Detroit Worldwide Podcast: Recent Episodes
Marquis Taylor
A podcast that celebrates and amplifies Detroit's rich history and culture as told through the narratives of native Detroiters from across the world. Hosted by Marquis Taylor, Detroit Worldwide features weekly interviews from industry leaders, content creators, Black entrepreneurs, and other trailblazers that positively represent the D.
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis recognizes the podcast's three-year anniversary by celebrating some of its highlights in 2022 including an early year feature on Blavity.com where Detroit Worldwide was named as one of the top 20 Black podcasts to check out in 2022.
In addition to this recongition, Marquis also expresses appreciation to all 15 of his guests from the first part of 2022 by sharing the lessons he's learned each guest, and how those lessons can be applied to one's life.
Finally, Marquis expresses gratitude to Detroit Worldwide's listeners over the years and how they can best support the podcast in the months ahead.
Connect with Marquis:
E-mail : info@detroitworldwide.com
Blavity Top 20 Black Podcasts to Check Out in 2022
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow Wayne State University graduate, Monice Mitchell Simms, who is an award-winning screenwriter, author, playwright, and filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, CA.
In this episode, Monice discusses her love and introduction into writing, and how writing provided her with a voice and safety net as a child growing up in Detroit.
Additionally, Monice discusses her journey to Wayne State University where she earned a degree in journalism and how her aspirations to become a Hollywood screenwriter led to walk away from a promising career in media.
Finally, Monice highlights her overall career as a screenwriter and the decision that prompted her to pursue her PhD in sociology as an adult learner.
About Monice:Monice Mitchell Simms is an award-winning screenwriter, author, filmmaker, playwright, journalist, podcaster, a 2019 Producer Guild of America Diversity alum.
"Redeemed", the film she adapted to screen is currently streaming on BET+ and Apple TV+
She wrote, produced, and directed "Carmin's Choice" and "Rain" for Showtime. Additionally, she served as co-writer and producer for the documentary, "Two Classes of 1968", which premiered in 2021 and will be making film festival rounds in 2022.
Monice has also penned seven books, including her children’s tale, “Nana’s Fridge,” and her historical fiction novel, “Address: House of Corrections,” is also a fan favorite audio drama on Soundcloud, Stitcher, and Apple scripted podcasts.
A native daughter of Detroit, Monice holds a BA in journalism from Wayne State University, a MFA in film from Columbia College Chicago and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology.
Monice has a slate of original and adapted projects in development.
Connect with Monice:
Website: www.monicemitchellsimms.com Twitter: @monicemitchell Instagram: @monicemitchellsimms
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with author Tyler Hendon where they discuss the release of his book, "Mirage: How Social Media Impacts the Way We Think, Feel, and Behave" and why Tyler was inspired to craft a timely read.
Throughout this conversation Tyler discusses vulnerablity on social media and how group thinking has led to cancel culture and instablity in the online community.
Finally, Tyler discusses what it means to be an independent author and how self-reflection and vulnerablility gave him the courage to write his first book.
About Tyler:Tyler Hendon was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He is an experienced Human Resources professional. He is also a gradute of Michigan State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism along with a concentration in Media Marketing .
In May of 2018, Tyler received two Human Resources Management certifications while continuing his education at Emory University.
In his spare time, Tyler volunteers for Hands on Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to serving Metro Atlanta, and HERO for Children, a nonprofit dedicated to bettering the lives of children who have been impacted by HIV and AIDS.
He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and frequently visits his family in Detroit, Michigan and Chicago, Illinois.
Connect with Tyler:
Website: TheMirageBook.com
Instagram: @MirageBook_
Twitter: @TylerHendon7 LinkedIn: Tyler Hendon
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Chris Scott, who is a Detroit-based engineer, entrepreneur, speaker, and author.
In this episode, Chris discusses his bout with depression as an undergraduate student attending the University of Detroit Mercy, and how therapy helped him to overcome adversity and live a better life.
In addition to mental health, Chris also discusses his transition into the public speaking space and how positive thoughts allowed him to speak life into his speaking audience.
Finally, Chris discusses his apparel line "I'm Black And.." and the way it's been used to reinforce and promote Black positvity.
About Chris:Chris Scott is an award winning engineer and the Founder and CEO of Positive Thought Solutions, LLC along with the apparel line "I’m Black And".
He has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lawrence Tech University and a Master’s Degree in Automotive Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan.
As a current Senior dual Electrical and Automotive Engineer he has done technologically groundbreaking work, including helping design autonomous government vehicles and building and integrating high performance computing systems.
As a result of his professional accomplishments and community involvement, he has been blessed to win a national Black Engineer of the Year Award, the US Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service, the US Army Commanders Award for Civilian Service, the Detroit Young Professionals Vanguard Award, the University of Michigan Young Alumnus of the Year Award and a Crains Detroit Business Top 20 in their 20s award, among others.
In 2022, he released a motivational book called "Control your Mindset to Control your Life" , a self-help guide which provides strategies for success.
**Connect with Chris:
Website: Positive Thoughts Solutions Book: Control Your Mindset Instagram: @bluesouldier Apparel Website: I'm Black And**
As Detroit Worldwide extends its recongiton of women working in arts, sports, and entertainment for Women's History Month, Marquis connects with Detroit-based content creator, brand influencer, podcast host, and gamer Ms. Pinky about her longtime love for video games and how she's been able to create content and build community on Twitch.
Pinky also discusses the need for the video gaming industry to recognize the contributions of Black women gamers and how she's working to establish her own brand which aims to promote Black women in gaming.
About Ms. Pinky:Ms. Pinky is a Gaming Content Creator and Influencer based out of Detroit, MI with a reach of 28K on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch combined.
Pinky is also a Facebook Gaming Partner and Twitch Affiliate. Additonally, she co-hosts RealOnesGaming Podcast and is a Gaming Content Creator/Journalist for R1G.
Her work has been featured on Blerd.com. Pinky is a member of Noir and Black Girl Gamers and is a proud partner with BATH Urban Apparel and Gamer Advantage.
**Connect with Ms. Pinky:
Website: www.mspinky313.com Twitch: Ms. Pinky313 Instagram: @313queenpinky YouTube: 313MsPinky Twitter: @MsPinky313Play_**
As Detroit Worldwide continues to recognize the contributions of women in arts, sports, and entertainment during Women's History Month, Marquis connects with Bay area resident, Blair Norman who discusses her passion for dance, love for teaching, and her extensive career at Pandora/Sirius XM where she has helped to train and lead the next generation of leaders in satellite radio.
In this episode, Blair also discusses the uniqueness of Detroit's arts and dance scene and how working for Pandora/Sirius XM helped to rekindle her love for teaching and learning.
About Blair:Blair Norman is a native of Detroit, MI where she attended Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University.
Introduced to dance as a child, she has participated in several dance companies while also instructing a variety of classes across Detroit, MI and Oakland, CA.
Since 2017, she has held a variety of roles at Pandora/Sirius XM and currently serves as dance instructor and wellness guide for Hipline, located in Oakland, CA.
Blair also resides in the Bay Area with her husband and son.
**Connect with Blair:
Instagram: @blair_marion LinkedIn: Blair Norman**
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Ms. Marjon, who is an engineer, entrepreneur and media personality.
As Detroit Worldwide continues to recognize women in arts, sports, and entertainment during Women's History Month, Marjon discusses work in the media field and how she's been able to leverage her skills as an engineer into a successful career in radio and podcasting.
Marjon also discusses what it means to be a Black engineer and how taking initative has allowed her to tap into her creativity and create multiple streams of income.
About Ms. Marjon:Ms. Marjon is a radio show and podcast host that has worked extensively in the media space while managing a successful career as an industrial engineer.
A graduate of both University of Southern California and North Carolina A&T State University, she is the owner of Mastermind Communications, L.L.C. a communications agency that specializes in mass media, public relations, and marketing. In the past, she has worked with various celebrities such as Aerosmith, KISS, Linkin Park, Metallica, Britney Spears, Carmelo Anthony, The Isley Brothers, Magic Johnson, Stevie Wonder and Evander Holyfield.
She is the current host and producer of the iHeartRadio podcast, "The Convo with Ms. Marjon" and also the "R&B Soul Groove", a radio show that airs weekly on WHFR 89.3FM.
In addition to radio and podcasting, she has enjoyed a successful career as an engineer where she has worked with some of the top brands in the world including Mercedes Benz, General Motors, Caterpillar, Suzuki, and Yamaha.
Ms. Marjon divides her time between her hometown Detroit and her second home Atlanta. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
**Connect with Ms. Marjon:
Instagram: @theofficialmsmarjon Facebook: The Official Ms. Marjon Podcast: The Convo with Ms. Marjon**
In recongition of Women's History Month, this week's installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast highlights the stories of dynamic women who work in the field of arts, sports, and entertainment.
In this episode, Marquis kicks off Women's History Month by connecting with sports, entertainment, and education professional Sankaya Hall.
Sankaya has created a hybrid career for herself through the various companies that she's worked for which include BET, TV One, Google, and the NFL where she currently serves as a member the New York Giants' production staff.
During this interview, Sankaya discusses her upbringing in Detroit, the foundation given to her by Alma Mater (Texas Southern University) and the steps she took to create a hybrid career .
She also discusses strategies for those that wish to explore their passions beyond their 9-5 job and career.
About Sankaya:
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Sankaya C. Hall is a “Jill of All Trades” who’s spent the last 10 years creating a hybrid career for herself in both the Higher Education and Entertainment industries.
Sankaya currently serves as a Media Communications Professor at Full Sail University and freelance Event Producer in the Orlando, FL area.
Prior to returning to Full Sail , Sankaya worked with the New York Football Giants as a Game Day Events & Entertainment Production Associate; and Account Manager for Wasserman Media Group, where she managed a historic sponsorship deal between the NFL and Diageo brands.
In addition to her Detroit roots, Sankaya credits her time at Texas Southern University for laying the foundation for her unforeseeable success.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication from the Houston HBCU, then went on to earn a master’s degree in Corporate Communications & Public Relations from Georgetown University in Washington, DC.
In addition to her educational accomplishments, she has worked for a variety of companies including BET, TV One, YouTube, Google, and Combs Enterprises.
Sankaya is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from University of Southern Mississippi’s online program, in which she hopes to study the needs of first-generation college students in Communication degree programs.
She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Connect with Sankaya:
Instagram:@sankayachall
LinkedIn: Sankaya C. Hall
In the fourth and final installment of Detroit Worldwide's Men of Morehouse series, Marquis connects with Andre Johnson, who is the president, CEO, and founder of the Detroit Recovery Project, which is a community-based agency that helps to strengthen affected by substance abuse.
In this episode, Andre discusses his personal road to recovery and how it enabled him to effectively serve and support his community.
Andre also discusses his uncovential road to Morehouse College during the 1990s and how roads led back to Detroit following his college graduation.
About Andre:
Andre L. Johnson is a native Detroiter and the President/CEO and Founder of the Detroit Recovery Project Incorporated--a multi-service agency that provides a wide spectrum of support services to the city’s recovery community.
Many services are offered at the Detroit Recovery Project including Recovery Coaching, GED preparation,twelve-step support groups, housing assistance, and job readiness.
He is an active member of the Third Judicial Circuit Court Family Division Drug Court Team. Mr. Johnson is a board member of the Wayne Center--an agency that provides services for the mentally ill and the developmentally disabled.
He was recognized by US President Barack Obama as the “2016 Champion of Change for Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery”.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia) and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.
He is currently an adjunct faculty member at Western Michigan University.
