LITE It Up

In honor of Women's History Month, Dr. Aginah Musherah continues to highlights Black Women Entrepreneurs. This week's guest is Coach Fannie, CEO of Create Your World, LLC. Coach Fannie is deeply committed to guiding individuals on their journey to a healthy lifestyle. Listen to our in-depth conversation about strategies to jumpstart a healthy lifestyle and create the world you deserve.

In honor of Women's History Month, Dr. Aginah Musherah highlights Black Women Entrepreneurs. This week's guest is Melanie K. Hall, LCPC and CEO of Insights Therapeutic Services, LLC. Melanie is deeply committed to guiding individuals and couples on their journey to mental wellness and personal fulfillment. Through Melanie's work with couples, she found that communication is the root of the challenges that many experience. Melanie helps couples transform their relationship from confusion to clarity with "We Didn't Have That Conversation" cards. These cards are designed to foster deeper connections and open dialogues for couples at various stages of their relationships, from dating to marriage.

Listen to our in-depth conversation about strategies that can be used to improve communication between couples.

Melanie's practice is distinguished by its WBE (Women's Business Enterprise) Certification, reflecting her commitment to excellence and empowerment in the business community.

In this week's episode of LITE It Up Podcast, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares about her recent roundtrip and finally setting boundaries! For many Black women setting boundaries can be challenging. With the demands of work, family, and other obligations, many Black women experience challenges that can take a toll on their well-being.

“Many Black women are experiencing stress and trauma from the workplace including (micro)aggressive behaviors that have been increasing with the changing socio-political landscape.”

Enough is enough! It's time for Black women to set boundaries to protect their mental health and well-being.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah chats with returning guest, Executive Director and Founder of PLAN4Success, Nicole Brookens. Nicole shares updates about PLAN4Success initiatives and the PLAN2Lead Teen Summit for students in grades 9-12. You'll learn about the workshops offered designed to teach teens how to network, develop their brand, build a resume, and investing in the stock market. The summit is completely free through the partnership of UIC CHANCE Program and Highwinds.

Connect w/PLAN4Success & register for the PLAN2Lead Summit

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah has a candid conversation about servant leadership and developing young black and brown boys, with Shaka Rawls, principal of Leo High School.

Connect with Principal Shaka Rawls

It's a Solo Chat on this week's episode of LITE It Up with host, Dr. Aginah Musherah. We're in the last week of January and the 2nd episode of Season 8...and life has not wasted any time "lifing". In fact, life has lifed!! What should you do when life becomes too hectic? You should PAUSE. STOP. RESET. The key is to acknowledge that you need to take a moment to refresh, restart and refuel. The goal is for 2024 to be our "Kobe Year". This week's episode is a reminder and affirmation that it's okay to reset to reach your goals.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Welcome to a Season 8 of LITE It Up! Dr. Aginah Musherah is back on the microphone with a brand new season and reaching another milestone...This is the 150th episode of LITE It Up!! As Dr. Aginah embarks upon her 8th Season of LITE It Up, she reflects on the power and significance of the number 8 and 24. With this being a new year, 2024, it’s time for new beginnings; a reminder to stay grounded and balanced while achieving various levels of success within our lives. This is a "Kobe Year"; share some of your goals for 2024.

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In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah speaks with LeTina Brady Pettis about Illinois Senate Bill 2123, which allows an individual to pre-register to vote on or after turning 16 years old, with the registration on file with the appropriate election authority until the individual reaches 18 years old. The bill was signed by Governor J.B. Prtizker and became effective August 4, 2023.

LeTina shares information about the Get Out to Vote 4 Teens initiative she is leading in the Chicagoland area. The GOTV 4 Teens Kick-Off is scheduled for January 17, 2024 at Simeon Career Academy High School on Chicago's Southside.

For more information about this initiative and to learn how you can get involved in your community to pre-register and register 16 and 17 year olds to vote, contact LeTina Brady Pettis.

Email: bradypettisl@gmail.com

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherhah interviews certified tax preparer, Milinia McLaughlin of D & D Tax Services. Milinia shares several gems about exercising due diligence when selecting a tax preparer and filing taxes.

