The Diary of a Grownup podcast: Recent Episodes
Kathy Taylor
The Diary of a Grownup podcast was designed to create a platform where men and women can come together and have transparent conversations about embracing the changes and challenges that come with growth and life. Not only will we discuss topics concerning life in general, but we will discuss doing life with Christ.
Trevor Lucas is an accomplished, award winning artist, illustrator, and muralist. He uses his artistic skills to educate, uplift, and spread positive messages throughout his work. Trevor is not only a visual artist, but he also calls himself a visual activist. He is well known for his contributions to the community and for his former regional television show known as The VAdio Show. There is where he furthered his mission of educating, uplifting, and motivating others through film, and he continues to do so through his artwork at Anomaly Art Studio today. His belief is that we can only go as far as we can see, so through art and visual creativity, his mission is to show the World much better and much more.
Charlotte's powerful blend of raw reality chased with just the right mix of humor, candor, and practical tools inspires audiences to shift their mindsets to enrich their impact on-the-job and in their lives. Without apology, finger-pointing, or bashing, she challenges and informs listeners to move out of their ruts and into realization to develop, master, and maintain a mindset of momentum. With Charlotte's straight talk, audiences are inspired to tackle the tough stuff, add more impact with every move they make, and show up at their best.
Charlotte believes.....
- Focus beats brilliance.
- Leadership is a choice.
- Your tomorrow may be different as a result of what you do today.
- You'll never know if an opportunity is knocking if you're afraid to answer the door.
For women on a hunt to discover their authentic Self, the answers are much closer than they think…within their own Whole Body Self! While practicing as a Doctor of Eastern Medicine and Holistic Well-Being Consultant, De’Nicea Hilton Harper saw a connection between Holistic Health and Authenticity. This was the perfect opportunity to create tools that people could use to facilitate Holistic Healing while realizing who they are authentically, their purpose, and connecting with meaning in their lives again - and they could do so with Play!
She created the My Souls Says Collection, a playful curation of guided journals, declaration decks, and drinkware designed to facilitate the Discovering (and Being!) of the Perfect Authentic Self. While engaging with the journals and the decks, they’re invited on mini-adventures designed to activate a relationship with the Whole Body Self becoming aware of the Spiritual, Emotional, Mental, and Physical messages that offer wisdom and insight guiding them to their Perfect Authentic Self.
Along with other playful experiences in the online sanctuary of The Perfect PlayGround, such as the Re-Creation Center and the DATE Your Self Academy, women get closer to realizing she’s Whole and Complete: the root meaning of Perfect. She gets to Practice BEING Perfect (vs. practice makes perfect.) And the ripple effects can be seen in improved relationships with her Self and others, as well as Holistic Health!
For women on a hunt to discover their authentic Self, the answers are much closer than they think…within their own Whole Body Self! While practicing as a Doctor of Eastern Medicine and Holistic Well-Being Consultant, De’Nicea Hilton Harper saw a connection between Holistic Health and Authenticity. This was the perfect opportunity to create tools that people could use to facilitate Holistic Healing while realizing who they are authentically their purpose, and connect with meaning in their lives again - and they could do so with Play!
She created the My Souls Says Collection, a playful curation of guided journals, declaration decks, and drinkware all designed to facilitate the Discovering (and Being!) of the Perfect Authentic Self. While engaging with the journals and the decks, they’re invited on mini-adventures designed to activate a relationship with the Whole Body Self becoming aware of the Spiritual, Emotional, Mental and Physical messages that offer wisdom and insight guiding them to their Perfect Authentic Self.
Along with other playful experiences in the online sanctuary of The Perfect PlayGround, such as the Re-Creation Center and the DATE Your Self Academy, women get closer to realizing she’s Whole and Complete: the root meaning of Perfect. She gets to Practice BEING Perfect (vs. practice makes perfect.) And the ripple effects can be seen in improved relationships with her Self and others, as well as Holistic Health!
Lawrence is a serial entrepreneur and provides mentorship and coaching to small business owners, contract professionals, and leaders on all levels through his company YOU FACTOR COACHING.
He has over twenty years of experience as a professional and personal development mentor, and team-building facilitator. He is also a published author, business strategist, and an “Add Value” life coach and speaker.
Specializing in team building, creative partnerships, and personal development, he will challenge you to challenge yourself, challenge your belief systems, and maximize every teachable moment in order to achieve and discover your goals and ultimately your better self. This is what he calls discovering your YOU Factor!
