In this last episode of the EmpowHERment Show (stay tuned for the next chapter!), Maddie and Adama speak with Dawn L. Brown, the President and CEO of The EmpowHER Institute. As an advocate and strategic thought partner, Dawn has more than 25 years of experience leading BIPOC youth advocacy initiatives that successfully became California legislation and established best practices for eliminating gender bias across many areas - reforming the juvenile justice system, decriminalizing sex trafficked girls, implementing community-based gang intervention strategies, and ending the shackling of pregnant women. Dawn has also served on various advisory boards and think tanks focused on issues affecting women and girls of color.

This episode focuses on the EmpowHER Institute’s mission to empower young girls, particularly those from marginalized communities, through education and mentorship. Dawn shares insights into the innovative programs offered by the institute, including social emotional learning, financial literacy, and a unique marine science camp. The conversation also addresses the systemic barriers faced by these girls, the impact of recent rollbacks in DEI initiatives, and the challenges nonprofits face in securing funding. Dawn emphasizes the importance of community support and calls for action to help empower the next generation of leaders.

Here are the key episode takeaways:

• The EmpowHer Institute serves over 1,000 girls a year.
• The organization focuses on breaking generational cycles of poverty.
• 100% of high school participants graduate and are accepted into college.
• The program addresses systemic barriers and trauma faced by girls.
• Recent rollbacks in DEI initiatives have impacted funding for nonprofits like EmpowHER.
• Community support is crucial to their continuied existence and success.
• Dawn encourages young girls to embrace their voices and not play small.

And here’s a breakdown of the episode:

• 00:00 Empowering Girls Through Education
• 02:23 The Mission of EmpowHer Institute
• 05:28 Innovative Programs for Young Women
• 09:59 Addressing Systemic Barriers
• 11:34 The Impact of Current Events on Youth
• 14:27 Creating Future Leaders
• 17:32 Challenges in Funding and Support
• 21:17 Navigating Government Dynamics
• 23:08 The Importance of Community Support and Funding
• 24:30 Challenges Faced by Nonprofits in Education
• 26:48 Cost-Effectiveness of Community Programs
• 27:48 Empowering Young Girls Through STEM Education
• 30:51 Experiential Learning and Global Opportunities
• 33:44 Success Stories of Program Alumni
• 35:09 How to Support Empower Her Institute
• 39:02 Empowerment and the Importance of Voice

In this episode, the EmpowHER gals are thrilled to welcome Ebony Twilley Martin. Ebony is a nationally recognized leader in the environmental movement with over 15 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit leadership. As the former Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, Ebony made history as the first Black woman to lead a major legacy environmental organization, where she championed environmental justice, racial and gender equity, and frontline leadership.

Ebony’s journey into climate justice began when her son developed asthma — a personal reminder that clean air is not guaranteed for every family. In this episode, the ladies discuss Ebony’s journey into environmental activism, the intersectionality of climate issues, and the challenges faced by nonprofits in the current political climate. The ladies delve into the implications of SLAPP lawsuits on advocacy, the importance of diversity in leadership, and the need for imagination in navigating complex social issues. Ebony emphasizes the significance of voting and community engagement as essential tools for driving change in the climate movement.

Here are the key episode takeaways:

• Race remains one of the strongest predictors of pollution exposure, with black and brown children disproportionately affected by environmental harm.
• Intersectionality matters — you can’t talk about the environment without talking about equity, access, and justice.
• A lack of diversity in environmental leadership limits the perspectives and solutions needed for real, lasting change.
• SLAPP lawsuits are being used to silence advocates and drain resources from organizations fighting for accountability.
• Effective leaders balance activism with legal awareness, navigating systems while pushing for transformation.
• Creativity and imagination are essential tools for leaders facing complex, systemic challenges.
• Voting is one of the most powerful acts of climate action — it’s how we shape the policies that shape our planet.

And here is the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to Climate Justice and Leadership
• 06:49 Intersectionality in Environmentalism
• 08:18 Challenges in Climate Justice Work
• 11:28 Navigating Donor Relationships
• 15:49 The Impact of SLAPP Lawsuits
• 20:00 Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations
• 24:53 Balancing Activism and Legal Constraints
• 27:42 Leading with Imagination and Creativity
• 33:55 The Impact of Budget Constraints on Nonprofits
• 37:37 The Importance of Board Diversity
• 38:39 Systemic Bias Against Women of Color in Leadership
• 42:37 The Need for Supportive Networks
• 45:40 Empowering Women Through Coaching
• 48:25 Celebrating Small Victories
• 53:33 The Power of Voting for Change
• 54:34 Trusting Yourself in Leadership Roles

Keep up with the EmpowHER ladies by following them on socials as well as subscribing on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts!

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This week, we’re sitting down with former California lawmaker Catharine Baker for a candid conversation about what it really takes to lead with integrity in today’s political climate. From her journey into public service to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the GOP, Catharine opens up about the power of civility, courage, and compromise—and why they matter now more than ever. We dive into how social media has reshaped politics, what bipartisanship looks like in practice, and how women can show up, speak up, and step into leadership roles that change the game.

Catharine represented the 16th Assembly District (Bay Area/East Bay) from 2014-2018. A University of Chicago graduate and UC Berkeley School of Law alumna, she began her legal career as a clerk for a U.S. District Court judge before practicing law. During her time in the State Assembly, she earned a reputation as a bipartisan problem-solver — in fact, all sixteen of the bills she authored that passed did so with bipartisan support. After leaving office, she continued public service as a Commissioner of the California Fair Political Practices Commission. Today, she serves as the Director of the UC Student & Policy Center in Sacramento, where she leads student-, faculty-, and policymaker-engagement initiatives for the University of California system.

With her insider view of the legislature, her commitment to civility in politics, and her focus on leadership grounded in values, Catharine brings a uniquely pragmatic and inspiring voice to our conversation. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to make your voice heard in the room where decisions are made—this one’s for you.

Here are the episode takeaways:

• Courage isn’t optional—it’s essential. Leadership means showing up even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Your district comes first. True representation means listening before leading.
• Bipartisanship builds better policy. Collaboration > confrontation.
• Social media skews reality. Real change happens beyond the algorithm.
• Stay connected. Engaging with constituents is what keeps governance grounded.
• Progress beats perfection. Sometimes the win is making a bad bill…less bad.
• Politics is always evolving. Adaptation is the new superpower.
• Women are leading the charge. Their impact in politics is undeniable—and growing.
• Public service takes grit. Dedication and resilience are the real power tools.
• Relationships matter. Building trust across party lines makes democracy stronger.

And here’s the episode breakdown:

• 00:00 Introduction to Catharine Baker
• 08:28 The Journey to Public Office
• 14:06 Civility and Compromise in Politics
• 18:21 Navigating Political Challenges
• 27:56 The Evolution of the Republican Party
• 30:08 Reflections on Political Generations
• 33:41 The Rise of Partisan Politics
• 35:24 Engaging the Next Generation
• 38:40 The Impact of Social Media on Political Discourse
• 46:08 California's Political Landscape and Leadership Dynamics
• 55:42 The Role of the Governor vs. Legislature
• 59:48 Institutional Knowledge and Political Expertise
• 01:02:36 Legislative Accomplishments
• 01:07:03 Advice for Aspiring Politicians
• 01:09:21 Women to Watch

Keep up with the EmpowHERment ladies by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts and following them on YouTube and socials!

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok