Latest Episode

In this conversation, two-time MAIPer (2005/2006) Julie Qiu shares the story of how a little girl from Shanghai develops a love for oysters and turns it into a marketing career in sustainable seafood. Join host, Carl Desir, as he reconnects with his former colleague and dives deep into her MAIP experience, life, and career.

Guests: Julie Qiu '05/06
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 30: Doing Our Work in the Shape of a Heart with Kayla Griffis

Kayla Girffis’ experience as part of the MAIP 2019 class, the last class before the pandemic, helped shape her career trajectory and perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Join host, Carl Desir, as Kayla shares her journey navigating a strategy-based career while keeping DEI top of mind.

Guests: Kayla Griffis '19
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

​Episode 29: 2022 MAIP Selection Day

It's that time of year again, 2022 MAIP Selection Day! Every year, MAIP finalists anticipate the day where they get placed for summer internships. In this live recording, join the Left Unsaid podcast team and host Carl Desir, as we hear from finalists, Alumni, agency partners, brand partners, and friends & family alike about their experiences with and anticipation for the 2022 MAIP summer.

Guests: MAIP Finalists, Alumni, Partners, Friends, and Family
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

​Episode 28: Across The Pacific With Shabaz Hussain

Host, Carl Desir, reconnects with 2010 MAIP Alum, Shabaz Hussain, as they catch up and discuss his experience being an ex-creative agency business director and the transition into an Agency Founder & Entrepreneur. They'll trace Shabaz's adventures in marketing/advertising from his MAIP summer to his life across the Asia Pacific. Settle in as Shabaz takes us on his journey.

Guests: Shabaz Hussain
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

​Episode 27: A Year in Business with Vivian Acquah

Join host, Carl Desir, as he takes a trip to Amsterdam to sit down with Vivian Acquah, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Coach, Consultant & Strategist. Listen as Carl and Vivian discuss workplace wellness & DEI in the EU and where each of their home regions is on their DEI journey. Fasten your seatbelts and tighten them appropriately. Listeners...You're in for quite a ride.

Guests: Vivian Acquah
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 26: A warm welcome from the left unsaid team​

Hello to our MAIP Community! It's been a minute, and we miss you dearly but don't worry, the Left Unsaid Podcast team has been hard at work preparing for 2022!

During the last few months of 2021, the team got together and went to work on a number of recordings, future opportunities, and content creation to make year two of the podcast even better! As part of that planning, we recorded a Welcome Episode shortly into the new year to reintroduce ourselves and share with this community what we have planned for 2022. Happy 2022 and here's to another year of centering, growth, support, real talk, and building this community to be even stronger.
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Guests: The Entire Left Unsaid Podcast Team!
Host: Carl Desir​
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 25: It's not goodbye……It's see you later with Reema Elghossain 

Everything has a beginning and an end. It's with a sad and excited heart that we say good bye to Reema Elghossain as she leaves her role as Vice President, Talent Equity & Inclusion at the 4A's Foundation and embarks on her next career step. Reema sits down with host, Carl Desir, to discuss her time at the 4A's Foundation, the impact she had and where she's off to next. Grab a box of tissues and get ready to laugh, cry and give into the desire to go hug someone. Take a listen and help us say goodbye, see you later and good luck to Reema.
Guests: Reema Elghossain
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 24: Left Unsaid Turn One! Let's Celebrate with Carl Desir and Reema Elghossain

A lot can happen in a year, am I right? Take a walk down memory lane while Left Unsaid Podcast Host, Carl Desir but this time, it is Carl that becomes the special guest. As the podcast reaches its first birthday, Reema Elghossain and Carl discuss exciting moments, unexpected hurdles, and plans for the future!
Guests: Carl Desir
Host: Reema Elghossain
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 23: Curating while creating with Nate Nichols & Bennett Bennett

DEI work has shifted heavily over the last year, with more employees of color stepping up to challenge the industry. This live episode will break down the work behind what redesigning what DEI looks like, the purpose of both 600 & Rising and Allyship & Action in the ecosystem, what still needs to be done in the advertising industry, and handling it all while creating the work.

Guests: Live Epsiode with Nate Nichols  & Bennett Bennett - 600& Rising/Allyship & Action
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 22: Building what you need with Jason Touray

Jason Touray's unique path help him understand that to get what you want in life you had to build it. Host Carl Desir sits down with Jason, Founder of Black Unicorn, to discuss his life journey and what compelled him to not just work with challenger brands but build a company dedicated to helping them do better. Cozy up and enjoy this conversation about life and purposeful work. Thanks for listening. 

