PODCAST PHOTO GALLERY & BIOS
SEASON 3 & 4

SEASON 4 EPISODE #40

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Joyce Barr describes herself as a serial solopreneur who took early retirement at 62, following 40+ years on the grind in both corporate and non-profit service. She now operates a unique tour service called “BLAST! Tours & Coaching”.

Her business is distinguished by its concierge-style personal attention combined with excellent value for those wanting to live their best life abroad. Joyce has been off the grind since March 2016, and she resigned from a successful career in affordable housing development which started with a Habitat for Humanity in 1996 – the epiphany changed her career path from a corporate ladder chaser to one driven by purpose and service.

Presently, Joyce lives in Panama, as a permanent resident operating solo ventures such as a Development Consultant, Amazon Seller, Coach and Tour Operator. Since her “retirement”, Joyce has put together a digital brand that allows her to employ her diverse skill set, which she keeps activated by assisting her clients to live their best life -- especially those baby boomers wanting to divest of the “American Dream.” BLAST! Tours & Coaching is her latest venture that provides Panama Look-See tours, individual and group coaching, assistance, and support to transition to an expat lifestyle, living an affordable, stylist life abroad. BLAST! Helps Baby Boomers (especially single women), with post-retirement planning issues, such as options for long-term health care, affordable housing, or lack of family or community support. It’s a full-service business! BLAST! provides those it serves with the confidence and a sure footing to maintain an independent lifestyle abroad.

SEASON 4 #39

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Kwavi is 53 years old and BOLD! She is a certified Life Coach, Author, International Retreat Creator and an in-demand Speaker. Her niche is working with illustrious groups of women who are age 50+ to inspire them to live their best life! Kwavi received her B.Sc in Informational Technology from Thames Valley University in the United Kingdom. Additionally, she obtained her master’s degree in Medical Informatics from Northwestern University in Chicago.

Although she was very successful in her previous careers, Kwavi is equally proud of the excellent training that she received from the Life Coach School. Her emphasis is on the whole woman age 50 and beyond and her experience in Information Technology compliments her current career trek by providing women with tools and empowering knowledge. Kwavi also reaches women through her Master Classes like “3 Simple Steps to Live Your Best Life Over 50”.

It is through Kwavi’s commitment to motivating, encouraging and assisting women that accelerates her clients’ ability to reach their maximum potential. This is a mission for her. In her exploratory work and conversations with women age 50+, Kwavi gleaned that the theme that kept permeating the dialogue was their feelings of invisibility. Kwavi in her mission to eradicate those internal feelings both within her clients and those external systems that contribute to this line of thinking became more determined to create solutions to this issue.

“It is women who will make a difference in the world, says Kwavi. This is why she is adamant that it is not too late to walk into your authentic self and flourish in the way God has intended for you. “The world needs you”, says Kwavi. She has created the Flourish Online Community; in her words (as highlighted on her website) you will learn to reinforce self-care in the following ways:

Get a whole new outlook on life in your 50s and beyond;
Make your health a top priority inclusive of proper rest/sleep, increased energy and glow from the inside out;
Identify habits that keep you stuck like people pleasing, perfectionism, shaky boundaries;
Take steps to create the life you truly want
Kwavi instructs her group members that there are six pillars to Flourish:
It’s all about you
Relationships
Health and Wellness
Sleep and Sex
Style

To deepen her work with her women age 50 and beyond, Kwavi has written a book entitled “50 Questions to Answer When You Reach 50”. This is a guide that will help you shine and thrive! The book’s aim is to get its reader to focus on answering questions that encourage you to really examine the things that are important to you. It is a non-judgmental and non-“preachy” approach to helping you pinpoint how you want to proceed on your life’s journey without comparing yourself to others nor setting goals that don’t serve you. You will walk away with a sense of renewal and a sense that all things important to you are conquerable.

Kwavi has set a challenge to reach one million women, and she is determined to impact these women because it is them who are key to making our universe a healthier place for all. Kwavi has been featured on CBS, NBC, Best Self Magazine and the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Kwavi, who reside in Atlanta, is a prolific blogger, dedicated wife and mother of two teenage boys. You can connect with Kwavi on kwavi.com, Instagram – www.kwavi.tv/instagram1 Tik Tok -- @kwavi_tv

SEASON 4 #38

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Felicia has been helping others attain their dreams for many years, and in 2020, she was determined to achieve a long-desired dream – to become a healthier version of her already powerful self. Felicia is clear when she says, “you are not being authentic when you are carrying that much excess weight.” She is equally clear when she explains that her initial goal was to lose 75 pounds, and when she did, Felicia was challenged to go even further.

She started out by doing simple things that produced big results. She drank plenty of water, she walked every day, and she made a point of eating lean and green! When she would eat that slice of birthday cake, she did not go further into the abyss of overeating, nor did she beat up on herself. She would have a slice, but immediately committed to doubling up on her walking to burn off the cake. She was relentless.

Felicia stresses it’s the small things done consistently and with determination that make a difference. Before long a weight loss of 75 pounds evolved into a weight loss of 145 pounds. Equally impressive, she did this in 10 months. She is also ultra proud that she did not take to drastic measures to shed the weight – there was no surgeries nor starvation – just a strong desire to show up in the world authentically and happier! Felicia is on a mission to share her journey to a healthier existence with those who want the same thing. She utilizes her Life Coaching credentials to spur others on.

She has written a book entitled “The Reinvention of Me: My Transformational Journey”. She has also curated a phenomenal journal entitled “Make It Happen: 100 Days To A Better U”. The launch date for both publications is Thursday, October 7, 2021. Additionally, Felicia possesses a number of other gifts and talents. She is the Owner and CEO of His Glory Creations Publishing. This endeavor allows her to support emerging writers through the coaching process of writing their stories and getting their works published. Additionally, she is a speaker and coach for Take It By Force Ministries, Inc. A resident of North Carolina, Felicia is a graduate The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Want to connect with Felicia? You can find her on the following platforms – On Facebook – Move To Your Best U Coaching Solutions; also on Facebook – His Glory Creations Publishing; Instagram @CoachFeliciaLucas

SEASON 4 #37

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Carol Cherry, a Benefits Consultant in the insurance industry began in 2014 after ending a tenured managerial career in the Hospitality Industry. Once her children were grown, she decided to take a leap of faith and start a new career that had only been a dream for many years. She utilized training, leadership hospitality and communications skills to launch her from a large corporation to establish, plan and execute her own brand and business. She realized that if she could run the corporation’s multi-million-dollar restaurant, hire staff, provide training and supervision to make a profit for them then she surely could do the same for her own business.

She clearly states that it has not been easy growing her business, but every year is better than the last, and she is pleased with the progress she is making in her business. As an Insurance Broker, Carol has partnered with more than 100 insurance carriers for Healthcare, Medicare, Long Term Care and other ancillary products. Carol works with individuals looking for healthcare coverage. She also works with small employer groups looking to build a competitive benefit package to attract and retain the best talent. Her long-term vision for her company is to become a household name with multiple locations and thousands of employees that are able to replicate the process and help families all over the country understand how to use insurance as the solution it is intended to be. During the interview, Carol focuses on:
What is Medicare Part A
What is Medicare Part B
What is Medicare Part C
What is the difference in Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Supplement?
What are some programs that help the low-income community with out-of-pocket costs and medications

Carol gears her Medicare 101 presentation in a way that will brings people up to date on the most recent changes to Medicare so you can make an informed decision about your Medicare options, especially during the Annual Open Enrollment Period -- October 15, 2021 to December 7, 2021. Carol wants to make sure you know: what you need to do if you’re turning 65 and plan on leaving your group plan; if you’re turning 65 and plan on keeping your group plan. Also, she provides a framework for you to think about whether you need Medicare Part B. Lastly, Carol explains when you should do it, and whether or not you will have a late enrollment penalty. To connect with Carol Cherry, contact her at 815/762-0761 or at her email ccherry.consultant@gmail.com

SEASON 4 #35

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Carol Shaw Burns,has over 25 years of experience within the aging services field. In addition to being a newly minted Ph.D in Human Services, Carol is also a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) in the state of Illinois and a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. 

Carol shares how being raised by Jamaican parents set the tone for how she would approach life and succeed. They ingrained in her that she must always finish what she starts, give it 100% of your attention, and to always shoot for new heights. "Keep Going" was their constant mantra.  As an Administrative Gerontologist, Carol has been exposed to every area of the Long Term Care arena. 

Carol is also an active and committed volunteer for The Alzheimer's Association and spends time with support groups, along with helping the organization to meet a variety of other critical volunteer c needs.  She is open and eager to share her many gifts and the knowledge she has garnered in her work. When asked what brings her the most joy in her day to day work on behalf of seniors, Carol readily answers "ensuring that the resources needed for both the senior and the caregiver are shared. Awareness of what services are available can make a huge difference. Caregivers need attention and care, also." 

Carol shares what her 10 year journey to attaining her Ph.D in Human Services entailed and how it culminated in her dissertation "Assisted Living Transition: Experiences of Family Members of Older African American Women."  This seminal work explored the perceptions and insights of family member caregivers during the transition of their aging loved one from home to an assisted living facility. Because she still remembers the words of her parents to keep striving, Carol would like her encore experiences to include educating the public, along with physicians and all those connected to the care of elders, about the findings in her dissertation so that the community of elders and caregivers are better served. 

