Bring Your Own Chair: Recent Episodes
Khayriyyah MuhammadSmith
There are a lot of podcasts. But so many existing podcasts lack the voices and stories of young Black women and other women of color. Each episode of Bring Your Own Chair features a conversation with a young woman of color where she will share her background, interests, goals, and expertise.
Young women of color are habitually not offered a seat at the table and this space will allow us to bring our own chair, create a space where we are the experts on our own stories, and share our voices with the world.
Tune into our first solo episode with host Khayriyyah MuhammadSmith as she shares some background on Women's History Month here in the US. As a passionate girl's and women's rights advocate, the month of March brings up a lot of conversation around the contributions of women to society and their ability to move through the world in the current day. Khayriyyah also chats through some of her personal background and connection to gender equity and what it looks like to apply an intersectional lens to how we view the world.
Resources Referenced:
National Women's History Museum
National Women's History Alliance
Michelle Yeoh: The Crisis That Changed My Life 8 Years Ago Keeps Happening
Jasmine was born and raised by Egyptian parents in sunny Australia. She moved to London at 24, where she continued her career in Radiation Therapy. It was in London that she met her husband and had her first child. Jasmine’s family then relocated to NYC, where she landed an exciting role training radiotherapists and physicists on a treatment monitoring system. While her work can get quite emotional working with patients going through the most difficult times in their lives, Jasmine finds it truly rewarding to laugh, cry, and feel with her patients. Since being in NYC, Jasmine has recently welcomed her second child and balances her work with pumping and traveling. She is also an avid beach-goer, loves experimental cooking, has a twin sister, and is a retired flutist.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-sky-mceachnie-94430a32/
Welcome back for season 4 of Bring Your Own Chair! Listen in for some quick updates on what to expect for season 4.
Dhayana is a Dominican writer, poet, and spoken word artist. She started to write around the age of nine when she lived in the Dominican Republic, then continued after moving to the United States in 2009. She explores different topics such as growth, love, loss, sexuality, healing, and spirituality. Her work has been published on the Soul Candy Anthology by Writer’s Pocket, Issue 5 of the International Magazine Potted Purple, The Dominican Writers Collective Newsletter, Robert Writes Production, and the Kindness Book by UNESCO MGIEP and Penguin India Publishing.
Dhayana hopes to continue to share her words with the world and create a space where people feel safe with their emotions. Her first poetry collection Agridulce was published in Fall 2021 and it is a combination of emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Social Media:
Instagram: @dhayanalejandrina
https://dhayana-alejandrina.square.site/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Jay Davis is a writer, designer, and illustrator based in Brooklyn, NY. She has done work for NPR, Malala Fund, Nasdaq, and Glastonbury Music Festival. Her debut children's book, GIRL DAD is scheduled to be released March 29, 2022, with the subsequent BOY DAD releasing that summer.
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wooloverwater/
Ginger (a mental health app)
KRSN studio (jewelry company)
Jay’s upcoming line, Wool Over Water, dropping summer 2022!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Ashika Kalra is currently Chief of Staff at First Round Capital, an early-stage venture fund in New York where she has the opportunity to meet the game-changing entrepreneurs of our generation and collaborate with them as they launch their vision from the ground up. Prior to First Round, Ashika worked at the Zuckerberg Institute, where she supported the founding team’s mission of democratizing access to entrepreneurial education for innovators around the world.
Ashika also has a deep interest in public policy and education. She launched a non-profit, The Vidya Project, focused on integrating action-oriented learning and high-impact mentorship in classrooms across India and West Africa. She is a Tedx Speaker and has been recognized as a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum. She recently released her first book, Behind Her Vision: Women of New York City, co-authored with her dear friend, Jade Chen.
Social Media:
Order Behind Her Vision Here!
www.behindhervision.com
Instagram: Behind Her Vision
www.thevidyaproject.org
Instagram: The Vidya Project
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Hanieh is a senior user experience researcher and designer at YLabs, a non-profit design studio working to improve health and economic opportunity for youth. She uses Human-Centred Design to solve complex social challenges to produce impactful and equitable outcomes for communities. She is also the co-founder of Thousand&One, a social enterprise that supports women of colour to thrive in their professional lives, through community, healing, and growth.
