Britt Happens

Join host Brittany Sharpton in an inspiring conversation with Amanda Edwards, an attorney, dynamic leader, and Houston mayoral candidate, as they delve into the remarkable journey of overcoming setbacks and finding resilience in the face of adversity. From her early days as a successful municipal law attorney to her current pursuit of becoming the next mayor of Houston, TX, Amanda shares her insights, strategies, and personal experiences that have shaped her into the thoughtful and resilient leader she is today. In this episode, you'll discover: The transformative power of embracing challenges and setbacks How to cultivate a resilient mindset in the face of adversity Amanda's personal journey of bouncing back from unexpected obstacles Strategies for harnessing setbacks as opportunities for growth and success Tune in to this captivating episode of Britt Happens and learn from Amanda Edwards' wisdom and resilience as she paves the way for a brighter future. Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @britthappenspod Website: britthappens.com Facebook: /britthappenspodcast

"We cannot always build the future for our families, but we can build our families for the future" After a stellar 20-year career of groundbreaking accomplishments as a lawyer and 6 years of making philanthropic investments at the second largest foundation in the U.S., the Ford Foundation, my guest, Thomasina Williams realized her personal passion and professional mission to help others avoid the loss of wealth and fracturing of relationships that befell her family. Thomasina facilitates and coaches business-owning individuals and families to build stronger relationships and make better decisions, so their families flourish and businesses thrive across generations. She was the very first consultant in the nation hired by Wells Fargo Private Bank to go in-house and play a leadership role in building a new internal group to support its ultra-high net worth clients in navigating the family side of wealth. Thomasina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. She is a longtime student of Bowen Family Systems Theory, a Certified Resilient Leadership Coach, and a Conversational Intelligence Coach. Thomasina holds certificates in Advanced Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute. She is also a member of the Purposeful Planning Institute, where she serves on its Advisory Board; the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute, where she serves on its Board; the Independent Trustee Alliance; and The Florida Bar. Additionally, Thomasina serves on the Advisory Board of Enterprising Women magazine and the Advisory Council of the Women Business Collaborative, and is a member of the Inner Circle of How Women Lead. Host: Brittany Sharpton

“Let's invest in Black kids who pursue STEM the way we do Black kids on the football field.” Outstanding discussion with proud New Orleans native, highly sought-after motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, and internationally acclaimed STEM advocate and educator Dr. Calvin Mackie! Dr. Mackie, a former tenured Tulane Engineering professor (the FIRST Black tenured professor at the School of Engineering might I add!), founded STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Since 2014, STEM NOLA has engaged over 50,000+ students – mostly under-served low-income students – in hands-on STEM project-based learning. Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization created to expose, His message and life's mission continues to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. Dr. Mackie founded STEM NOLA as a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Their award-winning programs provide activities, events and virtual learning to under served communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization specialized in hosting events and bringing STEM experiences to urban neighborhoods. Over the past eight years, STEM NOLA, which is now an affiliate of STEM Global Action, has engaged more than 70,000 students, 17,000 families and 2,150 schools across the U.S. and in five other countries. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie graduated from high school with low test scores requiring him to take special remedial classes at Morehouse College. In 1990, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College with a B.S. degree, as a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Simultaneously, he was awarded a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he subsequently earned his Master's and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. Host: Brittany Sharpton

Tune in for an entertaining and enlightening discussion with New York State Senator, Kevin S. Parker, Chairman of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Senator Parker discusses his political experience, leadership, and vision for New York City as well as his inspiration for pursuing public service and the related challenges to serving in the public spotlight. Parker represents the 21st senate district which consists of many diverse communities including Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. A product of the New York City Public School system, Senator Parker attended P.S. 193, Andries Hudde I.S. 240, and Midwood High School. Elected to the New York State Senate in 2002, Senator Parker's professional background reflects a wide range of public service and an unwavering commitment to a better New York. As the Special Assistant to former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Senator Parker managed intergovernmental relations in New York City, and was the liaison between the Comptroller; city, state, and federal elected officials. Before taking office, Senator Parker was a New York City Urban Fellow and also served as Special Assistant to former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger; Legislative Aide to former New York City Councilmember Una Clarke, and Special Assistant to Assemblyman Nick Perry. As Project Manager with the New York State Urban Development Corporation, Senator Parker financed minority and women owned businesses and promoted community business redevelopment. For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Exclusion and discrimination against Haitian refugees has been a constant factor across both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of this discrimination in policy stems from a distinction in international law and there is very strong evidence that anti-Blackness plays a critical role in marking Haitian immigrants as persona non grata. Refugees, who claim that they are fleeing political oppression, have significant legal rights. Economic migrants, who are seeking a better life for themselves and their children, do not. In practice, it is hard to be sure who is fleeing political oppression and who is not. This gives governments significant leeway to discriminate against people they don't want to admit. The U.S. government has consistently categorized Haitians as “economic refugees,” claiming they left their home country for better job prospects, not to escape political persecution. These discrepancies have allowed U.S. governments, from the Carter administration onward, to come up with legal and practical means to disregard Haitian asylum claims International indifference towards Haitian suffering, discrimination, and human misery will continue as long as Americans continue to emphasize TEMPORARY outrage while remaining in a pattern of repeated ignorance and convenient amnesia. For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Tune in for a really fun discussion with political strategist and analyst, Shermichael Singleton. We talk #NickiMinaj and her COVID comments, AOC and the #MetGala, and who's album is better: #Drake or #Kanye! You don't want to miss this! Shermichael Singleton is a Political Strategist, Analyst and contributor to the Boston Globe. He has worked on three presidential election campaigns. He's been a CNN political commentator and now regularly provides commentary on MSNBC. Following the 2016 election, he was the youngest-ever Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deputy chief of staff, supporting Secretary Ben Carson. He was removed from his HUD position after penning an op-ed critical of President Trump's characterization of Black voters. Follow me at @brittanysharpton

