Expressions of Leadership

Catapulting Change: Leadership, Equity and Career Readiness with Dr. Pamela Donnelly

Dr. Pamela Donnelly has spent her career opening doors—first as a teacher and education entrepreneur, and now as the founder of the American Access Institute. In this episode, she shares the story behind Catapult, an AI-powered career readiness platform designed to equip vulnerable youth, including those in foster care, with the skills and pathways to thrive in trades, tech, military, and entrepreneurship.
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry and Pamela explore how policy, public discourse, and technology intersect in the fight for equity, why scalable innovation matters, and what it takes to lead a vision from concept to national impact. Along the way, Pamela reflects on the leadership lessons she’s learned—both from the systems she’s challenged and the students she’s championed.
If you care about access, opportunity, and leading change that lasts, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about what’s possible.
Learn more about Dr. Pamela Donnelly at www.pameladonnelly.com and the American Access Institute at https://americanaccessinstitute.org/. 
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.
 

Resilient Leadership: Kenneth Hartman's Journey from Incarceration to Impact

This episode contains adult subject matter, including discussion of violence and homicide, which may be distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
Host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Kenneth Hartman, award-winning writer and prison reform advocate, who spent more than 37 years serving a life-without-parole sentence before receiving a commutation. In this conversation, Ken reflects on his path from a troubled youth to founding the groundbreaking Honor Program inside a maximum-security prison, and now to leading Transformative Programming Works, bringing rehabilitative initiatives to California’s prisons.
Together, they explore resilience, human dignity, racial integration, and the power of agency. Ken shares leadership lessons forged behind bars, the influence of mentors and fatherhood, and how lived experience can shape policy and inspire lasting systemic change.Learn more about Kenneth Hartman and Transformative Programming Works at www.thetpw.org.
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Leading Through Change: Staying Human in an Age of Transformation with Jennifer Wilde

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry talks with Jennifer Wilde about leading in times of volatility and change. From emergency responses in Haiti and the Philippines to building AI tools for families and organizations, Jennifer brings clarity, empathy, and innovation to the conversation.
She shares practices like act–sense–respond, staying grounded under pressure, and reframing change as opportunity. They also explore human-centered innovation—responsible AI design, emotionally intelligent products like Lighten, and education platforms like Learn Leopard.
It’s a conversation about the future of leadership, where adaptability, experimentation, and the right questions matter as much as strategy.
Connect with Jennifer Wilde at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wilde-innovation/.  You can also learn more about Learn Leopard athttps://learnleopard.com/ and Lighten at https://www.trylighten.com/
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Leading from the Heart: A Graceful Revolution with Dr. Melissa Bird

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, Dr. Melissa Bird—descendant of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, lay preacher, healer, activist, and educator—shares her inspiring journey from personal loss to leading policy change. She offers profound insights into soulful leadership, emphasizing intuition, compassion, and the power of asking better questions. Together, we explore how acknowledging grief and embracing vulnerability can deepen connections and drive meaningful transformation in our communities.
Learn more about Dr. Melissa Bird:
Website: https://www.drmelissabird.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-melissa-bird-016640199/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrMelissaBird
Substack: https://substack.com/@birdgirl1001
Buy her Book, Love Notes and Prayers: Guidance for Your Soul, at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/love-notes-and-prayers
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks every Saturday and Sunday at noon PT.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

The Chemistry of Leadership with Mumbi Dunjwa

In this enlightening episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Mumbi Dunjwa, the visionary founder and CEO of Naturaz, a pioneering vegan haircare brand for curly hair. Mumbi shares insights from her remarkable journey that spans chemistry, nuclear medicine, and technology, revealing how her scientific roots have shaped her leadership style and entrepreneurial path.
Discover the profound influence of her parents in shaping her leadership philosophy and learn how her diverse experiences have fueled her mission to empower women in STEM and help people embrace and care for their natural hair with ease, beauty, and grace. Mumbi’s candid reflections on resilience and the pursuit of innovation provide valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.
Connect with Mumbi Dunjwa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mumbi-dunjwa/ Learn more about Naturaz: www.naturaz.com,  www.moistureburst.com.Facebook @NaturazhairInstagram, TikTok, YouTube, & Pinterest @naturaz_hair
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Tackling Leadership from the NFL to Finance: The Journey of Luther R. Broughton Jr.