Connect with Milinia McLaughlin

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah has a candid conversation with Dr. Ashley Y. Stone about the experience of Black women working in the field of higher education.

Dr. Ashley is an educator, sociologist, and public speaker who studies Black women and Black feminism. With over 15 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Ashley shares her journey of navigating higher education within the landscape of student affairs and academic affairs; and provides strategies for professional Black women navigating the academy.

In this week's episode of LITE It Up Podcast, Dr. Aginah Musherah features President and Founder of J.U.S.T. LLC (Just Us Sistahs Talking), Felicia Baites Pointer. Originally launched in January 2022, Just Us Sistahs Talking's mission and purpose became clear in 2010 after Felicia became a two-time breast cancer survivor. Just Us Sistahs Talking is an organization that aims to Inspire, Connect, and Empower women and girls of diverse backgrounds through events that bring an awareness around breast cancer and provide scholarships for first-generation girls that will attend a four-year college or university.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As the month coms to an end, Dr. Aginah Musherah has a candid conversation with breast cancer survivor, Evita Ali. A returning guest to LITE It Up, Evita shares her journey of being a SURVIVOR. Evita provides practical tips on how friends and family can offer support to breast cancer WARRIORS.

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah talks about what happens when you're overloaded. When you're over exceeding your limitations and capacity, just like a computer, your system will become overloaded and crash. You're reminded to take the time to reduce your load to prevent the possibility of becoming overloaded.

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah has a candid conversation with her mom, Aminah Muhammad about motherhood, marriage, and the next chapter in life.

This week's episode of LITE It Up features self-taught portrait artist, Robert C. Owens. In a candid conversation, Dr. Aginah explores the multidimensional artistic work of Chicago native, Robert C. Owens. Robert shares his inspiration for creating life-like imagery across various mediums. Robert's work has been featured at various venues and platforms including the cover of Madiba Magazine.

Connect w/Robert C. Owens

On this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah welcomes Javondlyn Dunagan, founder of JMD Angels Foundation to the podcast. Javondlynn shares her passion for being of service to others and the impact her foundation has on the community. Since the organization's inception, December 2020, JMD Angels Foundation has awarded over $25,000 in scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate degree.

Welcome to Season 7 of Lite It Up...Lead. Inspire. Transform. Empower! Dr. Aginah Musherah is back on the mic after a well deserved summer hiatus.

Dr. Aginah Musher's first solo chat of the season is a brief commentary about the importance of taking a break to regroup, refocus, and recommit yourself to achieving your goal but more importantly, shifting your mindset to find balance within your life.

Here's a friendly reminder to live your best self, which simply means to consistently show up as the best version of yourself. Elevate your core circle and remember that all of your experiences, whether joyful or challenging, are meant to promote growth and development.

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On this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah pays tribute to her mother, Aminah (with an intro video montage) in honor of Mother's Day and shares an encouraging message to all of the Super Moms who continue to make it happen every day. Listeners are reminded to carve out time to rejuvenate but more importantly, to lean on their village.

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On this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah has a conversation with DEI and Development expert, Tommy Amal. Tommy shares his journey and passion for work in the non-profit sector, including higher education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tommy shares his area of expertise in the non-profit sector including his role as a developer for Capital Youth Empowerment Program (CYEP). Additionally, Tommy shares his expertise about diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of developing a comprehensive plan of action to address these issues within organizational structures no matter the size or industry.

Connect with Tommy Amal

In this week's episode, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares her perspective of social media's impact on society. Social media has changed way of thinking and governs our behavior and social conducts. Today, social media has created new styles of communication which has a tremendous impact on everyday lives of the people. Social media has brought people with common interests together and expanded the reach of ideas across the globe. However, social media has also impacted of human behavior and society, overall. The daily use of social media by people has increased so much that it is slowly injecting an inflection into our behaviors. Comparison with other lives has been made easy by social media. People become unhappy with their current circumstances, leading to problems with self-esteem and depression. With social media it has become nearly impossible to avoid bad news and the negative influences on our lives. This can lead to long-lasting psychological repercussions and ultimately lead to thoughts of our world falling apart, stress and anxiety.

