Today’s guest on Diversity Straight Up is Okpara Rice, Chief Executive Officer of Tanager Place, the nonprofit providing services to children and families that inspire, empower, and heal.

Anthony and Sarika talk with Okpara about how they're approaching gun violence in the world today, how our collective approach to mental health has changed since the pandemic, how Okpara's background and childhood led him to this line of work, the group tackle a question from a listener, and everyone takes a turn with the famous Diversity Thumb Ball!

Learn more about Tanager Place by visiting tanagerplace.org

This season of Diversity Straight Up is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.

This is Diversity Straight Up, hosted by Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington, the monthly podcast where the duo dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This is a Corridor Media Group podcast: Bringing critical business news, thoughtful analysis, and valuable strategic insights for business leaders throughout Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities. For more information, visit corridorbusiness.com.

This episode was produced by the L.A.S. Media Group in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit LASMediaGroup.com.