wealth for life
If they were a company, the nation’s 101 HBCUs would place in the top 50 of the nation’s Fortune 500 companies in job creation. That's according to the 2024 HBCU Economic Impact Report by UNCF, which shows HBCUs have a $16.5 billion impact on the United States, creating more than 136,000 jobs and generating $146 billion in lifetime earnings for the collective HBCU graduates of 2021. Dr. Nadrea Njoku, Assistant Vice President of UNCF's Patterson Research Institute, and UNCF Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Lodriguez Murray discuss the findings of the report and a call to action to "vote for HBCUs" and continued federal and state funding in November.
If Donald Trump is elected in November, "we may never have another election," as he "wants to be a dictator on day one.". That's according to Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Harrison shares several fundamental freedoms which are at stake for Black voters in the upcoming presidential election. He also shares highlights from the recent presidential debate, the action-packed Democratic National Convention, discusses Vice President Kamala Harris' policies, and the DNC's plan to mobilize voters to vote blue up and down the ballot for local, state and federal elections.
In 2023, Zakia Blain, founder and CEO of 12-year-old body-positive lifestyle brand FBF Body, set off on an adult gap year to find the joy in entrepreneurship again
Adrion Porter, a workplace consultant and founder of Mid-Career Mastery, discusses his journey and the importance of mentorship and relationships in career success. He emphasizes the power of mutual mentorship and the need to redefine the narrative of black men in corporate America. Porter also shares his leadership style and defines success as transforming success into significance. He believes that excelling as a black man means helping others excel and maximize their impact on the world.
In this episode, we dive into the world of tech innovation and investment with Brian Brackeen, General Partner at Lightship Capital and a key figure behind Black Tech Week. Ramon Ray, small business expert and founder of ZoneofGenius.com interviewed Brian. Brian shares insights from his journey as an entrepreneur-turned-investor, highlighting the importance of execution in bringing ideas to life. He discusses Lightship Capital's mission to support underrepresented founders and offers valuable advice on pitching to investors. The conversation also explores the significance of Black Tech Week as a platform for showcasing talent, fostering community, and driving innovation in the tech industry.
Nicholas Wiggins, Managing Director of Values Partnerships, discusses his role in connecting companies and nonprofits with key stakeholders in the community. He emphasizes the importance of relationships and personal growth throughout his career. Wiggins also highlights the significance of mentorship and shares his leadership style, which focuses on compassion and giving employees the freedom to chart their own path. He discusses the challenges and wins he has experienced, including getting Beyonce to attend the NAACP Image Awards. Wiggins defines success as making a long-lasting impact and describes a black man who excels as someone who uplifts others and carries the culture with them.
Grace Easevoli, founder of East Trade LLC, transformed a $40 investment into a successful e-commerce business on eBay. Interviewed by Ramon Ray, ZoneofGenius.com, she shares how she's grown her online business. Starting with books and evolving to high-end fashion, she adapted to market demands and leveraged platforms like eBay for growth. Her success is attributed to understanding customer needs, consistent effort, strategic use of virtual assistants, and careful cost management. Grace's story highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and networking in e-commerce entrepreneurship.
Lesa Milan, star of Real Housewives of Dubai and founder of luxury maternity brand/skincare line Mina Roe discusses her business, how she built it, the importance of creating a stylish maternity line while pregnant, juggling motherhood and being a wife as well as being a reality star.
Nick Dillon, an accountability and mindset coaching counselor, discusses his career and the importance of mentorship and leadership. He shares advice he received about diversifying his business and the impact it had on his success. Dillon also talks about the challenges black men face in his industry and the importance of self-belief and emotional intelligence. He highlights his biggest win, receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and defines success as helping others succeed. Dillon emphasizes the qualities of a black man who excels, including determination, confidence, and forward thinking. He also mentions his father as a role model for excelling in the face of adversity.
