The Empowerment Zone
2020-09
Episodes
Monday Sep 28, 2020
Eboni Hall: American Forests and Tree Equity
Monday Sep 28, 2020
Monday Sep 28, 2020
The Value and Impact of Urban Forestry
Today, Ramona talks to her cousin Dr. Eboni Hall about urban forestry. In this enlightening conversation Dr. Hall expounds upon Tree Equity. Tree equity approaches urban forestry as a social equity issue and not just an environmental issue, considering the fact that trees are necessary in the fulfillment of basic needs for survival. As Dr. Hall explains, tree equity ensures that everyone experiences the benefits of trees. Eboni Hall, PhD, is the Senior Manager of Urban Forestry Education at American Forests, where she oversees a new initiative to develop and implement the organization’s mission of education and outreach.
For more information about American Forests, visit https://www.americanforests.org/.
Friday Sep 25, 2020
Izora Jones: You Can Learn at Any Age
Friday Sep 25, 2020
Friday Sep 25, 2020
Ramona’s 94-Year-Old Grandmother Continues to Pursue Education
In this episode, Ramona celebrates her grandmother Izora Jones, who turned 94 years old this month! A resident of Fort Worth, Texas, “Dr. Grandmommy,” as Ramona affectionately calls her, is a big advocate for education. She has educated three generations of her offspring, with three of her seven grandchildren earning doctorate degrees. On top of that, she also continues to pursue her own education, by participating in continuing education programs at her local college Tarrant County Junior College. Notably, she has taken over 170 courses and even learned to swim at the age of 64 years! Take it from Izora, you are never too old to learn! Happy birthday Dr. Grandmommy!
To learn more about Izora Jones’ continuing education efforts, read “Pursuit of Knowledge: Senior Eduction Student Takes Lifelong Learning Seriously” by Kendra Prince in Tarrant County College Reach Magazine (2018). You may also see her feature story in the NBC 5 - KXAS local news segment, “NBC 5 Izora Jones Story.” (2018).
Monday Sep 21, 2020
Ricardo Negron-Almodovar: A Champion for Latino Justice and Del Ambiente
Monday Sep 21, 2020
Monday Sep 21, 2020
Litigating for the Latino Community and Linking up the Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ Community
Today, Ramona talks to Ricardo Negron-Almodovar about his work with Latino Justice and Del Ambient. In this enlightening discussion, Ricardo sheds light on the various voter participation challenges of the upcoming 2020 elections and explains how Latino Justice is working to address these critical issues. As one of the founders of Del Ambiente, Ricardo also discusses his work in supporting the Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ community in Florida. A native of Puerto Rico who now lives in Orlando, Florida, Ricardo serves as the Legal Service Coordinator for Latino Justice, formerly the Puerto Rican Legal Defense and Education Fund (PRLDEF). Focusing on several pillars—Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Justice, Immigrants, Rights, Voting Rights and Leadership Development, Latino Justice works to protect the civil and human rights of the Latinx community through litigation. A survivor of the Pulse Tragedy in 2016, Ricardo also works closely with Del Ambiente, an effort led by LGBTQ+ Puerto Ricans to link and build up the LGBTQ+ Puerto Rican community in Florida and beyond.
To find out more information about Latino Justice or to volunteer for their voter initiative “Cada Voto Cuenta” (Every Vote Counts) as a poll monitor in the states of Florida, Georgia, New York and Pennsylvania, visit www.latinojustice.com.
To report voter issues, please call 833-557-5869.
For more information about Del Ambiente, visit their FaceBook page Del Ambiente.
Friday Sep 18, 2020
Shaleiah Fox: Engaging Alumni of Color
Friday Sep 18, 2020
Friday Sep 18, 2020
Shifting the Philanthropy Conversation at Predominately White Colleges and Universities
Today Ramona explores philanthropy and alumni giving in higher education with guest Shaleiah Fox. As predominantly white institutions change the way they recruit a more diverse student body, they should also change the way they engage alumni of color. Learn how Shaleiah, a fundraiser in higher education, is working to shift how The University of Texas at Austin invites alumni of color into the philanthropy conversation. Shaleiah Fox oversees development and external relations at UT Black Studies, a collective that includes a policy institute, an academic department, and a cultural and programming division.
More about Shaleiah.
More information about Black Studies at The University of Texas at Austin.
Monday Sep 14, 2020
Monday Sep 14, 2020
The Assistance Animals Consulting Racial and Social Justice Impact Initiative
Today, Ramona talks with her sister Rhesa Houston, DVM, about why and how she developed a racial and social justice initiative for her business Assistance Animals Consulting. Rhesa shares a very personal experience, where she encountered the convergence of the racial and social justice protests and white supremacists in the community of Birmingham, Alabama. This traumatic experience inspired Rhesa to embrace her power and find her role in promoting and advancing racial and social justice. Learn how even a new emerging business should and can embrace social responsibility and make an impact. Rhesa is a practicing veterinarian and Founder of Assistance Animals Consulting in Birmingham.
More information about Rhesa and Assistance Animals Consulting.
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Sandy Holt: The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Friday Sep 11, 2020
Championing Hispanic Success in Higher Education
In this captivating conversation, Ramona talks to Sandra “Sandy” Holt about the incredible work of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). With HACU’s mission “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education,” Sandra expands upon the multiple programs of the organization, which include advocacy, student programs, conferences and capacity-building initiatives. Whether you are a student, parent, educator, or a layperson, if you have an interest in higher education, you will enjoy this enlightening conversation. Sandy currently serves as the chief development and marketing officer for HACU.
More information about the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Monday Sep 07, 2020
Suzette Arnold: The Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta
Monday Sep 07, 2020
Monday Sep 07, 2020
Building Businesses and Empowering Women
Today Ramona talks to Suzette Arnold, President of the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta. Suzette discusses the value of the Chamber and its role in growing businesses in the metro-Atlanta area. Suzette also explores her experiences as a female leader in an organization of majority men. Notably, Suzette announces and invites listeners to participate in the Chamber’s upcoming PowHer Virtual International Women’s Summit, which will be held September 19, 2020.
More information about the Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta.
More information about the upcoming PowHer Virtual International Women’s Summit.
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Elliot Kirk: Building a Family Business
Friday Sep 04, 2020
Friday Sep 04, 2020
How a Rural Family Overcame Obstacles to Build a Funeral Home Business
In this episode, Ramona explores the funeral home business with Elliot Kirk of Brownwood, Texas. Elliot discusses the long road of building the family business, exploring its many challenges and explaining how his family overcame these obstacles. Elliot also provides advice to aspiring business owners. Elliot is owner of Big Country Crematory and Kirk Family Funeral Homes, Inc. with locations in Brownwood and Abilene, Texas.
This episode is dedicated to Elliot’s mother Adelia Kirk, also known as “Sis,” who died last month shortly after the recording of this show.
For more information about Brownwood Funeral Home, visit https://brownwoodfuneralhome.net.