She would also like to begin participating in more speaking engagements, along with mentoring and encouraging students to consider establishing careers in gerontology and elder care. Her words of counsel to African American women age 50+ -- never give up on your dreams and really take your self-care seriously.Carol can be reached via her email csburns.cb@gmail.com  Also, she is on LinkedIn as Carol Shaw Burns. 

SEASON 4 #34

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Shirley Hogsett is the Founder and CEO of Destiny Speaks, and she shares a number of gems in this podcast episode.  She has a wealth of experience.  Shirley is the youngest of 10 children born to a butcher and seamstress in Goodman, Mississippi.  It was there that the importance of a tight knit family and a solid extended community was instilled in her. 

She and her family were diligent about service to God and to others, and it was through the vehicle of church that this philosophy was practiced.  Additionally, the family would visit other churches in order to be in fellowship and service outside their environs. Her parents had a staunch work ethic and were entrepreneurs before they even understood the word.  In addition to his full time job, Shirley's father was a jack of all trades -- carpentry, repairs, etc. 

Her. mother was a very talented seamstress.  These "side hustles" brought  in extra income, but this showed how you could be multi-talented and multi-skilled and make money. Even the words of a mentor still resonate today -- "You are in business to solve a problem." Shirley shares that growing up reading was her greatest joy, and when the family started getting issues of Black Enterprise Magazine this was the highlight of her month. 

She was amazed by reading about the phenomenal things that countless Black people were accomplishing in business.  Shirley has held some very interesting positions prior to starting Destiny Speaks. In one of them, she had a career in Professional Events and Meeting Planning, which laid the foundation for the very thing she is doing currently.  One of the responsibilities she had in this role was to identify speakers for these events; one of the things she noticed was that some of the very best speakers were not getting paid.

Out of this revelation, Destiny Speaks was born. In working with Destiny Speaks clients, Shirley assists emerging speakers with honing in on their expertise and their passion, which ultimately leads them to targeting the organizations that have audiences that want and need to hear their messages. Additionally, other services are provided -- creation of the client's bio and marketing strategies.  Shirley, who formerly served  as an Empowerment Director and Chicago Chapter Leader for EBW2020, is now serving on the Global level.  In this role she and EBW are charged with empowering women in building sustainable businesses.  

SEASON 4 #33

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Donna C. Lawrence is the CEO, Creator and Owner of Painting it Pink Events. She sees painting as a therapeutic process, and an art form that can take you into another zone!

In this episode, Donna, who grew up in Chicago, shares that she is a product of her parents, and she has a sister. She noticed even at an early age that her sister possessed an extreme talent at age five. She asked her mother “how could a five year old paint so well.” This illustrated to Donna and family that she, herself, had an eye for talent and good art. As we fast forward, Donna created a career at Wilson Junior College, married and had a son. When her son passed, Donna found herself in an emotional slump until it came to her that she was not meant to live in that way. She thought intently about how she was in the past – light, happy and feeling whole and complete. In acknowledging that she needed to cook for herself, Donna realized that she didn’t want to even enter the kitchen because the colors and the feeling of lightness was just not there.

She began to wonder what it would look and feel like if her kitchen were painted pink. When she painted it, she loved the lift and the exuberance she felt afterwards. She found herself experimenting with painting other things (e.g. furniture) the color pink. She found that the color pink was a catalyst for greater creativity, productivity and self-expression. Being an open spirit, Donna was introduced to a Life Coach by her sister, who thought that Donna could benefit greatly from this type of relationship. Working with a Life Coach provided greater clarity for Donna on her purpose – joy, fun, laughter, happiness and peace. She eventually started hosting events. This ultimately led her to forming the business Painting it Pink Events.

Here is how she describes herself “I have re-imagined and recreated my own life. I paint everything pink – mostly everything inside my home – chairs, tables, doors, walls, kitchen cabinets, etc.” Donna is emphatic that age is just a number and that if you have a desire and a passion to do something, do it with your heart and with gusto! Even in the midst of Covid-19, Donna found a way to pivot by offering events online via the Zoom platform. She is looking forward to getting back to offering events onsite.

