Crystal Mullen-Johnson: Take Care of Your Mental Health

The Value of Counseling Services
Ramona’s guest today, Chrystal Mullen-Johnson, discusses mental health. As Crystal explains, there is a misunderstanding about mental health in the African American community. Although African Americans experience all types of life stressors, few seek professional help. Most internalize their pain and, consequently, suffer in silence. According to Crystal, African Americans must go beyond spiritually and consider professional services to address personal issues. Crystal is Founder of Strive Counseling Services in Birmingham, Alabama, where she provides therapeutic counselling services. Crystal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Private Independent Practitioner (PIP) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
For more information about Crystal, visit www.strivebhm.com.

Jim Estrada: Create Your Success

Advice on Building a Career that You Enjoy
Today Ramona talks with Jim Estrada about how to build a career that brings joy and satisfaction. Jim’s advice includes identifying role models and mentors, surrounding yourself with affirming people, and staying connected to your culture and community. Jim is a recognized pioneer in ethnic marketing communications and author of The ABCs and Ñ of America’s Cultural Evolution: A Primer on the Growing Influence of Hispanics, Latinos, and Mestizos in the USA.
For more information about Jim, visit http://bit.ly/1luA6hY.

Angela Fobbs: Every American Citizen Around the World Must Vote

Democrats Abroad and the Global Black Caucus Mobilize Democrats Around the Globe
Ramona's guest today is Angela Fobbs, founding member and Chair of the Democrats Abroad Global Black Caucus and elected member of the Democrats Abroad Germany Executive Committee. In their discussion, Angela talks about the work of the Democrats Abroad and their efforts to engage Americans across the globe in the electoral process. She contents that Democrats must encourage each and every family member or friend living abroad to cast their vote in the upcoming election. Every vote counts! Angela grew up in from Cincinnati, Ohio, votes in Florida, and has lived in Germany since 1999.
More about Democrats Abroad: https://www.democratsabroad.org/join
More about the Global Black Caucus: https://www.democratsabroad.org/bc
Register to vote in US: https://iwillvote.com/
America voters overseas can request absentee ballots at https://www.votefromabroad.org/

Kent Jones: Building a Successful Business Enterprise

How to Go from an Idea to a Sustainable Business
Kent Jones provides insight on how to create and build a successful business. Kent explores topics such as creating a business plan, marketing, and the importance of sustaining capital. A second-generation business owner, Kent has owned and operated several McDonald’s and Baskin-Robbins franchises in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lyord Watson, Jr.: The Penny Foundation and Strategic Philanthropy

Strategic Philanthropy and Institution Building within Communities of Color
Today Ramona discusses strategic philanthropy with guest Lyord Watson, Jr., Founder and CEO of the Penny Foundation, based in Birmingham, Alabama. According to Lyord, it is critical for the Black and Brown communities to be engaged in philanthropy. Learn how Lyord and the Penny Foundation are empowering people through institution-building and strategic philanthropy to create community-led solutions. The Penny Foundation celebrates historical models of collective giving and philanthropy within a modern institution to address community needs.
For more information about Lyord Watson and the Penny Foundation, please visit pennyfoundation.org.

Aracely Panameño: The Economic Impact of COVID

How COVID Has Made Political Engagement an Imperative
Today, Ramona’s guest Aracely Panameño discusses the economic impact of COVID on the African American, Latinx and immigrant communities. According to Aracely, workers in these communities make the least money at the greatest expense to themselves and their families. Aracely argues that to address the multiple issues that have arisen due to COVID and to influence government policy, individuals and communities must be politically engaged on both the local and national levels. Aracely is Director of Latino Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending in Washington, DC.
For more information about Aracely, please visit The Center for Responsible Lending.

Dr. Robin Sibert: Special Education Services for K-12

A Discussion on How Special Education Services Levels the Playing Field for Students
Today, Ramona talks to Dr. Robin Sibert about special education services in K-12 education. According to Robin, there is a misconception and misunderstanding of special education services in the Black and Brown communities, primarily due to the fact that educators have historically used special education to stigmatize students of color. Learn how special education services has evolved to level the playing field, by providing various types of support to students who have significant needs. Robin is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and licensed specialist in school psychology in Texas, where she evaluates students to determine disability for special education services.

Dr. Genine Ervin-Smith: Embracing Change in Post-Covid Veterinary Services

The Legacy of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and The Effects of COVID on Pet Care
 
Ramona talk to Dr. Genine Ervin-Smith, a Los Angeles native, who is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
 
Dr. Ervin-Smith sheds light on the historical and significant role that Tuskegee University has played in developing Black and Brown veterinarians—both in the US and abroad. As Chief of Staff for VCA in Texas, Dr. Ervin-Smith also discusses how COVID has altered the way pet-owners and veterinarians care for pets. She recommends that everyone remain open-minded and work together as policies and protocols change in veterinary services.

Anita Henderson: Tell Your Own Stories!

Why You Should Write about Your Life
 
As the saying goes, “History is told by the victor.” Ramona talks to Anita Henderson, owner of The Write Image and creator of the Write Your Life Author Coaching Program, about the importance of writing.
 
Known as The Author’s Midwife, Anita explains why Black and Brown communities should tell their own stories, the variety of ways to share those stories—including book publishing, and how we can leverage these stories to make a greater impact on the world. From corporate professionals to entrepreneurs to genealogists and family historians, Anita helps smart people write their life.
 
More information about Anita here.