Women Invest in Women

This episode features insightful conversations with two inspiring women entrepreneurs, Julieta from Overlay Capital and Charlotte Bishop, highlighting their unique journeys, challenges, and successes.Julieta shares her global nomadic upbringing and passion for the built environment, transitioning from architecture and engineering to venture capital investing in construction and real estate technology. Julieta also discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and transparency in venture capital, especially for women navigating a traditionally male-dominated field.Charlotte Bishop shares her inspiring story of legacy and entrepreneurship, emphasizing education as a family cornerstone with five generations of college graduates. After a 41-year career in academia at CUNY, where she chaired a department, Charlotte transitioned into entrepreneurship by starting a family-run business with her son, focusing on organizational services. Despite the challenges of working with family, their complementary roles aided their success over 12 years. Charlotte is currently pivoting her business to offer virtual concierge services for seniors, adapting to personal life changes and the evolving market.Both women underscore passion, authenticity, values alignment, and lifelong learning as critical to entrepreneurial success and sustainable impact. Throughout the episode, themes of legacy, community, innovation, and the power of women supporting women resonate strongly, underscoring the show’s global mission to foster an economic ecosystem centered on the African diaspora, sisterhood, and humanity. Key Insights 00:11:24 🤝 Community as a Catalyst for Inclusion: Launching Women in Construction Tech addresses the isolation and opacity in VC and construction tech by creating a transparent, supportive community. This model demonstrates how collective empowerment and mentorship can dismantle gatekeeping in male-dominated industries, fostering diversity and innovation.00:19:42 🔍 Implementation Focus in Investing: Julieta’s investment approach prioritizes user adoption and real-world implementation over just technical and business viability. This human-centered diligence ensures that technology solutions are practical and embraced by end-users, a key determinant of startup success often overlooked by investors. Women’s skills in change management provide a competitive edge.00:25:20 🎓 Legacy and Education as Empowerment: Charlotte Bishop’s five-generation family legacy of college graduation underscores the power of education as a transformative tool for Black families and communities. Her story highlights how deeply ingrained values can provide strength and continuity amid personal and societal challenges.00:46:25 👩‍👦 Family Business Dynamics and Collaboration: Charlotte’s partnership with her son demonstrates how clear role delineation, mutual respect, and leveraging individual strengths can overcome typical family business challenges. Their story offers a model for intergenerational entrepreneurship and sustainability.00:27:34 💼 Values Alignment in Funding Partnerships: Julieta emphasizes that raising capital is a long-term partnership akin to marriage, making alignment of values and integrity fundamental. Entrepreneurs must rigorously assess potential investors beyond monetary terms to ensure sustainable, value-driven growth and avoid “devil money.”00:18:32 📚 Lifelong Learning as a Success Driver: Both guests stress continuous learning as essential. Julieta’s scientific upbringing and curiosity fuel her ability to navigate complex industries and innovate, while Charlotte’s academic background laid a foundation for her adaptive entrepreneurship. Lifelong learning combats stagnation and fosters growth in dynamic markets.Here’s how you can get involved:Join the Community: Connect with like-minded women and access resources to grow your business. Become a Sponsor: Help expand the mission and support women-owned businesses.Invest in the Future: Join our 10,000 strong campaign - CashApp $99 to @womeninvestinwomen - Support public media, women's stories, and have your name in the creditsFollow Us on TikTok Instagram BlueSky and LinkedIn: @WomenInvestInWomenSubscribe to Women Invest in Women on any podcast streaming channel including Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible and you can become a member of our podcast club - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wome...Executive ProducersThe KittyRose LyfeStyleBlack Women MatterSponsorsNet HubPynn.AIThe Next ChapterJohn Devoys Restuarant and BarOverlay CapitalPatrons and SupportersTalitha Nascimento, Licensed Financial ProfessionalKira Stewart, World's Best CareShahrzad Rostamian, CiusDr. Unjeria JacksonLarry ThompsonMarya MeyerDirected by Catherine WarrenWardrobe by Black Women MatterTheme Music, "Higher" by Brock LightningHost/Producer/Founder - Kwamara ThompsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

This episode features a deep and inspiring conversation with Aleathia Brown, a multifaceted visual artist, storyteller, art educator, and entrepreneur based in New York City. Aleathia shares insights from her journey navigating the art world, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, emphasizing the importance of curating one's life, embracing divine mistakes as learning opportunities, and honoring commitments to one’s artistic calling. She reveals the spiritual and practical significance behind her symbolic marriage to her art and reflects on the power of words, mentorship, and community in fostering growth and healing. Aleathia discusses her initiative *Unveiled Unlocked*, which focuses on hair freedom and identity, blending art, poetry, and music to empower people of color. She also highlights the critical role of self-time, spiritual connection, and inner understanding in maintaining focus and managing energy amid life's distractions. Throughout the conversation, themes of ownership, legacy, and the interplay of beauty and struggle are woven together, culminating in a call to action for listeners to embrace their purpose, nurture their growth, and invest in women globally through the *Women Invest in Women* movement. This episode offers a rich tapestry of wisdom on artistry, entrepreneurship, community, and spirituality, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration to honor their own journeys while investing in the power of women globally.Highlights  00:04:45 💡 Aleathia shares how divine mistakes shaped her growth, including a pivotal moment when she learned the importance of punctuality and responsibility in curating art shows.  00:07:56 💍 Aleathia describes her symbolic marriage to her art, underscoring a lifelong vow to honor her creative calling.  00:16:05 ✍️ The conversation reveals how words serve as a transformative and manifesting force in both art and life.  00:27:40 🌿 Introduction of *Unveiled Unlocked*, a 12-year-old movement centered on hair freedom, identity, and community empowerment through artistic expression.  