This...I...Do...For...Me: Over 50, Black and Fabulous!

I had the best time with Nakeisha Rodgers, M.D., a Geriatrician and Internist. In this interview, Dr. Nakeisha shares what drew her to working with senior citizens, why she sees them as savvy seniors and how she approaches her training with medical professionals so that they begin to transform how they view and interact with this population. Additionally, she shares the content of the progressive training she offers to her colleagues — other physicians, medical aides, social workers/therapists, etc. Dr. Nakeisha is a dual board Internist and Geriatrician, best-selling author, and national speaker from the beautiful island of the Bahamas. She is the daughter of two retired educators whose love for the classroom shaped her own passion for teaching. She has over a decade of experience caring for hundreds of complex geriatric patients with multiple medical needs. Through her books, dynamic in-person and virtual workshops, and online educational resources, she equips medical professionals with the tools needed to help savvy seniors age like royalty. Dr. Nakeisha earned her Associate's Degree in Biochemistry from the University of the Bahamas. She then completed her Bachelor’s in Biology at Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She matriculated at the University of West Indies medical school graduating with an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery). She later completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the Yale New Haven Health Bridgeport Program. She was awarded a Fellowship degree in Geriatrics from the prestigious Harvard Medical School. She is the CEO of Age Like Royalty LLC, geared at changing the perception of aging. A creative at heart, Dr. Nakeisha teaches key geriatric principles in a creative, simple format so that medical professionals can provide comprehensive, compassionate geriatric care the Dr. Nakeisha way! Dr. Nakeisha has the pleasure and privilege of mentoring the next generation of brilliant minds. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Internal and Geriatric Medicine in Florida. To rejuvenate she enjoys spending quality time with her parents and family, listening to music, dancing, and engaging in the creative arts. Dr. Nakeisha looks forward to sharing her priceless secrets with your organization, so your seniors can age like royalty. Dr. Nakeisha’s Website www.drnakeishamd.com Dr. Nakeisha’s book — SECRETS OF SASSY, SAVVY SENIORS Secrets of Sassy, Savvy Seniors: Aging Like Royalty Roadmap amzn.to Secrets of Sassy, Savvy Seniors: Aging Like Royalty Roadmap amzn.to Dr. Nakeisha’s Online Course — SECRETS OF SAAVY ONLINE COURSE Secrets of Savvy Seniors Caregiver Edition shorturl.at Dr. Nakeisha’s Advisory Board Consultancy International Caregivers Association https://www.icacares.com/advisory-board

Quilts by Khristel Johnson In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Fiber Historian Khristel Johnson, who in her own words says: “As a student of life, mother of two, and educator for over 30 years, I have always celebrated learning. I mastered my subject matter during my years as a teacher and engaged in retelling the story of American history as presented in the assigned textbooks. While I often questioned the universal narrative, I complied with teaching mandates. It would be years later when I was faced with a significant racially motivated challenge as an administrator that I began to seek comfort through the stories and history of my African ancestors. I learned far more than I could have ever imagined. What began with a single discovery about "Pit Schools" quickly transformed into a series of unplanned fabric squares that I later constructed into my first 3-part series entitled, From the Plantation to the White House. Driven by a growing hunger for knowledge and a desire to answer plaguing questions about American history, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The more I knew, the more I wanted to know. Soon this singular self-serving mission broadened as I began to share the often-omitted experience of African Americans from the pages of textbooks used in classrooms across America. This was the unplanned beginning of quilts by Khristel Johnson. Utilizing authentic African fabrics and beads I began experimenting with colors and designs meant to be visually inviting. My acquired knowledge and the integration of three-dimensional handmade art furthered this objective, resulting in a collection of 60 quilts. It is my sincere hope that I can in some way inspire others to embark on their personal journey and seek amore inclusive, accurate and comprehensive understanding of the African American Experience.” NAMES OF QUILTS KHRISTEL HAS CREATED: 2020 African Americans Applique African Diaspora Art of the Steal American History Black Cowboys 1 Black Cowboys 2 (lg) Black Excellence Black Experience (plantation to WH) Black Lives Matter Black Minds Matter (BMM) Black Power (Past, Present & Future) Black Veterans ote (V) Blacknificant Buffalo Soldiers Change (Plantation to WH) Chickasaw Family Qlt Connections Descendents of Greatness Family Tree Freedom Riders Good Hair Herstory Honoring Our Ancestors (V) Hope (Plantation to WH) In My Lifetime Institutional Racism (BLM) Malcom X (Past, Present & Future) Red Summer of 1919 Ghana-Footsteps of our ancestors Quilt Codes (6/1/24) Black Farmers (5/1/2024) What have you got to lose? (Voting Series) We Are One (Gullah and Geechee)Tuskegee Airmen Tree of Wisdom Middle Passage Transatlantic 3/5th The Truth (BMM) Historical Reckoning Student Voices Strange Fruit A Stolen People (slavery) Stay Woke (BMM) Stevenson Family Quilt Resistence (Slavery) Power and Privilege (BLM) Plantations (slavery series) A Different PerspectiveMarketing of Human LivesMandelaHerstoryVote (part of Black vote series)Adinkra (small) To view Khristel’s work, please visit her website: Quiltsbykj.com Email: kjohnson@quiltsbykj.com

