An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color

ALECIA GRANT LIVES, BREATHES AND SHARES HER EXPERIENCES AS A STYLE/BEAUTY INFLUENCER WHO LOVES BEING STYLISH WHILE INSPIRING OTHERS TO BOLDLY LIVE IN THE MOMENT AND LOVE LIFE. IT’S MORE THAN JUST A FASHION BLOG; IT’S A BLOG INSPIRED BY FASHION BUT BRANDED BY HER LOVE OF PEOPLE, ART, TRAVEL, AND BEAUTY.

Ways to Connect

REPLAY FROM 1/21/21

As an expert on employee engagement and human resource management, CEO of Employee Fanatix,  an Executive coach and author of her second book, coming out in April, "The Art of Caring Leadership," Heather R. Younger, J.D., goes deep with her clients in an effort to “grab those voices” that are not always heard.  Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about this important work.

Connect:

When you “live in between”, are a 3rd Culture kid, you may find your life passion is to help others feel they belong as was the case for Doni Aldine.  Donie, a globally mobile Afro-Latina and first-generation American who, by age 19, lived in & identified with seven cultures on five continents, defines what “in-between” and being a “3rd culture kid” is along with sharing her global experiences in this week’s episode. Check it out for more.

This week’s guest is…

A globally mobile Afro-Latina and first-generation American who, by age 19, lived in & identified with seven cultures on five continents. Ambrosine is passionate about creating community for “in-between” cultural populations. She has presented around the globe as a Keynote, at conferences, universities & in media as a lifestyle expert focused on media, marketing and multiculturalism (to organizations like the U.S. Foreign Service, CBRE and at Universities). With this background, her education and lived experiences, she developed university curricula for global culture identity and founded the Culturs Global Multicultural Lifestyle Network.

CONNECT WITH DONI ALDINE:

Kimberly Batchelor Davis, Author, Podcaster, Lifestyle Editor, wants people to know she is a Dreamer and Believer in purpose and ability.  By tapping into her Superpower, her voice, she became “the somebody’ who wrote books for Black and Brown girls and boys to see themselves.  When wondering who and when, she realized “the who” was her and “the when” was then…  Check out this episode to learn about how we, as Black people, show up in her books.  #RepresentationMatters

This week’s guest is…

Kimberly Batchelor Davis has been in love with books since she was a child. She fervently believes that “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7.) It reminds us to continue to put our faith in God instead of ourselves.  Kimberly realized that something was missing from her life; it was writing. She says: “I had to have a purpose and it wasn’t just about making money, I had to give back in some way—I just didn’t know how.” Since then, she has not looked back. She lives by this in creating stories that have shared experiences and which inspire or cause people to think about situations in a different way.

Recently, she released two children’s books “Rose and the Enchanted Seven” and “Look, Daddy! There’s a Bunny. Kimberly released “Escape to Paradise: Books 1, 2, and 3”, the exciting, fictional romantic trilogy book series. Presently, she is the host of the Kim B. Davis Show which is featured on YouTube.com, Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher and she is the Lifestyle Editor for the Michael Van Tull Show and Community Highlights with Missionary Hattie Humphrey on the Detroit Praise Network and BlogTalk Radio. Kimberly has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI, and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in creative writing from Central Michigan University.

CONNECT WITH KIMBERLY:

Ryane LeCesne, CEO | Mindset + Energy Management Coach, and I talked about things women, high-achieving Black women, need to be in recovery from in order to “have it”: Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, Distractionism.  We talked about how shame shows up and its impact. Check out this week’s episode for more.

This week’s guest is…

Ryane LeCesne is the Master Your Mindset Coach. Since 2012, Ryane has coached nearly 1,000 high-achieving women – specializing in the unique needs of high-achieving Black women – to advance their professional dreams by overcoming and healing from the self-limiting mindsets of Impostor Syndrome and Perfectionism.

Ryane understands how frustrating it is to have followed the "blueprint to success" only to feel like you secretly lack the 3Cs – clarity, confidence, and courage – to advance your career or build your dream business on your terms. She knows what it feels like to have done "everything right" and still feel stuck and trapped second-guessing yourself and your dreams. She also knows the mindset required to take big, bold action in the face of your fears.

Her coaching process is evidence-based, holistic, transformational, and proven to be instrumental in helping high-achieving women professionally advance. When Ryane’s not coaching or with her nose in a personal development+leadership+spiritual book, she is the wife of a very loving and supportive super-guy and mommy to a very special love bug. She’s a proud member of The Links, Incorporated and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a graduate of Spelman College and Georgetown University.