In this episode of "The Rundown with Ramon," media consultant Maha Abouelenein discusses her new book, "Seven Rules of Self-Reliance." In this interview with Ramon Ray, publisher of ZoneofGenius.com, Abouelenein shares insights from her career working with tech giants and high-profile individuals, offering practical advice for personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of creating value, managing one's reputation, and adopting a long-term mindset. Abouelenein also shares personal experiences that shaped her approach to life and work, providing listeners with actionable strategies for success in today's fast-paced world.
From humble beginnings as an executive assistant to establishing the first diversity affairs department at a food services company, April Kelly-Drummond has dedicated her entire 30-year-career to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives—all with Denny’s Inc. The HBCU supporter discusses her journey to support diverse business initiatives, Denny’s fourth year as title sponsor of the Orange Blossom Classic, scholarship programs for students of all ages, and how DEI should be a part of corporate business strategies.
Brandy Norwood and Kathryn Hunter are the stars of the new psychological thriller "The Front Room" where everything goes to hell for newly pregnant Belinda (Brandy) after her mother-in-law (Hunter) moves in and tries to get her claws on the child. Brandy and Kathryn share how the films' spiritual and religious themes impacted their approach to their roles.
This special edition of "The Culture Shift" takes us to the Atlanta Symphony Hall for the red carpet premiere of "The Forge." Brought to us by The Kendrick Brothers, the new faith-based film tells the story of a 19-year-old (Aspen Kennedy) forced to confront his past with help from his mentor and boss. Stars like DeVon Franklin, Yvonne Orji, and Tina Campbell hit the red carpet to speak on the importance of the movie and why topics of discipleship are crucial for the next generation.
Javid Louis, the director of social media at Ticketmaster, discusses his career journey and the importance of mentorship and perception in the industry. He emphasizes the value of being authentic and true to oneself, and the joy of being able to monetize one's passion. Success, for Javid, is finding fulfillment in both career and personal life. He aspires to excel and pay it forward to future generations.
Sisters Alisa Lawrence and Nilaja Young, along with their husbands, and with investment from their mom, bought New England Sweetwater Farm & Distillery from their cousin.
Dr. Reginald Porter Jr. is the founder and CEO of RS Porter Consultancy LLC, which focuses on helping individuals transition their careers after retirement. He shares advice he received early in his career about the importance of treating people with respect. He emphasizes the changing nature of mentorship and the value of learning from people of different generations. Dr. Porter discusses the challenges he has faced as a black man in various industries, including stereotypes and lack of representation. He highlights his wins, including leading a successful educational merger and transforming a nonprofit organization. Dr. Porter defines success as helping others achieve their goals and considers himself a black man who excels because he can make things happen.
Jamel Johnson, a pastor and executive director, discusses his various roles and the importance of mentorship. He shares advice he received from his father and the impact it had on him. Jamel also talks about the challenges faced by black men in the healthcare industry and the need for representation. He highlights his wins and defines success as impacting others and leaving a lasting legacy. Jamel considers himself a black man who excels due to his resilience and determination.
A priest and an attorney. That’s the career path Avery O. Williams sought as a student at Morehouse College. But after the Chicago native read renowned director Spike Lee’s book, it sparked a deeper interest in film and showed him Hollywood was wherever you create it to be. He left his law dreams, was accepted to NYU’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, and has spent the past three decades working with some of biggest names in film and TV. Williams wrote the recently released Lifetime Original Movie: “Abducted at an HBCU: A Black Girl Missing Story," starring Naturi Naughton, Tanyell Quian, and Mark Hood, which was filmed in part at Morehouse. He discusses his journey as a screenwriter, his decision to shine a light on missing Black girls and women, and how his -HBCU prepared him to be an innovator in the film industry.
Wawa Gatheru, one of the world’s most influential environmental justice advocates, shares why Black women are at high risk in the climate crisis
Recently, Dr. Pam Middleton, a renowned physician, TEDx speaker, and well-being coach, shared invaluable advice on self-care specifically aimed at women, particularly those in the middle stages of life.
Continue watching to learn more about the challenges faced by overworked and overwhelmed women and the practical solutions for reclaiming joy and vitality.