Strawberry Letter

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Glynis Lee Ann Cephus Family Fund, established by Latabia Woodward alongside her husband and children and named in honor of her mother Ann Cephus, is founded to bridge the technology skills gap for students with creative aspirations. The fund seeks to provide an innovative educational experience for young creatives, empowering them to harness their talents and carve out successful careers through a nurturing and constructive environment that encourages academic excellence, embraces emerging technologies, and enables transferable skills needed to forge successful creative or other industry careers. Dr. Glynis Lee is an accomplished and versatile executive, fulfilling leadership roles across human resources and information technology. Her unique value proposition combines strategic program and project management capabilities, information technology expertise, and broad human resources knowledge to facilitate cultural transformations in large, global organizations. Her passion lies in incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion as an integral component of business strategy. She aspires to effect positive change through actionable learning to help leaders prioritize access and opportunity for all. Dr. Lee’s heart and passion for inclusion and opportunity fuel her commitment to giving back. She works with InspiredU Atlanta, an organization that bridges the digital divide in technology access and skills for underserved families. She is a past board member of the Forever Pink Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the development and implementation of community service initiatives and scholarships in DeKalb County, GA. She has acted as a mentor to numerous students through various programs, including Women In Technology and other corporate early talent programming. Dr. Lee currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Ann Cephus Family Fund Corporation, whose mission is to embrace, inspire, and motivate young creatives to propel them into successful careers. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviews Jermaine Smith, a celebrity Soul Food Chef, who reveals Mumbo Sauce history in a new documentary.  Operates a popular restaurant in Washington, D.C.'s DMV called Henry's Soul Cafe. To serve the community, Jermaine launched a culinary institute designed to train young people. Jermaine finances and produces films such as Strange Love for Amazon Video, Trophy Wife, and Dave Chappelle's Legendary starring Earthquake for Netflix. In that same vein, he manages talent in the comedy space, is a successful real estate developer and investor, and consults for businesses across the globe.  #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shiloh Bigles.  My guest is a certified Functional Nutrition Counselor passionate about providing quality CBD products to improve people's lives. Through a holistic approach to wellness, they combine CBD with functional nutrition to help clients achieve balance, reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and enhance overall well-being.  Level Minds CBD is a wellness-focused company that provides high-quality, natural CBD products that improve mental and physical well-being. Based in Georgia, the company offers a range of third-party tested products, including tinctures, edibles, topicals, and more, designed to relieve anxiety, inflammation, pain, and stress. Level Minds CBD is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging made from ocean plastic and promoting natural, practical solutions for a healthier lifestyle. •    What is CBD?•    What type of customer is drawn to using CBD?•    Can you order your CBD product online?•    Can you share what inspired you to start Level Minds CBD?•    What drew you to become a certified Functional Nutrition Counselor, and how has that influenced your approach to CBD and wellness?•    Business Philosophy and Mission•    What makes Level Minds CBD unique compared to other CBD brands on the market?•    How does sustainability factor into your business, especially with your eco-friendly packaging made from ocean plastic?•    What is your mission for Level Minds CBD, and how do you stay true to that mission while navigating industry challenges?•    Product Offerings and Benefits•    Can you talk about some of your most popular products and how they benefit your customers?•    You’ve introduced innovative products like Bliss Magic Muscimol Gummy Gushers and Chocolate Bites. How do these stand out in the market, and what effects do they provide?•    What are the key benefits of your Focus, Calm, and Renew product lines?•    Industry Challenges and Growth•    How has the changing legal landscape, particularly bills like Georgia SB494, impacted your business?•    What steps are you taking to adapt to these challenges and continue providing value to your customers?•    CBD and Functional Nutrition•    How do you incorporate functional nutrition principles into the way you advise customers on CBD use?•    What do you believe are the long-term benefits of combining CBD with functional nutrition for overall health and well-being?•    Future of Level Minds CBD•    What’s next for Level Minds CBD? Are there any upcoming products or initiatives you’re excited about?•    How do you see the future of the CBD industry evolving, and where do you hope Level Minds will fit into that landscape? #BEST #STRAW #SHMS See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain.  She is an award-winning People Leader, changing how women business leaders and entrepreneurs live, work, and play by doing work that matters in STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.  