She notes an experience where a customer brought her husband to a Painting It Pink event, and although he started out not being engaged in the activity, he soon found himself immersed in the activity and found great joy doing it. “Pink has the ability to transform moods and attitudes”, says Donna. If you would like to contact Donna or you want to be inspired by how she started a business in her 70s, she can be found on Instagram @painting_it_pink on Facebook as Donna C. Lawrence and her website is paintingitpinkevents.com

SEASON 4 #32

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Anne Marie Davidson has an extensive background in the senior housing arena. She was drawn to this field of aging and work with seniors based on her memory of her grandmother and how valuable and precious she was to her entire family. Because of these great memories, Anne Marie made an early commitment to lend her talents and gifts to senior citizens.

She has a particular gift in educating families on what signs of memory loss families should look for once they begin to notice that something is amiss with their loved one. Anne Marie talks about the three levels of senior housing – independent living, assisted living and skilled (nursing home) living. She also shares what to look for as your loved one progresses along the memory care continuum. As a Senior Living Advocate, Anne Marie works with families to determine what the senior loved one needs currently.

She does a thorough assessment that aids her in identifying desired housing and needs. She also works with family caregivers by providing them with resources that assist them in taking care of themselves. According to Anne Marie, resources like the Alzheimer’s Association can be great life lines and aid them in better taking care of their aging loved one.

Anne Marie also shares that once it is decided upon that a new living arrangement is needed, she explains that facilities, particularly in the memory care arena, offer a menu of services that allow the family and senior to select from inclusive budget. Anne Marie also talks about the career trajectory of working in senior housing and memory care, and she emphasizes that based on the statistics of the growing numbers of seniors (particularly Baby Boomers), there will be plenty of career opportunities in the field of aging spanning from housing, memory care to mental health.

Anne Marie offers the following counsel to family members faced with dealing with dementia and other cognitive related diseases – recognize that whenever you may have become aware of the signs of memory loss, the problem has been there longer that you may realize, but just remember that there are resources available and that you are not alone.

"Embrace roadblocks, stop and think; they might be God's way of saying you are going in the wrong direction. Be nimble --- pivot!"

SEASON 4 #31

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Danielle is a graduate of The University of Michigan (B.A.) and Marygrove College (Masters of Education). She also has a Certification in Hospitality and Tourism from Florida Atlanta University. This experience was one of many that planted the seeds of international travel and wanting to share this expertise with others.

Danielle has an extensive background in the health and human services field (her full time job) with a focus on assisting families around eligibility for public assistance programs and resources. Danielle has traveled to five continents and eighteen countries. Along with friends, she initially began her travels within Canada and the United States.

The death of both Danielle’s father and grandfather impacted her to such an extent that she decided that she did not want to live a life that was not full and required some exploration and risk taking.
As a result, Danielle planned her first big trip to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This was a daunting experience in that once she was on the plane, she panicked and asked herself, “what in the world am I doing?” The full weight of going to a country by herself with customs that were drastically different than anything she knew about.

She took a deep breath, and relaxed into her knew found freedom. Of the 18 countries that she has visited, South Africa is Danielle’s favorite. Danielle has started a travel business called Ms. International Lux Travel Group. She curates every aspect of customers’ trips, and provides them with valuable information on travel safety and ways in which to save money. Although solo travel is Danielle’s preferred mode of travel, she also organizes group excursions, as well. For her future professional and personal growth, Danielle would love to develop her skills in financial planning and investments with the ultimate plan of helping others to grow in theses areas.

She would also include a financial component for those who believe travel is a near impossibility. You can connect with Danielle http://msinternationaltravel.com; on Facebook as Danielle Imaqueen; on Instagram as msinternational_lux_travel.

SEASON 3 #30

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Jataun Rollins, LCSW is a native Chicagoan and a proud produce of the Chicago Public School System. Jataun is also a graduate of Eureka College in downstate Illinois. She speaks lovingly of Carol Gearing, a loving mentor who introduced her to the literary classics like Chaucer, Shakespeare, Richard Wright and countless others. Her parents, along with her mentor, made sure that she was well read and exposed. Her career trajectory has included working in a variety of capacities in child welfare, senior services and social welfare policy.

Jataun is known in the community as a Subject Matter Expert and the “go to person” as it relates to
children and family services. She also made a commitment during the early part of her work career that she would not remain working at someone’s desk for the remainder of her life. She knew at some point she wanted to draw on her entrepreneurial gifts and her intense desire to make a difference within the African American community.

After having taken on a whole new job, where she hoped to add to her repertoire and skill set, Jataun lost that job and was unemployed for quite a bit of time. Her faith in God was really tested, and just as
she was at her lowest point financially, she was notified that a grant that she applied for had come through! It was then that she founded 1863FWD, LLC along with its non-profit arm called 1863 Care 2 Care. The mission and focus of 1863FWD is to empower and prepare the formerly incarcerated with the ability to bring their strengths to their communities. Although Jataun realizes that many of these clients will secure traditional job opportunities, she is highly committed to grooming entrepreneurs where their often hidden talents can come to the forefront.