Lawrence is a co-founder of The MAXIMIZED Life Coaching and Mentoring team (www.MAXIMIZEDlifecoaching.com), which is more than a network but a community of mentors and coaches dedicated to adding value to your success journey! He is also co-founder of the non-profit Inner Peace Coalition LLC, which focuses on trade and vocational certifications for youth in non-traditional education tracks.
Meet Lawrence at his upcoming event:
Women's Business Symposium Meets The MAXIMIZED Man Annual Mastermind
Saturday, July 22, The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg Va
www.wbstmm.com
Dr. Angela D. Reddix is the CEO and Founder of ARDX®, a multi-million-dollar award-winning Healthcare Management and Technology firm. After over 16 years in business, Dr. Angela focuses on empowering women to have a balanced life, closing the gender and minority wealth gap, and building wealth through the evolution of a woman. With this focus and her continued mission to transform communities of poverty into communities of prosperity, she founded Envision Lead Grow® (ELG), a Norfolk-based nonprofit organization. ELG is designed to enable aspiring girls of all ages to chart their destinies by teaching them the critical skills and dedication to accomplish their dreams through entrepreneurship. In addition, she introduces the CEO of U TV™, a television streaming network that empowers women to create a balanced life and to help close the gender and minority wealth gap. A passionate mentor and advisor to the next generation of young girls and women, She is a leading advocate for entrepreneurship to create positive transformation in the world.
Dr. Reddix is a three-time best-selling author. She recently co-authored with her RR Fund Sisters and is the author of Envision Lead Grow - Releasing the Boss Within, where she shares her knowledge and insights to help women of all ages build their businesses and improve their lives. The principles Dr. Reddix shares shift their mindset from helpless to a life of purpose and fulfillment. She is also the co-author of Business Success Secrets: Entrepreneurial Thinking That Works.
Dr. Reddix's exemplary achievements magnify her mission to live a life of excellence that will impact future generations. She received outstanding awards, including the 2023 United Negro College Fund Awardee, Virginia Black Business Leaders Award, Federal Health IT Women in Leadership Award, the Finney Foundation Visionary Leader Award, the JMU Alumni Association 2022 Presidential Award, the Women Presidents' Organization 2021 Women of Color Achievement Award, the Urban League of Hampton Roads (HR) Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leader Workforce Award, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities' Humanitarian Award, the US Chamber of Commerce's Big Blue-Ribbon Award, the Pepsi Historically Better Award, and the HR Community Builders Award. In addition, she has received remarkable recognition in Virginia's Top 30 Influential Female Leaders Impacting Virginia, the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington, DC, Inc., the Old Dominion University (ODU) Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and named in the 2021 EBONY Power 100 List as an Innovative Leader.
As a trusted community leader, Dr. Reddix serves as the Board Chair for the YWCA of South Hampton Roads, a member of the Towne Board Norfolk Board, a member of the CIVIC Leadership Institute, the 757 Collab Board, the Women President's Organization, and JMU Women for Madison Executive Advisory Council. She is also a board member and trustee of various local organizations, including the United Way of South Hampton Roads Foundation Board of Trustees, Norfolk State University's School of Business Advisory, and the Hampton Roads Chamber Regional and Trustee Board.
Dr. Reddix invests expertise, coaching, and capital into women of color-owned businesses through her Reddix Rules Fund™ program. As a graduate of James Madison University (JMU), Dr. Reddix and her husband committed $1.1 million to support the Reddix Center for First Generation students through the Reddix Centennial Scholarship Endowment. She is a TEDx speaker, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc, Links Inc, Jack and Jill of America, Inc, and a Forbes Business Council. She received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration in Marketing from JMU, a master's degree in Organizational Development from BSU with a focus on Training, a graduate certificate in Healthcare Compliance from GWU, and Ph.D. in Business Administration from OSU. Dr. Reddix was born in Norfolk, Virginia, and is a devoted wife and mother of three.
Lia Valencia Key
From homeless to 100 million homes. Raised in very humble beginnings in a super-impoverished neighborhood of Philadelphia, Lia Valencia Key lived in a homeless shelter with her mother, sister, and brother. Even in such dark times, her mom told her, "Your predicament Does Not determine your destiny." She encouraged Lia to never leave the house without wearing her sparkling earrings because they would serve as reminders of the light within.
