Let's talk about "cultural capital." In many organizations, certain groups possess more cultural capital, including inside knowledge, prioritized access to power, and beneficial social connections that each confer their advantages. What you learn about the culture of a place starts with observing the unspoken clues. I discuss all these cues, the sociological "why," and more in my newest article, The Unspoken: Reading the Room. In this piece, I reflect on the unequal distribution of cultural capital and reinforced power structures that marginalize other voices.

Throughout the intricate journey of our lives, we constantly search for meaning and purpose in monumental and mundane moments. In my new book, "Life Lessons: Finding Meaning in the Monumental and the Mundane," I share my personal experiences as an actress, executive, and speaker, offering a fresh perspective on embracing life as the ultimate teacher.

Recently, I’ve been exploring and sharing the concept of emotional labor, how it impacts workers, and the unique challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) workers in navigating their emotions while dealing with microaggressions and bias in the workplace. By understanding these nuances, employees can learn to safely feel their emotions and develop strategies to manage emotional labor more effectively.

I can identify with Mariama's recounting of her initial years navigating the NYC creative community. Building networks and communities can be complicated when confronted with systems and institutions built off of elitist barriers. Having access to the resources necessary to have longevity within the creative community is absolutely vital. It is a bit of an oxymoron, the idea that a community filled with empaths and heart-leading artists can be so exclusive, divisive, and closed off. Finding spaces for growth and connection can be more complicated than you'd imagine, especially as a creative of color.

Yes, COVID-19 certainly shuttered the curtains but, the reckoning around systemic racism and its impact on our industry have placed even greater weight on an already fracturing foundation. Dozens of hours I have spent interviewing actors – Black, brown, and not – to reconcile the communal narrative calling for transparency, accountability, and a commitment to actionable steps towards accountability.