The Empowerment Zone

Next episode out on Monday, December 4 with guests Rebekah Ratliff Are you crab in a barrel?

Dr. Carolyne Opinde: Empowering NGOs to Build a More Sustainable World — Non-governmental organizations, also referred to as NGOs, focus on solving some of the most pressing social challenges facing communities and nations around the world. To successfully execute their social missions, NGOs must build strong infrastructures, consisting of knowledge, processes and resources. The NGO Whisperer Center for Social Impact is focused on just that: empowering NGOs for success.  Join Ramona as she talks to Dr. Carolyne Opinde about her new book Fit For The Future - A Guidebook For Nonprofits To Thrive In A Changing World (Volume 1).  This book explores many of the essential elements that NGOs must put in place to be successful.  Carolyne A. Opinde Dr.h.c. is an award-winning social impact expert, author, speaker and the Founder and CEO of The NGO Whisperer® Centre For Social Impact.  Originally from Kenya, Dr. Opinde currently lives in Manchester, United Kingdom. Resources: https://ngowhisperer.com/  Topics: Dr. Carolyne Opinde’s journey to becoming a leader in social impact Evolution of the NGO Whisperer Centre for Social Impact Importance of social innovation NGO Whisperer Global Summit 2023 Fit for the Future:  A Guidebook for Nonprofits to Thrive in a Changing World (Volume 1) Evolution of the book Various challenges facing NGOs Role of leadership in developing successful NGOs

Next episode out on Monday, December 25 with guests Dr. Carolyne Opinde Book Launch: Fit For The Future - A Guidebook For Nonprofits To Thrive In A Changing World (Volume 1)

Dr. Constance Craig-Mason: Preparing individuals for financial well-being —  Financial education and literacy is so important to living a financially secure and abundant life, yet so many African Americans and Latinos lack the knowledge they need to create financial success for themselves and their families.  Join Ramona as she talks to Dr. Constance Craig-Mason about how individuals in Black and Brown communities can take steps to master the fundamentals of financial empowerment.  Constance shares strategies for building a prosperous financial future.  As the CEO of Concierge Financial Advisory and an Investment Advisor Representative at Forthright Capital Partners, Dr. Constance Craig-Mason teaches her clients how to manage their money, so they can live the life they want without worrying about money. Resources: https://www.moneytalkschallenge.com  Topics: Constance’s personal and professional journey into becoming a financial advisor Importance of exposure in inspiring financial empowerment Intrinsic value of financial education and literacy to living an empowered life Reasons for being intentional and clear about the life you want, so you can chart your life Insurance Investing MORE:  memories, opportunities, relationships and experiences Strategies for financial empowerment

Next episode out on Monday, December 18 with guests Dr. Constance Craig-Mason Mastering Financial Fundamentals

Melvin M. Coleman: Black Economic Empowerment through Ownership and Control —  Since the development of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, African Americans have primarily served as a source of labor in the American and global economy.  This has limited the ability of African Americans to build wealth, which leads to power and influence. Listen to the conversation as Ramona talks to Melvin Coleman about the need for African Americans to move beyond being employees and consumers to being owners of businesses and industries.  Melvin M. Colman is President of the Atlanta Black Chambers and the founder and chief portfolio strategist of Essential Wealth Management, a registered investment advisory firm based in the Atlanta area.  A US Navy veteran, Melvin is originally from Savannah, Georgia, and now makes Atlanta his home. Resources: https://atlantablackchambers.org  Topics: Melvin’s professional trajectory into becoming an expert in economic empowerment “DSGB” Savannah, Georgia Atlanta Black Chambers Economic history of slavery Labor history and the role of African Americans as a source of labor Importance of ownership in building wealth Strategies for the economic empowerment of the African American community Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, December 11 with guests Melvin M. Coleman How can African Americans expand their power and influence?

