Building Leadership Community

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, founder of Equity Warrior Strategies, LLC, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose in today’s complex systems. Jonathan shares his journey from nonprofit fundraising to systems-level leadership, including raising over $14 million, coaching nonprofit leaders, and building capacity across organizations. Together, they unpack the difference between burnout and what Jonathan calls “moral injury”—a systemic failure that impacts high-performing professionals. This conversation centers on inclusive leadership, community, and the role of self-awareness in sustainable career growth. It offers practical insights for leaders who want to move beyond intention and create meaningful change within their organizations. Key Themes: Inclusive leadership in practice Moral injury vs. burnout Community-centered leadership Systems thinking in nonprofit leadership Self-awareness as a leadership skill 🔹 Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome + Guest Introduction01:10 – Meet Jonathan Meagher-Zayas07:38 – Leadership Story & Early Influences10:03 – Nonprofit Leadership & Systems Thinking13:44 – Transition to Community Foundation Work16:27 – Leadership During 2020 & Equity Work18:42 – Origin of “Equity Warrior”22:54 – Why Community Matters in Leadership23:54 – Burnout vs. Moral Injury27:24 – Advice for Emerging Leaders30:16 – How to Connect with Jonathan Guest Links:🔗 Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmeagherzayas🌐 Guest Website: https://EquityWarriorStrategies.com CTA:Subscribe, share, and join a growing community of leaders building impact-driven careers.

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Nikki Groom, CEO and founder of Raised Voices, a personal brand strategy firm dedicated to helping leaders articulate their expertise and amplify their impact. Nikki shares her journey from growing up in a working-class town in England to building a business that helps speakers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders step into their authority. Together, they explore how personal branding, speaking, and community play a critical role in leadership development and career advancement. This conversation is especially relevant for leaders navigating visibility, identity, and influence in today’s workplace. Key Themes:• Personal brand strategy and positioning• Speaking as a leadership growth tool• Building community in leadership• Overcoming self-doubt and owning your voice• Creating visibility and authority Timestamps:Timestamps:00:00 – Why Your Voice Matters in Leadership01:20 – Meet Nikki Groom05:00 – From England to Entrepreneurial Leadership09:00 – The Power of Community in Career Growth13:30 – Speaking as a Leadership Strategy16:30 – Personal Brand & Positioning Framework19:45 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Owning Your Voice22:00 – Fear, Growth, and Leadership Identity24:00 – How to Connect with Nikki Guest Links:Website: https://raised-voices.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigroom/ https://nsaspeaker.orghttps://.talkadot.com

What does it take to rebuild your life, career, and leadership identity from scratch? In this episode of the Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Anisha Jennings, a systems administrator, entrepreneur, and founder of Jennings Tech Corner, to explore what it means to lead through transition and uncertainty. After moving from India to the United States to pursue her second master’s degree, Anisha rebuilt her life step by step, launching multiple ventures while balancing career, motherhood, and community. This conversation explores leadership through lived experience, the power of taking imperfect action, and how to scale with systems and support. Key Themes Leadership through transition and reinvention Building systems for sustainable growth Community as a leadership strategy Imperfect action vs perfection Visibility and digital presence for entrepreneurs Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Rebuilding, reimagining, rising01:52 – Why leadership should be accessible06:55 – Anisha’s origin story and move to the U.S.09:25 – Building Jennings Tech Corner10:56 – Why visibility matters in business11:18 – Launching a podcast for women of color12:05 – Scaling through team and collaboration13:22 – What community really means16:05 – Advice to her younger self17:33 – Leadership advice for the next generation18:58 – Imperfect action vs perfection21:04 – Websites as digital leadership tools24:54 – Final message: take the leap Guest Links Website: https://jenningstechcorner.com/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@AnishaJenningsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jennings-tech-corner/

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez speaks with Jean Westrick, CEO of the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG), about leading at the intersection of technology and equity. Jean shares her journey in philanthropy, her approach to mission-driven leadership, and why community is essential for navigating uncertainty. Together, they explore how leaders can build authentic executive presence while leveraging technology for social impact. Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction03:54 – Guest Introduction07:51 – Career Journey12:14 – Community & Leadership15:04 – Community as Antidote17:30 – Leadership Advice18:25 – “Be Cool. Be Sweet. Be Yourself.”21:07 – Authenticity in Leadership24:30 – Where to Connect Key Themes: Authentic leadership Community-driven leadership Technology and equity Career growth and purpose Executive presence through authenticity Connect with our guest:Jean WestrickPresident & CEO, Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG)Leader in philanthropy, technology, and equity-driven innovation 🔗 Guest Links: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/JeahWestrick https://tagtech.org TAG Tech on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/technologyassociationofgrantmakers Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.

