Episode 19

full
Published on:

14th May 2021

Conversations About Race: Understanding Privilege

Today, I am joined by two amazing individuals who are exceptional in their advocacy work, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, and Ryon Coote. This episode is the second of the three-part series of conversations about race.

Julie Radlauer-Doerfler is a changemaker and a peacemaker. In every aspect of her career, she has focused on transforming individuals, organizations and communities. She specializes in utilizing evidence-based and researched practices to inform her processes. Her style of boldly embracing change in a warm and nurturing manner offers support to those she works with. Julie truly believes that we should “be the change we want to see in the world” and actualizes this value in her work and her life. Julie has published articles, reports and has facilitated hundreds of workshops, training events and presentations. Julie is a principal partner in the Ronik-Radlauer Group and the CEO of Collectively.

Ryon Robert Coote is the Chief Development Officer for the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Inc., the largest comprehensive homeless services provider in Broward County. He was born in Jamaica and migrated with his family to the United States at a very young age. He is a graduate of the Steve J. Green School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University where he received a Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in Human Resources Policy and Management.

Ryon has a passion for helping people in need and truly believes in the Martin Luther King Jr. quote “Everyone can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t need a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”

Ryon is an advocate who champions efforts to improve living conditions and education for children and adults in underserved communities and/or in adverse situations. He has over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors and has worked on several public projects involving community leaders, and local elected officials that have increased opportunities for disadvantaged children and adults.

Ryon is a devoted father and husband and is inspired by his family to make this world a better place. When he is not working you will find him spending time with his family, traveling, playing golf, fishing, and reading.

In this episode, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and Ryon Coote have a dialogue about privilege. These two advocates share the importance of the profound meaning of privilege coming from their own perspectives and how privilege impacts the way we communicate with each other and the society as a whole. Julie and Ryon are hopeful that by listening to this conversation, people can glean something helpful and apply it in their own lives with the people around them. 

Favorite Quote

"I think my takeaway from today is that as a white person, we have to recognize our privilege. And that's really the first step is that self awareness. And once you recognize it and just own it, then figure out how you're going to use it to create a more just society." - Julie Radlauer-Doerfler 

For More Information:

The Ronik-Radlauer Group, Inc.

https://collective-ly.org/

contact Julie at julie@collective-ly.org

Broward Partnership

Show artwork for The Optimistic Advocate

About the Podcast

The Optimistic Advocate
Making a difference in advocating for better mental health services for children and families
Hello, and welcome to the Optimistic Advocate! The Podcast that brings you just a bit closer to recognizing your full potential as an advocate for change – yours, mine, and everyone's! I’m your host, Scott, Bryant-Comstock, and I’m CEO and founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network. For the past 40 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has traveled from volunteering at a suicide and crisis center, professional roles as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, in-home family therapist, state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and national reviewer of children’s mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children’s Mental Health Network (2009), I lead the Network’s efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children’s mental health research, policy, and practice.

This podcast features conversations with inspiring advocates who help individuals and families make positive changes in their lives and communities across the globe. The episodes typically run from 45 – 60 minutes in length, so give yourself some room to breathe and get inspired when you listen to these. Who knows this could be the gamechanger that will unleash the advocate in you. You won’t regret it!

I can’t wait for you to join me here on the Optimistic Advocate. Remember to tell all your podcasting friends that the show is available for free in any application that supports podcasts.

Go to theoptimisticadvocate.com/listen and choose the podcast player of your choice. Remember, as you dive into the episodes, never forget to stay optimistic, listen attentively, have a plan, and follow through.

See you on the Podcast!

About your host

Profile picture for Scott Bryant-Comstock

Scott Bryant-Comstock

For the past 49 years, my journey as a mental health advocate has spanned working at a suicide and crisis center, as a therapist in an outpatient clinic, an in-home family therapist, a state mental health official, Board Chair for a county mental health program, and a national reviewer of children's mental health systems reform efforts. As the founder of the Children's Mental Health Network (2009), I led the Network's efforts to grow a national online forum for the exchange of ideas on how to continually improve children's mental health research, policy, and practice. The Network ceased operation in 2024 and I am now devoting my efforts to assisting those nearing transition as an end of life doula. The advocacy gene remains as strong as ever!

Enjoy this archive of the Optimistic Advocate podcast and be inspired by the amazing group of individuals I had to honor of speaking with.