Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color

Mia Hawkins serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Voices of Faith Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia and Owner of Mia Hawkins & Co, LLC, coaching rising entrepreneurs and teaching financial literacy courses for adults and children. Listen as Mia Hawkins discusses the financial strategies for wealth building, estate planning, and self-care practices that lead to financial wellness.

Brandi Gamble is the C.E.O. of MoneySMART, a Financial Education Platform that provides empowering concepts and strategies for her clients to make smarter money choices. Brandi is also the co-author of Design Your Wealth Mindset: Guidelines Principles and Strategies for R.E.A.L. Women. Listen as Brandi shares principles from "The Exit Strategy" that lead to financial freedom, security and wellness.

Senator Tonya P. Anderson and Representative Shelly Hutchinson proudly serves the citizens of Georgia and their respective districts in the Georgia State Legislature.  In addition to their political offices and committees, Senator Anderson is an ordained minister, a life coach, consultant, motivational speaker, mentor and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Representative Hutchinson is a wife, mother, social services, mental health professional, and eucharist minister in her local parish. Join us as we discuss the unique issues women in politics face as public servants while creating and maintaining harmonious lifestyles of self-care, health and wellness. 

Yolanda Alexander and Mona Roberts are wives, mothers, grandmothers, serial entrepreneurs, business and corporate executives. Yolanda is the Director of Finance at The Housing Authority of Dekalb County, GA and Mona is the Owner/Operator of Kid's R Kid's Childcare and author of the Next Right Move. Join us as we discuss how we began walking together during the pandemic that led to what we affectionately call the "Diva's on the Trail Walking Crew". Listen as we share candidly about how our friendship formed around our need for support with fitness and other areas of our lives. This conversation will encourage and inspire women to get out of their comfort zone to connect and develop fun, nurturing and supportive relationships with women who refresh the soul.

Dr. Michelle Wallace is a pediatric cardiologist with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology, assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory School of Medicine, and adjunct assistant professor of pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine. Join us in a conversation about the importance of pediatric cardiovascular care for children and adolescents. In this conversation Dr. Wallace discusses the connection between heart diseases that begin in childhood and often present in adulthood. She gives practical advice on how families, churches and community organizations can prevent heart diseases in children and adolescents through diet, exercise, family fitness, education and advocacy. Listen and share this conversation widely, because healthy hearts include our children. #hearthealth4children

Rev. Dr. Kelly U. Farrow is a preacher, educator, lecturer, mentor, social justice advocate, founder of the Circle of Scared Fire Preaching Intensive and the Kelly U. Farrow Institute for Black Preaching and Education. Join me in an engaging conversation with Dr. Kelly as she eloquently defines womanist theological concepts of radical self-love, and social factors that impact ways in which women of color may view themselves. Dr. Kelly shares candidly from her own life experiences and offers us ways in which we can celebrate one another and practice radical self-love.

Dr. Irene M. Abrons is the Dean of Business and Entrepreneurship of Generation College in Chicago, IL and former Dean of the Online and Innovative Programs at The Joseph Business School. She has over 20 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, operations management, project management and planning, building and managing high performing teams, business process mapping, and new program/initiative development. While she has had a successful career, she suffered from a lack of work/life harmony. Join me with Dr. Irene Abrons as she shares about the health challenges she experienced as a result of overperforming in the workplace and how she gained insight and courage to change her work habits, lifestyle, fitness, health and wellness through a process of intentional self-care.

Cynthia Wheeler, CPA is a well-versed accounting professional with over 25 years of progressive experience. Her career ventures include various positions with Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations. Cynthia is the owner of All Things Accounting, LLC, a professional accounting and bookkeeping service, providing back-office service and support, accounting and bookkeeping services. In January 2023, Cynthia had no idea she would be dealing with the loss of her mother and a series of losses that would set her on a journey of grief. Join me in a candid conversation with Cynthia about her grief journey and how engaging in a process of intentional self-care has supported her fitness, health, wellness, and the healthy management of her grief.

Paula Burch Jackson is an author, teacher, preacher, Associate Broker and motivational life coach. Join me in conversation with Paula as she shares how she improved her health, lost 30lbs, and lowered her blood pressure, A1C, and cholesterol levels in 2023. Listen as Paula talks about the value of women investing in themselves and the support, encouragement, and accountability she received in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program.

