Behind the Confident Smile: Recent Episodes
Bianca Cotton
Host Bianca Cotton leads insightful interviews with women who share their stories of facing adversity and want to encourage other women to find their own voice.
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Sala Spencer, a proud mother to a teenager and a toddler. She is a Registered Nurse, Certified Birth Doula, parent-child educator, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding educator. She is in her last semester at Erikson Institute and will be adding certified infant mental health specialist to her portfolio. She has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and an associate's degree in nursing. Currently, she is a certified birth doula and program manager for doula programming for over 10 years. She has participated in over 200 humbling births. She also serves on the board of directors for the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) for over 15 years. KOCO is the oldest black lead, grassroots community organization focusing on organizing, leadership, and service. She has participated in youth development programming since the age of 14 with KOCO. She has developed a mentorship program for girls called Outstanding Young Achievers (OYA) and she is the co-founder of the Msaada Center for Community Transformation, which focuses on changing the health disparities in black communities resulting in improving the health outcomes and quality of life for black people. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates Too! Guest: Sala Spencer (@thisistherealmebutrflysala) Host: Bianca Cotton (@biancancotton) Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Diana a Chicago native born and raised in the Humboldt Park community, single mother to one child. Diana started in workforce development 15 yrs. ago as a Receptionist for a non-profit faith-based re-entry center on the west side of Chicago. Quickly moving around the organization and increasing her skill set transitioned over time into a Workforce Connection Center manager and has had the privilege of personal and professional growth for the last 9yrs. at the same NPO in Chicago. Diana values the opportunity to not only develop her skills but also nurture and support the growth of others. In her current role as Director of Youth Engagement, she collaborates closely with the organization to develop, implement, and execute employment and training programs for youth and young adults. Additionally, she actively seeks partnerships with organizations whose mission and purpose align with supporting underserved youth in the communities they serve. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Sara Brown, Erica Williams, and Brandi P.
With nearly 15 years of High School teaching experience, a passion for building meaningful relationships with students, and a genuine love for people, Sara Brown knows how to connect with a crowd authentically.
Sara is also the loving wife to a wonderful husband and mother of a 3-month-old son and a 26-week stillborn son. She vulnerably shares her life experiences in hopes of encouraging those who have experienced loss and infertility.
Sara has two Master’s degree certifications in Curriculum and Instruction and Principal Administration. When not teaching or supporting her students, she can spend quality time with family and friends.
Brandi is gleefully married to her forever love of almost two decades. Brandi is a statewide trainer for a social service agency who has previously held a variety of roles from working in IT project management, events, and with homeless youth around permanency and life skills. She holds degrees in psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well as a variety of certificates for programs such as Mental Health First Aid. Brandi likes variety, to laugh, and to dance like no one is watching. Catch her out and about; she just might lead you on an adventure you hadn’t planned on.
While Brandi has no formal online platform around infertility, she has lived experience that has allowed her to participate in projects, contribute to a book (Hold Onto Hope: Stories of Black Women’s Fertility, Faith, and Fight to Become Mothers), facilitate a support group for Fertility for Colored Girls founded by Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, have a two edition write-up with a life coach in O Magazine, and even appeared in a segment on Good Morning America with fellow sisters on the journey. Brandi can remember her mother telling the pediatrician to stop asking her questions and speak to Brandi directly. That was how she learned to medically advocate for herself and it was the foundation for what was to come. Her own lived experience birthed a commitment to support and educate, now focused on infertility.
Erica Williams is a multifaceted powerhouse, seamlessly blending her roles as a business and execution coach, pastor, mom of four, wife, business and tax strategist, speaker, podcast, and conference host. With a passion for guiding individuals toward holistic success, and building healthy relationships Erica's expertise spans across the realms of Christian spiritual development, self-confidence building, personal growth, and business acumen.
Erica brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her strategic insights and practical approach have empowered countless individuals to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and turn their visions into reality. Erica's unique coaching style is rooted in both her professional expertise, Christian faith, and her deep commitment to personal development, ensuring that her clients not only achieve their business and lifestyle goals but also experience growth on a spiritual and emotional level.
To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com
Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates Too!
