Join the hosts of the Leading With Purpose Podcast as they take a heartfelt look back at the journey through Seasons 1 and 2 to celebrate the kickoff of Season 3! In this reflective episode, they share behind-the-scenes insights, highlight impactful moments, and reveal lessons learned from their incredible guests and inspiring conversations. Discover how the podcast has evolved, the themes that resonated most with listeners, and what’s in store for Season 3. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just tuning in, this episode is the perfect launchpad for another season of purpose-driven leadership, growth, and connection.
Hosts Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter welcome Emorja Roberson to V&P Inspiring Our Community Podcast. Emorja Roberson is a pianist, conductor, composer, and vocalist in classical and gospel music. Roberson graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance (2013) and a Master of Sacred Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Notre Dame (2017). Throughout his career, he has held lead roles in Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), The Consul, As You Like It, The Mikado and La Bohème with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah. In October 2016, he recorded solos on Robert Kry’s, Paradiso: Transformation and Transfiguration and Mass for the Oppressed by Emerson Eads. Throughout his experience in the Sacred Music Program at Notre Dame, Roberson served under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Lancaster and has worked with world-renowned soprano, Deborah Voight, Carla Rae Cook, and, J.J. Penna. In 2016, Roberson recorded Christmas at Notre Dame with Grammy Award Winner, Arturo Sandoval, and sang as a soloist on “Frosty The Snowman” with Matthew Kelly. As of May 2017, Roberson was coined as the first African-American to graduate with a Master of Sacred Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Notre Dame. Currently, Roberson is a student of Dr. Mark Doerries and is the first African-American student in the Doctor of Musical Arts program to study Choral Conducting with a focus in African-American repertoire. Since January 2016, his compositions have been performed by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra as a contribution to the Martin Luther King, Jr. concert under the direction Dr. Marvin Curtis and Maestro Alastair Willis. Roberson was the first place winner for the 2018 American Negro Spirituals competition, directed by Dr. J. LanYe’, and performed at Severance Hall in Cleveland, OH. As a doctoral student, Roberson hosted the University of Notre Dame’s first Black History Month concert, which featured artists in jazz, classical, and gospel, and included performers: Callie Day, Isaac Cates, J.J. Wright, and Alex Mansour. In June 2019, he made his national debut on Season 9 of BET’s Sunday Best competition as a top 20 contestant, and in March 2020, his recent composition, "Seek Ye First" from The Evening Musicale (2019), was featured on Sirius XM 64 (Kirk Franklin's Praise).
Hosts Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter welcome guest, Melissa C. Roberts. Melissa C. Roberts is the Associate Director of Career Services at Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia where she manages the university internship program. She is currently pursuing her certification as a Professional Life Coach through The John Maxwell Team. She has a Master’s degree in the Studies in Human Behaviors from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She began her professional coaching career in higher education at Point University, as the Coordinator of Career Services in 2013. In January of 2015, she was promoted to Director and began managing an adult education program in McDonough, Georgia. There, she managed the site location and taught multiple courses in the area of critical thinking and counseling as an adjunct instructor. While managing the adult educational program, teaching and coaching students, she worked as a Master’s Level Counselor for the Touch of Healing Counseling Center, where she facilitated Grief Share small groups and conducted one on one counseling sessions. She continues to facilitate Grief Share and Coach College students but other individuals as well through Living Whole, where the focus is on whole life principals. The idea is to help individuals become their very best selves and learn how to tap into their potential to meet their life goals and dreams. Melissa is the founder of God’s Whole Woman Magazine, a completely electronic magazine that encouraged positive life ideals specifically for women. As a Life Coach Professional, Melissa is passionate about helping others move forward through individual coaching sessions, group coaching sessions, as well as presentations and workshops. She believes “everyone has a story and how we communicate that story, along with understanding how each area of life is connected, we can live out our goals and dreams while improving the world we live in!” Melissa resides in Griffin, Georgia with her husband of 29 years, Stephen Roberts, III. Stephen and Melissa Co-own an organization called RunFast, Inc. in which they work to educate the community on good health practices in both competitive and non-competitive sport of Track and Field and performance. They have six adult children and two grandsons. She enjoys spending time with family, reading, mentoring, and coaching others.