CONNECT WITH RYANE:

During a transformational leadership session, Therese Myers, AUTHOR/Founder Yesgirlscreate/ Owner Brand New Vue, was asked what she planned to be doing in year.  She knew it would be something helping girls.  Beginning with the end in mind and inspired by her three daughters, Therese created Yes Girls Create Inc, a New York City based non profit organization which focuses on self-esteem building through creative activities for girls ages 7-14.  Her mission with Yes Girls as well as with Brand New Vue, a diverse and engaged management team, is to empower girls and young adults to win and Dream Out Loud!  She helps them discover their why and to take it to the next level.  Check out this week’s episode for more.

This week’s guest is…

Therese Myers is a native New Yorker. She is a Wife, Mother, Mentor, Author and all around Creative Woman. She has always been a creator of win/win opportunities.  She has the exceptional ability to bring out the best in people by coaching them to live their life on purpose and with passion.

Therese earned her Masters of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. With over 20 years of corporate and leadership experience with luxury brands, Therese is best known for helping to manifest concrete goals with specific deliverables and helping others reimagine the possibilities in their personal life and professional career.  She is skilled at inspiring and leading both teams and individuals to success. She has had a direct impact on increasing profitability and visibility for several businesses.

With the inception of Brand New Vue LLC. Therese and her team focuses on reimagining the possibilities of small businesses in the marketplace. This is accomplished by developing innovative strategies for  businesses. Brand New Vue is a diverse and engaged management team which focuses on bringing visibility to personal and professional brands in the competitive marketplace.

In 2018 she founded Yes Girls Create Inc. a New York City based non profit organization which focuses on self-esteem building through creative activities for girls ages 7-14. Therese lives her life on purpose and uses this as a key ingredient as she partners with her clients.

CONNECT WITH THERESE:

Lisa L. Baker, CEO and Founder, gets to helps others answer their purpose, live her purpose, and give back.  At the age of 54, Lisa said Yes to the severance package her company was offering, had no plan, and because of that leap of faith, she “gets to do”.  Check out this week’s episode for more.

This week’s guest is…

Lisa L. Baker shows high performing professionals how to Level Up – get connected, get promoted, get wealth – and Live the Life of Their Dreams!

Lisa has over two decades of extraordinary success in a series of leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies that include Synchrony, Microsoft and Citigroup and Bank One. At Synchrony, a company with over 16,000 employees, Lisa was one of only nine Black female executives. She was Senior Vice President and General Manager in charge of growing the $2.5B eBay credit portfolio.

Lisa lived through bankruptcy, divorce and career setbacks but with prayer, perseverance and God’s promises, she not only survived but achieved record-breaking results!

Lisa retired at age 54 to pursue her dream of helping others to reach their peak. Her greatest passions are faith, family and financial freedom. Lisa is the Founder of Ascentim LLC, a coaching practice that guides its clients to live more meaningful and abundant lives.

Lisa earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Louis University. She is a certified Personal and Executive Coach (The CaPP Institute), a certified Master Financial Coach (Ramsey Solutions), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). She also holds a certificate in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

Lisa has two children, 5 grandchildren and lives in Baltimore with her husband Clarence Baker, Jr.

CONNECT WITH LISA:

Did you know you have the power to shift your mindset? Did you know you don’t have to be a people pleasure?  Did you know you can live unapologetic?  This week’s guest Coach Kisha Woods, Mindset/Entrepreneurial Growth Coach, learned that she could after taking a 30 day reflective break.  She took agency of her state of mind, put herself 1st and started to live life on her terms.  Coach K shared three actions women of color can take to own their power and voices plus the 3 R’s she lives by.   Check out the episode for more.

This week’s guest is…

Kisha Woods ~ Success lies in positive changes! I’ve set out on an empowering mission to bring awareness to positive growth methods to allow other women to embrace their true identity, breaking free from self limitations, outside influence and negative energy.

CONNECT WITH KISHA:

Checking in from Nigeria, Nana Ize Musa, an Ambassador with a great passion for humanity's appointment, shared about her humanitarian work and its global impact.  Nana has dedicated her life to serving women and children, educating them and keeping them safe.  In response to what 3 things a woman could do to own her power and voice, believe you are capable was her final point. Check out this week’s episode for more.

On another note, Nana encouraged me to go horseback riding.  “Soon come.” :O)

This week’s guest is…

I am a Nigerian lady with a great passion for humanity's appointment. I am a Human Rights Ambassador, cofounder of Modest Women Voices and founding member of Love Therapy Thursday. I have a strong vision of uplifting women and youth.

CONNECT WITH NANA:

When I read Kristina Thomas’, Mother/Healer/Entrepreneur, Bio, I knew our #intimateconversation would be an emotional one.  Indeed it was. We talked about the various methods of healing she uses, reiki, egg spiritual cleanse, we’re at different stages of losing our fathers, and she surprised me when she shared the impact my sister’s book when she was in high school.  You just never know…. Check out this week’s episode for more.

