Cool Soror with Rashan Ali: Recent Episodes
Rashan Ali
The Cool Soror Show welcomes two amazingly COOL PEOPLE! Today's CELEBRATION BOWL EPISODE features Hall of Famer , Edgerrin James of the Indianapolis Colts. His son, Eden James, is a running back for Howard University. We chat it up about the state of football and how his influence guides his children.
Also joining the show is Laila Pruitt, current Howard University student and co-star of 50 Cent's BMF on the Starz Network. Her bubbly personality is infectious and we certainly see a long and storied career for this superstar! Follow Edgerrin James at @edgerrinjames and Laila Pruitt at @lailadpruitt.
Follow: @CricketNation
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/evZncvaqUT0
rashanali #cricketnation #coolsoror
We are back again with the Cool Soror Show presented by Cricket Wireless at the Florida Classic. In one of the most storied rivalries in black college football, Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman College bring out the best of the best every year in Orlando, Florida. In this episode, we take it back to campus life! We sat down with Cricket Wireless Campus Ambassador, Sabrina Petit-Homme from BCU, MISS FAMU, Kendall Naomi Johnson and Queen of Orange and Green, Keyanna McFann. These ladies are true champions on campus and in their communities. Be sure to follow them at @thekendallnaomi @keyannamcfann @brii.buxkets.
Follow: @CricketNation
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pWFgR6hXtiI
#rashanali #cricketnation #coolsoror
On this special edition of The Cool Soror Podcast, we welcome Dr. John Lipman. As the Founder and Medical Director of the Atlanta Fibroid Center, Dr. John Lipman specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of uterine fibroids with a procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
According to Lipman, UFE is a procedure that takes less than an hour and ensures a faster recovery. This life-saving procedure offers an alternative to invasive procedures and complications from having a full hysterectomy. Approximately 26 million women in the U.S. are diagnosed with fibroids and Dr. Lipman believes that the failure to inform women of UFE is a continuation of medical disparities in the African American community. The Cool Soror Podcast believes that women have a right to choose what is best for their health. We simply wanted to use this platform to provide more information.
Follow Dr. Lipman on IG at @dr_lipman
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/of8LljREILs
We kick off our 2023 Cool Soror x Cricket Wireless Tour with the one and only Doug E. Fresh! Hitting up the MEAC / SWAC Challenge in Atlanta, we were blessed to chat with the legend on the heels of the 50th anniversary of HIP HOP. Doug E. Fresh talked about the evolution of the game and how he has been able to remain so consistent throughout the years. We are honored to be in the presence of ROYALTY!
Doug E. Fresh:
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @therealdougefresh
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nKYkxnLFX9c
rashanali #cricketnation #coolsoror
In Part II of the Cool Soror® podcast season III finale, Rashan Ali rounds out her conversation with Sharí Nycole tapping into her identity in marriage, leaving sideline reporting for good and how her role as Ms. Tandy helped her to make a major shift in her real life.
It’s real. It’s raw. It’s Rashan Ali Unfiltered...
Stay connected at:
www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/MiG_3-ZgEf8
In the most open and honest interview she's ever done, Rashan Ali chats with journalist and D9 soror @Sharí Nycole about so many unspoken moments along her journey. In this two part season finale, you will see her from a completely different vantage point. Rashan discusses defining experiences in her life that shaped her and the struggles she continues to face daily. It’s real. It’s raw. It’s Rashan Ali......
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-kL-O6Kp8C0
Up Next on the Cool Soror Podcast is special guest & multi-hyphenate actress Gail Bean.
Tune in as Gail shares her story as a rising young actress in Hollywood making a way for herself, taking bold steps & leaving no crumbs!!! Her talents have been featured in two hugely successful TV shows, P-Valley a gritty drama on Starz’s & FX’s critically acclaimed drama series, “Snowfall.”
Hailing from St. Louis, MS, this Cool Soror of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is committed to using her platform to empower & educate through philanthropy & advocacy.
Bet on yourself & stand your ground when it comes to following your dreams is the energy that Gail Bean is serving during this episode! She is making major waves in Hollywood & is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Follow Gail Bean on IG @@gail__bean
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/p29CjXslooM
Up Next on the Cool Soror Podcast is special guest Judge Terrinee Gundy.
Tune in as Judge Gundy shares her story of being the “Daughter of a Junkie” & her journey to becoming a successful judge despite the odds stacked against her.
Terrinee was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida where her daddy’s drug addition to crack cocaine wrecked her family and home life, then she spent challenging years in South Georgia. Despite an early life of constant chaos and dysfunction, Terrinee excelled academically, and ultimately reached her dreams of becoming a family first-time college graduate from Clark Atlanta University, as well as, from the University of Georgia School of Law. She is a Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Her upcoming book, The Daughter Of A Junkie: A True Love Story gives a front row seat of Terrinee’s account of navigating through traumatic land mines while growing up in the ghetto that is intertwined with endless love stories.
Don’t miss this conversation because we’re digging deep addressing how addiction affects families in our communities on so many different levels.
Follow Judge Terrinee Gundy on IG: @thedaughterofajunkie
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
Next up on the Cool Soror Podcast is special guest & Cool Bruh Dr. Kevin James. He serves as the 19th President of Morris Brown College, an HBCU founded in 1881 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. James made history by leading the institution to become the first HBCU to regain accredited status after a nearly twenty-year hiatus. He drew from his 22-year career as a higher education administrator, professor, executive business leader, and motivational speaker to fulfill his role as the Chief Executive Officer of the college.
Tune in to this pivotal conversation as Dr. Kevin James breaks down his winning strategy for rebuilding Morris Brown, the challenges he faced while bringing the college back from losing accreditation & where he draws his incredible vision for leadership.
Follow Dr. Kevin James on IG at @drkevinjames
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/gLXGXBMaXRY
Author, Actress & TV Personality, Monyetta Shaw-Carter joins the show as our latest special guest. Tune in as Monyetta shares the behind the scenes of her rise to fame , how family has played a major role in her life & secrets to co parent success.
A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Monyetta is committed to philanthropy & giving back on a global scale through her organization, the Linda B’s Grace Foundation.
In 2021, Monyetta married her husband, Heath, the two live together along with their children from previous relationships embodying a true blended household. Affectionately known as the “co-parenting guru”, She launched a planner called, “The Co-Parenting Planner” to help organize the busy lives of both parents and kids. This is a great addition to her last book titled, Keep It Classy, co-parenting strategies for unstoppable Moms and devoted Dads. You can catch Monyetta blazing up reality TV screens around the world as a “friend of” Bravo’s hit show, The Housewives of Atlanta on seasons 14 & 15.
Follow Monyetta on IG @monyettashaw
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch the show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZToAbquM-IE
The Voice of Atlanta ™️, Legendary Comedian, 2 x Emmy Award-winning radio host, entrepreneur & overall Cool Bruh, Ryan Cameron is here as a very special guest to set off the Season 3 premiere of the Cool Soror podcast!
A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Ryan is giving us all the juicy details about his journey as a pioneer in black radio, navigating relationships, & surviving the unthinkable.
You can listen to Ryan’s syndicated radio show Ryan Cameron Uncensored every day 3pm - 7pm ET, on Majic 107.5/97.5 Atlanta & broadcasting in all car stereos across the country. Get ready for a heart felt & hilarious conversation!
Follow Ryan Cameron on IG at @doitfortheryan
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Subscribe & Watch on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
Costume Designer extraordinaire & Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Raiyonda Vereen joins the show as our latest special guest. Tune in as she shares her beginnings in the fashion & entertainment industry to now working with some of the biggest stars.
After graduating from Howard University and navigating her way through the fashion and entertainment industry, Raiyonda discovered an entry into the industry in 2002. In 2007, Raiyonda transitioned from styling into costuming & shopping for tv & film. Raiyonda worked as a Buyer and Set Costumer for TV shows & movies such as Single Ladies, Greenleaf, Sundays Best, Ride Along, Hunger Games II, The Bobby Brown Series, and Hidden Figures to name a few. She has been the Assistant Costume Designer for TV shows and movies such as Best Of Enemies, Nobodyʼs Fool, A Fall From Grace, Madeaʼs Family Funeral, The Have & Have Nots and the list goes on. From this experience, Raiyonda applied all that she learned, which eventually carried her into the position as a Costume Designer. Raiyonda is currently the head of the Costume Department for Tyler Perryʼs shows The Oval, Ruthless, Assisted Living and All The Queen’s Men.
Follow Raiyonda on IG @raiyonda
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
Alisha L. Gordon is an awarded teacher, faith leader, and social strategist whose work intersects social advocacy and culture. The FIRST EVER GUEST on the show in 2016, this Cool Soror of DST is the founder and Executive Director of The Current Project, a nonprofit organization, committed to closing the social and economic gaps for Black single mothers, utilizing the intersection of strategic programming and policy to lengthen the runway for thriving. Under her leadership, the organization has emerged as a leader in bridging the stories and needs of Black single mothers across the country, galvanizing support from corporate and foundations like Pink Cornrows, The Wayfarer Foundation, The New York Liberty, Invested Faith, and City Fund. In its inaugural year, the organization raised over $175,000 for its programming initiatives.
A native of Decatur, Georgia, Alisha earned her Bachelor of English from Spelman College and a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Alisha was awarded Emory University’s distinguished Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 and most recently appointed to the alumni board of the Candler School of Theology.
You can follow Alisha at @dstarwriter59 on IG.
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
From his years as an R&B performer, to being an advocate for adoption, Willie Moore, Jr. spills it all out in this "Cool Bruh" episode. This nationally syndicated radio host and motivational speaker discusses the day he found out he was adopted at 7-years-old and burying the "why" until recently. He also speaks candidly about fatherhood and dealing with divorce in the public. After years of his life's "Perfected Performance" he has found who he really is and what his purpose is in this life. Get prepared as lots of "quotable" gems are dropped during this funny and eye-opening discussion.
Follow Willie at @williemoorejrlive
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
On this week’s Cricket Wireless episode of the Cool Soror Show, our host, Rashan Ali, sits down with two amazing guests. First up is the SWAC commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland who talks about the impact of HBCUs and the power of The Southwestern Athletic Conference. Afterwards she is joined with Grammy nominated, awarding winning R&B artist Sunshine Anderson who tells us how her hit song, "Heard it All Before" years ago continues to make room for her.
Tune into the episode to learn how these two powerhouses are making room & making impact in college sports & the music industry.
Follow The SWAC on IG @theswac
Follow Sunshine Anderson on IG @iamsunshineanderson
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Watch on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf
Legendary Comedian, Actor, Author, Television Host and Award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show & Cool Bruh Rickey Smiley is here as a special guest on the Cool Soror podcast.
A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rickey talks family, his love of cooking, overcoming tragedy & longevity in his career.
You can listen to this funny man blasting through your radio waves every day on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, which is syndicated to more than 60 cities across the country including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, OR, Seattle and St Louis.
Rickey Smiley is bringing non stop laughter & lots of gems in the episode.
Follow Rickey Smiley on IG @RickeySmileyOfficial
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cool-soror-with-rashan-ali/id1131366548
Cool Bruh, Pastor, Visionary, Civil rights activist & Community organizer Jamal Bryant is here as a special guest on the Cool Soror podcast.
A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Bryant talks his journey from G.E.D to Ph.D., leadership, relationships & the power of purpose.
His ministry has become an incubator for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and the like. In December 2018, Dr. Bryant was appointed the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia.
Pastor Jamal Bryant is a leader on fire & is showing no signs of slowing down! Tune in to catch the aha moments, behind the scenes stories & laughter.
Follow Pastor Jamal Bryant on IG @jamalhbryant
Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali
Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror
Keshia Knight Pulliam joins the Cool Soror Podcast today! A Cool Soror rocking the red and white, this actress, producer, wife, mother, sister and friend to many has truly been in our hearts since the 1980’s. Her beautiful smile and extraordinary talent continue to make room for her. From acting to directing and producing, she has truly embodied each gift God has given to her. Her solid upbringing allowed her to experience the life she’d always dreamed of as a child, which led her to Spelman College where she entrenched herself into the full college experience.
With several projects under her belt and many more to come, Keshia’s life and career are soaring. You’ll enjoy learning about the real Keshia. She holds nothing back!
Follow Keshia on Instagram @keshiaknightpulliam
On this week’s Cricket Wireless episode of the Cool Soror Show, our host, Rashan Ali, sits down with Tiffany Greene and Jen Price live from the Florida Blue Football Classic between Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman University. Arguably one of the most popular HBCU Classics, these schools represent a fierce rivalry in college football.
Both Tiffany and Jen represent Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. via the Beta Alpha and Gamma Tau chapters (FAMU and BCU respectively). Both are history makers.
Tiffany is the first Black woman to become a play-by-play announcer for the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN. Jen, a graduate of both FAMU and BCU, is the first woman to create, found and host a Craft Beer Conference with her signature brand and movement, Crafted For Action. These women are simply stellar!
Follow Tiffany Green at @tiffanygreene34 on IG and Jen Price at @craftedforaction on IG as well.
Today’s Cool Soror episode features Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, Medical Physician, & star of the hit show “Married to Medicine” on Bravo TV. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Contessa shares her biggest influences growing up & why she decided to get into reality television.
Hang on to your seats because in this episode Dr. Contessa breaks down how television saved her marriage & kept her family together. She’s giving us the goods on the importance of putting in the work in order to get positive results in areas that matters to us most. With such an electrifying personality it’s apparent why Dr. Contessa is lighting up television screens across the nation.
Follow Dr. Contessa at @drcontessa on IG.
Grammy award winning singer / songwriter and producer Nicci Gilbert kicks off the new season of the COOL SOROR SHOW! An honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho, she along with her Brownstone group members were recently welcomed into the sorority just ahead of their CENTENNIAL. In this episode, Nicci discussed the critical necessity of owning your Intellectual Property. She openly discusses the rise and eventual fall
of her hit show “R&B Divas.” Never one to shy away from her truth, Nicci faces an ongoing battle with the executives behind the popular show, P Valley. She lays it all on the line. You will leave ready to take back what is rightfully yours.
Follow Nicci at @niccigilbert on IG.
This special edition of the COOL SOROR SHOW is being presented by the American Red Cross. We are happy to have Tiffany Taylor of the American Red Cross as well as Rasheeda Liberty, International President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Chair of the Council of Presidents of the National PanHellenic Council join us to talk about the importance of their partnership.
With over 2.5 million members in the NPHC, the quest to encourage more chapters and organizations as a whole to host blood drives in the Black Community is at the forefront of their mission.
For more information on this unique partnership and how we can come together to save lives please log onto JOINEDBYBLOOD.ORG
rashanali #sgrho #americanredcross
This special edition of the COOL SOROR SHOW is being presented by the American Red Cross. We are happy to have Tiffany Taylor of the American Red Cross as well as Rasheeda Liberty, International President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Chair of the Council of Presidents of the National PanHellenic Council join us to talk about the importance of their partnership.
With over 2.5 million members in the NPHC, the quest to encourage more chapters and organizations as a whole to host blood drives in the Black Community is at the forefront of their mission.
For more information on this unique partnership and how we can come together to save lives please log onto JOINEDBYBLOOD.ORG
rashanali #sgrho #americanredcross
We are elated to welcome to the show, COOL PEOPLE - “GRIFF”-comedian and co-host of “Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.” He and our host, Rashan Ali, are lifelong friends who spent five years growing and cultivating their bond on The A-Team Morning Show on Radio One Atlanta’s HOT 107.9.
As the Cricket Wireless tour continues, this conversation explores their unique relationship and how Rashan helped him in a critical moment in his life. The backdrop of the Cotton Bowl where Grambling State University took on Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, fittingly served as the perfect setting for both of their love for college football and the HBCU Culture.
Follow “GRIFF” at @2trillion on IG!