Connect with Andre:
Website: Detroit Recovery Project
In the third installment of Detroit Worldwide's Men of Morehouse series, Marquis connects with community leader, educator, and entrepreneuur, Rashad Dudley about his senior year at Morehouse College and how he was able to navigate the pandemic of 2020 as he approached graduation.
Rashad also discusses his drive to strengthen his community and how it prompted him to create his non-profit organization, Black Boys Empowered.
Lastly, Rashad discusses his love for fashion and the inspiration behind his apparel line Reir Clothing Co.
About Rashad:A native of Detroit, MI,Rashad T. Dudley is an educator, nonprofit founder, business co-owner, and graduate student.
Rashad is a Morehouse College graduate where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies. He is currently pursing his graduate degree at Clemson University where he is expected to graduate in 2022.
Rashad is the founder and CEO of Black Boys Empowered and co-owner of Reir Clothing Co.
Based in Memphis, TN, Rashad serves as a high school Student Support Advisor where he provides restorative practices and behavioral intervention and prevention strategies.
**Connect with Rashad:
Instagram: @rashadtdudley Website: Reir Clothing Co.**
In the second installment of Detroit Worldwide's Men of Morehouse series, Marquis connects with serial entrepreneur, educator, musician, and consultant, Dr. R. Wayne Woodson about life at Morehouse College and his experience growing up as the child of an educator.
Dr. Woodson also discusses his family lineage as well as the career pivots he's been able to make through the exploration of his many gifts and talents.
About Dr. Woodson:
Raised in Detroit, MI, Dr. R. Wayne Woodson is an educator, writer, consultant, speaker, musician, and serial entrepreneur.
He received his undergraduate education at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music (Voice Performance and Choral Conducting).
He has also earned a Master of Music degree in choral conducting and the Artists Diploma in orchestral conducting from Georgia State University.
His Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership research focused on the impact of financial aid on the persistence of Black males at HBCUs.
As the Great Grand Nephew of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the pioneer of African American studies and labeled the "Father of Black History," Dr. Woodson has dedicated himself to educating the public on the contributions of African Americans.
As a highly sought-after consultant, his primary specialty areas are fundraising, enrollment management, institutional effectiveness/strategic planning, and leadership training.
He currently serves as Managing Partner & CEO for Woodson and Associates, Executive Director of The Woodson Foundation, and CEO of RWYN Incorporated.
R. Wayne recently relaunched RWYN Creative Management, for which he serves as CEO and Executive Manager.
Connect with Dr. Woodson:
Instagram: @rwaynethebrand Website: R Wayne Woodson
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis kicks off the Men of Morehouse series by connecting with Morehouse College graduate Antoine Griggs, who is a musician, entrepreneur, and podcast host out of Houston, TX.
In the episode, Antoine discusses his upbriging in Detroit, his first exposure to music, and the community he was able to build at Morehouse College as member of its renowned glee club.
Antoine also discusses the rise of his business AKG Music Studios and how he's committed to supporting the next generation of musicians and artists through vocal lessons and artist management.
About Antoine:Antoine Griggs is a native of Detroit, MI and a graduate of Morehouse College where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Music Voice and Performance.
He is also a graduate of Georgia State University where earned his graduate degree Voice and Opera. While atteding Morehouse, he was a member of the world renowned Morehouse College Glee Club, under the direction of Dr. David E Morrow.
Antoine sings with the professional choral ensemble "Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers" under the direction of Dr. Uzee Brown, Jr.
He has also performed numerous roles which including Marcello (La Bohéme), Albert (Werther), and Frances Nurse (The Crucible).
Additionally, he has performed with the Atlanta Opera chorus.
Beyond his national accomplishments, Mr. Griggs has had the opportunity to participate in the Siena Summer music program in Italy. Antoine is the founder of AKG Music Studios where he teaches several genres from classical to contemporary music.
Connect with Antoine:
Instagram: @antoinevocalcoach @akgmusicstudios
Website: AKG Music Studios Podcast: Antoine's Masterclass
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with licensed mental health therapist and wellness advocate Jeff Williams about his career in social work as well as his experience as a student-athlete at Wayne State University.
Jeff also discusses his passion for sports and mental health support and how he has helped athletes to bring the stigma about therapy.
About Jeff:
Jeffrey Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is currently the Assistant Director of Mental Health & Wellness for the University of Tennessee Athletic Department.
Williams received a Master's of Social Work Degree specializing in Cognitive Behavior Therapy from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Williams also has experience working in schools, private practice and community mental health settings.
As a former Collegiate Football player at Wayne State University and a current National Olympic Weightlifter that finished 7th in the country at the USA National Weightlifting Championship in July 2021, being able integrate sports and mental health is a dream for him.
Williams is an advocate for mental health and has a passion for helping individuals through psychotherapy to transform their minds and lives.
Connect with Jeff:
LinkedIn: Jeffrey Williams
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with mental health therapist, practitioner, and entrepreneur Jeff Brentley about his journey into the field of therapy and inspiration behind his practice, Finding Clarity.
Jeff also discusses the importance of addressing your mental health as a Black man and how connecting with a therapist can lead to a productive life.
About Jeff:
Jeffrey A. Brentley has a passion for helping people develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges and achieve their dreams.
He is a licensed clinical social worker and is the founder of Finding Clarity.
Born and raised in Detroit MI, Jeff received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Michigan State University. He is also a graduate of Columbia University where he obtained a Master of Science in Social Work .
While living in New York City and Syracuse NY he worked extensively with children, adults, couples, and families as a therapist in a number of areas including addiction, family conflicts, family-child separation, adoption, mental health, school related behavioral problems, and more. In addition to providing direct care, he has held multiple managerial roles in non-profits throughout his career.
Having moved to Alexandria in the summer of 2016 he continued his passion for helping others and is the founder of Finding Clarity.
Finding Clarity is a mental health service provider aiming to help those in need find inner peace and mental clarity through personalized counseling. Finding Clarity provides therapy in a virtual capacity to those in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Connect with Jeff:
Website: Finding Clarity
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former NBA player and University of Minnesota athletic Hall of Famer, Willie Burton about his professional basketball career and the legacy he created in the Twin Cities during the late 80s and early 90s.
Willie also discusses his committment to mental health and wellness and how it led to the creation of his company Excel U, a university-measured program that empowers student-athletes.
About Willie:Willie Burton is a former NBA player, keynote speaker, and educator.
Selected 9th overall by the Miami Heat in the 1990 NBA Draft, Burton enjoyed an extensive career in the NBA playing for teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs, and Charlotte Hornets.
Prior to the NBA, Burton had a successful four-year career at the University of Minnesota where his Golden Gopher teams reached the NCAA Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight.
He was twice an All-Big Ten selection and team MVP three consecutive years during his time at the University of Minnesota.
In 2013, Burton was inducted into the University of Minnesota athletic Hall of Fame. His #34 jersey was late retired in 2020.
Burton is also the founder of the evidence-based behavorial change curriculum ExcelU. This university-measured program empowers students, student-athletes and the adults who guide them.
Designed for grades K-12, ExcelU works in partnership with Starr Commonwealth and NASA Institute for Space Studies.
Currently, Willie is on the Board of Directors at the Michigan Physical Fitness Foundation, and in 2020 was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Governors Council on Physical Fitness, Health, and Sports. In January 2021, Mr. Burton received his Certification from NYU in Fundamentals of f Global Sports Management.
He holds degree from the University of Minnesota and Wayne State University.
**Connect with Willie:
Website: Excel U Twitter:** @WillieB32738946
Instagram: @willie34burton
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former engineer turned actress and comedian, Keysha E. about her transition into the world of acting and comedy as well as the decision to bet on herself while pursuing her dreams.
Keysha also discusses her extensive acting career living in LA and how comedy has allowed her rediscover voice and open doors to new opportunities.
About Keysha E:
Keysha E. is an actress, comedian, content creator, and entertainer based out of Los Angeles, California.
A former computer engineer raised in Detroit, MI, Keysha relocated to LA to pursue a career in acting.
She has appeared in a variety of TV shows, web series, and films including "A Fall from Grace" (written and directed by Tyler Perry), "Black Boots", "Nine Months After" (written and directed by David Tinsley), and "For the Love of Jason".
As a comedian she has appeared on REVOLT TV and is the co-host of the hit series "Black Card Off Layaway" which stars Kev On Stage.
In 2022, Keysha plans to release a project called "Keys to the City" which is loosely based on her life and transition from Detroit to LA.
Connect with Keysha E. :
Instagram: @itskeysha.e
Podcast: Nobody Asked Me
Go Fund Me Community Donation for Keys to the City
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis returns back to the world of podcasting after an eight-month hiatus.
In this episode, Marquis explains his absence, previews some of the guests for the 2022, and also reveals an update as it relates to Detroit Worldwide.
This episode will serve as a trailer for the start of 2022.
Connect with Marquis
Official website: Detroit Worldwide
Email: info@detroitworldwide.com
Instagram: @detroitworldwidepodcast
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis celebrates the two-year anniversary of the platform and discussess some of the successes he's experienced as a result of the podcast.
Marquis also unveils the new and official website for the podcast as well as other upcoming plans for the platform.
**Connect with Marquis:
Official website: Detroit Worldwide Email: info@detroitworldwide.com
Instagram: @detroitworldwidepodcast**
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects rising actress and content creator, LaTisha Thomas about her transition into acting and how several life changing events led to evaluate her true calling.
LaTisha also discusses the rise of her YouTube channel and the massive following she's been able to achieve on TikTok in less than a year.
About LaTisha:
LaTisha Thomas is an actress, content creator, wife, and mother. She is also one of the stars of the hit series "I Vow", which is a four-episode anthology that discusses the ups and downs of marriage.
In addition to acting, she also hosts a YouTube channel where she gives makeup tutorials to people across the world.
In 2020, she launched a TikTok account and has amassed nearly 100,000 followers, who have tune to see her acting skills.
Through these platforms, she's been able to connect with a variety of celebrities including Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade.
Connect with LaTisha:
Instagram: @luvlylatisha
YouTube: Luvly LaTisha
TikTok: @luvly_latisha
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with OBGYN physician and surgeon, Dr. Kasandra Scales about her journey into the medicine as well as the inspiration behind her company, Be Bougie, which is an online store that supports Detroit-based non-profit foundations.
Kasandra also discusses her advocacy work and why she is committed to amplifying Black excellence in the field of medicine.
About Kasandra:
Dr. Kasandra Scales is a Detroit native and a graduate of Michigan State University where she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was elected National Second Vice President in her junior year.
Following the completion of her degree from Michigan State University, she moved to the East Coast to pursue her Masters in Public Health at Columbia University in NYC and was awared the Arnold P. Gold Humanism Award for her work with displaced Hurricane Katrina Survivors in NYC.
She received her medical degree and completed residency at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Scales now practices as a full-time OBGYN physician in the DMV area.
She is also the co-founder of an e-commerce brand called Be Bougie with her business partner Allyson (also an OBGYN) to encourage and empower women to embrace higher standards in all aspect of their lives via statement tees & apparel.
10% of the sales is earmarked to support the Detroit-based non-profit The Pretty Brown Girls Foundation.
Connect with Kasandra:
Website: Be Bougie
Instagram: @shopbebougie
Twitter: @shopbebougie
Facebook: Be Bougie
Pinterest: Be Bougie
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In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with relationship coaches, Gil and Renée about the lifelong union and how they have been able to sustain 32 years of marriage.
Gil and Renée also discuss the inspiration behind their podcast "Rich Relationships" as well as their travels across the country in their RV, which is documented on their YouTube channel.
About Gil and Renée:Gil and Renée are originally from Detroit, Michigan.
They been together for 37 years and married for 32 of those years. They have lived in over 13 cities throughout the United States and Germany. They are the proud parents of one daughter and two adopted children.
