This season, we've learned that cultural strategy is essential, but approaches can feel hollow and performative without collaboration and authentic engagement with the cultures being recognized. In this season finale, Melissa speaks with Charlene Ostbloom, the founder of Bloom Communications and Angela Gonzalez, the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium. They dig into bridging cultures between business and Native communities, the missteps around Cherokee Barbie, and the incorporation of Native Land Acknowledgements.

About Charlene:
Charlene Ostbloom, founder of Bloom Communications, is dedicated to bridging cultures between businesses and Alaska Native communities. With decades of experience and deep roots in Nulato (noo-LA-Toh), Alaska, she offers Corporate Culture Camps, training, coaching and facilitation services. Charlene is also developing Native Women RISE, an innovative program that will celebrate the unique professional journeys of Indigenous women.

About Angela:
Angela Gonzalez is Koyukon Athabascan originally from Huslia, Alaska, and lives in Anchorage, Alaska. She is a communications professional, writer, and bead artist living in Anchorage, Alaska. She is currently the communications manager for Chugachmiut, a tribal consortium.

Visit Bloom Communications' website.
Connect with Charlene on LinkedIn.
Read Angela's blog, Athabascan Woman.
Follow Angela on TikTok.
Follow Angela on Facebook.
Follow Angela on Instagram.

Topics covered:
- Learning from Mattel's missteps from the Cherokee Barbie
- Creating representation with Fish Camp Barbie
- Native Land Acknowledgements
- How Native Land Acknowledgements can be problematic
- How to increase respect for Native cultural expressions and practices

Resources mentioned:
- World Eskimo-Indian Olympics
- "Mattel Missteps With Cherokee Barbie"
- "Barbie releases Juan Gabriel-inspired doll to honor the Mexican icon's legacy"
- "Viral ‘Fish Camp Barbie’ celebrates Alaska Native heritage"
- First Alaskans Institute
- "The Love/Hate Dilemma of Alaska Native Land Acknowledgments: A Call for Authenticity"
- PRSA Counselor's Academy
- Athabascan Woman Blog
- "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"
- MVW Communications

Creating a cultural strategy is not enough. Effectively implementing your strategy is the first step to enacting real change. Listen as Melissa talks with Ben Finzel and LaTricia Harper Woods, APR of The Change Agencies about activating cultural strategy in today's society.

About Ben:
Ben Finzel is president of RENEWPR, a Washington, DC-based public relations firm. Ben and his team of seven independent PR professionals provide advice, counsel and outreach on strategy, messaging, media and partnerships to clients tackling energy, environmental and equity issues and opportunities. Ben is one of two founders of The Change Agencies, the national network of inclusive PR firms focused on changing the way business and organizations communicate across cultures.

About LaTricia:
LaTricia Woods is an award-winning, accredited public relations professional with more than 29 years of industry experience. She is the Founder and CEO of Mahogany Xan Communications, where she leads a talented team of professionals and serves a national client portfolio. She is also the founding principal of The Change Agencies.

Follow The Change Agencies on Facebook.
Follow The Change Agencies on LinkedIn.

Topics covered:
- The current state of cultural competence in comms
- Key drivers for the creation of The Change Agencies' cultural strategy
- Embodying the cultural nuances of different target audiences
- Implementing cultural strategy in today's political climate
- Avoiding cultural appropriation
- Staying ahead of cultural trends and adapting strategies

Resources mentioned:
- The Change Agencies
- "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"
- MVW Communications

Sometimes the audiences that are the easiest to reach are not the ones that you need to hear from. In today's episode, Melissa sits with Jessica Broome Ph.D., the founder of Southpaw Insights about what inclusive insights are and how they can benefit every communicator.

About Jessica:
Dr. Jessica Broome is a survey methodologist and insights professional. She founded Southpaw Insights in 2008 to conduct meaningful, human-centered research that helps organizations make smart decisions and connect with audiences. Southpaw does qualitative and quantitative research to help clients understand what people think, feel, and do.

Email Jessica at jessica@southpawinsights.com.
Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.
Follow Southpaw Insights on LinkedIn.

Topics covered:
- The importance of inclusive insights
- Findings from niche audiences
- Challenges when communicating with hard-to-reach audiences
- The future of inclusive insights
- Findings from studies on women and self-promotion
- How communicators can utilize inclusive insights

Resources mentioned:
- Southpaw Insights
- "Barriers to Accessing Swim Lessons and Water Safety Information for American Indian and Alaska Native Persons"
- "Smart Talk: Public Relations Essentials All Pros Should Know"
- MVW Communications