Once a year, I get to interview someone who is under the age of 50 to highlight their body of work, especially when they have been intentional about involving older Black women. Tameka Lawson is a force, and her organization Restored Hope empowers Black women and girls to move beyond the everyday cycles of violence and trauma while working toward discovering inner peace and resiliency within themselves, their families and their communities. Restored Hope offers after school and in school programs that empower young women through trauma informed yoga, various social service resources, and workshops for women. Tameka Lawson is an Advocate for Social Change and is the Founder of the Selah Center for Healing. Tameka Lawson has been a revered community activist for years, advocating for social change through her work in mindfulness programs in Chicago's Englewood community. Through her efforts, she provided organizations with the tools of mindfulness and yoga to combat the violence that community members often faced. Tameka and Restored Hope received accolades from former First Lady Michelle Obama for the phenomenally impactful work that she is doing. During a public health brigade in 2019, Tameka recognized that Black diasporans returning to the continent often lacked a proper space to process their experiences fully. This realization led to the creation of the Selah Center for Healing. The center, located in Elmina, Ghana, will offer workshops, yoga, reiki and other forms of healing to help individuals process the information that their bodies receive after visiting the slave grounds. It is expected to open in the spring of 2024. Tameka is also escorting five African American girls (ages 15-18) to Elmina/Cape Coast, Ghana. There she will connect them to the Ghanaian girls who she works with around the body-mind connection, meditation and leadership development. They will the tour slave dungeons and more importantly process jointly what this experience means for the girls from both sides of the Atlantic. If you would like to assist Tameka by sponsoring a girl, making a financial contribution or helping to provide feminine products, you can connect with Tameka through Restored Hopes’s social media pages, the website or by going directly to Amazon (see link below) to view the organization’s wish list. Check out my list on Amazon amazon.com Tameka is a certified trauma-informed yoga teacher, having trained under renowned teachers like Seane Corn and Catherine Ashton. Her vinyasa flow yoga classes challenge students to express their intentions as they work toward inner healing and empowerment. Her work has been featured in over 20 media publications, including People Magazine and The Doctors TV show. She is also a United Nations Delegate to the Commission of the Status of Women conference. But above all, Tameka is proud to be a mother of her four amazuping children Christopher Jr., Joshua, Ziya-Angeline and Elijah-Michael. RESTORED HOPE’S FACEBOOK PAGE Restored Hope | Chicago IL facebook.com INSTAGRAM PAGE/LINK FOR RESTORED HOPE https://www.instagram.com/restoredhopeorg?igsh=dnVsdWR5NW1mMnNw&utm_source=qr WEBSITE FOR RESTORED HOPE Reminding Women to Breathe restoredhopechicago.org

Sharon Ehrlich (ERR-lick) is proud, Bronx-raised native New Yorker. Sharon’s business career started in the health care industry where she spent nearly a decade in hospital administration at a major NYC hospital. A love story led to her permanently relocate to Austria. With this move she pivoted her career to IT working for IBM for over a decade and led teams throughout Europe, Turkey, and Russia. Sharon followed her passion for educating future leaders and spent 14 years as an Adjunct Professor of Business Management at a local university. Sharon’s interest in professional development resulted in a career shiftto Sales Readiness and Enablement where she provided strategic leadership for large multinational organizations at both the European and global executive level. Sharon is a passionate advocate for female empowerment, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and has been invited to share her views and lived experiences as a keynote speaker, podcast guest and webinar panelist. Sharon is the founder of Living While Leading, a premier executive coaching service which focuses on supporting women IT executives in their quest to optimize their lives so that they can live and work authentically and in alignment with their priorities and values. She also hosts the Living While Leading Podcast, a weekly podcast which focuses on topics related to women in leadership and female empowerment. Sharon resides in Vienna with her husband and has an adult son. In this episode, Sharon highlights and expounds on how she works with executive women who want to either transition to a completely new area of their existing careers, move from corporate work to the nonprofit sector or those who would like to become more impactful and present as it relates to their increased inner satisfaction. Through her work with executive women, Sharon has noticed a recurring theme — that women universally have a habit of putting everything and everyone else ahead of themselves. These are all areas that Sharon can assist you in addressing so that you are maximizing joy, comfort, advancement and self-awareness. She does this primarily through her 5-month Living While Leading Four Step System. During the interview, Sharon provides several examples of she has done this herself, along with identifying and exploring new areas that ultimately brought her new growth and fulfillment opportunities, both internally and externally. If you would like to connect with Sharon through an exploratory session, she can be contacted through her website www.livingwhileleading.com or via email sharon@ehrlich.or.at

In Episode 60, I interview Regine Rousseau!! Regine T. Rousseau, wine and spirits expert, writer, presenter, and media personality, focuses on making wine knowledge accessible to people at all levels of proficiency. She is recognized as 2022 Leader in the Wine Industry by Wine Business Monthly, a nominee of 2020 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards, Wine Educator of the Year, a WSET Level 3 with Merit, an International Sommelier Guild Level II, and Executive Bourbon Steward, Stave and Thief. She received the 2021 Alumni Achievement Award from Knox College. Regine has traveled around the globe sharing her wine and spirits expertise. She has authored or been featured in articles in the The Drop, New Yorker, Wine Enthusiast, Pix Wine, Black Enterprise, Black Food and Beverage, Wine Spectator, the Zoe Report, Forbes, VinePair , Afar and Chicago Tribune. Regine fell in love with wine while studying abroad during college in Besançon, France and began her career as a salesperson for a wine distributor. While in this role, she noticed a disconnect between wine professionals and consumers. Making wine approachable became a central premise of Regine’s work. In 2013, Regine established Shall We Wine, a wine and spirits experiential marketing, event planning, and education company. Working with national and boutique winemakers, distilleries, importers, and distributors, she increases brand awareness, reach, and revenue for clients through innovative and traditional approaches. These include in-person and on-line activations, events, sponsorships, videos, media and social media services, and speaker and influencer marketing. She and her team are masters at translating complex terminology into language that individuals of every level of wine expertise and interest appreciates. Regine’s speaking, keynote, moderator and panelist engagements include South Beach Wine and Food Festival (2022 and 2023), Blacks in Wine Symposium, Wonder Women in Wine, I.E.E.M Conference - Pinot Grigio delle Venezie, SoloCEO Summit, www.tastings.com, and Association of Writers and Writers’ Programs. She is columnist for Pix Wines and a blogger on shallwewine.com, has served as subject matter expert for VinePair, has been interviewed on You & Me Chicago, WGN Chicago, Windy City Live, and Great Day Washington. Regine was the virtual event moderator for Gallo International Women’s Month (2021 and 2023). Regine is a regular contributor for WGN’s Daytime Chicago television show. Language is integral to Rousseau’s work as a poet and published author where wine and written word are often interwoven. In her book Searching for Cloves and Lilies: The Wine Edition, Regine illustrates the dynamics of personal relationships while pairing each poem with wine that echoes the mood of her writing. Regine is recipient of the Wine Bloggers Conference Ethnifacts Diversity Scholarship, grants from McBride Sisters Collections and Allies for Community Business, and Knox College’s 2020 Alumni Achievement Award. She is fluent in French, Haitian Creole, and English. She has a BA from Knox College, studied at L’Université de Franche Comte and Centre de Linguistique Appliquée.