They are hosts of the podcast "Rich Relationships with Gil and Renée " and the author of the book "The Oneness Code", which provides effective tips for marriage and healthy relationships.
**Connect with Gil and Renée:
Website: Rich Relationships YouTube: Rich Relationships Instagram: @richrelationshipsus Podcast: Rich Relationships**
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with filmmaker, writer, and producer, Ken Nelson Jr. about all things cinema including his 2018 film debut, "Sincerely Brenda" which was nominated for 44 awards as well as his 2019 anthology series, "I Vow", which chronicles the ups and downs of marriage.
Ken also discusses the inspiration behind his podcast "Life Beyond the Lens", and how he's been able to build community with Black filmmakers and other creatives through his platform.
About Ken:A husband, a father, and a man of faith, Kenneth Nelson, Jr. is a cinephile whose vision creates unforgettable, compelling, and life-changing stories.
A graduate of Cass Technical High School and Michigan State University (B.A .05’ & M.A .07'), Kenneth started his career in Detroit, MI acting on stage at a very young age.
His passion for acting led him behind the camera, where he discovered he could do more creatively while providing opportunities for others.
In 2018, Kenneth executive produced, wrote, and directed his first feature film, Sincerely, Brenda, which has been nominated for 44 awards and won 19 awards including, Best Film of The Year in Rome, Italy, Best Director, and Best Cast.
The film is streaming on multiple platforms including Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
In 2019, Kenneth produced I Vow, a 4 episode anthology series about marriage. He brought in multiple writers and directors to give each episode a unique perspective.
The series premiered for free on Facebook Live generating more than 10,000 views opening weekend.
Ken also worked extensively with fellow Michigan State graduate and renowned speaker, Eric Thomas on a variety of projects.
**Connect with Ken:
Website: www.raymediacreative.com Instagram: @kennelsonjr Podcast: Life Beyond the Lens**
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with longtime TV and radio personality, Cortney Hicks about her extensive career in media and how she's been able to adapt to times.
Cortney also discusses her successful stint as a morning co-host on Detroit's premier radio station, FM 98 WJLB where she working alongside the legendary John Mason during the late 90s and early 2000s.
About Cortney:
Raised in Detroit MI, Cortney Hicks has enjoyed a successful career that spans nearly 30 years.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Cortney's career in media began she served as a radio personality for WQHH in Lansing, MI.
In 1995 while completing her Communication studies at MSU, Cortney accepted an opportunity to join the WEJM staff as the new Midday Host in Chicago, the third largest radio market in the country.
After a very successful three year run she was invited to return home and serve as Co-Host for the legendary Mason & Company Morning Show on WJLB from 1997-2000.
Her career has taken her to a multitude of places including Charlotte, NC, Washington DC, and Chicago IL.
She currently serves as a news anchor for WFXG Fox54 in Augusta, GA.
**Connect with Cortney:
Website: www.cortneyahicks.com Twitter:** @chicksonair
Instagram: @cortneyhicksonair
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with rising author, content creator, and lifestyle coach, Kiana Daniels about the release and inspiration behind her latest novel ,"Tamia and Moe: Love, Lives, and the Church" and how she's been able to carve her niche in the evolving world of fiction.
Kiana also discusses her 2018 fitness journey and the decision that led her to shed 100 pounds.
About Kiana:
Kiana Daniels is the author of Tamia and Moe Love, Lies, and the Church Parts I-III.
Dubbed ‘The Move On Coach’, Kiana challenges fed up women to move on from their toxic relationships and date smarter.
She is also the author of "Girl, Move On: A Guide for Letting Go" and "Slay Bells Reign".
Kiana resides in the Metro Detroit area with her daughter, Joy.
Connect with Kiana:
Website: www.kianadaniels.com
Instagram: @authorkianadaniels
Facebook: @authorkianad
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Detroit-based curator, artist, manager, and visionary, Saint De'Angelus about the release of his EP, "All Baths are Ritual" and the decision to venture back into music after many years supporting artists.
De'Angelus also discusses his overall creative process as well as upcoming projects he has with Detroit-based artists.
About Saint De'Angelus:
Saint De'Angelus is a conceptual artist, curator, and director based in Detroit, MI. In 2020, he released a four-song EP called "All Baths are Ritual" which features collaborations from Bryce Detroit, Nametag Alexander, Brent Blak Smith, and Boog Brown.
It is executive produced by JRGotTheHiTS and featuring TOUSSAINT A.V.E**.
Connect with Saint De'Angelus:
Website:*Saint De'Angelus* Instagram: @**saintdeangelus
Twitter: @saintdeangelus
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow Redford High School graduate, Orlando Arnold, who is the president and CEO of Pyramid Sports and Entertainment Group, a full service sports agency that has representation across the NFL and MLB.
In this episode, you will learn about Orlando's vision and inspiration behind his company as well as his lived experience as an HBCU student-athlete attending Alabama State University.
About Orlando:
Orlando Arnold is the president and CEO of Pyramid Sports and Entertainment Group, a Florida-based sports agency that provides full service to professional athletes.
Raised in Detroit, he is a former Division I-A athlete with over 10 years’ experience in sales, marketing, negotiation, and contracts.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Alabama State University and an MBA from Troy University.
A consummate and caring professional, Orlando helped 14 of these young athletes move on to the next level in their athletic journey, cultivating relationships with various coaches and athletic personnel along the way.
He currently resides in Florida with his wife.
Connect with Orlando:
Website: Pyramid Sports and Entertainment Group
Twitter: @OAtheagent
Instagram: @oatheagent
LinkedIn: Orlando Arnold
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with content creator and public relations specialist, Ashleigh Dandridge about her start into the field of PR, her passion for writing, and Detroit's rich Black culture.
Ashleigh also discusses the rise of her company (Ashleigh Creative LLC) and she's been able to help entrepreneurs personalize their story in the world of public relations.
About Ashleigh:Ashleigh Dandridge is a public relations pro specializing in teaching entrepreneurs how to be their own publicist.
With a passion for media relations and research Ashleigh values building partnerships with the media and helping her clients to authentically tell their stories.
Ashleigh's clients have appeared in a variety of media outlets including The Source Magazine, Shade 45, FOX 2 Detroit, CBS, Xconomy, The Detroit News, and more.
Ashleigh is a native of Detroit, MI and is a graduate of Wayne State University where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations.
Connect with Ashleigh:
Website: www.ashleighcreative.com
Instagram: @ashleighcreative
Twitter: @ashleighcreativ
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with digital marketing strategist and content protection represntative, Alex Edwards about her passion for music, aspirations to pursue entertainment law as well as her deep appreciation for Stevie Wonder.
Alex also discusses the rise and inspiration behind her Clubhouse-based organization, "Black Vegans Unite" and how she is committed to advocating to the health and well-being of Black people across the world.
About Alex:
Alex Edwards was born and raised in Detroit and is a proud graduate of Renaissance High School, The University of Michigan Ann Arbor and Berklee College of Music.
An avid world traveler with 33 countries and 4 continents under her belt she also speaks English, French, Spanish, Mandarin and Mongolian.
She has been recognized as a Forbes U30 member and was featured in the Forbes 2020 Agtech. She currently works in Content Protection at Universal Music Group New York and is also a member of the Recording Academy.
Additionally, she is the Founder of Black Vegans Unite, a Clubhouse based organization of over 3,000 members created to create a bridge of transparency and information regarding health and wellness through healthy eating and food sustainability education to the Black community.
She has experience as a global digital marketing strategist, promotions & events manager and is a published researcher with an extensive background in natural and social science research on a global scale.
Connect with Alex:
Instagram: @vivalamusiq
Clubhouse: @vivalamusiq
Linkedin: Alexjandria Edwards
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with rising entrepreneur, media specialist, and music director, Derrick Mayes Jr. about the success of his companies, (Mayes Marketing Agency and Official D. Mayes PR) and how he was able to adjust and pivot his career following his time on the football field.
Derrick also discusses his role as music director for MNTC's radio show, "The Power Hour" and what it means to support independent artists for a growing media platform.
About Derrick:
Derrick Mayes Jr. is the CEO and founder of Mayes Marketing Agency and Official D.Mayes PR. He is also Head of PR for Gamerized LLC, which is a newly innovated gaming streaming company based in Jasper IN.
Under his media umbrella, he serves as the Music Director and Business Administrator for MNTC Radio and its hit show, "The Power Hour" which is syndicated through iHeartRadio.
Connect with Derrick:
Twitter: @officialdmayes
Instagram: @officialdmayes
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis kicks off Black History Month and a new season of the podcast by connecting with longtime TV writer and entertainment critic, Mekeisha Madden Toby about her extensive career as a journalist and what it means to be a Black woman in the world of media.
Mekeisha also discusses her new role as a staff editor for TV Line.com and how she is using her experience and passion for writing to amplify the Black voices in the entertainment industry.
About Mekeisha:
Mekeisha Madden Toby is a Los-Angeles based journalist who fell in love with words at a young age.
The Detroit native, wife and mother has covered and critiqued television and written about entertainment and pop culture for 21 years.
She currently is a staff editor for TVLine.com.
Her past outlets include TV Guide, Essence, MSN TV, The Detroit News, the Los Angeles Times, CNN.com, Playboy.com, Shondaland.com and People Magazine.
Madden Toby has also produced and hosted her podcast, “TV Madness with Mekeisha Madden Toby” at NPR West for nearly a decade.
Madden Toby grew up on Detroit's Northeast side and is a graduate of Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University.
Connect with Mekeisha:
Podcast: TV Madness with Mekeisha Madden Toby
Twitter: @mekeishamadto
Instagram: @mekeishamadto
TV Line: Mekeisha Madden Toby
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with businessman and entrepreneur, Kerry Adams about the rise and inspiration behind his company, Detroit Flava Pack which is an online store that sells and distributes Detroit-based snacks including Better Made Potato Chips and Faygo pop.
Kerry also discusses his upbringing in Detroit and how he's been able to spread his love for the city to people across the globe.
About Kerry:
Kerry Adams is the CEO and founder of the Detroit Flava Pack, an online retailer that sells Detroit-based snacks including Better Made Potato Chips, Faygo, Vernors, and Sanders' chocolate.
Launched in 2015, Detroit Flava Pack ships to all 50 US states and more than 20 countries.
Raised in Detroit and currently residing in Southern California, he is a graduate of Renaissance HS as well as Michigan State University where he completed a degree in Advertising.
Connect with Kerry:
Website: www.detroitflava.com
Instagram: @detroitflavapack
Twitter: @detroitflava313
Facebook: Detroit Flava Pack
Enter Promo Code: DETWW to save on next order
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former Prince bodyguard and band member, Wally Safford about this extensive career in the music industry as well as life in Detroit during the historic Motown era.
Wally also discusses Detroit's deep connection to Prince as well as the inspiration behind his biography, "Wally, Where'd You Get Those Glasses?" which highlights his career in music and show business.
About Wally:
Wallace Safford is the former personal bodyguard of Prince where he worked with the legendary artist during the height of his career in the 1980s.
Following the transition from security, he became a member of Prince's band and was featured on stage in the 1987 concert film "Sign O' The Times".
In addition to Prince, Safford also served as a security and bodyguard for many iconic artists including Earth Wind and Fire, Teddy Pendegrass, and the Commodores.
In 2019, he released a memoir titled "Wally Where'd You Get Those Glasses?" which recounts his life in Detroit as well as his career working with Prince and other acclaimed musical artists and performers.