Jataun, along with her parents, siblings, children and other extended family members have always found themselves engaged in a number of entrepreneurial pursuits. As if being a renaissance woman were not enough, Jataun, is a doll maker. Her dolls have been commissioned by Therapists who
work with children who are greeted with positive images of themselves during counseling and therapeutic sessions.

She is also a published author of books that also speak to children’s positive self-images. Her words of wisdom to women age 50+ include JUST DO IT! She wants us to operate within our passions and not
listen to those voices that don’t uplift our vision. Her mantra is “You are packaged perfectly!” She also feels it is imperative that we identify what is important to us first and foremost. “I feel the first half of my life went to rearing children and fulfilling the expectations of others,” says Jataun. JUST DO IT! You can connect with Jataun on 1863FWD.org, as Jataun Rollins on Facebook, Instagram and
LinkedIn.

SEASON 3 #29

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Charla Draper is a culinary phenom, who has held a variety of positions in the world of food. She is a Food Expert, Writer/Publicist, and Food Stylist. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Charla’s interest in cooking emanated from her two grandmothers, who were both excellent cooks. She watched them in awe, and after trying out a number of other things, Charla soon learned that she wanted to cultivate a career in the culinary arts. After college, Charla landed a coveted position as a Home Economist in the Test Kitchen of Kraft Foods. It was there that she developed a strong foundation and an understanding of the proper way of testing recipes. She states, it was the perfect testing ground for building a career in the field. She eventually left Kraft and began working for Campbell Soup Company in Camden, New Jersey in their Test Kitchen.

Shortly thereafter, Charla was offered a job as Food Editor at Ebony Magazine, a publication that had not done a lot around the coverage of food. Additionally, Ebony had very few food advertisers. As a result, Charla played a key role in developing (with a lean staff) the Food Department. She and her staff ran innovative contests; they found numerous creative ways to involve the readership, and they focused a great deal of their time on the cultural aspects of African American cooking. Charla also served a Food Editor at Southern Living Magazine, where she found it to be a much more formal environment. Charla is currently the owner of It’s Food Biz!”

The mission of her business is to provide consultancy services to businesses on how to market their services and develop a strong presence in both the community and on a number of media platforms. She and her business have been recognized by the Museum of Food and Drink as one of the key African American contributors to American cuisine. Also, through her business Charla has developed a Chicago Public Relations Plan for “The Story of The African Americans Who Have Fed Our First Families, From The Washingtons to the Obamas. The plan was curated to increase awareness about the huge contribution and the service rendered to American presidents. Charla’s public relations/media expertise has been contracted by The American Institute of Wine and Food,

The Wisconsin Dairy Council, The Grits and Greens Conference, along with a multi-city media coverage project for The Pillsbury Bake-Off Recipe Contest. As a member of the prestigious Les Dames Escoffier and the organization Food Executive Women, Charla is excited about her next venture – to concentrate on writing her own cookbook.

Charla’s words of council for African American women age 50+ who want to get into the culinary arts is to read as much about the business, develop networks and mentors and believe in yourself. Charla is currently working on and promoting The National Soul Food Month Series in June 2021. It is a series of virtual programs recognizing the 20th year anniversary of National Soul Food Month. Programs are scheduled virtually during the entire month of June. Some of the workshop topics include “Soul Food Then and Now”, “Slimmed Down Soul”, From Family to Iconic Dessert Fame” and “Soul Food Beyond the United States”. A cadre of outstanding speakers are slated. For more information, please visit www.nationalsoulfoodmonth.com Charla can be found on Facebook as Charla Draper; Instagram @charlaldraper; Chow,ChowandSoul.com; itsfoodbiz.com