This week’s guest is…

My name is Kristina Thomas. A DC native operating a healing business that provides services and products to assist you throughout your journey.

WAYS TO CONNECT

Imagine doing all the things to become an anesthesiologist to be told by a patient they did not want a Black doctor? Dr. Christen Behzadi, a board-certified anesthesiologist and founder of InternationalIntercultural, didn’t have to imagine this as she lived it. Thanks to a colleague confronting the patient, Dr. B. and this doctor “bonded in allyship”. Check out this week’s episode for more.

Ways to Connect

After losing her mom, Ashley Johnson, mother or 2, a personal trainer and owner of BE U Fitness, suffered with depression. After also gaining over 300 pounds, Ashley made the decision to “love herself” and started her journey to a healthier lifestyle. Check out our conversation in this week’s episode.

Connect with Ashley

It’s a New Year and for many that signals time for a change. Whether you’re burned out, exhausted, ready for something new, this week’s #intimateconversation is for YOU! Check out the 1st episode of 2022 and season 3 with Jocquice “Jae”Spikes, a Career & Business Coach, as she breaks down the three things we can do to “change our HAT”.

Connect with Jae:

Al Jones had to hit rock bottom before he recognized the financial hole, he had dug for himself. He had weakened his financial foundation with a series of poor decisions, and a criminal case of identity theft had struck the finishing blow. It would take a lot of work to repair his credit. Luckily, Jones was up for the challenge! He now wants to share his insightful journey with you.  As of 08/31/2020, his credit score has increased to the perfect rating of 850.

Ways to Connect

Naomi Samuel is a Dallas native, born and raised in Garland, Texas, but considers Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to be her second home. Or really, where her heart resides. She’s currently a Management PhD Student at The University of Texas at Arlington. Before this, she worked in management consulting after graduating from Southern Methodist University in 2019 with degrees in Marketing & English.

She’s been advocating for diversity and writing poetry since she was a child. As an interdisciplinary graduate, she strongly believes that at the intersect of multiple domains of knowledge, exists new forms of practice to make the world more equitable for historically disenfranchised groups.

She’s particularly interested in designing creative interventions to increase racial equity in the workplace. She’s been an outspoken advocate of ending natural hair discrimination via #TheCROWNAct; and is currently a fellow of The CROWN Campaign, an interdisciplinary, grassroots effort to advance federal policy prohibiting natural hair discrimination. She loves leading and holding space to have conversations around what innovation is necessary to make the world more inclusive and reduce group-based discrimination and harms.

Ways to Connect

In this week’s episode, I flipped the script my Sister Friend Monique Evans, an EquipFin Transaction Coordinator in Commercial Banking Operations at Wells Fargo & Company, who answered “What’s the T?”.  Instead of my normal Q&A style, I tossed out topics and Monique weighed in. We talked Dating to the Pride Umbrella to Privilege and brought it back to ICW fashion with the importance of using our voices, specifically Trans WOC + Wealth. Could not leave this out especially with Monique being in Banking. Check out the episode for the full scoop. BTW, it’s a long one so pause then play if you must.

Annndddd, let’s wish Moniquea Happy Birthday October 24th Birthday!!!

Ways to Connect/Resources

IG: @iammoniqueevans

Article Features:

From Finance to Poetry

By Michelle Brown, Collections by Michelle Brown

Hey! I’m Tasha Randle, a down-to-earth girl who can’t be put into a box. I love God and also love a good trap song. I turn up in the car and then walk into work ready to make boss moves, set strategy and deliver results. But most important for you, I’m about my business and always determined to deliver results. And I’ll use my insightful skills, practical problem-solving and bias for action to help you unleash your gifts and create a purpose-aligned action plan to achieve your dreams.

Being a Latina and specifically a Latina from Brazil is very important to Sheila, Public Policy Fellow, Office of Equity and Racial Justice at the Office of Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. So much so, in 2018, she quit her job and along with her husband, who took a sabbatical, and 3 children spent a family gap year there. Learn more about Sheila and the importance of owning where you’re from, really in this week’s episode.

Being raised by parent born in Cuba, her mom is mulata and her father is Black, Josy Laza Gallagher, MA, (she,her,hers,ella), Global Inclusion Consultant & Executive Coach, Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement(HACE) Board Member, Former President, Madrinas, is who she is. “I am not one or the other. I am the best of both worlds and I am proud to be both.” Listen to learn more about Josy’s “cubanismo” in this week’s episode. 