Shattering Glass Ceilings obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Business, a Master's Degree in Education, a Cosmetology Instructor's License, becoming a Global Hair & Makeup Artist, and receiving a United States Patent. Lia Continued to Listen to the Light within creating VALENCIA KEY JEWELRY company. “Wearable JOY” that symbolizes ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE, If You Can BELIEVE IT, You Can Achieve It! Created to inspire and unlock the bravery and light within. Lia's VALENCIA KEY JEWELRY, launched on QVC, one of the largest television shopping networks in the World. With the Power of Believing Lia went From homelessness to inspiring through jewelry in over 100 Million homes.
Big Dreams continue to come true; VALENCIA KEY Jewelry has been featured in OPRAH Magazine 2020 Favorite Things Issue, A Keynote speaker to over 216k attendees at Jamie Kern Lima’s BECOMING UNSTOPPABLE “BELIEVE IT” event- sharing the stage with life changing GREATS such as Robin Roberts, Ed Mylett, Brendon Burchard, Dean Graziosi, and Tony Robbins, & VALENCIA KEY featured PBS national network show Startup episode.
Lia reaches back to where she comes from donating & educating women in homeless shelters on the Keys to Light, and how to rise up out of ruff environments. Lia is a living example that all things are possible by rooting into the power of Choosing Joy, Believing, and Radiating Light. In Lia’s Loving words, “If I Can, YOU Definitely Can”!
Chip and Keisha Wilson are Relationship Coaches forged by decades of trials and triumphs in their Spiritual, Social, and Professional interactions. They are the founders of Better2Gether, where they share the importance of bringing a “whole” person into every relationship. The Wilson’s are dedicated to equipping individuals that crave fruitful, lasting relationships with the tools to reshape, reimagine, and remodel their mindsets and skill sets to experience dynamic partnerships. Their expertise has been built by a combined 60 years of corporate and entrepreneurial accomplishments; refined by a 30-year relationship; sharpened through raising 4 adult children; polished by 26 years of marriage, rooted in friendships that span multiple decades and anchored by their Faith in Jesus Christ. Chip and Keisha Wilson are purpose driven to build individuals to be Better in Relationships.
Mel is a Personal Brand and Marketing specialist working exclusively with aspiring, professional women looking to transition into leadership roles.
She has 25 years’ experience as a C-suite Marketer before leaving her corporate career behind in September 2019 to found FirstWoman, a Personal Brand and Career Development Consultancy.
Mel is an ardent supporter of female talent and gender equality. She firmly believes that we need more women leaders able to influence organizational culture and working practices, traditionally biased against women.
However, while the onus is on organizations to promote more women into leadership positions, women also must be confident and equipped to apply for those roles, which is the purpose of FirstWoman.
Through FirstWoman Mel uses her years of Brand and Marketing expertise and leadership experience to help other women overcome the barriers to progression by helping them to develop an authentic and consistent leadership brand that positions them for success.
Mel is a Personal Brand and Marketing specialist working exclusively with aspiring, professional women looking to transition into leadership roles.
She has 25 years’ experience as a C-suite Marketer before leaving her corporate career behind in September 2019 to found FirstWoman, a Personal Brand and Career Development Consultancy.
Mel is an ardent supporter of female talent and gender equality. She firmly believes that we need more women leaders able to influence organizational culture and working practices, traditionally biased against women.
However, while the onus is on organizations to promote more women into leadership positions, women also must be confident and equipped to apply for those roles, which is the purpose of FirstWoman.
Through FirstWoman, Mel uses her years of Brand and Marketing expertise and leadership experience to help other women overcome the barriers to progression by helping them to develop an authentic and consistent leadership brand that positions them for success.
Dr. Cason is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of her consulting firm, Theoria In Praxis. As an educator, entrepreneur, and corporate DEI professional, her commitment to leading with integrity serves as a barometer to facilitate culture change. Empowered by the resilience of her maternal elders, she identifies as an unapologetic Black woman with an earnest desire to advocate for people who are often overlooked and underrated. As a global citizen, she makes it a point to visit at least one new country each year to broaden her understanding of shared human experience and the innumerable ways we make meaning with our piece of the world.
Concurrent with her entrepreneurial endeavors, she’s also served as an E-Cornell Facilitator for the Diversity and Inclusion certificate program and the Women in Leadership certificate program. She is a Cornell Certified Diversity Professional, holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a master’s degree in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and a Doctor of Education in Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh.
Robyn Polk is a Transformational Coach who serves and mentors women over 50 who struggle with meeting their health goals related to weight loss. She loves sharing with women that it is possible to lose weight after 50. Her core message is that they can prioritize themselves and lose weight with a mentor to guide them. Robyn has used her last name to develop her signature POLK method framework. She decided it was not too late to change her life, and she is on a mission to help other women do the same.