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In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah offers a candid perspective about the behavior of today's youth and societal challenges. Has parenting become a lost art? What can our communities do to get a handle on teen behavior? This episode is designed to spark conversation and challenge listeners to think about ways in which we can reclaim the hearts and minds of our youth.

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In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares some of her heartfelt memories and lessons learned from her late father, Munir Muhammad. This episode is deeply personal and transparent. It is Dr. Aginah's intent to share with the world, the profound impact of her father and to remind listeners that grief has no time stamp...

This week's episode of LITE It Up features a solo chat with Dr. Aginah Musherah. On this #TransformationTuesday, Dr Aginah discusses the importance of being transparent and sharing your story to help others. Transparency leads to transformation. How will you transform your life and those around you?

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In this week's episode, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Melanie Hall has a conversation with host, Dr. Aginah Musherah about the importance of prioritize one's mental health and embarking upon the mental wellness journey to gain insight from within.  Melanie Hall is certified as an Anger Management Specialist II and has a  Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Melanie has helped clients identify poor coping skills, counterproductive behaviors and unchallenged perspectives. She combines research, trainings, certifications and best practices to work with clients holistically from a bio-psycho-social approach. She also utilizes evidence based trainings and theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Brief Therapy to assist clients in changing the course of their lives. She believes her clients have the ability to thrive when given a safe place to explore where they have been and who they hope to become.   

Connect with Melanie Hall 

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah has a candid conversation with licensed social worker and CEO of Amaris Counseling LLC, Rachael Stewart. Rachael provides guidance through lived experience, about developing strategies to create a successful co-parenting relationship. 

A Chicago native, Rachael desires to see individuals, couples and families walk in complete healing and wholeness while living authentically. Rachael’s passion is to guide individuals, couples and families as they navigate life transitions, career changes, heal from trauma, repair relationships, prepare for retirement and adjust to end of life changes.   Rachael holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Governors State University. She is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional-Level 1 and EMDR trained clinician.  Rachael loves to serve in the community and has worked with youth, adults, couples, and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings for the past 8 years. Rachael specializes in the following areas: Anxiety, Adjustment to Life Changing Events and Adjustment Disorders, Adjustment to Aging, Couples Counseling, Depression, Divorce and Divorce Adjustment,  Faith-Based Counseling, Stress Related Disorders and Trauma.

Connect with Rachael Stewart

In this week's episode, Dr. Aginah tackles the sensitive topic regarding the state of mental health of young people. Dr. Aginah's guest, Joshua C. Barnett is a licensed social worker in the Chicagoland area. JB shares his expertise in the field of mental health and provides tools for parents to use to help navigate the mental health crisis of young people. Joshua will share information about ways in which parents can provide support and provide their children with the professional help they need to mitigate mental health trauma. 

If you or someone you know are experiencing a crisis and need support, please access some of the resources below:

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah has a conversation with her fellow UIC alum and friend, Dr. Greg Jones, about naturopathic medicine. Dr. Greg Jones is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and earned his degree in Naturopathic Medicine with honors from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in Tempe Arizona. Dr. Jones practices medicine with an emphasis on pain relief and regenerative medicine, peptide therapy, IV therapy, hormone replacement, functional medicine, and Anti-aging medicine. Dr. Jones has received extensive training in regenerative injection therapy, IV nutritional therapy, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and peptide therapy. Dr. Jones’s goal for every patient is optimal health, energy, and happiness. Dr. Jones is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Medicine, American Association of Anti-Aging Medicine, Arizona Naturopathic Medical Association, Endocrinology Association of Naturopathic Physicians, and Clinical Peptide Society.

Connect with Dr. Greg Jones

Parenting isn't a one size fits all approach nor can one expect the same outcome with different children. In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah creates a safe space to discuss the jounrey of motherhood with Early Childhood Education Consultant, Latisha Howze. As women characterized with "Type A" personality traits, Dr. Aginah and Latisha share some their successes and challenges, raising their 3 children.

