Conversations with Karen and Cat

In this episode, we talk with Curtis Butler, III, as he shares his journey of becoming an unhoused veteran into acts of compassion and service to receiving the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, his story is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Curtis shares his early struggles with homelessness and the challenges he faced as a veteran reintegrating into civilian life. Despite these obstacles, he embarked on a journey of resilience and determination that would eventually lead him to become a successful author and speaker. His book is titlted of "A Warrior Married To His Wife And PTSD and can be purchased from Amazon, Walmart.com and other online retailers. You may reach Curtis on IG @CurtisBakerThird

In this episode we are joined by Gamel DeWise and Paul Posey from the Helping Hands Travels, LLC to discuss mental health challenges for men. Gamel is the CEO/Founder of The Helping Hand Travels LLC and a certified behavior modification & anger management specialist who worked in the field of Social Service and Behavioral Health for over three decades. Paul Posey is an author, Inspirational Speaker and Mental Health Coach. To contact or purchase his books, go to www.neg2posbooks.com Helping Hand Travel, LLC is a behavioral health provider offering solutions for family members grappling with depression, seeking conflict resolution, navigating self-harm issues, dealing with domestic violence, struggling with anger management, or facing issues related to low self-esteem. For information on Helping Hands Travel, Gamel may be reached at https://www.thehelpinghandtravels.com DeWese@thehelpinghandtravels.com Phone: 1-800-988-2969

Michelle Benitez is an Emmy-Award winning journalist. She is the evening and late news anchor on Univision 34 at Atlanta, Georgia. Michelle was a panelist in the Georgia Gubernatorial Debate 2022 and interviews high ranking official from the White House and local agencies. Prior to that Michelle anchored Noticias WINK and Univision WSFL in Fort Myers, Florida for two years. She interviewed elected officials, celebrities and musicians. Covered high profile crime cases, fires, hurricane damages and sports championships. During her time in Florida she reported and anchored a lifestyle weekend shows in Telemundo, Orlando. She emcee and hosts events for organizations, charities, and fundraising. Prior to that Michelle anchored Noticias WINK and Univision WSFL in Fort Myers, Florida for two years. She interviewed elected officials, celebrities and musicians. Covered high profile crime cases, fires, hurricane damages and sports championships. During her time in Florida she reported and anchored a lifestyle weekend shows in Telemundo, Orlando. She emcee and hosts events for organizations, charities, and fundraising. Michelle has expertise in media relations and mass marketing. She grew up in Ecuador and moved to the USA In 2010. She graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelors in Broadcast Journalism and Media Studies. Website: https://www.michellebenitez.com/ Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FMichelle_BNews Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_beniteznews/ Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.beniteztv Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/@michellebeniteztv Linkedin Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebenitezp/ Tiktok Link: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellebeniteztv/video/7246585938879548718?lang=en

Marlene Fosque became the first black county commissioner in Gwinnett County in 2018. She joins us to talk about her historic win, her imprint on the region, and bridging communities through economic development and connectivity.

Chef Katrina is a sought-after speaker, author, and female business mentor. In 2021 she co-founded the first-ever female business education platform, Truth Bomb Academy™. Providing the back to basic female business training which completely disrupts the ‘male’ modeling of business that women have been experiencing their entire lives. Her mission is to create more female millionaires. Contact information: Email: Katrina@truthbombmarketing.com Website: https://truthbombmarketing.com Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/77wvfJJbphmzxQsMzPkaL7 Twitter Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/twitter Instagram Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/Instagram Facebook Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/facebook Youtube Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/youtube Linkedin Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/linkedin Pinterest Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/pinterest Tiktok Link: https://truthbombmarketing.com/tiktok

Black Children’s Book Week (2/25/24 - 3/2/24) celebrates Black children and Black-authored books for them.  We sat down with four authors. Soleil Cross, known as Dr. Soleil  is an eight-year-old author with a passion for STEM, and telling stories.“Pluto- Special, Just the Same Dwarf Planet” is her first book.  Find it at https://www.solrizingstemadv.com/ or amazon Susan H. Hines, author of  “Buckley is a Busy Boy” and “Buckley’s Family Fishing Trip”.  Follow the adventures of this loveable pooch at  tjppublications@gmail.com or via amazon.com Candice Avery offers insights and guidance for young girls and women navigating their life journeys. The book “FASHIONABLY L.A.T.E” and the companion journal may be purchased at candiceavery.com/books and amazon.com Tina Matherson, wrote, “Back to School Affirmation Journal for Students: Kick Your Fear to the Curb” the journal provides positive affirmations and a safe space for young people to express their fears.  The book can be found at  https://revealthevision.wpcomstaging.com/product/affirmation-journal/  and amazon.com

We talk with Georgia State legislators, Sen Tonya Anderson (Senate District 43), Representatives Doreen Carter (House Dist 93) and Segun Adeyina ( House Dist 110) about the current legislative session.