We are elated to welcome to the show, COOL PEOPLE - “GRIFF”-comedian and co-host of “Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.” He and our host, Rashan Ali, are lifelong friends who spent five years growing and cultivating their bond on The A-Team Morning Show on Radio One Atlanta’s HOT 107.9.
As the Cricket Wireless tour continues, this conversation explores their unique relationship and how Rashan helped him in a critical moment in his life. The backdrop of the Cotton Bowl where Grambling State University took on Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, fittingly served as the perfect setting for both of their love for college football and the HBCU Culture.
Follow “GRIFF” at @2trillion on IG!
In Episode 2 of the Cool Soror Show in partnership with Cricket Wireless series, Rashan Ali is joined by the multi talented Isaac Keys.
Isaac Keys is a Morehouse College graduate & former pro football player turned actor. He served as a linebacker in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers & also played in the Canadian Football League.
In this episode Rashan & Isaac chat about how his HBCU EXPERIENCE at Morehouse shaped his NFL and ACTING career.
“Power in the Pivot” is about Isaac’s experience of shifting from football to acting & what it’s like to follow your dreams.
You may know Isaac Keys from his role as Diamond on Power Book IV: Force @forcestarz and it’s exciting to have him as a special guest!
Stay Connected:
Isaac Keys
Instagram: @isaackeys
Twitter: @IsaacKeys
Cool Soror:
Instagram: @CoolSoror
Facebook: @CoolSoror
Twitter: @CoolSoror
Website: www.CoolSoror.com
In Episode 2 of the Cool Soror Show in partnership with Cricket Wireless series, Rashan Ali is joined by the multi talented Isaac Keys.
Isaac Keys is a Morehouse College graduate & former pro football player turned actor. He served as a linebacker in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers & also played in the Canadian Football League.
In this episode Rashan & Isaac chat about how his HBCU EXPERIENCE at Morehouse shaped his NFL and ACTING career.
“Power in the Pivot” is about Isaac’s experience of shifting from football to acting & what it’s like to follow your dreams.
You may know Isaac Keys from his role as Diamond on Power Book IV: Force @forcestarz and it’s exciting to have him as a special guest!
Stay Connected:
Isaac Keys
Instagram: @isaackeys
Twitter: @IsaacKeys
Cool Soror:
Instagram: @CoolSoror
Facebook: @CoolSoror
Twitter: @CoolSoror
Website: www.CoolSoror.com
Enjoy Episode 1 of the Cool Soror Show in partnership with Cricket Wireless series. We are joined by two powerhouse women who are making waves in their own right!
Our first “Cool Soror” guest is the MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. She is a member of the Lambda Eta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chartered at Old Dominion University. This Cool Soror is a trailblazer & history maker. She is the first female commissioner in the MEAC history, as well as the first female commissioner of a Div. I HBCU conference. Sonja Stills is committed to supporting and elevating collegiate student athletes and we are excited to have her as a special guest!
Our second “Cool People” feature is Bianca Belair, a professional wrestler & WWE SuperStar. The Knoxville, TN native is currently the WWE Raw Women's Champion, & the 2021 Royal Rumble & WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion. Belair who is a multi sport athlete, is breaking barriers as an African-American female professional wrestler and is inspiring young girls all around the world to follow their dreams. Bianca Belair is featured in three WWE video games and also has her own Mattel action figure. In 2021 she was ranked #1 in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Women’s 150.
Tune in as our special guests share unique and inspiring testimonies on why it's important to have a "Will of Champions"!
Stay Connected:
Sonja Stills:
Instagram: @sostills
Bianca Belair:
Instagram: @biancabelairwwe
Twitter: @BiancaBelairWWE
Cool Soror:
Instagram: @CoolSoror
Facebook: @CoolSoror
Website: www.CoolSoror.com
Today's episode features the amazing Cool Soror Trina Braxton who is an award winning singer, actress, TV personality & entrepreneur. Her first big break in music came in 1992 as a founding member of the R&B group The Braxtons, formed with her sisters.
This Braxton Family Values star, wife & mom is sharing:
- Her lessons learned both professionally & personally
- How she’s navigating grief through the loss of her ex husband and sister
- The importance of carving out your own lane
- Her journey to becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated later in life.
Trina reminds us that it’s not how you start but how you finish with her mantra “All I do is win win win no matter what!”
Get ready to laugh, shed some heartfelt tears and get the behind the scenes of what you may not see on TV.
Catch all these gems they are dropping throughout this powerful conversation between sister friends & former colleagues.
To find out more about Trina, follow her at @trinabraxton1 on Instagram & @TrinaBraxton on Twitter.
Today's episode features Danielle "Dani" Canada who is a seasoned entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. She currently serves as the Managing Editor of BOSSIP.com where she manages staff, conducts interviews, and pens snarky headlines centered around Black and BIPOC news in the celebrity realm.
Dani is sharing her experience as a journalist in a highly competitive industry and giving us insight on what it took to rise to the top. She also has some advice for up and coming journalists in the entertainment industry.
As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Dani reminds us that we "Cannot Skip the Work" on our journey to success. You have to put in the time, effort and sweat in order to make your dreams come true.
Don't miss this conversation!
To find out more about Dani, follow her at @iamdanicanada on Instagram & Twitter.
Today’s episode features former Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the City of Atlanta Charletta Wilson Jacks. Charletta has 30+ years of experience in planning/community development, construction/project management (including the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games) and several architectural and engineering firms.
Charletta is an illustrious member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is a pillar in the Atlanta community.
In this episode she shares the importance of tooting your own horn and sharing your story to empower others.
"It's All About Owning Your Voice" says Mrs. Wilson-Jacks.
Join the conversation as Rashan & Charletta talk navigating leadership and legacy building.
To find out more about Charletta, follow her on IG @charlettawilsonjacks.
Today’s episode features sports anchor, reporter & host Tenitra Batiste. Tenitra is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and is making big waves in the sports media industry.
Tenitra is currently an In-game Reporter for the Atlanta Hawks & also a Sports Anchor Reporter at 92.9 the Game.
She shares her pivot from the corporate Human Resources sector to thriving as a sideline reporter anchor.
Rashan & Tenitra are talking sports, talking shop and sharing about the power of risking it all for your dream.
To find out more about Tenitra, follow her on IG @tenitrabatiste.
Today’s episode features attorney, author and travel guru, Lisa Bonner ! This Cool Soror rocking the P&G has visited nearly 90 countries as a travel journalist and enthusiast.
With over 25 years experience as an IP / Entertainment attorney, Lisa has been behind the “LegaliTEAS” (the title of her newly released book) of seeing some of your favorite shows come to light. In her new book, mentioned above, she breaks down the steps to building a successful business to the average, every day entrepreneur.
To find out more about Lisa, follow her on IG @lisabonner. Get a copy of her book on Amazon.com!
This week we get a chance to check in on one of our Cool Bruhs! A return guest, actor and comedian Rod Minger picks up right where he left off. This time, however, he talks about men knowing when they have found “the one,” growing as a YouTube star and embracing life with purpose.
Follow Rod Minger on YouTube and @rod.Minger on IG!
It is our sincere pleasure to have actress, life coach, fitness enthusiast and an all around “good time” woman, AJ Akua Johnson on the Cool Soror Podcast. Rocking the crimson and cream, this powerhouse drops gem after gem in this incredible episode!
-Experiencing a fantasy on her 50th birthday that changed her life! -Tackling the walls of sexual expression in women. -Opening up and being 100% of who we were made to be.
These are just a few of the meaty take-aways from this 40+ minutes of absolute power! Follow this mogul at @theajzone on Instagram.
Joining the Cool Soror Podcast is Kim Ford, an on-air host, TedX speaker, author and a lady of Pink & Green! In this episode, Kim does not shy away from addressing one of the darkest moments in her life following a tumultuous divorce. While difficult, she used it as fuel to set out on a path to light up the media world as the host of her own talk show. She has also covered hundreds of red carpets interviewing celebrities and influencers.
Kim shares her thoughts on the state of current hip hop and whether today’s female artists have to be held more accountable for their actions. Tap in to also hear Rashan’s three worst interviews she’s had in her radio career!
To find out more about Kim Ford, check out her site at iamkimford.com and on all social media platforms at @iamkimford.
Welcome to the all new podcast season of APRIL 2022! This is a very special episode of the Cool Soror Podcast for sure! This episode we are joined by TWO lovely Cool Sorors Miss Quad & Shari' Nycole who Rashan Ali has had the pleasure of working with on the Sister Circle daily talk show. We caught up with them for our first show of the season! Representing two illustrious sororities, these ladies are doing amazing things post Sister Circle. Find out “What Success Looks Like” for them & how grief and shifted their lives. Catch all these gems they are dropping throughout this spicy conversation between sister friends & former colleagues.
Guests
Joining us for the first time is Miss Quad who is an amazing Chef, Author, Talk Show Host, Entrepreneur & Star of Bravo's Married2Med. She is a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. During the conversation Miss Quad shared “A pivotal moment in my professional career was expanding my brand.” Hold on to your seats & grab your tissues because we are getting a front row seat into what it’s like to experience grief first hand & ways to push through.
Shari' Nycole, a second time guest and Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is the Co-Host of “The Willie Moore Jr. Show”, and also the Host of two other shows, “Just A Thought” Podcast and “The Gray Area.” She is also a TV/Film Producer, Editor, & Director. During this episode she shared that during the pandemic she learned that “It’s important to set boundaries & put yourself first”.
In a little over 44 minutes, get ready to laugh, cry, dig deep & ask yourself powerful questions as we go on a journey of connection and sisterhood.
Follow them below:
@absolutelyquad
@shari_nycole
The Cool Soror Podcast is ALL NEW IN 2022! Today, we are joined by FOUR Cool Soror Alumnae from Florida A&M University. We caught up with them for FAMU’s Homecoming -The Epic Return and it was just that! Representing both Beta Alpha Chapters, these women have done some amazing things in all of their careers. Partnering with Pepsi’s “She Got Now” initiative, we travel into their journeys to see why each of them “Got Now!”
Joining us for the third time is Melissa Mitchell, CEO & Artist of Abeille Creations. A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. says, “When you think about your time, your intention and your place in the world, I got now. This is my time!”
Arisha Smith, a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is the Chief Growth Officer of Streamlytics. She says, “It’s our time. As Black Women, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.”
Our third guest is Adrienne Alexander, CEO & Founder, Managing Partner of Alexander Law PC, Inc. A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Adrienne believes that “you may not know the path, but if you keep moving, it’s going to come.”
Rounding it out for the show and joining us for the second time is Keshia Walker, A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the President of Insights Marketing as well as the Founder + Chairwoman of the Black Collegiate Gaming Association. She is a firm believer in celebrating ourselves as women and celebrating all the amazing things we do.
In a little over 30 minutes, you’ll be in awe of the many accomplishments these women have been able to conquer. Follow them below:
@abeillecreations
@adrienneslaw
@insightsmpc
@thearishasmith
On International Women’s Day, we wanted to share the story of Pinky Cole, a COOL SOROR of DST! This visionary and founder of the wildly popular, Slutty Vegan and its brand went from a television producer for two popular shows to sharing her passion for delicious vegan food with the masses.
A graduate of Clark Atlanta University, she understands that her mission in life is to not only provide a delectable dining experience for her customers, but she understands the importance of community. Paying the tuition for 30+ Clark Atlanta students to providing life insurance to African American men, Pinky says her work here on this earth has only just begun.
You will see why she continues to win because her mindset has never waivered. As soon as she entered the world, her life had purpose. She so effortlessly confesses, “I was born confident.” It’s simply something she’s always known.
Follow Pinky Cole at @sluttyveganatl and @barvegan.
"In this episode, our host, Rashan Ali, gives a candid perspective on her monetary scarcity that has limited her to be a hoarder when it comes to her finances. She shares two very intimate experiences with money when it came to her desire to purchase a Peleton and her desire to buy a new car. Both scenarios will open your eyes to treating yourself but also noticing the beauty of what you already have."
Our host, Rashan Ali is back to chat about her feelings on how the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris had her in her feelings. She also talks about how she never would have thought her life would be where it is right now. This 15 minutes of power will challenge you to be "undeniably good" at everything God has blessed you with! That is her goal for this new season. Let us all embrace it. Follow Rashan Ali on IG at @rashanali.
The Cool Soror Collective welcomes Aubrey-Simone Williams to the show today. This Cool Soror of SGRho wears many hats. She is the founder of TheACTivists Theatre Company and is also currently serving as a producer on Fox Soul TV.
Aubrey has studied and trained at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London, England, the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City, as well as Robert Mello Studios and the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Her formal education includes a B.I.S. in Theatre Performance, a B.A. in Film, and an M.A. in African American Studies -all from Georgia State University.
In addition to producing theatre and television, Aubrey’s recent projects include directing the touring production, “Black Matter” and partnering with Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company for their “Act Like A Lady” program. She is also a proud member of C4 Atlanta and the Dramatists Guild. Aubrey’s published projects include: Black Matter: The Play, Black Matter: Poems of Perseverance, and “The Last Poets” for the Black Power Encyclopedia – 2019.
What makes her vulnerability so gorgeously beautiful is her ability to open up about her mental health journey. You will learn more about her fight to break generational curses while creating her own path.
You can follow Aubrey on IG at @_masterofthearts or on her website at https://theactivistsperform.com.
Author and Corporate Bad A$$, Monica M. Brown, A COOL SOROR of AKA, joins the show today! This new author has created a masterpiece with her new book, "Only One" - How to Be a Bad A$$ in Corporate America. Monica shares with us the step-by-step rules on how to navigate climbing the proverbial 'corporate ladder,' particularly for women of color.
In this episode, Monica goes deeper into the meaning of Black women being labeled as "aggressive" for demanding their worth and pitching brilliant ideas. However, our white male counterparts are labeled "assertive" for doing the exact same. A graduate of South Carolina State University with a BS in Journalism, Monica also shares how her transferable skill set allowed her to make the easy transition into IT.
Be sure to check out Monica's new book and follow her on IG at @msmonicabee to learn more about her journey.
"Only One" by Monica M. Brown
Aiyana Glover, a COOL SOROR of DST, joins the show today! She and Rashan Ali met at Essence Wellness House in Atlanta earlier this year and made an instant connection. This ambitious 20-something year old is teaching other young women how to navigate life after college. She says, "I want people to understand that postgraduate depression is a real thing that we need to address. Every single person who graduates from college has a life-changing transition and no one is telling us how to prepare for that. So I want people to know that my website is here and a resource for anyone who would like some guidance." Find out more here: The Other Way Program
You can follow Aiyana at @yanslay on IG.
Ericka McKracken, is an author, entrepreneur and Cool Soror of SGRHO!
Ericka’s latest venture is a Black women owned press-on nail line, BOSSY Press-Ons. B.O.S.S.Y. stands for Bringing Our Sisters Support Yearlong.
Ericka partners this business with her best friend, Niesha Baker and together, they have created a press-on nail line that is affordable, fashionable and supports healthy nails. Ericka and Niesha feel that press-ons are a lifestyle and provide how-to videos and Q&A sessions for their customers. You can view their entire line of press-ons at bossypressons.com.
Follow Erickat at @legacyofEricka and @bossypressons.
We are excited to have Erin Marie, A Cool Soror of AKA, Founder and CIO of BWF Woman! Here is what Erin says was a pivotal moment in her life: One of the pivotal moments in my path as an entrepreneur was deciding to be vulnerable by sharing my story on Instagram via @BWFwoman. Telling my story required me to come face-to-face with what I considered to be failures. I thought that there might be an opportunity for healing for myself and others through doing this, but I didn’t have any proof. For me, it was a risk, and now I know it was a risk that was worth taking. Sharing about what I could’ve done better, where I messed up and what I’ve learned has grown from simple Instagram posts to a sold-out annual Retreat, a Masterclass that has educated hundreds of women, and a ministry that has guided women on a heart-healing process, from here in the US, all the way to the Philippines. Follow Erin at @bwfwoman everywhere.
