The Black and Brown Kinnection: Recent Episodes
Black and Brown Kinnection
The Black And Brown Kinnection Podcast is our guide for navigating college and post-grad as a Black and Brown student. Each week we invite a guest in college or who has recently graduated to speak to us about their college experiences + navigating post-grad.
We want to uplift our community with different and transparent stories that can be a light to someone in their current situation. As a community, we want everyone in our family to know that they are not alone in college and their everyday work environment.
Every Monday, we drop an episode to keep inspiring, motivating, and uplifting!
College is an experience; there are good times and bad times, times when it feels like you are on top of the world, and times, when you feel like life is hitting you with a ton of bricks.
This week we got to chop it up with Lauryn Johnson; she is getting her Masters in Information Systems and Cybersecurity from Tuskegee University.
College Background:
Internships:
Apple campus leader 2021-2022. Department of Energy MSIIP Program
Field of Career or Future Interests
Graphic design, Marketing, Project management, Ediscovery
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Personal Instagram
lauryn.mcj
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
Being a student leader is a responsibility but also a privilege. We know balancing academics, organization responsibilities, and life can be channeling, but you gotta be real with yourself because it can all be taken away.
This episode is for our current and future student leaders!
🎙We chopped it up with Daelon Adaway from Benedict College in South Carolina. As the Student Programming Council President, we talked a
- The responsibility of being a Student Leader
- What it's like to have an Executive Board who are all on the same page
- Chain of command
- What it's like to take constructive criticism
- Believing in yourself no matter what
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
Phi Beta Lambda Business Fraternity, Inc., Student Programming Council President, Former Mister Sophomore 2021-22, Former Student Government Association Intern 2020-21, Former Food Committee Member 2021, Former Freshman Class Representative 2021,
Personal Instagram
@daelon_adaway
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
Today's episode 🎙 features Brian Akonu. He is a senior attending East Stroudsburg University, the SGA and MOCA President.
We got to chop it up about:
The expectations he faces as senior
The importance of getting involved in college
The reality of not knowing what is next after graduating college
.
.
College Background:
Bachelor's In Communication, Dual Concentration In Broadcasting And Public Communication And Advocacy
Personal Instagram
@bboybriannnn
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
🎙️Episode 05 Features Kaiyer Dupree. He is a Junior attending Delaware State University, on his campus he has created the DSU Market, been Mr. Freshman (2020-21) Mr. Men’s council (2021-22) and now is the corresponding Secretary of the god brothers of DSU (2022-23).
We got to chop it up about:
What made him want to attend an HBCU
The Culture of DSU
The realities of what it's like to attend an HBCU compared to what people may think
Internships:
Promotional Assistant - Dragontree media group
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Marketing manager, Entrepreneur
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
The God Brothers of Delaware state university
Personal Instagram
@1king.Kai
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
Today's episode 🎙 features Arshad Rivers. He is a senior attending Bloomsburg University, a Student Leader on his Campus, and once was on BBK's marketing team!
We got to chop it up about:
His nontraditional journey through college
Being a Student Leader on his Campus and what its like to be a mentor
The Importance of Community at a PWI
.
.
College Background:
Marketing degree - Bloomsburg University of Pennslyvania
Internships:
Promotional Assistant - Dragontree media group
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Marketing Coordinator
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Personal Instagram
@Shaddy.Shad
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
Today's episode 🎙 features Maydrian Lowe. He is getting his J.D. from Texas Tech and is co-founder of Raising the Five Percent, a platform dedicated to providing recourse for Black pre-law and law students.
We got to chop it up about:
The importance of voting while in college
When he knew he wanted to become a Civil Rights Attorney
How impactful his time at an HBCU was for him
.
.
College Background:
PVAMU - B.A. Political Science, class of 2020 Texas Tech- J.D. class of 2024
Internships:
Most recent Promise of Justice Initiative NOLA
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Civil Rights Attorney
Personal Instagram
@maydrianlowe
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok:@bbkinnection
email:contact@thebbkinnection.com
Today's episode 🎙 features Nia Holland, a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she also received her Master's of Public Health, and Spelman College graduate, where she received her Bachelors of Arts.
Nia is currently on her journey to obtaining her Ph.D. in Survey & Data Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
We got to chop it up about:
What's it like to be at a PWI after attending an HBCU
The different paths that can be open after getting a bachelor's degree in Psychology
The feeling of being used by a university as a Black and Brown college student
College Background:
Bachelors of Arts: Spelman College, Atlanta, GA Master's of Public Health: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Ph.D. in Survey & Data Science (in progress): University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Internships:
Currently a Research Assistant, I have previously interned with Oakland County Health Department.
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Academia, data analytics
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Personal Instagram
@keepingupwithnia
TikTok and Instagram: @becomingdrnia
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students.