In this episode, I interview Susan Millender, who shares with us information about a rare brain malformation (primarily diagnosed during pregnancy and sometimes diagnosed after birth). She wants us to know that her organization Families for HoPE is the only organization whose mission it is to support the entire family impacted by this disease. She works, along with a dedicated Board of Directors and with volunteers to meet the direct service needs of the Holoprosencephaly community. Susan has always had an interest in community service and working in environments that have a strong mission to help ameliorate anxiety and isolation. Susan is currently the Executive Director of Families for HoPE, Inc., an Indianapolis based nonprofit serving children diagnosed with Holoprosencephaly and related rare brain malformations. She is the first person to fill the role in the organization’s 17-year history. Susan was born in East Chicago, IN and grew up in nearby Gary. She attended Ball State University and graduated from Calumet College, Whiting, IN, with a BA in Mass Communications. Susan has worked as a health advocate in nonprofit settings in the Pacific Northwest for more than 30 years, specifically among children and families struggling to gain and maintain well-being and resilience. She is a member of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. Previously,she led Seattle-King County Washington’s Guided Pathways nonprofit family support organization as Executive Director. She has served as Program Director for the American Diabetes Association of Washington and Northern Idaho, and directed marketing communications programs for Seattle Counseling Services, Sound Generations of Seattle-King County, and Seattle’s Bloodworks. She counts travel and reading among the leisure-time activities she most enjoys. Susan can be reached directly through info@familesforhope.org

Robin Tillotson Sun, 11 Jun, 15:32 (6 days ago) to me In this episode Saaudiah Muhammad shares the progression and trajectory that led her to a career in the Mental Health space. Having received a strong and strict upbringing in Cleveland, Ohio, from her mother, who left Alabama to experience a more prosperous life in the north, Saaudiah developed strong decision making skills and over time a discerning eye. To this day, she applies those lessons in her thriving business Black Butterfly Counseling and Consulting. Also, in 2019, she developed a Blog entitled The Muslim Therapist, and she is a strong observer of how African Americans are impacted by inequality as it relates to mental health treatment and the respect that is often not provided to the patient. When I asked her what words of wisdom would she offer women age 50+, she emphasized that she would offer her wisdom to those in the plus 40 cohort, as well. Those words simply put — “Live life on your own terms and more importantly be open to exploring new experiences and don’t limit yourself.” Saaudiah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works as a psychotherapist, consultant and coach. She has spent most of her professional career working in social services, including child welfare, community services and in hospital/clinical settings for many years. Saaudiah's interest in mental health began while working at a community hospital and recognizing the difference in the treatment of patient care for those who were experiencing mental health crises. Saaudiah knew she wanted to work towards effecting a change for people facing mental health challenges. Saaudiah is passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health and therapy among communities of color and within the Islamic faith especially. Her niche is working with Black and Muslim Women in individual therapy. Saaudiah is a published writer of several articles and books including several journals. With her love of cooking and baking, she published a vegetarian cookbook titled “Vegetarian Cooking Made Easy”. As a clinician she wanted to help her clients, and all those who are in therapy with creating a therapy journal entitled Therapied: A Therapy Journal. She is also the creator of “The Better Self Journal” Book 1 and Book 2. The Better Self Journal was designed to help all those who use this journal to be inspired, motivated and encouraged with writing prompts, affirmations and beautiful Black imagery. Saaudiah loves spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys cooking (including baking), traveling, art collecting, and writing. She loves collecting crystals and crystal jewelry, working out, utilizing sound therapy with singing bowls and tuning forks and she is a reiki practitioner. She strives to live a holistic and healthy lifestyle. Saaudiah loves to laugh. She feels it's one of the best medicines you can have in your life. Saaudiah is an advocate for social justice. She is also working on several literary projects focusing on mental health and wellbeing. Saaudiah is dedicated to her Islamic faith and that is the force that drives her. She is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University located in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, where she obtained a Masters in Social Science Administration (Social Work). She will begin a doctoral program in Social Work this fall. **** Vegetarian Cooking Made Easy may be purchased via amazon https://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Cooking-Made-Saaudiah-Muhammad/dp/1795616806/ref= tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= All the journals can be purchased via: www.TheMuslimTherapist.org The Better Self Journals can be purchased on www.themuslimtherapist.org or you can purchase them on Amazon.