Tamara M. Brown is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Think Common Entertainment. Her role is to ensure the continuity and success of the team, brand, marketing, business operations, and social impact efforts for the multi-hyphenate, multi-awarded artist professionally known as Common. Join me in a candid conversation with Tamara about her high-level career, busy travel and work schedule and how she is achieving her fitness, nutrition, health and wellness goals as a result of the coaching, support, and self-care strategies she discovered in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program.

Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Ph.D., is a prominent scholar, theologian, author, professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, known for her thought-provoking work on racial justice and spirituality. With a deep commitment to social change, she combines her expertise in clinical psychology and theology to tackle issues of systemic oppression, cultural trauma, and their impact on individuals and society. Through her research, writing, and speaking, Dr. Chanequa strives to inspire others to transformative social action and wholistic self-care. Join me and Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes as we discuss the motivations behind her new book, Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, and why self-care should be viewed and practiced as a sacred.

Rev. Danielle L. Brown, Sr. Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Plainfield, NJ is an increasingly sought-after preacher and workshop leader with the ability to communicate across multiple generations. Dr. Brown is a compassionate pastor, community leader, educator, seminary and adjunct professor and actively engaged in the mentoring of pastors and women in ministry. Join us in a conversation about her recent weight loss, grief journey and the intentional self-care, health and wellness practices that ensures her longevity and success in life and ministry.

Rev. Anika Wilson Brown, PhD is a dynamic, engaging, transformative leader and pastor of the Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Join us in a conversation about her weight loss journey that began with a reshaping of her thinking and relationship with food. Dr. Anika shares candidly about her personal struggles for perfection and acceptance and reveals how therapy helped her to overcome cultural expectations, and a spirit of martyrdom while serving in ministry. As a result, Dr. Anika is passionate about harmonizing her roles as a wife, mom of 3, businesswoman, pastor, national speaker, counselor, and ministry leader.

Jeanne Porter King, PhD, is an author, consultant, pastor, and leadership coach specializing in women's leadership. A trusted teacher and guide who has taught leadership at both the undergrad and seminary levels, Dr. Porter King is the founder and president of TransPorter Group Inc., a consulting company focused on leadership development. She is passionate about developing existing and emerging women leaders. Join me in conversation with Dr. Jeanne Porter King discussing principles from her new book, Leading Well: A Black Woman’s Guide to Barrier Breaking Leadership. This conversation seeks to encourage and empower women to lead from a position of confidence and wholeness. 

Tisa Smart Washington, MBA, MPA was elected Rockdale County Georgia, Tax Commissioner in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. As a student in the Global Leadership PhD Program at Troy University, Tisa is researching the phenomenon of “Black Girl Magic.” Tisa proffers, “while black girl magic speaks to a black woman’s ability to succeed against all odds, the odds are very real and challenging, especially when it comes to leadership.” Join me and Tisa in an enlightening conversation as she deconstructs some of the ideas of “black girl magic” and offer us ways in which black women can live and lead that are not injurious to our physical, mental, financial, spiritual, and relational health.   

Dr. Brian Keith Hodges is the senior pastor of Gathering of Champions Church in Marietta, GA. He is a leadership and executive coach, professor of religious studies, ministry consultant, team builder, leadership strategist and author of the book, Basic Money Matters. Join, Bishop Johnathan Alvarado and I, in a candid conversation with Dr. Hodges about his weight loss journey, stress reduction, healthy eating, fitness, self-care, health and wellness for black men. 

A man of varied gifts and talents, Derwin Davis is the passionate Sr. Pastor of Reach Church in Lithonia, GA, a brilliant businessman, masterful musician, and an empowering educator. Join me in a candid conversation with Pastor Derwin about his struggles with obesity, his unhealthy relationship with food and how losing 100 plus pounds has improved his health and his ability to enjoy simple pleasures in life. Whether mentoring, counseling, teaching, lending or ministering, Derwin's primary goal and mission is to help people WIN in every area of their lives including weight loss, self-care, health and wellness for black men.

Dr. Hardy is a Staff Psychologist for the Department of Justice and Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Listen as we continue the conversation on self-grace which involves the ability to forgive ourselves from past mistakes in order to move our lives forward. Dr. Hardy unpacks the cognitive disssonace that is associated with ones inability to offer self-grace and and self-forgiveness. She offers us strategies for reprogamming our thinking in ways that help us become the best version of ourselves. 