00:36:00 🤝 Emphasis on community as the foundation for entrepreneurship and artistic legacy, highlighting interconnectedness and shared stories.  00:46:46 🔑 Ownership is discussed as responsibility and authenticity, influencing others through consistent purpose-driven action.  00:50:05 🌟 Aleathia encourages writing one’s own life dialogue as a healing and clarifying practice, transforming the perception of death as a new beginning.Key Insights  00:03:26 🎯 **Curating Life and Work: Strategic Selectivity Enhances Impact**  Aleathia emphasizes the evolution from accepting every opportunity to carefully curating projects and commitments that align with her artistic narrative and personal growth. This shift represents a strategic move toward sustainability and coherence in creative entrepreneurship, which is crucial for long-term success. The ability to say "no" and prioritize is a critical skill, especially for women juggling multiple roles.00:05:32 🔄 **Learning from Divine Mistakes: Failure as a Catalyst for Growth**  Aleathia's story of missing a key exhibition event due to overcommitment reveals the humility and vulnerability that underpin authentic leadership. Her accountability and emotional response fostered empathy and repaired relationships, illustrating how transparency and growth-oriented reflection strengthen trust and credibility in professional communities.00:07:56 💒 **The Symbolism of Marrying One’s Art: Commitment Beyond Vanity**  The artist’s marriage ceremony to her art is a powerful metaphor for unwavering dedication. It conveys the importance of honoring one’s creative purpose as a sacred covenant, reinforcing identity and resilience against external distractions or challenges. This act offers a unique perspective on artistic vocation as a spiritual and lifelong commitment.00:16:05 📚 **Words as Art and Manifestation: The Power of Language in Shaping Reality**  Aleathia's relationship with words—from childhood encyclopedias to poetic storytelling—underscores language’s foundational role in creativity and self-expression. She highlights how words carry energy that can either uplift or hinder, making conscious language a form of self-care and empowerment, especially in combating internalized negativity.00:27:40 🌱 **Hair as Identity and Energy: Beyond Physical Appearance**  Through *Unveiled Unlocked*, Aleathia challenges conventional ideas about hair, presenting it as a carrier of memory, identity, and spiritual energy. The initiative addresses societal stigmas around hair in communities of color, fostering acceptance, healing, and freedom of expression. This work exemplifies how art and culture can intersect to address deep-rooted social and psychological issues.00:36:00 🧩 **Community as Ecosystem: Art as a Connector and Healer**  Aleathia situates art within a larger social ecosystem, where community engagement is vital for sustaining cultural legacies and fostering interconnectedness. She stresses that art’s power lies in its ability to make the untalkable talkable, creating spaces for shared experience and collective healing, which are foundational for thriving entrepreneurship and social impact.00:50:05 ✍️ **Life Dialogue and Bereavement: Transforming the Fear of Death into Joyful Acceptance**  The practice of writing one’s own life story and exit plan is presented as an essential act of spiritual cleansing and empowerment. This reframing of death as a beginning rather than an ending encourages a deeper connection to joy—a state beyond fleeting happiness—rooted in spiritual continuity and alignment with the Creator. It invites listeners to embrace their full life journey with grace and intentionality.Mentorship and Legacy:Aleathia underscores the importance of vulnerability in mentorship, sharing failures alongside successes to build trust and inspire authentic growth. She recognizes the natural expiration point in mentorship relationships, advocating for evolution and independence.  Energy Management and Self-Care:The conversation highlights the necessity of “self-time” and quiet reflection to maintain balance and creativity amid external pressures. Aletheia’s unique sanctuary—the bathroom—symbolizes the need for physical and mental space to recharge and reconnect with inner spiritual energy.  Artistic Practice and Adult Education:Transitioning toward adult workshops, Aletheia emphasizes lifelong learning’s role in personal and communal well-being. By nurturing adults, she indirectly supports healthier family dynamics and stronger communities.  Global Movement and Economic Empowerment:The *Women Invest in Women* platform aims to create a global economic ecosystem based on diaspora values, sisterhood, and shared currencies of love, empathy, and knowledge. The movement’s expansive reach—across cities and continents—reflects a commitment to collective uplift and sustainable impact.Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Community: Connect with like-minded women and access resources to grow your business. Become a Sponsor: Help expand the mission and support women-owned businesses.Invest in the Future: Join our 10,000 strong campaign - CashApp $99 to @womeninvestinwomen - Support public media, women's stories, and have your name in the creditsFollow Us on TikTok Instagram BlueSky and LinkedIn: @WomenInvestInWomenSubscribe to Women Invest in Women on any podcast streaming channel including Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible and you can become a member of our podcast club - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wome...Executive Producers The KittyRose LyfeStyleBlack Women MatterSponsors Net HubPynn.AIThe Next ChapterJohn Devoys Restuarant and BarOverlay CapitalPatrons and Supporters Talitha Nascimento, Licensed Financial ProfessionalKira Stewart, World's Best CareShahrzad Rostamian, CiusDr. Unjeria JacksonLarry ThompsonMarya MeyerDirected by Catherine WarrenWardrobe by Black Women MatterTheme Music, "Higher" by Brock LightningHost/Producer/Founder - Kwamara ThompsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