Season 3 brings a new perspective on living out loud! We want to connect with people who chose to silence the thoughts that it was too late to achieve their dreams and goals.
If you would like to sponsor an episode or be a guest, please reach out to us at TheDiaryOfAGrownUp.com or TheDiaryOfAGrownUpPodcast.com
Edward L Fairley is the founder & CEO of Know Love Inc. He brings vast wisdom and experience in relationship coaching and counseling services to the company and the world.
He is the Author of “The Handbook for Increasing your Relationship IQ,” a product of years of research into relationship intelligence.
Know Love Inc. is a realization of Mr. Fairley’s passion for an all-inclusive, discrete, self-serving, proven method of relationship counseling that is fun and simulates real-life experiences; hence his invention of The Know Love Simulation in Board Game and App form was created.
Edward also shares elaborate teachings on identifying the true essence of love and effective communication on his Podcast The Know Love Podcast.
Mr. Fairley has been happily married for almost 2 decades and has three lovely children.
Dr. Kathy Cabler is a business professional with decades of experience helping clients address organizational concerns and maximize opportunities. She has partnered with leaders in complex and diverse environments, including healthcare, federal and local governments, and corporate America. Additionally, she is an adjunct professor in the School of Business & Leadership at Regent University. Her academic studies include a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership, Organizational Development Certified Professional, and Certified Organizational Leadership and Well-being Coach. She is a Civic Executive Leadership Institute graduate and Leadership Hampton Roads graduate. Her civic responsibility also includes serving on local boards. As a licensed Minister, she is active in her local church and enjoys spending time with her husband, Joe, and daughter Dr. Kendra Cabler.
Reneldo Randall, "The Bridge Builder," offers a variety of coaching opportunities. Coaching in life, business, leadership, and trickier dynamics such as working with friends in business. He is exceptionally talented in working around the delicate intricacies of a work-life balance that he developed and published a book that works as a blueprint for ambitious business owners.
His coaching services act as a one-on-one tool to identify areas of weakness and create a method to improve your business, work relationships, and brand.
Dr. Lawrence Jones has been a licensed minister since 2000 and co-founder and co-owner of Silver Care, LLC, along with his wife, Dr. Erica Jones, as the founder and owner. Silver Care employs caregivers to provide non-skill personal care services in the homes of the elderly and disabled. For the past five years, Dr. Jones and his wife have been the primary caretakers for her grandparents, who are both people living with dementia. Dr. Jones's mission is to continue to work alongside his wife in research strategies to help people living with dementia and their caregivers to have a better quality of life. In addition, Erica and I have established a non-profit called Silver Care Dementia Center, Inc.
Secily Wilson is the founder and CEO of WOW Legacy Group Inc. She began her career as an award-winning broadcast news journalist, anchor/reporter, and television personality. Secily has spent more than a decade as a storyteller, spokesperson, and communications professional. Her foundation and the philanthropic space was developed during her role as Director of development and community relations at the YMCA of Central Florida.
Secily Wilson is the Best-Selling author of the debut book: "She Said the P Word", TEDx speaker, and founder of WOW (Women Overcoming with Willpower) Legacy Group, a growing Central Florida nonprofit with a mission to Empower, Educate, Inspire and Transform the lives of women facing life adversity. Secily is also Orlando Business Journal's 2021 Women Who Mean Business Honoree, United Way Change Impact Award winner, and Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Lake Buena Vista.
She's often asked, “How did you go from broadcast news to the nonprofit sector”? Her answer is simple. "My transition wasn’t a choice. Sometimes you are pushed into your purpose. After experiencing a series of unexpected life adversities, my life quickly fell apart”. One of her favorite quotes is, “In order to find yourself, you must lose yourself in the service of others.” The philanthropic bug bit her, and Secily merged her profession with her passion; “Service above self.”
Jazmin M. Allen, Esq., is the CEO and Founder of Brand Better With Jaz and the Owner and Principal Attorney of JMA LAW. Her passions include fostering unity among women, educating business owners on the importance of protecting their assets, and helping people powerfully communicate their stories. She is also the Executive Director of King’s Daughters Connect, Inc., where she helps young women discover their purpose by providing them with opportunities to serve. Jazmin graduated from Regent University School of Law in August 2020 and was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in April 2021 as a licensed attorney. In 2017, she earned her B.A. degree in Communications and Public Relations from Old Dominion University, where she gained extensive experience in designing digital graphics, creating video productions, and starting her own brands from the ground up. Jazmin also serves as a Board Member of Black Brand, the Black Chamber of Commerce, and provides legal services as a consultant to the businesses Black Brand serves. She considers herself the embodiment of a powerhouse woman, making her mark in the public relations industry while establishing her business law practice.