Connect with Wally:
Facebook: Wally Safford
Instagram: @wallysafford
Book: Wally Where'd You Get Those Glasses
Podcast: Wally's All Access
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis switches gears and connects with Atlanta native and fellow podcast host, Chantrice Rachelle, who discusses her upbringing in the Southwest part of the city as well as its rich Black history and culture.
Chantrice also discuss the inspiration behind her podcast, "The Urban Success" and how she's been able to elevate Black stories using her growing platform.
About Chantrice:
Chantrice Rachelle is a native of Southwest Atlanta where she grew up in the Oakland City neighborhood.
She is an alumna of Booker T. Washington High School, where the late great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also graduated.
She was determined to defy the odds set for people from her neighborhood, so she went on to pursue her post secondary education, obtaining a dual Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Management and Management Information Systems (MIS) and later earned her Master of Science in Information Technology.
Chantrice is the producer and host of both The Urban Success and Unapologetically Unfiltered podcasts, she is the founder of Project SWATS, and also a visual artist.
She is also a Cybersecurity Program Manager at a Fortune 10 company.
Connect with Chantrice:
Website: www. projectswats.com
Instagram: @itschantrice
Instagram: @theurbansuccess
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with longtime Detroit Pistons broadcast commentator and Michigan State University basketball legend, Greg Kelser about his upbringing in the city as well as his standout career at Henry Ford High School.
Greg also discusses the time he spent playing alongside Earvin "Magic" Johnson at Michigan State University and the joy they felt capturing the 1979 NCAA Men's Basketball championship.
About Greg:
Gregory Kelser is a lead broadcast analyst for the Detroit Pistons and has been with the team for more than 30 years.
As an analyst he has covered over 2,300 basketball games for the Michigan High School Athletic Association, NCAA, WNBA, and the NBA.
He enjoyed an illustrious basketball career at both Henry Ford High School and Michigan State University where he captured the 1979 NCAA Men's Basketball championship playing alongside Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
In 1979, he was drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Pistons and played in the NBA for five seasons before leaving the game of basketball to become a broadcast commentator and analyst.
He is a proud graduate of Michigan State University (Bachelor of Science degree- Social Science) and is a member of Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (2006).
Connect with Greg:
Website: www.gregorykelser.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow podcast host and Wayne State University graduate, Kanye Gardner about his life as a former student athlete and how he's been able to pay it forward through coaching and mentorship.
Kanye also the inspiration behind his podcast, "The One Big Village" as well as his deep appreciation for Wayne State University.
About Kanye:
Kanye L. Gardner is a forward-thinking and purpose-driven Supply Chain Management and Organizational Development Specialist with 20 years of experience.
He is also a two-time graduate of Wayne State University where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Logistics along with his Master's Degree in Business Administration.
As a former student-athlete, he played for Wayne State University's football (1997-2001) and was a four year letter recipient. He is currently the Director of Continuous Quality Improvement for Office of Assessment, Accreditation & Continuous Quality Improvement at Wayne State University's School of Medicine. Coaching since 2002, Kanye currently serves as a coach at Cass Technical High School. He is also heavily involved with The Network – a WSU Faculty and Administration led – Student Mentorship Program that supports men of color.
Finally, he volunteers as a member of the Board of Directors for CoachesCare.Coach – 501c – Organization focusing on Coaches, Coaching & Community.
Connect with Kanye:
LinkedIn: Kayne Gardner
Instagram: @theonebigvillage
Website: www.theonebigvillage.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with brand marketer and strategist, Taharqa "Tee" Blue about his roots in the D, the unique meaning behind his name, and the creative influence the city had on his imagination.
Tee also discusses his dedication to faith and family and how the film Boomerang helped him to envision a career in brand and strategic marketing.
About Taharqa:
Taharqa "Tee" Blue was born and raised on Detroit's Eastside and is a graduate both of Oakland University and Specs Howard School of Media Arts.
For more than 18 years ,he has worked professionally in the field of branding and marketing and has lent his skills many global brands including McDonald’s, Corp.
He currently serves as a partner in a Branding and Digital consultancy - The Kulur Group, as well as a small production group – RosemaryEast.
Now calling Houston TX home, Tee is a husband, father of three and the oldest brother of Dr. Diarra Blue, star of Animal Planet's The Vet Life and acclaimed TV producer, Nawara Blue.
Connect with Tee:
Instagram: @teeblue3
Website: www.elevenonecreative.com
Website: www.kulurgroup.com
On this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with researcher and advocate, Dr. LesLeigh Ford about her experience growing up in the D as well as her non profit policy work in Washington DC.
LesLeigh also discusses her education background and her aspirations to support communities of color through policy work and commitment to urban mobility.
About LesLeigh:
LesLeigh Ford is a policy associate in the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute, where she examines philanthropic trends in equitable and participatory grantmaking and racial disparities in economic opportunity.
In addition, she is also a former classroom teacher and program manager at a national education nonprofit. Her current research focuses on advancing equity in nonprofits and philanthropy and dismantling structural racism.
Ford earned her PhD in sociology from Duke University, a MEd from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a BA in Political Science and English from the University of Michigan.
Connect with LesLeigh:
Twitter: @lesleigh_ford
LinkedIn: LesLeigh Ford
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fitness performance coach and mentor Kamila Zaidieh about her passion for helping others and how life has afforded her the opportunity to take personal and professional risks.
Kamila also her experience as a former Division I student-athlete and the rise of her company, Compound Training, which helps to enhance athletes' physical and mental performance.
About Kamila:
Kamila is a Detroit Native and former Division I Student-Athlete. She is a graduate of Florida A&M University where she completed her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and also LSU where she earned her Master's degree in Strategic Communication.
She currently serves as an assistant track and field coach at Cass Technical High School. She is also a Program Manager at JOURNi, a technology education non-profit organization that is committed to building an authentically inclusive tech ecosystem in Detroit.
Most of all, she is the creator and founder of Compound Training, a Sports Performance company that is dedicated to developing athletes physically and mentally.
Connect with Kamila:
LinkedIn: Kamila Zaidieh
Twitter: @KamilaKingston_
Instagram: @KamilaKingston_
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with tech entrepreneur Brandon Cooper about his transition to California and the rise of his company Aphid, a financial tech company that is disrupting the 9 to 5 workforce using artificial intelligence.
Brandon also discusses his former life as a musician as well as his journey into tech which began as teen growing up in Detroit.
About Brandon:
Brandon Cooper is a serial entrepreneur and businessman.
Born in Detroit, Cooper attended Michigan State University where he studied Marketing and Merchandising Management.
After three years of college, he dropped out and moved to Atlanta, GA. Cooper has developed a new obsession for artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain technology.
He has helped over 20 companies launch from ideation into profitable businesses. Currently residing in Los Angeles, CA, Cooper is currently the CEO of Aphid, a financial tech company that is disrupting the 9 to 5 workforce with artificial intelligence.
Connect with Brandon:
Twitter: @brandonc00per
Instagram: @brandonc00per
Facebook: Brandon Cooper
LinkedIn: Brandon Cooper
Website: www.aphid.io
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with community leader and East Orange, New Jersey councilwoman, Brittany Claybrooks about her journey in public service and her upbringing in the D.
Brittany also discusses her spiritual growth as well as her longstanding bond with Florida A&M classmates, who were also from Detroit.
About Brittany:
Brittany Claybrooks is an Urban Planning Project Manager and the CouncilWoman Elect for the Second Ward in East Orange, NJ.
She is a recent graduate of New York University she completed received her Master’s Degree in Urban Planning and Development . She is also a graduate of Florida A&M where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Management.
She has devoted her professional career to public service and has worked in a in various government and public service institutions including the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice; The Florida of Department Health; the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation where she served in the office of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Young Invincibles – a national nonprofit that advocates on behalf of millennial Americans in the areas of higher education, health, economic development and young parents’ initiatives.
Brittany, a Detroit native, is passionate about creating greater economic opportunities for residents of inner city and developing communities via comprehensive policy and equitable allocation of public resources.
She often proclaims “Public service is not what I do. Public service is who I am.”
Connect with Brittany:
Instagram: @_brittanyclaybrooks
Twitter: @Claybrooks_
LinkedIn: Brittany Claybrooks
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Detroit ambassador and champion of the Eastside, Jonathan Galloway about his journey into podcasting as well as the ways he's been able to convert his passion into profit.
Jonathan also discusses his evolution as a podcaster and the rise of the Audiowave Network, podcasting studio and network based in Detroit.
About Jonathan:
Jonathan "JG" Galloway was raised on the eastside of Detroit and began podcasting in August 2015.
Building on the wave of the 2015 film, "Straight Outta Compton", Jonathan and friends launched their first podcast called NWP (Negus With a Podcast) and since its inception it has amassed more than 200 episodes.
In November 2016, Jonathan created and launched the Audio Wave Network, a podcasting studio and network that aims to showcase Black voices and stories.
Connect with Jonathan:
Website: www.audiowavenetwork.com
Twitter: @EverybodyloveJG
Instagram: @everybodylovesjg
Instagram: @audiowavenetwork
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with rising film producer and director, David Tinsley about the origins of his company, Tin Bridge Productions as well as his career as an engineer.
David also discusses the release of his latest film, "Project 8" and it means to return to Detroit after a decade-long absence .
About David:
David Tinsley was born and raised on the eastside of Detroit, MI in a single parent household. He attended Cass Technical High School and later obtained a minor in Black Theatre and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, 2006).After graduating from the University of Michigan, he traveled to India for 6 months to train for a Software Engineering position. He's worked as an engineer for several companies including Lockheed Martin and NASA. He's also participated in several community theatre plays and has produced several short films and web series under the umbrella of TinBridge Productions, which have all premiered at reputable film festivals such as Hollywood Black Film Festival, Pan African Film Festival, and San Francisco Black Film Festival just to name a few."Project 8" marks David Tinsley's first project shot in his native city (Detroit) since returning home from Southern California in 2018 to reunite with his family.David and his college sweetheart (Bridget Tinsley) have been married for 9 years and are the proud parents of Langston (4) and Violet Tinsley (2). Connect with David: Instagram: @tinbridgefilmsTwitter: @tinbridge_prodYouTube: Tin Bridge ProductionsVimeo: Project 8
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow Wayne State University graduate, Nawara Blue about her career in TV production and her strong commitment to faith and family.
Nawara also discusses her successful run of TV shows as a producer including "Pawn Stars", "Married at First Sight", "Love is Blind, and the hit TV show, "The Vet Life", which airs on Animal Planet and stars her brother, Dr. Diarra Blue.
About Nawara:
A native of Detroit, Michigan, Nawara Blue is a graduate of Wayne State University she completed her degree in Public Relations.
She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Beta Mu Chapter), and now calls Houston, Texas her home base.
Over the course of the last 9 years, she has played the role of intern, production assistant, coordinator, casting producer, story producer, field producer, and director along with dabbling in writing original content based on her own life’s experiences.
Some of her experience includes; Pawn Stars, Cajun Pawn Stars, Counting Cars, American Restoration, Vegas Stripped, So You Think You Can Dance, American Ninja Warrior, Vegas Mom, Micro Touch One Infomercial, Flipping The Heartland, 2015 Las Vegas Licensing Expo (Warner Bros. Consumer Products), The Real World Season 31, Married At First Sight, Love is Blind, and Little Women ATL.
She speaks with pride about having pitched the concept and produced Animal Planet’s “The Vet Life”, a reality show based on her brother, Dr. Diarra Blue and his two business partners who own and operate an Animal Hospital, an original concept of its kind.
“Blue” is most at home in the field, producing and directing.
A true collaborator she is focused, determined, thorough, timely, detail oriented, and enthusiastic about whatever project is before her.
