Be the Change You Want to See with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter

15 snips

Aug 18, 2025

Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, the Mayor of Upper Arlington and author of 'Immigrant, How Immigrant Leadership Drives Business Success', shares her inspiring journey as an immigrant and Black woman. She discusses the importance of civic engagement and adaptability in predominantly white communities, revealing the unique strengths immigrants bring to leadership. Ukeme emphasizes reframing challenges as puzzles, fostering inclusion for children, and finding joy in busy lives through gratitude, inspiring listeners to embrace their own capacity for change.

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ANECDOTE

A Daughter's Hair Became A Wake-Up Call

Ukeme's daughter asked her to straighten her hair to fit in at kindergarten.
That moment showed Ukeme the real impact of racial isolation on children.

ADVICE

Ask How, Not Why

Ask 'how' questions to invite curiosity and shared history instead of 'why' which triggers defensiveness.
Use 'how did we come to believe this?' to surface systems like redlining and invite solutions.

ADVICE

Design Delightful Civic Participation

Make civic and volunteer experiences delightful, clear, and easy to join.
Define purpose, simplify commitment, and meet people where they already gather.

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In this episode, Ukeme Awakessien Jeter explores the importance of learning to be the change you want to see. She shares her journey as an immigrant and Black woman in a predominantly white suburb, discussing adaptability, leadership, and civic engagement. She reflects on raising her daughter, building inclusive communities, and the unique leadership strengths immigrants bring. The conversation also touches on feeling overwhelmed in life as Ukeme reminds us that when our days feel full to bursting, it might just mean they are filled with things that we deeply value.

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Key Takeaways:

Adaptability and its importance in navigating new environments and challenges.
The personal experiences of an immigrant and a Black woman in a predominantly white community.
The impact of racial isolation on children and the importance of fostering inclusion.
The significance of civic engagement and community involvement in driving change.
The role of leadership in addressing systemic issues and promoting diversity.
The concept of “feeding the good wolf” as a metaphor for nurturing positive qualities.
The value of asking “how” questions to encourage understanding and collaboration.
The challenges and strategies for building authentic connections in diverse communities.
The importance of cultural intelligence and authenticity in leadership.
The need for intentional efforts to create inclusive environments for future generations.

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Ukeme Awakessien Jeter, check out these other episodes:

Conscious Leadership with Eric Kaufmann

Discovering Your Inner Resilience and Strength with Mark Nepo

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