The second episode of Women Invest in Women brought together an inspiring group of women entrepreneurs in Houston, TX, to discuss the power of community, ownership, and the importance of investing in women. Hosted by Kwamara Thompson, the episode was filmed at The Us Space, a vibrant coworking hub, and featured a live audience and an incredible panel of trailblazing women.The panel included:Bree Flemings, CEO and founder of Gem Social, a tech entrepreneur and real estate investor who shared her journey from being laid off to securing venture capital and building a thriving business.LaGina Harris, founder of The Us Space and a social impact entrepreneur, who emphasized the importance of community and creating spaces for collaboration and growth.Sly "The Clever", CEO of The Clever Group, a branding guru and adjunct professor, who highlighted the significance of personal branding and intellectual property in entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways from the DiscussionThe Power of Community The panelists shared heartfelt stories about how community has been a cornerstone of their entrepreneurial journeys. From finding support during tough times to celebrating wins, the women emphasized that community is not just a resource but a lifeline. Bri shared how moving to Houston gave her the "hug" she needed, while LaGina spoke about creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.Ownership as a Path to FreedomOwnership was a central theme, with the panelists discussing how owning property, businesses, and intellectual property has empowered them to make bold moves. Bri detailed her journey as a real estate investor, turning properties into profitable ventures, while Sly highlighted the importance of protecting intellectual property, especially in the creative and tech industries. Paying It Forward The panelists also explored how they give back, from creating internship programs to hosting workshops and events. LaGina shared her efforts to provide paid internships and sponsor creatives, while Bri discussed her upcoming workshop tour to help brands leverage influencer marketing. Sly emphasized the importance of mentorship and equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.The Role of Technology in OwnershipTechnology was another hot topic, with discussions on blockchain, tokenization, and how tech can make ownership more accessible. Sly and Kwamara highlighted how tools like smart contracts can revolutionize industries like real estate and entertainment, making it easier for individuals to own and protect their assets. Lessons Learned and Actionable Advice The panelists shared practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:Research and Community: Understand your industry and connect with people who can guide you. Branding and Self-Awareness: Know your "why" and build a brand that reflects your values.Protect Your Assets: Invest in legal and financial expertise to safeguard your business. Remove Ego: Be open to feedback and learn from both successes and failures.Here’s how you can get involved: Join the Community: Connect with like-minded women and access resources to grow your business. Become a Sponsor: Help expand the mission and support women-owned businesses.Invest in the Future: Join our 10,000 strong campaign - CashApp $99 to @womeninvestinwomen - Support public media, women's stories, and have your name in the creditsFollow Us on TikTok Instagram BlueSky and LinkedIn: @WomenInvestInWomenSubscribe to Women Invest in Women on any podcast streaming channel including Apple, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, and Audible and you can become a member of our podcast club - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wome...Executive Producers The KittyRose LyfeStyleBlack Women MatterSponsors Net HubPynn.AIThe Next ChapterThe Us SpaceJem SocialThe Clever GroupKahlabPatrons and Supporters Talitha Nascimento, Licensed Financial ProfessionalKira Stewart, World's Best CareShahrzad Rostamian, CiusDr. Unjeria JacksonLarry ThompsonMarya MeyerWardrobe by Black Women MatterTheme Music, "Higher" by Brock LightningHost/Producer/Founder - Kwamara ThompsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

The vibrant city of New Orleans, buzzing with the energy of EssenceFest, served as the perfect backdrop for the premiere episode of Women Invest in Women. This episode was nothing short of inspiring, featuring a dynamic panel of accomplished women who shared their journeys from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, their strategies for building wealth, and their unwavering commitment to uplifting their communities. Here’s a glimpse of the powerful conversations that unfolded:The Leap from Corporate to Freedom For many women, the transition from a traditional 9-to-5 job to entrepreneurship is both exhilarating and terrifying. Camille shared her bold decision to leave her 30-year corporate career. Her breaking point? A series of micro-critiques about her appearance at work. “I don’t want to do this anymore,” she said. But Camille didn’t just walk away—she walked out with a plan. Her advice to women considering a similar leap: “Have your Plan B ready so you can leave with your shoulders back and your head high.” As Camille put it, “If you don’t take the jump, you stand still.” The Power of Multiple Income Streams One of the most practical and empowering themes of the episode was the importance of diversifying income. The panelists shared how they’ve built multiple revenue streams to create financial stability and freedom. Candince, a real estate investor with over 60 properties, explained how her rental income funds her lifestyle. “Real estate doesn’t make you rich overnight, but it takes care of the lifestyle you choose to have,” she said. “You want to get to a point where your money works for you, even when you’re not physically there.” They also discussed the value of investing in “non-sexy” businesses—laundromats, bodegas, and other ventures that provide consistent, reliable income. As Kwamara put it, “Sometimes it’s not about the flashy idea; it’s about what works.”Owning Assets and Building Legacy Ownership is a cornerstone of wealth-building, and the panelists shared how owning assets like real estate has transformed their financial futures. Candince recounted her journey of purchasing a fourplex for $12,000, renovating it, and watching its value grow to $575,000. “Renovate, refinance, reinvest,” she said, outlining her strategy for building wealth through real estate. The conversation also touched on the importance of financial literacy and credit. Charlene stressed that understanding how to manage money, build credit, and leverage assets is crucial for long-term success.Paying It Forward: Mentorship and Community Impact A recurring theme throughout the episode was the importance of giving back. Camille shared a powerful mantra from her mother: “When you take the elevator up, send it back down.” This ethos of lifting others as you climb was evident in the panelists’ commitment to mentorship and community service.Self-Care as a Success Strategy In a world that often glorifies hustle culture, the panelists reminded us of the importance of self-care. Charlene shared her personal mantra: “Prioritize self-care—mentally, physically, and emotionally.” For her, that means enjoying a deep tissue massage, listening to music, or simply taking time to recharge. Camille, who swims every morning, emphasized the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship. “The freedom is that you’re doing what you love. It’s not work—it’s a blast,” she said. “Whatever I want to do