and as a speaker at two regional TEDxGreensboro talks. Connect with Ms.Gethers: LinkedIn: Michelle Gethers  Book: The Next Level: Breakthrough Performance Anchored by Faith