Strawberry Letter

has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams.  Please welcome to Money Making Conversations Master Class Jennifer Ledwith. Talking Points/Questions * 1. Why are HBCUs relevant?Mr. McDonald, in your interview with Stacy Spratt of the United Negro College Fund, you mentioned the number of successful Black professionals who are products of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Moreover, I’ve seen this success in my family, which hails from Bain Street (yes – that Bain Street in Kashmere Gardens), beginning with my grandfather, an alumnus of Texas College and Texas Southern University. 2. Whether students select an HBCU or a PWI, it’s important for them to have choices. Test scores unlock access to scholarships and academic programs. Often, African Americans are locked out of these opportunities: on average, African Americans score a 908 (out of 1600) on the SAT and a 16 (out of 36) on the ACT. 3. PSAT, SAT, and ACT aren’t for Black kids? Why should we bother?We should bother because of the opportunities for scholarships and the opportunities to improve literacy. 4. When should my child start preparing for college? 5. Understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success.  6. People told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. 7. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Tarence Wheeler.  He is a highly respected professional with over 20 years of experience in community relations and philanthropic activities, specializing in community and corporate partnerships and relationship building. He is a former Mayoral Appointee, serving as the community relations liaison for Mayor Dave Bing and the City of Detroit. Mr. Wheeler has extensive experience in community outreach, mentoring, and fostering partnerships to support educational achievement. During the pandemic, he led the effort to distribute over 15 million meals to the downriver community via a partnership with Forgotten Harvest. He founded the All-Star Giveback Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, which currently provides over 3,000 turkeys with all the trimmings to families in need. Although Mr. Wheeler has been seen serving on a national level with celebrities and the like, his greatest passion is in helping to enrich the lives of at-risk young people in communities throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area. He is often inspiring and motivating students at Detroit-area schools, using a transparent and authentic approach to reaching young people and ‘meeting them where they are’. His first-hand knowledge and experience with growing up in a less-fortunate environment increased his ability to make a direct connection with his young audience. Celebrities join forces for All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition: WHO:  Tarence Wheeler, Multi-Platinum & Emmy winning Grammy Nominee Rapper Big Sean/Sean Anderson Foundation, Former NBA Players Derrick Coleman, Gary Payton, Willie Burton, Isiah Thomas, Rick Mahorn, Grant Long, Tim Hardaway, James “Budda” Edwards, Actor/Author Hill Harper, Former NFL Players Herman Moore, Lomas Brown, Rob Sims, Calvin Johnson, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Sheriff Ray Washington, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, City Council President Mary Sheffield WHAT: Annual All-Star Giveback: Thanksgiving Edition will provide more than 3000 turkeys and food baskets to Metro- Detroit residents on a first come, first served basis. #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Jennifer Ledwith.   She has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma.   She is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online and her company Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Houston native, entrepreneur, and educator, Jennifer Ledwith understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. Again and again, people told her that her mother — a single parent with serious debt and no child support — made too much money for her to get any free money for college. She didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class (which is academic poison in her home state of Texas). Thankfully, her PSAT scores were high, and she could write the essays to get the money. She knew how to beg for money tactfully in 100 words. She knew why she wanted to get a business degree from the University of Oklahoma. From her junior year of high school to her junior year of college, she wrote essays for over 30 scholarships. She won enough money to pay for tuition and fees. She had the most scholarships when she walked across the stage at graduation. The announcer was still reading them after she had crossed the stage. Even then, she didn't have enough money for school. She worked and worked and continued to apply for scholarships. She graduated from an out-of-state university (University of Oklahoma) with no credit card debt and only $1,000 in student loans. Hey, a girl needs plane tickets. Jennifer Ledwith is the owner of Scholar Ready, an educational services company. She meets with clients online. She also studied Personal Financial Planning at Rice University and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. Company Description *Scholar Ready tutors Math, conducts personal essay writing workshops, and prepares students for PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams. Many of Scholar Ready's students have earned academic scholarships, including full rides to Mississippi Valley State University, Fordham University, Texas A & M University, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake. We strive to instill our students with confidence that is earned and true. We teach them how to learn, how to advocate for what they need in the classroom, how to study, and how to set goals and expectations. We do not allow our students to be limited by experiences of the world they currently inhabit. We want them to have the confidence and work ethic to reach a better life and achieve any goal they set for themselves. #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 Chef Jernard Wells.  