for self-care, I do it. That’s the beauty of freedom.”Here’s how you can get involved:Join the Community: Connect with like-minded women and access resources to grow your business. Become a Sponsor: Help expand the mission and support women-owned businesses.Invest in the Future: Join our 10,000 strong campaign - CashApp $99 to @womeninvestinwomen - Support public media, women's stories, and have your name in the creditsFollow Us on TikTok Instagram BlueSky and LinkedIn: @WomenInvestInWomenExecutive Producers The KittyRose LyfeStyleBlack Women MatterSponsors Net HubPynn.AIThe Next ChapterCarthon ConsultingMcMillian and Holden / CTMBaroness on BaronneDJ Chris StylezTarot Readings by Thameka ThompsonSweet Treats provided by Kendielle JacksonUncle NearestThe Missing PiecePatrons and Supporters Talitha Nascimento, Licensed Financial ProfessionalKira Stewart, World's Best CareShahrzad Rostamian, CiusDr. Unjeria JacksonLarry ThompsonDirected by KittyRoseWardrobe by Black Women Matter Theme Music, "Higher" by Brock LightningHost/Producer/Founder - Kwamara ThompsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

This episode explores the intersection of AI, gender bias, and investment dynamics, focusing on recent AI scandals and their implications.Kwamara and Shay discuss two major AI controversies: the Builder AI scandal involving fraudulent claims and inflated valuations, and Disney’s lawsuit against Midjourney regarding intellectual property infringement through AI-generated images. These cases serve as a backdrop to examine deeper systemic issues surrounding gender bias in funding, ethical challenges in AI development, and the need for more conscientious and equitable investment practices.Builder AI’s scandal, where revenue was inflated by 300% and AI capabilities falsely represented, highlights significant lapses in due diligence by investors, despite red flags such as a founder’s prior fraud involvement. This scandal is emblematic of a broader pattern in the AI startup ecosystem, where hype-driven investments may be overshadowing ethical and technical rigor. The discussion reveals how male-led companies often receive disproportionate access to capital despite questionable practices, while women-led startups, despite statistically delivering better returns and more sustainable growth, struggle to secure funding, receiving only about 2% of venture capital.The episode also delves into the Midjourney lawsuit, which raises complex questions about copyright, intellectual property, and AI training data ethics. As AI-generated content increasingly challenges traditional notions of ownership and creativity, the legal battles set important precedents for how AI technologies will be regulated and integrated into creative industries. The hosts emphasize the tension between the economic motives driving rapid AI advancement and the ethical imperatives that must guide its development, particularly in addressing biases that disproportionately affect marginalized groups, such as dark-skinned women experiencing higher error rates in facial recognition AI.The conversation underscores the need for a systematic, multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, investors, companies, and users to promote ethical AI practices, safeguard rights, and mitigate gender bias. The importance of critical thinking, transparency, and active user participation in flagging biases within AI systems is emphasized as a practical step toward improvement. The hosts also explore the challenges women founders face in pitching and securing investment, noting that while pitching can offer a more effective platform to communicate nuanced, emotional aspects of their ventures, the prevailing investor mindset often prioritizes hard data and risk mitigation over human values and company culture.Ultimately, the episode calls for a shift in how AI and investment ecosystems operate—favoring ethical, sustainable innovation and greater inclusion of women and diverse perspectives. It encourages continuous education, self-awareness, and community engagement to build AI systems that benefit everyone equitably.This conversation serves as a call to action for all stakeholders—founders, investors, users, and policymakers—to rethink how AI is developed, funded, and deployed, with a focus on ethics, gender equity, and long-term societal benefit. Highlights 🤖 Builder AI scandal revealed revenue inflation by 300% and false claims about AI capabilities. 💸 Women-led startups receive only 2% of venture capital but tend to yield better, more sustainable returns. 🏛️ Disney sued Midjourney over unauthorized use of copyrighted characters in AI-generated images, raising IP and copyright issues. ⚖️ AI systems show significant gender and racial biases, with higher error rates for dark-skinned women in facial recognition technologies. 🔍 Lack of investor due diligence and overreliance on pedigree and hype contribute to funding scandals in AI startups.   🎤 Women founders face challenges in investor meetings due to bias but may find pitching as a more effective platform to communicate their vision. 🌍 Calls for ethical, sustainable AI development supported by government regulation and active user participation to flag bias.  Key Insights Investor Due Diligence Failures Expose Ecosystem Vulnerabilities:The Builder AI case reveals profound lapses in investor scrutiny, where major backers including Microsoft and sovereign wealth funds failed to detect prior fraud involvement and financial misrepresentations. This points to systemic weaknesses in due diligence processes, potentially exacerbated by hype around AI, leading to misallocation of capital and erosion of trust. Investors must integrate rigorous background checks and technical evaluations to mitigate risks in the rapidly evolving AI space.Gender Bias in Funding Undermines Women Founders Despite Superior ROIDespite evidence showing women-led startups outperform men-led ones in long-term sustainability and returns, women receive a mere 2% of venture capital. This stark disparity is rooted in entrenched biases, network effects, and the "old boys club" culture prevalent in funding ecosystems. Addressing this imbalance could unlock significant economic potential and foster more ethical, inclusive innovation.AI-Generated Content Challenges Traditional Intellectual Property Norms:Disney’s lawsuit against Midjourney underscores the complexity of copyright in the age of generative AI. The blurred lines between training data and output, and the potential for monetizing derivative works, demand legal frameworks that balance innovation with protection of creators' rights. This case will likely set important precedents influencing AI’s integration into creative industries and how IP laws evolve.Ethical Implications of AI Bias Demand Systematic, Multidisciplinary Approaches:The documented accuracy disparities in facial recognition for dark-skinned