In this episode of Diversity Conversations, Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis welcome Amma Gatty, Founder and Executive Director of Culture Encounters, for an inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, immigration, community building, and the power of human connection.

Originally from Ghana and now based in Richmond, Virginia, Amma shares her personal journey as a newcomer to the United States and how that experience inspired her mission to build bridges across cultures through food, conversation, the arts, and community engagement.

Together, they explore:

• Why "newcomer" may be a more helpful and humanizing term than "immigrant"

• The difference between integration and assimilation

• How food, storytelling, and dialogue create connection

• Building belonging across cultural differences

• What communities can learn from global perspectives

• The role of hospitality, curiosity, and leadership in creating inclusive spaces

• How culture shapes the way we see ourselves and others

This thoughtful conversation offers practical insights for leaders, community builders, educators, and anyone interested in creating stronger human connections across differences.

Learn more about Culture Encounters: cultureencounters.org

Amma Gatty, Culture Encounters, Belonging, Community Building, Human Connection, Leadership, Diversity Conversations, Immigration, Newcomers, Cultural Competency, Intercultural Communication, Inclusion, Diversity, Richmond Virginia, Ghana, African Leadership, Hospitality, Cultural Bridge Building, Cultural Intelligence, DEI, Dialogue, Conversation, Global Perspectives, Community Engagement, Social Impact

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This week on Diversity Conversations, communication strategist, CEO, and author Lee Caraher joins Eric Ellis and Tommie Lewis for a powerful conversation on leadership, workplace culture, communication, trust, personal branding, and the hidden cost of toxic leadership.

Lee Caraher is the CEO of Double Forte, a national strategic communications and PR agency, and the author of:
• Millennials & Management
• The Boomerang Principle

Known as a “professional straight talker” and “the team whisperer,” Lee shares practical wisdom and deeply personal stories about building strong teams, leading with integrity, receiving difficult feedback, and creating cultures where people can thrive.

In this episode:
✨ Why communication means nothing until the message lands
✨ The hidden cost of toxic leadership
✨ How appreciation increases productivity
✨ Personal branding & reputation
✨ Why great teams TALK
✨ Building trust in organizations
✨ Leadership feedback & self-awareness
✨ Entrepreneurship & culture-building
✨ Communication as a business driver
✨ Creating workplaces where people belong

Lee also shares powerful reflections on parenting, leadership, athletics, music, entrepreneurship, diversity, inclusion, and the importance of allowing people to fully become themselves.

Connect with Lee Caraher:

Email:
Lcaraher@double-forte.com

Website:
Leecaraher.com

X / Twitter:
https://twitter.com/LeeCaraher

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/LeeCaraher1

LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecaraher/

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leecaraher/

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@leecaraher4222

Podcast:
https://www.everything-speaks.com/

🎙️ Diversity Conversations explores leadership, culture, equity, communication, and authentic human connection through meaningful dialogue.

Tags:
leadership, communication, toxic leadership, workplace culture, trust, personal branding, diversity conversations, Lee Caraher, team culture, leadership development, communication skills, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, executive leadership, authentic leadership, entrepreneurship, DEI, workplace trust, public relations, strategic communication, company culture, leadership podcast, business leadership, team building, leadership coaching

📅 New conversations every Saturday 9:30 AM EST
📩 Subscribe, share, and join us in moving diversity forward—one conversation at a time.

🌐 Watch more episodes on YouTube