We are so happy to have Dorian Ezzard, a Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. join the show today! This amazingly gifted creative is the co-host of The Rooted Life Podcast. She graduated from The University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Arts from the Grady College of Journalism & Communications. She is an events professional who specializes in leading event curation, project management, and brand message integration. She joined KIPP DC Public Schools two years ago to support the education sector by managing staff culture and stewardship events and creating brand champions for KIPP DC. Her passion project includes The Rooted Life, a faith-based platform that includes a podcast, merchandise, and devotionals focused on growing deeper roots in God. Though an Atlanta native, she is currently thriving in the nation’s capital and leaving her mark on Washington, D.C. Follow Dorian and her co-host, Morgan at @rootedlifepodcast on IG
In this candid interview, Cecelia Townes delves into the topics of women, sports, inequality and how “she just happened to go to law school.”
This COOL SOROR OF DST is the Founder of @gladiathers and an Employment & Labor Lawyer in Atlanta!
Enjoy.
Follow her on IG at @sportyesquire.
LaPorsche Thomas joins the show today!
A Cool Soror of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. takes us on a journey of how to truly go after your dreams.
This Bill Gates Scholarship Recipient is a digital producer and on-air personality at the NBC Affiliate in Atlanta, Georgia where she prides herself in being authentic and never taking “no” for an answer.
You will be inspired by her will to push through as she says, “I Win Big!”
Follow LaPorsche on IG at @laporschespeakstv.
The Cool Soror Episode is honored to have multi-platinum singer / songwriter and actress Brand on the show! An Honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Brandy’s one of kind tone has always been one of the most dynamic in music. This 20 minutes of power is an intimate conversation about motherhood and gratitude that feels like a warm embrace.
Follow Brandy at @4everbrandy on IG.
This Cool People Episode allows us to go into the mind of one of the most gifted and diverse artists of our time, Ceelo Green. In our honest conversation, he reveals his most favorite Goodie Mob verse he’s ever written and his thoughts on speaking truth to power in the incipient stages of his career. With a new album on the horizon, Ceelo still remains an instant classic as an artist and a performer.
Follow him on IG at @ceelogreen.
This Cool People Episode is one that will allow you to see inside the mind of a very gifted singer / songwriter. In an open and candid conversation with Musiq Soulchild, he reveals why he battles with making music for the masses and his desire to discover who and what he really is. His vulnerability in facing these things, led me to affirm him and his greatness in a way that, in turn, affirmed me.
Follow him at @musiqsoulchild on Instagram.
We are excited to have, for the second time, Grammy Award-Winning, Artist Development & Performance Expert, now AUTHOR KJ Rose join the show today. This Chicago COOL SOROR of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has lit up the stage as a solo artist and background singer. She has taken all of her experiences and created a masterpiece with her new book, The Rose Effect: Eight Steps to Delivering the Performance of Your Life.
Her book will help you identify your compelling force and teach you how to occupy your own stage in your life, wherever that may be! For all things KJ Rose, please see below:
Instagram - @kjroseeffect Facebook - @Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson Twitter - @kjroseeffect LinkedIn - @Keanna “KJ Rose” Henson Website – roseeffect.com
To pick up her new book please click the link below:
https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Effect-Eight-Delivering-Performance-ebook/dp/B0874D8KKH/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=the+rose+effect&qid=1587086505&sr=8-3
We always love to love on COOL PEOPLE on the show and today we definitely have a cool woman. Singer and songwriter, wife and mother, LeToya Luckett-Walker joins us. Our host, Rashan Ali, had a chance to interview her live on IG and wanted to share this deeply beautiful and personal conversation with this audience as well.
In the episode, she discusses “ADJUSTING” to her new normal during this pandemic. She also recently shared the news that she and her husband are expecting their first son together. The couple already shares two daughters. We chat about dealing with the grief of your spouse upon losing a parent.
LeToya’s gorgeous spirit radiates during this interview and you too will understand why we all must pivot to make the best of each moment.
Follow LeToya on IG at @letoyaluckett.
We are elated to welcome back Ty Lewis, Founder of Educationally Speaking and a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This time, we jump into the much-needed conversation about parents now becoming their children’s teachers in the wake of COVID-19.
Ty breaks down the following:
*Finding joy in the journey of homeschool
*Grades, retention, and equity
*Scheduling
*Resources to assist your child in gaining access to the curriculum
*What "school" looks like for students with disabilities
Find valuable information by following Ty Lewis and Educationally Speaking at @educationallyspeaking on IG and Facebook as well as at www.educationallyspeaking.net and www.educationallyspeaking.blog.
Adia May joins the Cool Soror Podcast today representing Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This Entertainment Attorney has known her life would be in law since she was nine-years-old. Having first majored in Engineering at Howard University, nothing can change destiny, but the one who is in the driver seat. God drove and Adia sat patiently in the passenger seat. Her patience and perseverance led her to now being the Lead Attorney and first Black, Female attorney for the Commercials Group at WME (William Morris Entertainment) in the company’s Beverly Hills, California office.
A native of Chicago, Illinois and the notable Whitney Young High School, she knew the HBCU experience would be one she would have to live out. She did just that at Howard finishing with her BBA in Finance. She would go on to get a JD at the University of Iowa College of Law and an MBA at the school’s Tipple School of Business.
In 2003, she took a huge leap of faith and left a big law firm to move to Los Angeles to pursue what she calls “a crazy dream of becoming an entertainment lawyer.” Adia says, “This was basically me jumping off a proverbial cliff. It was extremely scary, but my mustard seed faith reinforced to me that the net would appear. My vision was crystal clear in my mind. Many did not understand and also were extremely negative during this time. But it wasn’t for them to understand this.”
Two years later, she would land a job at the Screen Actors Guild and the rest is the journey of Adia. Her journey includes being raised by a mother who suffered from mental illness. She would later help to facilitate her healing.
It’s a beautiful testimony from an equally beautiful woman who understands that “joy” is the greatest living feeling. To know joy, one has to not know it. As she eloquently states, “If you can look up, you can get up.” The beauty in it all is knowing the difference and being able to ascend to it. Therein lies the canvas of life.
Stay connected with Adia May by following her on IG and FB @azmesq.
Chrishon Lampley is a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. who she has taken the wine industry by storm! Having developed her sales skills in the fashion industry with over 20 years of experience, she used those same skills to develop and curate the LoveCorkScrew movement.
Chrishon is a negociant, wine enthusiast and founder of LCS Entertainment, LLC that features Love Cork Screw wines. Love Cork Screw is a lifestyle brand that launched six varietals in the fourth quarter of 2013. Since its inception, the LCS brand has acquired over 50 locations including, Target, Mariano’s, Binny’s, Whole Foods and other Chicago land area stores, restaurants and bars.
Becoming this truly successful business woman, did not come without much sacrifice. Having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Chrishon often faced criticism for being too Black and not Black enough in various circles throughout her youth. That would soon change as she began to understand the value of the journey.
At Western Illinois University, she embraced herself as the awesomely brilliant being she knew she had always been. She would later receive her B.S. in Consumer Science with a concentration in Fashion Merchandising.
After a highly successful fashion industry career, Chrishon became a promising business owner of an art gallery in Chicago. Having had it all, she lost it all. Hear her incredibly inspiring story on starting LoveCorkScrew that will make you rethink your purpose.
Find Chrishon Lampley at the following: @lovecorkscrew / IG, TW Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcsmusings LinkedIn: Chrishon Lampley www.lovecorkscrew.com
This COOL PEOPLE episode showcases a super cool person in Brandon Frame. HE the Founder of The Black Man Can, which is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to celebrate, educate, & inspire boys and men of color. Launching in 2010 The Black Man Can curates, collects and distributes content promoting positive images and inspiring stories about Black men, boys and black families. He's also the new Deputy Director of Social-Emotional Learning at the Urban Assembly, Inc. in NYC. As a sophomore at Morehouse College, he noticed African-American men were being portrayed negatively in the media. Though he grew up in a single parent home, he was a young black man pursuing higher education with an incredible support system that included black men. He decided to launch his own media platform recognizing black men doing great things in the community. Sparked by Trayvon Martin’s untimely death, Brandon launched The Black Man Can Institute: a youth conference targeting 10 cities.. They have impacted over 5000 boys in 48 institutes across the country Brandon has been featured in the Boston Globe, CBS, MSNBC and NBC among others. He has also received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, Hartford Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Changemaker of the Year Award and BET’s Next in Class in the field of Education.
In summer 2018, Brandon and The Black Man Can hosted its first ever The Black Man Can Awards in Atlanta, Georgia. Our host, Rashan Ali, was the recipient of The Black Woman Can honor.
Brandon Frame is changing the world, one young person of color at a time. He is the true essence of why, “the black man can.”
Social Media: www.theblackmancan.org
We are excited to have Rayford Davis join the Cool Soror Podcast for the second time. A Cool Bruh of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Rayford is one of the masterminds behind ExceptionALLY. This innovative tool was developed by parents, lawyers, and education specialists. ExceptionALLY is a parent's personal digital expert. This "parent-tech" innovation gives personalized expertise, organizes paperwork and takes many IEP and 504 tasks off of a parent's plate -- empowering them to be their child’s #1 advocate in special education.
Since the last time we chatted with Rayford, so many life changes have occurred. His company is now a part of an incubator program in Silicon Valley. This is an extreme high for the entire team. Personally, however, Rayford has experienced two losses: the passing of his father and line brother. He has used his grief to gain greater perspective on life and how to live in the now.
Rayford and his team have kindly offered our listeners a special discount for parents whose children have learning exceptionalities! Use promo code: COOLSOROR50 at checkout to receive 50% off! For more information on the exceptional work they are doing, please visit www.growexceptionally.com.
Dr. Katina-Davis Kennedy believes that good health is the foundation of life.
Serving as a health practitioner, fitness advocate and health educator for the last 15 years, she has worked to inform others about having a healthy mind, body, and lifestyle in order to live a high-quality life.
This Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta, and alumna of FAMU, has received the high distinction of being named one of the 25 Most Influential Black Women in Business and Industry.
Check out this encouraging interview with Dr. Katina & Rashan Ali and find out what she considers to be ‘The Big 3’ in her life.
Our host Rashan Ali was featured on the HBCU Podcast.
From the show notes:
On this episode, we speak with Rashan Ali. She’s a graduate of Florida A & M University. Rashan is a media maven having worked in all facets of media including radio, television, and podcasting. She’s currently the host of the very popular Cool Soror podcast and a co-host on TVOne’s hit Daytime Talkshow Sister Circle.
During the episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, her career in entertainment and she blesses us with endless words of wisdom.
We are excited to share the story of Kishshana Palmer. A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kishshana is a New York native raised by hard-working Jamaican parents. She learned early the power of hard work, but more importantly, she learned the power of service which would be the catalyst for her life.
In her own words, she said, “It all started for me in junior high school. I volunteered at a tutoring center and I wanted to raise money for more books and supplies for the elementary school kids I tutored. I got all my friends together and we raised a ton of money to help younger kids in OUR neighborhood. How’d I do it? Well by 13, my mom had drilled it into my brain that helping people was a gift. So I was fearless and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I told my friends that despite being from the ‘hood, we were able to get a good education because we were smart and we had books! Other kids needed that too. Helping people and getting others to do the same stuck with me all the way through college. I even received a service scholarship!”
With this same spirit, Kishshana now leads her own company, Kishshana & Co. where she serves as the founder and CEO. She takes tremendous pride in helping non-profit organizations get funding and helps to develop board of directors through highly efficient best practices. Her latest project is “Love Letter To My Sorors” which is a platform for women in all Black Greek Lettered Organizations to express their love for their sorors or sister greeks in their own words.
Kishshana has such a vibrant and loving spirit. Her zest for life is truly admirable. She takes it one day at a time: helping one person at a time. We absolutely love her for it.
Social Media: www.fabulouslyfundraising.com http://kishshanaco.com/
@FundDiva (everywhere)
We are excited to be joined by Keia McSwain! A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. this Hattiesburg, Mississippi native knew she had an undeniable creative edge. But she would truly have to tap into her faith to find what her true passion was. It would not take long.
She became the editor of Iconic Home Magazine. Currently, Keia is the Principal Interior Designer and President of The Black Interior Designer’s Network. She says she is grateful to hold this position and be a guide for a generation of amazing Interior Designers.
The Black Interior Designers Network is hosting their 7th annual conference July 26-28th. It's a three-day event geared towards culminating the businesses of African Americans in the Interior Design Community.
Keia is living her life’s dream, one design at a time.
Social Media:
www.africanamericaninteriordesigners.com @Keiaheartsdesign @blackinteriordesignersnetwork
We are back and happy to feature not one but two “Cool Bruh” on the show today: Rich Bailey & Chris Ketant. Rich fell in love with Health and Fitness at an early age. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Engineering Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology and followed with a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Rochester, Simon Business School. His professional experience includes software engineering, technology research, finance and business operations. Hailing from Harlem, NY, Richard currently lives in Los Angeles.
Chris Ketant’s passion for Health and Fitness started with sports at a young age and slowly became an obsession. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Software Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and spent four years right out of college with Apple as a software engineer. The intersection between his passion for Health and Fitness combined with technology has led him to GrpFit’s leadership team.
Social Media
GrpFit: @claude_speaks Instagram:@claude_speaks /Twitter: @claude_speaks
GrpFit: @rich Instagram: @richchrisbailey/Twitter: @richchrisbailey
Our host, Rashan Ali sits down with Wendell Cole for his podcast, "Convos With Cole." In a rare, introspective look into Rashan's life, she shares some of the hills and valleys that have helped her along the way. Please support his podcast as well at www.iamdrcole.com and on Itunes: "Convos With Cole"
Link to post: https://www.iamdrcole.com/rashanali/ Itunes podcast link: https://bit.ly/ConvosWCole
Jen Price joins The Cool Soror Podcast for the second time! A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., this visionary is launching a KickStarter Campaign tonight to help her raise money to open The Atlanta Beer Boutique! Her goal is to raise $25k over the next 30 days. To donate to the campaign, log onto www.atlantabeerboutique.com.
We are happy to be joined by a Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Mae C. Whiteside is President/CEO of CKL Engineers, LLC. As President/CEO, Mae develops and maintains client relationships for the firm and directs all engineering and planning projects acquired by the organization. Mae is an alumna of Illinois Institute of Technology and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering in 1999. She is a licensed Civil Engineer in the State of Illinois.
As a grade and high school student, Mae experienced chronic homelessness with her mother. At her mother’s passing, it left her homeless, as a college student. Because of these trying times, Mae gained independence and resilience.
After years of working at different corporations, she knew it was time for change. In 2010, with $10,000 in her pocket, she quit her $75,000 per year job and became a STEM entrepreneur. A risk taker and leader, Mae used this opportunity to position herself to make a major move.
Today, CKL Engineers, LLC is one of Chicago’s leading African American woman owned engineering and management firms. The firm is a winner of the 2018 Engineering Excellence Honor Award for its role in construction management for the overhaul of I-90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway. Her company’s new role is Construction Manager for the upcoming Pullman Clock Tower and Administration Building Renovation Project, part of a national park by President Obama.
Mae has always been the type of person who believed in her astute intellect and always believed that she could do anything. For this reason, she can profoundly state: “I Bet On Myself.” And because of that, she will win every single time.
Social media: Twitter: @cklengineersllc @maecheri LinkedIn: Mae C. Whiteside www.ckleng.com
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Brandi Janai to the show this week. She's a Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. who describes herself as a creator, author, designer and initiator. She graduated with an undergraduate degree from California State University in San Bernadino and also holds a master's degree from Clark Atlanta University. As a licensed social worker she aims to educate, advocate, and push for individuals to look within.
Out of her background in social work and her passion for writing came Felonopoly. Felonopoly, the screenplay, shares the struggle and hope of a married couple impacted by the criminal justice system. Felonopoly, as an organization, was created to end legal slavery under the 13th amendment.