In this episode, I interview Jarrie Brown, who is a lover of Israel and all that she learned about this exciting country during her travels there. She shares when her love of Israel, especially Jerusalem, began and why she and her mom took the journey there to honor her father’s memory. She encourages us to travel there not only because of the spiritual significance, but as a place that is highly livable, safe and enlightening. Jarrie L. Brown is an Ethics Compliance Investigator with a local Government Agency in Chicago, IL. A Graduate of DominicanUniversity and a Former Ebony Fashion Show Stylist (Ebony and Jet Magazine). As a Stylist, she’s traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe. And during her spare time, she is an artist, seamstress and the loving grandmother of two. Jarrie has been traveling since the age of two, but her accomplished travel includes a tour of the Holy Land, Jerusalem, Israel (College studies and tour of the United Kingdom, France, and Rome, Italy). “America is my Country, but Jerusalem Israel is my home”, says Jarrie! If you would like to reach out to Jarrie regarding travel to Israel, you can email her at brownjarrie@gmail.com

In this episode, I had the exciting opportunity to interview a wonderful community artist. Antonia “Toni” Ruppert is an Illinois artist who has been creating for over 25 years. She creates paintings that tell a story. Ruppert fell in love with art as a child upon seeing her Dad draw after coming home from work at Brachs Candy Company. The oldest of six siblings, she recalls drawing horses and people on tons of pink paper that was gifted to her by the dentist office. Now creating on canvas, panels and paper using all kinds of paint, she is inspired by stories of faith, hope and love. Ruppert was the 2021 Invest South/West Artist in Residence for Chicago’s Austin community and the 2022 Artist in Residence for the Addison Public Library. Ruppert is an honoree of the Peggy A. Montes Unsung Heroine Award for Cook County. Ruppert has been featured in the Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Exhibition, Moraine Valley Community College Regional Showcase and the Dupage Art League’s Best of the Best Exhibition. Her favorite paintings and murals can be found in numerous regional venues including the Berwyn North District 98 elementary schools. Other commissions include: University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago Public Library, Acorn Public Library, Addison Public Library, Austin Childcare Network, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Forest Park Park District, Elmwood Park Public Library, Grand Prairie Services, Living Springs Community Church, Markham Public Library, Near North Montessori School, Oak Forest Park District and the Oak Park Area Arts Council. In 2021, she collaborated with the Office of the Mayor of the City of Berwyn and the Award Winning Junior State of America Morton West Debate Club Chapter to commission and speak at the first Juneteenth Commemoration held in the city. Ruppert is thankful to God for her gifts and is currently illustrating a children's book —“The Place Where I Belong” by Candice Klopfenstein due out later in 2023. Ruppert is on the board of Sarah’s Inn, a domestic violence awareness and prevention agency and is well known at the frontlines of the activist community and as a notable artist. Ruppert seeks to uplift her entire community with creative expression. You can connect with Toni at toni@toniruppert.com

In this episode, I speak with Karen Gilliam, who is in alignment with her assignment, and she wants others to be also. She helps others to put their dreams to the test by working with you to execute the six “Es” — Encourage, Empower, Enlighten, Educate, Elevate and Escalate. She shares that although she lost her husband to cancer, she emerged as a Queen Warrior versus a widow, who functions in a world of isolation, poverty and sorrow. Karen, aka Coach KG, is a seasoned mentor, coach, entrepreneur, trainer, and speaker. She is the CIO, Continuously Inspiring Others, of Destn2bme By Design with Karen Gilliam. Her career spans over four decades with her mission being the same in any capacity. Her personal and professional mission statement is to encourage, empower, enlighten, educate, elevate, and escalate people from a life of default to a life by design and being the best version of themselves. Karen’s strengths are positivity, winning others over, maximizer, empathy, and communication. To sum up these strengths, Karen is a strong communicator who positively sees the best in others and maximizes their belief in themselves by believing in them. Karen recently added author to her hats by publishing her first book to be released this fall. The book covers her journey of caregiving for her husband of 43 years and how to live her life after his transition as a “Queen Warrior” and not a “widow”. Coach KG resides in Vancouver, WA, surrounded by her loving family of three adult children, their spouses and 11 grandsugars (because they are sweet as can be). She enjoys reading, trivia, cooking and traveling. After hearing her, you will realize there is nothing you can’t do! MOST INSPIRING! Contact her at coachkg57@gmail.com

In this episode, Dr. Knowles shares her journey of self-love, her love of exercise and body building, along with the barriers that she has overcome to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A 25-year veteran in higher education, Dr. Matteel D. Knowlescurrently serves as the Vice President for Student Services at Greenville Technical College. Prior to that, she served at the Technical College of the Lowcountry in Beaufort as the Vice President for Student Affairs; and prior to that, at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood in various roles in Student Development. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Knowles’ family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida when she was 12. The first in her family to earn a college degree, Dr. Knowles first earned an Associate of Arts degree from Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood. She then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Human Services from Limestone College in Gaffney; a Masters in Career and Technology Education from Clemson; a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership from the USC-Columbia; and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, alsofrom USC-Columbia. Prior to serving in executive-level leadership roles, Dr. Knowlesserved for approximately 13 years in administrative support positions – supporting executives in mortgage banking, universities, law firms, and manufacturing companies . . . eventually transitioning into higher education. Very active in the community, Dr. Knowles has served as a board member or member for the following service organizations: Urban League of the Upstate, Arts Council of Greenwood, Meg’s House women’s shelter, the Bluffton Boys and Girls Club, the Rotary Club of Greenville, the United Way of Greenville County, the Hispanic Alliance, Upstate Bootcamp, Greenville Women Giving, Education First, Incorporated, the National Coalition Building Institute, and The Links, Incorporated. An active public speaker and workshop presenter through her company MatteelSpeaks (www.matteelspeaks.com), Dr. Knowles was a featured TED Talk presenter in 2016. She has served as a keynote speaker in various settings and has presented numerous professional and community workshops on a variety of topics designed to inform and inspire those who desire to transform their lives. An overcomer, Dr. Knowles’ intense desire to support others through positive change and authentic transformation is directly related to some of her own personal life transformations – surfacing and thriving on the other side of divorce, morbid obesity, first-generation education, and a lack of purpose, she now fully embraces a lifestyle grounded in choices that are mentally, physically and spiritually healthy and devotes much of her free time to personally coaching others through their own life makeovers. When she’s not working, Dr. Knowles enjoys working out, cooking, watching movies, and spending time with her husband Alex. Dr. Knowles is excited to announce the February 14, 2023release of her personal development book, It’s Your Time to Soar!

