The Empowerment Zone

The Forces of Jazz and History Unite: “The Sirius Mystery” (new CD)

Russell Gunn: Unveiling the Wonders of the African Diaspora through The Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra - 
Sacred music and the artists who create it are treasures within all cultures. Today Ramona talks to one of Atlanta’s treasures Russell Gunn. Listen to this enlightening conversation between Ramona and Russell as they explore the worlds of music and history, the African Diaspora, and his latest CD “The Sirius Mystery.” Russell discusses his musical journey and how he discovered and reclaimed the hidden history of the Dogons. Russell Gunn is a composer, arranger and musician and founder and director of the contemporary big band The Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra. Born in Chicago and raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, Russell currently makes Atlanta his home.
To learn more about Russell Gunn, the Royal Krunk Jazz Orchestra, and to purchase their latest CD “The Sirius Mystery,” visit https://rkjo.net.

How do you transition into Higher Education Administration Seamlessly?

Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani: Tips for Graduate Students, Faculty and Others - 
Many professionals aspire to work in higher education administration. Despite this clear goal, it may be difficult for some individuals to achieve, especially since there are multiple routes. Join Ramona today as she talks to Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani about the steps professionals must take in order to move into higher education administration. Dr. Reejhsinghani is Assitant Vice Provost for Strategic Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A native of Western Massachusetts, she resides in Madison, Wisconsin.
To learn more about Dr. Anju Reejhsinghani, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/anju-reejhsinghani/.
 

Healing and Domestic Violence

Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson: Helping Others to Embrace their Power to Overcome Abuse
“The man I love or the woman I love” could be declarations of emotion. This statement can produce wonderful feelings until that emotional connection is riddled with violence and abuse. Join Ramona and Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson today as they examine domestic violence. Dr. Sylvain Stinson shares her personal story and provides advice on how to sever oneself from an abusive relationship. Dr. Sylvain Stinson is a professor. Originally from Atlanta, she continues to make the city her home.
To learn more about Dr. Valencia Sylvain Stinson, follow her on Instagram @dreamkeyper.

Are you committed to the change you want to see in your life?

Ambrose Leburu: Three Steps to Change
Creating change in your life can seem daunting for some people. Many become overwhelmed, leaving them feeling stuck. If you want to learn some simple steps on how to create change in your life, listen to the discussion today as Ambrose Leburu shares his methodology on how to successfully change. Ambrose is a professional trainer and owner of Doerz Motivation. Originally, from Botswana, Ambrose currently lives in Tennessee.
To learn more about Ambrose Leburu and Doerzmotivation, visit https://www.doerzmotivation.com.

Black and Brown Coalitions against Police Brutality in Dallas, Texas

Dr. Katherine Bynum: Civil Rights in the City of Hate — 
The African American and Mexican American communities have a long history of working together in Texas to advance civil rights. Listen to the conversation today as Ramona and scholar Dr. Katherine Bynum discuss Black and Brown coalition-building against police brutality in Dallas, Texas. During their discussion they explore how the Black and Brown freedom struggles are interconnected in the state of Texas. Dr. Bynum is Assistant Professor of History at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona. Originally from Texas, Dr. Bynum now makes Arizona her home.
To learn more about Dr. Katerhine Bynum, visit http://www.katherinebynum.com.

Building Wealth from Black Wall Street to Black Main Street

Glenice Harris: Teaching others how to achieve financial independence —
Financial independence comes with having a vision for your future and your family’s future. It is about planning in advance for the expected and the unexpected. Financial factors to consider are health insurance, life insurance, long-term care insurance, a plan for your child’s college education, a retirement plan, an emergency fund, etc. Listen today as Ramona talks to financial professional Glenice Harris, who provides valuable advice on how to achieve financial independence. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Glenice now makes Atlanta her home.
To learn more about Glenice Harris, visit https://wsbcampaign.com/gleniceharris/.

How has COVID changed the arts and education in America?

Melvin Jones: An Artist/Educator’s life through the COVID era — 
COVID has deeply impacted both the artistic and educational communities. In fact, many professional practitioners of the arts dually function in various levels of education. As nations across the world begin to emerge from this shared moment in history, we will discover more and more how the pre-COVID ideas of normalcy and the conventional models of success have been redefined. Join Ramona today as she talks with musician and educator Melvin Jones. During their discussion, the two explore the "new normals" and elaborate on strategies to help professional artists, students, teachers, and all involved in the adjoining communities find ways to navigate both the expected and unexpected aspects of rebuilding. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Melvin currently lives in Atlanta.
To learn more about Melvin Jones, please visit http://www.melvinjones.net/.

Moving from Faculty to Administration

Dr. Deena Gonzalez: What it is like to enter into administration with a scholarly background — 
As faculty progress through their professional careers, many choose to move into higher education administration. Although these positions require a different skillset and much more time and energy, being an administrator does have its rewards. Administrators have the opportunity to shape the strategy and direction of the institution. Enjoy the conversation today as Ramona talks to distinguished historian Dr. Deena Gonzáles about her transition into higher education administration. Recently named one of the 50 most important living women historians in the US by the Sophia Smith Radfliffe/Harvard project, Dr. Deena Gonzalez is Provost and Senior Vice President of Gonzaga University. Born and raised in New Mexico (14th generation), Dr. Gonzalez now lives in Spokane, Washington. To learn more about Dr. Deena Gonzalez, visit https://www.gonzaga.edu/academics/academic-calendar-resources/provost-senior-vice-president.

We will be back in August

The Empowerment Zone has reached a milestone. We have published our 100th episode. 
Thank you to all of my listeners and guests for your support. It is because of you that the Empowerment Zone has been so successful. 
During the month of July, we will be taking our summer vacation, but don't worry, we'll be back in August. 
All of our episodes are still available on podcast platforms and on ramonahouston.com 
As we prepare for our next season, please let me know of any topics you would like me to explore. Also, let me know if you would like to be a guest or if you would like to recommend guests for the show.
Contact me at ramonahouston.com. We are always interested in new ideas and featuring guests who are impacting and empowering our communities. Again, thank you for your continued support of the Empowerment Zone. 
Have a wonderful summer.

How does America increase Latina representation in public service?

Stephanie Lopez: Harnessing the power and impact of LatinasRepresent
Although Latinos make up nearly 20% of the US population, they hold less than 2% of all local, state, and federal elected and appointed offices. LatinasRepresent, an initiative of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA), is on a mission to change this reality by working to increase Latina civic engagement and political representation in the US. Join Ramona as she speaks with Stephanie Gabriela Lopez, program manager at LatinasRepresent, about her work to inform, inspire, and prepare Latinas to step into their power to transform society.
To learn more about Stephanie Lopez, LatinasRepresent and the NHLA, visit: https://latinasrepresent.org/ and https://nationalhispanicleadership.org/ .