In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Ola Akimowo, the visionary behind the Free Black Women’s Library in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They discuss Ola’s journey of creating a grassroots, community-driven space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women and Black non-binary writers through literature, art, and mutual aid initiatives. From the library's unique book swap system to its role as a Black feminist archive and community care space, Ola shares how this social art project fosters activism and intergenerational connections while fighting gentrification. Together, they explore the importance of Black feminism, intersectionality, and the powerful stories that shape this transformative library.

Olaronke Akinmowo (she/her) is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, librarian and cultural worker. She is also the Creator and Director of The Free Black Women’s Library, a literary hub, community care space and social art project located in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. This grassroots space features over 5000 books written by Black women and Black non-binary folks, a free store, a period pantry, a backyard garden, a reading club and a wide range of free public programs, mutual aid initiatives and creative workshops. The library offers people of all ages, races and genders a space to read, write, work, rest, dream and connect. She is also a proud mom, union member, set decorator, busy body, book fairy, plant fiend, and dance machine. She grows and thrives in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The founding of the Free Black Women’s Library and its growth from 100 to over 6,000 books
• How the library serves as a social art project, community care space, and Black feminist archive
• The role of Black feminist literature and authors like Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Jesmyn Ward
• Ola’s journey from street protests to library activism and her experience with gentrification in Brooklyn
• The library’s book swap system, mutual aid programs, and community organizing efforts
• The challenges of crowdfunding and maintaining the library as a grassroots space
• The significance of intersectional feminism and Black queer representation in literature

Resources Mentioned:

• GiveButter Crowdfunding Campaign for the Free Black Women’s Library
• “Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
• “All About Love” by bell hooks
• “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
• Free Black Women’s Library merch
• Patreon link to support Ola directly
• PO Address for Free Black Women's Library:

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp speaks with Caroline J. Sumlin, author of We’ll All Be Free, about the deep connections between trauma, systemic oppression, and self-worth. Caroline shares her personal journey as a Black woman navigating imposter syndrome, unworthiness, and societal conditioning. The conversation explores how white supremacy, capitalism, and patriarchal trauma affect self-worth, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Caroline highlights the importance of holistic healing and personal liberation, emphasizing that worthiness is inherent and healing is a lifelong journey. Tune in for an empowering discussion on reclaiming self-worth, healing from societal and personal trauma, and navigating motherhood, race, and feminism.

Caroline J. Sumlin (she/her) is a writer, speaker, and educator with a passion for helping all people reclaim their self-worth and their humanity. A former foster child turned adoptee, Caroline brings awareness, healing, and liberation to the topics of toxic white supremacy culture, systemic injustice, mental health, faith reconstruction, and bold, purposeful living to her growing audience. Prior to writing full-time, Caroline served as a special education teacher in the DC area for five years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Howard University. Caroline resides with her husband and two daughters in Northern Virginia.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this episode:

• How unworthiness and imposter syndrome affect women and marginalized communities
• The role of white supremacy and capitalism in shaping our self-worth
• Caroline’s journey as a Black woman overcoming imposter syndrome and personal trauma
• The connection between societal conditioning, trauma, and personal liberation
• How motherhood and self-worth intersect, and the challenges for working mothers
• The importance of holistic healing and systemic change in overcoming unworthiness
• Intersectional feminism and the impact of race on self-worth
• The importance of healing from societal trauma and reclaiming worthiness

Resources mentioned:

• We’ll All Be Free by Caroline J. Sumlin
• Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings
• Music is Unity

Erica Courdae joins Becky Mollenkamp for an eye-opening conversation on collective healing, interdependence, and the intersections of feminism. They dive into the difference between equity and equality, explore the power of shadow work for personal and collective liberation, and unpack the toxic culture of hyper-independence in society and business. Erica shares her journey from the beauty industry into coaching and DEI work, highlighting the importance of values-based leadership and the need to foster truly interdependent communities. Together, they challenge mainstream narratives, discuss the ongoing challenges of practicing imperfect allyship, and explore how individuals can cultivate intuition and connection as part of their leadership.

