Etienne Maurice is a Los Angeles native dedicated to building community and advocating for racial equality through the arts, health, and wellness. Following the death of Ahmaud Arbery and ongoing racial and social injustice, he founded Walk Good LA, a nonprofit organization curating healing spaces for all. Walk Good LA pays homage to his grandmother, Ivy Ralph, and aims to foster community healing and social change.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [8:20] Introduction and shout-out to previous guest Justin Riley for inspiring today’s conversation.
- [11:39] Introducing Etienne Maurice and his mission with Walk Good LA.
- [13:31] Etienne discusses the inspiration behind Walk Good LA and its evolution from a production company.
- [17:34] The role of intention and the importance of community in advocating for racial equity and social justice.
- [21:02] Etienne’s journey to becoming a certified yogi and the significance of decolonizing wellness.
- [27:59] Leadership lessons learned and the importance of compassion, kindness, and vulnerability.
- [36:16] Measuring the impact of Walk Good LA and future goals for expanding its reach and programs.
- [41:27] Etienne shares advice for aspiring leaders looking to combine creative talents with social change.
In This Episode…
How does a passion for filmmaking and acting transform into a powerful movement for community healing and social change? Can creative arts become a catalyst for racial equality and wellness?
According to Etienne Maurice, a visionary leader and community organizer, the arts can drive significant social impact by creating spaces that connect creative expression to broader community goals. He emphasizes the importance of initiatives like Walk Good LA, which foster healing and wellness through mindfulness practices and community engagement. These efforts promote inclusivity, support mental health, and build stronger community bonds. By strategically engaging with communities and focusing on impactful programs, the arts can transcend their traditional roles and become a powerful force for positive change.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, host Corinne Milien sits down with Etienne Maurice, founder of Walk Good LA, to discuss leadership, community building, and the transformative power of mindfulness. They explore Etienne’s journey from filmmaker to community leader, his strategies for decolonizing wellness practices, and his vision for expanding Walk Good LA to create healing spaces across the nation.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Special Mentions:
- Justin Riley, Hillman Grad Productions
- Ivy Coco, Vice President of WalkGood LA and Etienne’s sister
- Michael B. Jordan on Instagram
- Propel
- Tree Yoga Co-op
Quotable Moments:
- “We needed the space for us to heal. And how many spaces existed for us to actually heal on a consistent basis?”
- “While yoga is a brown practice, in many ways, it is a spiritual practice for our South Asian brothers and sisters.”
- “We celebrate our lives through movement. And so it begins with ourself.”
- “Be clear on your intention, your why. Why am I doing this? Don’t worry about the outcome. Just focus on the now, not the how, but the why.”
Action Steps:
- Find Your Intention: Be clear about your purpose and why you’re doing what you do. Let this intention guide all your actions and decisions.
- Create Healing Spaces: Consider how you can create spaces for healing and wellness within your community.
- Empower Your Team: Support, affirm, and allow your team to lead in their own right to foster a collaborative and empowered work environment.
- Decolonize Wellness: Challenge the traditional perceptions of wellness and make it accessible and inclusive for all.
- Engage with the Community: Regularly interact with your community to understand their needs and measure the impact of your initiatives.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is brought to you by WRK.
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