The Empowerment Zone
with Dr Ramona Houston - zoning in on African American and Latino empowerment: building economic, political, educational and social power; advocating for health, philanthropy and service; championing racial and social justice.
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Episodes
Friday Aug 14, 2020
Friday Aug 14, 2020
How COVID Has Made Political Engagement an Imperative
Today, Ramona’s guest Aracely Panameño discusses the economic impact of COVID on the African American, Latinx and immigrant communities. According to Aracely, workers in these communities make the least money at the greatest expense to themselves and their families. Aracely argues that to address the multiple issues that have arisen due to COVID and to influence government policy, individuals and communities must be politically engaged on both the local and national levels. Aracely is Director of Latino Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending in Washington, DC.
For more information about Aracely, please visit The Center for Responsible Lending.
Monday Aug 10, 2020
Monday Aug 10, 2020
A Discussion on How Special Education Services Levels the Playing Field for Students
Today, Ramona talks to Dr. Robin Sibert about special education services in K-12 education. According to Robin, there is a misconception and misunderstanding of special education services in the Black and Brown communities, primarily due to the fact that educators have historically used special education to stigmatize students of color. Learn how special education services has evolved to level the playing field, by providing various types of support to students who have significant needs. Robin is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and licensed specialist in school psychology in Texas, where she evaluates students to determine disability for special education services.
Friday Aug 07, 2020
Friday Aug 07, 2020
The Legacy of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and The Effects of COVID on Pet Care
Ramona talk to Dr. Genine Ervin-Smith, a Los Angeles native, who is a proud graduate of Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Ervin-Smith sheds light on the historical and significant role that Tuskegee University has played in developing Black and Brown veterinarians—both in the US and abroad. As Chief of Staff for VCA in Texas, Dr. Ervin-Smith also discusses how COVID has altered the way pet-owners and veterinarians care for pets. She recommends that everyone remain open-minded and work together as policies and protocols change in veterinary services.
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Monday Aug 03, 2020
Why You Should Write about Your Life
As the saying goes, “History is told by the victor.” Ramona talks to Anita Henderson, owner of The Write Image and creator of the Write Your Life Author Coaching Program, about the importance of writing.
Known as The Author’s Midwife, Anita explains why Black and Brown communities should tell their own stories, the variety of ways to share those stories—including book publishing, and how we can leverage these stories to make a greater impact on the world. From corporate professionals to entrepreneurs to genealogists and family historians, Anita helps smart people write their life.
More information about Anita here.
Friday Jul 31, 2020
Friday Jul 31, 2020
How to Create Your Own Professional Odyssey
Some people stay on one job their entire life, while others create a professional Odyssey. In conversation with Ramona, Alfred Ramirez shares how to design a lifetime of rewarding professional experiences.
One theme runs throughout his career, Alfred has always followed his heart and passions. Whether working in higher education at Columbia University, as special assistant to Mayor Henry Cisneros of San Antonio, Texas, in the Clinton Administration as the Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans at the US Department of Education, or as an entrepreneur, one theme runs constant, Alfred has worked to increase the capacity and ability in others by creating opportunities and access. A self-proclaimed “Cal Tex Mex,” Alfred is Founder and President of Diverse Strategies Now.
More information about Alfred here.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
John Lewis—The Fuse that Launched Latino Political Power and Leadership Development
In this special episode, Ramona’s guest, Dr. Juan Andrade, shares the fascinating history and unsung legacy of Congressman John Lewis in the political empowerment and leadership development of the Latino community.
According to Dr. Andrade, who worked as a staff member for Lewis at the Voter Education Project, Congressman Lewis played a central role in establishing the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) and in developing leaders such as Willie Velasquez and Dr. Andrade, founders of SVREP and USHLI respectively. Together SVREP and USHLI have registered over 5 million Latino voters and trained over 1 million Latino leaders. Notably, Lewis, Velasquez and Andrade have all received Presidential medals (under Clinton and Obama) for their service to the nation.
Monday Jul 27, 2020
Monday Jul 27, 2020
The Importance of Philanthropy
Dr. Mara Perez, Founder and Principal of Latino Futures, discusses the importance of Latinos and African Americans engaging in philanthropy—both as donors and as professionals. According to Dr. Perez, the Black and Brown communities must become more involved in the philanthropic sector on multiple levels to ensure the viability of organizations that serve our communities.
Dr. Perez also discusses her publication “Roadmap to Latino Prosperity,” which argues that Latino prosperity is critical to America’s future and is based on four pillars: education, entrepreneurship, workforce development and Latino philanthropy.
More information about Dr. Perez and Latino Futures here.
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Friday Jul 24, 2020
Ramona interviews Marilyn Pearlman, Founder and Principal of Atlanta Cause Marketing and PR, who talks about her professional evolution working in the field of public relations and cause marketing. Through her agency, Marilyn connects businesses and nonprofits to advance the good of humanity and promote both entities. By co-marketing the collaboration, Marilyn increases the visibility of each partner through events, promotions and programming. From Memphis, Tennessee, Marilyn is a long-time resident of Atlanta. During her interview, Marilyn also discusses the history of Atlanta, exploring her work with the Atlanta Press Club, Maynard Jackson's first campaign for Mayor of Atlanta, and mentor George Goodwin.
More information about Marilyn Pearlman
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Monday Jul 20, 2020
Today, Ramona speaks with Pharmacist Dr. Brian Gosa of Montgomery, Alabama, who now lives in Atlanta, Georgia, addressing health disparities within the Black and Brown communities. As a health advocate, Dr. Gosa encourages individuals to take control of their health by educating themselves about health, building relationships with health care providers, understanding their specific health challenges and creating better health habits.
Armed with this information Black and Brown communities will be better positioned to advance their individual and collective health.
Friday Jul 17, 2020
Friday Jul 17, 2020
Lydia Camarillo, President of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP), explains the history and importance of building the political power of the Latinx community.
Based in San Antonio, Lydia discusses the founding of SVREP and its role in increasing Latino/a political participation. Asserting the importance of the upcoming elections, Lydia recommends strategies for maximizing Latinx registration and voter turnout in 2020.
Lydia Camarillo official website