After having served in various capacities as a speech-language pathologist for 40 years, Leiana J. Thomas Gary retired officially in 2019. Always a crafter and amateur gardener with an in-born entrepreneurial spirit and raised by a mother of the Renaissance kind, Leiana tended to look at things a little differently. During one of the last outdoor walks with her mother Alva prior to her passing in 2007, Leiana, made the snide remark “Someone should do something about these nasty looking planters” and her mother responding quietly later said, “And who might that someone be?” After 2 years of trying not to remember that conversation, Leiana founded the Cottage Grove Planters Society. She dug up all the hostas and day lilies out of her garden and began transplanting them with the help of family and friends into the planter pots one at a time. After two years of tending the planters, she began to look at the blank concrete planters as canvases to display student artwork. In 2009, the Cottage Grove Planters Project began, placing framed versions of local student artwork on the then 24 planter pots, using donated funds and materials. In 2012, the Cottage Grove Planters Project was awarded a Pepsi Refresh Grant to complete the installations. The project has continued since then and has been supported by numerous individuals and organizations such as My Block, My Hood, My City. The CGPS was recently awarded a Neighborhood Access Program (NAP) grant from the City of Chicago — Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to replace the artwork with new designs by more local school children in addition to refreshing the plants and flowers. Also, to learn more about her forthcoming book covering the history and beauty of decorative drink ware, contact her at ltgary@sbcglobal.net. NOTE: Although we didn’t cover this during the interview, along with Leiana’s other gifts, she transforms magnets into brooches. While wearing her mother’s favorite brooch that was lost forever because the clasp opened, Leiana decided that would never happen again. Having created refrigerator magnets in the past, she began adapting brooches that would adhere to clothing without pins using magnets instead. Ladies of Attraction was born in 2009. Website: www.ladiesofattraction.com Website: www.cottagegroveplanters.org Email: ltgary@sbcglobal.net

Akosua Awusi is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer at African Conversations and Connections (ACC Tours) — a boutique travel company providing group excursions to sub-Saharan Africa. ACC Tour’s mission is to help tell the African story by providing safe, world class and inclusive guided tours of what Akosua likes to call Black Africa. ACC Tour’s primary goal is to allow travelers to experience Black Africa below the surface. The company’s curated tours are intimate by design — this allows travelers to immerse themselves in Africa’s people, history and culture. In this interview, Akosua delves into what is magical about Ghana, its beautiful and welcoming people and why everyone should visit West Africa at least once. Akosua also shares with us her business model for getting more African Americans to visit the motherland, and she excitingly shares with us that ACC Tours have expanded their model into Tanzania. The company will also be expanding into Senegal and Nigeria. She is especially proud that in addition to her staff introducing travelers to the historic sites (e.g. Elmina at Cape Coast, Makola Market in Accra, 233 Night Club, etc.), she and her staff are adept at helping you to solidify your vision of the kind of experience you would like to have while in Ghana. If you want a dance class, yoga sessions, or take a ride in an ATV, ACC Tours can help you with that and many more offerings. We also jokingly talk about the friendly competition of which West African country has the best Jollof! Is is Ghana, Senegal or Nigeria? Akosua, who is a first generation American (her parents immigrated to Maryland from Ghana), received her degree in Finance from Temple University and her MBA from Pennsylvania State University. Akosua is bilingual in both English and Twi, and she has lived in Ghana and Belgium, along with working in other major cities in Africa and Europe.