Dr. Keisha V. Thompson, Psychologist, Professor of Psychology, Author and Motivator is leading women in movements of intentional self-care. Listen as we discuss self-acceptance that leads to an internal sense of being good enough and self-esteem that does not rely on societal standards of beauty and success. Dr. Keisha further unpacks what it means to internalize grace in ways that are refreshing and results in lifestyles of peace, harmony and self-care.

Jayne Morgan, M.D. is a Cardiologist and Executive Director of the Covid Task Force at the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, GA., CNN medical expert contributor, owner, and creator of The Stairwell Chronicles - a social media series directed towards addressing questions surrounding Covid vaccines. Join me in an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Morgan as she discusses health and science inequities and complicit biases toward people of color in American healthcare systems. Dr. Morgan aims to educate women of color, particularly in the areas of maternal health, cardiovascular diseases, and healthy heart health habits. This conversation is designed to educate, inspire and change the narrative for women of color as it relates to heart disease.

Georgia State Representative, Doreen Carter was sworn in for her fifth term on January 9, 2023. Representative Carter proudly serves House District 93 including the counties of Newton, Rockdale and DeKalb, Georgia. In addition to serving as a member of the Code Revision, Education, Industry and Labor, Small Business Development, and Special Rules committees, and Treasurer of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Representative Carter has partnered with the American Heart Association Go-Red for Women Heart Health Initiative and hosts events designed to educate communities of color regarding heart diseases. Listen as Doreen Carter share candidly about how she became a survivor of a heart attack and stroke and a thriving advocate for Heart Health Awareness among Women of Color.

Robin currently serves as a mental health therapist, a Life Coach and speaker. Her life changing advice has been featured in Essence Magazine, the Rickey Smiley Show and for many years weekly on Radio One’s Gospel Station – Praise 102.5, the K.D. Bowe Show where for 5 years Robin was the featured life coach. Robin is the author of several books including “The 30 – Day Intentional Intimacy Project * For Married Women!” and a weekly devotional entitled “Live Intentionally, Fully Engaged”. Join me in an inspiring conversation with Robin and discover how your internal dialogue impacts your self-image, self-worth, self-confidence and self-care.

Debrena Jackson Gandy is a thought-leader, Renaissance Woman, and a trailblazer in the area of creating and living a deeply joyful and fulfilling life.  With the national release of her best-selling book, Sacred Pampering Principles, nearly 25 years ago, she ushered “self-care” into the vernacular of Black Women and took it a step further to introduce us to the concept of SACRED Self-Care. Join me in a conversation with Debrena Jackson Gandy about Sacred Self-Care that includes care of the whole woman, mind, body, spirit and juicy relationships.

Dr. Shawna Brumfield, of Conyers Holistic Chiropractic offers services focused on integrative women's wellness, chiropractic care and nutrition response testing. As a patient of Dr. Shawna, I personally know the benefit of being under her chiropractic care. Join me and Dr. Shawna Brumfield as we discuss the value of holistic living, chiropractic medicine, the importance of spine health, wellness and self-care.

Alexis Gilmer, is a clinical licensed counselor in training, coach and speaker. Join us in a discussion about the mental health crisis, stigmas and fears facing GenZ's add Millennials. Alexis shares common issues young adult women experience in seeking clinical counseling and therapy and the importance of healthy systems of support in mental health and self-care.

Brenda Troy lost her mother at very young age to cancer. She states, this traumatic loss became the impetus and motivation for healthy living. After making radical changes to her lifestyle, Brenda has been a serious champion, teacher, coach and motivator for people who desire to live healthier. Join me and Brenda in this inspiring conversation and learn practical ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, exercise, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Ginger Miller is a native New Yorker and former homeless service-disabled Navy veteran turned White House Champion of Change for Women Veterans and President and CEO of the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation. Join us as Ginger shares her story and motivation for empowering women veterans through dedicated research, tailored support programs, training, and resources to equip them at all stages of their military transition. Listen as we discuss health, wellness and self-care needs for women veterans and the importance of family, friend and community support.