With a background in the arts and journalism, and an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of York in England, she approaches design challenges through an inter-disciplinary and equity-focused lens. She is a UX instructor at Juno College of Technology and a design mentor at Springboard. She runs on coffee, enjoys climbing peaks, and reading a good book.
Website: https://hanieh.me/
Hanieh’s Twitter: @hfkhosroshahi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haniehk/
SSIR Article: https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_concrete_ceiling#
Thousand&One: thousandone.org
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Jaycina Almond is mom to a spirited 4 year old named Syx and founder of Tender - a nonprofit bridging the financial gap and providing a safety net for single mamas living on the margins in Atlanta. In 2020, Tender was able to distribute over $83,000 to mothers across the city - keeping 78 families in their homes, paying 41 utility bills, providing 38 mamas with grocery store gift cards, and delivering diapers + wipes to 183 families. Jaycina can be found reading in the corner somewhere most days, will happily admit she has absolutely zero rhythm, and is a baby abolitionist.
Social Media:
Website: https://www.thetenderfoundation.com/
Tender Instagram: @tender
Jaycina’s Instagram: @jaycina
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Sarah Kinsumba is a Stylist/Costume Designer based in Los Angeles with over a decade of expertise working in the styling and costume design industry. She is originally from Paris, France, and began assisting fashion editors at WAD MAGAZINE FRANCE, before growing her personal portfolio, working on commercials and magazines under her own name. Sarah now lives in LA and works as a stylist for some of the world's most recognizable brands like Apple, Netflix, Toyota, Isabel Marant, and the list continues to grow. She also works on a tv series that was shown at Sundance and on tv networks such as FX.
Website: www.sarahkstylist.com
Instagram: @sarahk_stylist
Favorite podcast: My Taught You by Myleik Teele
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today we get to hear from Tori Smith! She is a healthy lifestyle enthusiast. Her primary focus is on changing the narrative around healthy eating while encouraging others to explore a plant-based way of life. Through her own health journey, she founded Ninth Wonder, the mother brand of Dream Cream, a brand that specializes in creating plant-based alternatives for your favorite sweet treats.
Tori's Instagram: @torialon
Ninth Wonder Instagram: @ninthwondertreats
Health-Focused Communities Recommended by Tori:
- and8 Fitness
- Blogilates
- Balanced Black Girl
- Therapy for Black Girls
- One Great Vegan
- Tabitha Brown
- Liz Moody
- Vegan Soul Food
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week we get to speak with Oulimata Gueye! She is a Senegarujin (Senegalese living in Japan), Education Enthusiast, Pan-Africanist, People lover, writer when she is inspired, Book dragon, girl with 1000 questions, the human equivalent of a hyphen (she’s still deciding if she likes that expression, but it describes her well). We discuss her experience living abroad and so much more!
- Instagram: @lasenegarujin
- LinkedIn: Oulimata Gueye
- Blog: Senegarujin
- Ouli’s Books to read: "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, "You Are Not So Smart" by David McRaney, and “You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero.
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This week's episode features Tie Velasco! She is a philanthropy consultant who helps emerging leaders gain the knowledge and support they need to establish and lead transformational organizations and conduct mission-driven giving.
Website: https://tievelasco.comInstagram: @thephilanthropypro
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Erica Austin is a powerhouse public speaker with a leading and recognized philosophy of building up youth to harness their power and design fulfilling, healthy, and positive lives for themselves every day. Having published her first book at the age of nine, Erica Austin has dedicated her life to youth development through empowerment and faith.
- Website: https://ericaaustin.com/shop
- Instagram: @mseaustin
- Twitter: @ericaforyouth
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today we get to learn from Imani Oakley! She has worked in government and politics her entire career. From federal to state government to non-profits and campaigns, Imani is a relentless fighter for leftist policies. Imani is also a New Jersey native and host of the video podcast Upfront NOW! on Eyes on NJ News.
