Episode 20

full
Published on:

26th May 2021

Conversations on Race – Do You See Color?

Joining me today are two iconic individuals who are passionately serving people and communities through their advocacy work, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, and Ryon Robert Coote. This episode represents the third conversation in our three-part miniseries on 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. 

In this episode, Julie Radlauer-Doerfler and Ryon Coote have a conversation on the concept of I don't see color. Julie and Ryon share their insights on the importance of addressing this topic based on their perspectives and experience as a white female and black male. As this mini-series comes to an end, these advocates hope that we could all have better conversations about race.  

 

What You'll Learn

  • The importance of addressing the question, do you see color? 
  • The impacts of color on health care, education, finance, and other aspects of society.  
  • The value of creating changes that include both black and white people to become a better society. 
  • And much more!

 

Favorite Quote 

"There are people in this world who are going to have to adjust and change, and that includes black and white. So that's the only way we're going to get past this to become a better society.” - Ryon Coote

For More Information: 

The Ronik-Radlauer Group, Inc.

www.collective-ly.org

contact Julie at julie@collective-ly.org

Broward Partnership

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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

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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.