Tune in to hear from Lewis H. Williams III, Houston-based Travel Entrepreneur, Influencer, Founder of the very popular blog 'Travel Is The New Club', and one of THE most free spirited, entertaining, YOLO-esque people I know! Lewis, who quit his job as a top salesperson at a major international communications firm, will travel literally at the drop of a hat. His unique perspective on life and rebellion against social constructs coupled with his yellow pimp shades, brown liquor, and love for his beloved cat, Atlanta, makes him the life of the global fiesta! Follow me at @brittanysharpton Follow Lewis at @ihustlenation

Tune in to hear from Atlanta Councilman, Andre Dickens! Dickens is running a strong campaign in his Mayoral bid to replace the City of Atlanta's current Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. We discuss his vision for Atlanta's future development; as well as technology, transportation, safety, and security for citizens. Andre, who spearheaded the efforts to create ATL's first ever Department of Transportation, believes efficiency and effectiveness are key to a high quality of life. Outside of his civic and public life, Andre Dickens is a father, Chief Development Officer for TechBridge, enjoys taking online piano lessons, and loves his chihuahua! Host: Brittany Sharpton

"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." Had a super fun and informative discussion with City of Miami Commissioner, Jeffrey Watson! We discussed sustainable economic development , market rate, workforce, and affordable housing , bolstering tech in Miami, STEM, and more! Miami native Jeffrey Watson is a passionate leader on a mission to foster economic inclusion, build capacity, and elevate community status for enhanced outcomes and quality of life. He has over 30 years' experience in finance, development and urban economic development. His National public career includes serving as Interim Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House for President William Jefferson Clinton. In addition, Mr. Watson served as a Director of the Presidential Transition team and in various states as a State Field Director; and ultimately, the Deputy National Field Director of the Clinton/Gore Presidential campaign. Host: Brittany Sharpton

“Creativity is thinking new things. Innovation is doing new things. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Tune in to hear Miami-born attorney, small business owner, mother, and District 8 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins discuss the future of digital currency, plans for transportation advancements in Miami-Dade, sustainable economic development, the challenges of balancing beauty and brains, and more! How Will Cryptocurrency Transform The Future of Business Forever? If you haven't quite yet warmed up to the idea of cryptocurrency, you are certainly not alone. Only about 15% of Americans currently own some form of digital currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. And a large portion of these investors bought in the past two years. Regardless of your investment stance, however, there is a strong possibility that cryptocurrency will be impacting you and the future of business transactions. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities, she was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital and spent part of her early years living in what is now a Section 8 housing complex called Milton Manors. Commissioner Cohen Higgins knows the importance of a quality education and is a proud product of our Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she graduated at the top of her class and earned a scholarship to the University of Florida. She became the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to attend law school at Florida State University. After completing her education, she joined prestigious national law firm, before branching off on her own to start her own firm, dedicated to serving small businesses and individuals in our community. She is proud to call South Dade home with her husband, two young children, and their two dogs. #BrittHappens #MiamiDadeCounty #BrittanySharpton #DanielleCohenHiggins Host: Brittany Sharpton