This episode is transparent and transformative. You'll receive several tips about best practices for raising confident, resilient, and successful children.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah takes her own advice and practices what others may consider to be a radical form of self-care! Traveling is one of the most enlightening and fun forms of self-care. Whether it means traveling with a friend, significant other, or going alone, travel has numerous psychological and emotional benefits. While solo travel isn't everyone's cup of tea--it may be just what the doctor ordered...Solo travel is a completely different level of self-care! Check out Dr. Aginah's tips for traveling solo and the reasons you should buy that plane ticket.  

💫 You'll learn what you’re made of…in good way.

💫 Your strength and resilience is a result of peace rather than hardship. 

💫 If you're an introvert, the experience of peace and anonymity can be blissful.  

💫 It’s a source of pride to map out your own course. You have the freedom to move about as you choose; figuring things out as you go; and trusting that you can handle yourself. 

💫 Solo travel might even raise your standards.

💫 Solo travel is not contingent on relationship status. But if you’re single (and even if you’re not) it can cause an expectation adjustment. 

💫 You could make lifelong connections. When we are alone we tend to open ourselves up to the people and places around us.

You're invited to send show topics and guest suggestions via email: info@aginahmuhammad.com . Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow on social media.

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In this special edition of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah sits down with Dr. Barbara Bunville, candidate for the position of Alderperson of the 6th Ward in Chicago. A life-long resident of the 6th Ward, Dr. Bunville shares her vision for moving the ward forward.  

Barbara's academic credentials include a Bachelor's in Education; two Master's in Literacy and Forensic Psychology; and a doctorate in Instructional Leadership. She has served the citizens of Chicago for over 23 years, working in numerous communities to help improve the lives of others.    

Barbara is prepared to work with the Chicago City Council to find answers to the ongoing crime problems, expand economic development, improve education for children, seek funding for community programs for youth, seniors, and adults, and address other important issues of concern to Sixth Ward residents.  

LITE It Up is back with another great season! For those who are constantly pouring into everyone without taking time to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit, OR those who have wondered why your plans haven't come to fruition within your timeline...this episode is for you! We are constantly on the move yet we don't take time to focus on our personal well-being. At some point, living our lives constantly on the move will catch up with us. Take time to refocus and recenter yourself. When you choose to be still and show gratitude, that's when God will reveal His plan for you. 

This episode will remind you about the importance of exercising self-love, gratitude, and patience.  ❤️🙏🏽💞

Scripture References

"When the time is right, I, the Lord, will make it happen."  ~ Isaiah 60:22.

"And (the Jews) planned and Allah (also) planned. And Allah is the best of planners." ~ Qur'an 3:53

You're invited to send show topics and guest suggestions via email: info@aginahmuhammad.com . Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow on social media.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad

In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares the challenges and highlights of 2022. As the year comes to an end, it's time to set goals for 2023! Check out the 23 goals that Dr. Aginah Musherah shares to help you jump-start the new year. 

During the episode, Dr. Aginah shares a few books to add to your collection: 

Work-life balance is a phenomenon that many people, particularly women, attempt to create. As women, we strive to balance our professional careers and personal lives but often find ourselves overwhelmed and stressed. We continuously place ourselves on the bottom of the list. In this week's episode, I share my experience of attending the Women's Leadership Institute in Palm Desert, California. 

When is the last time you invested in yourself, professionally? If it takes you a while to come up with an answer, this episode is for you. I'll share why women make better leaders and the 8 traits that makes a person a great leader. You'll be inspired to use the last few weeks of 2022 to map out a plan to invest in your professional and personal life as we embark upon 2023. 

You're invited to send show topics and guest suggestions via email: info@aginahmuhammad.com . Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow on social media.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad

In this season of giving thanks, Dr. Aginah reflects on the recent Thanksgiving holiday and the blessings that have been bestowed. Despite the anxiety and stress that have been at the forefront, this year has been filled with an abundance of blessings. Although brief, this episode is reflective and focused on gratitude; being thankful; and appreciative of God's blessings. 