In this episode of Building Leadership Community Podcast, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez, founder and CEO of the International Leadership Charter High School in the Bronx. Dr. Ruiz Lopez shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her leadership journey—from growing up in the South Bronx during a time of social unrest to witnessing systemic inequities in education and healthcare. Those early experiences became the driving force behind her lifelong commitment to education and community leadership. Today, the school she founded sends more than 95% of its students to college, creating pathways for young people who might otherwise be overlooked. This conversation explores perseverance, leadership, representation, and the responsibility leaders carry to create opportunity for future generations. Connect with Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez Get her book “The Fight for Equity in the Bronx” https://amzn.to/4bh7KIM https://DrElaineRuizLopez.com Timestamps 00:00 – Podcast introduction02:20 – Why leadership community matters04:25 – Introducing Dr. Elaine Ruiz Lopez07:52 – Her leadership origin story09:00 – Growing up Puerto Rican in the South Bronx11:00 – Witnessing injustice in childhood13:00 – Educational barriers and inequality17:00 – Teenage motherhood and leaving high school18:30 – Returning to education through City College19:00 – Teaching in the South Bronx19:40 – Leadership shaped by lived experience Key Themes Leadership rooted in lived experience Representation and education equity Resilience and perseverance Creating pathways to opportunity Community-driven leadership

If you missed the International Women’s Day livestream, you can now listen to the full replay of this special episode of the Building Leadership Community Podcast. In this reflective International Women’s Day conversation, Coach Dora Mendez explores how storytelling, literature, and lived experience shape the way leaders understand equity, representation, and community. Leadership is often shaped by the ideas we encounter and the voices we choose to amplify. In this episode, Dora highlights a group of international women authors and thought leaders whose writing, research, and personal stories have influenced her leadership philosophy. From memoir to literary fiction to leadership frameworks, these voices remind us that stories expand empathy—and empathy strengthens leadership. For professionals seeking to grow their leadership influence, deepen their cultural understanding, and build more equitable workplaces, this episode explores how literature and storytelling can transform the way we lead. Whether you are watching the replay of the livestream or discovering this episode later, the insights remain just as powerful. Key Takeaways In this episode, you’ll learn: Why leadership growth requires understanding history, culture, and lived experience• How storytelling shapes empathy and decision-making in leadership• Why amplifying women’s voices strengthens organizational culture• How literature can expand leadership thinking beyond traditional frameworks• Practical ways leaders can elevate underrepresented voices in their workplaces Authors and Leaders Highlighted n this episode, Coach Dora shares: 📚 Books by International Women Authors✨ Dr. Fulgani Shah – From Gaslighting to Truthlighting✨ Dr. Elena Ruiz – The Fight for Equity in the Bronx✨ Zenaida Mendez – Amor y Desamor, de La Diáspora 📖 Literary Fiction That Transforms Worldviews🌺 The Farming of Bones – Edwidge Danticat🦋 In the Time of the Butterflies – Julia Alvarez🌻 Half A Century Ago – Dr. Angela Arias ✍🏽 Latina Leadership & HR Representation💼 Latinas Rising Up in HR – Executive Edition🌟 Extraordinary Latinas – Volume 4 Podcast Guests Featured Dr. Falguni ShahLeadership expert and author addressing workplace gaslighting and leadership dynamics.https://www.fortruthlighting.comPodcast Episode:https://youtu.be/_c1zsozd3zo?si=0PU36DsBJ9VaR7ug   Dr. Elaine Ruiz LopezEducation leader and advocate for equity in schools and communities.https://www.drelaineruizlopez.com Podcast Episode: coming soon. Zenaida MendezMemoirist and storyteller exploring diaspora identity, heritage, and leadership through lived experience.https://substack.com/@zenaidamPodcast Episode: https://youtu.be/G7taR8E7Hug?si=3CKqH5790FwJW8xE Books and Authors Referenced Edwidge DanticatThe Farming of Bones https://amzn.to/4b0FDxC Julia AlvarezIn the Time of the Butterflies https://amzn.to/46JRI7J Sandra CisnerosThe House on Mango Street https://amzn.to/4umOX6A Dr. Angela AriasHalf A Century Ago https://amzn.to/40QEl1Z Resources and Links Watch the episode replay:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/I-SsYq7Ycs4?si=9gGDobxS3hGGRClC Connect with Coach Dora Mendez:Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com   Key Themes • Leadership shaped by storytelling• Gender equity as a leadership issue• Representation and voice in leadership• Cultural perspective and empathy in leadership• Building community through shared narratives  If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to the Building Leadership Community Podcast and share this conversation with someone whose leadership journey you admire. Leadership grows when we elevate the voices that shape our understanding of the world.