Mrs. Baldwin began her career in Ellaville, Georgia, as a teacher at a segregated high school. She went on to Columbus ,Ga and taught for ten years at Hardaway High School. Baldwin then moved to Gwinnett County to teach at Central Gwinnett High School, becoming the sole black teacher, and eventually the school's principal. From there, Baldwin was recruited to Buford City Schools as a principal. After four years in Buford, the board hired her to became the school superintendent. They did not realize it at the time, but Mrs. Baldwin and the board made history. She became the first black school superintendent in the state of Georgia. After retiring from Buford City Schools, she was instrumental in forming the Hopewell Christian Academy and serving on the board of North Metro Academy of Performing Art. In 2016, she had the honor of having Baldwin Elementary named after her. And 2020, the Gwinnett Elections office was named the Beauty P Baldwin Building.

Robin Edwards is the Sr. Program Manager with the National Black MBA Association. In her role, is responsible for developing and implementing programs to help entrepreneurs elevate their businesses to the next level. She joins us to talk about the NBMBA's Collegiate Innovation Challenge. It is a 5-week virtual program for college students with entrepreneurial visions. The challenge equips students to take their plans and turn them into reality by connecting the students with innovative tools and techniques to launch their businesses. At the end of the program the students will have the opportunity to receive up to a $2,500 grant and apply to compete in a pitch competition and win up to $10,000.Eligibility Guidelines:-Must be a current college student seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree-Business idea or concept must be in the early stages of development-The idea or concept must be the original work of the individual or team-Idea does not contain any libelous material, does not invade or violate any right of privacy, personally or proprietary right, or other common law or statutory right-Be a U.S. resident, and over the age of 18-Have a founder who is Black (of African descent), who maintains an ‘at least equal stake’ in the startup (if the startup has three owners, at least 33% of its ownership must be Black)-Must complete the virtual program to be eligible to receive grant and compete in the pitch challenge More information can be found at nbmbaa.org and https://www.f6s.com/collegiate-innovation-challenge/apply

Join us for a conversation with John Moye, Urban League Senior Director for Policy, Legislative Affairs and Civic Engagement on the State of Black Georgia. We discuss the 2024 legislative priorities for the urban league and their 2022 Publication, "The State of Black Georgia", which provides policy recommendations in the critical areas of education, justice reform, civic engagement, health care and economics. A copy of the report can be found at ulgatl.org.

Ta’Lia and Tanya are the Co-presidents and founder of Mind Over Matter.  Mind Over Matter was formed in February of 2023 to spread awareness of mental health among teenagers.  The students discuss how they are helping to break down the stigma of mental health and the self-care practices they are sharing with their peers. If you have any young people in your life, please share this episode with them.  If you would like to donate or learn more about Mind Over Matter, please follow them on IG @sghsmindovermatter.

In this conversation, we sit down with Karen Ramsey of the Gwinnett Housing Corporation. Karen joined the GHC team in August 2022 as the Housing Initiatives Director. As the Housing Initiatives Director, Karen is responsible for the planning, supervision and operation of various programs and initiatives. She is also responsible for seeking grant funding opportunities for GHC and completing the grant application process. Karen brings to GHC 15 years of affordable housing experience as well as certifications in Housing Choice Voucher Program Management, Fair Housing and Reasonable Accommodations Specialist, HCPV Program Specialist, and Low-Income Tax Credit Specialist. Karen has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Georgia State University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Keller Graduate School. GHC offers the Housing Expo for persons interested in rehabbing their homes, buying their first home or getting their finances in order. If you missed the Expo, and want to learn about affordable housing in the metro Atlanta area, contact GHC at gwinnetthousing.org. or Karen Ramsey at gwinnetthousing.org

Recently, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, in a 516-page order, ordered the state of Georgia to go back to the drawing board and redraw the state's legislative boundaries. Specifically, Jones directed the state to draw two new Black-majority districts in Georgia. Georgia’s Republican majority General Assembly and governor were directed to take action before Dec. 8, saying he wouldn’t permit 2024 elections to go forward under the current maps. On October 26, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp called for a special session of the Georgia General Assembly to convene after the judge ruled the state's congressional, state Senate and state House districts were drawn in a racially discriminatory manner. On Wednesday, November 29th, the special session convened for seven days to redraw the boundaries. Rep. Sam Park, (D-107) was in attendance during the seven days and join Conversations with Karen and Cat to discuss the results of the special session and next steps in the litigation You can contact Rep Park at samforgeorgia.com. If you would like to learn more about the case, go to https://thearp.org/litigation/georgia-state-conf-Learn Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE.