Although she wrote her first short story in elementary school it took decades for Brandi Janai to take the writing craft seriously. “Growing up I didn’t believe I could make a living as a writer. I often think about what if. What if I had known more about the writing world?” As a charter member and secretary for the Women’s National Book Association – Atlanta Chapter she hopes to give others what she didn’t have – exposure to the book world.
Brandi Janai understands the benefits of writing, adding, “Writing has been a form of therapy for me and my medium to craft, expose and express all types of thought and story.” Brandi Janai is currently rewriting three novels: Hidden, I Am Sin, and Sometimes It’s Love and working on a new work titled, Jodeco Road. Tune in as we discover how Brandi uses writing to create love.
Our host, Rashan Ali shares lessons she and her husband have learned during their 15 years of marriage. This funny, intimate and witty conversation showcases the vulnerability of love.
We are happy to be joined by Brandice Daniel - A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is the visionary behind Harlem’s Fashion Row. HFR is the most prestigious platform for multicultural fashion designers. HFR has become the epicenter of fashion for the multicultural audience. We are most recognized for our September Style Awards and Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week which has been covered by New York Times, NY Magazine, Elle, ESSENCE, and the Wall Street Journal.
Founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, a coach for multicultural fashion designers, writer, speaker, and entrepreneur, Harlem's Fashion Row began as a project of passion, aiming to fill the void for multicultural fashion designers and high profile professionals in the industry. HFR has partnered with brands such as Verizon, Prudential, Coca Cola, and more providing custom events around a passion point of the multicultural consumer: Fashion.
Today, HFR is committed to curating one designer, one story, and one collection at a time via it's weekly Talk Designer Tuesday podcast. Our commitment is to partner with multicultural designers to build profitable and sustainable businesses that will leave a legacy for generations to come.
Brandice’s story of perseverance and passion confirms that the heart always wins.
Social Media:
www.harlemsfashionrow.com www.brandicedaniel.com
St. Louis stand up! The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes nationally radio talk show host, Willie Moore Jr. A Cool Bruh of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. this St. Louis native is igniting the airwaves and changing lives every single day.
Willie Moore Jr. Is Today's Voice of Inspiration! He ignites the hearts and minds of listeners and viewers worldwide.
As the Nationally Syndicated host of “The Willie Moore Jr. Show” on radio, “Flatout TV” on cable networks, and the Young, Fly, and Saved movement via social media outlets like YouTube, Willie uses his special brand of humor and practical solutions coupled with biblical wisdom to unite families and communities everywhere.
Willie is a master communicator that is connecting the world through his multiple talents and media outlets. An advocate for adoption, his passion lies deeply for the thousands of children who need loving homes, similar to the home that housed his parents. These same parents adopted him when Willie was just three months old. Now he is on a mission so that every child can experience the joy he experienced in his upbringing.
Willie is a special individual and is making an indelible mark in our world, “flat out!”
Social Media:
IG: @williemoorejrlive FB: The Willie Moore Jr. Show
We are happy to be joined by Dr. Lonnie J. White III. A Cool Bruh of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc, this ultimate educator is making some tremendous waves in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Lonnie J. White was recently named the new principal of SLAM Atlanta!
With 25 years of experience, he has held most roles in the educational system ranging from a teacher’s assistant to principal. Dr. White’s love of education and teaching bloomed while at Albany State University, where he was working toward his B.S. in Middle Grades Education. Throughout the past two decades, he has achieved only excellence in every school he has been employed, receiving awards such as the Coca-Cola Educator of the year and National Life Group – Life Changer of the Year. He has also received over 30 certifications covering all areas of education and has been given many honors including several teacher and principal of the year awards. Dr. White has a long history of generating success for the schools in which he has served in both academics and athletics.
When Dr. White is not working you can find him with his wife and two daughters or participating in several professional community organizations. In his spare time he is a proud member of various brotherhoods and associations, an active participant of the March of Dimes charity and a coach for his Running Panthers Track Club.
Dr. White is known for being a change-maker and we are certain he will do just that at the helm of this innovative new school. That is why we know with his latest venture of affording innovative education to the children of Atlanta, it goes without saying: “Slam For The Win!”
Website: www.slamatlanta.com
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes a Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. IVY BOX is a Certified Go Get H.E.R.S .® who merges business, marketing, multimedia, entertainment, and philanthropy with purpose. A native of Ft. Myers, Florida, Ivy Box is a first-generation, Haitian-American, who first received national attention as the ‘Quiet Storm’ castmate on BET's hit reality TV series College Hill: Interns. During her time with BET she was chosen to manage her own popular blog on BET.com where she honed in on her captivating writing skills.
Ivy has years of experience working in the corporate, entertainment, and philanthropic industries and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing, a Master’s Degree in Internet Marketing, and a Master’s Certificate in Negotiation Essentials. After graduation from the University of South Florida in 2005, Ivy’s tenacious spirit afforded her an opportunity as the Marketing Manager which quickly led to CMO for Beyond The box Unlimited.
She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Voice T.H.E. Movement, Inc. ( VTM ), a registered 501c3 non-profit organization that she founded. VTM hosts annual empowerment workshop that impacts over 500 disadvantaged middle and high school boys & girls and has garnished the support of over 200 adult volunteers and community organizations.
Ivy Box is the proud author of the highly anticipated book, The 365 Go Get H.E.R.S.® Guide and believes that the sky is not the limit but only the beginning! The 365 Go Get H.E.R.S. Guide presents a comprehensive roadmap that delivers the tools necessary to establish and maintain a stable foundation, clear vision, self-empowerment, and maximum results through the culmination of happiness, education, respect and success.
Social Media: @MsIvyBox on Instagram, MsIvyBox on Twitter, MsIvyBox on Facebook, http://www.snapchat.com/MsIvyBoxSnapchat, Pinterest. @IvyBox on Youtube & Google + Website: www.MsIvyBox.com
We love it when we feature the Cool Bruhs on The Cool Soror Podcast! Today we are joined by Chase Harris, a dedicated member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. In this stimulating and raw conversation, Chase reminds us that we are exactly where we are because of what we think.
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, this thirty-something year old entrepreneur, motivator, and speaker is an agent for change. Having been frustrated with the educational system and how it purposefully leaves out our importance to culture and history, he teamed up Urban Intellectuals to fix this problem.
Chase graduated from Southern Illinois Univ. Carbondale with a B.S. in Finance. He furthered his education by completing his M.B.A. in Finance from Colorado Technical University.
Today, when he is not creating, he speaks at conferences/churches and gives lectures to high school/university students nationwide, on the topics of investing, living vs. existing, history, culture and the importance of helping others in our community.
Social Media: IG:urban intellectuals TW: urban intellectuals FB: @urbanintellectuals www.myblackhistoryflashcards.com
We are ecstatic about this Cool Soror. Marshawn Evans Daniels, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is what you call a true “go-getter!” She is a Reinvention Strategist, Influence Expert and Best-Selling Author known as The Godfidence® Coach. A master in teaching the art of manifestation, this former Sports Attorney, Miss America Finalist and Donald Trump Apprentice, left her full-time job as a stuffy big-firm lawyer and turned her passion for people into a million-dollar enterprise just a few years ago. She helps women to Believe Bigger, Live Bigger and Profit Bigger so that they can ultimately Give Bigger.
As the Chairwoman of the Godfidence Institute & Business School, her firm's courses, events, and results- based coaching programs equip influencers and entrepreneurs to monetize and market their message to the massess. Her signature programs include the Speak for Pay® Bootcamp, Brand Class, Attract Sponsors, Find Your Purpose, and The Godfidence Women's Summit.
Featured regularly on CNN, Fox Business, and ESPN, her client roster includes HP, Home Depot, Ernst & Young, Delta, Tiffany & Co., Nike, Rolls Royce and NFL & NBA Athletes. She previously founded and led EDGE 3M Sports & Entertainment (one of the fastest growing, women-owned sports agencies in the country) and Executive Produced The Caring EDGE Awards honoring the charitable endeavors of pro athletes and entertainers.
Marshawn’s first best-selling book, SKIRTS in the Boardroom, is published by Wiley, the largest business book publisher in the world. It was the first time Wiley published a business book with an African- American female under the age of thirty! Her new book Believe Bigger with Simon & Schuster teaches the 5 Keys to SHIFTING into Your Life Purpose.
Join the purpose movement at www.Marshawn.com.
You will be intrigued by the latest edition of The Cool Soror Podcast and our Cool Bruh Feature with Will Packer. A dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., this St. Petersburg, Florida native is and has been making major moves in Hollywood and beyond.
He is the Founder and CEO of Will Packer Media, a first-of-its-kind media company, producing episodic scripted and unscripted series across television and digital platforms, compelling content for brand clients, and its own operated platforms.
Prior to founding Will Packer Media, the Emmy® nominated Producer established himself as one of Hollywood’s blockbuster hit makers with nine of his films opening number one at the box office. In 2013, Packer signed first-look production deals with Universal Pictures and Universal Television. Under both deals, he develops new projects for the studios under his Will Packer Productions banner. Packer’s number one films include Ride Along 2 (2016), No Good Deed (2014), Think Like A Man Too (2014), Ride Along (2014), Think Like A Man (2012), Takers (2010), Obsessed (2008) and Stomp The Yard (2007).
Packer’s latest number one comedy, Girls Trip, debuted in theaters on July 21, 2017. It was the best start for an R-rated comedy in two years, and the largest opening Live Action Comedy of 2017, earning over $100 Million at the Box Office. It was the first film to do so produced, directed, written by, and starring African Americans. In August 2015, he served as an executive producer on Straight Outta Compton, a biopic of the rap group N.W.A, that opened number one at the box office, grossed an astounding $201 million, became the biggest ever August debut for an R-rated movie and the best opening weekend for a music biopic—EVER.
His most successful film to date is Universal’s Ride Along, starring Ice Cube and Kevin Hart, that opened number one at the box office in 2014 with record-breaking receipts totaling $48.6 million during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend opening of the film, making it one of the biggest January opening box office tallies of all time. The film also went on to be number one at the box office for three consecutive weeks and grossed over $154 million worldwide. Ride Along 2 debuted in theaters on January 15, 2016 unseating Star Wars: The Force Awakens from the number one slot.
In August 2015, Think Like A Man, the film adaptation of Steve Harvey’s bestselling book, ‘Act Like A Lady, Think Like a Man’ grossed over $96 million worldwide and won the 2013 BET Award for Best Movie. Stomp The Yard held at number one for two weekends and received the 2007 Movie of the Year honors from the BET Hip Hop Awards while Obsessed, featuring mega-star Beyoncé, was Screen Gems’ third highest opening in company history when it debuted. Packer also enjoyed the success of his holiday film This Christmas (2007) which grossed nearly $50 million worldwide as well as About Last Night (2014) that hit theaters during Valentine’s Day weekend and opened as the #1 romantic comedy in America. His film The Wedding Ringer, starring Hart and Josh Gad, holds the world record as the number one R-rated comedy opening in January. Most recently, his second holiday film; Almost Christmas, opened as the #1 comedy in America. Collectively, Will Packer’s films have grossed over $900 million.
With television and new media under his belt as well, he truly understands that it takes more than luck to accomplish any of this. It takes God’s blessings and a whole bunch of “WILL POWER.” Will Packer is that personified.
Social Media: IG: @willpowerpacker www.willpackermedia.com
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Tasia Grant. A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this Washington D.C. native has a passion for the art of acting. Her love for acting started at age 7 with the Children's Urban-Arts Ensemble (CUE) community theatre group in Washington, DC and continued through college, but she eventually began a corporate career. About 12 years ago, she returned to her passion. With theatre being her foundation and first love, she returned to the stage in The Renaissance Project Theatre productions of A Raisin in the Sun, in the role of “Ruth Younger” and in Steel Magnolias, as “M’Lynn”, and as "Annie Sullivan" in The Miracle Worker, to name a few.
She eventually transitioned into film and television earning roles in films like Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and “Single Moms Club”, a supporting role in TVOne’s "Skinned", directed by LisaRaye McCoy and and a leading role in TVOne original film “Definitely Divorcing, alongside Columbus Short, Robin Givens, Golden Brooks, and other amazing actors. Some of her TV work includes House of Cards, The Vampire Diaries, TheQuad, Mann & Wife, Finding Carter, and she is currently in her third season of Saints and Sinners, in the recurring role of Samantha Pearson. Look for her in the upcoming films " The Bargain" and "Shades of Attraction " as well the web series "Thick Skin" as abusive mother, "Naomi".
She taught acting classes to young children at Terri Vaughn’s “The Green Room” and to beginner/intermediate adults at The Alchemy of Acting, as well as previously conducting workshops entitled “Getting Your Kids in the Biz”, helping parents and children navigate through the process of getting started in the acting business. She attributes her success in this journey to God's favor, an incomparable support system, hard work, training, focus and to enjoying and appreciating every ounce of this experience as an actor... the good, the bad and the ugly. But acting has always given her an “Intrinsic Reward.”
Social Media: FB – Tasia Grant, IG – tasiagrantactress, Twitter – tasiagrant Website: www.imdb.me/tasiagrant
Financial Guru & Good Steward® Coach Shawn D Rochester is the CEO of Good Steward and a financial mentor and strategist to individuals and families striving to become legacy creators…those looking to become a Good Steward of their resources and put themselves in a position to leave an inheritance for their children’s children. Shawn teaches through Good Steward that having a strong personal financial management foundation is a critical component for developing strong families, communities and global competitiveness.
Just a few years ago he transitioned from his esteemed full-time job as a seasoned corporate development and strategy executive within the private, public and nonprofit sectors, and turned his passion for people into a thriving enterprise as a speaker, financial coach and entrepreneur becoming CEO of Good Steward LLC. Now through Good Steward University®, he provides education, strategy, resources, and coaching to help individuals and families develop the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding necessary to: increase household cash flow to dramatically increase savings/investments, eliminate debt and seed into the Kingdom.
His nationally acclaimed financial course The Good Steward Financial Empowerment Series, which is the foundation of his coaching program, is taught online through Good Steward University and in churches, empowerment conferences, and through groups. The sought after course combines bible based truths on money and stewardship while also addressing cultural concerns of African Americans examining Shawn’s extensive and life-changing research on what he calls the “The Black Tax”®.
Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Rochester, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The Chicago Booth School of Business with a focus on Accounting, Finance & Entrepreneurship. He lives in Southbury CT with his wife and two children.
Order his new book “The Black Tax” at www.theblacktaxed.com and find out more about his mission at www.GoodStewardLiving.com.
Today we are joined by Wendell Cole, A Cool Bruh of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This Brooklyn, New York native, by way of Marietta, Georgia is a 4th year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Georgia State University at 20-years-old.
He has always had an avid interest in medicine, sports and entrepreneurship. With a history of starting businesses, he kicked off his first startup during the early part of medical school. Since then, he has ventured into many different fields including network marketing and real estate.
His passion is seeking knowledge and giving back to the community. His current projects include his podcast- Convos With Cole, where he interviews guests from varied backgrounds. He has hopes to have a career in Orthopaedic Surgery and will soon be working on another project related to Orhopaedic Surgery education.
Wendell Cole already has a lot on his plate, but that has never stopped him and probably never will. As he stated firmly, “I don’t believe in limits.”
You will certainly understand why.
Social Media: IG: IamDrCole / TW: IamDrCole / FB: @IamDrCole www.iamdrcole.com
Our host, Rashan Ali shares lessons she and her husband have learned during their 15 years of marriage. This funny, intimate and witty conversation showcases the vulnerability of love.
