A Letter From Our Founder

​I created Candidly Speaking: Conversations Across Cultures in 2017, inspired by the conversations I would have with my cousin’s wife when I moved to San Jose.

She is white and I am black, and at all big family dinners would talk and, while we didn't always agree, we walked away learning from each other, and became friends.

I thought to myself how many people would like to be able to talk to people with different life experiences from their own. So, in 2017, Conversations Across Cultures came to life as a monthly community event.

Candidly Speaking Conversations Across Cultures brings together diverse groups of people to talk about life experiences and build community through authentic conversations. Up to date, over 2,000 people have participated in Candidly Speaking community events.

Adolpha and her cousin Jennie.

We have worked with teachers to create a program tailored to students in high schools, and we've also created a program specialized for businesses and organizations, with one of our first clients being the City of San Jose's Department of Housing.
Our goal is to grow to program in schools, governments and corporations across the country, and continue offering free events to communities, so that anyone, anywhere, can access the program.

We imagine a world where people can communicate with more curiosity and empathy, and less judgment.

Adolpha Cole, Founder.

Board Members

ADOLPHA COLE

Chief Operating Officer

DEKA DIKE

Chief Financial Officer

SHAWNTÉ SPEARS

Vice-President & Secretary

Meet Our Team

Candidly Speaking is brought to you through the collaborative effort of our team of specialists, mediators and educators.

Adolpha
Cole

Director

Nicole
Farkouh

Dialogue Facilitator

Sophia
Caramagno

Education Liason

Crystal
Franco

Operations Manager

Tyri
Guyton-Fisher

Communications

What Our Participants Are Saying

Candidly Speaking did a great job creating a safe space that ensured I was comfortable sharing my thoughts and experiences.

I like the outcome of Candidly Speaking: Connection, Building Relationships.

The event helped change my perspective.