The Black Boss Ladies (BBL) Platform

Dive into the inspiring journey of Talicia Patterson, owner of Jayde Suites and Jayde Beauty Supply, and a true Black Boss Lady of Chicago entrepreneurship! This episode unpacks how Talicia, a wife and mother of four, fearlessly left a secure 7-year career as a CTA rail operator to pursue her childhood passion for braiding. Talicia shares the pivotal moments in her career, from realizing the strong market demand for her skills (after briefly leaving braiding for higher wages) to rapidly launching two salon suites. Listen in as she reveals the intense challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, including the 6-month zoning battle where she paid rent on an empty space while still working from home—a true lesson in resilience and tenacity. Learn how she successfully expanded her initial bulk supply buying into a thriving beauty supply store, and why she decided to transition the business from online to a physical location in 2024. This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in Black women entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, scaling service-based businesses, and mastering the art of the career pivot.

Dive into the incredible true story of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the 19th-century Black entrepreneur who became one of the wealthiest women in America during the California Gold Rush. Discover how this financial genius secretly used her massive fortune as a dedicated abolitionist and operative for the Underground Railroad. Learn about her groundbreaking legal fight that successfully desegregated public transit in San Francisco decades before the national Civil Rights Movement. Often called the "Black City Hall," Pleasant's influence made her a powerful Civil Rights pioneer and the original "Black Boss Lady." Don't miss this deep dive into a forgotten icon of African American history and entrepreneurship!

In this dynamic episode of the Black Boss Ladies Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Frankie Shipman-Amuwo, a true powerhouse in Public Health Operations and a leader focused on dismantling systemic barriers. Dr. Shipman-Amuwo shares her incredible journey, from serving as the Interim Director of Emergency Preparedness for Cook County to her pivotal role as Assistant Commissioner for the COVID Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she spearheaded the city's community-based testing operations. Frankie gets candid about the high-stakes environment of executive leadership, revealing her personal struggle with fear and imposter syndrome while managing massive, life-saving programs. She explains how her DrPH focus on equity, power, and trauma-informed practice fuels her work as a social justice change agent. Tune in to learn why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is non-negotiable for adaptive leaders and how Dr. Shipman-Amuwo balances strategic management for vulnerable populations—from Children and Youth Services to Senior Services—with her new role as Senior Director for Community Health. A must-listen for anyone interested in Black women in leadership, public health careers, and leading with courage and compassion.

On this episode of The Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to honor Modjeska Monteith Simkins — the Matriarch of the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina. Before Brown v. Board of Education, there was Briggs v. Elliott — and behind it was Simkins, a fearless educator, health advocate, and civil rights leader who helped lay the groundwork to end segregation. From leading public health reform to serving as the first female officer of South Carolina’s NAACP, Simkins fought tirelessly for equality, women’s leadership, and community empowerment. Her courage and service remind us that being a Black Boss Lady means using your purpose to uplift others. #ModjeskaSimkins #BlackBossLadiesPodcast #BlackBossLadiesPlatform #TiffanyBLee #BrownvBoardOfEducation On this episode of The Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we travel to Columbia, South Carolina, to honor Modjeska Monteith Simkins — the Matriarch of the Civil Rights Movement in South Carolina. Before Brown v. Board of Education, there was Briggs v. Elliott — and behind it was Simkins, a fearless educator, health advocate, and civil rights leader who helped lay the groundwork to end segregation. From leading public health reform to serving as the first female officer of South Carolina’s NAACP, Simkins fought tirelessly for equality, women’s leadership, and community empowerment. Her courage and service remind us that being a Black Boss Lady means using your purpose to uplift others. #ModjeskaSimkins #BlackBossLadiesPodcast #BlackBossLadiesPlatform #TiffanyBLee #BrownvBoardOfEducation

Get ready to be inspired! In this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform, we sit down with powerhouse attorney Joslyn Sandifer to talk about her incredible journey from a passionate volunteer to a zealous criminal defense lawyer and successful firm owner. Discover how this fearless Black woman overcame her deepest fears of failure to build a thriving career and a beautiful family. You'll hear how her faith as a devout Christian fuels her success as a lawyer, wife, and mother. Tune in for a raw, honest, and empowering conversation that proves it's never too late to become the hero of your own story. Tiffany Lee of Think Black Cultural Media Group and Julia Myers host.

In this powerful episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform, we honor the unsung hero of the Civil Rights Movement, Septima Poinsette Clark. Known as the "Mother of the Movement," Clark's journey from a dedicated teacher in segregated South Carolina to a revolutionary force for Black liberation is a masterclass in quiet resilience and strategic brilliance. We explore her pioneering work with the Citizenship Schools, a grassroots education program that taught Black adults how to read and write, not just for literacy, but to pass the voter registration tests that denied them their civil rights. This is a story of how one woman's faith in the power of education became the foundation for a movement, empowering thousands of Black people to become the heroes of their own stories. Tune in to be inspired by her legacy and learn how she paved the way for generations of Black women leaders.

What does it take to go from a successful corporate career to becoming a Chief Impact Officer? Join us as we chat with Regina Greer of United Way of Greater St. Louis. With a background in top corporate roles at American Express and American Water, Regina reveals how she leveraged her business acumen and strategic leadership to create powerful, systems-level change in the nonprofit world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a meaningful leap in their career.

Explore the inspiring and turbulent life of jazz legend Billie Holiday on this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast. We trace her journey from a difficult childhood in Baltimore to her rise as a fearless artist who broke racial barriers and used her voice to challenge injustice. Discover her iconic hits like "Strange Fruit," her collaborations with jazz greats like Louis Armstrong and Lester Young, and how her legacy as a cultural icon and "Black Boss Lady" endures.