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes filmmaker, visionary, producer, content creator Stacey L. Holman. This Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc is doing some outstanding work telling the stories of African American people through film. In her words, this is her story:
From Dillard University in the Big Easy to Tisch School of the Arts in the Big Apple, I have honed my passion to write, produce and direct films that speak to matters of the heart, human insecurities, and bring light to treasured sub-cultures. Some of my works that address these themes include: Mirar Mirror, Girl Talk, Lumiette, Surrender (part of the anthology 6 Things I Never Told You) and Dressed Like Kings. My world in film has moved between narrative and documentary. On several projects, I have been able to blend the two genres structurally and visually.
I have also brought my experience to several incredible historical films as Producer, Co- Producer, Line Producer, and Associate Producer. My portfolio includes the Peabody Award-winning Freedom Summer and the Emmy Award-winning Freedom Riders produced and directed by Stanley Nelson, the Emmy Award-winning Jesse Owens, andMary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band, which aired on PBS affiliates. Through these projects, I have worked to breathe life into history for new and diverse audiences, to demonstrate its relevance for our present and to preserve it for future generations. My film territory even expanded into the world of philanthropy as a consultant with the JustFilms unit at the Ford Foundation. Recently I was one of the producers on Stanley Nelson's most recent project Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities which airs on PBS’ Independent Lens in February 2018. Currently, I serve as one of four producers/directors on Skip Gates documentary Reconstruction and the Birth of Jim Crow.
Stacey is a part of a masterpiece and will continue to create important work for years to come. We should all be glad she’s behind the lens.
Social Media:
www.blackbutterflyproductions.net
hbcurising
Our host, Rashan Ali takes a moment to drop a few gems to help you reach your higher thought of who you are. Along the pathway of realizing who you are truly meant to be, everybody won't be a part of the ascension.
Instagram @rashanali
Twitter @rashanali
Facebook Rashan Ali
We always love have The Cool Bruh feature on the Cool Soror Podcast. Today we re joined by Lin Rountree: a cool brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Soul-Trumpeter, is an accomplished recording artist, producer and live performer. With Six solo projects, Twelve Top 20 Billboard singles (including a certified #1), and numerous collaborations with some of the industry's top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit he is poised to become one of the most renowned artists of his generation.
Lin began playing the trumpet in Alexandria VA., when he was just 11-years-old and frequently attended music development programs at The Duke Ellington School for Performing Arts in Washington DC. Upon his graduation from High School, Lin was recruited into the Music program at Florida A&M University where he performed with the famed Marching 100 under the direction of William P. Foster and Dr. Julian White.
After receiving his degree from FAMU he found his home in Detroit, Michigan where he formed a band and performed extensively throughout the region. In 2004, he released his debut CD, GROOVETREE on independent label BDK Records, which was met with international acclaim. After releasing one more CD under BDK: SUMTHIN' GOOD and another SOUL-TREE, The Soul-Jazz Experience (self released) also to rave reviews, he was sought after and signed to major label, Trippin' N Rhythm Records, where he subsequently wrote and co-produced three more projects: SERENDIPITOUS, SOULFUNKY and his current CD, STRONGER STILL featuring the #1 Billboard Hit Single "Pass The Groove."
This amazing musician recognized his gift early and he is continuing the journey making his trumpet sing.
Social Media: FB: Lin Rountree TW: @linrountree IG: @linrountree
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes singer, Keia Johnson: a Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Known for her bigger than life laugh and sultry voice, Keia is no stranger to the entertainment business. A certified military brat, Keia Johnson was born in San Antonio, TX but grew up all over the world. It was the move to Memphis that helped her establish her sound and performance style. She has performed with some of the best talent Memphis has to offer.
In 2003, Keia continued to lead the way by being crowned the third African-American Miss Arkansas State University – a path blazed by Debby Turner, an ASU alumnus, who would later become Miss America in 1990. Keia went on to the Miss Arkansas Pageant where she was crowned Miss Congeniality, a name that stuck with her for years to come. She graduated with a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Radio/Television Broadcasting and a minor in Political Science. But the arts kept calling her name.
Years later, it was American Idol that served as the true catalyst for “Miss Congeniality” to go to Hollywood where she wowed the judges for two seasons. Her audition performance of Celine Dion’s vocally rigorous “My Heart Will Go On” prompted guest judge and musical role model Mary J. Blige to simply declare: “She can sing!” Keia later went on to compete on Season 4 of “The Voice” as well.
Being on a talent competition taught her that her love for music was more than just winning. She just had to keep singing. And that she has done aptly honing her “gift of song.”
Social Media: www.keiajohnson.com Instagram @therealkeia, Twitter @contactkeia
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Sheree Alexis to the show. A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this Chicago native originally set out to be a doctor. But her fun and stylish upbringing led her into a life she truly embraces and adores. A full time mother and seamstress, Sheree Alexis is building an empire with beautiful, unique styles that have her clients and fans wanting more.
Sheree Alexis offers timeless and fashion-forward pieces, inspired by everyday beauty. Her diverse line is represented by many collections, which have developed from ideas to realities throughout her career as a seamstress. Her goal is to create exclusive designs that each wearer can adapt to freely express their own style.
This fun and engaging conversation is an example of not knowing the path and going their anyway. Sheree Alexis is doing just that.
Social Media: www.shereealexis.com @shereealexis
The Cool People feature of the week is a woman who is truly running for change: Alison Desir. A native of Englewood, New Jersey, she is leading the pack one step at a time.
Named by Women's Running as one of twenty women who are changing the sport of running and the world, Alison is the founder of Harlem Run (an NYC-based running movement) and Run 4 All Women (an initiative that has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood), and just launched the podcast Finding Meaning (on the RUN), available on iTunes, Google Music, SoundCloud and Stitcher.
Alison is currently featured alongside American Ballet Theatre® principal ballerina Misty Copeland, world champion sprinter Natasha Hastings, professional stuntwoman Jessie Graff, and Chinese taekwondo champion and actress Zoe Zhang (Lanxin Zhang) in Under Armor’s latest global campaign, Unlike Any, which celebrates and honors the unprecedented achievements of female athletes that rise above gender comparisons and stand on their own as marvels of athletic prowess.
Passionate about community, mental health and fitness, Alison's nickname, “powdered feet,” comes from the Haitian Kreyol saying, which describes a person so active that you never see them, just the footprints of where they’ve been in powder. Alison started running distance after a period of depression, and, over the past 4 years, has been able to Find Meaning on the Run. When Alison is not running, she is working to resolve and speaking passionately about issues related to women and girls.
Social Media: www.alisonmdesir.com IG: @alisonmdesir TW: @alisonmdesir FB: Alison Mariella Desir
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Shennice Cleckley to the show! A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Shennice is the epitome of joy! This baker, author, freelance writer and coach and former government policy director knows how to grasp life by its horns and make some incredible music.
She attributes her passion for abundant living to her unorthodox faith in God’s power to change any situation by His grace.
Shennice is the author and illustrator of three children's books that are titled “Please Wait Mommy’s Working”, “Meet Lewis’ Big Family” and “Have You Seen My Little Tooth”. She also shares her story of teen motherhood in an anthology titled “There’s a Jewel In You”. Shennice is the content curator for her blog My Sweet Spot Life and a contributing writer for the Womeneur Blog, Edible Columbia Magazine, Edible Charleston Magazine, Columbia Living Magazine, Charleston Living Magazine and Wilmington Living Magazine.
Shennice is a graduate of Columbia College with degrees in Political Science and Public Affairs. She resides in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband LeBrian. Together they have four children and one grandchild. Shennice is all about the community, serving on various boards including two terms on the City of Columbia Accommodations Tax Board, Columbia College McNair Entrepreneurship Mentor And What's Next Midlands. In addition to being a Zeta she is also a dedicated member of the Junior League of Columbia.
Shennice Cleckley is living her year of manifestation, marking off each goal she accomplishes one at a time. This manifested joy resonates with every word she speaks.
Social Media: www.shennicecleckley.com www.mommyandlewis.com
Twitter: @iamshennice IG: @iamshennicec FB: Shennice
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to the show: Sonia Jackson Myles. A native of Saginaw, Michigan, she graduated summa cum laude from Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a BS in Business Administration (1989) and an MBA in Marketing (1990). Before launching her Sister Accord business full-time, Sonia was an executive in Corporate America with over 20 years of experience, managing over $20 Billion in spend. She has worked for Ford Motor Company, The Gillette Company and The Procter & Gamble Company. Her last corporate role was as P&G’s Director, Global Packaging Purchases, where she managed $6 Billion in spend.
Sonia was named one of Essence Magazine’s “Women of Power” in 2008, Bloomberg Report’s “History Makers” in 2009, Trumpet Award Foundation’s “Women in High Heels” in 2010. Sonia was inducted into FAMU’s School of Business and Industry’s Hall of Fame in 2011, and was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Executives in Marketing & Advertising. In 2012, Sonia was named one of FAMU’s 125 Outstanding Alumni, in celebration of the University’s 125th Anniversary, and was awarded The Gillette Legacy Award. Sonia was nominated for a 2013 NAACP Image Award, in the Debut Author category, for her book, The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To LOVE Your Sister.
Sonia is the Founder, President & CEO of The Sister Accord Foundation, which has 3 areas of focus: Educating girls and women, Enlightening girls and women of the Power of Sisterhood and Eradicating bullying and violence against girls and women. She is also the Founder & CEO of The Accord Group LLC, which is a leadership development, employee engagement, branding & diversity consultancy. She currently serves as the Chair for FAMU’s School of Business & Industry’s Advisory Board. Sonia is also a Board Member for The Impact Young Lives Foundation, which supports leadership development for youth in S. Africa, and Fresh Start Beverage Company.
Her mantra is “There is always a seat at the table for excellence—focus on being excellent.”
Social Media: IG: @the sisteraccord TW: @the sister accord FB: @the sister accord www.thesisteraccord.com, www.dreamwalkingcourse.com and www.soniajacksonmyles.com
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about yoga and meditation, Sherrell Moore-Tucker is the perfect person and she is our Cool People feature today.
She is a best-selling author, speaker, and wellness professional who focuses on wellness as a lifestyle! She specializes in showing people how manage daily stress, health and social trauma by learning how to "Breathe In, Stress Out".
Sherrell is the creator of Faith & Flow Yoga®. A yoga practice that teaches people how to use their faith, body, breath, and flow to raise their level of consciousness, reconnecting with the creator, and themselves on a deeper mental, spiritual, and physical level. She also, created Sisters Who Meditate® as an international movement to educate and support women who want to cultivate a spiritual practice utilizing Christian meditation and prayer to deepen their relationship with God.
She is passionate about educating people about mind-body principles that are applicable for everyday living. She serves your community by educating and teaching communities and businesses about various forms of yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques for stress management, social and health related trauma and self-care.
Hearing Sherrell talk about yoga and meditation in such a beautiful and personal way, will truly make you want to start the journey yourself. As she stated so eloquently in this episode, there is beauty in a “powerful mind.” From the beginning to end you, will see why she has one.
Social Media: IG: @sherrellmooretucker, FB: @sherrellmooretucker, TW: @sherrellmooretucker
It’s always COOL to have COOL PEOPLE on The Cool Soror Podcast and Genise Shelton is just that. She is a mother of six and married to the love of her life, Dr. Courtney Shelton. The Chicago native is an actress, author and philanthropist who also co-starred in season four of BRAVO’s “Married to Medicine.” She decided to use her platform to push for change after 8 African American girls went missing in the DC area in 2017.
She was moved to launch Our Children’s Keeper Foundation, which was created to help end modern day slavery of child sex trafficking and recover abducted and missing children in Atlanta and surrounding areas. OCK works to prevent the sexual exploitation of youth and helps current victims find confidence, strength and stability beyond the limitations of their current lifestyle.
Genise is very passionate about platforms that affect the very foundation of our community - homelessness, sex trafficking of minors, and domestic abuse of children. She has witnessed, first-hand, the impact that both can have on an individual. She has added author to her growing list of titles including her debut book, Married to Fitness which chronicles her fitness journey.
Although she carries many titles, one that is nearest to her heart (outside of being a wife and mother) is saving our children who are being trafficked at staggering numbers. She is truly “Our Children’s Keeper.”
Social Media: IG: officialgenise Twitter: @officialgenise Twitter: @ockfoundation IG: @OurChildrensKeeper
It’s always cool to have the Cool Bruhs on the show! Kirk Brown, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joins the Cool Soror Podcast. This Bronx, New York native is a true light in philanthropy. Serving as the Head of Development for The Ron Clark Academy and one of the co-founders of the Emerging 100, it’s no wonder why this intelligent young brother lives his life with purpose.
Born to hard-working Jamaican parents, he received the seed of the gift of giving by seeing their example. His heartbeat is a direct result of that seed. He lives by a Winston Churchill favorite: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Kirk Brown is doing just that, blessing young people and anyone he comes in contact with. When asked what he wanted people to know about him, he responded.
“I’m a Newlywed. Connector. Founder. Traveler. Community servant. I’m just a regular who enjoys giving back to the people serving the community. I get it from my parents.”
There is nothing regular about that.
Social Media: IG: @kirkandre
Our host, Rashan Ali offers a few words of wisdom to help you write out your plan. In this 10 minute episode, she recalls her own plan for The Cool Soror Podcast and how writing the vision for her dream opened the door to fruition. She encourages you to do the same in 2018!
It’s another “Cool People” episode of the Cool Soror Podcast and we are delighted to have ESPN’s own Cari Champion join us. This California native is the epitome of Black Girl Magic as the host of Coast To Coast one one of the world’s most popular networks.
Prior to joining Coast To Coast, Cari served as the host of ESPN2’s First Take, where she shared the debate table with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith and moderated their debate topics while offering her perspective and insight. She knew she wanted more so she set out to “knock on doors until I got a Yes!” Her ‘yes’ came in 2015.
Before ESPN, Champion was an anchor and courtside reporter at the Tennis Channel. She also served as an entertainment/lifestyle reporter doing features for The Insider, Hollywood 411 and Starz Entertainment. She has spent time at WCGL in Atlanta as an anchor and reporter.
While her resume and bio speaks volumes about her professional career, it’s who Cari is as a woman that rings loudly. She has a mentoring program that matches young women and girls with career guides in the field of sports journalism. With that, she has served as a mentor to our host, Rashan Ali and helped her doing a pivotal moment in her career. They talk about that moment during this in depth conversation.
Cari Champion lights up the television screen talking all things sports, but her beauty resonates from within. We are all blessed to witness her simply being herself and it shows that in this world all you need is one yes. And the rest, they say, is history.
Social Media: IG: carichampion
Tw: carichampion
FB: @carichampion
Dr. Nina Gilbert joins The Cool Soror Podcast today! A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Gilbert is a Georgia native, and the daughter of two life-long educators. After working in clinical and corporate settings after college, she eventually decided to follow in her parent’s footsteps, and has now spent over 20 years as an educator and advocate for children.
Dr. Nina spent ten years as an educator in the Gwinnett County School System before leaving in 2008 to open Georgia’s first single gender charter school. In four years her small school that started with 150 girls of color, grew into a network of three schools that served over 1,500 students. In 2013, Dr. Nina transitioned from the K12 sector into higher education. She has served as an adjunct professor, and Senior Advisor on Education Reform at Morehouse College, as well as Mercer University where she was a professor in the Tift College of Education.
She has completed several national education fellowships, and has been profiled by Rolling Out and Essence magazines and The Root.com for her contributions to public education. She was the recipient of Maybelline’s Beauty of Education Award, and has been recognized on both CNN and Fox and Friends for her commitment to her students. In her local community, she has been recognized as an Outstanding Georgia Citizen by the Secretary of State, NAACP and the Atlanta Business League who named her as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Atlanta.
A writer, speaker, workshop facilitator and consultant who spends a great deal of her time serving as a thought leader and advisor to several organizations that support education and community engagement initiatives across the country. Currently, Dr. Gilbert the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of EdCollab Atlanta, and is also a Senior Fellow at the Urban Education Collaborative at UNC Charlotte.