Guest: Sara Brown (@mrssaradbrown), Erica Williams (@iamjusterica)
Host: Bianca Cotton (@biancancotton)
Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Yvonne has been in the development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over 20 years, and has an extensive working knowledge of Chicago’s religious, philanthropic, and cultural art communities
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Yvonne has been in the development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over 20 years, and has an extensive working knowledge of Chicago’s religious, philanthropic, and cultural art communities.
For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Lakesha Spight, an Aurora University graduate, with two master's degrees in business and social work. Lakesha has been a social worker for many years and is known by her co-workers as very caring while also being firm. She cares deeply for her students and will do almost anything to help them succeed. Lakesha shares with our host Bianca Cotton about parents knowing their rights and advocacy. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com
For the Premiere Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Lakesha Spight, an Aurora University graduate, with two master's degrees in business and social work. Lakesha has been a social worker for many years and is known by her co-workers as very caring while also being firm. She cares deeply for her students and will do almost anything to help them succeed. Lakesha shares with our host Bianca Cotton about her journey to being a teen mom and the impact of entering mothering at the tender age of 16. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com
In this episode, Bianca and Ursula discuss Ursula's experience with falling in love as a teen and the unexpected loss of her first love.
In this episode, Bianca and Brandi discuss Brandi's experience growing up with Albinism.
In this episode, Bianca and Karli discuss Karli's life before being attacked twice in life-altering ways.
In this episode, Bianca and Jordan discuss Jordan's challenging pregnancies, her experience with postpartum depression, and taking medication.
In this episode, Bianca and Pam discuss the way in which she cultivated an environment for her Black male child to become a King.
In this episode, Bianca and Marline discuss Marline's journey of surviving sexual violence.
In this episode, Bianca and Travette discuss the obstacles she overcame during her 10-year pursuit of medical school.
In this episode, Bianca and Farah have an intriguing dialogue about her ADHD diagnosis in adulthood. Farah Harris, MA, LCPC, is a psychotherapist, author, certified neuroscience coach, and Belonging and Workplace Well-being specialist dedicated to disrupting unhealthy work environments.
In this episode, Bianca and Debra have a heartfelt conversation about Debra's experiences with incarceration and how she used her pain for a purpose. Debra Vines is the mother of a son impacted by Autism - A champion for families living with Autism and Other Developmental Disorders - and The Executive Director of The Answer Inc.
In this episode, Bianca discusses with Katie her journey to foster parenting and lessons learned from her foster son.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton speaks with Auriel Banister, who manages her autoimmune disorder through a healthy lifestyle.
A CAN TV Podcast: In a continuation of their conversation on breast cancer, host Bianca Cotton and guest Ramona Burress discuss how Black women's health is impacted by the concept of the "strong Black woman."
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews Ramona Burress on her journey with discovering and treating her breast cancer.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton talks with biracial guest Adreiona Jennings about her unique experience growing up with her racial identity.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews guest Michi Watts on her journey of losing 70 pounds and improving her physical and mental health.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton speaks with guest Heather Irelend-Robinson on starting her family in her fourties.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews guest Rachael Stewart about her experience with abruptly losing her mother as a child.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews Poshlyn Nicholson about her experience of becoming her grandmother's caregiver.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton continues her interview with adoptee J'ai Brown, who shares her journey of searching for her birth mother.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews J'ai Brown who details her experience of being an adopted child.
A CAN TV Podcast: Bianca Cotton speaks with Norma S. Williams, a single mother who started her own business to find professional and personal fulfillment.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton speaks with Michelle Ramirez about her escape from an abusive relationship.
A CAN TV Podcast: Bianca Cotton interviews longtime friend Dawnielle Smith on her experience as a biracial woman of color working in education.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews MJ, who ignored the red flags of a serial cheater, then married him. Learn how they found the path to healing and forgiveness.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca Cotton interviews MJ, who ignored the red flags of a serial cheater, then married him. Learn how they found the path to healing and forgiveness.
A CAN TV Podcast: Host Bianca cotton interviews Elle Davis, a widow left to care for her young child alone after the sudden death of her husband. Hear how she coped through this stressful period and found inner strength and peace.