Building Leadership Community Podcast Transforming Your Money Story with Financial Wellness Coach Erika Dox-Martinez In this episode of Building Leadership Community, financial wellness coach Erika Dox-Martinez shares how leaders can transform their relationship with money, build financial confidence, and create long-term wealth aligned with their values. Professional Context For many professionals, especially leaders of color, conversations about money are often shaped by silence, shame, or inherited beliefs about scarcity. Erika Dox-Martinez helps ambitious women rethink those narratives by combining financial strategy with mindset work. In this conversation with host Dora Mendez, Erika shares how she transformed her own financial life after struggling with debt despite working in financial services. She eventually paid off her debt, built wealth, and launched Blissful Vida, a platform dedicated to helping women rewrite their money stories. This episode explores how financial wellness supports career advancement, leadership confidence, and long-term professional stability. Key Takeaways • Why your money mindset shapes your financial decisions and leadership confidence• How early experiences with money influence career growth and financial habits• The role of community accountability in financial progress• How leaders can move from financial stress to financial empowerment• Why rewriting your money story is essential for inclusive leadership development• Practical strategies for building financial confidence and long-term wealth Connect with Erika Dox-Martinez Websitehttps://MyBlissfulVida.com LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-dox-martinez/ Dates With Dinerohttps://myblissfulvida.com/dateswithdinero Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/myblissfulvida/ Resources Get Coach Dora Merchhttps://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch Shop the Coach Dora Books (Affiliate Links)https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fBhttps://amzn.to/4qONHqh Timestamps 00:00 Introduction01:23 Welcome to Building Leadership Community03:37 Introducing Erika Dox-Martinez05:38 Erika’s leadership journey and leaving corporate finance08:16 Why community matters in financial empowerment09:19 The power of accountability and money conversations11:35 Understanding your money story15:46 Debt, credit cards, and financial planning18:17 Investing in education and financial strategy26:31 Advice for emerging and established leaders28:13 Challenging the myth that women of color can’t build wealth30:13 Financial planning and long-term strategy32:14 Why money mindset and emotional healing matter34:01 Resources from Erika Stay Connected with Coach Dora Websitehttps://CoachDoraMendez.com LinkedInhttps://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/coachdoram Substackhttps://coachdoram.substack.com Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez About Coach Dora Mendez Coach Dora Mendez is a leadership strategist, speaker, and founder of Coach Dora LLC. Her mission is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion through writing, speaking, and leadership development. Through coaching, consulting, and community dialogue, she works to help leaders build workplaces rooted in courage, compassion, and measurable equity. If you'd like, I can also show you a podcast-growth optimized version of these show notes (slightly different structure that improves Apple Podcasts search indexing and Spotify discoverability).