Connect with Nawara :
Website: www.bluelikethecolor.com
Instagram: @nawara_blue_likethecolor
Facebook: Nawara Blue
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Central State University student, Johnathan Carey about his growth as a leader and his undying love for HBCUs.
Johnathan also discusses the creation of his organization, Fitness Fanatics and his commitment to promoting wellness across his college campus.
About Johnathan:
Johnathan Carey was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Carey is a first-generation college student as well as a first-generation entrepreneur. Carey is a Senior where he is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business and Marketing.
Carey has restructured the priority of health and wellness on the campus of Central State University through passion, dedication, and positive intention with his organization, Fitness Fanatics.
Since Carey’s arrival on the campus of Central State University, he has made a significant impact on the campus community. Along with serving as the 12th Mr. Central State University, Carey is a former member of the football team, a current member of the Student Government Association, and has made the Dean’s List multiple semesters.
Connect with Johnathan:
Linkedin: Johnathan Carey
Instagram: @ayespidey
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with thought leader and education change agent, Brittany Motley about all things 313 including her experience growing up in the D and the personal challenges she had endure throughout her time in high school.
Brittany also discusses her stints at Kentucky State University and how HBCUs have guided her career as a practitioner and strategic leader in education.
About Brittany:
Brittany Motley is an Associate Director with the Education Advisory Board (EAB) and is part of the dedicated consultant team for the Student Success Collaborative (SSC).
Raised in Detroit, MI, she attended Northwestern High School which led her to Kentucky State University where she completed her bachelor’s degree in Pure Mathematics and two Masters degrees in Business and Computer Science.
She is currently pursuing her PhD in Leadership and Change from Antioch University. Her research focuses on understanding underrepresented student’s mindset.
Connect with Brittany:
Facebook: Brittany Motley
Email: bmotley@antioch.edu
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with broadcast journalist and sports anchor, Montezz Allen about things related to the D including his earliest sports memory as well as his love and deep appreciation for NBA basketball.
Montezz also his career at large and the commitment it takes to succeed in the world of sports media.
About Montezz:
Raised in Detroit, Montezz Allen is a graduate of Oakland University where he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. Following this accomplishment, he attended DePaul University (Chicago, IL) where he earned a Masters of Arts degree (journalism) in 2014. He is a proud first-generation college graduate.
While in Chicago, he worked as a Sports Anchor at NCTV17, a Sports/News Reporter at Urban Broadcast Media and an Assistant Producer at WBBM-AM Newsradio — the No. 1-ranked news radio station in Chicago.
He also made frequent guest appearances on WCIU's "The Jam" and The D & Davis Sports Radio Show at "670 The Score."
In 2019, he joined 41NBC (Middle Georgia) as a sports reporter where he covers nightly highlights and interviews local sports figures.
Montezz is the author of two books ("Watch your Words" and "Stay in the Game") and cites the late Kobe Bryant as one of his all-time favorite athletes.
In his spare time, Montezz loves to workout, travel, shop for the latest fashion and spend time with his family.
Connect with Montezz:
Twitter: @MontezzAllen313
Instagram: @tezzallen313
Author of Watch Your WordsAuthor of Stay In The Game41 NBC
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with acclaimed speaker and purpose recognition coach, Marv Fox Jr. about his lived experience growing up in the D as well as the role sports played in his development as a young adult.
Marv also discusses his career as a college basketball coach and his commitment to helping individuals identify their purpose.
About Marv:
Marv Fox Jr., Purpose-recognition Coach, helps highly ambitious and courageous people discover their purpose with two simple questions.
Marv's purpose is to help people discover their purpose. The purpose-centered life offers those who choose to accept it the opportunity to improve themselves, help their family, and contribute to their industry and community.
Marv provides purpose programming and inspirational speaking on how to discover one’s purpose, and how to convert that purpose into productivity, profit, and prosperity. Marv conducts most of his work in higher education, profit and non-profit settings using purpose to explore Leadership – Wellness – Performance – Spirituality – D.E.I, in addition to one on one purpose-recognition coaching sessions.
Marv has a Bachelor of Liberal Arts Degree in Psychology and a Master of Science in Students Personnel Administration in Higher Education. Marv Has worked for University of Michigan, Concordia University, and Eastern Michigan in student-life, as an adjunct professor, and as basketball coach.
Connect with Marv:
Website: http://www.marvfoxjr.com/
Instagram: @marvfoxjr_purpose_recognition
Twitter: @marvfoxjr
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Oakland University graduate and fellow writer, Janice Williams about all things media including her commitment to highlighting Black stories as well as her experience with Newsweek.
Janice also discusses her transition to New York City and how's she been able to sustain herself after a decade away from home.
About Janice:
Michigan native, Janice Williams is a graduate of Oakland University where she studied journalism and communication. Upon relocating to New York City, she held internships at celebrity news-focused publications including Hollywood Life and Us Weekly. She formerly worked at website Fashion & Style as a reality TV reporter before joining the news desk at International Business Times. Now she covers culture and entertainment for Newsweek. When she's not galavanting around New York's restaurant and wine scene, she's likely catching shows of up-and-coming musicians with friends.
Connect with Janice:
Twitter: @ManhattanJan
Instagram: @ManhattanJan
Newsweek:Janice Williams
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects rising basketball skills development trainer, Qortez Brown about his upbringing in Detroit and his origins of his business, "Coach Tez".
Qortez also discusses the village he's built during his time at Siena Heights and Oakland University as well as his passion for training the next generation of basketball players.
About Coach Tez:
Qortez Brown is a Detroit native and a student at Oakland University where he is studying communications. He recently launched a skills and development business which trains basketball players at all levels.
Connect with Coach Tez:
Website: www.coachtezz.com
Instagram: @coachtezz_
In the installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with community and non-profit, Raphael Mostyn about his experience growing up in the D as well as the inspiration behind his organization, Mostyn Community Development.
Raphael also discusses several initiatives he is working on to support Detroit youth and how his organization is actively responding to the pandemic of COVID 19.
About Raphael:
Raphael Mostyn is a Detroit native who thrives on building community engagement and awareness.
As a graduate of Warren Fitzgerald High School, Mostyn furthered his education as an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University. After three years of enrollment, he began making the transition from college and relocating back to his hometown. Mostyn began working as a Math Intervention Specialist in charter schools while also continuing his education part-time and working odd jobs to make ends meet.
In 2016, Mostyn launched Mostyn Community Development (MCD). Mostyn Community Development’s focus is to build and nurture relationships with young people encouraging them to promote social awareness, interpersonal skills, leadership, critical thinking, and reassert a sense of pride in their community. Challenging students to develop a strong work ethic is a characteristic, once established, it will follow them into their adult lives. MCD specializes in providing service and assistance for academic enrichment to students deemed at-risk/underprivileged and special needs. MCD has grown and has serviced hundreds of students with special needs across the state of Michigan.
In the fall of 2020, MCD will launch a new program called, “Spare Time Program” a program for students with disabilities. The Spare Time Program will give participants the skills they can carry on throughout life as they transition out of high school.
Connect with Raphael:
Instagram: @mostyndevelopment
Non-profit Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mostynimpact/
Personal Facebook: Raphael Mostyn
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with entrepreneur and fashion and bridal designer, Laurie Underwood about her journey to Chicago as well as the importance of seeing and manifesting vision.
Laurie also discusses her experience as a contestant on Project Runway (Season 14) and how her time on TV allowed her to pivot her brands while supporting women of color.
About Laurie:
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Laurie attended Cass Tech, where she studied Fashion Illustration and Design.With a passion for fashion design, Laurie moved to Chicago at the age of 18 to pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer. Laurie Underwood started her career as a Fashion Designer in 2008, designing ready-to-wear and custom pieces.Due to her success in designing for style savvy clients, she started her fashion line, Wanda Grace. In 2015, Laurie was casted on Lifetime’s Emmy winning, Project Runway, where she placed in top 7 on the show.After returning from Project Runway, Laurie decided to explore other opportunities, which meant the end of her brand, Wanda Grace, which was for the woman who has to work, but loves to play.Today in 2017, Laurie has launched her new bridal line, Laury Bride, uniquely named after the designer. Laury Bride is Laurie’s fresh perspective on bridal dresses that epitomize chic femininity for today’s modern bride. Connect with Laurie:Website: www.laurybride.comInstagram: @laurybride
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball star and all-time leading scorer, Rashad Phillips about Detroit sports and his rise to stardom as a heralded athlete during the 90s and early 2000s.
Rashad also discusses his longtime friendship with the late Kobe Bryant as well as his commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes.
About Rashad:
Rashad Phillips is the all-time leading scorer in men's basketball history at the University of Detroit Mercy totaling 2,319 points over a four-year career. Once dubbed by Kobe Bryant as "the best player never drafted by the NBA", Rashad enjoyed an illustrious career both in the NBA D-League (now G-League) and overseas where he earned three scoring titles and an MVP during stints in Italy, Latvia, and Saudi Arabia.
He retired from professional basketball in 2010 and during that year he was inducted into the University of Detroit Mercy Hall of Fame. His jersey number was also retired in 2010.
Since retirement, Phillips has given selflessly to the game of basketball by passing down knowledge to the next generation of players including Atlanta Hawks' rising stars, Trae Young and Cam Reddish. He has also given NBA draft insight to networks and media outlets such as Fox Sports.
Most recently, he relaunched his official website, SportsTalk 2319 (named after his total points scored in college), where he evaluates NBA draft prospects and college basketball players. He is also the co-host of No Agendas, an online basketball show with NBA world champion, Kendrick Perkins.
Connect with Rashad:
Instagram: @rashadphillips2319
Twitter: @RP3natural
Website: www.sportstalk2319.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis celebrates the one year anniversary of the platform and looks back on the some of the lessons he's learned as well as the community he's built with other Detroiters across the country.
He also discusses the show's upcoming guests along with future podcasting plans.
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with content and brand marketer, Brandon Littlejohn about life in New York City and the lessons he's learned since entering his profession.
Brandon also discusses the many companies he's worked with including YouTube, BET, and Atlantic Records and how each role supported his growth both personally and professionally.
About Brandon:
Brandon ‘Elon’ Littlejohn is a Detroit-raised brand marketer and producer currently based in Harlem, New York. Over the past 10 years, he’s executed countless content, experiential and influencer campaign for brands, including YSL, Diageo, Heineken, YouTube, BET, Highsnobiety and others.
In his free time, he moonlights as an independent film producer and serves as the Filmmaker Liaison for TIDE Film Festival, a Brooklyn-based festival that celebrates the power of storytelling by filmmakers of color.
Brandon holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and a Bachelor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance from the University of Michigan.
Connect with Brandon:
Twitter: @cozyE313
Instagram: @cozye313
LinkedIn: Brandon Littlejohn
Website: https://elondoesthings.com/
Email: elon@elondoesthings.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with entertainment publicist and lifestyle specialist, Courtney Lewis-Mathis about her extensive work in public relations as well as the launch of her company, "Coco PR".
Courtney also discusses the many lessons she's learned since going into her field as well as her the inspiration behind her upcoming podcast "Momtitask" a platform that discusses the balance between motherhood and entrepreneurship.
About Courtney:
Courtney Lewis also known as Coco, "The Entertainment Publicist" and Lifestyle Specialist. She specializes in Public Relations, Social Media, Creative Direction, Event Coordination and Entertainment.
COCO a Boutique PR firm in the Metro Detroit area has been the force in building some of the cities Top PR firms in politics, fashion, music, film, non-profit and corporate.
Courtney completed her Bachelors Degree from Western Michigan University in Public Relations and Spanish (Buenos Aires, Argentina.)