Dr. April L. Spencer is breast surgical expert, and founder of the Global Breast Health & Wellness Center. She states,  “I have a front row seat to witness the most amazing stories unfold every single day. To see the growth of my patients– not just physically– but spiritually and emotionally watching them reclaim their power from cancer, it never gets old.” Join me and Dr. Spencer as she discusses the importance of breast health, self-care and the "ABC's of Breast Cancer Prevention."

Ladonna Roberts is one of the real faces of domestic violence. Her very tragic story of being shot by her estranged boyfriend who also shot and killed their 4-year-old son, Austin, before killing himself changed her life forever. Listen as Ladonna recounts the events of September 21, 2004, and reasons she ignored warning signs in her abuser’s actions. Turning her pain into purpose through the Austin Tyler Foundation, Ladonna works to bring awareness, educate, and empower women, children and the community in an effort to break cycles of domestic violence.

Cynthia Williams Turner, PhD is a wife, mother, professor, Dean and Diversity Officer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Having revamped her entire dietary and physical lifestyle, in 2008, Cynthia wrote about the spiritual insights gained from her life-altering experience in her first-ever book entitled, “My Seven-Day Makeover: One Breast Cancer Survivor’s Spiritual Journey.” Join us as we discuss insights and wisdom found in her book and the mindset, environment, and habits that supports for cancer-free lifestyle.

Sarah Michelle launched her Full-Scale Global Boutique HandbagsULike, and the Impact experience to celebrate women who have overcome toxic relationships and circumstances that directly affect their mental and physical well-being. In 2021 Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer which led to amazing healing journey. Listen as Sarah shares her treatment choices and the self-care, health and wellness routines she is practicing. Whether or not you have experienced breast cancer, this inspiring conversation with Sarah Michelle will bring healing, hope and joy.

As a survivor of Domestic Violence, Tamiko Lowry-Pugh transparently shares her story and has turned her pain into purpose. She is the founder of the Still Standing Alliance – a nonprofit organization that focuses on domestic violence advocacy, awareness, and prevention. Listen as Tamiko shares her story and gives insight into the impact of domestic violence on women's physical, emotional, and psychological self.  Tamiko gives keys to thriving after surviving domestic violence.

Dr. La'Vel Hardy is a wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, visionary leader, counselor, motivational speaker and host of the I Love Me On Purpose Conference. Join us in conversation about her life as a "PK" (preacher's kid), assistant pastor and senior pastor and how she is revisioning her life and ministry through intentional self-care. Listen as Dr. Hardy teaches us what it means to live a life of self-love on purpose.

Dr. Valerie Bridgeman joined the 50 State Half-Marathon Challenge at age 63 with a goal of completing 50 States plus the District of Columbia by age 65. Join us in a conversation about her weight loss journey and her return to running half-marathons. Listen as Dr. Valerie shares insights from the emotional, physical and spiritual lessons she gleans from preparing and running half-marathons.

Crystal D. Stalling, wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, and Mary Kay Skincare & Cosmetics Consultant is enriching the lives of women through skincare education and Mary Kay entrepreneurship opportunities. Join us in an informational and inspirational conversation about the importance of skincare in self-care. Crystal advises that self-care must include skincare and is essential in maintaining healthy self-esteem, mental clarity, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, and wellness.

Naketa Ren Thigpen is the host of the Balance Boldly Podcast and author of Selfish: Permission to Pause, Live, Love and Laugh Your Way to Joy. Join us in conversation about her work as a balance and relationship advisor and why she builds upon her training as a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and trauma specialist to empower in living "Intentionally Selfish." Naketa dismantles social stigmas around the word "selfish" and encourages women to self-actualize, heal from traumas, and live fully while balancing work/life and love.

Ms. Lumaria Blakenly remains very active in her community, church, sorority, fitness, and part-time job after at the vibrant age of 80! Join us as Ms. Lumaria shares life lessons from her 50's 60's, 70's and strategies for remaining active and well as we age.

Join me in conversation with Maggie Joy Stanton, founder of the Stanton Institute of Leadership and Maggie Joy Stanton & Associates, LLC. This lighthearted conversation will have you laughing and crying as Dr. MJ shares from lessons on caregiving, widowhood, dating, relationships, fitness, career changes, and ministry at 70.

Join me in conversation with Sheila L. Agnew of Lifestyle Fitness for Active Adults, discussing how she became comfortable with telling her age at 70 with boldness and confidence. This conversation will empower women to fulfill their dreams, discover new passions and fully embrace their identity and the blessings of their current age.