Erica Courdae Coté (she/her) is committed to shifting focus, power, and resources to support individual healing to foster a thriving community collective. She takes action through being an author coach, mentor, speaker, and 25+ year beauty industry veteran. Erica believes imperfect action is necessary as a pivotal part of evolution and growth. In 2018, Erica co-founded the Pause on the Play Podcast, which also expanded to include a consultancy. She has provided training for established businesses such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Martha Beck Incorporated, and Paul Mitchell School. Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The difference between equity and equality and why equity matters more in feminism
• Why interdependence is the future of sustainable communities and businesses
• The journey from hyper-independence to interdependence in life and work
• How shadow work can lead to personal and collective healing
• Feminism and intersectionality: why the personal is always political
• Erica’s transition from the beauty industry to DEI work and coaching
• The importance of values-based business and leadership
• Understanding intuition and its role in effective leadership
• The significance of collective action in social change

Resources Mentioned:

• “Who Are You? A Shadow Work Journal for Self-Exploration” by Erica Courdae: https://amzn.to/3ZOgkcW
• Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/
• Erica’s free course: Shadow Work for Collective Healing: https://www.ericacourdae.com/shadowworkcourse
• From Implicit to Explicit workshop from Pause on the Play: https://pauseontheplay.com/explicit
• “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho: https://amzn.to/4dvVxha
• Backyard Basecamp: https://backyardbasecamp.org/

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp interviews Sean Adams, founder of Drowned in Sound and music industry expert, to discuss the complexities of feminism in the music industry. They explore the challenges for female musicians, the barriers to equality in music, and how allyship plays a crucial role in creating ethical and empowering spaces. Sean shares his insights on toxic masculinity in music, the importance of safe spaces for women in live music, and what it means to promote an inclusive, values-driven business model in the music world. This conversation dives deep into how the music industry can better support marginalized artists, combat sexism and misogyny, and work towards equality in every facet of the industry.

Sean Adams (he/him) founded the music community and music publication Drowned in Sound in 2000. It grew to be a record label that launched the careers of artists such as Kaiser Chiefs and Bat for Lashes, as well as pioneering with an award-winning podcast back in 2005, developing groundbreaking playlist features, and launched spin-off websites like The Quietus. Alongside running the media organization, Sean has also managed various musicians including Charlotte Church, Ed Harcourt, and The Anchoress. Outside of music, he’s a member of The Movement Forward political group alongside the likes of Carol Vorderman and was the launch producer for The Trawl podcast hosted by Marina Purkiss & Jemma Forte.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in this Episode:

• The challenges facing female musicians and the barriers created by gender inequality
• How men can be better allies to women in the music industry
• The pervasive nature of toxic masculinity in music spaces
• Why supporting marginalized artists is crucial for creating equality in music
• Insights into promoting female artists and empowering women in music
• The importance of safe gigs for women and fostering safe spaces in live music settings
• Social responsibility in music and ethical music business practices
• Misogyny in live music and how the feminist music movement is pushing back

Resources Mentioned:

• Safe Gigs for Women
• Drowned in Sound

In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Allison Davis to explore how to do sales differently, centering ethics, empathy, and human connection. They discuss how traditional sales techniques, often dominated by white male voices, have perpetuated harmful practices, and how feminist business owners can shift to more values-aligned approaches. From compassionate sales tactics to consent-based selling, this conversation dives deep into how business owners can thrive while staying true to their principles. Whether you're navigating B2B sales strategies, focusing on service-based business growth, or just looking for more ethical sales techniques, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Allison Davis (she/her) is the founder of Sales Done Differently, a consultancy focused on founder-led sales. Drawing from her 20 years of sales experience at companies like National Geographic and Time Out North America, Allison helps her clients leverage their strengths into consistent revenue-generating systems. In the past year alone, Allison’s clients have sold millions of dollars in services to organizations like Charles Schwab, Gartner, Planned Parenthood, Levi’s, Hulu, ACLU and more.

Website | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• How to build sales strategies for small businesses without sacrificing values
• Ethical sales techniques that foster trust and long-term relationships
• Relationship-based sales as an antidote to high-pressure tactics
• Sales done differently: Approaches that challenge traditional norms
• The importance of a progressive sales approach in today’s market
• Feminist sales strategies that center the buyer’s humanity
• Sales coaching for women in service-based industries
• Why compassionate sales tactics lead to better outcomes
• Consent-based sales and its role in building customer trust
• The intersection of anti-capitalist values and sustainable business growth
• Transformational sales practices that foster authentic connections
• Tips for recovering from sales trauma and mindset coaching for resilience
• How values-based sales can transform your business model
• The role of empathy in sales, particularly in B2B environments
• Organic lead generation and sales without manipulation

Resources mentioned:

• Allison's monthly sales roundtable
• “Snap Selling” by Jill Konrath
• Animal Kind (Hudson, NY)

In this episode of Feminist Founders, host Becky Mollenkamp sits down with financial coach Jacquette M. Timmons to dig into the complex and deeply personal relationship we all have with money. From examining the intersection of feminism and finance to addressing how systemic inequality shapes our financial experiences, Jacquette brings her wealth of experience and insight into the conversation. Together, they break down why focusing only on the math of money isn’t enough, and why understanding the emotional, cultural, and systemic aspects is crucial for true financial empowerment.