Want to just watch snippets from today's episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok: @bbkinnection
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
[NEW EPISODE 01]
Today's episode 🎙 features Eileen Giselle, a Georgia State University 🐅 senior majoring in Health Informatics👩🏽🔬.From transferring early in her college journey and continuing to learn who she is as a person.
We got to chop it up about:
Deciding to stick with Health Informatics
What made her begin to create kontent 📱
Student Loans💵
.
.
College Background:
Health Informatics: Georgia State University | Atlanta, Georgia
Internships:
Currently seeking internship opportunities in I.T. or Health Informatics.
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Health Information/ Informatics, I.T., Project Manager, or Security and Privacy
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
H.I.M.S.S., Tag, S.H.I.A.
Instagram and TikTok:
@eileengisellee
Every Tuesday, we post a new episode featuring current college students
Want to just watch snippets from todays episode - Kinnect with us on
Instagram and Tiktok: @bbkinnection
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
It is okay to start over until you are where you want to be
Today's episode features Yliana Hernandez
We got a chance to chop it up with Yliana about her college experince, what it was like to attend school at East Stroudsburg University, being the first people in her family to attend college, and returning to school to become a nurse.
College Background:
M.S. in Clinical Exercise Physiology and B.S. in Exercise Science at ESU of PA
Internships:
Clinical rotations at local hospitals in the Lehigh Valley and Women's Center and Diversity Dialogue graduate assistant
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Exercise Physiology
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority Inc.
Instagram:
@_yliana1
In our season 01 finale, we hope one person was able to touch you and help you see something that is inside of you. This season we featured many post-grads and current college students. They have all opened up their stories to us, and we are very thankful for that.
Season 02 starts in two weeks, with a new structure and new people! Follow us along, and stay tuned because we have a couple of changes!
Want to listen to the full episode - listen to all new and old episodes on Apple Podcast and Spotify; the link is in our bio to access both platforms!
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
[NEW EPISODE 17]
Never Give Up the Vision!
Today's episode features Jeremiah O'Bryant, a Self Published Author of Prosper Book from Prince George's County, Maryland.
We got a chance to chop it up about what made Jeremiah want to attend Norfolk State University, what it was like to be a Student Leader in college, and begin writing his first book, " PROSPER," during his senior year of college.
College Background:
Bachelor's of Arts in Political Science Norfolk State University
Internships:
United States Senate for Senator Mark Warner in his Norfolk Office
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Author & Speaker
Interest in Black Male Mental Health & Success in Student Leadership
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
Instagram:
@jeremiah.obryant
Today's new episode features Wilson Darko; he has two businesses, Kofi Enterprises, Inc. and Chale Cards, LLC. Darko is also a Motivational Speaker and an Engineer.
We got a chance to chop it up about college, starting and maintaining two businesses, and what it was like to believe in yourself and your abilities.
College Background:
B.S., Electrical Engineering Technology, from the Rochester Institute of Technology
Internships:
Drafting Intern at M/E Engineering, Undergraduate Research at RIT, Power Systems Design Intern at Canon Design;
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Engineering - Power Systems
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated; National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE);
Instagram:
@kofispeaks
Want to listen to the full episode - listen to all new and old episodes on Apple Podcast and Spotify; the link is in our bio to access both platforms!
Every Monday, we post a new episode
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Sometimes we have to get out of our own way and pursue our dreams.
Today's new episode features Alexa Chavarria; she will be going to get her Masters's in Digital Marketing from the EAE Business School in Barcelona.
We got a chance to chop it up about her time traveling around the world, her journey to obtaining her Bachelor's degree, and the benefits of taking advantage of internship opportunities.
College Background:
Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations with a Minor in Journalism.-William Paterson University. 2024 Masters program in Digital Marketing- EAE Business School
Internships:
Promotions Director at Brave New Radio, Public Relations intern at Frontline Entertainment Agency, Social Media manager and YouTube Channel host for WPAC, Writer and podcast host for The Pioneer Times.
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Publicist/ Journalist
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
AmeriCorps 2020-2021
Instagram:
@alexa_chav_rria
Want to listen to the full episode - listen to all new and old episodes on Apple Podcast and Spotify; the link is in our bio to access both platforms!
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Tis the season to celebrate our Graduates!
Today's new episode features DJ Riley, a recent North Carolina A&T State University graduate obtaining his M.S. in Electrical Engineering. We got a chance to chop it up about his senior year, the many internships and projects he has gotten to be a part of during his collegiate years, and life after Graduate school.
