Identity, Connection, and Leadership for a Better World with Elise Belusa & Tenesha Duncan

The R.A.C.E. Podcast

Welcome to Episode 16 of the 2nd season of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today’s episode is a continuation of our Race, Healing, & Joy Series. During this series, I will engage Reproductive Justice leaders to spotlight KHA's Race, Healing & Joy initiative and share preliminary insights gathered through more than 40 conversations (including interviews, circles of accountability, and an in-person convening).
I am honored to share space with Elise Belusa of Tara Health and Tenesha Duncan of Orchid Capital Collective on today’s episode.
Meet Elise Belusa and Tenesha Duncan:

Elise Belusa Elise Belusa is the Chief Operating Officer for Tara Health. She leads strategy and investments within the Reproductive Health portfolio, as well as oversees all programs and operations work at the Foundation.

Elise received a B.A. from the University of Minnesota and earned a Master of Science in Reproductive & Sexual Health Research from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. As a seasoned program director, she is an expert in strategic planning and in aligning operations to maximize impact. She cultivates trust-based relationships and focuses on grantmaking strategies to advance racial equity and the needs of women.
Tenesha Duncan

Tenesha is a Black feminist strategist exploring the intersections of reproductive and economic justice. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Orchid Capital Collective, and leads the work leveraging grants, loans, and investments to fund the shift toward community-owned and driven comprehensive birth and reproductive care.
Tenesha received her Executive MBA from Howard University, holds a Master's degree in Psychology from Kingston University, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Oklahoma.
Prior to founding Orchid, Tenesha led the Tara Health Foundation’s strategy and investments in Birth Equity, where she focused on the intersection of birth and economic justice to elevate community-led solutions that improve care quality and outcomes.
Listen in as Elise and Tenesha share:

• Their identities and how they have impacted how they lead
• How, as changemakers, they live deeper into their identities to create more possibilities for progress.
• The importance of owning your leadership
• The journey of Tara Health truly living out its mission
• The journey to creating Orchid Capital Collective to level the playing field in community birth and reproduction care
• And more.

Hi listener! Please take our short Listener Survey HERE to give The R.A.C.E. Podcast team feedback on the show. We will use the feedback to inform how we approach conversations in the future. Upon completion, you will be entered in our quarterly drawing for a $100 Visa gift card! Your email address will only be used for this purpose. Thanks in advance - we appreciate your feedback.
Connect with Keecha Harris and Associates:

• Website: https://khandassociates.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keecha-harris-and-associates/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/khandassociates
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukpgXjuOW-ok-pHtVkSajg/featured

Connect with Keecha:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keechaharris/