The Empowerment Zone

The Power of Being Different

Dr. Stacy Roberson: An Introduction to Dyscalculia — 
Dyscalculia is an unknown math learning disability. Many students refer to their struggles in mathematics as "needing a tutor,” "not applying oneself,” or "not being efficient in math.” Due to unawareness, students struggle and are forced to make life decisions that alter their futures. In today’s discussion Ramona talks to Dr. Stacy Roberson about dyscalculia. In this discussion Dr. Roberson offers strategies for educators and students to address this challenging issue. Dr. Roberson is the Senior Graduate Recruiter in the Office of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment at Clark Atlanta University. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Dr. Roberson lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
To learn more about Stacy, visit https://www.facebook.com/stacy.roberson1.

The Wages of Blackness

Dr. Richard Reddick: Cultural Taxation and Its Impact on Black Professionals — 
When handling issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, mentorship, and community engagement, frequently black professionals assume many of these responsibilities; however, they are rarely compensated for their contributions. Join this enlightening conversation as Ramona’s guest Dr. Richard Reddick discusses “cultural taxation.” Dr. Reddick is the inaugural associate dean for equity, community engagement, and outreach for the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. He is also Professor in the Program in Higher Education Leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy. Dr. Reddick came of age in Austin and continues to make the city is home.
To learn more about Dr. Reddick, visit http://www.richardreddick.com/.

Embracing the Full Latino Experience

Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez: Transnational Dialogue in Afro-Latinidad — 
Latinos of African heritage encounter many challenges with identity when living in the United States. Many are confronted with choosing between being African/African American or Latino/a. The truth is that Afro-Latinos identify with both identities. Why should they choose? In this insightful discussion, Ramona talks to Dr. Michele Reid-Vazquez about Afro-Latinidad and Dr. Reid-Vazquez’s research and work this field. Dr. Reid-Vazquez is the Director, Afro-Latin American and Afro-Latinx Studies Initiative -Transnational Dialogues Project and an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. Originally from Georgia, Dr. Reid-Vazquez lives in Pittsburg.
To learn more about Dr. Reid-Vazquez, visit https://michelereidvazquez.com/.

How to Grow Your Business

Stacy Risco: The Importance of Business Development
Stacy is devoted to helping entrepreneurs make their enterprise as “the business of choice” through her work as a businesses development consultant. Join Ramona today as Stacy outlines the tools and strategies that entrepreneurs need to grow their business. Originally from Connecticut, Stacy is owner of the Pink Patch Group, a business management consulting company based in Atlanta.
For more information about Stacy, vist http://www.pinkpatchgroup.com/.

How do you develop your creative abilities?

Dr. Daryl Harris: The Immense Value of the Performing and Visual Arts —
Today Ramona explores creativity with master artist and professor Dr. Daryl Harris. In this delightful discussion Dr. Harris explains how the performing and visual arts help individuals to enhance and expand their creative ability, a skill needed in all professions. He also shares his beliefs on how individuals can tap into their creative powers and Purpose. Having studied and worked throughout North America, Europe, West Africa, Asian and Australia, Dr. Harris is a 50+-year veteran of traditional, experimental, educational and applied Theater. Dr. Harris is a Full Professor of Performance in the Theatre and Dance Program in the School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University. A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Dr. Harris lives in Kentucky.
To learn more about Dr. Harris, visit https://www.nku.edu/academics/sota/theatre/faculty-staff.html.

“Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks!”

Gregory Perrin: Using Theater to Teach and Inspire Children — 
Gregory Perrin loves the performing arts and understands the power of this platform. That is why the Pollyanna Theater Company commissioned Gregory to write “Liberty! Equality! and Fireworks!,” a children’s play that celebrates the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In his discussion with Ramona, Gregory explains how the arts influences activism and how it can also be used as a tool for educating and inspiring children. A dynamic leader, fundraiser and artist with 30 years of experience in nonprofits, higher education, community engagement and performing arts, Gregory is the Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations at St. Edward’s University. Originally from San Antonio, Gregory lives in Austin, Texas. For more information about Gregory, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsperrin/.

How can you achieve health, happiness and success in 2021?

Dr. Karen Poteete: Take Control of Your Health — 
Good health is extremely important to having a happy and successful life. As we enter 2021, everyone is recommitting to achieving their goals, including those centered on health and wellness. Today’s guest Dr. Karen Poteete inspires listeners to embrace a healthy lifestyle. Sharing her personal journey through processed hair, unhealthy eating and drinking, and stress, Dr. Poteete explains how she changed her mindset and diet to transform her life. From Aragon, Georgia, Dr. Poteete lives in metro-Atlanta. She is a veterinarian at the Georgia Department of Agriculture and owns a mobile veterinary practice in Northwest Georgia. For more information about Dr. Poteete, visit https://www.karebearsmobilevet.com.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in Higher Education

Lynette Correa-Velez: Coaching Students to Success — 
Lynette Correa-Velez is on a mission to impact college students and alumni as a DEIB coach. In this engaging conversation Ramona and “Dr.” Lynette, as Ramona affirmatively calls her, explore a range of topics including the recent Georgia US Senate run-off elections; embracing family, culture, and community; and advancing student success. Lynette is the Assistant Director of Career Development at Northeastern Illinois University. A wife, mom and doctoral student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the Diversity and Equity in Education program, Lynette is a proud Puerto Rican from Boston, who currently lives in Chicago. For more information about Lynette, visit https://linktr.ee/lynettecv.

How can we reduce the spread of airborne pathogens like COVID-19?

Gerald Baptiste, Jr.: PCO Technology —
COVID-19 has disrupted our ability to gather in groups safely. That is why we need new technology to purify the air and make the indoor environment safe, so businesses can drive revenue and we can resume our normal lifestyle. Join Ramona as she talks to Gerald Baptiste, Jr., about photocatalytic oxidation technology, a new product that his company is distributing to the public to help slow the spread of pathogens such as coronavirus and influenza. A native and resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Gerald is President and CEO of Eagle Eye Resources.
Visit http://www.eeresources.biz/clean-air to see solutions that make your home and business pathogen free.

Vote, Georgia, Vote! The Runoff Election for US Senate

Stan Watson: Politics 101 and Understanding the Levers of Political Power — 
Political empowerment is important to advancing the interests of the African American and Latino/a communities. That is why Georgians must vote in the upcoming runoff election for US Senate on January 5, 2021. Join Ramona with Stan Watson as they discuss why it is important to vote and understand how government works. A seasoned public servant, Stan served as a Georgia State Representative for 10 years, where he was Chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus and the DeKalb House Delegation. Stan is a qualified candidate for House District 90 Special Election on February 9, 2021. From Memphis, Tennessee, Stan lives in Dekalb County, Georgia.