The Empowerment Zone

The Empowerment Zone Live!

Celebrating 1 year and 100 episodes — 
Listen back to Ramona's first live podcast as she celebrated 1 year and 100 episodes with guests, listeners, family and friends. Listen to Ramona’s favorite moments, a panel of podcast guests, a Question/Answer from listeners, and other special surprises! Panelists included some of your and Ramona’s favorite podcast guests: Alfred Ramirez, Dr. Eddie Bonilla, Raquel Ark and Gregory Perrin. Thank you to all guests and listeners of the podcast. It is because of you that “The Empowerment Zone” has been so successful!
To watch the event, visit Ramona’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM83nK89whkxzEUaeZ2AQcA

How can you become a more productive and balanced professional?

Dr. Michelle Dionne Thompson: Resistant Vision — 
Join Ramona today as she talks with coach and scholar Dr. Michelle Dionne Thompson about her business Resistant Vision and who it serves. Resistant Vision is creating synergy between global concerns and daily life for academics and lawyers. According to Dr. Thompson, your career is more than grasping for the next rung on the professional ladder. It is about internal gratification and the sovereignty of mind, body, and soul to create a sustainable workplace, family, community, and world using your unique expertise. Listen in as Dr. Thompson explains how Resistant Vision can help you in your personal and professional journey. Originally from Chicago, Michelle currently lives in New York. To learn more about Dr. Michelle Dionne Thompson and Resistant Vision, visit https://resistantvision.com.

The Business Capacity Development Alliance

Janneh K. Wright: Building global economic power — 
There is a direct connection between the economic, civic, and social engagement of a community and the prosperity of its business sector. Join Ramona as she and Janneh K. Wright discuss the Business Capacity Development Alliance (BCD Alliance). BCD Alliance aims to create the largest Black business network dedicated to the empowerment of the African American community and its business leaders. According to Janneh, through this network the community has the power and potential to control the supply chain that our businesses use and, therefore, increase the profitability within our businesses. Originally from Guyana and raised and based in Brooklyn, New York, Janneh is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Primus Business Management as well as the Founder of BCD Alliance.
For more information about Janneh K. Wright, visit www.jannehkwright.com.

White nationalism and the formation of Atlanta

Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar: Discovering the historical evolution of the Black Mecca — 
Today Ramona has a fascinating discussion with University of Connecticut history professor and former classmate, Dr. Jeffrey O. G. Ogbar. Listen as they discuss his current book project on how neo-Confederate politics of white nationalism provided the space for the rise of Atlanta as a Black Mecca. At the start of the Civil War, Atlanta was nearly the capital of the Confederacy; then it emerged as the capital of the New South in the aftermath of Reconstruction, before becoming the headquarters to the Ku Klux Klan (its "Imperial City") in the 1920s. How, then, did it become known as the Black Mecca by the 1970s? Dr. Ogbar is exploring this evolutionary phenomenon in his current research and upcoming book. Raised in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar now lives in Connecticut.
To learn more about Dr. Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar, visit https://history.uconn.edu/faculty-by-name/jeffrey-o-g-ogbar/.

Why should you work with a realtor specializing in commercial properties?

Alberto Sapoznik: The value of having a commercial real estate agent to represent your interest - 
There are various reasons to work with a real estate agent, especially for business owners and entrepreneurs. Join Ramona and Alberto Sapaznik today as they explore the world of commercial real estate. As owner and operator of 1st Global Realty, Alberto explains the importance of having someone on your side at the negotiating table. Through his work as a commercial realtor, Alberto empowers people to understand the terms of their agreement and contract (lease or otherwise). According to Alberto, business owners should always work with a commercial realtor to help him/her find a location and negotiate the agreement. On top of that, there is no cost to the individual! Originally from Marianao, Cuba, Alberto lives in Roswell, Georgia. To learn more about Alberto Sapoznik and 1st Global Realty, visit https://1stglobalrealty.us/.

What is the status of DE&I one year after America’s racial reckoning?

Rhonda C. Hight: Evaluating DE&I in Corporate America — 
After the murder of George Floyd, corporations acted with a sense of urgency to address areas of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).  Over a year later, it appears that there has been some change. Are these changes for the better, or do companies still have a lot of work to do? Listen to the conversation today as Ramona and Rhonda discuss the current state of DE&I in the private sector. A human resource consultant and President of Let’s Talk LLC, Rhonda C. Hight is originally from Detroit and now lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
To learn more about Rhonda C. Hight and Let’s Talk LLC, visit http://www.Letstalkllc.com.

Making the Case for Compassionate Release of Elderly Prisoners

Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe: Sundiata Acoli and the Elder Incarceration Problem
During the Black Liberation Movement, the US imprisoned many activists, among them Black Panther Party member Sundiata Acoli. Sundiata remains incarcerated at 84 years of age. Join Ramona today as she talks to Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe about the need for American society and policy leaders to consider “compassionate release” of elderly prisoners. Originally from Washington, DC, Rev. Lukata Agyei Mjumbe is a veteran grassroots community organizer, public policy advocate, interfaith leader and Pastor of the historic Witherspoon Street Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

Democrats Abroad: Providing Americans living internationally a voice in government

America Garcia Grewal: Engaging US Citizens all over the world
Political empowerment is an important aspect of power. Join Ramona today as she talks to Texas voter Amerika Garcia Grewal about Democrats Abroad. Amerika is the Asia Pacific Deputy Regional Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad. During her discussion with Ramona Amerika talks about how she shifted from cause-based activism to politics after moving outside the United States. Amerika is passionate about helping US citizens living abroad to vote. If you know an American living overseas, tell them they can register to vote and request their ballot via https://www.votefromabroad.org. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, America now lives in Rakiraki, Fiji.
To learn more about Amerika Garcia Grewal and/or Democrats Abroad, visit https://www.democratsabroad.org.

Democrats Abroad: Providing Americans living internationally a voice in government

America Garcia Grewal: Engaging US Citizens all over the world
Political empowerment is an important aspect of power. Join Ramona today as she talks to Texas voter Amerika Garcia Grewal about Democrats Abroad. Amerika is the Asia Pacific Deputy Regional Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad. During her discussion with Ramona Amerika talks about how she shifted from cause-based activism to politics after moving outside the United States. Amerika is passionate about helping US citizens living abroad to vote. If you know an American living overseas, tell them they can register to vote and request their ballot via https://www.votefromabroad.org. Originally from Eagle Pass, Texas, America now lives in Rakiraki, Fiji.
To learn more about Amerika Garcia Grewal and/or Democrats Abroad, visit https://www.democratsabroad.org.

How do you work beyond labels to develop collaborations?

Edward Vargas: “Find Your Music”
With this episode “The Empowerment Zone” begins its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Although the podcast celebrates the achievements and contributions of the Latino/a/x community 365 days a year, Ramona recognizes the value and importance of commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Today Ramona talks with speaker, author, mentor and consultant Edward Vargas. Ed discusses his path in building collaborations through his work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), nonprofit organizations, and leaders from different backgrounds to make a positive impact on the community. According to Ed, you should not get hung up on labels that can divide, but rather “find your music” to encourage people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to work together for the greater good. Originally from San Jose, California, Ed now lives in the San Francisco-East Bay Area.
For more information about Ed Vargas, B.S.C., J.D., contact him athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-a-vargas/.
For more information about the CTR Factor, Inc. Leadership, DE&I consulting group visit https://www.ctrfactor.com/..