From leading his younger siblings to becoming an NFL tight end, Luther R. Broughton Jr. has always understood what it means to show up with purpose. In this episode, he shares how early lessons in responsibility, resilience, and mentorship shaped his leadership style—on the field and beyond. He reflects on his time at Furman University, his journey through the NFL, and the influence of key figures like his college strength coach.
Now a financial leader at Rocket Mortgage, Luther brings the same discipline and drive to his professional life that he once brought to the game. We explore the parallels between sports and business, the value of being a role player, and the mindset needed to lead through change. It’s a conversation about growth, grit, and the power of leading from wherever you are.
Follow Luther on X and Instagram @rashard84.
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also catch the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Elevating Education Through Connection, Courage, and Leadership with Principal Ricardo Hernandez

In this episode, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Ricardo Hernandez, principal of Seneca Valley High School and a dynamic voice in education leadership. A native of Puerto Rico, Ricardo shares his journey from an emerging multilingual learner—who picked up English by watching soap operas—to leading one of the largest high schools on the East Coast. He reflects on his transition from a career in sales to education, his direct and values-driven leadership style, and his deep commitment to supporting students and staff. Tune in for a compelling conversation on representation, courageous leadership, and the future of transformative education.You can follow Ricardo on X @RHernandezMCPS.
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also listen to the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Leading By Becoming: From MTV to Museum Walls with Rob Grad

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, host Michele Kawamoto Perry sits down with Rob Grad, a renowned multidisciplinary artist whose path is marked by creativity, reinvention, and resilience.
From his early days as a member of a rock band signed to RCA Records to his bold leap into visual art—sparked by a life-changing trip to Europe—Rob shares how following his intuition led to profound transformation. His work, including museum exhibits and a TEDx talk, reflects his commitment to authenticity and creative exploration.
Rob opens up about the influence of the MTV generation, the healing power of art, and how discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for growth. Whether you're a budding artist or a leader seeking to live and lead more authentically, Rob’s story is a compelling testament to the power of embracing the unknown, taking risks, and staying true to your creative voice.
Learn more about Rob Grad at:http://robgrad.comhttp://facebook.com/RobGradArtInstagram: @rob_gradCheck out his mini course for mining creative ideas: https://stan.store/outermindmethod/p/the-outer-mind-methodDon't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram. You can also listen to the show on Radio Evolve at www.radio-evolve.rocks.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.
 
 

Stewarding Legacy: John Elliott on Leadership, Culture, and Community

In this episode, Michele Kawamoto Perry is joined by John Elliott, CEO of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, for a compelling conversation about leadership rooted in purpose, growth, and legacy.
John shares how he's helped shape a resilient and values-driven culture across Chumash Enterprises — from navigating the pandemic to launching innovative sustainability efforts like a zero-waste-certified resort.
He also reflects on his leadership philosophy, the unique lessons he’s learned from working with tribal nations, and how he and his team are charting a course to serve both the tribe and the broader community for generations to come.
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.

Storytelling, Sisterhood, and Social Change with the Founders of the Passionistas Project - Amy and Nancy Harrington

In this episode of Expressions of Leadership, we explore the inspiring journey of sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, founders of The Passionistas Project. After successful careers in Hollywood, they shifted their focus to a new mission—amplifying women’s voices through storytelling, advocacy, and community-building.
Amy and Nancy share how their experiences in the entertainment industry and their response to cultural shifts shaped their path to creating a vibrant sisterhood rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and empowerment.
Join us as we dive into their insights on authentic leadership, the realities of being female entrepreneurs, and the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change. This is a conversation about creating space—for women to lead, connect, and thrive.
Learn more about the Passionistas Project: info@thepassionistasprojectcomhttps://www.thepassionistasproject.com/Instagram & Facebook: @thepassionistasproject
Don't miss an episode! Be sure to click on the follow and subscribe buttons. Follow Expressions of Leadership on YouTube and Instagram.
Discover more about host Michele Kawamoto Perry and The Forward Project’s expertise in culture transformation and leadership development at www.theforwardproject.co.