Linda S. Husser is one of the most cutting edge Life Coaches you will meet. When I asked her about her style of coaching and what makes it successful, Linda unequivocally stated that it’s her own journey and vulnerability that makes her relatable to her clients. She knows plenty about growing up in a dysfunctional family, but despite this, the strongest value that her parents taught her was staying connected to family and always being there for each other. As one of six siblings, Linda still keeps that value at the center of her mind. She knows all about habits that materialize for the purpose of hiding pain and perpetuating that foe of all foes — Imposter Syndrome. What is Imposter Syndrome, exactly? Linda provides a clear and succinct answer — it’s that feeling that no matter how many accolades one receives, achievements one attains, and compliments and praise one is offered, that lingering feeling that you are still not good enough remains. Many times this feeling is steeped in an lack awarenes of what you want, deserve and how to get it. The pain also manifests itself in the form of other preoccupations — overeating, oversleeping and oversexing. Also, to maintain the “I got it all together” image of outward confidence despite low self-esteem, often times people revert to over-investing in material items. According to Linda, none of these things will ever take the place of doing the work that leads you to believing in yourself. When I asked Linda when one’s self-esteem is really low, how do you move out of that space. She resolutely responded that you borrow that strength from someone else until you can move closer to a new state of mind. You can get that from a Life Coach or anyone who strongly believes that you can shift your thinking, thus shifting your life. Linda finds her work with Black Women age 50+ to be the most rewarding because so many women in this cohort think that they should be dialing down their dreams and desires versus seeing this period as a time to pivot and experience themselves in a new and dynamic way. When working with clients, Linda asks “who told you you’re too old to go back to school, start a business, or get married for the first time?” These myths, through no fault of our own, are really prevalent in the media, medical settings and even with family members, who often times are living out of fear and unawareness themselves. Linda does her innovative work through the vehicle of individual and group coaching. She is currently offering a free Master Class entitled "Ignite Your Life After 50” that runs from Monday, March 21 through Thursday, March 31, 2022. This will be your opportunity to join a dynamic sisterhood of like-minded Black women who are seeking breathtaking “breakthroughs and remarkable results”in their lives. According to Linda, you will get radical and design your destiny, own your full potential and genius without. Linda reminds us that we are a unicorn not a donkey. Finally, you will get the opportunity to “Regret Proof” your life. Linda’s work is centered around helping you overcome your fear of failure and even success. Linda confidently shares if this system worked for her, it will certainly work for you. When I asked Linda what’s next for her, she stated that she wants her Bodacious Black Woman program to become a movement. She sees major conferences, conventions and merchandise on the horizon! To connect with Linda, you can find her on midlifemojosession.com; www.lindahusser.com; lindahusser on Instagram. To get your free gift of Boldacious Affirmations for Black Women, access bit.ly/lindasfreegift

Janice Sutherland has quite the record for supporting women age 40+, particularly those who worry about being on a path that no longer serves them and need a bit of coaching on how to make a shift. Janice is an award winning career strategist, who helps mid-career professional women of color realign their desires and passions. She does all of this through the vehicle of her business “This Woman Can”. As the eldest of six children, Janice was born and raised in Birmingham, England. She inherited strong values, specifically from her mother who always believed that Janice could do anything that she set her mind upon. As with most Black families, Janice’s mother encouraged her to always do your best and not to half-step. “Shoot for Nothing Less than Excellence” was the mantra. Prior to starting her business, Janice had a varied career that was centered primarily in the corporate sector. She is a former Corporate CEO, and has had stints as an Executive Coach, Leadership Development Expert, Author and an in-demand speaker. Additionally, after Janice had changed careers several times (some voluntarily and some not), Janice left London and moved to St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. It was in her new country (her ancestry emanates for Antigua) that Janice literally started over and became the first female CEO in the Telecoms sector. She had the dream job, a beautiful car and a mortgage – all the symbols of success. Feeling unsettled and wondering what was next for her, Janice left this environment, but wondered how she would share the move with family and friends. Like so many Black women, Janice wondered if people would think that she was crazy or too old for a full on career change. Also, issues of identity emerged, as well. She worried about who would she be without the job title, and most importantly, if she were to make this sweeping change, where would she start? Her biggest worry, however was “what if it didn’t work out?” As Janice worked through these concerns, the beauty of it all came through because she now was equipped with helping Black women through uncertainty because she had experienced it first hand – in essence, these experiences would make her a more effective coach! As a result of having gone through her own experiences of self-doubt, she has since created a much more fulfilling life full of freedom, flexibility and choices that allow her to help others at the same crossroads. If you are looking for a strong coach that does not let you off the hook of having a fulfilling life, Janice can work with you to gain more joy in your current position, guide you through how to use your knowledge and experience to pivot to a new career more aligned to your passions. Additionally, she can help you navigate sensitive life transitions like divorce. You will walk away with a vision for your future goals and identify the cycles of self-sabotage that are impeding your progress. Janice concentrates on working with you around your beliefs, confidence level and values. Lastly, Janice will work with you to tailor success systems for your goals, strengthen your resilience so that you can confidently meet any challenge. Janice says, she will not coddle you, and you will appreciate her style when you begin to see the fruits of all the hard work you’ve done together. Please join Janice on Tuesday, March 15, 2022 Live or for the replay (if you can not attend on the 15th) for the event Black, Female and Over 50—The (Undervalued) Power Trifecta. This is live roundtable conversation on the intersectional bias of age, gender and race. You can join her for this event on LinkedIn at 9:00 a.m. CST Janice also is the host for the “This Woman Can” Podcast available on all major podcasting platforms (e.g. Apple, Spotify). Should you decide to work with Janice, she offers 1-1 and Group Leadership & Career Development Coaching; Career Transition Support – all of this can be offered virtually and in-person. You can connect with her on...

