Diversity Conversations

01/13/2026

✨ Diversity Conversations | Stories That Go Deeper ✨
In this episode, we sit down with Denisse Ruiz, Esthetician and CEO of MADD, whose work goes far beyond the surface of skin.

As a high school student, Denisse struggled with acne and the self-esteem challenges that often come with it. That experience didn’t just shape her career path—it shaped her purpose. She chose a field where healing the skin could also help restore confidence, dignity, and emotional well-being.

In this powerful moment, Denisse shares a story about one of her clients—told in both English and Spanish—that reminds us how deeply personal care work can be. What may look like a cosmetic service is often an act of empathy, trust, and healing.
After watching this, you may never look at the field of esthetics the same way again.

🎥 Take a moment to watch and listen.

01/10/2026

🎙️ New Episode | Diversity Conversations

This week’s conversation goes beyond the surface.
We sit down with Denisse Ruiz, entrepreneur and licensed esthetician, to explore self-esteem, healing, faith, and why true care starts from the inside out.

This is more than skincare.
It’s about confidence, compassion, and serving others with purpose.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18484975

✨ Join the conversation. Share your voice.

 In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Denisse Ruiz, entrepreneur and Cincinnati licensed esthetician, for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond skincare. Denisse shares her journey from s...

12/27/2025

Hope still lives.

Our latest episode of Diversity Conversations features a powerful and deeply human conversation with Dr. Littisha A. Bates on academic freedom, faith, leadership, and what comes next.

🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18419221

📺 Watch the full conversation on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvxuTkQ3V6E

Where leadership meets equity, and care becomes strategy. week on Diversity Conversations, we are honored to welcome ...

12/20/2025

Not all storms come with a warning.
This week’s Diversity Conversations explores how we lead, give, receive help, and stay grounded during the holiday season when life feels heavy.

A conversation about presence over presents, faith in the storm, and what truly matters.

🎧 Listen here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18391685

The holidays have a way of revealing what matters most, especially when life brings storms you didn’t ask for. A holiday leadership conversation on giving, dignity, family expectations, and finding joy and faith while weathering personal stor...

12/06/2025

💛 The Season of Giving & Grace — now on the podcast! 🎙️✨

In this powerful holiday episode, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis dive deep into what it truly means to give, forgive, and receive with humility during one of the most meaningful times of the year.

From 2:30 a.m. reflections…
to breakthrough ideas about “trillion-dollar stars” in underserved communities…
to real stories of family, faith, and transformation…

This conversation goes straight to the heart.
It’s vulnerable, honest, healing, and full of hope.

Listen now and ask yourself:
✨ What am I really giving this season?
✨ Where do I need to extend grace — to others or to myself?
✨ What new story is life inviting me to live into?

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
👉 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18309881

Thank you for being part of the Diversity Conversations community.
Your presence is a gift. 🎄✨

🏷️ Hashtags for FB

 In this special holiday episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis dive deep into “The Season of Giving and Grace.” From 2:30 a.m. moments of quiet reflection to a breakthrough idea about “trillion-dollar stars”...

12/05/2025

💛 This holiday season, let’s talk about what really matters.

Join us LIVE as we explore giving beyond gifts, extending grace, and receiving with gratitude.

👉 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/85oTG96v0kk?si=OfyAdIp_yKjLHxVZ

Bring your heart and your reflections.
This one will stay with you. 🎄✨

Join Eric Ellis and Dr. Tommie Lewis for a heartfelt Holiday Special of Diversity Conversations titled “The Season of Giving and Grace.”In this reflective an...

11/15/2025

PREMIERING TOMORROW! 🎬✨ (Pre-Recorded Episode)

Good morning, Diversity Conversations family!
Tomorrow we’re sharing a pre-recorded but powerful new episode: Part 2 of “Reflecting on Our Worth.”

In this deep and heartfelt conversation, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore what it truly means to understand and protect your worth — especially during a time when DEI professionals and communities are facing unprecedented challenges.

They dive into the seven lenses of worth — alignment, growth, relationships, contribution, financial sustainability, resilience, and joy — offering wisdom, encouragement, and real-life stories to help you navigate tough moments with clarity and confidence.