Show Notes In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez talks with Yulkendy Valdez — social entrepreneur, consultant, and founder of Phenomenal Talent . Yulkendy shares how her leadership journey began in the Dominican Republic, teaching neighborhood children to read , and evolved into building ventures that empower underrepresented creators . Together, they explore: The courage to choose purpose over stability Mentorship and sponsorship as leadership accelerators Healing as a leadership practice Why community sustains long-term impact Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction03:39 – Founding Forefront & Early Entrepreneurship07:16 – Backyard School in the Dominican Republic11:59 – Spelling Bees, Representation & Confidence18:12 – Choosing Entrepreneurship21:37 – Wellness & Leadership Guest Yulkendy ValdezFounder, Phenomenal TalentForbes 30 Under 30 Honoree Connect with Yulkendy:https://linkedin.com/in/yulkendyvaldez/https://yulkendyvaldez.com   Check out The Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint course: https://www.coachdoramendez.com/offers/nbFVW58k/checkout Subscribe, share this episode with your leadership circle, and help us build community together

In Season 3, Episode 8 of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Arias WebsterBerry, entrepreneur, Certified Scrum Master, and founder of WebsterBerry Marketing and Ignite Funnels. Arias has generated over $112 million in client revenue and mentored more than 400 professionals. In this conversation, he shares what entrepreneurial leadership truly requires: disciplined risk evaluation, systems thinking, and community as a leadership stabilizer. This episode explores:• Why entrepreneurs fail without preparation• How systems protect time and energy• The connection between leadership and community• Why risk must be evaluated through opportunity cost Timestamps:00:00 Introduction04:24 Leadership Journey08:13 Global Expansion11:43 Community in Leadership21:28 Risk and Preparation24:15 ROI Mindset Guest Links:https://IgniteFunnels.comhttps://IgniteFunnels.kehttps://WebsterBerryMarketing.com  

Overview In Season 3, Coach Dora explores leadership through the lens of neuroscience with Dr. Christopher Eaddy and Lisa Oborne. Drawing from psychology, biology, and organizational systems, they examine how emotional reactivity affects logic, how accountability and authenticity intersect, and why the central nervous system may be the first culture of every organization. Key Themes Leadership as embodiment• Nervous system regulation• Psychological safety• Inclusive leadership culture• Systems thinking in organizations Timestamps 00:00 – Leadership as embodiment01:54 – Introducing Dr. Eaddy & Lisa Oborne07:02 – The coloring book story and early conditioning15:08 – The central nervous system as culture20:17 – Authenticity vs accountability26:36 – Cues for Leadership explained30:28 – Emotional regulation and decision-making33:56 – Advice for emerging leaders39:44 – How to connect with the guests Connect with Dr. Eaddy and Lisa OBorne: Guest Website: https://CuesForLeadership.com email: [email protected]   Subscribe, rate, and share to support inclusive leadership conversations.

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez is joined by educator and national equity leader Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox for a deep conversation on leadership, mentorship, and community. Dr. Cox reflects on her journey, the power of integrity, and how relationships shape lasting impact. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome03:20 Leadership origins 09:12 The TED Talk story 15:18 Integrity in leadership 18:10 Community and philanthropy 24:24 Advice for emerging leaders 32:07 Purpose over position Key Themes Leadership without titles Mentorship and community Career growth through integrity Guest Bio Dr. Danielle R. Moss Cox is an educator, advocate, and national leader in educational equity with over 20 years of experience.Connect with Dr. Danielle Cox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdaniellermosscox/ https://oliverscholars.org Get Coach Dora Merch! https://www.coachdoramendez.com/merch This video description contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇 https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