He is the author of a cookbook entitled, “Southern Inspired: More Than 100 Delicious Dishes from My American Table to Your.”   He is renowned for using food to promote positive family images, and has captivated Television and live audiences with his infectious personality and culinary expertise. If you haven’t seen him on TV, he hosts *New Soul Kitchen* and *New Soul Kitchen Remix* on CLEO TV.   Talking Points/Questions *Southern Inspired CookBook:What inspired your cookbook?What are some of your favorite recipes from the book? How are you able to create 100 Southern-inspired recipes? How do you stay inspired to create new and authentic recipes?Holiday Questions: What recipes can we find in your cookbook that are perfect for the holidays? The perfect drink to pair with your cranberry and whiskey glazed ribs? Your mom is a baker, will you two collaborate in the kitchen this holiday season? How has she inspired your recipes? #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 Dominique Leonard.  The founder of Jus' Free Parole Package Services. Once classified as an inmate a few short years ago, he wrote my own parole plan and was granted the privilege of freedom. Since his release, He has been dedicated to humanizing inmates with favorable representation in their quest to obtain parole.Jus' Free is a parole package provider that goes above and beyond to bring forth and present the best potential of our clients. Due to a lack of knowledge, inmates are unaware of what is given to the Board of Pardons and Parole. Our company works with offenders and their loved ones to ensure the Board hears YOUR story. Together, we humanize and purposely create a narrative for the Parole Board that deems those requesting the privilege of parole worthy of the transition to freedom. At Jus’Free, they recognize imperfection as part of the human experience. Our mission is to restore dignity to those who have been dehumanized and bring families back together. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to empower individuals, promote understanding, and foster reconciliation. While we can't guarantee specific outcomes, we're committed to supporting each person's journey with compassion and empathy. Together, we work towards a more just and compassionate society. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed T. Dallas Smith. T. Dallas Smith began his commercial real estate career in 1982 at Atlanta Air Center Realty under the guidance of Thomas W. Tift, Jr. as leasing and management representative for the portfolio. In 1989, he became the first African American broker at Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia. His affiliation with the company opened doors for many minority brokers. In 1995, he pioneered the brokerage division for H.J. Russell & Company, an African-American-owned construction and management firm, where he served as VP of the Brokerage Division. In 2006, with the blessing of the late Herman J. Russell, Dallas opened T. Dallas Smith & Company (TDS&Co), specializing in tenant representation. Now, he leads the firm’s branding and strategy efforts, which includes creating and overseeing all new business verticals within TDS&Co that align with the company’s core business. Dallas is a proud Atlanta native who prioritizes industry exposure and active community engagement in his day-to-day life and as part of the company's culture. Company Description *T. Dallas Smith & Company (TDS&Co) is the country's largest African American-owned pure tenant rep commercial real estate firm. For more than 17 years, TDS&Co has taken pride in catering to the needs of clients requiring office space, industrial space, and land. As an exclusive tenant and buyer representation firm, TDS&Co eliminates any conflict of interest when negotiating leases and/or purchases for clients. Based in Atlanta, GA, the TDS&Co team has more than 150 years of combined commercial real estate experience and has collectively worked on assignments in over 40 states exceeding $16 billion in aggregate value throughout their careers. The TDS&Co team has served in leadership roles at some of the largest, most reputable real estate services companies in the country including Cushman & Wakefield, JLL, CBRE, Newmark, Physicians Realty Trust, H.J. Russell & Company, Equitable Real Estate, Lend Lease Real Estate, Morgan Stanley, Colliers International and Bank of America. The TDS&Co team has also represented the commercial real estate interests of some of the most notable corporations in the country, including but not limited to, Airbnb, ALSAC/St. Jude, AT&T, The Athlete’s Foot, The Coca-Cola Company, FedEx, IBM, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Truist and Veritext. #AMI #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Marcus Sonnier. Founded the BOSS Network is an online community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through digital content, programs, and event-based networking. The mission of the BOSS Network, which stands for "Bringing Out Successful Sisters," is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women of color. The BOSS Network has had a long-standing commitment to women entrepreneurs. The mission of The BOSS Network is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women of color. The BOSS Network Celebrated Its Milestone 15th Anniversary?: This year, The BOSS Network announced two exciting initiatives during its yearlong celebration, highlighting its 15th anniversary milestone year.“Invest in Progress” Grant and “The BOSS Impact FundThe BOSS Network is changing how enterprising women are viewed among the masses and becoming a resource for companies seeking female minority influencers as their target market.  Through initiatives, it has supported the careers and small business developments of more than 200,000 women of color nationwide. One of them is BOSS Business University, a digital platform that provides comprehensive mentorship programming through industry business experts. How Has The BOSS Network Celebrated Its Milestone 15th Anniversary?: This year, The BOSS Network announced two exciting initiatives that took place during its yearlong celebration highlighting its 15th anniversary milestone year.