Connect with Courtney:
Instagram: @cocoxpr
Instagram: @momtitask
Website: https://www.cocoxpr.com
LinkendIn: Courtney Lewis-Mathis
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with entrepreneur extraordinaire, Aisha Griffin about the origins of her company, Coil Beauty, an online beauty boutique which markets directly to Black consumers by selling Black-owned products.
Aisha also her upbringing in Detroit and how her work in Corporate America and a visit to Australia helped to propel the launch of her company.
About Aisha:
Coil Beauty Founder and CEO, Aisha Griffin, has over a decade of customer service experience, and digital marketing experience.
Her struggle with going natural and locating the best products for her hair as well as the poor treatment many African-Americans face at the hands of neighborhood beauty supply stores inspired her to found Coil Beauty.
Aisha is a native of Detroit, MI. She received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.
She is passionate about uplifting her community as well as educating them on the best products to use daily. Aisha currently resides in Chicago, IL wither her husband Kendall Griffin, her two amazing bonus children, Kayla and Kendall Jr. (KJ) and new baby girl, Addison.
Connect with Aisha:
Website: www.coilbeauty.com
Instagram: @coilbeauty
Facebook: Coil Beauty
Twitter: @coilbeauty
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with author, speaker, and educational coach, Jahquan Hawkins about his upbringing in the D, his career as an educator, and the importance of mentorship.
Jahquan also discusses his lived experience as a first-generation college student attending Wayne State University as well as the inspiration behind his books, "Finding My Way" and "Donovan's College Adventure".
About Jahquan:
Jahquan Hawkins is a native Detroiter and a Detroit Public Schools graduate who holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Wayne State University and a master's degree in College Student Affairs from Eastern Illinois University.
He's worked professionally in higher education for 15 years and currently serves as the Dean of Student Services at Oakland Community College.
He is the author of two books "Finding My Way" (2016) and "Donovan's College Adventure" (2018) and the co-founder of Exposure U, a company that provides college success coaching for prospective college students.
Connect with Jahquan:
Website: www.jahquanhawkins.com
LinkedIn: Jahquan Hawkins
Facebook: Jahquan Hawkins
Instagram: @jahquanhawkins
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with multimedia journalist, content creator, and producer, Terrika Foster-Brasby about all things sports including her earliest Detroit sports memory and her love for women's basketball.
Terrika also discusses her career at a large and how community helped to cultivate her success as a multimedia content creator.
About Terrika:
Terrika Foster-Brasby is one of the best multimedia journalists, digital podcast producers, on-air hosts and speakers in sports.
Self-made, self-driven, self-motived, but most of all, selfless, Terrika covers the game to tell the stories of others. While the WNBA and NCAAW basketball are her passions, she's covered NBA, NFL and NCAA DI Men's Basketball. You can find her bylines with espnW and ESPN's The Undefeated, but she's become synonymous with women's basketball as one of the two voices on espnW's Around The Rim podcast, alongside acclaimed women's basketball analyst LaChina Robinson.
Terrika began her career in sports writing for La Dulce Locura online magazine in 2012. After several months, Terrika was then offered an opportunity to host a Friday night sports talk show on the online based Sportzfam Radio Network, hence The Gridiron Gurl was born in February 2013. She later added contributing to Yahoo! Sports before taking a position with ESPN Radio in December 2014. This was all accomplished ahead of her receiving her Masters Degree in Multimedia Journalism from Full Sail University in the summer of 2015.
Since then, Terrika has had the pleasure of producing some of the most well-known personalities in sports including, Jemele Hill, Michael Smith, Mina Kimes, Cari Champion, Sarah Spain, Matthew Berry, Field Yates, and more. She's sat down with Hall of Famers Eric Dickerson, Sheryl Swoopes, and Rebecca Lobo. She's interviewed for radio hip hop legend Ice Cube, actor Omar Epps, Power star Omari Hardwick, comedian Mike Epps and others.
She's covered for audio and print the 2015 AAC Men's Basketball Conference Championships, the 2018 NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles, the 2018 NCAAW Final Four in Columbus, and the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn among others. Terrika brings a perspective to sports that's real, authentic, unique, and one-of-a-kind that resonates with fans and media colleagues alike.
Outside of sports, Terrika is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Iota Sweethearts, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalist. She's a former NCAA Division II dual athlete, playing both volleyball and softball at Saint Augustine's University in Raleigh, NC.
Connect with Terrika:
Website: terrikafosterbrasby.com
Twitter: @SheKnowsSports_
YouTube: She Knows Sports/Tee Take Two
Instagram: @sheknowssports_
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Christian artist, producer, and visionary Kingdom Chellzzz about his upcoming project, "Masterpiece", his experience growing up in the D, as well as his musical influences and inspirations.
Kingdom Chellzzz also discusses his latest single "Caught Up" as well as evolution as a Christian artist.
About Kingdom Chellzzz:
Kingdom Chellzzz, who at one point doubted God’s existence… declares self-worth, freedom and authenticity in Jesus Christ. With a wide range of contemporary styles, he writes and produces soul gripping music that transforms hearts and minds.
“Growing up in Detroit, Kingdom Chellzzz first came in touch with hip hop through his sister’s love for music. While attending Detroit School of Arts, he spent majority time of his time in the studio cultivating his craft.
With time, that passion for music continued to thrive right along with his relationship with God. Kingdom Chellzzz became vulnerable to God and soon discovered his purpose. Since then, he has perfected his own distinctive brand of bold, free, electric sounds.
His music is an authentic expression of who God is; His nature, His love and His presence indescribable presence. Kingdom Chellzzz new single, "Caught Up", conveys that overtaking experience.
His new EP, Masterpiece was released on March 20, 2020.
Connect with Kingdom Chellzzz:
Instagram: @kingdom_chellzzz
Website: https://www.holyteament.com
YouTube: Kingdom Chellzzz
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with former college basketball coach, Gary Waters about 40-year coaching career, his upbringing in Detroit, and his commitment to building character.
Coach Waters also discusses his head coaching stops at Kent State University, Rutgers University, and Cleveland State University along with the lessons he gained with every position.
About Coach Gary Waters:
Connect with Coach Gary Waters:
Gary Waters spent 11 seasons (2006-2017) as Winningest Coach in Cleveland State University’s Program History. As Head Coach for the Vikings, he led CSU to six postseason invitations during his tenure, including reaching the second round of the 2009 NCAA tournament. In 2008 Waters was named the Horizon League coach of the year.
In addition, all seniors who were in the program during Waters' tenure have graduated with their degree, and the program received four consecutive public recognition awards from the NCAA (2012-16) for having an academic performance rate that was in the top–10 percent nationally.
With over two decades of experience in coaching, Waters has seen many changes within the profession over the years, and has worked tirelessly to instill a core of values and integrity, both on and off the court.
Waters has been elected to three Hall of Fames. He was inducted into Ferris State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2002 and was enshrined into the Kent State Varsity “K” Hall of Fame in 2006. Recently, he was inaugurated in the city of Detroit high school Hall of Fame in September of 2019.
Gary Waters is a Detroit, Michigan native and a 1969 graduate of Mackenzie High School. Waters graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Ferris State in 1975, a B.S. in Business Education from Ferris State in 1978 and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan in 1976. Waters is also a member of the Ferris State University & Kent State Hall of Fames. He is married to the former Bernadette Amos, with two children Sean and Seena, and seven grandchildren.
Website: www.coachwaters.com
LinkedIn: Gary Waters
Facebook: Character Coach with Gary Waters
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with renowned art curator, Dr. Kelli Morgan about her experiences growing up in the city, the national recognition she's received for her work, and her commitment to authenticity.
Kelli also discusses her career in art curation as well as her early recollections of the Detroit hip hop scene during the rise of the movement.
About Kelli:
Originally from Detroit, MI., Dr. Kelli Morgan earned her doctorate in Afro-American Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Public History – Museum Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). A critical race cultural historian, Morgan specializes in American art and visual culture. Her interdisciplinary research and curatorial work examines, critiques, and theorizes the ways in which American artists, art objects, art history, and art institutions both challenge and reify the systematic mechanisms of anti-Black violence and oppression in the United States.
Currently, Dr. Morgan is Associate Curator of American Art at the Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA) at Newfields.
Connect with Kelli:
Facebook: Kelli Morgan
Instagram: @elli616
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Dr. Katrina Byrd about path to medical school, journey of faith, and how her parents helped to cultivate her gift for science as a child growing up in Detroit.
Katrina also discusses her long term career aspirations while lending advice to aspiring physicians and medical care providers.
About Katrina:
Katrina Byrd is currently a combined Adult and Pediatric Infectious Disease fellow at Lifespan/Brown University located in Providence, Rhode Island. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan to parents who were both educators. They taught her that preparation leads to excellence in any field.
Prior moving to Providence, she completed her Bachelors of Science in Microbiology at Xavier University of Louisiana. During the course of her studies, she developed an interest in public health and decided to pursue a Master’s of Science in Public Health Microbiology and Emerging infectious diseases at The George Washington University School of Public Health. Afterwards, she attended medical school, at Meharry Medical College, where she discovered her passion and recognized of the importance minority representation in medicine.
In 2014, she relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to care for patients at the Medical College of Wisconsin as an Internal Medicine/Pediatrics resident. There, she spent her time working on the recruitment and retention of minority residents and fellows at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals through her work a co-chair of the Underrepresented in Medicine Housestaff Committee.
At Brown, in addition to serving as a faculty mentor through the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs(ODMA) Faculty Association at Brown, her current research interest includes improving HIV care for pregnant women in Rhode Island. After her fellowship, she would like to use the knowledge she has learned to improve the health of individuals nationwide.
Therefore, she plans to work an Infectious Disease Epidemiologist at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Connect with Katrina:
Instagram: @dr.kbyrd_id
Twitter: @iamkatrinamb
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Detroit-based entrepreneur, Abdul Golden, who is the CEO and founder of Golden Grooming Company, an eCommerce company that specializes in all-natural skin and hair care products for Black men and other men of color.
Abdul discusses his journey into business and entrepreneurship as well as the community he built as a student attending Eastern Michigan University.
About Abdul:
Abdul Golden is an IT executive and entrepreneur. He grew up in Detroit, moving from the westside where he spent his younger years, to the eastside just in time to attend Osborn High School. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University, his MBA from Wayne State University and his Master Of Science in Computer Science from Lawrence Technological University.
While enjoying a successful career in IT across several Fortune 500 companies in the metro Detroit area, Abdul started and exited one of the first online software companies serving education. Abdul sold the company after three years and moved to Dallas to continue his IT career. He relocated back to Detroit in 2011 where he currently resides and runs Golden Grooming Co. a successful eCommerce company started in December 2017 to produce and sell all-natural skin and hair care products designed specifically for black men and other men of color.
Connect with Abdul:
Website: Golden Grooming Company
Instagram: @GoldenGroomingCo
Facebook: Golden Grooming Company
Twitter: @GoldenGroominCo
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with emerging scholar, thought leader, engineer, and STEM advocate , Matthew Nelson about the importance of goal setting and what it means to persevere over life challenges.
Matthew also discusses his lived experience attending the University of Michigan as an adult learner as well as his transition into leadership roles within the world of STEM.
About Matthew:
Matthew Nelson is the National Chairperson Emeritus of the National Society of Black Engineers. As National Chair from 2018-2019, he led the efforts to increase the number of undergraduate engineering degrees earned by black students annually from roughly 3,500 to 10,000 by the year 2025. During his tenure, NSBE grew its membership base by 26%, significantly increased the number of NSBE Jr. chapters, improved its fiscal forecasting and management capabilities and successfully executed two of the highest attended Annual Conventions in the history of the Society.