Bonnie "Yakini" Davis, MS, MBA is a specialist in aging and author of Getting Old and Getting Over it, Sort Of... Join us in conversation about her professional and lived experiences that motivated to write this book. Bonnie's witty personality, candor and humor will encourage listeners to glean valuable lessons and self-care strategies that will loosen emotional, psychological, and physical wrinkles as we age.

Michael Washington is a certified ordained chaplain and clinical pastoral educator. Join us in a riveting conversation on the role of "soul-care" in self-care for men. Dr. Washinton speaks from his experiences as a chaplain at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and his years of providing spiritual direction to men in church and clinical contexts. Listen and discover ways in which men can engage in soul-care and the benefits of a healthy spiritual life for men.

Pastor Carey Conner states, Self-care and healthy living requires discipline." Join me and Dr. Johnathan Alvarado in conversation with Pastor Conner as he discusses the benefits of his fitness regimen on his personal and professional life. Pastor Conner enlightens us on the mental and physical discipline men (and women) must develop to train their mind, body, spirit, and palate to eat healthy and exercise consistently.

Dr. Alduan Tartt is a psychologist, minister, speaker, media host and author who serves as a frequent psychology expert on CNN and HLN. Listen as Dr. Tartt,  Dr. Johnathan Alvarado and I discuss mental health matters for black men. Dr. Tartt uncovers systemic reasons why black men may resist therapy and gives us therapeutic strategies for treating and resolving mental health issues in family, marriage, parenting, and relationships.

Dr. Calvin Ellison is an author, entrepreneur, naturopathic doctor, certified nutritional consultant, and global wellness trailblazer. Join us in an inspiring conversation about issues of self-care, health and wellness that are particular to men of color. Dr. Ellison shares valuable information from his books, seminars, and years of experience in motivating men to eat healthy, exercise and take better care of themselves.

Join me in a transparent conversation with Roslyn Bogle about her struggles with attentiveness, low-self-esteem, relationships and the management of life and work, because of ADHD. Roslyn's message is, "You Are Not Broken" as she shares lessons learned about the ways in which ADHD present for women and the victory, she is gaining through medication, therapy, supportive relationships, exercise, healthy eating, setting healthy boundaries, time management, and rest.

Jada Right is an occupational therapist, doula, lactation specialist, and certified yoga instructor. Join us as Jada discusses the stressors of life that negatively impact our ability to breathe properly. Jada demonstrates cleansing, invigorating, relaxing breath techniques that can be practiced throughout our day, creating awareness and energy, decreasing stress, and optimizing our overall wellbeing.

Nafeesha Frost-Bailey is a wife and mother of 2 boys, an educator, a wellness specialist who specializes in helping women to reach the highest version of themselves through movement, nutrition, stress management, post-partum support and yoga. Join us as we discuss the struggles of practicing intentional self-care and motherhood. Nafeesha shares lessons learned from her doula during and after the birth of her 2nd son, how she developed a “sustainable” self-care plan, and why it is important for women to create boundaries for self-care that refuel,​refresh, and rejuvenate us while caring for family, friends, and career.

Join me with Dr. Alisha L. Jones-Skinner, associate professor in the music department of the University of Cambridge, board member of the Society for Ethnomusicology (SEM), American Musicological Society (AMS), and a co-chair of the Music and Religion Section of the American Academy of Religion (AAR). As a performer-scholar, Dr. Alisha consults museums, conservatories, seminaries, and arts organizations on curriculum, live and virtual event programming, and content development. Listen as Dr. Alisha talks to us about the discipline of deep listening and the role of music in overcoming trauma and mental health challenges. Dr. Alisha encourages us to develop a playlist of music that speaks to the essence of who we and including music in our health, ​wellness, and self-care.

Dr. Carolyn Boston Love is the Co-Pastor of One Church of Jacksonville, an educator, certified chaplain, counselor, coach, mentor to women in business and ministry, and founder of Embodiment, Inc. Listen as Dr. Love candidly shares about the history of depression and suicide in her family, and her personal battles with depression. As a chaplain and counselor, Dr. Love empowers her clients through practical strategies and spiritual insight into mental health. Dr. Love inspires us to courageously face personal struggles, seek professional help, and put in the work that is necessary to overcome emotional and mental health challenges.