In this episode of Building Leadership Community, Coach Dora Mendez welcomes Dr. Lori Marie Huertas—an organizational leader, educator, and advocate for workplace cultures where belonging and innovation thrive.

Together, they explore people-centered leadership as both a philosophy and a practical approach to career advancement. This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, community, wellness, and helping professionals recognize and articulate the full value of their experience.

One of the most powerful moments in this episode focuses on transferable skills—specifically how professionals, including student veterans, often underestimate their leadership experience because they have not translated it into language that resonates in new environments. This episode offers a clear lens for understanding how to bridge that gap and step into leadership with confidence.

This conversation is a valuable resource for professionals seeking career growth, leaders focused on inclusive leadership, and anyone committed to building workplaces rooted in belonging and human-centered values.

• People-Centered Leadership
• Belonging and Workplace Culture
• Transferable Skills and Career Growth
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• Wellness and Sustainable Leadership
• First-Generation Leadership Journeys

• HACU (Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities)
  https://www.hacu.net
• Metropolitan State University of Denver
  https://www.msudenver.edu
• Elephant Circle (Nonprofit – Circle of Care concept)
  https://www.elephantcircle.net
• Deloitte (Leadership & Mentorship Example)
  https://www.deloitte.com
• Joint Services Transcript (JST)
  https://jst.doded.mil

00:00 Welcome and introduction
03:02 Guest introduction
06:17 Leadership journey
11:09 Community and leadership
13:14 Wellness and Circle of Care
18:37 Advice for future leaders
24:04 Teaching philosophy
25:43 Transferable skills discussion
29:41 Leadership legacy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimariehuertas/

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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 Introduction
01:10 – Meet Jonathan Meagher-Zayas
07:38 – Leadership Story & Early Influences
10:03 – Nonprofit Leadership & Systems Thinking
13:44 – Transition to Community Foundation Work
16:27 – Leadership During 2020 & Equity Work
18:42 – Origin of “Equity Warrior”
22:54 – Why Community Matters in Leadership
23:54 – Burnout vs. Moral Injury
27:24 – Advice for Emerging Leaders
30:16 – How to Connect with Jonathan

Guest Links:
🔗 Connect with Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmeagherzayas
🌐 Guest Website: https://EquityWarriorStrategies.com

CTA:
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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 Leadership
01:20 – Meet Nikki Groom
05:00 – From England to Entrepreneurial Leadership
09:00 – The Power of Community in Career Growth
13:30 – Speaking as a Leadership Strategy
16:30 – Personal Brand & Positioning Framework
19:45 – Overcoming Self-Doubt & Owning Your Voice
22:00 – Fear, Growth, and Leadership Identity
24:00 – How to Connect with Nikki

Guest Links:
Website: https://raised-voices.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkigroom/

https://nsaspeaker.org
https://.talkadot.com