A graduate of Frank Cody High School, Matthew's collegiate journey began at the University of Michigan in 2002, where he struggled just to maintain a below-average GPA. After falling out of the engineering pipeline, Matthew spent several years working to return to higher academia. Matthew returned to Lansing Community College in 2011, where he made the President's List with a 3.91 GPA and received induction to Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. At that point, Matthew decided to return to Michigan to finish his journey and to share his testimony. Matthew earned University Honors, made the Dean’s List, earned the College of Engineering Distinguished Leadership Award, and was awarded the first-ever Center for Engineering and Outreach (CEDO) Legacy Award for his work in Engineering Diversity.
Matthew earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Operations Engineering with a minor in Multidisciplinary Design and a Master of Science in Design Science, and is currently pursuing a PhD in the latter. As a Bridge to the Doctorate Fellow and Rackham Merit Fellow, Matthew researches the integration of design heuristics and data analytics into human capital management practices. Matthew currently works as a consultant for the Michigan Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation as well as the Center for Socially Engaged Design and the Center for Education Design, Evaluation and Research.
Matthew continues to advocate for increased resources for non-traditional and minority students, as well as inspire those considering returning to college. Matthew frequently engages in public speaking, encouraging both young and old to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math professions. Matthew also works with a number of Fortune 500 organizations to improve their diversity recruitment and retention outcomes.
Matthew is a proud native Detroiter, and credits his success to early exposure to science and technology he received through Detroit Public Schools, as well as programs such as DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program) and Generation of Promise. Matthew founded Orisa Design, a consulting firm that uses design principles to address organizational climate and culture issues. Matthew attends Northwest Unity Missionary Baptist Church, where he also serves as Trustee. Matthew and his beautiful wife Breanna, also a native Detroiter, have been married for eight years.
Connect with Matthew:
Email: mnelson@orisadesign.com
Twitter: @STEMLifestyle
Instagram: @TheSTEMLifestyle
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/STEM
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis makes his return to the world of podcasting after two- month hiatus. In this episode he explains the reason behind his absence and how venturing into podcasting helped him to rediscover a long lost passion.
He also discusses three lessons he's learned from his podcast guests and how he plans to utilize their years throughout 2020 and beyond.
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with artist, playwright, content creator, and educator, Nicole M. Young about her upbringing in Detroit, her transition to the New England area, and the community she's built in the last decade.
Nicole also discusses her career in the non-profit sector as well as her lived experience attending the University of Michigan during the height of affirmative action.
About Nicole:
Nicole M. Young is a performer, poet, playwright, director, producer, musician, nonprofit manager and educator with over 25 years of experience as a practicing artist. Nicole’s writing seeks to fill and complete the gaps for those whose presence is absent or misrepresented in mainstream media, especially women of color. Autobiographical in nature, Nicole’s poetry and plays reflect on personal experiences and how they’ve influenced the way she sees herself within the world around her. Nicole also teaches theatre and creative writing along with being invited to facilitate writing workshops for conferences and youth groups in New England.
Her play, get (t)his!, received a 2009 James Baldwin Memorial Playwriting Award from the Five Colleges Multicultural Theater Committee and has since been produced in Michigan and New York City.Her debut, self-produced spoken word album, In/Put: Live from the Valley, was released this past February. Recorded live in March of 2018 at CLICK Workspace in Northampton, Massachusetts the performance poetry of In/Put explores the challenges of being a Single, Black, Plus Size woman while dating in the monochromatic Pioneer Valley. Proceeds from album sales were used to establish a fellowship program for emerging women and nonbinary writers of color hosted through Straw Dog Writers Guild (where Nicole is also a member) with the program starting in January of 2020.
Nicole is also an experienced fundraiser, event planner and program developer with over 10 years of working in the nonprofit sector. Nicole serves as the Manager of Community Investments for United Way of Pioneer Valley where she administers their grantmaking program, manages their youth volunteerism initiative and community engagement projects including monthly convenings of colleges and universities throughout the region seeking to tackle food and housing insecurity suffered by their students.
Nicole earned a Bachelor of Theatre Arts from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Management from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is also proud to have attended Detroit Public Schools, being an alumna of Mackenzie High School’s Class of 1997. Originally from Detroit, Nicole has lived in Western Massachusetts for over 12 years.
Connect with Nicole:
Website: https://www.nicolemyoung.com
Facebook: Nicole M. Young
Instagram: @coco_penexplore
Twitter: @coco_penexplore
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with two-time Eastern Michigan graduate, Courtney B. Morris about her upbringing in the city and the decisions that prompted her to pursue her doctoral degree at Central Michigan University.
Courtney also discusses her commitment to Black academic excellence as well as her deep appreciation for hip hop music and culture.
About Courtney:
Courtney B. Morris is a Detroit native and a 2010 graduate of Cass Technical High School. She attended Schoolcraft College and completed an Associate of Arts degree. She later transferred to Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Adminstration and minor in Social Work.
In 2018, she completed her graduate degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Affairs from Eastern Michigan University.
She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. Her research interests includes Black Male College Students and their connection to Hip Hop culture as a Sense of Belonging at Predominately White Institutions.
Courtney holds positions with secondary transition and college access, Wayne State University and non-profit organizations across the metro Detroit area.
Courtney's other research interests includes: Diversity & Inclusion Work (Cultural Competency), Social Justice & Student Activism, Study Abroad Experiences, and Leadership Development all for students of color. Courtney currently serves as the Research Assistant for The Center for Applied Research at CMU and Post-secondary Coordinator at River Rouge High School.
During her spare time, traveling and experiencing new spaces, foods and culture immersion is a priority. Courtney is a lover of books, gym-shoes and all this BLACK culture.
Connect with Courtney:
Twitter: @MsCourtneyBrie
Instagram: @mscourtneybrieann
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with content creator, podcast host, and model, Destiny Turnboe about her experience growing up in the D and why representation matters in the modeling industry.
Destiny also discusses the inspiration behind her non-profit organization, Flyy Girl Fly and what it means to live life purposefully with no stone unturned.
About Destiny:
Destiny Turnboe is a motivational speaker, content creator, mentor, and model. Her travel brand, Flyy Girl Adventures seeks to empower women on their journey through life and share their story along the way.
Destiny is also the host of the Boss Bar Podcast and the founder of Flyy Girl Fly, a non-profit organization that seeks to equip girls with the tools they need to fly confidently toward their dreams.
She is the reigning Miss Fashion Global Curvy Queen.
Connect with Destiny:
Website: https://www.flyygirladventures.com/
Instagram:@flyygirlmodel
Facebook: Flyy Girl Adventures
Podcast: Boss Bar Podcast
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with acclaimed playwright, actress, and writer, Dominique Morisseau about her deep appreciation for the arts and the importance of Detroit Black History.
Dominique also discusses the inspiration behind her works including her Broadway hit, "Ain't Too Proud" based on the life of The Temptations as well as her development as a writer attending the University of Michigan.
About Dominique:
DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU is the author of The Detroit Project (A 3-Play Cycle) which includes the following plays: Skeleton Crew (Atlantic Theater Company), Paradise Blue (Signature Theatre), and Detroit ’67 (Public Theater, Classical Theatre of Harlem and NBT). Additional plays include: Pipeline (Lincoln Center Theatre), Sunset Baby (LAByrinth Theatre); Blood at the Root (National Black Theatre) and Follow Me To Nellie’s (Premiere Stages). She is also the TONY nominated book writer on the new Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations (Imperial Theatre).
Dominique is alumna of The Public Theater Emerging Writer’s Group, Women’s Project Lab, and Lark Playwrights Workshop and has developed work at Sundance Lab, Williamstown Theatre Festival and Eugene O’Neil Playwrights Conference. She most recently served as Co-Producer on the Showtime series “Shameless” (3 seasons).
Additional awards include: Spirit of Detroit Award, PoNY Fellowship, Sky-Cooper Prize, TEER Trailblazer Award, Steinberg Playwright Award, Audelco Awards, NBFT August Wilson Playwriting Award, Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama, OBIE Award (2), Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellowship, Variety’s Women of Impact for 2017-18, and a recent MacArthur Genius Grant Fellow.
Connect with Dominique:
Instagram: @domorisseau
Twitter: @domorisseau
Facebook: Dominique Morisseau
Official website : http://dominiquemorisseau.com/
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow podcast and Detroit native, Cynthia Turner about her commitment to STEM equity and the creation of her podcast, the Eastside Engineer.
Cynthia also discusses the importance of community work and how safe spaces helped her to thrive as an engineering student at Lawerence Tech University.
About Cynthia:
Cynthia Turner is a graduate of Lawerence Tech University she completed her bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering. She is the host of the East$ide Engineer podcast which highlights Detroit area STEM students and professionals. She is an active member in her community and currently works with the Eastside Community Network where she teaches Detroit residents how to code and use technology.
Connect with Cynthia:
Twitter: @EastsidEngineer
Instagram: @TheEastsideEngineer
LinkedIn: Cynthia Turner
E-mail: EastSideEngineer@gmail.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with speaker and personal development coach, Kamal Webster about all things Detroit including its 80s hip hop scene and the trends of Black culture.
Kamal also provides strategies for building a personal brand and what it means to live life authentically.
About Kamal:
Kamal Webster has been a success coach for more than a decade. With a background in learning and development, Kamal has made it his core mission to help those in underserved communities know their true value.
Kamal is a graduate of Cass Technical HS and Wayne State University where he completed his degrees in Communication (Bachelor of Arts) and Instructional Technology (Masters of Education).
He is currently the VP of Learning and Development at a professional association. Kamal hopes empower the community with the three “C’s” needed to promote long lasting personal and professional success: Competence, confidence and a “Can-Do” attitude.
Connect with Kamal:
Linkedin: Kamal Webster
Email: kj.webster@aol.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with scholar, writer, and activist, Dr. Markeysha Davis about her experience growing up in the D and her love and appreciation for Black culture.
Markeysha also highlights her journey to Massachusetts, her commitment to Black academic excellence, and the village that helped to spark her creativity and cultivate her voice.
About Markeysha:
Dr. Markeysha Davis is an assistant professor of literature and Africana Studies at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut. She grew up on the West Side of Detroit and attended Parker Elementary, Charles R. Drew Middle, and Cass Technical High Schools in the Detroit Public School system. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Africana Studies from Wayne State University and her masters and doctorate in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.She currently resides in Holyoke, MA and is working on her first academic manuscript about the Black Power literature of the 1960s and 1970s.Connect with Markeysha:
Facebook: Markeysha Dawn Davis
Instagram: @drdavis_uhart
LinkedIn: Markeysha Davis
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with first-gen doctoral student, Aya Waller-Bey about her experiences growing up in the city and her travels across the globe.
Aya also highlights the spaces she's navigated as a first-generation college student and what it means to leverage resources for personal and professional growth.
About Aya:
Aya M. Waller-Bey is a proud Detroiter, first-generation college student, and an alumna of Renaissance High School. She is currently a second-year doctoral student in Sociology at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. She serves as a Co-Chair for Sociology Graduate Students, and the Co-Chair for the First Gen Student Affinity Group. Her current research broadly includes the sociology of higher education where she examines the experiences of Black students during the college admissions process and the ways predominantly white institutions engage the experiences, stories, and views shared by Black students in their college applications, once those students are admitted.
For undergrad, Aya attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. where she majored in Sociology, graduating Cum Laude. After graduation, Aya remained at Georgetown working as an Admissions Officer and the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. In 2015, she was awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to the University of Cambridge in England—a scholarship awarded to only 40 people in the US each year—and completed her Master of Philosophy in Education, earning a first-class distinction.