1. What are you grateful for? 

2. What are you thankful for? 

3. What blessings have you received this year? 

The hustle and bustle of motherhood and a professional career resulted in Dr. Aginah taking an unplanned break from producing new episodes of LITE It Up. After being away a few weeks, Dr. Aginah is back and ready for self-reflection and reevaluation of priorities. This week's episode is all about making sure you assess the following: 

1. Who is the most important person in your life? 

2. How are you doing? 

Dr. Aginah will encourage listeners to pour into self before pouring into others. Recognition of your value will help you become a better version of yourself. 

Listeners are invited to send show topics and guest suggestions via email: info@aginahmuhammad.com . Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow on social media.

Connect with Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad

This week's episode of LITE It Up touches on the very sensitive topic of child sexual abuse. Dr. Aginah Musherah's guest, Latarsha Haughton is an author, transformational life coach, and founder of Breaking the Silence Healing the Pain. Latarsha shares her story of remaining silent and holding onto the pain of sexual abuse and the birth of her biological father's son. Latarsha reclaimed her power; overcame years of pain; and is thriving.  

Latarsha's mission is to tear down mental and emotional strongholds and design a life through a mindset shift of pain to self-care, self-love, and forgiveness.     She is the visionary of It's Your Time to Shine Conference (Release the Baggage) happening November 19, 2022, in Tampa, Florida. 

Connect with Latarsha Haughton

Black women carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and are always viewed as the pillar of strength. More often than not, Black women place themselves at the bottom of the priority list. "Black Girl Day Off" is observed annually on October 11 in the United States. It is a day dedicated to encouraging black women to take a mental day off to focus on their emotional well-being. Check out this episode and learn how to prioritize your health!

After a much needed break, Dr. Aginah is back on the mic with Season 5 of LITE It Up! During this episode, Dr. Aginah will share what has kept her away for the last few months and give you a sneak peak of what to expect this season.   

September is life insurance awareness month. Dr. Aginah tackles this important but often forgotten about topic with insurance agent, Jocelyn Hope of Hope State Farm. Life insurance can help secure your family's financial future after an unexpected death. Purchasing life insurance helps lay the groundwork for financial responsibility and stability so that every new generation will know how important it is to protect their families. During our conversation, we discuss the reasons for securing life insurance; steps to select an agent; and the various types of life insurance options available.   

Jocelyn is licensed in Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Florida and several additional states.   

Facebook and Instagram: @jocelynhopestatefarm 

As we enter the graduation season, it's important to realize that everyone has a journey that is unique to one's personal goals and experiences. A conversation with millennial, Aaisha N. Muhammad, highlights her decision to pursue an undergraduate degree and realize her passion for working with children. Aaisha shares tips for students pursuing an undergraduate degree; and provides parents with helpful tips to support their students through their journey of completing a college degree. 

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We celebrated Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8th but in my book, every day is Mother's Day! Has your journey of motherhood turned out as you envisioned? What has your journey taught you about yourself and your role as a mother? This week, Dr. Aginah Musherah shares a brief message to those who have the job of nurturing and guiding a young person. God has designed us to operate uniquely within our role as mothers. As you embark upon the journey of motherhood, remember, your journey is not the same as another.

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Check out the latest episode of LITE It Up with special guest, Tenille Jackson, Digital Strategist and Founder of The Chicagoland Mom Squad. We had a lively discussion about parenting through the pandemic and beyond as well as getting back to basics.

Transparency is the first step of transformation. How often are you overextending yourself to others or adding more to your to-do list than you should? Are your commitments to others impacting your life? It's time for you to S.L.O.W. D.O.W.N. Stress impacts so many aspects of our lives. Take the first step to create the life you deserve--peace of mind and balance. Dr. Aginah shares her inner thoughts and experience dealing with stress with the goal of helping you transform your life. 

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HerStory was made with the confirmation of Justice Katanji Brown Jackson. However, Black women continue to face an increased level of inequity within the workforce. Dr. Aginah provides commentary about her own professional experience and the ability to navigate spaces that aren't designed for Black women. 

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Does your passion align with your life's purpose? Dr. Shannon C. Goode, Primary Sports Medicine Physician and Team Physician for Xavier University of Louisiana, gives listeners insight on what it means for your life's journey to come full circle.

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In this week's episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah is back on the mic for a quick check in and an important reminder to create balance in your life!

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