“Invest in Progress” Grant and “The BOSS Impact Fund”:The single greatest barrier to success for new businesses and startups is access to capital, and minorities make up less than 1% of founders that get investment.The BOSS Network and Sage (via the Sage Foundation)—the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), are partnering together to remove that barrier with the return of the BOSS Impact Fund and its three-year, $1.5 million commitment to support the Fund with the “Invest in Progress” grant investing in Black women led businesses.In 2022, the BOSS Network announced the launch of its BOSS Impact Fund, which focuses on investing in Black women led businesses and preparing these entrepreneurs to build scalable, growth aggressive companies. Its goal is to raise investment funding for Black women entrepreneurs over a three year period.Through the “Invest in Progress” Grant Program, 25 Black women entrepreneurs had the opportunity to receive a capital investment of $10,000 toward successfully starting and growing their business in addition to an entrepreneurial mentor program in support of Black women-owned small businesses.The “Invest in Progress” Grant has also provided coaching, curriculum, and connections while removing capital barriers to help this group achieve success.For more information, please visit: BOSSImpactFund.com. Pathways to Success:In addition, The BOSS Network partnered with both Sage and Swoop, a global fintech company specializing in funding solutions for businesses, on the launch of “Pathways to Success”–a new training and mentorship program designed to support Black women entrepreneurs in Atlanta. The Pathways to Success training and mentor program, developed and delivered through Sage Foundation, equipped 150 Atlanta-based Black women entrepreneurs with a structured series of training and roundtables, providing tactical advice to address and overcome financial and capital-raising challenges. The program was developed as a direct result of Sage, The BOSS Network and Swoop’s report titled “Voices of Strength: Pathways to Success for Black Women Founders” launched in September 2023. The report identified the most prominent challenges Black women founders in Atlanta face, including a lack of access to funding through grants and government resources, mentorship, and the ability to digitally scale their businesses for growth. Participants will receive one year of training access and a three-year membership to The BOSS Network. The BOSS Network Donating $250,000 to Divine Nine Sororities and the Chicago Urban League: Earlier this year, The BOSS Network announced awarding $50,000 each in grants and scholarships ($250,000 in total) to the Divine Nine sororities—including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated—the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Incorporated, and the Chicago Urban League. Four women from each organization received a $10,000 grant from the BOSS Impact Fund and a scholarship to BOSS Business University (valued at $2,500).This investment exemplifies The BOSS Network’s longstanding legacy of supporting Black women in the arenas of business and community.The Ladies That Lead Conference: This celebrated annual event honors extraordinary women who have made significant contributions to their fields. Past honorees include the Divine Nine Sorority Presidents, Michelle Williams, Tina Knowles, Beverly Johnson, and other luminaries.   “Invest in Progress” Grant and “The BOSS Impact FundThe BOSS Network has had a long-standing commitment to women entrepreneurs. The mission of The BOSS Network is to promote and encourage the small business spirit and career development of women of color.  Speaker, investor, and award-winning entrepreneur - these are just a few words that describe Dr. Cameka Smith, Founder of The BOSS Network, a community of professional and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online engagement, and event-based networking. Working towards one simple goal, BOSS® is “Bringing Out Successful Sisters” to promote and encourage the small business spirit and professional development of women. Under Dr. Smith’s leadership, The BOSS Network has become one of the fastest-growing women communities, garnering several accolades such as a Top 50 Website for Entrepreneurs (Inc. Magazine), 10 Best Career Sites for Women (Forbes.com) and a top Twitter Account to Enhance Your College Experience (BlackEnterprise.com). In recognition of her achievements, Dr. Smith was listed in Ebony Magazine as a 40 under 40 Entrepreneur, named one of the Top 40 Chicago Game Changers by Ariel Investments, The Network Journal listed her one of their, 40 under 40 Business Leaders, and she was presented with a Brand Star award by Adweek. With a Doctor of Philosophy degree, Dr. Smith developed student academic programs for more than ten years. After being displaced from her job in 2009, she established The BOSS Network to support women in their journey to become independent and successful by utilizing the power of networking and technology. Since then, The BOSS Network has evolved into a go-to resource for companies seeking Black women as their target market. A one-stop-shop for career and entrepreneurial-minded women, The BOSS Network provides its members and partners with professional connections, resources, and marketing and promotional opportunities. As the author of "7 Steps to Grow Your Professional Network," Dr. Smith frequently travels to college campuses with her non-profit, BOSS On Campus, and speaks on career development and leadership topics. She currently resides in Chicago, where she is actively involved in charity work and mentoring youth. In 2022, Dr. Smith launched the BOSS Impact Fund and invested in 35 Black women-owned businesses. JPMorgan Chase honored Dr. Smith during Juneteenth with a leadership award for her work uplifting entrepreneurs in the Black community. #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 Ashley-Lauren Elrod. She is a true champion of diversity, safety, and inclusivity in all aspects of entertainment, media, marketing, and advocacy. At Visionary Woman Productions, they are the experts in bringing visions to life through powerful storytelling that connects with your audience and philanthropy that heals the world. The mission and vision are to create partnerships and content that make a lasting impact on the world for the better.  