Silver Care, LLC Founder and CEO Dr. Erica D. Jones is a detailed-oriented thinker with a drive to learn and apply her knowledge to her everyday life and profession. In her efforts to further her career, Erica received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Spalding University, a master’s degree in Humans Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family from Liberty University, and her Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition/Instruction from Grand Canyon University.
Dr. Jones used her education and taught psychology courses as an associate professor for Tidewater Community College, Stratford University, Kaplan College, and Centura College. In addition, Erica’s 20+ years in Human Services allowed her to serve military families, people with substance and mental health illnesses, and the senior population.
In 2017, Dr. Jones and her husband decided to become the primary caretaker for her grandparents, both people living with dementia, to lessen the risk of nursing home placement. Erica’s vision was to start a home care agency to share the profits with her grandparents for their financial needs and home maintenance. Silver Care, LLC emerged from that vision, which employs caregivers to provide personal care services in the homes of the elderly and disabled. Since then, Erica has focused on creating and maintaining relationships that will brand Silver Care as a recognized home care agency in the community.
Dr. Jones is committed to learning and applying her abilities to assist others in growing. Erica obtained a Dementia Practitioner Certification to serve the dementia population, is a graduate of the Spring 2022 B-Force Accelerator, the winner of the Reddix Rules Queens 2022, a B-Force Lead Consultant, and a board member for the City of Norfolk Long-Term Care/Aging.
Mrs. Sharon Houston completed her Associate Degree in Liberal Arts at Tidewater Community College, a Bachelor’s and Master of Social Work Degree at Norfolk State University and recently earned her LCSW with the Virginia State Board. This will allow her to do clinical counseling in the state of Virginia. She is employed by Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church as the Director of Ministry and Deputy Director of Garden of Hope, Inc. She also served as an Adjunct Professor at Tidewater Community College in the Human Service Department and currently an Adjunct Professor with Norfolk State University in the Social Work Department where she supervises BSW graduating seniors.
She assists the Senior Pastor in the implementation of the Church’s Vision; provides leadership development and oversight for the staff; assist staff in developing a comprehensive ministry and program strategy that will meet the needs of the congregation and community. She serves as a consultant for the Garden of Hope community development Corporation, and two research grants initiative with Norfolk State University.
She has been married for 40 years to Dr. Kirk T. Houston, a mother of two children who are both fulltime in ministries. She has 4 grandchildren who she loves and adore.
Her personal Mission Statement is “I am Availing myself for the service of God to make a difference in the lives of His people”.
Michael Wilkins is a native of the Hampton Roads area who grew up in the city of Portsmouth, VA. Mike became a published author one year ago on Father’s Day of 2021. His inspiration to become an author stems from his childhood experiences. Through his self-awareness and healing, Mike saw the need to help young people and adults with similar experiences that resulted in an inactive and absent parent. Mike is committed to being an extraordinary leader and a pillar of hope in the community. In the great words of Mahatma Gandhi, he says that he must “be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Michael Wilkins, the Author of “Eff” Father’s Day: A Story of Reconciliation.
Serial Entrepreneur, Wife, Mother, Spiritual Leader, Speaker & Philanthropist Jackie Grice is the Co-owner of a multi-million-dollar transportation company, J Diamond Inc, and Founder of Launching Deeper. Through our Launching Deeper Acceleration Program, we help people discover their greater purpose so that they can create the business and life they dreamed of.
For the first time in my life, I felt like every single door that I saw others walk through ended up closing for me. I asked God to take me where my feet could not. I didn't realize the depth of that declaration.
This episode is a bonus from a Facebook Live done during the height of the pandemic in 2020. Aleea Slappy-Wilson, and Charlotte Stallings share impeccable wisdom on why it's not too late to get started fulfilling your dream or starting again.
Dr. Harrington is a Harvard-educated nurse with over 20 years of progressive leadership experience. She is the CEO of T.R.Y. Again Health and Fitness, LLC, and the author of: T.R.Y. Again: A 21-day Transformation Devotional and From CNA to Ph.D.: How to Use the Nursing Process to Grow Personally and Professionally. She is a tantalizing motivational speaker whose story of resilience inspires audiences to discover and birth an unrecognizable version of themselves through self-care.