College Background:
Class of 2020 B.S in Electrical Engineering at Hampton University Class of 2022 M.S. in Electrical Engineering at North Carolina A&T State University
Internships:
2018 - Summer College Intern at NextEra Energy (Miami, FL) / 2019 National Science Foundation Fellow (Duke University) / 2021 Project Management Intern (US Department of Agriculture)
Field of Career or Future Interests:
CEO of my own fashion tech business
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
NAACP, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, NSBE, IEEE, ΦΣΠ National Honor Fraternity
Instagram:
@_dr.jr
Want to listen to the full episode - listen to all new and old episodes on Apple Podcast and Spotify; the link is in our bio to access both platforms!
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Every day is a new day to look within and work on ourselves, our current selves, and our future selves.
Today's new episode features Mak Reed, a Psychology major at Kennesaw State University. We chopped it up about mental health, college decisions, and plans for post-grad!
College Background:
Psychology Major Kennesaw State
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Child Psychology - Forensic Psych
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
PR Chair of NCNW & Relay 4 Life
Instagram:
@_itsjustmak
Want to just watch snippets from todays episode - Kinnect with us on Tiktok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdq3n5m6/
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and
email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
BBK sits down with Jamal Dummett, a media mogul, business owner, and graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). We got a chance to learn about his upbringing, being a well-known DJ, graduating with his degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology, and now owning his own Media company.
College Background:
Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology (NJIT)
Internships:
Proctor & Gable MetLife Inc
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Media/Entertainment
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. National Society of Black Engineers
Instagram:
@djmal_1l + @jaydummettphotography
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
Kinnect with Us on Instagram: @bbkinnection and email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Hey, what's up, BBK Fam! If you are new to our channel, welcome!!
In today's episode, we sat down and chatted with Sydney Pulliam, a New York Medical College student obtaining her Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
We got a chance to speak about her undergrad college experince and what it was like attending an HBCU and then getting her Doctorate and attending a PWI.
What it's like living in a new city, and if she would live in this new city after graduating.
What made her want to become a Physical Therapist, and if she had any change of heart during her college journey.
College Background:
B.S. Chemistry w/ a concentration Biochemistry- Alcorn State University and Lorman, MS 39096 C/O 2020 Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Valhalla, NY, New York Medical College, C/O 2023
Internships:
George Washington Carver Internship 2017, Iowa State University. Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program, Stennis Space Center 2019
Field of Career or Future Interests
Physical Therapy, Science
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
NABPT NY, Alpha Chi Sigma Chemistry Fraternity
Instagram: @spulliamthebrand, @sydsyddy
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
Kinnect with Us!
Instagram: @bbkinnection
Email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
BBK sits down with Chris Davis, a co-founder of two businesses, Revcarto and Pending. We get a chance to hear a little bit behind the story of how two companies came to be and the work-life balance of a co-founder. With the right people and tools in your corner, anything is possible.
College Background:
BFA "in progress" with East Stroudsburg University
Internships:
Walt Disney World Resort back in 2016
Field of Career or Future Interests
Marketing & Advertising
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc, AIGA Philadelphia, and Newsweek Expert Forum
Instagram: @chrisdavisworks (personal) & @revcarto (business)
Kinnect with Us!
Instagram: @bbkinnection
Email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring
current college students and post-graduates.
Just be more kind to yourself, know that every step is still a step, no matter how small.
BBK sits down with Raven Parks, a college graduate from East Stroudsburg University. We talked with her about post-grad and what it was like graduating at the start of the pandemic, building meaningful relationships, and some of her favorite Cheesesteak places in Philly.
College Background:
B.A in Communication Studies with a double concentration in advocacy + public relations from East Stroudsburg University
Internships:
Mentor- Girl Talk Global
Field of Career or Future Interests:
Future interests include talk shows/spokesperson for a nonprofit organization or health org.
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations:
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW)
Instagram: @raven.___ @therealwrae
Kinnect with Us!
Instagram: @bbkinnection
Email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring
current college students and post-graduates.
BBK sits down the Dominique Hawkins, a graduate with her J.D. from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. As an attorney, Dominique takes us through her journey into her dream career. After failing the bar her first time and Bouncing Back for a second try. We can see what it looks like to try again and regain focus to accomplish your goals.
College Background:
B.A in Political Science from Texas A&M University
Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University
Internships:
With a State Rep in College Town
In-house counsel w/ school district, Labor/Employment Sector with Legal Aid and In House counsel for TSU
Field of Career or Future Interests
Legal Field; Currently an Associate Attorney.
Future Interests incl: Becoming General Counsel of a company and eventually owning a restaurant
Organizations Involved and National Affiliations
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Houston Young Lawyer Association
Instagram: everybodylovesdom
Kinnect with Us!
Instagram: @bbkinnection
Email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring
current college students and post-graduates.
BBK sits down with Sultan Aminu, a Ramapo College of New Jersey graduate, in our seventh episode! As a basketball coach, he takes us through his journey of being a student-athlete in college, playing overseas, and his role in working with kids.
College Background:
Completed: BA Business Admin from Ramapo College of New Jersey
Instagram handle: @kingsult23
Kinnect with Us!