Rebekah Ratliff: inspiring an end the crab in a barrel syndrome —  In this climate of heightened awareness around the need for diverse perspectives and equitable inclusion, individuals must be intentional about making an impact. Listen to a candid conversation between friends as Ramona chats with Rebekah Ratliff about the need for individuals to be supportive colleagues and not malicious crabs.  The crabs in the barrel syndrome is destructive and has detrimental consequences.  Rebekah contends that individuals and communities must be intentional about ending this harmful practice if we are going to move forward individually and collectively.   Rebekah is an international mediator and arbitrator with the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (JAMS), the first African American non-lawyer ever to be invited to the JAMS panel of neutrals. She provides dispute resolution services in the U.S., London and Caribbean. A native of Chicago, Rebekah currently lives in Atlanta. Resources: https://www.consultccm.com  Topics: Rebekah’s professional trajectory into becoming an international mediator and arbitrator Crabs in a basket syndrome Ways to replace the crabs in the basket syndrome with more affirming behaviors Importance of sowing seeds generously (in service) to reap generously Taking risks Racism Simple analogy to understand Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) HBCU I.M.P.A.C.T. ®

Daryl Perry: empowering clients to maximize their insurance investments —  It is open enrollment!  It is that time of year to explore your insurance needs and determine what is best for you and your family.  Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.  Join Ramona as she talks to Daryl Perry, a ten-year veteran of the insurance industry.  Daryl combines his life experiences as a military brat, lover of hip hop, and insurance nerd to help make sense of something we all have to deal with. Being a married man and father of four also helps him to see insurance needs from different angles.   When it comes to insurance, Daryl contends that we all need to have a plan, not a plea. Resources: https://wayoflifegroup.com/   Topics: Daryl’s professional journey in becoming an insurance professional Importance of spending time to understand the various types of insurance Affordable Care Act, AKA: “Obamacare” Short-term health insurance Dental and vision insurance Supplemental insurance Disability insurance Life insurance Permanent insurance Risk factors in insurance Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, November 27 with guests Daryl Perry Insurance: do you know what you really need?

Philippe Jean-Bart: The Advantages of Technical Education —  It is a fact:  everyone does not have the ability or the resources to pursue a traditional four-year college education.  According to Philippe Jean-Bart that is why technical education and training is so valuable.  Join the conversation as Ramona talks to Philippe about the value and benefits of attending technical college.  Through a technical education students can actually “build a career in a year.”  Philippe is Chair of Health Science Education at Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School.  A first-generation Haitian American, Philippe now makes Miami his home. Resources: Atlantic Technical College Highlights from our conversation: Value of a technical education Employment opportunities for people with technical degrees Receiving technical education during high school Funding technical education Workforce development Affordability of higher education Strategies for college success

Maloase Mogodi: South African Women’s Alliance —  Economic empowerment is important to all women.  That is why it is essential for women in various parts of the world to build relationships in order to create more opportunities with and for each other.  Maloase Mogodi seeks to create this connection as Founder and President of the South African Women’s Alliance (SAWA).  Maloase is on a mission to promote, celebrate and showcase the people and culture of South Africa in order to build cultural exchange between women of the US and South Africa.   Listen to Ramona and Maloase’s conversation as they discuss SAWA and how women can inspire and support each other.  In their conversation Maloase also discusses the upcoming 10th Anniversary SAWA Gala and Award celebration to be held on November 4, 2023, in Atlanta Georgia.  Originally from South Africa, Maloase now lives in Atlanta.  Resources: South African Women’s Alliance SAWA 10th Anniversary Gala and Awards Highlights from our conversation: Women’s Empowerment South Africa South African Women’s Alliance Economic empowerment of women Global relationships between women in the US and South Africa SAWA Gala and Awards, November 4, 2023 Strategies for college success

Letycia Pastrana: The Community Services Agency of the Metro-Washington Council, AFL-CIO —  The AFL-CIO continues to empower and inspire families and communities.  The Community Services Agency (CSA) of the Metropolitan-Washington Council, AFL-CIO is on a mission to continue that tradition.  Listen to the conversation today as Ramona talks to Letycia Pastrana, Executive Director, about the work of the CSA.  The CSA is an independent, nonprofit organization established to improve the lives of workers and their families by helping to meet their human and social service needs.  A native of San Antonio, Texas, Letycia has extensive experience developing and executing community and economic development activities for vulnerable, as well as diverse, populations in need of resources. Resources: https://www.communityservicesagency.org/  Highlights from our conversation: Emergency assistance to families facing unique challenges, such as lay-offs, unemployment, etc. Careers in trades WorkForce Development Providing the tools and guidance for career choices Connecting with organizations that provide mental wellness Women in trades Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, October 16 with guests Letycia Pastrana How the CSA, AFL-CIO impacts communities