Her life’s mission is to continue to press the envelope and the reason why she continues to do it: “For The Love Of Education.”
Social Media: IG-NinaLGilbert1 Twitter @NinalGilbert1 Website: www.drninalgilbert.com and www.edcollabatlanta.com
In the words of our host, Rashan Ali:
It’s not every day you get to sit down with a musical genius and I’m not referencing the two artists who Cole Cuchna dissects on his beautifully crafted podcast. I am directly speaking of the craftsmanship and intellect it takes to break down songs that to the regular ear simply sounds great. But after listening to the words and critical examination of Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West on The Dissect Podcast, I clearly understand their artistry and pure legend. I knew they were special, but hearing each song from two masterpieces like “To Pimp and Butterly” and “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,” I gained an understanding of how truly gifted these two are.
It takes someone who has a real passion for musicianship and art to assist us in grasping the enormity that lies in such brilliance. Cole Cuchna masters this profound research like your favorite history book with each song having its own chapter.
I have always been enamored of great writers and Cole’s work is to be admired. Perhaps it takes a genius to understand another. Add Cole Cuchna to the list of the brilliant music, life and lyrics of the people he DISSECTS.
Social Media: Tw: dissectpodcast
IG: @dissectpodcast
Melissa St. Joy joins The Cool Soror Podcast today. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Fort Lauderdale, Florida native, this extremely gifted educator has a passion for teaching students in their own unique way. She found her way into the classroom and into the hearts of children after receiving her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Florida A&M University. Taking the nontraditional route, Melissa jumped at the opportunity to join Teach For America and she has been growing students ever since.
Currently, Melissa is an assistant principal in the Atlanta area. She is a focused educational leader with a proven track record of increasing student achievement. She drives the implementation of school improvement plan in collaboration with the administrative leadership team, modeling instructional leadership necessary to achieve ambitious academic goals of the school and district.
Melissa does this and so much more with the type of vigor and tenacity that each parent desires for their child. As she succinctly put it, “I am the type of educator that I would want for my own children.”
That type of self awareness and confidence has been proven over and over from the way students excel under her tutelage. This work is not for the faint at heart and it takes a person like Melissa who knows every child is worth the investment. When you have this type of God given ability, you know it’s a gift: it’s called the gift of teaching.
Social Media: Twitter: @HeritageEagleAP IG: @stjeezy19
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Tiffany Porter, a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is groundbreaking NFL agent and an accomplished Criminal Defense Attorney. Porter has represented several NFL players throughout the NFL Draft process, and is currently representing over 200 former NFL players in the NFL Concussion Lawsuit and current NFL players.
The Emory University School of Law alum is the Managing Partner at Porter Law Group and CEO of Zenith Sports & Entertainment Group in Atlanta. Porter is a proud HBCU graduate of Hampton University. She is also a devoted wife and loving mother of four. She is a sought after motivational speaker at colleges/universities, corporations and events where she shares her emotional and inspiring journey of overcoming being the child of an incarcerated parent as her mother spent half her childhood in prison and being a Breast Cancer Survivor. She speaks about both in depth in this episode.
Porter has been profiled and interviewed on ESPN's TheUndefeated, HelloBeautiful, MadameNoire, NBC, Rolling Out, News One Now, Sister Circle and ESPN Radio. She is one of the few women NFL agents and even fewer Black women NFL agents.
Tiffany’s life has been one that many would have given up on, but her resilience has kept her true to her belief in herself. The world is grateful she did.
Social Media: www.ZenithSportsAgency.com Twitter: @AgentPorterESQ
Michelle Latrice Allen joins the Cool Soror Podcast today. A dedicated member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., this Atlanta native serves as the Infectious Diseases Section Director for the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Before becoming director, Michelle’s career path was primarily in field services where she served for fourteen years. She presently oversees statewide prevention services to ensure all activities and initiatives work in unison toward the goals of the program collaboration and service integrations. Michelle also assists in the development of policies and procedures and directs planning and operational activities. She is a shining example of what it means to be a champion for public health as she continually strives to move the Georgia Department of Public Health from “Good to Great”.
Michelle is an advocate for the prevention of HIV & AIDS and goes in depth about the many lives she’s been able to touch along the way. She speaks about many of these life-changing experiences not only for the people she serves, but also for herself.
She knows that her life is to spread awareness about infectious diseases and continue to be at the forefront of preventative measures. Michelle can do so with ease because service is a part of her DNA. This is why she knows full well that she is blessed to be a blessing.
Shari’ Nycole joins the show today representing The Cool Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. A Calumet City, Illinois native, she was a collegiate athlete playing basketball at The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northern Illinois University. A communications major with a minor in journalism, this creative has always had the desire to make magic happen in front of and behind the television screen.
Following her undergraduate experience, Sharí Nycole's interest in journalism grew stronger and she chose to leave the hardwood for good. In August 2011, she earned a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism from The Medill School at Northwestern University. Shortly after receiving her master’s degree, Shari’ Nycole began her career in journalism as an associate producer for Towers Productions in Chicago, IL. While at Towers Productions, she gained a solid docu/reality foundation, working on television series such as, “Find Our Missing” and “Parole Diaries” for TV One and also “Mobsters” for the Biography channel. In October 2013, Sharí Nycole relocated to Washington, DC and joined a production team at TV One to launch the first black daily news program in broadcast history, “News One Now.” While at “News One Now,” Sharí Nycole also explored the freelance world, producing for a PBS talk show, “The Rock Newman Show.”
In May 2017, Sharí Nycole stepped out on faith and resigned from her positions at “News One Now” and “The Rock Newman Show” to explore other creative avenues. Less than one month later, she was offered and accepted a position in Atlanta as a segment producer for a new talk show, “Sister Circle Live,” which airs on TV One and select Tegna stations. She is living her life with direction and purpose that will ultimately land her where she desires to be: telling people’s stories with unapologetic impact.
Social Media: IG / TW: @shari_nycole FB: Shari Nycole www.sharinycole.com
Shari’ Nycole joins the show today representing The Cool Sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. A Calumet City, Illinois native, she was a collegiate athlete playing basketball at The University of Wisconsin-Madison and Northern Illinois University. A communications major with a minor in journalism, this creative has always had the desire to make magic happen in front of and behind the television screen.
Following her undergraduate experience, Sharí Nycole's interest in journalism grew stronger and she chose to leave the hardwood for good. In August 2011, she earned a Master of Science in Broadcast Journalism from The Medill School at Northwestern University.
Shortly after receiving her master’s degree, Shari’ Nycole began her career in journalism as an associate producer for Towers Productions in Chicago, IL. While at Towers Productions, she gained a solid docu/reality foundation, working on television series such as, “Find Our Missing” and “Parole Diaries” for TV One and also “Mobsters” for the Biography channel.
In October 2013, Sharí Nycole relocated to Washington, DC and joined a production team at TV One to launch the first black daily news program in broadcast history, “News One Now.” While at “News One Now,” Sharí Nycole also explored the freelance world, producing for a PBS talk show, “The Rock Newman Show.”
In May 2017, Sharí Nycole stepped out on faith and resigned from her positions at “News One Now” and “The Rock Newman Show” to explore other creative avenues. Less than one month later, she was offered and accepted a position in Atlanta as a segment producer for a new talk show, “Sister Circle Live,” which airs on TV One and select Tegna stations.
She is living her life with direction and purpose that will ultimately land her where she desires to be: telling people’s stories with unapologetic impact.
Social Media: IG: shari_nycole / TW: @shari_nycole FB: Shari Nycole www.sharinycole.com
Jessica Laine joins The Cool Soror Podcast today. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this fitness model, on-air fitness personality, boxer and health advocate is on a mission to change how people look at wellness. A Decatur, Georgia native, Jessica attended Spelman College where she majored in English and Comparative Women’s Studies. She is currently studying for a Master’s in Public Health in Nutritional Sciences from George Washington University.
During her tenure as a student, many of her peers struggled with obesity. Jessica took an immediate interest in health literacy and began using her talents to help her peers. She became the Student Ambassador for the Wellness Revolution and incorporated fitness boot camps and group sessions along with her personal training to make an impact. Once she began to realize how many lives she touched, her passion only grew.
Jessica founded her company, Fight For Your Life, while she was preparing and training as an amateur boxer for the Olympics. Defeated in her final fight, she pressed forward to continue to share her love for the sport and fitness. She realized that so many people were fighting obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other chronic illnesses. She knew the job had to be done. Through this company, she birthed her nonprofit organization, Beyond The Body, Inc.
This young woman is a pillar of strength for her peers and so many more. Her vibrant spirit and sincere desire for each of us to live healthier lives are evident in this episode. It is only apropos that we name it, “Fight For Your Life” because she is fighting so that we all can be better.
Social media: www.fightforyourlife.org IG: itsjessicalaine TW: itsjessicalaine FB: @itsjessicalaine
We are happy to welcome Stephanie Mitchell Hughes to the show. A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Stephanie is a servant to the community.
Born into a family of educators, Stephanie has had a passion for children her entire life. She works as an attorney and showcases her social activism in the areas of child advocacy, domestic violence, and empowering women and girls. Stephanie has represented children who are abused, neglected and dependent, advocated on behalf of children with learning differences, worked on local, state, and national initiatives in support of victims of domestic violence, and supported other programs to empower and educate women.
In February 2006, Stephanie became a single parent, with few resources, and no support. At the time, Stephanie had a law practice devoted to representing children in the child welfare system and older women in need of assistance with managing end of life issues. Despite all of her experience and education, Stephanie found it difficult to transition back into the traditional practice of law.
In the midst of parenting, running a household, and a fledgling law practice, Stephanie disconnected from the community and allowed all of her professional contacts to grow stale. However, Stephanie also realized that her difficulties as a single working mother stood in stark contrast to the challenges experienced by other single mothers with less education, even fewer resources, and no support. Stephanie openly shares her personal story so that other single mothers will learn from her many mistakes and to encourage them on their journey.
In October 2013, Stephanie talked about her journey as a single parent at TedxColumbus 2013. It is there that she spoke at length about growing in the valley and she goes even deeper in this episode aptly named, “No Longer Unraveling.” Her story will allow you to have a better understanding of the journey, particularly your own.
Social Media: Facebook: Stephanie Mitchell Hughes Instagram: @stephaniemitchellhughes Twitter: @srmhughes
Website: www.stephaniemitchellhughes.com
Our host, Rashan Ali reveals the 11 things she is most thankful for in this moving episode. Hear how she has changed her thoughts physically and mentally and how her closeness to God has evolved.
Instagram @rashanali
It’s our first ever Cool Couple episode with Darrell & Tacoma Perry. Darrell - A Cool Bruh of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Tacoma - A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. both attended Indiana University but their paths did not cross until well after their undergraduate years. They have been concurring the journey of love ever since and helping other couples along the way.
Tacoma is a television personality turned stay-at-home mother and Darrell Is a corporate executive at a Fortune 500 Company. Together, they have found their passion outside of these roles. Soulmates Over Soul Food is a vlog soon to turn video podcast dedicated to having real conversations with real married couples. The premise and purpose of SOS is to yield a lifetime of wisdom over a beautiful dinner. They talk with couples about what makes their marriages work as well as what lessons they have learned along the way. Hearing couples’ stories of love, loss, triumph and togetherness reaffirms what it means to be committed to another individual.
The Perry’s have a love story that is uniquely their own and continuing to spread the love they share is a true testimony to the type of people they are. Hearing them together personifies what real love should feel like. Their union is special and that is why it is essential that we meet them. You will be glad you did.
Social Media: www.soulmatesOverSoulFood.com FB: Darrell Perry TW: @D_PerryJr IG: Tacoma Perry TW: @TacomaPerry
It’s another Cool People episode of The Cool Soror Podcast with the amazing violinist Ken Ford. A native of Atlanta, Georgia Ken had the innate ability to understand music by ear before he was classically trained. He got his first violin at nine-years-old and the rest is melodious history.
Electric. A word that describes not only Ken Ford’s violin but aptly describes the man himself. His electrifying and deeply physical live performances have audiences up on their feet and into the aisles, feeling the music as much as he does. Far from being any quiet instrument, Ken’s infectious energy takes the violin center stage with amazing artistry and creativity, rocking out on the violin with passion and fervor.
A wonder to behold on stage, Ken’s evocative playing and passion for strings on the electric violin have enthralled fans of all ages, as well as peers from diverse genres, from jazz to blues, R&B to hip-hop and more. With a soul-stirring style that highlights all the voices of the violin, from sensuous and genteel to dramatic and muscular, Ken’s talents have brought him on stage and into the recording studio with a range of superstar artists including Bruno Mars, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Chaka Khan, Ledisi, Brian Culbertson, the late Barry White, Erykah Badu and more. Additionally, Ken had the pleasure and honor to play for our beloved First Lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama!
Early in his career, Ken followed his passion for violin but lived a dual life, working as an IT programmer while honing and indulging his love of music at night. He established himself on the scene with local artists and newcomers, attracting more and more fans and attention from national and international promoters and peers. From the bottom up, he has built his kingdom. It’s only right that he holds the crown of “The King of Strings.”
Social Media: www.kenford.net IG @kenfordkingofstrings FB kenfordkingofstrings
It is our pleasure to welcome Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Cool Soror, Dr. Shelia D. Williams to the show! She is a life strategist, author, John Maxwell Speaker, trainer, coach and radio show host from Central Florida. She obtained her Psychology degree from The University of Central Florida and also obtained her Master’s Degreee in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. Never limiting herself, she received her Doctorate in Leadership and Education from Barry University.
Dr. Williams had always wanted to gain a better understanding of mental illness due to her own mother’s battle with clinical depression and Multiple Sclerosis. She knew that there was some different about her mother, but her illness went undiagnosed for years. This, impart, was the result of the stigma associated with mental illness in the black community coupled with continually being misdiagnosed. Her mother finally got the answers she had been looking for, but not until Dr. Williams was well into her 20’s.
She knew the call on her life was to shatter the shame associated with mental illness by being vulnerable enough to share her compelling story as a witness. After years of refusal, Dr. Williams’ mother gave her the blessing to move forward with writing, “My Mother’s Keeper” days before her death. In this book, she confesses the she carried the “family secret” for over 30 years because of her mother’s embarrassment of her diagnosis. It is her goal to end the stigma associated with mental illnesses. She believes that it is important to start and continue the conversation about mental illness and understand that it is a part of our health.
Dr. Shelia D. Williams is truly her mother’s keeper. And because of that, so many people are beginning to tell the secrets and find the solutions.
Social Media: IG: @DrSheilaDWilliams FB: DrSheila D Williams Tw: DrSheila
Site: www.DrSheilaDWilliams.com & info@JohnCMaxwellGroup.com/SheilaWilliams
We welcome Dr. Shayla Cornick to the show! A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and a Decatur, Georgia native, Dr. Cornick has traveled a very unique path!
She an educator, researcher and entrepreneur and has a strong passion for fitness and education with an unyielding desire to help others discover their best and be their best.
Dr. Cornick is the owner of CYCLED!, an upscale boutique, indoor cycling studio with locations in Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland and the Takoma Park neighborhood of Washington, DC. She found her passion in fitness over 10 years ago, and opening CYCLED! has undoubtedly allowed her to combine her love for spinning and helping others. As a Spinning certified instructor, Dr. Cornick has devoted her life to fitness not only because of the benefits she has personally received, but also to motivate, empower and support others on their journey towards healthier, happier lifestyles.
With over 14 years of experience in education, Dr. Cornick continues to fuel her passion for helping others. As an educational consultant, she’s able to identify the needs of educators and students, share information to support their growth, and provide evidence to celebrate their accomplishments.
This woman embraces life and calls herself the “The Chief Happiness Officer!” Her desire is to spread happiness everywhere she goes. She is definitely getting that done through every push of the pedal at CYCLED!