What does it take to go from corporate stability to building something entirely new? In this Season 3 episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with entrepreneur and inventor Todd Hanson, founder of Compass Carts, to explore innovation, perseverance, and purpose-driven leadership. Todd shares how a hunting trip sparked the idea that became a patented product, why honest feedback matters, and how community helps you stay grounded while you grow. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or navigating a career pivot, this episode will encourage you to take the next step. Subscribe, share this episode, and remember: leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. Timestamps / Chapters 00:01:55 Welcome + episode theme 00:02:36 Corporate-to-entrepreneur journey 00:05:09 Meet Todd Hanson + Compass Carts 00:05:41 The moment that sparked the invention 00:06:32 19 prototypes + product launch 00:11:41 Why community + feedback matters 00:14:22 Start before you know everything 00:15:10 Move with imperfect action 00:16:13 SWOT analysis + adapting to uncertainty 00:17:48 Improvise, adapt, overcome 00:18:50 Trade shows + evolving customer needs 00:22:20 Closing + where to follow Key Themes + Takeaways Innovation begins when you refuse to accept the status quo You don’t have to know everything to start Community creates space for honest feedback and growth Persistence beats perfection: 19 prototypes Adaptability matters when external changes show up Guest Credentials Todd Hanson is an entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Compass Carts (Rochester, Minnesota). He spent over 21 years in business development at Wells Fargo Home Mortgage before launching his product in November 2023. Connect with Todd Hanson and Compass Carts. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhanson1 Compass Carts Official Site :https://compasscarts.com/ Start your own podcast: The Entrepreneur’s Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B  If this episode helped you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their next chapter. Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇 https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB https://amzn.to/4qONHqh

In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez speaks with Dr. Falguni Shah—physician, organizational psychologist, and author—about Truth Lighting, a leadership framework designed to counter gaslighting and foster dignity, clarity, and trust at work. Key Themes Leadership and cultural humility Career advancement for women of color Community, wellness, and mentorship Systemic change in organizations Guest Dr. Falguni Shah, PhD Physician, Organizational Psychologist, Author of Truth Lighting Resources Get Falguni Shah, PhD's book: https://amzn.to/3LLMkti Falguni Shah, PhD's website: https://www.fortruthlighting.com/ Check out the Entrepreneur's Podcast Blueprint: https://bit.ly/46gso9B 👉 Subscribe, share, and join the conversation

Show Notes What do winning teams consistently get right? In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez and HR expert Kyle Patrick Smith explore leadership as responsibility and service. They unpack authenticity, accountability, and why people-first leadership creates teams that thrive, especially during times of change. Check out Kyle Patrick Smith’s books: Recruiting Is Easy!: If You Approach It Like Sales And Marketing https://amzn.to/45c8qMj Get the Job You Love https://amzn.to/3LjZA8x Key Takeaways • Winning teams are built through service, not control • Authentic leadership requires accountability • Leaders succeed when they lift others up • People-first culture drives long-term results Guest Credentials Kyle Patrick Smith is an HR expert, bestselling author, and founder of HR Kyle with over 25 years of corporate HR experience. Connect with Kyle Patrick Smith https://www.linkedin.com/in/thehrkyle/ https://hrkyle.com

What does it take to build organizations where people truly thrive? In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez sits down with Stephan Spilkowitz, Director of Engagement and Culture at Westchester Jewish Community Services, nonprofit trailblazer, and organizational culture consultant. Together, they explore inclusive leadership, wellness in the workplace, community building, and how leaders can support people at scale without losing humanity or purpose. In this Episode:00:00 Introduction & episode overview02:42 Leadership, wellness, and responsibility04:52 Stephan’s leadership journey09:20 Service, fun, and organizational culture13:27 Wellness, burnout, and leadership sustainability19:40 What community really means21:45 Advice for the next generation of leaders26:50 How to connect with Stephan29:49 Final reflections & closing Pre-register for Coach Dora's Wellness Club: https://forms.gle/CFyihe1StCJF16ix5 Connect with Stephan Spilkowitz https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephan-spilkowitz Shop the Coach Dora Books: (Affiliate Links) 👇 https://amzn.to/3Z0B4fB https://amzn.to/4qONHqh Let's Stay Connected! Website: https://CoachDoraMendez.com LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/coachdoram Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdoram Substack https://coachdoram.substack.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coachdoramendez Sign Up for my FREE Newsletter! https://coachdoramendez.com This video was recorded with StreamYard. Click this link to give it a try! 👇🏾 https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4806734327447552 About Coach Dora Mendez - https://coachdoramendez.com The mission of Coach Dora LLC is to be a beacon of bold authenticity, igniting conversations on diversity, equity, and inclusion through my writing and public speaking. I envision a world where everyone feels empowered to lead with courage and compassion, and my coaching and consulting services are the tools to make this vision a reality.