Hosts Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter welcome guests, Cortland Jones and Shauna F. King, hosts of Village Talk Podcast Cortland is a 28-year veteran educator, published author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Better Place, Inc. He has published 3 books with a children's book scheduled to be released Summer 2020. Empowering others by God's grace is his vision and mission for what he does in using his gifts and abilities to make the world around him a better place for others. Shauna Felton King is an educator, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience in public and private settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in Education from Bowie State, and an Education Specialist degree in Adult Learning from Walden University. An active member of her church and community, Shauna is also a proud wife and mother of two middle-school-age children. She serves as the president of The Better Place, a nonprofit that serves youth and families. She is the author of School Smart: It’s More than Just Reading and Writing and her soon to be released devotional entitled fearLESS- A 21-day journey.
Jarita Hagans, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, foodie, author, and artist. She attended Howard University in Washington, D.C. for undergraduate and medical school. Afterward, she completed a surgery internship at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, Virginia. Eastern Virginia Medical School/Portsmouth Family Medicine is where she received her Family Medicine training. She had the honor of being an Intern of the Year and Chief Resident while training there. Operating a clinic for a battered women’s shelter and providing medical care for a homeless shelter were two of her favorite projects. After residency, she practiced in post-hurricane “Katrina” New Orleans and developed a love for cooking, gardening, and natural remedies. Since moving home to Maryland, she has worked at medical offices in Washington, D.C., as well as Baltimore and several other Maryland cities. She is the founder of Zion Family Practice, LLC offering telemedicine (video visits) through rowedocs.com a soon-coming brick and mortar office. Dr. Hagans has had the pleasure of speaking about healthy eating, lifestyle changes, STD prevention, and pathways to a medical career at schools, churches, and community events since 2005. She has spoken at the Student National Medical Association Annual Medical Education Conference (SNMA AMEC) as well as the Graduate and Professional Schools Workshop at Morgan State University. She is author of “MD Dreams: Practical Advice for Every Stage from Premed to Residency and Beyond”. “Women Who Lead: Extraordinary Women with Extraordinary Achievements” is a collaborative book that she co-authored along with 21 other women. Dr. Hagans is also the author of three children’s books: “Mya and the Golden Chest”, “Mason and the Magic Cape” and “Kid Astronaut: Space Dreams”
V&P Team Members, Antonio "Tony" Turner and wife Martina Turner, discusses hair fashion from the 1920s to 2020. Tony Turner is co-owner of Tony Turner Hair Products & Salon located in Richmond Va. He is a licensed cosmetologist/ salon owner with over 30 years of experience. He has worked for many hair care brands before creating his own line of hair care products. Tony is an award-winning hairstylist and was named Hair Styling Icon by Beauty & Barber Magazine. He has owned multiple hair salons. Beginning with his first salon The Untouchables at the age of 19. He is looking forward to sharing his insight with our V&P readers. His focus is not just on external beauty but more so on the beauty of the mind’s ability to make good decisions that make us beautiful inside and out. Martina has 26 years of experience in the Cosmetology field. She's had the opportunity to do Platform work at the International Beauty Show in New York City, work with Wahl Clipper Company at the Bronner's International Beauty Show in Atlanta Georgia, and experience Celebrity hairstyling. Currently, Martina is working on Photography, Filming, Designing, Creating new looks for Advertisement, Commercials and Trade shows for Tony Turner Unleashed Hair Care Products. She's worked on an Advertisement Ad featured in Essence Magazine, also Martina has been featured in two books. A Divine Detour by Taleshia L. Chandler, PH. D. and Black from Scratch by Chalet A. Jean-Baptiste. Martina loves being an Entrepreneur. She feels, Pursuing your Passion, while Keeping God First, putting in the Time, Dedication, Hard work and Never giving up. Equals to Boundless Opportunities which Unleashes Blessings to help others. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and cooking.