LAUREN GRIMES-JACKSON is the Amazon Best-Selling author of “Purposeful Pain”, and the highly anticipated blog turned E-book entitled “Intimacy”. She is also the app owner of “The Purpose”, which is available in both iTunes and Google play.
Lauren was born and reared in Opelousas, La. She is first and foremost a Christian woman whose life is dedicated to helping bridge healthy relationships between women and men, through her own life experiences and journey toward wholeness.
Lauren obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Northwestern State University, in Natchitoches, La, a Master’s of Science Degree in Banking and Financial Management & also an M.B.A both from New England College, in Henniker, New Hampshire.
Lauren’s aspiration is to promote healing and liberation from the perpetual cycle of brokenness often associated with the vagaries of life. Lauren acclaims herself as being the bridge to helping men and women merge their passion into their God-designed purpose. She has been a speaker for Women’s conferences, the Shreveport-Bossier African American Minority Expo, and a panelist speaker for the Shreveport/Bossier Ladies in Leadership luncheon. In 2019, Lauren was an honoree for the Athena Award, and she was also apart of 2019 40 under 40 Class both hosted by the local chamber.
Lauren currently resides in Shreveport, La, and is a proud mother of 2 handsome boys. She is also a successful entrepreneur in the arena of mortgage lending. Lauren is a Mortgage Loan Officer for Planet Home Lending Mortgage Company and has been in the banking industry for over 10 years.
Farah Green is a body activist, health enthusiast, and a curvy woman entrepreneur who is changing people’s minds about health perceptions one woman at a time. She is blazing the trail for women to accept themselves as full-figured beings, and empowering them to be confident, build self-love and adopt a healthy lifestyle no matter their size.
Shonta Prince is a Branding & Marketing Strategist. She's a woman of faith, a gifted teacher, and a business mentor helping women entrepreneurs to brand their expertise and turn their knowledge into a profitable business. She specializes in teaching coaches and consultants how to develop clear brand messaging, how to use social media to increase brand awareness, and how to launch digital products and programs. Shonta is the creator of The Expert Branding Academy where she helps her clients establish themselves as experts and build a profitable online presence. Shonta served 10 years on active duty in the Navy and has more than 12 years of experience in ministry leadership. Her ministerial background combined with her business expertise enabled her to help ministry leaders and women entrepreneurs to create profitable businesses. She has helped her clients launch influential brands, sell out of books, fill up coaching programs, and sell digital products online. Shonta is a credentialed life coach, and a graduate of Kingdom School of Ministry (formerly known as Kingdom University School of Ministry). She has earned both an A.S. and a B.S. degree in Computer Studies, a B.S. degree in Psychology, and a Master of Divinity in Practical Theology. She loves doing life with her husband and two children and believes that her most important roles are being a wife and a mom.
This month's episode is focused on Matters of the Heart. Our host Kathy Taylor shares a segment from her personal diary on this episode.
Reverend Dr. Kirk T. Houston, Sr. is the founder and senior pastor of the Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church located in Norfolk, VA. A ministry he has proudly led for over 28 years.
A highly respected community leader, Dr. Houston is one who truly leads by service to others. Among his many obligations, he serves as the Chaplain to the City of Norfolk’s Sheriff’s Office, chairman of the Norfolk Jail Ministry’s Board of Directors, and Chairman of the Garden of Hope Community Development Corporation Board of Directors and. He is also the author of “The Church’s Return Policy: Equipping the Church to Minister to Ex-offenders.”
Possessing a strong passion for issues of personal and spiritual development, Dr. Houston has committed his life to improving the quality of human life through programs and services that serves disenfranchised individuals, families and communities. He is also a trainer and frequent lecturer in leadership and organizational development.
Dr. Houston holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio; as well as a Masters of Divinity degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at the historical Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA.
Dr. Houston is a native of south Florida, a U.S. Navy Veteran, and he and his wife Sharon are the proud parents of one son, Rev. Kirk T. Houston Jr. and one daughter, Sharonja Houston; and the grateful grandparents of one granddaughter (Jsyiah) and three grandsons (Kirk III, Max and Marc).
Marlo is a Career Strategist with a love for helping people develop, direct, and connect to their professional wealth. She has worked in the Human Resource field for over 20 years and enjoys reviewing and creating policies to help employees have clarity in their respective roles.
