ABOUT THIS EPISODE
“I get we're not going to know all the answers. But that, to me, is not a reason to not have the conversation.”
As the daughter of a Japanese immigrant, Misasha used to represent leading intellectual property tech and entertainment companies and complex commercial disputes. Now, Misasha uses the power of storytelling, the lenses of history and law, combined with psychology and belonging, and practical tips to fight for her biracial children and all children living life at the intersection of identity. She does this with her business partner, Sarah, through the Dear White Women platform, which includes a podcast and a subsequent book for using law as a support system for how they choose to use their voices.
I sat down with Misasha Suzuki Graham, lawyer, author, devoted mother, and co-founder of Dear White Women LLC, to get uncomfortable talking about racism to make actual change. We discussed the creative but intentional ways to have difficult conversations with your kids and your community, her experience as a Japanese American woman and how it has transformed her lens on these issues, the root of performative perfectionism, how our education system is impacting our children, and so much more!
What we explore in this episode:
- Misasha's “why” behind building her platform, Dear White Women (2:20)
- Growing up as a first-generation Japanese-American woman (13:30)
- The importance of asking 'why’ (21:40)
- What we’re unlearning in adulthood after being conditioned in childhood (29:10)
- Misasha’s decision to move forward with the Dear White Women platform (33:00)
- About higher education’s true purpose (42:20)
- Finding a middle ground between America’s loud extremes (51:40)
- What Misasha would do all over again (1:19:10)
Connect with Misasha:
Connect with Nathalie:
Please note that this episode was recorded in two parts - in July of 2023 and in April of 2024.
