M6 - SW864 Podcast - Policy Analysis Actualized - Dr. ER speaks with Chloe McKenzie

The Importance of Policy in Wealth Justice

Chloe McKenzie, founder of BlackFem, discusses her trajectory into understanding the intersection of education, finance, and social justice, and how it led her to work in policy. She emphasizes that policies can either reinforce or dismantle the systems and institutions that create conditions for our lives. McKenzie introduces the concept of wealth justice, which aims to transform major institutions to increase wealth-building capability while considering intersectionality. She explains the need to address the trauma embedded within financial systems and institutions, and the importance of contextualizing numbers to capture the impact on lived experiences.

Transforming Education for Wealth Justice

McKenzie's research on financial trauma and its impact on wealth building capacity in black women led her to found BlackFem, a nonprofit that aims to transform school-based learning for girls of color in underserved communities. She highlights the need to embed the extra economic factors of money, such as emotions and traumas, in financial education to equip individuals with healthy relationships with money. The organization provides anti-oppressive culturally responsive curriculum to foster cultural representation and empower students with the skills, habits, and resources for wealth sustainability.

Intersectionality in Policymaking

McKenzie highlights the lack of intersectional lens in policymaking and discusses the example of the PPP loan program during the pandemic. She argues that policymakers need to create targeted policies that correct failings in generalized policies. McKenzie suggests an intersectional approach by advocating for funds to be exclusively allocated to minority and women-owned businesses that have been disproportionately affected. She emphasizes the importance of contextualizing numbers and demonstrating the impact of policies on specific populations and the wider society.

Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach in Policy Analysis

McKenzie urges DSW students to consider their role in closing the wealth gap and adopt the language of financial trauma in their work. By identifying financial trauma, abuse, and shaming in their clients' experiences, they can help individuals name and heal from their trauma. McKenzie also highlights that policymakers may respond differently when policies are framed as financially abusive rather than simply inadequate. She encourages students to use language to advocate for change and hold policymakers accountable for addressing systemic issues.

SW864 Podcast: Policy Analysis Actualized

M6 - SW864 Podcast - Policy Analysis Actualized - Dr. ER speaks with Chloe McKenzie

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Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Importance of Policy in Wealth Justice

Transforming Education for Wealth Justice

Intersectionality in Policymaking

Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach in Policy Analysis

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