SEASON 3 #27

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1.   Effua has more than 24 years of senior corporate experience, including servicing as Vice President at JP Morgan Chase and other multi-million dollar business across the United States; she is the recipient of numerous awards and accolades;
2.   She is the author of The ABCs of Leadership:  The Uncommon Leader from the Bottom Up,  a work that has helped a number of people to reexamine their current path, and helps the reader to sharpen skills and talents that are already present;
3.   Effua was blessed to grow up in Liberia, and she has lived and worked in a number of other areas in Africa.  It is this type of exposure that has aided her in working with diverse groups of people from around the world.  It is her belief that although many of her
clients and seminar attendees are African, she still recognizes and respects the diversity inherent on the continent; she currently resides in Houston, Texas;
4.   As a member of a large family, she learned early the importance of the role of honoring the differences in others;
5.   As CEO of her business entitltled “Amazing You, Effua is dedicated to the development of Global Human Capital, and she trains businesses in recognizing the gem that their employees represent.  She states “they are not commodities”.
6.   Effua is engaged in a number of business projects that require her to collaborate with universities and organizations globally, including several African countries.;
7.   She shares in this episode that several countries in African are open to African Americans reconnecting to the continent, along with bringing their skills to the table.  She says, “there is room at the table” for everyone in various fields — education, the medical
profession, food insecurity, etc.  African American women age 50+ can truly benefit from this because African society reveres maturing women and recognizes that they possess a unique blend of skill and understanding about life that makes for good
Business;
8.   Effua shares that she is always pleased once a client has completed her coaching/leadership development and diversity training; she notices a higher level of confidence and more clarity as it relates to the direction they need to take;
9.   She shares her how she was led spiritually to conceptualize the groundwork for her book The ABCs of Leadership, which made its debut in 2020.  She actually began the writing process for this project in 2013, and with all things spiritual, the book’s
publishing date came during the time of the pandemic;
10. Effua is strongly committed to ensuring that children learn her principles around leadership and valuing diversity; it is with this group that a new paradigm can be created;
11. She also announced that she is excited about a new book that she is finalizing entitled The ABCs of Leadership for Kids;
12. Her words of wisdom for African American women age 50+ includes taking time to for self and from this clarity about your purpose and mission increases exponentially;
13. Effua can be contacted in multiple ways — effuamcgowan1@gmail.com; Facebook:  Effua McGowan; Instagram:  @effuamcgowan; Cell Phone:  713/562-8741

SEASON 3 #26

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Cheryl Lawson-Wright is what you would call a true Renaissance woman! Through her business Real Hope 4 Help, her principal products and services include educational consulting and services; mentoring, life coaching and support and comfort to cancer survivors and clean living;
She is a former public school educator and private school director and HBCU (Edward Waters College) advocate;

A prolific author, Cheryl has penned numerous articles and poems; she has also edited the works of others;

As an entrepreneur, Cheryl has parlayed her skills in the arenas of fighting for the rights of all people, but especially for the disenfranchised and those victimized from systemic racism and a broken criminal justice system;

An endeavor close to her heart is that of serving as an advocate for breast cancer survivors like herself;
Cheryl shares for the first time on a public platform that she is a survivor in more ways than one – she is also a survivor of molestation, infidelity, family and church hurt and abuse, along with other ordeals that were meant to destroy. She acknowledges that God worked it all for her good, and she is no longer a survivor but a THRIVER!

She has done extensive research on living a toxic-free life and has identified many discoveries that have assisted her on her clean living journey;

In the words of Hippocrates, Cheryl now realizes that everyone has a doctor within himself or herself; food should be our medicine and medicine should be our food is her mantra;

She emphasizes that every plant that God created has a miracle in it and stresses that with God and the Universe as her guide, she uses her knowledge and wisdom to lead her as she releases the past and boldly pursues a promising and prosperous future;

Cheryl shares information about the fruits and vegetables that are considered “The Dirty Dozen”. They are: strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery and potatoes;

The clean 15 foods include avocado, sweet corn, pineapple, onion, sweet peas (frozen), cantaloupe, mushrooms, cabbage, kiwi, honey dew melon, broccoli and egg plant
Cheryl also shares that California Proposition 65 Toxic Product Ingredients List. In the state of California by law, all products must list the chemical and toxic harm/side effects.
Cheryl’s contact information – Instagram-- @anointedgirl61; Twitter

-- @Survivor1261; Email – realhope4help@yahoo.com; Cell – 904/203-9816

SEASON 3 #25

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Prior to starting her wellness business, Peggy spent over 30 years at Fortune 100 companies in various strategic and innovative roles including Engineering, Strategic Marketing, Process Improvement and Program Management;

- An avid reader and a , Peggy is passionate about healthy cooking and eating, urban gardening and guiding others to a vibrant lifestyle;

- In 2007, Peggy thought it was a good time to evaluate if she should start an entrepreneurial venture; - Her skills learned in the corporate setting were certainly transferable to the setting of owning her own business;

- After conducting market research, examining her finances, she dedicated to hold off on the venture, and in 2017, Peggy revisited and committed to leaving her career to begin Yoga with Peggy H.;

- She prides herself of designing and presenting Evidence-based workshops that are steeped in what produces results;

- A life-long learner, Peggy has sought and achieved a number of certifications including

- Peggy shares and explains exactly what is yoga and how it benefits its practitioner, which includes stress reduction,clarity of thought, and a greater sense of well-being;

- Peggy states "it's more than just let's just move. She stresses that It's yoga in particular that makes the difference;

- Peggy teaches the practice of Hatha Yoga; she does not use music during her classes so that students can focus on safety first then form, strength and balance; 

- When asked what distinguishes her yoga business from that of her competition, Peggy states that the emphasis offering her services to a diverse group of people (e.g.race, body type, age, etc.);

- Peggy was featured by AARP in their Success Stories Entitled "Work for Yourself at 50. 