Twitter: @ImaniOakleyNJInstagram: @ImaniOakleyNJVideo Podcast: Upfront Now!Progressive Democrats for LD20
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It’s been quite a year and BYOC has been on a bit of a hiatus. But we are excited to close the year out with a couple of special episodes! During Black Philanthropy Month 2020, Bring Your Own Chair and Domprofit collaborated to create a panel focused on young Black women's experiences in the fundraising and philanthropy sectors. As more attention is being paid to DEI, there can be a tendency to focus on the most visible employees at an organization or company. However, the journey to senior leadership has to start somewhere. Informed by the Building Movement Project's Race to Lead series, which seeks to understand why there are still so few leaders of color in the nonprofit sector, this panel took a look at how young Black women are experiencing the broader nonprofit sector and what can be done to allow them to thrive, not survive the sector.
This episode features the second part of our conversation lead by Adetola Olatunji with panelists Cyronica Simone, Dominique Calixte, Ebony Jones, and Khayriyyah MuhammadSmith. Check out the panel website for link to the resources discussed during the conversation and panelist bios (https://www.khayriyyah.com/thrive-not-survive-panel).
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
It’s been quite a year and BYOC has been on a bit of a hiatus. But we are excited to close the year out with a couple of special episodes! During Black Philanthropy Month 2020, Bring Your Own Chair and Domprofit collaborated to create a panel focused on young Black women's experiences in the fundraising and philanthropy sectors. As more attention is being paid to DEI, there can be a tendency to focus on the most visible employees at an organization or company. However, the journey to senior leadership has to start somewhere. Informed by the Building Movement Project's Race to Lead series, which seeks to understand why there are still so few leaders of color in the nonprofit sector, this panel took a look at how young Black women are experiencing the broader nonprofit sector and what can be done to allow them to thrive, not survive the sector.
This episode features the first part of our conversation lead by Adetola Olatunji with panelists Cyronica Simone, Dominique Calixte, Ebony Jones, and Khayriyyah MuhammadSmith. Check out the panel website for links to the resources discussed during the conversation and panelist bios (https://www.khayriyyah.com/thrive-not-survive-panel).
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Yasmine Sidi Shitta a.k.a. Cheetah Shitta, is the creator and host of Cocktails with Cheetah, a series dedicated to bringing forth the most talented people to share their intimate experiences through craft cocktails and conversation. Before venturing into this creative role, Cheetah specialized in creating and producing multi-million dollar events, meetings and conferences within the B2B, B2C, automotive, beauty/health and fine art industries. While maintaining a strong work ethic is extremely important to Cheetah, so is spending time with family and friends, mentoring Black youth, catching up on the latest graphic novels and being a mom to over 100 plant babies as well as a pup named Piper. Cheetah plans to continuously create content highlighting the successes, encouragement and mental/physical/emotional health of Black women.
Social Media: Cheetah Shitta Cocktails with Cheetah HypeBae Shitta LinkedIn
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This episode features my conversation with Shayne Hearns! She is an operating room nurse at the University of Michigan’s cardiovascular center. Shayne graduated from Oakland University’s School of Nursing in 2017. She would have said favorite activities are snuggling in and watching Netflix pre-COVID-19, but now it’s anything outside! Shayne loves being goofy and making people laugh as she finds it’s the easiest way to connect with them.
Follow Shayne on Instagram @mylifeasshayne!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today’s episode features Dominique Calixte! I am so excited to share my conversation with her as it takes a bit of a different format. We discussed our experiences in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors as young women of color.
Dominique is a proud Haitian-American, Boston native. She is also a dedicated nonprofit professional, so much so that Dominique is earning her master's in Nonprofit Management at Northeastern in a few weeks. She’s also very involved with several nonprofit organizations as a board member, including the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Boston, which supports emerging young nonprofit professionals.