She is a Senior Human Resources leader and entrepreneurial personality known for innovative approaches to business, strategy, diversity, and inclusion, and Emerging Technologies.  Founder & President of STEM Atlanta Women, Inc. A non-profit created to Enlighten, Educate, and Empower women and girls about the advantages and global opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math and the future skills needed to compete and succeed in the 21st Century.  Her vision is to disrupt unconscious bias in Tech and bridge the gender gap in STEM. We provide STEM Education, Training, and STEM Consulting Services in terms of educational services that include program evaluation, professional development, project management, curriculum development, and capacity building.  Maxine also provides consulting and emerging tech advisory services to women business leaders,    Entrepreneurs, corporations, and educational institutions in the following practice areas:             Business Strategy & Development             Emerging Technologies             Talent Pipeline Development             Organizational, Operational and Technological Advisory Services             New Skilling, Upskilling, and Reskilling the Workforce in the Digital Era Education: Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Management/ Human Resource Management (4 Years Completed) University of Phoenix Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D), Humanitarianism for notable contributions and achievements of national and global significance to humanitarian and community building efforts relative to STEM Education and Training – Dec. 2020. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Brenda Johnson. She is the CEO of the Collaborative Training Company, an Atlanta-based management and professional services consulting firm founded in 2018. She has over 30 years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, serving in various management and senior leadership roles. Following a 15-year career as a licensed Civil Engineer, Brenda pivoted to the nonprofit sector where she focused on addressing social, racial, and economic injustice. As a former Regional Director of Year Up and former Manager Director of the OneTen Coalition, she worked to expand access to wealth-building opportunities for under-represented populations and historically excluded communities across the country. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and is a Certified Corporate Trainer, Certified Scrum Master, and alumna of the McKinsey Black Executive Leadership Program. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, she has enjoyed the lovely weather and southern hospitality Atlanta offers for over 25 years. Company Description *    The Collaborative Training Company (CTC) is a professional services consulting firm providing professional development and career readiness training. CTC supports human resources business units by designing and delivering customized workshops that increase employee retention - maximizing human capital investments. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price Gistard. I began my finance career in 1999, working in investment operations and accounting for 14 years. In 2013, I transitioned into retail auto finance as an independent Texas auto dealer and Finance Manager. Shortly thereafter, I earned my Residential Mortgage Loan Originator license in 2018. I worked as a Mortgage Loan Originator until December 2022. In February 2023, I took the next step in my career by opening my independent mortgage brokerage, ACI Mortgage, LLC, where I serve as an Independent Mortgage Broker. Company Description *ACI Mortgage, LLC is an independent mortgage broker committed to delivering exceptional service through a focus on accountability, consistency, and innovative tools and resources. Understanding that the home purchase process involves not only finding the perfect home but also securing the right mortgage, ACI Mortgage, LLC strives to make the mortgage process personalized, efficient, and timely. By building strong relationships and keeping clients' needs at the forefront, ACI Mortgage, LLC ensures a smooth and seamless experience every step of the way. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Marcus and his wife, Marvis, realized their sons, Ryan and Dylan were very good, and experts asking for money as you would expect from teenage boys.They decided they needed a way to earn some extra income, while also learning the values of being an entrepreneur.From that idea, Snowie Atlanta was born. They have been involved in every aspect of starting and developing this business, which has been a real eye opener for them. They are now starting to understand the hard work, dedication as well as, costs associated with opening and operating our own business.Their hope and prayer was that they learned operating our shaved ice business would provide them with skills that will guide them throughout their lives. Company Description *Shaved Ice is our SWEET spot!! We are a top-tier food truck with a focus on customer service. Talking Points/Questions *1) What was your reason or your “Why” that caused you to start Snowie Atlanta?2) Is it true that you worked a full-time job for 5 years while building Snowie Atlanta?3) What sacrifices had to be made along the way?4) What made you leave a successful career as the VP of Field Supervision at a large Financial Services Firm?5) What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs reluctant to follow their dreams? #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.