Resources: 

Growing up, people tried to put Yvette in a box. She made the decision if she could not check Black and Latina (Hispanic/Latino), she wouldn’t check anything. Learn how Yvette does not let people box her in and how she celebrates her heritage in this week’s episode.

As we kick off our Hispanic Heritage Month Special Edition of ICW, we learn how Texas born Anna pays homage to those who came before her which fuels her to pour into those who are here. Listen as Anna talks about how she celebrates HHM and, her commitment to and investments in, all Women of Color.

Connect:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ac3881/     Twitter:  @ac3881

I’m a director of student affairs at an R1 institution in the Northeast and an adjunct professor in the university's college of education. When I'm not working with college students, I lead a different classroom as the founder of the podcast and lifestyle brand, Schoolin Life. After so many exciting Schoolin Life interactions, I developed proven strategies and a framework for helping women get unstuck in life. With more than 10 years of professional experience in corporate, non-profit, and educational leadership, I use mentoring to serve women and teach them how to leverage their leadership skills to thrive personally and professionally.

Invest in yourself and let me provide the missing pieces to you in a personal, safe space where we break down into simple steps, the path forward to your best self.

Ways to Connect

Mentor Me

I am a Career & Mindset Strategist that teaches high-achieving professionals and small businesses owners how to discover their defined natural abilities to level up professionally, achieve high levels of success and rapidly ascend in their careers.

Born and raised in Austin, Texas, my career has focused primarily on developing health education programs, strategic communications, and project management. My love and talent for program and project management led me to relocating to Virginia in 2013, and that was the beginning of a new era for me.

In 2020, after several shifts and pivots in my professional journey, it dawned on me that my experiences over the past few years should be shared with others that are striving to level up and advance their careers. The questions I had to ask myself were - “What is it that helped me”? and “How did I excel, and successfully tackle challenges and barriers to ensure that I reached my goals?”. The answer… it was my defined natural ability. I was leveraging what I had inside of me as tools to get to where I wanted to be professionally. It was my Professional DNA!

In March 2021, I launched Professional DNA to create a space and community for every person looking to level up professionally, grow their business, improve their performance, or simply refocus their professional journey. The Professional DNA Podcast is a weekly conversation to educate, liberate, and empower you to discover your defined natural abilities so you can become your best unique self.

In July 2021, I launched the Discovery Masterclass to teach high-achieving professionals strategies for rapidly ascending in their careers in 90 days!

I have spent my career challenging assumptions and asking thought-provoking questions of myself and others. I believe that knowing your Professional DNA is a way to truly crack the code to being successful in your career. It can be a true game changer and serve as a catalyst for exponential personal and professional growth.

Ways to Connect

Dr. Joynicole Martinezis founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Alchemist Agency, a management and leadership development consulting firm focused on building the capacity of purpose driven organizations, corporations, and executives.

Dr. Martinez is an award-winning international speaker and trainer with over 20 years of experience providing capacity-building services, including fund development, leadership and board training, strategic planning, and performance management and optimization.

As a community advancement and public health expert, Joynicolehas developed initiatives that reach across disciplines to strengthen health and wellness. For example, the development of mixed-income, mixed-finance housing communities that address the social determinants of health, equity, and human rights. Joynicole was awarded the African Community Service Award for her work and contribution to the African diaspora abroad and in the United States.

Dr. Martinez earned a BA in Political Science from the College of Charleston, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, a DSc. In Counseling and a Health Science Doctorate (DHSc.) with a concentration in Leadership and Organizational Behavior from A.T. Still University. She is also a Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB).

She is an inaugural member of the Peace50 (P50) Community an international think tank and engagement group that makes policy recommendations toward the achievement of global peace, a Subject Matter Expert for the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and U.S. Ambassador for Diplomatic World Magazine. Joynicole was appointed as Senator at the Grand Assembly of the World Business Angels Investment Forum. Senator Martinez represents the United States in the Global Woman Leaders Committee of the Grand Assembly. Dr. Martinez is a SheSource Expert in the areas of Business and the Economy, Health, and Social Justice, a contributor to the newspaper The Carolinian, and is the Director of Research & Development for the World Woman Foundation. Joynicole is a member of the invitation-only community of leadership and executive coaches, the Forbes Coaches Council.

Results oriented project manager with over 17 years’ experience and a passion for collaborating with and helping others as well as solving complex business problems. Persuasive and enthusiastic management and leadership style with a focus on volunteering and giving back to the community.

Ways to Connect

Ways to Connect

708-526-3894 (Personal/Professional Networking)

630-891-3027 (Professional if seeking therapy services)

#HappyPride! This episode is a reflection on when this podcast was "conceived" and a #TBT with one of my 1st podcast guest and panelist. Yu never know where inspiration will hit.  Embrace it!