Episode two of the second season of the Podcast on Crimes Against Women welcomes Megan Simmons, Sr. Policy Attorney for Ujima, Inc., The National Center on Violence Against Women in the Black Community. Megan discusses the importance and benefits of having diverse leadership in both appearance and philosophy, how minority groups are continuing to strive for a seat at the proverbial table, and how Ujima, Inc. continues to work to diversify leadership in the provision of services to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
In this second episode in a series addressing barriers to survivors of violence, we explore the barriers faced by women of color, especially Black women, the complications of seeking services when the provider may not have diversity in leadership, and the empowerment we can obtain when we all strive to ensure decision-makers in organizations of service mirror the people they strive to assist. Simmons analogizes her work in creating diverse leadership with a quote from the incomparable Shirley Chisholm, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."