Michelle Wedderburn-Waters, Founder of Afro Expats, Casa Elm and the YouTube Channel host of Michelle For Afro Expats, is a native of Toronto, Canada (of Jamaican descent), and spent her growing up years in Connecticut! She has four brothers and both of her parents are still living. She was educated at Central Connecticut State University, where she studied Business Management. Michelle shared that the values that her family passed down were mainly centered around maintaining family relationships. She was often the one organizing family events and ensuring that everyone stayed in touch with each other. Upon researching where to relocate, Michelle and her husband looked at a number of countries as possibilities, especially Italy. Michelle had by this time travelled numerous times throughout Mexico and, spent time with friends in San Miguel de Allende (SMA). Michelle’s husband was very open to relocating to another country, but was very skeptical about Mexico. The typical imagery of Mexico being dangerous and one-dimensional came to mind like it does for so many people. Michelle shared that many times people don’t understand just how big the country of Mexico is and how diverse it is. Michelle convinced her husband to visit, and it was on! From this new experience in Mexico, Michelle and family answered a casting call for HGTV’s House Hunters International. When describing SMA, Michelle paints a very vibrant and welcoming environment. She shared that it has a wonderful arts and cultural scene, the food is amazing (there are over 350 restaurants in SMA), and the Mexican people are amazingly friendly and loving They are also eager to get to know you, and often language exchanges occur as a result of these newly formed friendships.. It is common after having had a conversation with a Mexican in SMA to be quickly invited to their home to partake in a meal and to get to know the rest of the family. Michelle has been an entrepreneur for the majority of her working life, and when she arrived in SMA, Michelle knew that she would develop some new business ventures. She noticed that friends and colleagues were always asking her questions about tips on moving abroad, and although Michelle did not see the business potential in these inquiries, her husband pointed out that other people could benefit from her expertise and business acumen. As a result, she created Afro Expats which is a compilation of a well designed website, relocation coaching and a thriving YouTube channel. Because Michelle is always searching for new vistas, she has continued to develop other businesses centered around SMA. She now hosts Relocation Tours that give prospective residents of Mexico and San Miguel, specifically a front row view of life in this area. Some of the offerings on a Relocation Tour include visiting the neighborhoods of SMA, viewing properties with a real estate agent (both rental and those for purchase), day trips to surrounding areas, learning about a variety of medical and health plans, entertainment and the restaurant and arts scene. By the time the tour is over, many have fallen in love with SMA and begin making plans to exit their home country and move there. I asked Michelle what is it like being a woman age 50+ still creating, and she emphasized that she like so many in this age cohort are still stoking their creative juices. LIFE IS NOT OVER! Older women are ripe for all kinds of new endeavors. If you would like to have a Discovery Call with Michelle about a move to Mexico and San Miguel de Allende especially, she can be at reached casaelm.com; on YouTube as Michelle for Afro Expats; on Facebook as Afro Expats’ Lifestyle Community in Mexico on Instagram as Afro_Expats.

Deidre Proctor has spent many years as a certified business, clarity and accountability coach, along with being the CEO of Deidre Proctor & Associates, LLC. Deidre has always maintained a passion for helping others to achieve their goals. As a highly sought after coach with a strong bent for helping women, Deidre shared that the biggest part of her coaching program for women is helping them get past their fears. She says, it not enough to identify your desire or goal (although gaining clarity in this area is important), but you must take action. Fear causes paralysis and it shows up in different forms – procrastination, remembering the negative comments of others, etc. One of Deidre’s greatest talents is creating and developing processes for women entrepreneurs. The Systematic Success Strategy is what she uses when working with this co-hort. Also, Deidre and her husband David Proctor have co-founded Amazing Retreats International, LLC. One of the most popular events that has emerged from her and her husband’s partnership is the “Breathe Retreat.” This endeavor began in 2015. According to Deidre, this retreat is where you can truly see the growth of women. She told the story where an attendee shared with her that she almost did not attend the retreat because she felt so guilty about leaving her husband and son for the weekend. Although many people might respond “what’s the big deal, surely they can survive one weekend without you”, Deidre recognized what a huge step this was for this woman and how she grew from the content of the retreat and how she worked through her fear. Additionally, Deidre is also the founder and CEO of “Share Your Genius” (SYG). This group is comprised of over 1.5 thousand women not aimed at merely getting something from the group, but the beauty of this group is that every member has a gift/talent and are now is in the position to give and share their gifts and talents. The group also has a cadre of subject matter experts known at SYG (Share Your Genus) Certified Experts in a wide variety of skill and practice areas. Certain days are reserved for certain topics. For instance on 2/24/22, the day allowed for SYG Experts with strong knowledge in interior decorating, gardening and image enhancement to share with the larger group. There are a myriad of topics (too many to list here). Deidre shared a quote from Pastor Myles Munroe that is so profound – “The wealthiest place on the planet is just down the road. It is the cemetery. There lie buried companies that were never started, inventions that were never made, bestselling books that were not written and masterpieces that were never painted. In the cemetery is buried the greatest treasures of untapped potential.” This quote alone is what keeps Deidre motivated to help women grow. She states that she is just not her happiest unless she is helping someone else. Deidre’s work has had a far-reaching impact as exemplified by the recognition she has received from the following publications – Heart and Soul Magazine, Glamher Magazine, Voyage Dallas Magazine, The North Dallas Gazette – just to name a few. If you would like to reach out to Deidre to learn more about the phenomenal work that she is engaged in, she can be reached on deidreproctor.com; on Facebook as Deidre Proctor; on Instagram as coachdeidreproctor.

Toni Denise Carthan was born and raised in Los Angeles California, and is the mother of three loving adult sons. Her fondest memory growing up was how those in the neighborhood took the time to look after each other. “Everyone was family” says Toni. She learned early in life about diversity and culture; she had a number of Mexican friends who she grew ultra close to, and she remains friends with then even to this day. Toni shares with us the principles that she was reared with the Golden Rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” From the time that I heard Toni speak at the Exodus Summit, a three day conference focusing on assisting Black women to move abroad, take a sabbatical or become a digital nomad back in the fall of 2021, I knew her story needed to be heard as there are so many Black women age 50+ who would like to retire abroad and become an expatriate (aka expat). Toni says her move to first Tulum (a short stay), then Merida (considered to be the second safest city in North America) and now in Playa del Carmen was the spark she needed to experience God’s plan for her life on a higher plane. Toni stresses that the growth that she has experienced centers around her ability to try a new thing and whether or not it succeeds, she feels good that she has grown tremendously from the process. Living abroad has taught her to take one day at a time and to know that she doesn’t have to have it all figured out in advance. By the way, Toni would like you to know that she lives a good life in Playa del Carmen on her Social Security. It can be done! She relies heavily on God’s guidance, and this gives her the confidence to move forward in His will. Toni also has a consulting practice entitled Rise Up & Bloom Coaching, which has the mission of helping women, especially Black women to move abroad. A consultation with her helps you to identify the nuts and bolts of what it take to move to another country. She works with her clients around identifying a location, how to secure housing, understanding the Mexican Residency/Visa process (both temporary and permanent) and money management despite the lower cost of living in Mexico. Toni stresses that the biggest growth area will be around your mind shift and understanding the Mexican economy. Additionally, Toni is a jazz singer, who has had a few gigs in Mexico at cantinas, especially. She plans on getting her voice in further shape so that she can share the music that she loves – the music of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McCrae, etc. When I asked Toni how does she see herself growing from this point, she shared that she must buckle down to finish a book that she has been writing. Stay tuned for more on this. If you would like to connect with Toni, you can find her on her YouTube channel (Rise Up & Bloom), on Instragram (mstonidenise), on Facebook (Rise Up & Bloom Coaching).