 - She completed the "Work for Yourself at 50" program to fine tune her vision and approach to starting a wellness business; 

- Peggy has a special affinity to older yoga students in that she can relate to the physical challenges that emerge during the aging process;

- The words of counsel that Peggy offers to African American Women age 50+ include not being afraid to follow your dreams.

- To join a class, arrange for a presentation or workshop,
Peggy can be reached at   yogawithpeggyh.com

SEASON 3 #24

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Sheri Brazley is a native Chicagoan. She attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and received a BA degree in Psychology. After graduation, she started a career working with Developmentally Disabled children for the State of Illinois and later went on to work for the City of Chicago for 25 years. During her tenure at the city, she wore many hats; she spent 10 years working in the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities where she was responsible for making sure that the city’s public events would be accommodating to people with disabilities.

Prior to retirement in 2015, Sheri spent 15 years in the City's Health Department as the Assistant to the Director of Public Information where she had an opportunity to create public messaging and marketing tools on health topics. Throughout her professional career, Sheri always had a love for cooking and has maintained a successful small catering business that is still thriving.

When she retired from the city, she knew that she wanted to recreate herself, so she enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts with the primary aim of pursing a new career teaching people how to cook nutritious meals to maintain a healthy lifestyle. She completed all the coursework for the Certificate Program with a 4.0 GPA — all of this during her 50s. Upon completing Le Cordon Bleu, Sheri became aware of the organization Common Threads developed by famed chef Art Smith. It was from her LCB Instructor and mentor Chef Daniel John that she learned about the mission of Common Threads.

Through Common Threads, Sheri now services three schools. Additionally, Sheri has created a very popular culinary program for seniors (age 60+) entitled Snacking Around the World. This cooking demo program allows seniors to experience the food, history and culture of countries like Mexico, Thailand, China, Italy, Spain and countless others. If you would like to connect with Sheri, she can be found on Instagram as Chef_braz.

SEASON 3 #23

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Even as a teenager, Trevy McDonald was determined to use her God given talents and gifts to uplift, inspire and empower others in order to bring them joy? How has she done that throughout her life? Once thinking that she wanted to become a physician, Trevy learned early that profession was not her calling. Learning the periodic element chart was just too boring to her. Instead, she took notice of a rising African American journalist based in Chicago named Marlene McClinton. She made such an impact with her style of reporting and delivery that Trevy immediately knew that she wanted a journalistic career.

At the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Trevy earned her B.A. in Radio/TV/Film. After experiencing too many cold winters, she then headed South to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where she received her M.A. in Radio, Television and Motion Pictures and a Ph.D in Mass Communication at the University of North Carolina. She was only 25 years years old when she earned her Ph.D from one of the top journalism programs in the country. After receiving her Ph.D, Trevy found herself unemployed and therefore asked herself what she could do to make herself more marketable.

Trevy immediately built the groundwork for a publishing company, which she started in 1999. She is currently the owner of Reyomi Publishing, LLC, a successful independent book publishing and consulting company based in Durham, N.C. Trevy is also an author of the novels Round 'Bout Midnight and Time Will Tell. She is also the co-editor of two scholarly anthologies, Nature of a Sistuh: Black Women's Lived Experiences in Contemporary Culture and Building Diverse Communities:
Applications of Communication Research. Trevy has also authored an inspirational anthology entitled "How We Got Over: Testimonies of Faith, Hope and Courage".

She has contributed to numerous other anthologies and publications, and she has also co-authored a reference book on starting your own publishing house called How to Win The Publishing Game. Through her experience starting and running her own publishing company, she learned her most valuable lesson -- if one is committed and steps out on faith to pursue their dream, then they will also beblessed with the resources to be able to carry out their dream. She simply states this lesson inthe form of a haiku: Commit to your dream And the desired resourcesAre provided now!

SEASON 3 #22

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Stephanie Williams grew up in Chicago in a family that pushed education, achievement and finding purpose.  She states that traveling — both domestically and internationally — helped her to see how vast the world really is and how she fits in It.   