Donna P. Riley: Building pleasant work environments through etiquette —  Have you ever felt disrespected?  Many people are stressed out in the marketplace and in general due to the fact that they feel disrespected. The use of proper business etiquette can eliminate misunderstandings, and using simple common courtesies can make a difference in your everyday work and life interactions.  Join the conversation as Ramona talks to Donna P. Riley, who believes we can accomplish more when we have pleasant interactions over the course of the workday.  Donna Paige Riley, also known as “The Etiquette Lady,” is the founder of Paige’s Etiquette Seminars, L.L.C., and MSDonnaspeaks.com., companies specializing in personal and professional development training and coaching in the areas of communication skills, public speaking and socialization, customer service, leadership and corporate etiquette skills. She is the author of What is Business Etiquette Anyway? Key Strategies for Building Successful Working Relationships. Resources: https://www.msdonnaspeaks.com/  https://www.paigesetiquette.com  Highlights from our conversation: Defining etiquette beyond table manners Value of etiquette in the workplace Praise in public, reprimand in private When correcting others, criticize the action, not the individual Making time to be courteous and considerate of others Etiquette skills and practices Corporate bullying Tips from What is Business Etiquette Anyway? Key Strategies for Building Successful Working Relationships Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, October 9 with guests Donna P. Riley What is Business Etiquette Anyway?

Marlon Addison: Arousing your fullest potential through Marlon Mentors —  Join Ramona as she delves deep into the connection between Emotional Intelligence and Sales with the CEO (Chief Emotional Officer) of "MarlonMentors", Marlon Addison.  Marlon’s vision of and for "Marlon Mentors" is to provide individuals the language to relationally communicate, the tools to socially navigate, and improve their self-talk to unblock their imagination and increase self-esteem.  Marlon is a Sales and Marketing Leader and owner of a consulting company called "Marlon Mentors," which specifically focuses on teaching Emotional Intelligence and Sales techniques to Corporations and Colleges and Universities. A trainer and coach at his core, he pushes teams to listen for the things they are complimented on the most and on what comes easy to and for them; those things are your superpowers. Resources: https://www.marlonmentors.com  Highlights from our conversation: Emotional intelligence How emotional intelligence inspires success in sales Identifying your passion Aligning workforce within corporations How to develop relationships Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, October 2 with guests Marlon Addison How do you zero in on your zone of genius?

Vincenzo and Gabriela Piscopo: Empowering People with Motor Disabilities around the World — The Wheels of Happiness Foundation is on a mission to empower spinal cord injury survivors and individuals with motor disabilities with the resources they need to reintegrate into society and add value to their families and communities. Based in Atlanta, the Foundation supports people in disadvantaged communities around the world.  Enjoy the conversation today as Ramona talks to the founders Vincenzo and Gabriela Piscopo about their journey to building this organization and why their work is so impactful. Vincenzo serves as the CEO of the United Spinal Association and Dr. Gabriela Piscopo is a professor at Morehouse College. Together, they inspire and uplift communities through service.  Mark your calendars to join the Wheels of Happiness Foundation for their annual fundraising gala on September 30th, in Atlanta, Georgia, as they celebrate Uganda. Resources: https://wheelsofhappiness.org/  The Wheels of Happiness Foundation 2023 Gala   Highlights from our conversation: Vincenzo and Gabriela’s personal journey as immigrants from Venezuela to the US Founding of the Wheels of Happiness Foundation The various experiences and support systems of people with motor disabilities “The multiplier effect”:  How helping others with motor disabilities makes even greater impact on families and communities Wheels of Happiness Foundation 2023 Gala, September 30, 2023, Atlanta, Georgia Celebrating Uganda Strategies for college success

Next episode out on Monday, September 25 with guests Vincenzo and Gabriela Piscopo The Wheels of Happiness Foundation