Chocolate Chat Café: Candid Conversations

Have you ever felt and allowed fear to stop you from pursuing your dream? If you have, tune in as we discuss how to overcome those paralyzing moments, grasp that faith, and walk confidently with clarity into your purpose and calling. 

Sofia Fortin is the founder of the Happy Vagina Project. A Certified Authentic Tantra Coach and Sex Educator, she is the go-to gal for all things motherhood and sexuality. Her mission in life is to help all mammas (whether new or seasoned) to become best friends with their vaginas, their womanhood, and their authentic selves so they can unleash their inner awesome on the world. She is a mother, step-mother, wife, philosopher, feminist, and all-around badass.

Sofia brings a sassy blend of real talk, tantric tools, and modern science to her approach. As a long time communications consultant, she's got the chops to cheerlead you through those tough times when the ground beneath you doesn't seem too stable anymore and the things you thought you knew about yourself and your world are shifting.

Lakesha Jackson is a mom and woman who has weathered many storms but amid it all she has continued to be a woman of elegance, confidence, and determination. As a woman of God, she has completed a program that helps her understand what it means to be affected by poverty and homelessness. While she has suffered homelessness, rejection, and financial hardships, she hasn’t let that slow her down. Because of her training, Lakesha hopes to share her expertise. Lakesha wants to provide other women the knowledge, understanding, and resources on how to pull themselves out of poverty and become successful in life. Lakesha wants other women to learn how to love themselves, how to save and build generational wealth. Lakesha now serves as a CNA while being a fabulous mother to her children. A quote she lives by is “Try to love yourself as much as you want someone else to. Why? Because if you love yourself first, everything else falls into place”

Abby Cuevas, born in Saginaw and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is a wife and mother of four children. Abby has a passion to reach& encourage young. She is the founder of a Women’s group that she holds in her home called Facets and Rubies. Facets and Rubies was the name she was placed on her heart multiple times after learning how women are more precious than Rubies and how each one of them has a different side, a different Facet. This a group that she has prayed for over many years and it has slowly come to be. The motivation behind the group stemmed from becoming a mom at such a young age, she has felt a need to connect to younger women but has influenced even the older women. The final push towards this started when she attended a retreat for women and the Lord began to speak to her about her purpose. She hopes to make a big impact on not just women but for couples as well. As a believer in Christ, her goal is to show people the importance of knowing your identity in Christ find out your purpose in your life.

Portia Mosby is a loving, single mother of three. Originally from Pennsylvania, she relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2017 in pursuit of a fresh start. She is known for encouraging others, powerful prayers, her bold faith in Jesus Christ, and her strength. She has served in the healthcare field for over eight years. Her love, deep passion for people, and the desire to care for them has made an incredible impact on those she’s helped. She has had the humbling opportunities to partner with women and children’s shelters, food pantries, and has helped the homeless in her home state. Her ministry work will continue with evangelism and sharing her testimony during mission trips.

When she is not working full-time, she enjoys spending time with God and her family. Portia is preparing to get into the travel industry following the launch of her first published book, & quote; My Scars Tell A Story.

Lakendra D. Jones, Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan yet native of Trinidad British West Indies. Three Beautiful Children, six amazing Grandchildren, and present succor. Raised by her Beloved Grandmother,  Mrs. Blanche Jones, and Mother, Angela Jones,  eldest daughter of two siblings maternally and second of five paternally. Hometown Grand Rapids, Michigan, migrated to West Point, Mississippi, and Atlanta, Georgia. Certified Life Coach, Hair Stylist, Entrepreneur,  Business Owner, and Kingdom Ministry Leader. Survivor of divorce, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, sexual assault, mental abuse, physical abuse, church hurt, and trafficking in ministry. Graduated with a GED, attended Empire School of Cosmetology and Grand Rapids Community College, and Received serval certificates in Leadership, Business, and Marketing. Residing currently in Grand Rapids, Michigan, working on her career in Ministry and Health and Wellness Leadership along with her Memoir and future developmental projects. Loves traveling and interior design.

Dana is a proven achiever and not just a doer in every aspect of her life and career. She is currently a legal assistant, at a litigation firm. Her recent achievement is the Founder of Kingdom Steps Ministry. Her relentless curiosity, wisdom with common sense, while adept at increasing literacy, and awareness to diverse audiences. Has brought truth and substance to her life and others around the world. She has flipped popularity into purpose, to build up and use her God-given gifts to build up God's Kingdom. Her Mission is to help put communities in a new dimension. She is helping to transform women's lives and build unwavering faith, and willing vessels for God. Inspiring people as they follow her walk with building an intimate relationship with God. She helps to bring a shift and solution without the panic that sparks the minds of individuals positively for God.