Nichole Myrine was born to Hazel W. Briggs and Andrew Jackson on December 25 in Washington, D.C. She was educated in the Prince George’s County, Maryland Public School system and is currently in pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies at the University of Maryland University College. Nichole is currently employed in the marketplace by Fannie Mae. In 2001 Nichole recognized and accepted her call to ministry and began her studies under the tutorage of Her Grace, Bishop Anita V. O’Brien. Nichole was licensed to preach the gospel in January 2002 and ordained December of 2006. In 2017 Nichole began sharpening her prophetic ministry and under the tutorage of His Eminence, the last Bishop S.C. Zebedee Dowtin. Over the span of 19 years has served multiple ministries in various capacities and currently serves as Pastor-Elect of Covenant of Hope Maryland and as an Elder within Covenant of Hope International Assemblies reformation, founded by the late Bishop Dowtin. Nichole’s passion is to strengthen the family, by liberating mankind at every stage of life through the teaching and implementation of holy living and kingdom principles in the word of God. This is accomplished through personal counseling, facilitating and organizing conferences and workshops, prophetic intercession, and using various social media outlets to spread the gospel. Nichole has hosted prayer conferences and prophetic summits that allowed regional leadership to gather and glean insight on the temperature of the church and share wisdom on the approaches on addressing the needs of those we have been sent to serve. In addition, Nichole specializes in ministering survivors of domestic abuse, providing individual marriage/relationship counseling, prophetic counseling, and intercession, as well as in ministering the gift of song and the preached word. Nichole has a great love for God’s word and a unique fervor for delivering His message. Nichole’s greatest joy is her family, her fiancé Anthony Brooks and her children, Allison and Silas. Minister Karon Yarborough, a Native Washington has a love for people and has been commissioned by God to go and make disciples to which she served as a Divine Discipleship for Sisters (DDS) Facilitator at First Baptist Church of Glenarden for 11 years. During her tenure of serving in the ministry, she has discipled over 500 women that empowered them to make Christ the center of their lives and apply biblical principles that would embody the heart of Christ. Minister Karon was selected and elevated to serve as the Assistant Director of DDS in 2014. She would soon leave that ministry role to become the Radio Host for the “Growing with Karon” live broadcast with WBGR Network Minister Karon’s passion is for people to have an intimate relationship with God; empowering them to be strengthened in their spiritual walk with Christ; and, be led by the Holy Spirit is part of her mission and purpose in life. Minister Karon currently serves under the leadership of Pastor Dant’e King and Co-Pastor Dr. Kym Lee King of Forward Church in Clinton, Maryland. She is the biological mother of one adult son and spiritual mother to many. She is a preacher, teacher and motivational speaker under the Radio Show handle “Karon Speaks”.
Hosts, Karen McConnell Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter talk with the owners of Tony Turner Unleashed Hair Care Products and Salon. Tony Turner is co-owner of Tony Turner Hair Products & Salon located in Richmond Va. He is a licensed cosmetologist/ salon owner with over 30 years of experience. He has worked for many hair care brands before creating his own line of hair care products. Tony is an award-winning hairstylist and was named Hair Styling Icon by Beauty & Barber Magazine. He has owned multiple hair salons. Beginning with his first salon The Untouchables at the age of 19. His focus is not just on external beauty but more so on the beauty of the mind’s ability to make good decisions that make us beautiful inside and out. Currently, Martina is working on building the Tony Turner Unleashed Brand with her Husband/Business Partner, Antonio Turner, located in Richmond, Virginia. Martina has 26 years of experience in the Cosmetology field. She's had the opportunity to do Platform work at the International Beauty Show in New York City, work with Wahl Clipper Company at the Bronner's International Beauty Show in Atlanta Georgia, and experience Celebrity hairstyling. Martina is working on Photography, Filming, Designing, Creating new looks for Advertisement, Commercials and Trade shows for Tony Turner Unleashed Hair Care Products. She's worked on an Advertisement Ad featured in Essence Magazine, also Martina has been featured in two books. A Divine Detour by Taleshia L. Chandler, PH. D. and Black from Scratch by Chalet A. Jean-Baptiste. Martina loves being an Entrepreneur. She feels, Pursuing your Passion, while Keeping God First, putting in the Time, Dedication, Hard work and Never giving up. Equals to Boundless Opportunities which Unleashes Blessings to help others. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading, and cooking. Tony and Martina are contributing writers for The Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine.
Founders, Karen McConnell Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter of Vision & Purpose (V&P) LLC discuss how the idea for the V&P Magazine was born, Vison and Purpose LLC includes the V&P Magazine, Media, and Podcast.
Leading With Purpose PodcastDisrupting Healthcare: Dr. E on Fighting Medical Gaslighting, Longevity, and Empowering PatientsHave you ever been told “it’s all in your head” when you knew something was wrong with your health?What does it really take to achieve peak performance and longevity at any age?How can nurse practitioners — and patients alike — raise their voices to reshape the future of healthcare?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Efrat Lamandre, PhD, FNP-C — better known as Dr. E — a best-selling author, public speaker, and healthcare disruptor with over 5 million followers across social platforms.Dr. E is on a mission to end #MedicalGaslighting, empowering patients to trust their bodies and reclaim their health.She shares how she built multiple ventures in the health space — including EG Healthcare, The Knew Method, Hawk Scribes, and EG Prep Education — all designed to transform how patients and providers experience care.We dive into her passion for longevity and peak performance at any age, her advocacy for nurse practitioners, and her bold vision for the future of medicine.If you’ve ever felt dismissed by the medical system or wondered how to take control of your own health journey, this conversation with Dr. E will inspire you to think differently about wellness, performance, and what’s possible.