This episode is a must-listen for women entrepreneurs who are ready to confront financial trauma, reclaim their money narratives, and build businesses aligned with their values. Becky and Jacquette also discuss how wealth inequality impacts women and marginalized communities and share actionable steps for overcoming money shame and creating a healthier relationship with finances. Whether you’re a business owner struggling with your pricing or someone who’s feeling the weight of systemic financial inequality, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, empowered, and ready to tackle the human side of money.

For three decades, Jacquette M. Timmons (she/her) has been advancing the culture of financial well-being. Helping people decrease their financial stress and increase their financial health and wealth by getting them to focus on both sides of the money equation - the numbers, along with the psychology and emotions of money. She does this by helping people focus on their relationship with money. Because this relationship influences every swipe, every deposit, every fiscal choice you make. She's the author of, "Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your Mate;" a frequent blogger; creator & trademark holder of "Pricing Made Human®; host of the podcast, "More Than Money," and a staunch advocate for getting people to focus on the human side of money.

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Discussed in this episode:

• Feminism and money: why understanding the intersection of gender, race, and finance is critical
• The importance of money mindset coaching for women entrepreneurs
• Financial trauma recovery and the emotional relationship with money
• How systemic inequality impacts personal finance and wealth-building for marginalized communities
• Breaking money taboos: why talking about money is crucial for empowerment
• Equity vs. equality in finance and how race and wealth inequality are intertwined
• Financial empowerment for women: actionable steps for building financial literacy and confidence
• Overcoming money shame and learning to embrace a healthier relationship with your finances
• The power of money coaching for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while aligning with their values
• Building wealth as a woman entrepreneur and the role of financial wellbeing

Resources mentioned:

• Planned Parenthood

In this episode, Becky Mollenkamp sits down with Erika Lucas, a trailblazing entrepreneur and advocate for women-led businesses and entrepreneurs of color. Erika shares her journey from growing up in a family of bootstrap entrepreneurs in Mexico to navigating traditional corporate environments in the U.S. before breaking free to co-found Stitch Crew and Vest. Erika candidly discusses the systemic barriers for women in business, including challenges in raising venture capital, and how these obstacles disproportionately affect women of color. She also highlights the realities of venture capital inequality, the lack of women in private equity, and the importance of inclusive workspaces for women. Together, they dive into how entrepreneurship for women of color is essential to breaking the cycle of inequality and creating real, lasting change in business. This conversation touches on funding for women-owned businesses, addressing microaggressions in corporate America, and finding non-dilutive funding for startups.

Erika Lucas (she/her) is the Founder of StitchCrew, an organization providing capital and resources to the New Majority entrepreneurs. Erika also founded VEST, a peer network for women professionals and investment fund investing in women-led companies building solutions for the intersection of the Care Economy and Future of Work. Erika is a thought leader, sought-after speaker and LinkedIn Top Voice on Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship. She is on the Board of Arvest Bank, the Diversion Hub and the Oklahoma City County Health Department, as well as a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, Familia VC and Somos VC. Prior to StitchCrew and VEST, Erika was a Partner at a Private Equity firm investing in Aerospace & Defense. Before that she was Global Director at the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

Website | LinkedIn | Threads | Instagram | TikTok

Discussed in this episode:

• Erika’s journey from traditional employment to entrepreneurship and the systemic challenges women face in both spaces
• The myth of the self-made entrepreneur and its harmful effects on business owners
• Venture capital inequality and why so little funding goes to women and people of color
• The importance of intersectional feminism in business leadership and building diverse investment teams
• How Latina entrepreneurs are thriving, despite systemic barriers
• The role of accelerators like Stitch Crew in supporting women-led startups
• Non-traditional venture capital funding, social impact investing, and solutions for entrepreneur burnout
• How Vest is changing the game for women-led businesses and tackling the care economy

Resources mentioned:

• Stitch Crew
• Vest
• “America’s Trillion Dollar Blindspot,” Erika’s TEDx Talk
• Yoni.Fit
• Diversion Hub

Take a moment to learn about Empowered & Embodied, another show in the Feminist Podcasters Collective. If you love Feminist Founders, you'll probably love this awesome show, too. (And, Becky Mollenkamp will be a guest on Empowered & Embodied soon.) Listen on this pod app or on YouTube.