In this episode of Feminist Founders, Becky Mollenkamp chats with Zia Dione about her unique journey through feminism and how her views evolved into womanism. Zia shares her thoughts on the differences between Feminism vs. Womanism, exploring the importance of intersectionality in business and how her personal experiences shaped her passion for creating a cooperative business model. They dive deep into Zia’s mission to disrupt traditional publishing with her self-publishing cooperative, "Trunk of My Car," which offers a community-based and ethical alternative to platforms like Amazon KDP. Zia also explains how the multi-stakeholder cooperative structure can create a fairer system for authors, editors, designers, and readers, while reflecting her commitment to Black feminism and feminist entrepreneurship.

Zia Dione (she/her) is an emerging writer focused on healing intergenerational trauma & building/supporting solidarity & sustainable economies. Zia is certified in permaculture design, has a law degree from the University of Baltimore & is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Nonfiction at Pacific University. Yes, she chose a new name.

Website | Instagram | Threads

Discussed in This Episode:

• The distinction between Feminism vs. Womanism and how intersectional feminism plays a role in Zia’s vision
• Zia's personal and professional journey that led her to develop a self-publishing cooperative as an alternative to Amazon KDP
• How a multi-stakeholder cooperative empowers authors, readers, and workers alike in cooperative publishing
• The impact of Black feminism on Zia’s approach to feminist entrepreneurship
• The challenges and benefits of creating a community-based business model in a highly individualistic world
• Ethical business models that focus on fairness, sustainability, and collective growth
• Why it's important to seek alternatives to Amazon self-publishing and what makes Trunk of My Car stand out

Resources Mentioned:

• “Collective Courage” by Dr. Jessica Gordon Nembhard
  
  

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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