Leading With Purpose PodcastIn this inspiring episode of Leading With Purpose, we sit down with Dr. Ronald G. Taylor, a visionary educator with over 28 years of service to students, families, and communities. From classroom teacher to superintendent in both urban and suburban districts, Dr. Taylor’s career has been defined by courageous leadership, innovative problem-solving, and a relentless commitment to educational equity.We explore his groundbreaking Intentional Integration Initiative (III)—a bold, data-driven approach designed to address racial and socioeconomic disparities in education, from elementary classrooms to Advanced Placement courses. Dr. Taylor shares the story behind the III, its impact on student access and opportunity, and the lessons he’s learned from presenting it to the New Jersey State Legislature.Along the way, we also dive into his leadership journey, his ability to guide $200M in major school construction projects, and his advice for leaders navigating generational challenges in education. This conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone ready to lead with vision, courage, and purpose.
Leading With Purpose PodcastIn this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Leni Cavazos—event curator, marketing strategist, and founder of The Retreat Planner. From unforgettable retreats to global loyalty campaigns, Leni shares how she turns vision into experience and strategy into lasting impact.We dive into her journey from leading the launch of Marriott Bonvoy in the Middle East & Africa to building transformative retreats that blend purpose with joy.Tune in as Leni reveals the keys to designing meaningful events, creating brand loyalty, and staying ahead of industry trends.Whether you're an aspiring event planner, a marketer, or simply someone who loves intentional experiences—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!
Champions of Change Podcast“Disrupt, Uplift, Liberate: Dr. Paris Echoles on Centering Healing and Identity in Education” In this powerful episode of Champions of Change: Black Male Educators Making a Positive Impact, we sit down with Dr. Paris Echoles — transformational educator, community leader, and founder of Born Gift3d, LLC. With nearly two decades of experience across education, leadership, and community engagement, Dr. Echoles has dedicated his life to reimagining what’s possible for Black youth, educators, and the systems that shape them. Raised in the face of adversity and guided by revolutionary love, he brings a unique blend of academic insight and lived experience to every space he enters.Dr. Echoles unpacks the mission behind Born Gift3d, the importance of healing, identity, and purpose, and what it truly means to disrupt, uplift, and liberate. From lessons learned in classrooms and boardrooms to strategies for staying authentic in resistant systems, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to transformative education and community empowerment.Tune in and be inspired to lead with cultural truth, stand firm in your purpose, and create liberated spaces where our communities can thrive.
Vision & Purpose PodcastIn this powerful episode of Vision & Purpose Podcast, Sara Wilder—licensed clinical social worker, addiction specialist, and founder of the Fresh Perspective program—shares her unwavering mission to break the stigma around mental health and substance use. Drawing from over a decade of frontline experience in correctional facilities, psychiatric hospitals, residential recovery programs, and private practice, Sara brings a raw, compassionate look at what true recovery demands—from both providers and patients. Sara opens up about her own remarkable journey of releasing 150 pounds through healing her relationship with food and sugar, reminding us that recovery isn’t just clinical—it’s cultural, relational, and deeply personal.We explore how her Fresh Perspective framework empowers clients to reshape their inner stories, nourish themselves intentionally, and create sustainable, holistic change.Tune in as Sara challenges us to see recovery as a belief system—one that must start with us. Because as she reminds us: Provider health is patient health.
Leading With Purpose Podcast"Purpose, Performance, and People: Coaching for a Culture That Thrives with Dr. Jaclynn Robinson"In this episode, we sit down with an executive coach and organizational consultant , Dr. Jaclynn Robinson, whose unique blend of drive, strategic insight, and deep relational focus has helped nearly 800 professionals—and thousands more through workshops—unlock their full potential. With Top 5 CliftonStrengths of Achiever, Strategic, Maximizer, Positivity, and Relator, she brings the perfect balance of action, heart, and optimism to every conversation.We dive into her mission to elevate people and celebrate culture, and explore how aligning individuals with their purpose drives measurable outcomes in wellbeing, engagement, and performance. From her role as a co-host of Gallup’s CliftonStrengths podcast to her contributions on Forbes.com, she shares real-world stories, mindset shifts, and practical strategies that leaders can use to transform their teams and organizations.Whether you're a coach, a leader, or someone passionate about meaningful work, this episode will leave you inspired—and equipped—to lead with clarity, connection, and purpose.
