The Empowerment Zone
2021-04
Episodes
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Dr. Robin Chapdelaine: How children have been used as economic vehicles —
In this episode Ramona talks to Dr. Robin Chapdelaine about her recently published book The Persistence of Slavery: An Economic History of Child Trafficking in Nigeria (Jan 2021). During this enlightening conversation, Dr. Chapdelaine discusses the historical intersection of economics, trade and labor to explain how and why children have been used for economic purposes. This book and conversation can be particularly valuable to activists who are addressing current social issues focused on women and children. During their conversation Dr. Chapdelaine also discusses her new book project “(When) Will the Joy Come: Black Women in the Ivory Tower.” An edited volume currently in production, the collection of essays explores the experiences of African American women in the academy. Dr. Chapdelaine is an assistant professor in the history department at Duquesne University. Originally from San Jose, California, Dr. Chapdelaine currently lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For more information about Dr. Robin Chapdelaine, visit http://www.robinchapdelaine.com/. For more information about her book, visit https://www.umasspress.com.
Monday Apr 26, 2021
How COVID-19 has impacted community colleges
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Michael Neal: Exploring current challenges and opportunities for community colleges —
Community colleges play an important role in educating unique populations in our society: first-generation, non-traditional, African American, Latino American, and working-class students. Due to COVID-19, enrollment at community colleges has significantly decreased for a variety of reasons. Listen to this interview with Ramona and Michael today to learn more about the value of community colleges as well as the challenges and opportunities that exist for these essential entities in higher education. Michael Neal is the newly appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Johnson County Community College. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Brownwood, Texas, Michael is on his way to making Johnson County, Kansas, his new home.
For more information about Michael Neal, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-neal-03a93a2/.
Friday Apr 23, 2021
You can become an impactful activist in your community
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Friday Apr 23, 2021
Blanca Vargas: Leading with purpose, passion and compassion —
Helping others is what community activism is all about. Blanca Vargas exemplifies this standard. A passionate leader in the metro-Chicago area and a long-serving member of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens), Blanca has served in various leadership capacities throughout her life. Join Ramona and Blanca today as they discuss Blanca’s philosophy on community activism: to help others. Blanca serves as the Hispanic Liaison to Larry Dominick, the President of the Town of Cicerco. Originally from Durango, Mexico, Blanca lives in Cicero, Illinois.
For more information about Blanca Vargas, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/blanca-vargas-7033809/.
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Lessons and inspiration from “Letter from Birmingham Jail”
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Robert Jackson: Encouraging others to lead with heart, love and compassion —
With the rise of hate and violence and the surge of voter suppression laws across America, our country needs individuals, organizations and leaders who will join the movement against hatred and divisiveness. Listen to this powerful discussion today as Ramona and Robert discuss the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963). Robert Jackson is the Senior Director of Development at the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Originally from Milpitas, California, Robert currently makes Atlanta his home.
For more information about Robert Jackson, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertljackson/. For more information about the Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, visit https://thekingcenter.org.
Friday Apr 16, 2021
How can nonprofits be more impactful?
Friday Apr 16, 2021
Friday Apr 16, 2021
Dr. Carolyne Opinde: Enhancing the work of nonprofits through The NGO Whisperer —
Nonprofits focus on solving social challenges; however, many lack direction on how to achieve their goals. Through The NGO Whsiperer Dr. Carolyne Opinde has created a sustainability model for nonprofits: “Connecting People, Raising Funds and Impacting Lives.” Join Ramona and Dr. Opinde today as Dr. Opinde explains how she helps nonprofits to tap into human and financial resources in order to maximize their impact. Originally from Kenya, Dr. Carolyne currently lives in Manchester, United Kingdom.
For more information about Dr. Carolyne Opinde, visit The NGO Whisperer.
Monday Apr 12, 2021
What is the difference between Assisted Living and Nursing Home Care?
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Victoria Archable: Helping families with important decisions about senior care —
There are distinct differences among the various types of care facilities for seniors. Many times families are not prepared to make important decisions about their loved ones. Join Ramona today as her guest Victoria Archable explains what makes senior care facilities different from each other. Understanding their offerings and services can help you to make the best decision regarding your aging family members and/or friends. As Victoria explains, it is important for you to be proactive, prepare, and have a plan. Don’t wait until it is time to make important decisions—which in many cases is too late—before you begin making provisions. Victoria is Owner, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Dementia Trainer with CarePatrol Metro Atlanta. Born in Chicago and raised in Arkansas, Victoria lives in Atlanta.
To learn more about Victoria Archable and CarePatrol of Metro Atlanta, visit http://www.metroatlanta.carepatrol.com/.
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Choosing Purposeful Alignment
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Friday Apr 09, 2021
Tracey Greene-Washington: Inspiring others through transformation —
Today Ramona talks to Tracey Greene-Washington about her new book Choosing Purposeful Alignment: The Messy Middle of Transformation. According to Tracey, during the transformation process of aligning with one’s life’s mission, many experience the “messy middle” of change. Listen to this insightful conversation as Ramona and Tracey discuss her new book, which seeks to inspire individuals to do the internal work needed to live a life of service. Tracey is president of the Indigo Innovation Group and founder of Co-Think and lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.
To learn more about Tracey Greene-Washington, visit http://www.indigoinnovationgroup.com/.
Monday Apr 05, 2021
How can communities advance positive youth development?
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Dr. Garrick White: The importance of adults investing in youth —
Many people believe that today’s youth have no direction nor purpose. Dr. Garrick White explains that this challenge exists because of the absence of adults in the lives of young people. Join Ramona and Dr. White today as they explore the significance and value of adults being present with and investing in young people. Learn from Dr. White why it is so important for you as an adult to provide youth with the knowledge and skills they need to become responsible and productive citizens as well as leaders in their families and communities. Dr. White is a social worker, author, consultant and motivational speaker with over twenty years of experience working with young people and their families. Originally from Chicago, Dr. White and his family live in Atlanta.
To learn more about Dr. Garrick White, visit www.championinspiration.com.
Friday Apr 02, 2021
Latino Leadership and Business Success
Friday Apr 02, 2021
Friday Apr 02, 2021
Gabriel Vaca: Making a big impact within the Latino Community —
Developing Latino leadership, growing Latino businesses, and promoting diversity have always been central to the work of Gabriel Vaca. His career has spanned entrepreneurship, a 24-year history in corporate America (UPS International), and leading the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Join Ramona today as Gabriel discusses his passion and work in developing Latino leadership and businesses. Gabriel is President and CEO of Vaca International, a business mentoring and consulting company that provides education and access to resources for small businesses specializing in the Latino market. Born in Mexico City and raised in Washington, DC, Gabriel lives in Roswell, Georgia.
To learn more about Gabriel, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-vaca-03797911/.