Marcia’s mission as Founder at Urban Connoisseurs is to affect sustainable growth in the wine community by increasing awareness of the number of American winemakers of African descent in the United States. She is also dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation to seriously consider careers in the wine industry. Marcia increases the public’s awareness of Black winemakers through her well designed Winemakers Club. You choose the membership, the club will select the wines and deliver them directly to your door. The club model has also been instrumental in helping Black winemakers pivot during the difficult COVID-19 and variant periods. When these winemakers could not hold tastings or other events that increased their brand recognition, many of them turned to creating wine clubs as a way to keep their businesses solvent. When I asked Marcia to share how she developed her interest in wine and developing a strong coalition of Black winemakers, she reminisced about having attended a wine tasting where the maker invited she and her sisters into his home, provided a divine meal and shared his vision for creating wines for consumers. She noted that what stood out about the experience was the emphasis placed on hospitality. The winemaker didn’t just provide a sampling of a variety of wines, but spent a great deal of time making she and her sister feel extremely comfortable in his home by creating a top notch experience, inclusive of dinner. Another way Marcia is working to make Black winemakers more visible is through the making of a documentary entitled “Journey Between the Vines: The Black Winemakers’ Story” and the writing of a book about this illustrious group of creators. The book will highlight the history and present day African Americans in the wine industry. Additionally, Marcia is hosting the second annual Wine Makers Summit, which will take place Friday, February 18, 2022 and Saturday, February 19, 2022. The Summit’s sessions, which are all virtual, will address some of the following topics: Climate Change, Smoke Taint, Fires and How Harvest Has Been Affected; The Pandemic and How It Has Affected, Revenue, Online Sales, Wine Club Marketing and the Tasting Room The Shift: Building Your Wine Club The Bright Side of Being a Winemaker, and Why We Are Still Here Toast to the Bubbles: Who is Making What and Why Guests will also have an opportunity to visit winemakers’ online booths. This event, like so many that Marcia has created, is centered around a strong value system that as outlined in Marcia’s written material does the following:

Tinesha is a native North Carolinian, who resides in Charlotte. She, along with her brother, were raised by a loving and giving mother, who instilled a strong work ethic in her children. Tinesha finds humor in her growing up years as she and her mom had their typical mother-daughter disagreements, but despite these occasional rifts, the love and respect was always present. When I asked Tinesha to share with us her journey from darkness to light, the key component of her healing was that she was acutely aware of feeling out of sync and off-centered. This manifested in her feeling as if she was living in a dark hole that had no outlet. She also shared that when she admitted to her mother that she wanted to commit suicide, her mom’s response was “o.k. if you do that you know nothing will have changed.” This was food for thought, and as a result, Tinesha and her mother made arrangements to seek help in an in-patient facility. According to Tinesha, everything about the facility including unhealthy and uncaring staff, along with the program’s methodologies for moving past the darkness was totally without what she needed to grow. She wanted out. She ultimately connected to a program that provided group sessions, and it was not long before she found herself challenging the words and sentiments of the other group members. When a group member made statements about life events, Tinesha would readily ask questions of them that often made them totally uncomfortable. In one instance, a group member was so angry by her comments, that he did not return to the group for two weeks. However, upon his return, he admitted to Tinesha that although his initial reaction was one of hurt and anger, when he thoroughly processed her words, he accepted that she was correct in her assessment. This and other stories like it were early signs that Tinesha had a gift for therapeutic/healing work! Tinesha is a huge proponent of the importance of mental health, which encompasses self-care, self-actualization, self-love and all the healthy ways in which Black women can love on themselves. As a natural hair care specialist, Tinesha’s client base is comprised of Black women, who like in so many salon settings use the time with their hair stylist to process problems in relationships, self-esteem, career and a myriad of other areas. Tinesha is quickly becoming known in the self-care space as a mindset coach and self-love advocate. She stresses the importance of recognizing that healing is a lifestyle. According to Tinesha “it is paramount that in order to get and stay healthy, you must place a high premium on continual healing because old beliefs that serve to minimize our glory, our uniqueness and our growth will rear up in ways that if you don’t stay on top of it, will cause you to revert back to old and unhealthy thinking.” After having heard Tinesha speak at the Black Women Travel Jubilee about boundaries, I shared with her that I didn’t ever remember being taught the function of boundaries when I was growing up. As a matter of fact, I told her that I don’t think I began to really understand that I didn’t have them until my late 20s. According to Tinesha, boundaries are critical to a healthy functioning. She goes into greater detail about in this episode as to how this plays out. If you would like to reach out to Tinesha she can be found on the following social media platforms Facebook as Tinesha Matthews; on Instagram @tinesha.matthews; website: www.tineshamatthews.com Additionally, Tinesha has a wonderful Facebook Group entitled Tiny Change Agency.