Vision & Purpose PodcastIn this powerful episode of Vision & Purpose Podcast host, Dr. Sharon H. Porter sits down with Dr. Lillie Cox, the visionary behind WE LEAD, an initiative created to empower, support, and elevate women in educational leadership. A recipient of the AASA 2021 Dr. Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award, Dr. Cox shares her journey from classroom teacher to superintendent, and now Executive Director of both the North Carolina ASCD and the Piedmont Triad Education Consortium.Together, they explore the challenges women face in leadership, the transformative power of mentorship, and what it takes to build inclusive communities of growth. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned educator, this episode is filled with inspiration, actionable insights, and a reminder that leadership begins with purpose.
In this powerful and soul-stirring episode, Dr. Angie Kearns vulnerably shares her journey through life’s trials and triumphs—from navigating two divorces and embracing the complexities of single motherhood, to forging her path as a self-employed entrepreneur far from the comfort of family support. With raw honesty and deep introspection, she reflects on the moments that shaped her and the epiphanies that ignited her purpose. This episode is a love letter to Black women everywhere.. Dr. Angie's mission is clear: to help her “sistas” unlock the quiet power within, to break free from self-judgment and societal weight, and to boldly embrace the light of their authentic selves. Her story isn’t one of victimhood—it’s one of victory, healing, and grace. Though not a therapist, she is a guide—someone who has walked through fire and emerged with tools to help other women disarm their mental chaos, reclaim their truth, and build a life rooted in prosperity, peace, and purpose. As a real estate entrepreneur and women’s empowerment warrior, she’s created more than a business—she’s created a movement.Tune in to hear how one woman’s courage to be seen and heard is paving the way for others to do the same. You’ll walk away inspired, empowered, and reminded that healing one Black woman can heal an entire village.Are you ready to quiet the noise and rise into your power?
Unmasking Influence: Who Are You Really Following?-Dr. Brittney ClintonIn this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Brittney Clinton, author of the powerful new book Unmasking Influence: Who Are You Following? to explore how unseen forces shape our identity, choices, and direction in life. From social media personas to internal narratives, influence is everywhere — but how often do we pause to question it?Dr. Clinton invites us on a journey to peel back the layers of influence and uncover the truth behind who (or what) we’re really following. Whether it’s culture, comparison, or even our own ego, this conversation challenges us to unlearn what no longer serves us and step into intentional living.In this episode, we discuss:The inspiration and personal story behind Unmasking InfluenceHow to identify hidden influences in your lifeThe difference between internal and external influencePractical steps to reclaim your authentic voice and directionWhy this message matters more than ever in today’s cultureThis is more than a conversation — it’s a call to awareness, alignment, and authenticity. Grab your copy of Unmasking Influence: Who Are You Following? and prepare to see influence in a whole new light.
“Ignite the Builder Within: Equipping Kingdom Leaders for Cultural Impact”: Rashida Dore-WilsonIn this powerful episode, we sit down with Rashida Dore-Wilson, the visionary behind the Ignite Nehermiah Leadership Institute, to explore how faith-fueled leadership is transforming lives and communities.As the 2025 Institute approaches (June 5–7 in National Harbor, MD), Dore-Wilson unpacks the mission behind the movement, the legacy of Nehermiah, and what it means to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction in today’s world.Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, education, or service—this conversation will challenge you to rise, rebuild, and lead boldly. Don’t miss this inside look at one of the most impactful leadership gatherings of the year.Listen in and discover why now is the time to Ignite the Builder Within.nehermiah.com
Champions of Change PodcastIn this inspiring episode of Champions of Change, we sit down with Principal Quahim Muhammad (also known as Terrence Williams) of Benjamin Franklin Middle School — a passionate educator with over 25 years of experience across K-12. From the classroom to the principal’s office, and from Harvard to global learning spaces, Principal Muhammad shares how he’s transforming education through bold leadership, innovative programs, and a deep-rooted commitment to equity and inclusion.Learn how he’s building systems that empower students, support staff, and engage the entire school community.Whether he's implementing partnerships with prestigious institutions or mentoring young leaders, Principal Muhammad is living proof that great schools begin with great leadership.Tune in as we talk about visibility in leadership, the power of purpose, and how Black male educators like Quahim are shaping the future — one student at a time.