women highlight the urgent need to embed ethical considerations into AI development. Solutions require not only technical fixes—such as diverse training data—but also behavioral, psychological, and policy interventions to ensure AI benefits all demographics fairly and equitably.User Engagement and Critical Thinking are Vital to Mitigating AI Bias:Active participation by users in flagging biased AI outputs, providing feedback, and engaging in educational dialogues with AI tools like ChatGPT can help improve system accuracy and fairness. This democratizes AI development and encourages transparency, empowering individuals to contribute to the ethical evolution of AI technologies.Pitching vs. Investor Meetings: Nuance vs. Factual Rigor in Fundraising:Women founders often face a tension between presenting nuanced, emotional narratives that convey their mission and the fact-driven, risk-averse approach favored by investors. Pitching events may offer a better platform for storytelling and connecting with investors, but ultimately, success requires balancing both emotional resonance and hard data to overcome gendered biases and secure funding.Scaling AI Ethically Requires Political Will and Cultural Change:The rapid pace of AI development is driven by economic incentives, often sidelining ethical concerns. Governments, investors, and companies must collaborate to establish regulations and reward frameworks that prioritize sustainable, ethical AI innovation. Embedding human values and inclusivity into AI from the outset is essential to prevent harmful consequences and promote equitable progress.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

This episode of *Women Investing in Women* focuses on the intersection of healthcare, AI, gender bias, and racial disparities, particularly as they affect women.The hosts begin by honoring Ananda Lewis, a woman who passed away from breast cancer, and use her story to highlight the challenges women face with invasive and uncomfortable medical procedures. They discuss how AI, while inherently unbiased, often replicates societal and historical biases due to flawed and skewed data, particularly the underrepresentation of women—and especially women of color—in clinical trials.The episode addresses the longstanding systemic neglect and mistreatment of women’s health, exemplified by stories of medical neglect, racial disparities in maternal mortality rates, and the lack of appropriate pain management protocols for women. Marya Meyer from the Women’s Fund Miami, shares insights on the alarming racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality in Miami-Dade County and discusses the formation of the Alliance for Infant and Maternal Health (AIM). The alliance aims to improve health outcomes through collaboration, data transparency, public awareness, and grant funding. The discussion extends to the importance of culturally competent care, representation in medicine, and advocacy in healthcare. The hosts also reflect on historical trauma, ongoing stereotypes about women’s pain tolerance, and recent examples such as the COVID-19 vaccine’s overlooked effects on women’s menstrual cycles. Personal stories, including a tragic hospital experience and autoimmune disease challenges, underscore the need for holistic, human-centered healthcare. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of combining quantitative data with qualitative lived experiences to drive meaningful change in women’s healthcare and AI development.This episode provides a comprehensive examination of how gender and racial biases permeate healthcare and AI, leading to detrimental health outcomes for women, particularly women of color. It underscores the importance of diverse data, representation, and collaborative efforts like the Alliance for Infant and Maternal Health to drive change. Personal stories highlight the human cost of systemic neglect, while the discussion on AI and technology emphasizes the potential for innovation to reduce trauma and improve care if developed with an awareness of bias and inclusivity. Ultimately, the conversation champions a future where healthcare and AI are informed by both rigorous data and the lived experiences of women, ensuring equitable, compassionate, and effective care for all.Highlights: 💔 Honoring Ananda Lewis and the challenges women face with invasive cancer screenings.  - ⚖️ AI reflects societal biases due to flawed data, especially neglecting women and minorities in clinical trials. 👩🏾‍⚕️ Black women face disproportionately high maternal mortality rates, worsened by systemic racism and medical neglect. 📊 The Alliance for Infant and Maternal Health in Miami-Dade fosters collaboration, transparency, and data-driven solutions. 💉 Women’s pain and health symptoms are often dismissed, leading to misdiagnosis and tragedy. 🩺 Historical and systemic gender biases continue to impact healthcare today, from hysterectomy consent to CPR training. 🌸 Combining data with lived experiences is critical to creating equitable, human-centered healthcare solutions.  Key Insights:AI Bias Rooted in Historical Data:AI systems are not inherently biased but learn from historical medical data that overwhelmingly represents men and often excludes women, especially women of color. This perpetuates misdiagnosis, inappropriate dosing, and side effect ignorance in women's healthcare. The episode highlights the urgent need to diversify datasets to build AI tools that accurately represent all genders and races. Without this, AI will continue to replicate and reinforce existing inequities rather than help solve them.Racial Disparities in Maternal Health Are Stark and Persistent:Black women in Miami-Dade County are five times more likely to die from pregnancy-related issues compared to white women, reflecting a national crisis. This is not solely due to socioeconomic status but also systemic medical racism and cultural incompetency. The formation of coalitions like AIM shows promise by uniting diverse stakeholders to transparently share data and implement collaborative interventions, emphasizing that equitable care requires addressing systemic and social determinants.Medical Neglect and Dismissal of Women’s Pain Have Deadly Consequences:Personal stories from the hosts reveal how women, especially immigrants and minorities, are often dismissed as "dramatic" when expressing pain, leading to delayed or denied care with fatal outcomes, such as in cases of pulmonary embolism. This dismissiveness is compounded by outdated stereotypes about women’s pain tolerance and reinforces the urgency to change medical training, protocols, and attitudes toward female patients.Healthcare Protocols Often Lack Female-Specific Considerations:The episode points out that medical training tools like CPR dummies and crash test dummies are typically designed based on male bodies, leading to inadequate care for women in