Guests: Jason Touray​
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 21: Showing Up for the Community with Curly Girl Collective

Curly Girl Collective is changing the way natural hair is perceived, celebrated and appreciated. From large scale events to intimate private gathering Curly Girl Collective is creating a narrative that showcases the richness and joy of our culture. Host Carl Desir sits down with Melody Henderson & Tracey Coleman (2004), two of Curly Girl Collective's founding members, to discuss where it all began and where it's going. It's a conversation you don't want to miss. Thanks for listening. 

Guests: Curly Girl Collective Founders, Melody Henderson & Tracey Coleman
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 20: Building the Foundation of the 4A's Foundation

​The 4A’s Foundation has been around since 1997 providing opportunities for underrepresented talent to navigate their way into and through a coaster in Advertising. Host, Carl Desir, sits down with 4A’s Foundation Board Co-Chairs, Rustin Spurlock and Jeff Monahan, to discuss the more recent changes at the foundation and what the future holds for the organization. Enjoy the first of many conversations with folks from the 4A’s Foundation.

Guests: Jeff Monahan & Ruston Spurlock
Host: Carl Desir 
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17 
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15 
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20 
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17 
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 19: Closing the digital divide with First Tech Fund

Josue De Paz and Hana Seligman didn't have similar up bringing but their passion for equity and justice brought them together to help close the digital divide. Their life experiences, passions and professions create a unique mix of talents suited to help bridge a gap we all need to disappear. Host, Carl Desir, sits down with Josue and Hana hear their stories and convinced them to tackle such an important issue. You're in for another great episode. Thanks for listening.

Guests: Josue De Paz & Hana Seligman
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20, Kennedy Studdard '17 
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 18: Beyond the Page with Nicky Nole

Nicky Nole (2005) has a resume that crisscrosses industries and the globe. Host, Carl Desir, straps in as Nicky transports us to each destination through insightful stories as we explore what’s on and beyond that one page. In true fashion, things get a little quirky at the end.

Guests: Nicky Nole '05​​
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 17: Giving It Back to My People with Chavonne Hodges

Chavonne Hodges' journey has brought her to many places. From advertising to trapaerobics, her focus has always been on giving back to her communities. Host, Carl Desir, sits down with Chavonne to talk about what it took for her to detach herself from her job and let her purpose shine through. They talk business and go deep. It's another great episode you don't want to miss. 

Guests: Chavonne Hodges
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 16: Embodying your dream with Jezz Chung!

Jezz Chung (2013) has had many twists and turns in her career since graduating from MAIP. Jezz and host, Carl Desir, discuss what helped her know what moves to make and when it was time to make them. Jezz gifts us with a small exercise to help us all listen to and feel what our bodies are saying so we too can begin to manifest our dreams.  

Guests: Jezz Chung '13
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 15: Relive the excitement of MAIP 2021 Selection!

Every year, MAIP finalists anticipate the day they will get the notification to check where they got placed for summer internships. Well this year, it was an anticipation shared live with other Alumni, agency partners, our newest brand partners, and friends & family alike. With the most guests yet, Host Carl Desir engages with the various parts of the MAIP community in a conversation about preparation, reflection, and consultation surrounding the 2021 MAIP Virtual Internship Program. 

Guests:  Reema Elghossain, Alexis Agosto, Terrell Stanley '20, Rebekah Rivera '20, Marc Strachan, Marc Williams, Ed Frankley, Lauri Brown, Alyssa Hill '21, Ian Solano '20 & '21, Ari Santana '21, Alexander Parades-Ruiz '21
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 14: 2020 Recap with the Podcast Team

The Left Unsaid team takes a look back at the 2020 episodes and reflects on what landed with us.

Guests: Left Unsaid Podcast Team
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 13: Positive Blunders with Vann Graves (1994)

Vann Graves (1994) takes us on his journey from advertising, to the army, back to advertising before landing in higher education. He and host, Carl Desir, reflect on how the culmination of his experiences prepared him for his role ushering in the future of creative industries as the Executive Directer of the Brandcenter.

Guests: Vann Graves '94
Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain, Ifetayo Jabari-Kitwala '20
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10 

Episode 12: Creating your future with Arielle Diaz (2012)

Arielle Diaz (2012) shares her career and personal stories that helped her create the future she wanted. It wasn't the easiest path and Arielle shares what helped her get through the tough times and continue to push forward. This conversation gets deep so buckle up and prepare to open your hearts and minds. 

#meditaion #journey #wellness #createyourfuture

Guests: Arielle Diaz '12
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
Creative Lead: Andrea Naranjo '20
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 11: We are the ones we've been waiting for: Be the change you want in the world.