Talking Points/Questions *1. Social impact in entertainment and media. 2. How we are propelling change in and out of the industry to help give back to communities. 3. My inspiration for this company and how we transitioned into this space today. 4. The importance of true and accurate representation in media, marketing, and entertainment. 5. The work we are doing to change lives, such as with our upcoming project Verge of Remembrance in support of survivors and Project CAN HOPE with the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center. A project to raise awareness and funding for SA, DV, and sex trafficking survivors in America. 6. The importance of utilizing one's story in leadership positions to create change. 7. Our plans to make the entertainment industry and world a safer and more healed place to be. 8. The people and orgs we are partners with and supporting. 9. The importance of mental health in the work field. 10. How to have a greater impact in your business that not only aids in profitability but world sustainability. #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, Dr. Sonia Lewis, is the CEO of award-winning business The Student Loan Doctor LLC. She is considered the people’s expert on all matters related to student loan debt repayment. She has over 14 years of practical higher education and financial aid experience.   Dr. Lewis is an expert speaker across all audiences, regardless of age. She has been invited to share her expertise in written work, conferences, or live media: CNN, The White House Briefing on Advancing Equity for Women and Girls of Color, Black Enterprise, SALON Magazine, RT America, Essence Magazine, KYW News Radio 1060 AM, Fox 29, The BET Network, Money Magazine, Forbes, Investfest (EYL) and a host of other notable platforms across the nation. Sonia is also a 3-time self-published author. Company Description *The Student Loan Doctor LLC has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country. The City of Philadelphia has also awarded us two citations for our business’s impact on the Philadelphia community. The company was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and provide assistance in making a tangible plan for repayment. The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building. Talking Points/Questions *1.    Student Loan Forgiveness and the Election: How the current administration’s policies are shaping forgiveness programs and what borrowers can expect from candidates in the upcoming election.2.    Financial Freedom and Student Loans: Why student loan debt is a major obstacle to financial milestones like homeownership and investing, and how to navigate debt to move towards true financial freedom.3.    Staying in Good Standing: Why keeping your loans in good standing is critical for personal and financial health, and actionable steps borrowers can take today to avoid penalties and default.4.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC, founded in 2016, has been recognized as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the country. 5.    The City of Philadelphia has also given the business two citations for its impact on the Philadelphia community. 6.    The Student Loan Doctor LLC was designed to educate others about their student loan debt and assist them in making a tangible repayment plan. 7.    The social impact goal of the business is to help a generation of borrowers become free of debt to promote social mobility and wealth building. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dear Steve and Shirley, My husband and I have a blended family, but my side has blended and his has not. His twelve year old child said she didn't feel comfortable in our home, and we understand it because I have two sons. For the past year, she's done activities with us, and we pick her up and take her back home. Most of the time, my husband does things with her by himself, and he doesn't ask me and my sons to join them. My husband said he has to go the extra mile to make his daughter feel included, and that's fine with me........................................................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, Rod Griffin. Rod Griffin.  He is the Senior Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Experian, to unpack the essentials of financial health and identity protection. Griffin dives into savvy strategies for improving your credit score, understanding fraud prevention, and managing personal finances for lasting success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their financial future and gain peace of mind in today’s digital world. Perfect for listeners eager to unlock financial freedom and protect what matters most. Talking Points/Questions * From your perspective and career in the financial services industry, what does it mean to be financially savvy? What role does credit play in a consumer’s overall financial health? What are some of the common misconceptions about credit and credit scores? What advice would you give to someone who is looking to establish or rebuild their credit history? Many people know your credit score can impact your ability to access credit cards, loans, etc. but what else can your credit history influence? What are ways consumers can save on everyday expenses like car insurance? What are your top tips for people looking to be more financially savvy in 2025? What tools and resources are available from Experian for consumers who are looking to improve their overall financial health and save money? #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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