Aya has shared her insights on postsecondary access, diversity, and inclusion in op-eds in the Huffington Post UK, University World News, The Hechinger Report and the 2016 White House Summit for Advancing Postsecondary Diversity and Inclusion. In spring 2019, Aya discussed the experiences of historically disadvantaged students attending elite institutions as a panelist at SXSW Education in Austin, Texas and as a panelist at College Board’s A Dream Deferred: The Future of African American conference in Los Angeles. Her leadership and research have also been highlighted in specials on PBS Newshour and NBC’s 4 “Talk around the Town” and in the Cambridge Alumni Magazine, the Washington Post, and the University World News. In 2017, Aya found the CALCC--College Admissions Literacy Consulting Company--an online resource that highlights resources, opportunities, and news regarding college admissions and college access.
Connect with Aya:
Website: www.ayawallerbey.com
Twitter: aya__marieInstagram: aya__marie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecalcc/
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with fellow Wayne State graduate and Detroit native, Ammi White about her experiences growing up the city, career transitions, and the importance of interpersonal communication in the world of work.
Ammi also discusses some of her favorite hangout spots in Chicago and what it means to find space when moving to a new city.
About Ammi:
Ammi White is a graduate of THE Cass Technical High School and Wayne State University where she earned her bachelor of arts in journalism. She spent a short time working on a local radio show before transitioning to Marketing. During her six-year tenure, she developed into a self-taught marketer where she learned about cross-channel customer experiences, improving customer loyalty, personalizing marketing strategies, eliminating organizational silos and creating customer-centric communications.
She continued her education at Northwestern University earning a Masters degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, a consumer-focused and data-leading approach to marketing.
Post-grad, Ammi now works at an Agency/Consultancy in the Loop in Chicago. She’s a Strategic Business Consultant. Her experience and focus areas include segmentation strategy, consumer insights, customer experience, and loyalty across industries such as home services, financial services, airlines, QSR, hospitality, and healthcare.
Ammi enjoys brunching and happy hours, collecting travel points, good convos with friends and family and all that jazz.
Connect with Ammi:
LinkedIn: Ammi White
Instagram: @beingperfected
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with HuffPost editor, Phil Lewis about his appreciation for Detroit culture, his evolution as a writer, and what it means to be a Black journalist.
Phil also discusses his experience attending Michigan State University and his lifelong connection to the city.
About Phil:
Philip Lewis is a journalist from Detroit, Michigan. He is currently a front page editor at HuffPost. Prior to his role at HuffPost, he was a staff writer and programming editor at the Millennial-based digital news outlet Mic in New York City. His journalism career began in 2015, as an editorial fellow for The Huffington Post in Washington, DC. He is the co-author of Schoolhouse Wreck: The Betsy DeVos story, an inside look into the life of the U.S. Secretary of Education. He was also a 2017 recipient of the prestigious Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship.Connect with Phil:Twitter: @Phil_Lewis_Instagram: Phil.LewisFacebook: Philip Lewis
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis highlights his six years living in Minnesota, the appreciation for his guests, along with the personal milestones in his life.
Marquis also discusses the ways he's been able to build community away from the D and provides tips for those that have experienced relocation.
Follow the Detroit Worldwide Podcast on social media
Instagram: @detroitworldwidepodcast
Facebook: Detroit Worldwide Podcast
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with youth advocate and college access champion, Brandon Gleaton about his experience growing up in the D and what it means to be a longtime resident.
Brandon also highlights his journey as a first-generation college student and how mentorship shaped his perspective on public service and educating tomorrow's leaders.
About Brandon:
As a proud native Detroiter, Brandon is committed to policy and education as integral parts of systemic change for social justice. Focusing his work on educational initiatives for youth, Brandon has been able to teach self-advocacy to support systemic change that Detroiters yearn. Brandon currently works as a Program Manager with the Hazel Park Promise Zone and College Access Network.
Access and opportunity are central to Brandon's work. Brandon worked as Program Manager with City Year. In this role, he led Americorps members providing instructional support in Detroit schools. He has taught in public and charter schools, taught young adults pursuing their GED, coordinated SAT academic programming, and served as a peer mentor teaching assistant in Wayne State University's College of Education, collaborating with faculty to facilitate a course titled “Becoming an Urban Educator,” which explored the intricacies of urban schools. Brandon is an alumnus of Wayne State University with a B.A. in Education and current graduate student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn pursuing a Master in Public Administration and Policy.
Connect with BrandonTwitter: @brandon_gleatonLinkedIn: Brandon Gleaton
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis breaks bread with educator, author, and speaker, David Harris about his deep love for Detroit neighborhoods and the importance of family.
David also discusses the inspiration behind his book, More than a Village and his lifelong commitment to education and mentoring.
About David:
Raised in Detroit, David Harris grew up learning a unique set of family values that would ultimately help cultivate and guide him to a life of success both educationally and professionally. Known as "The Family Values Expert", David has made it a priority to educate others about the importance of family through lived experience and relationship building.
Released in March 2019, his book More Than a Village: A Family Values Recipe for Success highlights David's transition from boyhood to manhood as his chronicles the birth of his child and the community that nurtured him growing up in Detroit.
David holds a degree in Sociology and a Political Science minor from Grand Valley State University and a graduate degree in Secondary Math Education from Wayne State University.
He also serves a secondary math teacher at a middle school in Detroit and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Wayne State University.
Connect with David
Website: https://theedaviddharris.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harris-a027a0167/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theedaviddharris/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theedaviddharris/
Amazon: More Than a Village: A Family Values Recipe for Success
On this episode of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Detroit native and Atlanta-based entrepreneur, Venus Austin about the rise of her business Blank Wardrobe and her unconventional path to success.
Venus also discusses her lived experience as a first-generation college student attending the University of Michigan and how her unwavering faith and confidence led her to the ATL following graduation.
About Venus:
Venus Austin serves as the founder and owner of BLANK Wardrobe, an online boutique that specializes in versatile and contemporary apparel for women.
With her passion for living life unapologetically, the Detroit native holds a bachelor’s (psychology) and master’s degree (social work) from the University of Michigan and moved to Atlanta to explore her interests in fashion and beauty. Still new, BLANK Wardrobe has received positive nods and features from top fashion and beauty bloggers around the U.S. and globally.
Connect with Venus
Instagram: @theblankwardrobe @iamvmil
Facebook: Blankwardrobe
Email: venus@blankwardrobe.com
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with diversity and equity leader, Jennifer Ingram about her experiences growing up in the D and the road that led her into a career in health care and inclusion advocacy.
Jennifer also discusses the lessons she gained as an undergrad and graduate student attending Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan University and how authenticity serves as a personal and professional guiding practice for her daily life.
Living and leading by example, Jennifer A. Ingram made a career out of her greatest passion- encouraging others to walk their path, live their truth, and thrive authentically while creating and promoting a unified vision for more inclusive communities. In June 2018 Jennifer moved to Cincinnati, OH where she serves as Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the United Way of Greater Cincinnati (UWGC).Prior to joining the team at UWGC, Jennifer served as Program Director in the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN; which was recently ranked the number one healthcare organization in the world. She is a passionate leader with an energetic presence possessing over a decade of progressive healthcare experience. Jennifer has demonstrated success in bringing together leadership and key stakeholders to advance strategies around diversity, equity and inclusion.Throughout her career, Jennifer has been the recipient of several awards and accolades. Most recently she was recognized by DiversityMBA, a national leadership organization integrating diversity and inclusion with talent management, as a 2018 Top 100 Under 50 Emerging Executive Leader.A native of Metro-Detroit, Jennifer earned a graduate degree from Central Michigan University in Organizational Leadership and completed undergraduate coursework at Eastern Michigan University in Healthcare Administration and minored in Healthcare Informatics. She is a strong proponent of volunteerism and mentoring at risk youth. Jennifer is an avid world traveler who has visited six continents and enjoys experiencing different cultures and authentic cuisine. Connect with Jennifer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.a.ingram.3
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-ingram-62801a4b/
Instagram: @anomaly42085
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with licensed social worker and life coach, Jason Phillips about his experience growing up in the D and his commitment to mental health support and strategic goal setting.
Jason also discusses his transition from high school to college and how a series events led him into his current field of work.
Jason Phillips is a husband, mentor, psychotherapist, lecturer and life coach who advocates relentlessly for prosperity and wellness to strengthen individuals, couples, families, and communities across the globe.
Born and raised in Detroit Michigan, graduate of Eastern Michigan University with Bachelors of Science in Psychology, and Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan.
He has over 10 years of experience in the mental health and coaching profession and is considered an expert in evidence-based treatment and strategic goal setting to foster success. Connect with Jason Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jphillipsmsw/Website: www.pnpcoach.comInstagram: @jphillipsmsw
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis is joined by Allanté Whitmore, current doctoral student at Carnegie Mellon University and host of Blk + in Grad School podcast.
Learn about Allanté's lived experience in the D and how growing up in the city influenced her passion for STEM and advocacy for underrepresented students in pursuit of graduate education.
Allanté is a proud Detroit native. In 2007, she left Detroit to attend the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University to study Biological Engineering. It was there she discovered her love for research and chose to pursue a career in academia. She went on to earn an M.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Afterwards, she led the McNair Scholars Program at Wayne State University before leaving to pursue a joint Ph.D. in Civil Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research focuses on uncovering the environmental and social implications of autonomous vehicle technology. Through her podcast, Blk + in Grad School, Allanté chronicles her experience as a Black woman navigating academia. She melds her passion for education and engineering by providing encouragement and tools for women and people of color to successfully navigate the graduate education journey. In her leisure, Allanté enjoys traveling and listening to podcasts.
Connect with Allanté
Twitter: @blkingradschool****
Instagram: @blkingradschool
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blkingradschool/
Website: https://www.blkingradschool.com/
Podcast: Blk+in Grad School
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with James Hill about his journey into entrepreneurship, the birth of his media startup company, and his lived experience growing up in the D.
James also highlights some of the challenges he faced as a first-generation college student attending Saginaw Valley State University and the decision that prompted him to relocate to Atlanta where he currently resides.
James Hill is an entrepreneur and personal development speaker with a passion to inspire, empower and employ. James was born and raised on the east side of Detroit. Raised in poverty, James was driven to pursue his education by becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college where he attended Saginaw Valley State University receiving his bachelor degree in communication and marketing. He is currently building his media startup James Hill TV - media services based in Atlanta, Georgia .
Connect with James
Twitter: @JamesHillTV
Instagram: @JamesHillTV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jameshill0306
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshill0306/
Website: https://www.jameshilltv.com/
In this installment of the Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis connects with Britney Underwood about her experience growing up in the D along with the challenges she faced navigating college as a first-generation student.
Britney also highlights her travels to Ghana and her upcoming graduation from Grand Valley State University where she is completing her graduate studies.
Britney Underwood is a native of Detroit, MI and a graduate of Northwestern HS. She attended and graduated from Kentucky State University which is Kentucky's only HBCU with a Bachelors of Art in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice. She marched saxophone in the Marching Band and joined Tau Beta Sigma Sorority, a music sorority. After graduated she relocated back to Michigan where she worked at AmeriCorps before deciding to pursue a Masters in Higher Education with an emphasis in College Student Affairs Leadership at Grand Valley State University. She currently works as a Graduate Assistant in the Office of Multicultural Affairs at GVSU and earned her graduate degree in April 2019.
Connect with Britney
Twitter: @_NoOneLikeB_
Instagram: @_noonelikeb_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoOneLikeB
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britneyunderwood/
Snapchat: dataulented10th on Snapchat
Blog (LetHerB): https://underwoodbritney.wixsite.com/letherb
In this first episode, learn more about the inspiration behind this podcast and also Marquis' lived experience as a Detroit native living away from the D.