emergencies. Furthermore, procedures like IUD insertion often lack pain management options for women, whereas male contraceptive injections come with anesthesia by default. These disparities demonstrate how gender bias is embedded in clinical practice and patient care.The Power of Representation and Advocacy in Health and AI:Diverse teams including women and minorities are essential in healthcare and technology development to ask the right questions and design equitable solutions. This representation ensures that lived experiences inform data collection, AI training, and healthcare delivery. Advocacy, including doulas and community health workers, plays a critical role in supporting women’s health and improving outcomes.Historical Trauma Shapes Present-Day Health Inequities:The discussion includes how centuries of unethical medical experimentation on Black women, forced hysterectomies, and societal control over women’s bodies have led to deep mistrust and systemic neglect. These historical injustices are reflected in current biases in healthcare and AI, underscoring the need to reckon with history to achieve equitable healthcare reform.Holistic and Intersectional Approach to Women’s Health Is Crucial:The episode emphasizes that women’s health issues, such as autoimmune diseases and cancer, require not only physiological but also psychological and social context understanding. Current medical systems often treat symptoms in isolation rather than addressing broader health determinants, which leads to incomplete care. A holistic approach, informed by both data and personal narratives, is necessary to improve diagnosis, treatment, and patient well-being.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

The hosts, Kwamara and Shay dive deep into the critical role women play in the AI field, highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of Dr. Fei-Fei Li, often called the "godmother of AI." Dr. Li’s pioneering work in visual data sets, particularly ImageNet, revolutionized AI’s ability to recognize images, enabling technologies like facial recognition, self-driving cars, and advanced healthcare diagnostics.The conversation emphasizes the importance of diversity — not only gender but also race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, geographic origin, and differently-abled perspectives — in building more ethical, fair, and human-centered AI systems. It is argued that AI reflects the values and biases of its creators, so inclusive teams are essential to mitigate bias and promote fairness.The episode also explores the economic and innovation benefits of gender-diverse AI teams, citing statistics that female participation leads to higher innovation output, better ethical outcomes, and improved product adoption. The hosts discuss the challenges of bias in healthcare AI, where most research has historically been male-centric, leading to harmful disparities in diagnosis and treatment for women.Voice assistants and their predominantly female voices are examined through a nuanced lens, questioning stereotypes and exploring why female voices might be chosen for certain roles due to perceived trust and warmth.The hosts underscore the human-centered AI philosophy championed by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, which advocates for AI designed with human values—fairness, accountability, transparency, and trust—at its core. They reflect on the potential for AI to enhance human connection rather than diminish it, freeing time for more meaningful interactions.The episode closes by highlighting the need for ongoing conversations, representation, and actionable frameworks to empower women and diverse voices in AI. The hosts hint at a forthcoming part three focused on women and healthcare disparities, emphasizing the urgent need to address long-standing inequities in medical treatment and technology.This episode underscores the urgency and opportunity of integrating women and diverse voices into AI and tech development. By doing so, AI can become a truly human-centered tool that advances innovation, equity, and global economic growth while honoring the rich complexity of human experience.Highlights  👩‍💻 Dr. Fei-Fei Li, the "godmother of AI," revolutionized visual recognition AI with ImageNet, enabling technologies like facial recognition and self-driving cars.  🌍 Diversity in AI development—across gender, ethnicity, culture, and ability—is essential to reduce bias and create ethical, inclusive technologies.   💡 Gender-diverse AI teams produce 35% more innovation and 28% more patents, especially in ethical AI and user-centric design.   ❤️ AI bias in healthcare disproportionately harms women due to male-centric research and diagnosis models.   🎙️ Female voices dominate voice assistants, raising questions about stereotypes, trust, and emotional nuance in AI interaction.   🤝 Human-centered AI prioritizes fairness, transparency, accountability, and trust, reflecting human values in technology design.   💰 Closing the gender gap in AI could add $13 trillion to the global GDP by 2030, showcasing the economic power of diversity.   Key Insights  The Pivotal Role of Dr. Fei-Fei LiDr. Li’s creation of ImageNet with 14 million labeled images was a turning point in AI, allowing machines to identify and categorize images accurately. This foundational work enabled the proliferation of numerous AI applications in daily life and industry, illustrating how one woman’s innovation can ripple across multiple sectors. Her immigrant and minority background also highlights the importance of diverse representation in tech innovation, challenging the male-dominated narrative.  Diversity Extends Beyond GenderThe discussion broadens the concept of diversity to include cultural, socioeconomic, geographic, and neurological differences, recognizing that AI must be trained on data reflecting the full spectrum of human experience. This helps avoid misinterpretations and biases—for example, how cultural norms affect communication styles or how rural versus urban experiences shape user needs. Such nuanced understanding is crucial for creating AI that serves global populations fairly.  Innovation and Economic Impact of Gender-Diverse TeamsStatistically, gender-diverse teams are more innovative and produce more patents, particularly in ethical AI and user-centric design. This suggests that inclusion directly enhances creative problem-solving and leads to better solutions. Economically, closing the gender gap in AI development could contribute $13 trillion to global GDP by 2030, framing diversity not just as a moral imperative but a strategic economic advantage for businesses and nations.  