Imani Ellis and host, Carl Desir, sit down to chat about what it was like starting The Creative Collective NYC (https://www.theccnyc.com/), CultureCon (https://www.theccnyc.com/culturecon) and how the other Imani is enjoying time on a farm.
Guests: Imani Ellis, Founder, Culturecon & The Creative Collective NYC
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 10: Do it for real: A conversation with Ed Frankel 

Ed Frankel and host, Carl Desir, sit down to chat about the MAIP application process from the agency side. Ed gives advice from the point of a MAIP application reviewer, applicant interviewer, and leader of a team who selects fellows.

Guests: Ed Frankel, SVP, Director of Talent Acquisition
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 9: The Stuff that sticks to your ribs: A conversation with Troy Harris II (2012) 

MAIP Alumni Troy Harris II talks with host, Carl Desir, about his MAIP experience, his career path since winning The Clarence LeRoy​ Holte MAIP Fellow of the year award in 2012 and his passion project, Grits and Gospel (https://gritsandgospel.com/).

Guests: Troy Harris II '12
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 8: The summer we needed: Reflections on MAIP 2020 with the MAIPers of the year award winners

Recent MAIP graduates and MAIPERs of the Year winners, Charlai Cooper and Aubrei Hayes, sit down with host Carl Desir to talk about their 2020 MAIP VEP experience. 

Guests: Charlai Cooper '20, Aubrei Hayes '20
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 7: Where do we find diverse talent? We have the answer.

The founders of Women Who Create and creativewomenofcolor.com, (Shaunah Margaret '12 & Ash Ramirez '16) and diversecreatives.com (Walter Geer III & Ron Lewis '05) join host Carl Desir to discuss what's happening with each of the organizations and the impact the founders want to have on the industry.

Guests: Walter Geer III, Ron Lewis '05, Shaunah Margaret '12, Ash Ramirez '16
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 6: What's love got to do with it: A conversation with two alumni about what makes MAIP so special to them

MAIP Alumni Marc Strachan '81 and Marc Williams '81, join host Carl Desir for a candid conversation about their experiences in MAIP, the indutry and today's world. Recorded on 5/14 the conversation predates many of the events that have taken place in the past few months.

Guests: Marc Strachan '81 and Marc Williams '81​
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 5: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Where do we go from here?

Continuing the conversation from the MAIP Summit, Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Jazz Chung, Xavier Jernigan and Tiffany R. Warren pick up right where they left off discussing the role of diversity, equity and inclusion play in our current reality. 

Guests: Jezz Chung, Xavier Jernigan, Tiffany R. Warren and Daisy Auger- Dominguez
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 4: Women of Color Entrepreneurs: The Unknown Road Ahead

Continuing the conversation from the MAIP Summit, Netta Dobbins, Mara Lecocq, Sharon Lee Thony and Yai Vargas are reunited to discuss how women of color entrepreneurs are being impacted by our current reality.

Guests: Mara Lecocq, Sharon Lee Thony, Yai Vargas, Netta Dobbins
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 3: Mental Health for Men of Color: How do we survive?

Continuing the conversation from the MAIP Summit, Cavel Khan, Jason Rosario and Ashok Sinha join Carl Desir to discuss the constant mental health challenges men of color face in our current reality.  

Guests: Jason Rosario, Cavel Khan and Ashok Sinha
​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
Editor: Tai Koga ‘15
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10

Episode 2: STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE: A CONVERSATION WITH THE 4A'S FOUNDATION

Take a look behind the curtain as host, Carl Desir, is joined by Reema Elghossain (Vice President, 4A's Foundation - Talent, Equity & Inclusion) and Simon Fenwick (Executive Vice President, 4A's - Talent, Equity & Inclusion) to discuss what’s happening at 4A's Foundation in 2020 and beyond. 

​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10
Guests: Simon Fenwick and Reema Elghossain

Episode 1: Return of the MAC

MAIP Alumni Council Co-Chairs, Kemy Acacia '09 and Sharon Lee Thony '00, join host Carl Desir to discuss what the MAIP Alumni Association is up to in 2020, their own MAIP experience and advice for the MAIP 2020 Fellows.

​Host: Carl Desir
Producers: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Carl Desir, Reema Elghossain
VO: Moises Escobar ‘17
Music: Alex Santiago ‘10
Guests: Kemy Acacia ‘09, Sharon Lee Thony ‘00

Left Unsaid Trailer

Left Unsaid is a podcast where we speak the truth, highlight the effort and champion the movement MAIP alumni and people of color have made and are making in the industry. Created by MAIP Alumni and the 4A’s Foundation,  each episode explores our struggles, our wins, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. 
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Starting June 1st join us every two weeks as we champion the people and places who are putting in the work to make a positive change in our worlds. ​

Special thanks to the MAC, 4A’s Foundation Team, 4A’s Marketing Team