For more than 7 years and 375+ episodes, Diversity Conversations has been completely self-funded. If our weekly conversations have inspired or supported you, we invite you to join us in our year-end campaign.
📲 Scan the circular QR code during the episode to contribute at the level that feels right for you.

Join the premiere tomorrow at 9:30 AM EST!
📺 Watch on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/yvwNgyR6gBs?si=CYmW1YuAeCUt9CsJ

Thank you for being part of this global community!!

Note: This episode was pre-recorded and is premiering as a live-style broadcast. Eric and Tommie speak “in the present” as they always do on Saturday morning...

11/08/2025

💫 NEW EPISODE IS LIVE!

What defines your true worth?
This week, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis invite you to reflect on the power of faith, forgiveness, and legacy — through stories that remind us that love is stronger than hate and leadership begins with self-respect.

🎙️ Listen now on Buzzsprout → https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18155662

📺 Watch the full video on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9qOhg4_iQU

✨ Reflecting on Our Worth — Faith, Forgiveness & The Power of Knowing Your True Value

What defines our true worth? 💫In this moving episode of Diversity Conversations LIVE, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore faith, forgiveness, and legacy — f...

11/01/2025

Millions of Americans are waking up today without food assistance.
The phase-out of the SNAP benefits program is leaving families, seniors, and children across the country facing hunger — and as our guest Sharon Watkins, Community Engagement Director for the Cincinnati Community Action Agency (CAA), reminds us:

“It could be any of us.”

In this powerful new episode of Diversity Conversations, Tommie Lewis sits down with Sharon to discuss how compassion, community, and action can make the difference between despair and hope.

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18115681

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/v8rpl_POLto?si=cYNwnNiMXHItyVva

🙏 If you or someone you know is affected by the SNAP changes, help is available:
🌐 www.cincy-caa.org

📞 Call 2-1-1 for local food, housing, and utility assistance.
💵 Donate to Free Store Food Bank
or volunteer with CAA.

✨ Let’s stand together for those in need — because humanity begins when we care for one another.
Please watch, share, and tag a friend who needs to hear this conversation. 💬

Join us for this week’s episode of Diversity Conversations Live as we welcome Sharon Watkins, Community Engagement Specialist with the Cincinnati Action Agen...

10/31/2025

This Saturday at 9:30 AM EST!
Join us live on Diversity Conversations as we welcome Sharon Watkins, Community Engagement Specialist with the Cincinnati Action Agency (CAA).

We’ll explore the impact of the SNAP phase-out on families and communities — and highlight the actions being taken to support those most affected.

🎥 Watch live on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/live/v8rpl_POLto?si=8dbkYocwZVik_T0I

Join us for this week’s episode of Diversity Conversations Live as we welcome Sharon Watkins, Community Engagement Specialist with the Cincinnati Action Agen...

10/25/2025

⛳ NEW EPISODE ALERT!
Don’t Define Yourself by Your Score | Life Lessons from the Golf Course
In this week’s episode, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis take us beyond the game of golf — into the deeper lessons of life, leadership, and integrity.
From Nashville reflections to backyard peace to real stories of character and generosity, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about the score — it’s about the swing.
✨ Discover how to:
✅ Lead with integrity and generosity (including Eric’s $2,500 Partnership Principle 🤝)
✅ Find peace in your own rhythm
✅ Focus on your growth, not comparison
✅ Redefine success through consistency and grace

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/18032184

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/ftrqRxuioIs?si=OIlQZSUEb4AymBSP

This week on Diversity Conversations LIVE, Eric Ellis & Tommie Lewis take a deeper look at the connection between life, golf, and personal integrity.From Nas...

10/11/2025

💥 NEW EPISODE IS LIVE! 💥
How do you leverage your network without losing authenticity?

In this week’s Diversity Conversations Live, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis explore a timeless principle of leadership and relationships:
👉 You don’t just leverage your network — you become leverageable.

Join this heartfelt and insightful conversation as they share stories of faith, reciprocity, and community, and reveal how being generous, easy to help, and valuable to others opens doors you never imagined.

🎙️ Listen now on Buzzsprout → https://www.buzzsprout.com/1399129/episodes/17995066

In this heartfelt and power-packed episode of Diversity Conversations Live, Eric Ellis (Integrity Development Corporation) and Tommie Lewis (Make It Plain Consulting) explore one of the most powerful and practical leadership principles of our time...