Faith Rush is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. She was fortunate to receive the distinguished Bill and Belinda Gates scholarship and attend Winthrop University in South Carolina to study English. From there she has had opportunities to be apart of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc and helping first-year students in their transition to WINTHROP. She has also had the opportunity to study abroad in England and travel to France to study James Baldwin. She is currently preparing for her Master's degree at Winthrop where she will be getting her M.A in English. Faith has also been expanding her passion for writing through her faith-based website and Instagram page “write by faith.”
Ernie is a USN Vet., Career & Employment Coach, Pastor, and Professional Speaker and Trainer. He is dedicated to helping people achieve sustainable success, through applying the principles of scripture and the power of personal growth. He is committed to helping people thrive and live an extraordinary life through his encouraging, equipping, and entertaining personality.
Jeris was born, raised, and currently resides in Portsmouth, VA. He is an avid music lover, computer geek, and ultimate lover of life! Jay is a proud husband, father, brother, and son. He is the owner and operator of SmartGiraffe Computer Services. Jeris is a Cancer Survivor and above all, he is a lover of God.
Vernissa Thomas is the Executive Pastor of West End Baptist Church of Hampton. She is married to Bishop Paul Thomas; together they have four adult children and seven grandchildren. Vernissa is a Data Analyst for the Department of Defense. She also operates Victory House; a home for homeless veteran women.
Bernard S Harrison grew up in Tampa Florida and attended Florida A&M University, where he was a star player on the football team. He went on to play for a year in the USFL. Bernard later attended Norfolk State University in Norfolk Virginia where he received his B.A. In Mass Communications. He is currently attending Regent University working on an M.A. in Christian Leadership and Management.
Bernard is the C.E.O. of Seven City Media Group LLC., a national publishing company located in Norfolk Virginia. He is also the Publisher of Christian Leaders Magazine and Kingdom Life Magazine.
Wanda LeBray-Rubama is a wife, mother, business owner, and woman of faith. She was born and raised in Norfolk, Va and graduated from Lake Taylor High School and Norfolk State University with a B.S. Education. Wanda went on to further her education and graduated from ODU in 1997 with her MS in Reading Education.
Wanda built a career in Education for 12 years, working as a teacher, and Reading specialist for Portsmouth and Chesapeake Public Schools. In 2004 she started her entrepreneurship journey and opened the Wanda LeBray Insurance Agency and she is continuing to work and expand her business model in the field of finance and insurance.
Danita Sanders is a mother, artist and woman of faith. She was born in North Carolina however raised and still resides in Virginia. Danita is a self-described lover of love. She currently works as an Accountant while growing her business as an artist. You can find Danita creating opportunities for others to express themselves through a live or virtual paint party with her business The Fenix Experience.
Blair Durham is a wife and mother of three. Her professional work includes leading the Hampton Roads region's black chamber of commerce and hosting radio show and podcast as a function of the chamber. Blair is also an author and a speaker. She is most happy and grateful about studying the Bible and learning what it means to spread the good news of the kingdom message with others.
Donya Drewitt is a native of Norfolk, VA. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Norfolk State University and a Master of Arts in Management from Regent University. Donya currently, works as a Customer Service Director with the U.S. General Services Administration.
She is the proud mother of D'Andra and is thrilled about being MiMi to her grandson, Karson. Donya is an active member and servant leader at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, affectionately known as The Mount. She is also a member of Blacks in Government. She serves as Co-chairperson of the Membership Committee for the local chapter.
DeSauna Hooker who most affectionately call Sauna was born in Grand Rapids, MI. She currently resides in Portsmouth, Va with her husband Cedric Hooker, and there three beautiful daughters.
Sauna has been appointed as an Evangelist and serves as the Worship leader, Sunday School teacher, and President of the Women of Faith Ministry at Better Life COGIC, under the leadership and guidance of Superintendent (Pastor) Duane S. McNair Sr.
Sauna is currently pursuing her degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources.
Anthony Robinette is a man who is very transparent with his story. He is unashamed about his past and always willing to share how God changed his future. He was homeless at age 15 and spent a significant amount of time in and out of juvenile detention centers. At the age of 18, he was arrested and faced 40 years in federal prison. Anthony owned a gentleman’s club and was a drug dealer who was an addict to drugs for over 20 years. On October 17, 2007, while on a drug run he took a wrong turn into a church parking lot which ended up being the right turn right into the arms of my Heavenly Father. He was instantly delivered and for the last10 years, he has been leading a ministry and homeless shelter.
