The R.A.C.E. Podcast

Let’s Talk About It: Navigating Communications within Philanthropy with Allyn Brooks-Lasure and Kristen Mack

Keecha Harris Season 3 Episode 8

Welcome to Episode 7 of Season 3 of The R.A.C.E. Podcast. Today’s episode features 2 of the 3 Black Vice Presidents of Communications among large philanthropic organizations, Allyn Brooks-Lasure, VP of Communications, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Kristen Mack, VP of Communications, Fellow & Partnership, MacArthur Foundation. This episode is truly a moment of honor and speaks to the intricacies of navigating communications within a large organization.

Meet Allyn Brooks-Lasure and Kristen Mack:

Allyn Brooks-LaSure joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2020, bringing more than 20 years of communications, management, and policy experience to his role as vice president, Communications. Crediting his family for providing a model for service to others, he values the opportunity to promote the Foundation’s mission-driven commitment to helping everyone in America have an equal opportunity to pursue a healthier life. 

Allyn completed his BA in Psychology at The Citadel in Charleston, S.C. Born in Bridgeton, N.J., he currently resides with his wife and daughter in northern Virginia.


Kristen Mack

As Vice President, Communications, MacArthur Fellows, and Partnerships, Kristen is the organization’s senior communications leader, managing a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen MacArthur’s reputation, the impact of the organizations it supports, and the communities they serve. Kristen puts storytelling at the center of all of her work and is committed to identifying compelling narratives that amplify individual and collective voices.

Kristen received her Bachelor of Arts from Emory University and her Masters of Journalism from the University of California, Berkeley. 


Listen in as Allyn and Kristen share:

  • Their identities and how they show up in and inform their communications work
  • How communications related to Racial Equity and justice are crafted, especially in today’s world and political climate.
  • The role and process of Racial Equity focused narrative change in an organization
  • What people should know, do, or feel as they lead on Race in the workplace


Connect with Allyn Brooks-Lasure and Kristen Mack

Website: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Website: MacArthur Foundation


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