Cheryl Wozniak

On this day one year ago, the doors opened to this humble little free community—and with it, the Hola Magnolia Virtual Village grew from one Skool community to two. From the Accomplice Accelerator to The Changemaker's Haven and now the R.I.S.E. and Shine Collective, I thank you all for being on this journey of discovery not only with me, but with each other. In one year, we have completed over 60 hours of webinars, another 40+ hours of coaching, mentoring and stargazing sessions, and exchanged countless words of care, encouragement, and knowledge. We are 227 members strong, and soon to be growing steadily stronger in numbers with each day! I look forward to a 2026 filled with even more fellowship, learning, and growing in impact as we design the world in a way that would make ALL of our ancestors so immensely proud of who we are becoming as a society in spite of so many forces working against us. If you'd like to leave a gesture of support, you all know me: I'd LOVE for you to pay it forward by funding our first campaign of 2026: the R.I.S.E. Global Black Community Founding Member Fund! We're aiming to sponsor 4 seats for four Black impact professionals, entrepreneurs and creators as an homage to our Reparations Race roots. You can contribute to the fund in one of two ways: Contributions of $1100 USD or more, up to a full seat: https://buy.stripe.com/9B69ALeSnbDX6D1fB7cEw02 Contributions under $1100 USD: https://ko-fi.com/holamagnolia Any and all contributions are so important to us, regardless of size. It all adds up, and you are supporting Hola Magnolia's ongoing rebuild (as you always do) in the process. All contributions over $1100 USD will receive a complimentary Ask the Identity & Belonging Coach session to gift or take! Thank you all so much for your support and for being part of this incredible community. Here's to more of what we do best in 2026: caring for each other while making this world a better place for all. 🌟

New comment 10d ago

Happy 1st Birthday to the R.I.S.E. and Shine Collective!

Cheryl Wozniak

1 like • 12d

Congratulations on an amazing first year!

Sharon Hurley Hall

May '25 •

General Discussion

Remembering George Floyd

Today is the 5th anniversary of George Floyd's murder. That was the final catalyst (there were others) that led to the work I'm doing today: the newsletter, the book, this community and the posts and podcasts and events. It is sobering to think of those whose commitment did not last and heartening to think of those who remain committed and active. All of which is to say that I'm in a funny place emotionally today. What comes up for you? (I sent out a special edition of my newsletter today with an updated version of the poem I wrote on the first anniversary. https://www.antiracismnewsletter.com/p/reboot-remembering-george-floyd )

New comment Jun '25

Cheryl Wozniak

3 likes • May '25

@Sharon Hurley Hall I remember the sense of urgency from teachers, parents, and community members in my school district where I served as assistant superintendent. Even though we were experiencing the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, scrambling to figure out how we would ever reopen our schools, we felt the call to prioritize racial justice with the same level of commitment. Like many school boards, mine wrote a resolution condemning racism and anti-Blackness. They wrote a racial equity board policy which included the action of hiring of a Director of DEI, which I'm pleased to say is still in place. But something that was told by one of our African American high school seniors that I've never forgotten... through tears, she spoke of how it finally seemed that the world was actually waking up and for the first time beginning to see how unequally Black people are viewed and how differently they are treated. She said her biggest fear was that this was just a passing fad and that not too long from now this would all be a thing of the past and white people would carry on the way they always have--benefiting from their white privilege and not doing anything that would result in a substantial change in the lived experiences of BIPOC. Her message continues to both haunt me and to hold me accountable for not allowing my commitment to racial equity to wane. I have to do more.

Trudi Perkins

May '25 •

General Discussion

Future of DEI Summit

I am so happy that I attended the Furure of DEI Summit! I couldn't catch each live session, but your format which gave quick access to the replays made it feel as if I was still an active participant in the event. Kudos for that! The speakers were amazing, and had so much insight and knowledge to share. I am still making my way through the replays, but had to stop and say, Thank You! What a geat way to spend my week. Peace and blessings to you, Sister!

New comment May '25

Cheryl Wozniak

2 likes • May '25

Thank you @Erin Corine Johnson for the incredible Future of DEI Summit experience you provided. As a still fairly new member of this community, not having been to the summit in February, I wasn't sure what to expect. Everything about it surpassed my expectations!!! I was fortunate to be able to attend many/most of the sessions and each one, each day, was as amazing as the ones before it. I was blown away by the content, care, commitment, and community I witnessed from you and every presenter/panelist. I will process what I learned for months to come and will return to watch replays to continue digging deeper. Thank you for all that you poured into the planning and organizing of the event, and also for all that you poured out of yourself, hour after hour, session after session, day after day. It was nothing short of miraculous to witness you and to be part of this amazing event. I hope you feel the love that we all have for you — those who've known you for years and those of us who have only known you for a few months. You are an amazing leader, and I am so grateful to you for this event and this community❤️

Brandyn Gallagher

May '25 •

General Discussion

"We are human beings"

Here is the video that resonated for me while listening to @Joquina's awesome talk today. Progress really has to start with fundamentally believing the people we are talking to, and about, are full human beings worthy of life, liberty, and happiness.

New comment May '25

Cheryl Wozniak

2 likes • May '25

@Brandyn Gallagher Thank you for sharing this video. I've watched it several times now. I'm wondering if this is the first time Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail stood up to a white person in this way. And did any white person in that audience understand the impact of the white lady's behavior and attempt to make amends for what happened? I'm also asking myself: When have I behaved like that white lady, and what harm have I caused people of color by my ignorance?

Erin Corine Johnson

Mar '25 •

General Discussion

Honoring Our AA Siblings This Trans Day of Visibility

Truth be told, I am VERY bad with celebratory days, but this didn't escape me this year. Wanting to love on and uplift some of our trans siblings here in the group and remind you all that you are safe here with us today and every day. 💗 @Chris Diaz (They/Them) @Brandyn Gallagher (They/Them) @Joe Cardillo (They/Them) @Liam A Paschall (He/Him) @Danielle Stefanski (She/Her) @Aj Singh (They/He) @Lucie Le Naour (All pronouns) @Margie Banker (They/Them) Special shoutout to the parents of trans children out here putting in that work as well, like @Allison Saunders and so many more. If I've missed anyone else, please tag in the comments. Sharing this lovely artwork posted by Tara Robertson on LinkedIn by Lisa Congdon. Purchase a print here. She also shared recommended writing by Erin Reed (she/her) on substack, which you can read here

New comment Apr '25