Links to the Resources Dominique Shared:
Website: www.DominiqueCalixte.com YW Boston - Stand Against Racism Online Campaign: https://www.ywboston.org/our-work/our-programs/stand-against-racism/ The Rooted: https://therootedretreat.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/therootedcollaborative/?ref=bookmarks Women in Development (Boston and NYC Chapters) https://widgb.org/ https://widny.org/ AFP - Association of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org/ YNPN National: http://www.ynpn.org/ YNPN Boston: https://www.ynpnboston.org/
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
I had the opportunity to chat with Rho Hudson on this episode of BYOC! Rho is a new comedian and improviser but long time funny lady. She’s currently studying at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and visiting various open mics to work on her stand up materiel. Rho’s biggest accomplishments in comedy have been opening for Samuel Comroe and auditioning for Stand up NBC.
You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ohrrho. And check out her music recommendation, Lucky Daye!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This episode features Kiara Bobo-Byrd! She’s in her junior year at Michigan State University studying an interdisciplinary science degree with the goal of becoming a doctor in the future. Kiara is such a wise young woman who shares her persevering perspective during our chat.
You can follow Kiara’s journey on twitter and instagram at kiaraaleema subscribe to her youtube channel too!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Today’s episode features Haita Toure! She is originally from Anchorage, AK but currently lives in Charlotte, NC. She recently graduated with her MA in Sociology. She is passionate about making content on YouTube and working to end race and gender issues, and human trafficking.
Haita is one of the funniest women I know but you can decide for yourself by checking out her Youtube Channel and following her on Twitter (@HumoruZ_Tr3) and Instagram & Snapchat (@touredefrance).
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This episode features Torri Mathes! She is the Media Communications Specialist at the City of Auburn Hills, Michigan and specializes in content writing and editing, social media marketing, and videography. Torri has worked in web, software, and app design and development, as well as branding and collateral development within a range of industries including business, automotive, city government, nonprofits, and healthcare systems. In her off time, she have spent over 6 or so years working with, developing, mentoring, and facilitating non-profit organizations that help girls and women of all ages that aid resources for career development or workforce advancement. Most recently (this past election), Torri and a peer started their own business to help women running for office at a local and county level.
Torri’s quote for this year is: “You've survived what you thought would kill you. Now straighten your crown and move forward like the queen you are.”
Her (longer) quote/daily reminder: “So, do it. Decide. Is this the life you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? Kinder? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out and decide.” - Meredith Grey
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This episode features Cevannah Scott! She is a self taught makeup artist and Flint native who shares her everyday makeup routine, tips, and beauty tricks with women of all ages. With the help of her artistic eye, Cevannah uses daytime and evening looks to enhance the natural beauty of her clients and educate them on best practices and product purchases in everyday use. Cevannah has recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio in hopes of continuing her makeup artistry and connecting with other makeup artist and beauty influencers.
You can follow her beauty page on Instagram @cevannahscott and check out The Potter's House At One LA podcast she is currently listening to!
Music Produced by: Khaysirah MuhammadSmith
Artwork Created by: Maia Boakye
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Our first interview is with Briana Terry! She believes in working to grow and make a change. While she’s not studying for grad school, you can catch her working on multiple projects at a time. Follow her on Instagram at __4bri and Facebook for updates on her non-profit and you can get her self-illustrated, designed, and edited poetry book An Intricate Mind. She will also be starting up her web show "In The Mix."
As you’ll hear us discuss, Briana recently turned an old passion into a work of art by creating a clothing line called ‘Shorty’ which you can buy today! So be sure to check out everything she has going on and connect with her if you have questions, opportunities to collaborate, or want to show your support.
Briana also listens to Black Girl Podcast and She’s a Creative. Check those podcasts out for more #blackgirlpodcastmagic!
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
This episode is a quick introduction to Bring Your Own Chair. Our host, Khayriyyah, will share the background of BYOC, why she felt compelled to create it, and what you can expect from future episodes.
Get to know a little more about her by checking out her professional and personal passions by checking out her website khayriyyah.com!
Music Produced by: Khaysirah MuhammadSmith
Artwork Created by: Maia Boakye
This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app