Healthcare AI’s Gender Bias and Its ConsequencesAI tools trained predominantly on male data sets often fail to accurately diagnose or treat women, leading to disparities in care such as late ADHD diagnosis in women or misrecognition of heart attack symptoms. This underlines the critical need for diversity in AI development teams and data to ensure healthcare technologies are equitable and effective for all genders. The conversation also touches on how hormonal differences have been used as an excuse to exclude women from clinical trials—an outdated rationale that perpetuates harmful gaps in medical knowledge.  Nuances in Voice Assistants and Gender StereotypesThe prevalence of female voices in AI assistants is often critiqued as reinforcing stereotypes of women in subservient roles. However, the episode explores the complexity behind this choice, including the perception of female voices as more emotionally nuanced and trustworthy. It also highlights a lack of diversity within the “female” voice archetype used, raising questions about whose voices are represented and whose are excluded. This points to the broader need for inclusivity in AI user experience design.  Human-Centered AI as a Path ForwardDr. Fei-Fei Li’s philosophy that AI’s values must be human values reinforces the idea that AI should be designed to enhance human life, reduce bias, and promote fairness, transparency, and trust. The episode suggests that rather than technology diminishing human connection, AI can free people from mundane tasks, allowing more time for authentic, meaningful interactions. This vision emphasizes empathy, kindness, and shared humanity as core guiding principles in AI development.  The Power of Diverse Teams in Implementation and AdoptionBeyond invention, diverse teams improve user satisfaction and accelerate adoption of AI products by better understanding and addressing the needs of varied user groups. Women, in particular, are noted for relational skills that foster trust and open communication, leading to honest feedback and more effective product iteration. This insight stresses that diversity is essential not just in technical creation but throughout the entire AI lifecycle—from design to market implementation.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

The discussion opens with an introduction to Shay, co-founder of Conscious App, a platform designed to bring a human touch to AI technology, particularly within the coaching industry. Shay explains that Conscious App emerged from a shared experience of feeling lost amid today’s complex life choices, exacerbated by decision paralysis due to overwhelming options. Recognizing that AI technology has matured to analyze diverse data points about individuals, Shay and her co-founder Karrin envisioned leveraging AI to help people gain clarity on their life goals while preserving their unique human qualities. Conscious App focuses on collaborating with coaching companies, enabling them to scale their personalized methodologies without forcing them to abandon their unique approaches. The core philosophy is that authenticity and individuality are essential competitive advantages in both personal and business contexts.The Problem of Bias in AIKwamara and Shay quickly pivot to a critical issue: AI systems inherently carry biases. This bias stems not from the AI itself but from the data and algorithms that power it. Shay emphasizes the urgency of addressing these biases before AI scales further, noting that unchecked AI systems risk perpetuating gender and racial inequalities on a massive scale.The conversation highlights two key fears connected to AI: first, that reliance on AI may diminish human connection and compassion; and second, that AI’s outputs reflect the prejudices embedded in the historical data it is trained on. The hosts agree that human connection remains paramount, especially as AI becomes more integrated into daily life, and that technology should enhance—not replace—authentic human relationships.Origins of Bias: Data and AlgorithmsShay explains that AI bias originates primarily from two sources: training data and algorithmic reinforcement. Training data reflects historical societal biases, such as the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Algorithmic bias occurs when AI reinforces patterns deemed “successful” based on flawed or skewed data sets, which perpetuates existing societal inequalities. Shay shares alarming statistics, such as facial recognition systems having a 35% error rate for darker-skinned women compared to less than 1% for lighter-skinned men, highlighting the intersection of race and gender biases in AI.Solutions to AI BiasThe conversation turns toward potential solutions to mitigate AI bias. Kwamara and Shay agree that diverse teams are crucial. Representation from women and racial minorities in AI development helps detect and correct biases that homogeneous teams might overlook. Equally important is balancing training data, sometimes through creating synthetic data to offset historical imbalances.Continuous monitoring of algorithmic outputs and applying “debiasing” techniques are also vital. While achieving completely neutral AI outcomes may be impossible, these measures can reduce harmful bias significantly. The Intersection of Human Values and TechnologyKwamara and Shay reflect on the broader existential questions AI raises about what it means to be human. They acknowledge that AI forces society to confront human nature’s light and dark sides, questioning whether technology will amplify positive human traits or deepen existing societal flaws.There is consensus that education and cultural emphasis on human virtues such as empathy, kindness, and purpose must increase to guide AI’s evolution responsibly.The Future of Work and Human FulfillmentThe conversation shifts to how AI might reshape work. Kwamara and Shay discuss the potential to reduce the traditional 40-hour workweek by automating monotonous tasks, freeing people to focus on meaningful, passion-driven work. This shift could enable a healthier life balance, reducing burnout and allowing individuals to contribute positively to their communities.They distinguish between “drudgery” (soul-sucking routine work) and fulfilling work that brings purpose. The discussion touches on societal values, questioning why certain professions (like nursing or education) are undervalued financially despite their importance.Key InsightsAI bias is a reflection of human societal biases embedded in data and algorithms.Diverse development teams and balanced training data are essential to mitigate AI bias.Human connection, empathy, and purpose remain irreplaceable despite technological advances.Transparency, data ownership, and ethical use of AI are critical for trust.AI can potentially reduce monotonous work, allowing humans to focus on meaningful pursuits.Society must reconsider definitions of success and value human-centric skills.Technology’s democratizing power can empower marginalized communities globally.Ongoing conversations, especially involving women in AI, are vital for inclusive innovation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.

