News from the Peak

In this episode, Maureen Leif welcomes special guests Meg York and Nesta Johnson. This episode delves into the crucial topic of parentage laws and their impact on same-sex families.   Meg York, representing Family Equality, and Nesta Johnson from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), bring their expertise and advocacy experience to the table, discussing the importance of clear and inclusive parentage laws. They explore how these laws can support the recognition and rights of all families, regardless of sexual orientation.  York and Johnson highlight recent advancements and ongoing challenges in ensuring that same-sex parents receive equal treatment under the law. They also share insights from their collaborative work and the latest reports, including the 2023 Parentage Report by MAP Research and the policy guidance on same-sex parents and child support program requirements by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. They both have such deep and amazing experience in this space yet make everything so personal and accessible for those are not as proficient.

On today’s show we welcome two guests – the leaders of Onyx Rising – Irma Neal and Kelli Lester Irma has been a guest on the show before, and I encourage you to check out her previous visits to News from the Peak and check out her book, Leading in Chaos – but today she is joined by Kelli, and we get a chance to hear from them on this important topic. Onyx Rising is a proven change management leader, renowned for comprehensive expertise and innovative strategies that drive meaningful, sustainable change. Their qualifications and expertise in DEI are rooted in a deep understanding of diverse organizational needs. They specialize in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change management providing behavior change services and development for individuals, teams and organizations, With an approach that is inclusive, respectful, and empowering We shared LINKS TO THEIR WEBSITE [https://www.onyx2rise.com/] in the show description and encourage you to visit for more information. We will feature Kelli and Irma at a free webinar scheduled for July 10, 2024 – at 1:00 PM Eastern 11:00 AM Mountain. Today’s episode is intended to give us some background and to start us all thinking about the issues of and around inclusive leadership, which we will explore further and in a more interactive way at the Webinar. Please visit our website for more information and details on how to register and attend. Or you can register by accessing THIS LINK [https://forms.gle/ifcEspkrW2uUKt186].

Join us at Grays Peak Strategies for an inspiring conversation on our latest podcast episode, dedicated to women in leadership. In this captivating discussion, we had the honor of hosting Shaneen Moore, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner at MN Department of Human Services, Kate Cooper Richardson, the Director of Child Support at the Oregon Department of Justice, and Kristi Gordy, the Senior Administrator for Economic Security, and Child Support Director with the Wyoming Department of Family Services. As with part 1, these members of the panel talk with Maureen Leif, reflecting on their experiences from participating in Women in Leadership panels over the past year. Host Maureen Leif says, "We dive deep into the rewards and insights gained from sharing our journeys. From breaking barriers to fostering diversity, women are instrumental in shaping the future of leadership. As leaders in our fields, we share our hopes for the next generation and discuss the importance of empowerment and creating opportunities for growth. Despite challenges such as gender bias and imposter syndrome, we offer strategies for navigating them." Tune in for valuable insights, inspiration, and advice as we celebrate women in leadership and pave the way for greater equality and empowerment.

Join us at Grays Peak Strategies for an inspiring conversation on our latest podcast episode, dedicated to women in leadership. In this captivating discussion, we had the honor of hosting IV-D Director Erin Frisch from Michigan and Federal Office of Child Support Services Commissioner Tanguler Gray. Reflecting on our experiences from participating in Women in Leadership panels over the past year, we dive deep into the rewards and insights gained from sharing our journeys. From breaking barriers to fostering diversity, women are instrumental in shaping the future of leadership. As leaders in our fields, we share our hopes for the next generation and discuss the importance of empowerment and creating opportunities for growth. Despite challenges such as gender bias and imposter syndrome, we offer strategies for navigating them. Tune in for valuable insights, inspiration, and advice as we celebrate women in leadership and pave the way for greater equality and empowerment.

On Valentines day in 2024, we opened the Zoom line, and Gabby Leif recorded messages of gratitude for anyone that wanted to call in. With only one day to record, I know we missed a lot of people, but we had some very nice messages from people who couldn't make it... so we hope to try this again in the future. Sharing messages of gratitude felt appropriate for Valentine's Day. But we are grateful for our listeners and supporters every day! We hope you enjoy this short episode, and we'll be back with a full episode very soon.