Dr. Catina Lynett Rupert, founder of Cainos Empowerment Center, shares a remarkably resilient journey defined by turning adversity into advocacy. Driven into writing by the profound loss of her sister and back to school by the desire to be a better role model for her daughter, Dr. Rupert's life is a testament to embracing purpose. She bravely recounts confronting systemic injustice, including a felony charge from a predatory system, and the alarming dangers she faced as a correctional officer. This episode illuminates her powerful evolution from personal trials to becoming a decorated leader, best-selling author, and dedicated advocate for the Metro East community.

Join the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast this week for a deep dive into the life and unparalleled legacy of Ella Baker, the unsung architect of the Civil Rights Movement. Discover how this Black female leader shaped iconic organizations like the NAACP, SCLC, and SNCC, advocating fiercely for grassroots power and systemic change. Tune in to celebrate an incredible Black history icon whose impact resonates profoundly.

This Juneteenth, the Black Boss Ladies Platform is honored to feature Robin A. Proudie, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, retired federal servant, and fierce advocate for reparative justice. Discover Robin's incredible journey from holding top-secret clearance at the Pentagon to her most vital mission: honoring her Jesuit-enslaved ancestors who built Saint Louis University. As Founder and Executive Director of the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE), Robin shares her work centered on remembrance, restoration, and the fight for tangible reparations for historical injustices. Tune in to hear how this extraordinary Black Boss Lady is leading the charge to heal generational harms and redefine the legacy of freedom. Perfect for listeners interested in Juneteenth, Black history, St. Louis history, women in leadership, social justice, reparations, veterans, and civil rights advocacy.

On this Episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform podcast is Sonia Sanchez, born Wilsonia Benita Driver on September 9, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama, embarked on a remarkable journey from a shy, stuttering child to a revered literary icon and activist. Her life's narrative is a profound testament to the transformative power of language, the unwavering pursuit of social justice, and the enduring strength of a voice that refused to be silenced.

In this Black Boss Ladies Platform exclusive, Alderlady Shameem Clark Hubbard shares her journey as a Black woman in leadership, fighting for the 10th Ward of St. Louis. Hear about her impactful 170+ bills, dedication to public safety, and inspiring efforts to unite and strengthen divided communities.

On this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, Dr. Anna Julia Cooper was born into slavery and became one of the most influential Black scholars, educators, and early Black feminists in American history. She defied gender barriers in education, led one of the nation’s top Black high schools, and published A Voice from the South, a groundbreaking work that centered Black women in the fight for justice. Her life’s work laid the foundation for intersectional feminism and continues to inspire generations.

This compelling episode of the Black Boss Ladies podcast features an in-depth interview with the remarkable Tina Branch-Williams, a devoted ministry wife, mother of eight, accomplished entrepreneur, and inspiring author. Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6, Tina shares how she weaves her deep-rooted faith into every part of her life, from raising her family to running her Christ-centered daycare. We explore her calling to serve children through early childhood education and her vision to transform her daycare into a spiritual resource center for families. Tina also opens up about her journey as an author, using her voice to uplift others and help them grow in their relationship with God. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about obedience, grace, and living out God’s purpose—even when the path isn’t clear. This episode will make you want to laugh at times and cry at times. Don't miss it. #podcast #blackpreneur #femaleentrepreneurs #blackpodcast

In this episode of Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we dive into the extraordinary life of Mary Church Terrell, a trailblazing activist who fought for civil rights, women's suffrage, and racial uplift. From being one of the first Black women to earn a college degree to leading the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) and desegregating Washington, D.C. restaurants at age 86, Terrell’s legacy is one of resilience and progress. Tune in as we uncover her impact, challenges, and the lessons modern leaders can learn from her fight for equality. #BlackExcellence #WomenInHistory #CivilRights

In this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Barbara R. Primm, entrepreneur, and business consultant, to discuss her rise from a teenage mother facing adversity to a leader in literacy, business accreditation, and real estate. Dr. Primm shares her journey, overcoming family challenges and domestic violence, and how she built a thriving career empowering others through education and entrepreneurship. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, purpose, and breaking barriers! #BlackWomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Education #Resilience

In this episode of Black Boss Ladies Platform, we dive into the extraordinary life of Ruth J. Simmons, the first Black president of an Ivy League university. From her humble beginnings in Grapevine, Texas, to leading Brown University, Simmons shattered racial and gender barriers in higher education. Learn how she transformed institutions, championed diversity, and left a lasting legacy in academia. 🚀 Topics Covered: ✅ Overcoming racial and economic barriers ✅ Making history at Smith College & Brown University ✅ Advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion ✅ The impact of Brown’s Slavery and Justice Report ✅ Her leadership at Prairie View A&M University 🔔 Subscribe for more powerful stories of Black women breaking barriers! #RuthSimmons #BlackExcellence #HigherEducation #WomenInLeadership #DiversityAndInclusion

Ke'Ira Lewis isn't just an entrepreneur—she's a visionary on a mission. With a motto of "One Woman of Many Services," Ke'Ira has built an empire driven by purpose, passion, and intentionality. From event planning and marketing to business development and creative production, she wears multiple hats, proving that success isn’t limited to a single lane. In this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we dive into Ke'Ira’s journey—how she transformed her talents into thriving businesses, why she believes entrepreneurship is about serving others, and the strategies she uses to stay focused and inspired. Get ready for a conversation filled with wisdom, creativity, and actionable insights from a powerhouse who is redefining what it means to be a multi-faceted entrepreneur. 

On this episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, Ida B. Wells-Barnett. A fierce antilynching warrior who is still honored today for her courage and resilience in fighting for the rights of Black people in America.