Founder of Women Invest in Women, Kwamara Thompson and Director, Minister Cat Warren aka Ms. Kitty Rose talk about their journey that started 10 years ago and has now brough them to the global tour, TV show, and podcast, Women Invest in Women.They reflect on a decade of collaboration, turning their shared passion for empowering women into a global movement. From microlending to media production, Women Invest in Women is a platform amplifying diverse voices through storytelling, mentorship, and community-building. With a global tour and TV series, Women Invest in Women celebrates resilience, sisterhood, and the transformative power of women investing in each other. This is more than a movement—it’s a revolutionary call to action for unity, visibility, and lasting impact.(00:00:00 – 00:04:13)The conversation begins with Kwamara and Miss Kitty Rose reflecting on their decade-long business relationship and friendship. Their connection originated over LinkedIn ten years ago when Kwamara was already invested in empowering women through microlending and microgrants to Black and Brown women-owned businesses. Kwamara immediately sensed a strong chemistry with Kitty, which proved true over the years as they supported each other’s careers and missions. Miss Kitty Rose introduces herself as a longtime advocate for Black women and communities, emphasizing the synergy between their companies, shared commitment to empowerment, especially youth and women, and the business-minded approach they maintain even within their friendship. They stress how clear boundaries, honest conversations about contracts, profit sharing, and expectations help sustain their relationship personally and professionally.First connection via LinkedIn sparked a 10-year collaborative relationship.Both women prioritize empowerment, youth advocacy, and community support.Business transparency and communication maintain the health of their partnership.Mutual respect for roles, responsibilities, and clear boundaries reinforce trust.Evolution of Their Work and Media Presence (00:04:14 – 00:10:05)The women discuss their evolution from microlending initiatives to media production, highlighted by Miss Kitty Rose’s one-woman show Girl on Fire and other projects. Kwamara praises Kitty’s growth from email marketing and retail to an award-winning TV personality and producer, underscoring their collaborative spirit and mutual support in navigating the business landscape.They emphasize the importance of elevating the voices of Black women and women of color through media, stressing diversity and the need to challenge monolithic portrayals. This mission is the foundation of Women Investing in Women—a platform built to amplify and celebrate diverse stories, experiences, and leadership of women across communities.Media and storytelling are powerful tools to elevate underrepresented voices.Their collaborative efforts include both profitable and non-profitable projects but remain fueled by purpose.Recognition and awards validate the impact of their platform, positioning it for wider national and global influence.Impact and Recognition of Work (00:10:06 – 00:14:48)Kwamara shares her background of overcoming shyness and finding her voice through teaching, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. She recounts speaking engagements, community work, and how Miami has helped catapult her mission globally. Notably, she speaks about being targeted by online harassment during the pandemic, which she refused to let silence her, instead turning it into a platform-building opportunity.The success of her TV show, with 4.7 million viewers and international reach through streaming platforms like Amazon and Roku, stands as a testament to resilience and purpose-driven activism. She highlights the importance of speaking truth, amplifying voices of others, and using platforms to disrupt systemic silencing, especially of Black women.Overcame personal and systemic challenges including cyber harassment.Grew from local community initiatives to a global social media impact.TV show and planned global tour exemplify commitment to empowerment.Silencing attempts turned into momentum for visibility and influence.Challenges and Strategies in Women’s Business Empowerment (00:14:49 – 00:23:57)Miss Kitty Rose elaborates on the realities women face in entrepreneurship, including subtle resistance, biases, and the sometimes toxic intersections of gender and power dynamics in investment environments. She stresses that women must know how to protect their voices, create safe spaces for vulnerability, and maintain psychological safety within their communities.They discuss the layered challenges women encounter balancing business and personal life, including mental health, family responsibilities, and relationship boundaries, particularly when intermixing work and personal time. Both advocate for clear negotiation, intentional collaboration, and transparent communication as tools to navigate these challenges.An important theme is “staying the course”—continuing entrepreneurial growth despite setbacks or requiring multiple income streams without abandoning the core business mission. They emphasize understanding legal business structures (LLC, sole proprietor, corporation), paying taxes properly, and building wealth sustainably.Psychological and emotional safety are crucial for sustained empowerment.Navigating the business world requires clear boundaries and honest communication.Work-life balance is essential to mental health and entrepreneurship longevity.Financial literacy and business acumen are foundational for success.Persistence beyond the 10-year mark defines a true business.The Role of Jobs, Fear, and Entrepreneurship (00:23:58 – 00:27:44)The discussion touches on the delicate balance between having a job and running a business. Both women agree it’s okay to maintain a job for financial stability and benefits, but caution against using employment out of fear, which can stall business growth. They encourage strategic decisions that align with long-term wealth and sustainability.The conversation addresses internal and external fears that hold women back, affirming the importance of creativity, faith, and resilience. Kwamara interjects a motivational tone, encouraging women to push beyond self-doubt and the “fear of failure” trap. Jobs can provide safety nets but should not be crutches that limit business potential.Entrepreneurship requires mental and emotional resilience.Strategic financial planning is key to protecting and growing wealth.Fear is natural but must be confronted intentionally.Women Investing in Women Global Tour and TV Series (00:27:45 – 00:38:51)Miss Kitty Rose describes her role as the director of the upcoming Women Investing in Women global tour and TV series, focusing on the importance of visual storytelling and showcasing the warmth and layered experiences of women entrepreneurs on camera. She highlights the female energy and nurturing presence that will shape the series. Kwamara outlines the tour schedule and locations, beginning with the Essence Festival in New Orleans in July, a city with deep personal and ancestral significance to her family. Other stops include Houston, New York City, Toronto for Caribana, Miami, , and Salamanca and Marbella in Spain. This global itinerary intentionally creates a connected ecosystem that celebrates unity, collaboration, and open borders, contrasting global trends of isolation and division. They emphasize access and inclusivity, leveraging Bronx Net and other New York broadcast channels initially, with digital expansion to YouTube and podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple, and iHeart Radio. The shows will be both filmed in studios and on-location, creating an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience for followers.Tour kickoff during Essence Festival rooted in heritage and community.Multiple U.S. and international stops fostering a global sisterhood.Multi-platform distribution including public access TV, streaming, and podcasts.Emphasis on transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity.Behind-the-scenes content highlights production journey and authentic experiences.Final Remarks and Invitations (00:38:52 – End)The video closes with a heartfelt call to action for audience engagement: following the platforms, partnering, collaborating, and supporting the movement. They reiterate the ethos of Women Investing in Women as flexible, inclusive, and collaborative without gatekeeping or exclusivity.Both women express excitement, gratitude, and commitment to elevating women’s voices through authentic storytelling, support networks, and business frameworks. The discussion touches on the realities and challenges women face, the importance of clear business practice and communication, and the launch of a powerful global initiative: a TV series and tour that seeks to amplify Black women’s voices worldwide. Rooted in joy, resilience, and a spirit of sisterhood, Women Investing in Women is positioned as a transformative movement setting a new standard for collaboration, visibility, and empowerment on a global scale.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/women-invest-in-women--6695973/support.