The Empowerment Zone

Shaleiah Fox: Engaging Alumni of Color

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.

Dr. Rhesa Houston: Finding Her Role in Addressing Institutional Racism and Systemic Oppression

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.

Sandy Holt: The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

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.

Suzette Arnold: The Jamaican Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta

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.

Elliot Kirk: Building a Family Business

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.

Crystal Mullen-Johnson: Take Care of Your Mental Health

The Value of Counseling Services
Ramona’s guest today, Chrystal Mullen-Johnson, discusses mental health. As Crystal explains, there is a misunderstanding about mental health in the African American community. Although African Americans experience all types of life stressors, few seek professional help. Most internalize their pain and, consequently, suffer in silence. According to Crystal, African Americans must go beyond spiritually and consider professional services to address personal issues. Crystal is Founder of Strive Counseling Services in Birmingham, Alabama, where she provides therapeutic counselling services. Crystal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Private Independent Practitioner (PIP) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT).
For more information about Crystal, visit www.strivebhm.com.

Jim Estrada: Create Your Success

Advice on Building a Career that You Enjoy
Today Ramona talks with Jim Estrada about how to build a career that brings joy and satisfaction. Jim’s advice includes identifying role models and mentors, surrounding yourself with affirming people, and staying connected to your culture and community. Jim is a recognized pioneer in ethnic marketing communications and author of The ABCs and Ñ of America’s Cultural Evolution: A Primer on the Growing Influence of Hispanics, Latinos, and Mestizos in the USA.
For more information about Jim, visit http://bit.ly/1luA6hY.

Angela Fobbs: Every American Citizen Around the World Must Vote

Democrats Abroad and the Global Black Caucus Mobilize Democrats Around the Globe
Ramona's guest today is Angela Fobbs, founding member and Chair of the Democrats Abroad Global Black Caucus and elected member of the Democrats Abroad Germany Executive Committee. In their discussion, Angela talks about the work of the Democrats Abroad and their efforts to engage Americans across the globe in the electoral process. She contents that Democrats must encourage each and every family member or friend living abroad to cast their vote in the upcoming election. Every vote counts! Angela grew up in from Cincinnati, Ohio, votes in Florida, and has lived in Germany since 1999.
More about Democrats Abroad: https://www.democratsabroad.org/join
More about the Global Black Caucus: https://www.democratsabroad.org/bc
Register to vote in US: https://iwillvote.com/
America voters overseas can request absentee ballots at https://www.votefromabroad.org/

Kent Jones: Building a Successful Business Enterprise

How to Go from an Idea to a Sustainable Business
Kent Jones provides insight on how to create and build a successful business. Kent explores topics such as creating a business plan, marketing, and the importance of sustaining capital. A second-generation business owner, Kent has owned and operated several McDonald’s and Baskin-Robbins franchises in Memphis, Tennessee.

Lyord Watson, Jr.: The Penny Foundation and Strategic Philanthropy

Strategic Philanthropy and Institution Building within Communities of Color
Today Ramona discusses strategic philanthropy with guest Lyord Watson, Jr., Founder and CEO of the Penny Foundation, based in Birmingham, Alabama. According to Lyord, it is critical for the Black and Brown communities to be engaged in philanthropy. Learn how Lyord and the Penny Foundation are empowering people through institution-building and strategic philanthropy to create community-led solutions. The Penny Foundation celebrates historical models of collective giving and philanthropy within a modern institution to address community needs.
For more information about Lyord Watson and the Penny Foundation, please visit pennyfoundation.org.