Social Media: www.cycledmd.com IG: @ShaylaLatrice @CYCLEDMd
It’s always dope to feature Cool People on The Cool Soror Podcast and today is no different! We welcome attorney, author and actor Tiffany M. Simmons.
With a knack for creative reinvention and an unsurmountable hustle, Tiffany is determined to leave her mark on the entertainment industry. As an undefeated attorney and CEO of the Simmons Law Firm, she’s already demonstrated her prowess to exceed expectations. Therefore, adding another notch to her already impressive belt of achievements is no surprise.
Her next move is her most challenging yet and she’s opening up to allow others a front row view of how she intends to get it done. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan – one of the notably worst cities for African-Americans who live below the poverty level and have the least access to quality public education – Tiffany was determined to create a new path. She became heavily involved in the arts but was equally fascinated with the jobs behind the scenes. This thirst led her to law school and the rest is history!
With a strong concentration in Entertainment Law, Tiffany remained in the thick of the industry – patiently awaiting her return to the arts as an entertainer. After completing acting classes at the world renowned Tasha Smith Acting Workshop (TSAW), she was ready and eager to get back to the world of creativity.
Not only is Tiffany building her acting resumé, but she’s also taking the literary world by storm. With the release of her fourth novel, The Plug’s Lawyer – a trap novel about a good girl with street habits – she’s also added the title, AUTHOR, to her impressive repertoire.
Tiffany is winning the fight of this life and she is continuing to make moves in the rink. She embraces every round for the win. That’s what undefeated looks like.
Social Media: Twitter: @iamsimmonslaw IG: @officialsimmonslaw @thatslawebook @theplugslawyer
FB: Simmons Law, Tiff M. Simmons
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Dr. Kimberly Manning a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This Inglewood, California native has a heart of gold and to be in her presence at any given moment is truly a gift. A medical physician, affectionately known as “The Grady Doc,” Dr. Manning has an innate passion for her patients and a resounding kindness that every human being should encapsulate. Her official title is Associate Professor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Attending Physician/Clinician Educator at Grady Memorial Hospital but she is so much more.
A friend to everyone she meets, Dr. Manning describes herself as the following:
“I’m a wife. I’m a doctor. I’m a mom. I’m a thinker. I’m a doer. I’m an innovator. I’m a writer. I’m a teacher. I’m a leader. I laugh hard every day. I cry at least once every day. I live my life with intention and purpose. I try very hard to use my gifts and to be kind. “
You can see her passion in words on her blog: TheGradyDoctor.com
Dr. Manning’s zest for life has always been within her, but after the sudden passing of her older sister and soror in 2012, she has vowed to make the most of every single moment in life. She finds the good in any and all situations. We should all have just a little taste of what this good doctor orders. Her order? Kindness on a platter. Kindness personified.
Social Media: Twitter: @gradydoctor
www.GradyDoctor.com
This Cool People Episode with Ciji Townsend offers 15 minutes of power to teach you how to make the most of your busy life! Ciji Townsend, a change agent. PR specialist and corporate executive offers tangible ways to execute our days with the most effectiveness, including simply getting a watch to curve distractions.
Who is Ciji? She is a believer, wife and a friend but most importantly she is genuine and authentic on her everyday journey to live balanced not busy and provide practical solutions to others (mostly strangers) to find balance and ultimately shift from crazy busy to confident calm.
Ciji has been intrigued by the word, busy since she was six years old. Surrounded by working parents and grandparents, everyone seemed to be really really busy…ALL of the time. Ciji was initiated into her family’s secret society of busy people when she turned 13. Her over programmed social calendar, full schedule and ridiculous amount of commitments from school sports to the youth and government club was an official rite of passage.
Ciji remained in the secret society and committed to the condition of being busy in high school, college and for many years post-graduation. Until one day a light bulb went off and she no longer wanted to respond to “how are you?” with the overused response, “I’m so busy!” She will show you how to remain balanced, not busy one step at a time!
Social Medial: Instagram: @balancednotbusy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balancednotbusy/ Twitter: @balancednotbusy Website: balancednotbusy.com
We are happy to have Lakeshia P. Dixon join the Cool Soror Podcast! A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., this educator, activist, wife and mother has taken life by its horns and led the way. A native of Miami, Florida and mother of three, she strives to impart to her children the importance of education and always putting your best self forward. You can feel her incredible energy and zest for life with every utterance.
Lakeshia wears many hats and the one with likely the most flair is the colorful hat of motherhood. Noticing her son, Kaiden begin to experience pain in his leg at a very young age, she dug deeper to get the answers she needed. That answer would not come until years later which resulted in her son’s leg being amputated. But what could have been deemed something completely life-altering has turned into an opportunity to educate people about children with physical differences. With that, “Kaiden The Great and the Sinister Lunch Lady” was born as well as Kaiden’s Crew, a non-profit organization that provides assistive devices to these children.
She operates an Educational Enrichment company and provides support to local schools within her community. When asked how she prevails through uncertain times, Lakeshia simply states:
“One day, TODAY, will be a long time ago. Knowing this, you can always push forward because your greater is certain to come.”
This epitomes resilence and so does she.
Social Media: IG: @keshiawrites TW: @keshiawrites IG: @kaidenthegreat_ www.lakeshiapdixon.com www.kaidenthegreat.com
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Chiquita Lockley, a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
She is the producer and director of the forthcoming documentary, Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility (2018). She is also the producer of the award-winning documentary Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home Without Shackles (www. http://www.kuntakintehislandmovie.com/, courtesy ERoss Studios). She holds a BA in English from Spelman College and an MA in Film Studies from Emory University.
Chiquita specializes in live event production, providing creative direction and production management for artists’ tours including: Tasha Cobbs, Kierra Sheard, William Murphy, Bishop Paul Morton and others.
In 2013, she made her theatrical debut as playwright of the musical Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker Present: A Mother’s Love. Scenes from the musical, starring Kandi, Eddie Levert, Shirley Murdock, and Porsha Williams were featured on the season finale of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”.
Having spent the last 15+ years working in Faith-based television and media, Chiquita authored the book Creative Worship: 86 Tips for Establishing a Dynamic Worship, Media & Production Team. She is also the author of children’s book, Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven?, which seeks to demystify the Circle of Life for children and parents alike.
Chiquita has done so much, but her mission to spread the word about fertility issues that women of color face is at the top of the list. “Eggs Over Easy” proves to be an eye-opener for a conversation that has not been heard enough.
Social Media: www.ChiquitaLockley.com www.EggsOverEasyFilm.com IG: @QuitaWrites
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Dr. Candace White-Jackson to the show. She is a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and is a board certified primary care physician practicing medicine in the Greater Atlanta area. She is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University School of Osteopathic Medicine with an Advanced Masters Degree in Public Health. Dr. White has a strong interest in health disparities and racial inequalities. Dr. White is a national spokesperson and medical consultant for Wholistic Growth for Generations. A non-profit organization dedicated to education and promoting healthy lifestyles for all for youth, providing substantive programs to help them attain a better quality of life.
Dr. White has also founded White Light Wellness organization. The organization is geared towards empowering and enlightening youth and adults through promotion of public health, mentorship, scholarship, education, disease prevention, fitness and recreation. Dr. White’s own personal history as a collegiate athlete, and medical professional is a uniquely qualifying attribute of her healthy living platform.
Dr. White’s list of accomplishments began prior to her career in medicine. This Gainesville, FL native attended the revered Florida A&M University on a full track Scholarship. She balanced her rigorous academic life while still making inroads on campus and having been named Miss Florida A&M University 1998-1999, was a member of the White and Gold Honor Society, FGAMP Scholars, served as captain of the Varsity Track and Field Team and was voted athlete of the year 1998-1999.
During Florida A&M University’s 2017 Homecoming, her undergraduate chapter presented a $125,000 check to assist current and future female students. As she said, “It’s about being on the FRONTLINE.” And that certainly is.
Social Media:
FB: Candice White Jackson IG: @Rocdocsnatural Twitter: @Rocdocsnatural
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Celebrity Makeup Artist Mimi J. to the show. A Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Having nearly 10 years of experience, Mimi J. has built a great reputation in the beauty world and is a well sought-after makeup artist and entrepreneur. She’s worked and been featured on popular television shows on networks such as Bravo, VH1, Oxygen, WEtv, Aspire, and Lifetime; services celebrity clientele including Angela Simmons, Kenya Moore and Da Brat; and has been published in major publications such as Essence, E! News, The Knot, Hype Hair, Reader’s Digest, Madame Noire, Modern Bride and Jezebel. As a beauty influencer, Mimi has a social media following of over 40,000 followers and has been a brand ambassador for companies like Colgate, Shea Moisture, Strength of Nature, and Family Dollar.
Mimi is also the owner of the beauty boutique The Glamatory located in Smyrna, GA and is the creator of GrindPretty.com. She is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, holding a B.A. degree in Marketing. She can currently be seen on “The Graduates” on Aspire TV every Saturday night.
She epitomizes what it means to “get it done.” Mimi has the proof, one stroke at a time.
Social Media:
www.mimijonline.com
IG: @mimijonline @theglamatory @grindpretty
Grief: there is no preparation. Only those who have experienced it can try or attempt to describe it. But do you have a grief plan with your siblings, parents, family, best friend, closest sorority sister or frat brother? This episode will at least encourage you to have the conversation and possibly implement the steps I’ve used in the midst of my best friend’s grief.
The Cool Soror Podcast is excited to have Eboni K. Williams, an active and dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is an attorney, author, and host on FOX News Channel. She also co-hosts ‘The Curtis & Eboni Show’ on WABC Radio in New York City (weekdays, 12-3 pm ET). Ms. Williams made her author debut with the national release of ‘Petty Powerful: Appearance, Substance, and Success’ in September 2017.
Prior to her role with FOX News Channel, Ms. Williams served as a CBS News correspondent, HLN contributor and talk radio host for Los Angeles’ KFI AM640, sharpening her broadcast experience while sharing her expertly analyzed views on various culturally relevant topics. She’s also had frequent guest appearances on CNN and the NFL Network.
Ms. Williams was accepted to and enrolled in The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the age of 16, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Ms. Williams began her professional experience in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, where, as a law student, she clerked for the Louisiana Secretary of State and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. There, she also worked for various politicians, including New Orleans City Council Members, supporting efforts to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Ms. Williams received her BA in Communications and African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Her career would and continues to flourish.
Now she adds author to this impressive list and chronicles the lessons she’s learned along her journey in her book “Pretty Powerful.” But DO NOT let the title fool you. Eboni K. Williams is extremely impressive from the inside and that in itself is pretty powerful.
Social Media:
IG: EboniKWilliams Twitter: EboniKWilliams FB: @EboniKWilliams
Patrice Donelson, Tiffani Davis and Ashley Worlds Gomez are three Cool Sorors from the Spring 2007 line of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. They join the show today to talk about their line’s documentary, “A Klass Act” and their 10 acts of service during Florida A&M’s Homecoming 2017.
Their line name is H.I.D.A.Y.A. and it stands for Heroines Introspectively Defining AKAtude While Yielding AKAllence. The word Hidaya means "a precious gift". AKA is a gift for them as a line. They asked to be apart of her sisterhood and received that gift.
They created this documentary in celebration of their 10 year AKA anniversary to showcase their Service, Sisterhood and Scholarship. The documentary is called "Our Precious Gift" . In it, they talk about what 10 years of sisterhood has meant to them personally and how they are serving their communities today through their careers and at home in their personal lives.
The line’s theme for this homecoming is "A Klass Act: Then, Now, Forever.” They wanted to come up with something that spoke to the character the line embodies. Their love for Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Beta Alpha Chapter remains steadfast and true. The focus has and will always be to add to the iconic legacy the chapter holds through service and sisterhood.
Spring 2007: definitely KLASSY.
Social Media: IG: @BA_HIDAYA07
The Cool Soror Podcast is joined by a Cool Bruh of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Aaron Paxton Arnold has a level of grind that is rare and true to his core. A Southside Chicago native, he described his surroundings growing up as anywhere between “dope boy and AP student.” But like any great man does, he has thrived.
Entrepreneur Lifestyle Expert + Key Note Speaker + National Media Contributor + Host and Founder of MusicIsMyBusiness, Aaron is one of the country’s top young faces and his work is fueled by a profound commitment to meshing entrepreneurship, music, social media & corporate America.
He serves as a voice for the voiceless bridging the gap with those generations, younger and older...inspiring, educating, entertaining and breaking down barriers. His background in PR, journalism, music/entertainment, technology, brand management have allowed Aaron to provide a diverse expertise. His experience as an entrepreneur, speaker, young father and husband allow him to provide relatable anecdotes that all who he touches can appreciate.
After nearly four years in corporate America, he followed his passion and took an unpaid intern-assistant job with Sean "Diddy" Combs for 18 months. His sacrifice, leaving a good job, was in hopes that one day he would become the next generation of entrepreneurs to influence business and entertainment.
Aaron has become a sought after influencer, curator, panelist and keynote speaker, who has spoken everywhere from Harvard University to USC to Capitol Hill and recently signed a partnership as a national media influencer/Ambassador for General Motors Brands (Cadillac, Buick, Chevy).
He also writes very passionately about social-political issues for CNN as an Opinion Columnist and is the Lifestyle, News and Entertainment correspondent for KISS 104.1 FM in Atlanta, providing all the up-to-date information on entertainment, news and trends.
Aaron Paxton Arnold epitomizes what it means to have ‘faith & commitment.’ He has to: his life has mirrored it.
Social Media: www.aaronpaxtonarnold.com
It’s another “Cool People” episode of the Cool Soror Podcast and we are delighted to have ESPN’s own Cari Champion join us. This California native is the epitome of Black Girl Magic as the host of Coast To Coast one one of the world’s most popular networks.
Prior to joining Coast To Coast, Cari served as the host of ESPN2’s First Take, where she shared the debate table with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith and moderated their debate topics while offering her perspective and insight. She knew she wanted more so she set out to “knock on doors until I got a Yes!” Her ‘yes’ came in 2015.
Before ESPN, Champion was an anchor and courtside reporter at the Tennis Channel. She also served as an entertainment/lifestyle reporter doing features for The Insider, Hollywood 411 and Starz Entertainment. She has spent time at WCGL in Atlanta as an anchor and reporter.
While her resume and bio speaks volumes about her professional career, it’s who Cari is as a woman that rings loudly. She has a mentoring program that matches young women and girls with career guides in the field of sports journalism. With that, she has served as a mentor to our host, Rashan Ali and helped her doing a pivotal moment in her career. They talk about that moment during this in depth conversation.
Cari Champion lights up the television screen talking all things sports, but her beauty resonates from within. We are all blessed to witness her simply being herself and it shows that in this world all you need is one yes. And the rest, they say, is history.
Social Media: IG: carichampion Tw: carichampion FB: @carichampion
Charisma Atkins joins The Cool Soror Podcast today! A cool soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., this Decatur, Georgia native is at the forefront in the realm of Public Health. Lupus & Skin Care.
She has 15 years of experience in public health as an Epidemiologist with specialization in epidemiologic analysis, disease modeling, public health marketing, communication, and training. She has also worked with several public health agencies including Whitman Walker Health Centers in Washington, DC, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), American Public Human Services Association, Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).
While helping to change the world in epidemiology, Charisma has faced her own health challenges. She takes us on the journey of her battle with Lupus and how she finally took a full grasp on the totality of her diagnosis. She fights it daily by understanding her body and treating it like the temple that it is. She has become a mentor and guide to other Lupus patients shedding light on managing the disease one day at a time.
Charisma has not let her busy life stop her from her true passion of beauty and skin care. As a trained and certified esthetician, she specializes in all types of facials, chemical peels, body waxing and the use of home based products to care for the skin. Recently she entered into a business venture: an esthetics boutique to deliver all esthetic needs including lash extensions and nails in Atlanta, GA aptly called ‘Simply Charisma.’ With the life she’s led and is living, why wouldn’t she?