Lori Vann is from Norfolk VA. She is the wife to Aaron Vann and they have a beautiful blended family of 4 daughters. Lori founded A Mothers Lov in 2016 and rebranded in 2019. A Mother’s Lov primary focus is on giving women the tools that are essential to creating and maintaining healthy relationships with people closest to them. Although we focus on ( Mothers & Daughters) relationship, these tools can be applied to any relationship.
Lakeisha Carey is a woman of faith and originally from Bernice Louisiana where she attended grade school. She graduated from Northwestern State University in 2007 with her BS in Criminal Justice. Lakeisha graduated from Southern University Law Center in 2011 with her JD. She successfully passed the Louisiana Bar. Her career started in representing Children in Need of Care. Recently, Lakeisha passed the Virginia Bar. Lakiesha is the proud wife to Don, and the mother of 2 with her family expanded soon to three. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the REECH Foundation.
Rebekah Beck G Gaines is a native of Norfolk, VA. She has had colorful experience in the entertainment industry, first as an artist. As a young teenager, she was the lead singer in a 4-girl a capella singing group called Elegant Harmony. They won Teddy Riley's first talent show in VA in the '90s, performed with celebrities like Heavy D, Kurt Carr, & Wrecks n Effect, and even appeared on BET. After moving back to Virginia from living in Atlanta, GA for a short while, she picked up her desire to impact the entertainment industry. Beck went on to learn the entertainment business away from the mic.
Beck’s passionate and charismatic style is what causes clients to seek her. Beck G is the proud founder and principal of Beck's Management, her SWAM-certified public relations & marketing firm. Her company's niche is working with entertainment, events, and entrepreneurs. She has a unique knack for branding, networking, creating opportunities, building relationships, and professionalism. As the chief publicist, her mission to help her clients realize their greatest goals. She was also the PR Director and the award-winning radio personality for her own top rated, Saturday morning show “The Morning After Show” at ‘Famous Radio Live’ heard by over one million listeners a year in 13 countries! She is a captivating & inspiring motivational speaker with a jovial, passionate, and energetic personality. She believes firmly in doing what it takes to get the job done. She is also sought after especially in the entertainment industry as an event host, a mistress of ceremonies, on-camera media for celebrities, red carpets, & various events, voice over artist, public speaker, talent scout, and even still as a singer. She certainly has a heart for giving back. Beck G gives to and supports several different causes & community organizations. She is an avid community service volunteer and believes each of us has a responsibility to take care of one another. We simply have to give, share, love, and do. We must be of service one to another not for show but as a human duty!
As she says, "I do what I love 'cause y'all love what I do™!!
Jeffrey Byrd is a native of Norfolk VA. Jeff's passion is helping others to see their true value and identity and to use that vision, along with their gifts, to help others be their best. Jeff trains, coaches, and conducts workshops for leaders, teams, and individuals who want to grow, think, and become their best, individually and in organizations. Jeff host the weekly podcast Empowered Living with Jeff Byrd and is the author of Who Says So? Understanding the Messages that Shape Our Hearts.
Larry Rubama was born in Syracuse, N. Y. and raised in the Washington, D.C. area. He received a track scholarship to Ohio University and earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism. He began his journalism career in 1991 at WOLF-AM radio station in Syracuse, N.Y. where he covered Syracuse University basketball and football. In 1993, he became a sportswriter for The Journal-Gazette newspaper in Fort Wayne, Ind. where he covered Purdue University basketball and football, minor league baseball and high school sports. He came to The Virginian-Pilot in 1999 where he's covered high school, colleges, and professional sports in the Hampton Roads area. He and his wife, Wanda, have three children, Tavaris, Jordan, and Robert.
Aleea Slappy Wilson is a wife, mother, and a woman of faith. She is a champion for small business as well as an advocate for women and girls. Aleea says that she is a proud public servant who seeks economic justice for all people.
Reverend Kirk Houston Jr. a native of Portsmouth, Virginia where he grew up and graduated from Churchland High. Possessing a passion serving people and God Rev. Houston obtained a degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University. Also, Rev. Houston earned a master's at Palmer Theological Seminary. Currently, he serves as Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Gethsemane Community Fellowship. Most of all Rev. Houston is the proud husband of Ashley D. Houston and Father of his two sons, Kirk T. Houston III and Marc Francis Houston. He is excited about the future that God has in store for his life. Each day he strives to fulfill God’s purpose; which is to inform, instruct, and inspire the children of God to live out the will of God!