Instagram: @bbkinnection
Email: contact@thebbkinnection.com
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring current college students and post-graduates.
In our sixth episode, BBK sits down with A. Daniels, a graduate from the one and only Howard University! In this episode, we get a chance to talk about college, courses we wished we could take in high school, what it is like to be a business owner, and pivoting into careers, we love.
College Background:
Completed: BA in Supply Chain Management from Howard University
While in college, A. Daniels held an internship at Under Armour and Sodexo (Supply Chain related) and is currently a Consultant at Accenture.
As you know, we love to celebrate our guests. A couple of accomplishments A. Daniels has achieved are:
"Being a triple minority and accomplishing everything that I have thus far — I've always been an honor roll student growing up. That's what led me to enroll at Howard University in 2014 and ultimately graduate in December 2018. During my senior year at Howard, I lost my baby sister to cancer, and I was completely demotivated to finish my degree. Perseverance, a strong desire to break the generational curses around me, and knowing how quickly my sister lost her life kept me going.
I've been a full-time Consultant at Accenture for nearly three years on top of many entrepreneurial endeavors from music to fashion. I also have a nonprofit, 4Humanity (@4humanity.us), focused on impacting communities through acts of service."
Instagram handles: @aejalreadyfamous @4humanity.us
Every Monday, we post a new episode featuring a current college student or post-graduate and highlight them on our Instagram (@bbkinnection), so you can follow each person along in their journey and kinnect with them.
In our fifth episode, BBK sits down with Jamar Miller, a senior graduating this Spring from the University of Central Florida. As he heads into post-grad, he is enjoying his last semester of college while still looking ahead.
College Background:
In-Progress: Human Communication from the University of Central Florida
While in college, he has held four internships: Brand and Content Alliances Intern-GTB, Digital Marketing, and Communications Intern- UCF College of Business, Business Development and Account Management Intern- Brave Health, Marketing Intern- UCF Athletics.
A recent struggle he has faced is procrastinating and finding out what he wants to do after graduation. A big accomplishment for him has been getting into college and getting the opportunity to receive multiple internships.
If you want to Kinnect with Jamar, you can follow him on Ig: @http_marrr.
Every Monday, we post a new episode and featuring a current college student or post-graduate and also highlight them on our instagram (@bbkinnection), so you can follow each person along in their journey and kinnect with them.
In our fourth episode, BBK sits down with Christopher Cruz to speak about his time learning about college, attending undergrad and changing majors THREE times, working in education, and now attending Law school during the pandemic.
Educational Background:
Completed: Bachelors of Mathematics Education from the University of South Florida.
In-Progress: Juris Doctor at Florida State University
While in college, he has held two internships, one with the Hillsborough County Public School, and currently being a Law Clerk at Sniffen and Spellman. At FSU, he is a part of the Hispanic Law Students Association, FSU Chapter, and Education Law and Policy Society, FSU Chapter.
A recent struggle he currently faces is being a first-generation student in law school, not knowing how law school or the legal profession works. He has celebrated a big accomplishment being the first person in his immediate and extended family to graduate from college.
If you want to Kinnect with Chris, you can follow him on Ig: @Cruz_chris96.
Every Monday, we post a new episode and feature each guest on our Instagram page (@bbkinnection), so you can follow each person along in their journey and kinnect with them. We also ask them bonus questions to answer, such as internships they have held, some of their biggest accomplishments, and their recent struggles.
In our third episode of Motivational Monday, BBK sits down with Tyron Norwood to speak about his career transition from Politics to Acting. From graduating college in 2015 to now, he has made decisions that have made him feel happy, surrounded himself with people who care for him and is currently working in a field of choice.
B. A in Bachelors in Political Science | Currently applying to schools for a Masters of Fine Arts
IG: @Ty_Norwood97
Every Monday we post a new episode and feature each guest on our Instagram page (@bbkinnection) so you can follow each person along in their journey and kinnect with them. We also ask them bonus questions to answer, such as internships they have held, some of their biggest accomplishments, and their recent struggles.
See you in our next episode!!
In our second episode of Motivational Monday, BBK sits down with Fanta Kaba to speak about her undergrad experience thus far and graduating high school during the pandemic. As a Sophomore in college in her second semester, she is balancing her academics, self care and leadership roles.
Michigan State University Major in Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Located in East Lansing, Michigan.
Instagram: Fantamkaba
In our first episode of Motivational Monday BBK sits down with Gertrude Kibagendi to speak about her educational journey from her first college to the release of her latest EP. We speak about her transitions of life, what does healing look like for her and her goals for 2022.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology- 2017 | Master of Science in Public Administration-2020
Visions of Healing EP https://audiomack.com/gendi/album/visions-of-healing
Instagram: @damngerdiehot