BUILT WHILE BROWN: Women,Wellness & the Cost of Success in America

WGXC 90.7 FM  *  Friday, May 15, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Host Kimberly Y. Erwin—an intercultural communication expert and the driving force behind the Intercultural "Classroom"—continues the five-year anniversary celebration of RACE TALKS®. Kimberly brings her unique ability to bridge heritage and high-performance to the airwaves, proving that identity isn't just about how we are seen—it’s about how we show up. This week's theme, "Built While Brown," moves beyond the "Model Minority" trope to explore the messy, ambitious, and profound reality of unburdening one's self to build: like how her guest built a global brand while honoring her ancestral roots.

Guest TALKer: Pallavi Pande

Pallavi Pande is a BIPOC mompreneur, Stevies GOLD winner, and Tory Burch Foundation Fellow. As the founder of DTOCS, she has revolutionized the hospitality industry with classy, compostable tableware. Beyond her work as an INC. honoree and Amazon growth partner at DTOCS Consulting, she leads a 2,000+ member South Asian moms group and serves on the board of Naturally Seattle. Pallavi joins Kimberly to discuss the "Sandwiched Generation," the power of education, and her commitment to People, Planet, and Parties.

Connect with Pallavi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dtocsplates

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dtocsplatesofficial

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-pande-bb5abb1b/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtocsplates

Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/dtocs

*The TALK Term: Diaspora Identity 

*"Did You Know?" A Game – A deep dive into the cultural impact of ???, who shifted the lens for AAPI creators by centering messy, unapologetically human stories. (It's a powerhouse! Find out by tuning in.)

*The Roundtable – Kimberly and Pallavi is joined by Garrett Roche (Positivity Producer) of The Roche Solid Truth for a segment on building the "bridge of positivity" and radical community connection.

Live Stream: Listen at 7pm here.

Connect: Visit kimberlyerwin.me and follow the Race Talks Show Facebook Page.

         "I don't let anything identify me. I identify myself. I have that power." — Pallavi Pande

#RaceTalks #BuiltWhile Brown #InterculturalClassroom #WGXC #SouthAsianVoices #Mompreneur #Sustainability #NecessaryConversations #KYE #raceandethnicity #AAPI #MentalHealthAwareness