Stephanie is an accomplished public speaker, who has addressed corporate/business audiences, spiritual leaders and seekers, along with younger audiences.  The latter has allowed her to work specifically with teens, who are usually enthusiastic and an open vessel for becoming attuned to their life purpose.  The primary way in which she has done this is through providing courses in Business Etiquette to youth emphasizing that becoming familiar with business protocols can make the difference in landing and maintaining positions.   

As a person who has always used prayer and meditation as a conduit to connect with God and her purpose, Stephanie learned early (through the guidance of her parents) that in order to fulfill your purpose, you must spend time in quiet to get the clarity on the direction one should take.  She simply states “Ask God what you should be doing, and He will show you.” 

Stephanie has designed a number of workshops for Fortune 100 and 500 companies like Gillette, Rebok and Coco Cola.  These workshops centered around business practices, inner transformation, goal setting and finding passion. Additionally, she has developed a plethora off workshops in Leadership Development, Marketing Consulting, Executive Coaching, Business Consulting, Health Insurance and Social Media Marketing. Business owners have come to rely on her to cull out their individual and organizational genius. 

She has also had a career in media as the host of the  radio program NOW.   The programming for NOW focused on living a life that is rewarding and purpose-filled, along with building a Kingdom mindset — allowing them to make a marked difference in the marketplace.  As an instructor at the Joseph Business School (a business enterprise that emanates from Living Word Ministries in Forest Park, Illinois), Stephanie has played a key role in educating Christians on how to become successful and impactful entrepreneurs. 

She has received a number of rave reviews from alumni of the school, and they have all gone on to fulfill their dreams. These former students point out that it is her ethical approach to business, her integrity, knowledge of sound business principles and her years of experience and application of what she teaches that makes her an effective communicator and instructor.  Stephanie is a proud graduate of The University of Kansas holding a degree in Broadcast Journalist.   She is also a long time member of Alpha Kappa Alphas Sorority, Inc. To connect with Stephanie, she can be reached at swc777@hotmail.com

SEASON 3 #21

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Monica's adventurous spirit has taken her in many different directions and avenues including cosmetology, writing and the music industry. After graduating cosmetology school with honors, she ascended to advanced academies and studied with innovators who shaped the hair care industry that we know today. This included the likes of Vivenne Mackinder, Geri Cosenza, Irvine Rusk, Horst Rechelbacher, Darren Brokaw and Robert Labetta. After mastering her craft, Monica joined the prestigious team of educators at Sebastian International. This dream-come true position not only helped her to blossom as a hairstylist, but she also became a world-class instructor.

Her gift as a hair colorist led her to work with German hair color company
Schwarzkopf where she taught for four years. She later became the Director of Education for Salon Resources, the distributor for Sebastian International. Here she designed classes, workshops and product launches. As a freelance artist and consultant, Monica has worked with celebrities and companies including The Isley Brothers, Lela Rochon, Kevin Mayes, Nina Gancy, Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Sylvester, Carole's Daughter, Atlantic Records, Lengths Hair Extensions, and DreamWorks Records (the record company owned by Steven Spielberg).

Monica has also been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, Clear Channel and Fox Networks. Other highlights of Monica's transcendent career includes her time as Director of Operations for 'In' magazine and 'Today in Church' magazine. She and magazine publisher David Holmon worked to create the monthly publications that inspired its readers and reached critical acclaim. In that role, Monica interviewed celebrities about their spiritual life and personal journeys.

She interviewed such notables as Kirk Whalum, Princess Zulu, Eric Roberson, Vonetta Flowers, Evander Holyfield and Isaac Bruce. Her features stood strong next to other contributors that included Joyce Meyers, TD Jakes and Joel Olsten. Monica's most rewarding work was as the Vice President of the global music label Yoruba Records, which allowed her to work alongside Osunlade. This is when the global brand and movement was being built. In the midst of it all, Monica was called to go on a spiritual sojourn, and she knew it was time to excavate and heal her traumatic childhood and generational wounds.

Sharing her shadows was the next step to enable her to be all that she was born to be. Through the coaching program of Phoenix 2000, Monica learned that her pain could be used to heal others which led her into a deep spiritual examination and study of the Divine Feminine. She did this under the teachings of Dr. Caroline 'Isis' Fuqua and Bettie Spruill. She is also an initiate of Transcendental Meditation and is a student of Yogini Nithyananda. In 2018, Monical birthed Black Amplified. From all over the globe, we convene on our vibrant Facebook page. We have just opened our Women opened our Black Women Amplified Private Membership Club and our podcast will be released in June 2020.

We are an Empowerment Company transforming the lives of women through the power system that Monica created called 'Rebuild." It incorporates storytelling, narrative shifting, vision boarding, online masterclasses and one-on-one consulting. Monica believes it is her time to live life beyond the ordinary.