Social Media: TW: SimplyCharisma / IG: SimplyCharisma / FB: @SimplyCharisma
We are excited to launch our first episode of “Cool People” with Digital Marketing Guru, Athony “AJ” Joiner. A native of Louisiana and a Computer Information Systems graduate of Southern University, AJ had the zest for entrepreneurship even in the corporate setting.
After years of giving major corporations brilliant ideas, AJ decided to step away and take digital marketing to the next level..this time with his own clients. Directly from his website www.anthonyjoiner.com, he describes himself as the following:
“Modestly speaking, my clients have repeatedly told me that I have ‘the gift’. The gift of pulling back the curtain and showing smart, influential thought leaders and business owners how to make money online by using social media and other online tools to monetize the years and years of knowledge they have acquired in their industry.
We focus on your skills and knowledge and turn it into cash all from the comfort of your home. There are too many fluffy ‘digital strategists’ and ‘branding experts’ who tell you to post six times a day, create a vision board and make sure you have the right colors and fonts, but they can’t connect a single piece of strategy to the tools you need.”
Anthony has played an integral role in the life of our host, Rashan Ali. They delve deeper into their business relationship and how she has truly benefited from his tutelage. From meditation to the confines of religion, Anthony showcases the tapestry of his intellect in “Million Dollar Mind.” You’ll see why his currency is so rich.
Social Media: IG ajjoiner Twitter @ajjoiner www.anthonyjoiner.com
Grammy-Award Winning Singer and Co-Host of the new talk show, Sister Circle TV Syleena Johnson joins the Cool Soror Podcast. A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, this Chicago Native has lived and breathed music since the 6th grade. But as melodic tones constantly rang in her ears and lyrics flowed through her pen, she faced the music industry monster that has continuously proven to be unkind. Syleena continued and continues to press on.
Syleena’s inherent vocal ability and lyrical prowess place her high in a league of some of the best singers and performers of her generation. Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild have all sought her out for collaborations as she has penned numerous major R&B hits and continues remain relevant as a new generation of music lovers have come to love her as one of the original cast members of the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta and now as as a co-host of Sister Circle Live on the same network.
This mother and wife goes in depth about her son's Autism diagnosis and how it sent her into a year of depression. Now, it has given her unprecedented strength and the ability to love unabashedly. Syleena is taking this new opportunity so people can see the real her and she understands that this time of her life has complete purpose. She is clear that her "Voice Is Her Vehicle." We are certainly along for the ride.
Social Media: TW: @syleena_johnson IG: @syleenajohnson
Our host, Rashan Ali, talks about her first day on the new talk show, "Sister Circle Live!" She delves into the meaning of "Standby" and what it means for your name to be called. She also talks about the loss of a very close friend and how she is using her passing to live a life fulfilled. We hope you will be inspired to be and live like your best self.
FB: @rashanali IG: @rashanali TW: @rashanali
It’s not every day that our host, Rashan Ali, gets to interview someone she helped become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. This episode gave her the second opportunity as she sits down with Christelsie Johnson, who is definitely a Cool Soror. A professional film and television makeup artist, Christelsie takes us on an emotional ride of loss, perseverance and triumph. She has ridden each of these with that mustard seed of faith. It was all she had.
A graduate of Florida A&M University in theatre, her original focus was acting. She did however, study all aspects of the art including acting, directing, lighting and makeup. She went on to become a public school teacher and then serve as a director of arts in therapy for a counseling agency. After being laid off, she took what she thought would be a temporary job in cosmetics, with MAC cosmetics. There her love for the art developed.
She has now worked as a full-time makeup artist for 11 years and her portfolio is impressive! Christelsie has worked with numerous celebrities, magazines, NBA cheerleading teams, top hair companies, brides and has 20 television and film credits under her belt. She served most recently as makeup department head for Tales, which returns to BET in October and is currently on Jay Z’s Tidal. She also served as makeup department head on TV One’s highest premier in network history, When Love Kills.
Coming up on 9/24/17, she has an intensive television and film workshop for makeup artists who are interested in transitioning into the industry full time. She believes that sharing her gifts is the true definition of service and that is exactly what she is doing through her work and her company, “My T.R.U.E. Beauty.” She’s everything the name means: beautiful inside and out. One listen and you will agree.
Twitter: @CATrueBeauty IG: @christelsie www.christelsie.com
It’s not every day that we get an opportunity to sit down with political candidates, especially not those in a heated race for the title of “Mayor of Atlanta.” Atlanta City Council President, Atlanta native and viable candidate for mayor for that popular city, Ceasar Mitchell joins The Cool Soror Podcast as our Cool Bruh feature of the week. A member of Omega Psi Phi, he credits a great deal of his servant heart to his grandmother who provided “Meals On Wheels” well into her 70’s.
It is because of this guidance and his commitment to building upon the legacy of Atlanta that he feels he is the right man for the job. In this episode, Ceasar tells us more about his life before politics, including turning down a football scholarship to later delivering summons to two men who would later make history in Atlanta. He also talks about his daughters and what it feels like to be a father to a new son. He also addresses what he feels has changed in the legacy of Old Atlanta politics.
Through the years Mitchell has been a visionary leader and public servant, whose unwavering dedication to creating a better Atlanta is reflected in his commitment to initiatives targeting child safety, community policing, economic development, education and more. Mitchell feels he has positioned himself to lead a flourishing city like only a true servant can.
Twitter: @CeasarForMayor IG: @CeasarForMayor www.ceasarformayor.com
Zeta Phi Beta’s own Anowa Adjah joins the Cool Soror Podcast today. Known as the “Nigerian Powerhouse,” this New York native took powers into her own hands after being told she “didn’t have the look” to be a fitness model due to her God-given curves and build. She set out on a mission to change the fitness narrative.
As a Health & Fitness Coach, Motivational Speaker, Mother of Twins, Influencer, and CEO of Anowa Adjah Works, Anowa has solidified herself as a ground- breaking innovator in the Health and Wellness industry. With the success of her Workout DVD program targeting women of all shapes and sizes and her transparency with real-life issues, she has generated a fan base of almost million followers via social media.
Anowa is currently aiding thousands of women in her “Lose The Gutt Keep The Butt” online training platform. In addition, she is also developing a Health & Fitness program which will benefit children and youth in poverty-stricken areas.
Anowa has gotten to where she is from pure perseverance and faith. But it wasn’t until she stepped into the unfamiliar, that things started to change. She got familiar with it and now she is soaring.
Social Media: Facebook: Anowa Adjah, Instagram: Anowa Adjah, Twitter: Anowa Adjah Website: www.AnowaAdjah.com
It’s a VERY special edition of the Cool Soror Podcast with Alpha Kappa Alpha’s own Aeshia Devore Branch. She founded Pretty Girls Sweat In an effort to support former First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” campaign to help solve the obesity epidemic in the US. She and her team have been amazingly successful strides in establishing collegiate chapters across the United States and so much more including the inaugural Pretty Girls Sweat Fest!
The Pretty Girls Sweat Fest will take place in Atlanta, Georgia at the Georgia Freight Depot on September 16th from 12pm-4pm! It will be hosted by our very own, Rashan Ali! Participants are in for a treat so grab your squad for the ultimate Sweat Sisterhood fitness festival. Register to receive exclusive access to elite trainers from around the city. With heart-pumping workouts coupled with the dopest female DJs – you'll get a first class ticket to your favorite fitness trends and hit songs. When you’re not sweating it out, you can refresh at our hydration station, savor garden filled with deliciously healthy food trucks, a beauty bar, and complimentary swag.
Guess what?! We’ve got something special for our Cool Soror listeners! Enter promo code: COOLSOROR and receive 50% off registration! Registration link below. We hope to see you there!
www.prettygirlssweat.com/pgsf Enter Discount Code: COOLSOROR
Nzinga Shaw joins the Cool Soror Podcast today. A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, she is currently the senior vice president of community and concurrently works as the chief diversity & inclusion officer in the Atlanta Hawks & Philips Arena organization. She is the first person to hold the CDIO position in the National Basketball Association and for all 122 North American professional sports teams. Shaw serves as a member of the Executive Committee and provides guidance to the leadership team in an effort to engender inclusion in every facet of the business.
She has developed a strategy to embed equity in all programmatic activities, governance and daily administration of the organization. She is focused on building a foundation that will advance this strategy as a core component of the Atlanta Hawks brand, and to drive the business. This initiative extends to fans, customers, community partners and to every employee within the workforce.
Prior to joining the Atlanta Hawks, Shaw has been at the forefront of leading organizational change through diversity. She served as senior vice president of diversity & inclusion at Edelman, the world’s largest and most profitable public relations/integrated marketing agency. Shaw also worked as a human resources practitioner at ESSENCE Magazine, the Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, and the National Football League.
Recently, Shaw was appointed by the NBA to serve on the Global Inclusion Council. The GIC provides strategic guidance and serve as a catalyst for the league-wide diversity and inclusion strategy, drives an inclusive and innovative culture and increases the economic value of the NBA League office and teams. This is “Diversity Defined.”
Social Media: IG: @ZingShaw / Twitter: @ZingShaw
The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Kito Johorri, a cool soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Kito is an internationally renowned Self-Mastery Specialist, thought leader to geniuses, energetically charged speaker, author and educator.
She earned her four year B.S. degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University. While earning her degree, Kito’s talents in the performing arts gifted her with the opportunity to tour throughout the U.S. and overseas, performing with the Ghostown Djs earning a gold record for the hit song, “My Boo.”
Her deeply rooted love for people and education took her from the laboratory to the classroom, where she discovered that she spent a great deal of energy empowering her students to tap into their natural gifts and talents, as well as- properly apply that knowledge. Kito developed a special interest in leadership due to the lack of proper mentors in her life, which lead her to blindly navigate through some of life’s most difficult CHALLENGES. These challenges include sexual abuse physical abuse and emotional abuse, self-esteem and identity issues, corporate bullying, and even fighting for her equal rights as a woman.
Her innate spirit of resilience and optimism combined with her talents as a visionary, gave her the ability to see beyond current conditions and evolve, in-spite of those major life altering events. Her curiosity for solutions led her into in-depth studies in science, spirituality, personal growth and self-development. Therein lies and lives the “CREATIVE ANALYTIC” and she is just that.
Social Media: FB: Kito Johorri @kjohorri IG /TW @kjohorri
The Cool Bruh feature has showcased so many amazing men doing incredible work. Rayford Davis, an Alpha man, in no exception. This thought leader, educational advocate and all around tenacious business man embraces ambition and execution like no other.
A native of Decatur, GA, Rayford is an honors graduate from the Westminster Schools, a magna cum laude recipient of a BS in Chemical Engineering-Materials from Florida A&M University, and a graduate in the top 10% of his class at Harvard Business School.
Rayford has gained an extensive amount of knowledge in non-profit, corporate and higher education settings. His latest and most passionate venture, Exception-Ally. Exception-ALLY is a powerful technology that gives parents an affordable ally to ensure their voice is heard in the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process.
He leads a team of education technology entrepreneurs, who provide digital solutions to help parents of children with special needs ensure their children have the highest quality of life. The initial product supports parents, as they navigate special education in public schools. (ExceptionALLY is a member of the Flashpoint Accelerator at Georgia Institute of Technology and the NewSchools Venture Fund Ignite Challenge.)
Exception-Ally is groundbreaking and unique technology that keeps the consumers, children and parents, first. Rayford Davis and his team have something special that will change the scope and approach to this specialized education. Never has passion and purpose been so craftily coupled.
www.exception-ally.com FB @growexceptionally; TW @Exception_ALLY Pinterest: exception_ALLY LinkedIN: ExceptionALLY
Dr. Joy Beckwith joins the Cool Soror Podcast today. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Dr. Joy is on a mission to help her people around the world find their authentic selves. She set out on a quest to make that happen!
A Thomasville, Georgia native, she knew she wanted to attend Spelman College in Atlanta. After massive research and applications, she received scholarships to cover the cost of her entire undergraduate college experience. A double major in psychology and biology, Dr. Joy did not immediately become clear as to what her path would be until much later. She knew, however, that her path was and is to help people “retrain their brains.”
This starts with knowing who we truly are. She believes that we often go through life not knowing who we are and the reason in which we are here. We often operate day-by-day being content with simply maintaining our careers, families and social lives. She identifies this as driving versus thriving. During this episode, Dr. Joy takes a deeper look into the difference.
In what could possibly be a mini therapy session, she shares with us the power it takes to change our situation and the beauty in knowing ourselves. She believes that knowing ourselves is the highest form of intelligence and the therapeutic journey of self-discovery is one of the smartest decisions we can make.
She has found the formula that has transformed lives and it all starts with that power: the power of thought.
Social Media:
Periscope: DrJoy IG: @AskDrJoy www.drjoytotheworld.com
Que Latham joins the Cool Soror Podcast as our Cool Bruh feature of the week. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a graduate of Florida State University, Que spent the majority of his life in Miami, Florida.
After many years of corporate accounting, his life changed in an instant when he was let go from his last job. Subsequently, his alter-ego character, Ms. Funky Dineva Ross was born. Known for his candid and often brash take on celebrity gossip, Funky Dineva, the character and his corresponding blog site are both wildly popular.
There comes a time however, in all of our lives when we are ready for a change. That change has come for Que. Effortlessly articulate and intriguingly intelligent, Que is now one of the co-hosts on Sister Circle - a daily, live talkshow that our host, Rashan Ali is a part of as well.
He is looking forward to not only giving a fresh perspective from a male point of view, but using this opportunity to further his long term goals. He knew it was important to transition his career.
Make no mistake though, Funky Dineva is still thriving. But Que is new to many of his fans and what a blessing he will be to those who already know him and those who will meet him for the first time. Ladies and Gentlemen, “Introducing Que Latham!”
TW: @msfunkydineva IG: @msfunkydineva
www.funkydineva.com
In today's political and racial climate, we thought it was best to replay our Cool Bruh episode with James "Jay" Bailey. You won't be disappointed. "Build As We Climb" is a must listen.
Social media: Twitter: jay4hope IG: @jay4hope FB: James “Jay” Bailey www.phoenixleadership.org
Tomisha Brock is a Cool Soror of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and the Band Director for Clark Atlanta University. An accomplished educator, she has led superior instrumental and vocal ensembles on the public school level in Virginia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Virginia State University in 2005 and a Master of Music Education degree from Norfolk State University in 2011, and has completed additional coursework at Capella University (2012). She is currently pursuing her PhD in Music Education at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, with an anticipated completion date of December 2017.
Prior to her appointment at Clark Atlanta University, Ms. Brock served as Associate Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Mississippi Valley State University. She is one of five female band directors in the country and she is determined to grow the CAU to the highest of ranks. "And she shall lead the band."
FB: Tomisha Brock www.caubands.net
Nicole D. Smith joins the Cool Soror Podcast. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, she is the Owner of spa810 Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA. She has one of the first franchise locations in the state and has plans to expand to three locations in metro area.
With 20 years of comprehensive experience in various industries, including Accenture, AT&T and General Electric, Nicole established herself as a leader. In 2016, Nicole left corporate America and became a franchise owner of spa810. She has been very passionate about spa810, and is excited to begin developing the spa810 brand in Atlanta. Her ambition is to become the best spa810 franchise in the country.
With this desire, she knows she has to truly touch the people and she is doing just that! She decided to offer 81 Massages for 81 educators for just $8.10!! Yes!!! She is so enamored of the teaching profession, even recalling the teacher that helped her get straight A’s for the first time she was in elementary school. Nicole says it’s the ultimate give back! Not only does Spa 810 offer massages, but they offer facials and laser hair removal.
She understands how to run a business and is the only African American woman in the Spa 810 franchise concept. Nicole understands that sets her apart, but it makes her unique at the same time. Unique begets beautiful opportunities and this opportunity for educators to feel special, will be one for the books.
Twitter: @spa810astation IG: @spa810astation www.spa810.com/atlanticstation