Emeldah T Mufara is 31-year-old nurse living in Sydney, Australia. She is a mother and a domestic violence survivor who have decided to break her own silence and empower other women who through her own story.

Jo Ebisujima is a British-born Japanese-living multi-passionate entrepreneur and bestselling author who lives among the rice paddies just north of Tokyo. She helps entrepreneur moms get organized at home, with the kids, and in their business so that they have more time to build their empire.
She uses an unconventional but effective combo of Montessori (for wrangling the kids) and Kaizen (for baby steps in business and life) to help you get stuff done.

Dorlisa Adam

Born in Fort Rucker Alabama and raised in North Augusta S.C., Dorlisa Adams is the founder of Visions of Women (V.O.W.). During her time studying at Lander University, Visions of Women blossomed in 2014 to educate college campuses on domestic violence. She began raising awareness by starting a women’s support group, informing her colleagues on domestic abuse, sexual assault, and healthy relationships. Mrs. Adams continues to use the nonprofit organization’s platform to raise community awareness on abuse and volunteers for organizations to help abused and homeless families. She has become a victim service provider and taken sexual assault training nationally to ensure VOW remains a leader in domestic violence awareness. She is also a Girl Circle Facilitator, a program created from the One Circle Foundation and provided through the SC Domestic Violence Program.

When she’s not helping others, Mrs. Adams enjoys nature walks, swimming and watching movies. As she follows God’s calling on her life, Dorlisa will continue teaching others on the signs of domestic violence, how to stop abusive cycles and the importance of healthy relationships.

Gidget A Smith is the owner & Clinical Director of Etsah Solutions LLC. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She provides comprehensive mental health counseling services to adults, children, couples and families. In addition, she is a Career Coach Strategist that assists clients in identifying personal goals, developing leadership skills, planning career moves, in which she provides feedback on resumes or cover letters while coaching her clients in strategizing for successful job interviews. Gidget believes in the power of resilience and human connection when overcoming adversity.

Gidget A Smith is the owner & Clinical Director of Etsah Solutions LLC. She is a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. She provides comprehensive mental health counseling services to adults, children, couples and families. In addition, she is a Career Coach Strategist that assists clients in identifying personal goals, developing leadership skills, planning career moves, in which she provides feedback on resumes or cover letters while coaching her clients in strategizing for successful job interviews. Gidget believes in the power of resilience and human connection when overcoming adversity.

Dr. Vernita Glenn-White is currently an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at Stetson University. Prior to joining Stetson University, she served as a District Mathematics Specialist for the Office of School Transformation with Orange County Public Schools. Dr. Glenn-White has shifted her focus from solely Mathematics education and continues to share her knowledge regarding STEM education and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy, Environment, and Teaching at conferences across the country. Dr. Glenn-White also serves as the Assistant Director for the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Tech Trek program and College Representative for the Stetson University Branch of the AAUW organization. Dr. Glenn-White’s passion for educating others began with her time as a middle school mathematics teacher and high school instructional coach. Her main mission in life is to transform the learning experience of all learners by impacting 1Billion students and educators.

Melinda Harris is an Author, Speaker, Coach, and Domestic Violence Advocate. Melinda turned her test into her testimony. Her book titled I Survived It was released September 2018. Melinda stepped out on faith shared her testimony with the world how she survived domestic violence, hiding behind a mask, and how her life took a turn but it also helped her to become a stronger and powerful woman of God.

Her passion is to Educate, Equip, and Empower women although women as natural nurturers wear many hats however these hats become burdens and we are forced to mask what's weighing us down - unhealed hurt, financial strain, unhappiness, being overworked, dissatisfied, mistreated, disrespected, abused, and so much more or simply stripped of our God-given identity and purpose. She experienced all of that and along with depression, rejection, shame, and being embarrassed but by the grace of God over the course of the years Melinda gained strength and faith to turn the impossible to possible, it took her quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that she has it she will no longer be silent.

Melinda is a God's Girl, Servant Girl, Daughter, Sister, Auntie, Friend, Speaker, Survivor, Mentor, and Leader.

She enjoys spending time with her family and close friends, traveling, fashion from hair to make up clothes has a fetish for shoes, and handbags.

She works full time as a Customer Service Assistant Coordinator and has a side business as well Lady M Protection On The Go which is about equipping women with the necessary tools to keep them safe and also give them the confidence to know they have a way out of any situation.

Today Melinda is now able to volunteer and speak, teach to women in different prisons in Georgia that has dealt with Domestic Violence.

Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon) resides in the Washington, DC area. She is the Owner of Perfect Time SHP LLC, Coaching, Consulting, and Book Publishing Firm, founder of the G.R.I.N.D. Entrepreneur Network, and Write the Book Now!  She is the host of the I Am Dr. Sharon Interview Show and host and creator of five podcasts.

Dr. Sharon is the author of The Power of Networking: How to Achieve Success With Business Networking, Next In Line to Lead: The Voice of the Assistant Principal, Class of 2017 What’s Next?” and Women Who Lead: Extraordinary Women With Extraordinary Results, and North Carolina Girls Living In a Maryland World.

She is a contributing author for “The MLM Book: The Business of the 21st Century”; “Women On A Mission: Sisterhood of Stories; ” 3 P’s of Success: Purpose, Passion, Profit”;  “Renegotiating Greatness: 21 Lessons From Bold Entrepreneurs Who Have Built Successful Brands”; Behind the Scenes of a Phenomenal Woman and “Black Woman By Birth, Champion By Choice”.

Dr. Sharon has served as an educator for over 25 years. She currently serves as a Leadership Coach for novice school administrators. She is a former elementary and middle school principal in Maryland and North Carolina.

She is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University, National-Louis University, The Johns Hopkins University, Walden University, and Howard University.

Sharon holds a National Association of Elementary School Principal Mentor Certification and is a Certified Gallup-Strengths Coach.

She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, International Association of Women (IAW), an Official Member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Sister 4 Sisters Network, Inc, and Professional Women of Winston-Salem.

Felicia is the proud wife of Mr. Jason H. Brookins and holds the prestigious title of mother to one wonderful son, Phillip J. Brookins. She is a graduate of the University of Southern MS 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcast Journalism. She has always enjoyed writing poems and reading. She is the author of her first Christian Fiction trilogy, Sister Nadeen’s WAYS, which was released Spring 2017 and is available on Amazon.com paperback or Kindle Edition. She is also the winner of the 2016 Southern Laced Literary Award, 2018 AAMBC Urban Book of The Year and 2018 Finalist for Best Book Award from American Book Fest.

Felicia Brookins is also the Founder of the literary touring event, Inspired Resources, LLC ---‘WriteTheVision’-Writers Conference which connects aspiring writers and authors with experts in the fields of publishing, marketing, social media and legal advice for authors. She has held several successful tours in the Atlanta, GA area and recently in Jackson, MS.  She is available for book club discussions and speaking opportunities concerning the platform of her book.

Joy McLaughlin-Harris is a native of Gadsden, South Carolina.  Mrs. Harris is the founder of Touch of Joy, International, Touch of Joy Youth Foundation, and Hannah Joy Collection. Mrs. Harris has an Associates of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Psychology, and a Masters in Organizational Leadership and Development. Outside of being a successful entrepreneur, she is a renowned Published Author, Certified Financial Literacy Coach, Community Activist, Wife, and Mother.

In 2011 Joy was nominated and crowned as one of Columbia, South Carolina Phenomenal Women. In 2016 she was recognized by the Beauty Association and featured in Pastor’s Journal Magazine for her generous work in the community.  Joy continues to work hard each day creating a platform for women of color to express their voice as community leaders and successful entrepreneurs.

Joy approaches every day by the motto “failure is part of the process, only if you believe the process is part of your destiny”.

Megan K. Manigault, Best-Selling 3x Author, Inspirational Speaker, and Trauma Recovery Strategist, is passionate about assisting troubled youth and individuals who have experienced traumatic life's obstacles. Megan has always been involved in the community and hopes to encourage others to be the change they wish to see in the world. Through her strategies, she's helped many individuals overcome and find the beauty they possess within. When she isn't writing, she's progressing her International NPO "I AM VOICES” and loves spending time with family and friends. She spends a lot of time learning and researching mental and physical health in our communities so that she can encourage a full circle process to individuals searching for a peaceful, healthy, stress-free life, that's starts with internal development. She finds excitement in assisting others to get their stories from inside and into the atmosphere, her motto is "To Find Who You Are, You Must Acknowledge Where You've Been"

Life audits are necessary in evaluating your well-being, not just in one area but in basically everything. Life Audits are more crucial as in this day and age we are constantly running on 'E' with so much time spent on electronic gadgets when do we really take time to stop and smell the flowers. Check out emotions, our mental status, our health........ This is a time to Hit Pause and Reset and take a closer look at our lives. When doing your life audit, remember to keep your journal handy as I offer a few questions I used while doing my life audit. It's time to truly enjoy life!

Giving a warm hello to my listeners as we have been absent for a while. But we are back and better, ready to serve your listening ears. Stay tuned for more from Chocolate Chat Cafe': Candid Conversations by your very own, Master Coach Tamara C. Gooch