Thomas Livsey, known affectionately as the "Unofficial Mayor of the Promised Land" was a landowner, business owner and community activist. The Livsey and Andersons families were the cornerstones of the black community in southern Gwinnett County. Thomas Livsey transitioned recently and we ask that you donate to chadlivseyproject.com to honor his life and his love for the Promised Land community.

Are you looking for unique Christmas gifts? On this episode we talk with two youthprenuers that started their own businesses while still in high school. The students juggle school, extra-curricular activities and entrepeneurialship. Support these small business owners by shopping with: Taliaa Pouncey, Owner, Liaas Arts and Crafts Website: https://liaasartsncrafts.myshopify.com/ IG: Liaas_ArtsnCrafts ____________ Awa Kone, Owner, Starzhoodies IG: Starzhoodies _____________ Jaden Maxwell, Owner, Trendy Clips, IG: TrendyClips_

Karen and Cat sit down with Vance Williams to talk about personal safety during the holiday season and beyond. Vance is a decorated Police Officer . Since January 2023 he serves as an Investigator for the Gwinnett County District Attorney since January 2023, as a Criminal Investigator. Vance has been a Georgia Law Enforcement Officer for over 30 years. In 1992, Vance Williams began his law enforcement career as a Corrections Officer with the City of Atlanta. He served as an Investigator, Inspector, and as a Sergeant. In 2004, Williams left the Department of Corrections and served the citizens of Hapeville as a uniformed patrol officer with the City of Hapeville (Metro Atlanta) Georgia. Williams served as a SWAT Team Member and Hostage Negotiator, where he participated in numerous SWAT callouts and successfully negotiated surrenders on several critical barricade gunman situations. In 2008, Williams was promoted to Detective and investigated crimes ranging from petty larceny to murder. Williams also served as the police department’s Internal Affairs Investigator and Public Information Officer. In 2010, the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office recruited Williams as an Investigator in the Major Case/Homicide Unit. In 2011, Williams was promoted to Director of Investigations for the Major Case Unit where he supervised senior investigators, resulting in a ninety-eight percent conviction rates for all homicide trials in the Atlanta Judicial Circuit during his supervision. In July 2014, Williams served the City of Atlanta for a second time when he returned to the Atlanta Department of Corrections as a Major over the Office of Professional Standards. Williams made his way to Gwinnett County in May 2021, as a Criminal Investigator in the Solicitor General’s Office. There he served as the department’s General POST Instructor, Firearms Instructor, and Defensive Tactics Instructor. In the Solicitor’s Office, Williams was assigned to the Domestic Violence Unit, in which he investigated cases involving intimate partner violence. In his current role, Williams is assigned to the Special Victims Unit in which he investigates sexual crimes including rape, child molestation, sex trafficking, sexual assault, and other felonies. In this Office, he also serves as one of the Firearms, Defensive Tactics, and General POST Instructors. In addition to his career in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Williams is also a veteran of the United States Army. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1987 and served as a Military Policeman in Mannheim, West Germany until June 1990. Williams is married to the love of his life and has two loving children.Email: vancarlton16@gmail.com

Karen and Cat had the honor to be the guest speakers at the South Gwinnett Student Leadership Team Fall Summitt. We discussed public speaking and afterwards answered questions on a variety of topics. It was truly an honor to spend time with these dynamic young people.

We chat with Erica Pope, candidate for Dacula City Council about this week's elections and it's impact. To volunteer, donate and help Cat get over the finish line on December 5th, go to electcat.com

In this episode, we are joined by Mimi Cole and Jaidah Liverman. Mimi is the founder of The Ivy Elite Foundation. She shares her personal journey of starting the organization and the inspiration behind it. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges faced by families and individuals with special needs, and how the foundation aims to support them. Contact The Ivy Elite Foundation at : Email: MrsJaidah@theivyelite.com Phone Number: (678) 424-0711 Website: https://theivyelite.com Instagram Link: https://instagram.com/theivyelitefoundation Facebook Link: https://facebook.com/theivyelitefoundation

Kaswaina Powell is an author, a poet and the owner of Pen To Paper Your Magic.Inc. Kaswaina opened Pen To Paper Your Magic in 2018 in Brooklyn New York. Pen To Paper Your Magic is art collective designed to provide a safe space for children to discover their creativity and unpack their positive self confidence in child development to literacy and creative expression! Kaswaina opened a Snellville location in 2021 and now provides homeschooling programs, after school programming, drop in canvas, painting books, and a plethora of other things for children to explore the imagination. Pen to Paper Your Magic is open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 12 PM to 5:30 PM at 1987 Scenic Highway N Ste 211, Snellville, Ga 30078.Contact Kaswaina at kaswainap@gmail.com and on IG , Facebook and Tiktok @pentopaperyourmagic.