"A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is—it is what consumers tell each other it is." Contrary to popular belief, the cannabis industry is not over-saturated , there are plenty of opportunities to participate, and you don't need to consume the plant to jump in the business! Tune in to hear Paul Saunders, brand strategist, investor, and co-founder of Mezz, discuss how he successfully builds brands, thriving in the budding (pun intended) cannabis industry (and why it's just the tip of the iceberg!), how he told his Caribbean parents he was entering the weed business, and much more! As the co-founder of Mezz Brands, Paul Saunders secured funding to help elevate the cannabis community and culture, by providing consumers with a safe and effective way to enjoy products. Mezz Brands originated in one of the largest legal cannabis distribution states, Colorado, in Denver specifically. Since its launch, Mezz has sold more than 100,000 units across over 100 U.S. dispensaries. Whether for wellness, or recreational purposes, Paul and his team have worked diligently to remove the stigma of cannabis use, by creating the Mezz Lifestyle. The Mezz lifestyle enhances your consumption experience through art, music, tech, fashion and cultural moments. Paul continues to lead cannabis culture in a cutting-edge movement that provides people with the opportunity to learn and understand cannabis products, consumption, and its benefits. #Mezz #MezzLife #BrittHappens #BrittanySharpton #PaulSaunders #Brooklyn #Art Host: Brittany Sharpton

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Excited to welcome Dr. Steve Gallon III, Vice-Chair and elected District 1 School Board Member for the Miami-Dade County Schools (M-DCPS) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, the 4th largest school district in the nation. Tune in to hear how he rose from the streets of 1980s Liberty City to impactful community servant, lifelong educator, and successful entrepreneur. We discuss bridging the achievement gap, what makes M-DCPS so unique, how Dr. Gallon successfully manages to stay true to himself in a cut throat and highly critical political area, what's on his current reading list, and much more! Dr. Gallon is a lifelong educator who served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and high school principal, district administrator, and Superintendent of Schools. He started his career as a classroom teacher. He has taught at the elementary, middle, and senior high school levels. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in English Education from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida and became the first of his six siblings to graduate from college. Dr. Gallon earned a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He also participated in postdoctoral leadership institutes on School Reform and Management at Harvard and Stanford Universities. Dr. Steve Gallon III rose through the ranks as a professional educator and over the next 25 years, distinguished himself in the field of education, specifically in the area of supporting improved teaching, learning, and leadership in urban educational settings. He became an assistant principal and was later appointed principal of Holmes Elementary. In his third year, after marked improvements in student outcomes and community involvement, the school was removed from the State of Florida's List of Critically Low Schools. He then became principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he would serve for seven years – earning the third longest tenure in the school's 60-year history. On November 8, 2016, Dr. Gallon was decisively elected as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District 1 School Board Member. In 2020 Dr. Gallon was re-elected unopposed to another 4 year term. In April 2021, he was voted Chair to National School Boards Association Council of Urban Boards of Education's (CUBE) Steering Committee. Host: Brittany Sharpton

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.” Excited to welcome back, Crystal Wagar, the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Miami Shores Village! During her first visit on #BrittHappens in 2019 (listen HERE), Mayor Wagar had recently began her term. Fast forward to mid-way through 2021, and we had a colorful and honest discussion about the challenges of running a city through a pandemic while also being a mom, the historic #GeorgeFloyd movement in the Shores, new projects and #economicdevelopment in her city, white allies to combat racism, and much more! Equally humble as she is hilarious, Crystal, who hails from Des Moines, Iowa, is a devoted mother of 2 beautiful girls, wife to the former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar, a most hospitable friend, attorney, public servant, and has a Rolodex more impressive than Simone Biles’ triple double. In the private sector, Crystal worked at two prominent South Florida law firms prior to opening her own boutique advocacy firm, the Connor Group Miami. Incredibly intelligent, accomplished, poised, and hella fun, what’s most admirable about Crystal (in my opinion), is her spirit of authenticity and staying true to who she is in.

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." When Dave Salvant, Co-Founder & President of Squire Technologies, and Songe LaRon founded tech startup Squire in 2016, they wanted to help barbershops achieve greater success by streamlining operations. What they didn’t anticipate was a global pandemic hitting a few years after launching that would immobilize their customer-base for months on end. Now, after seeing their net revenue drop to “zero” in March 2020 when barbershops across the country were forced to close, the Black-owned tech company has tripled its valuation from $85 million to $250 million with the help of investors in its latest round of funding. A backend management tool, the Squire app allows barbershop owners to manage bookings, implement loyalty programs, offer a menu of services and accept contactless and cashless payments, a feature which is extremely popular in the current coronavirus climate. The company makes a profit by charging a monthly fee for its services, which ranges from $30 to $250 per month based on the barbershop’s size and needs. Dave Salvant is the Co-Founder & President of Squire Technologies. Squire Technologies is Y Combinator back company that focuses on providing software systems to barbershops. Prior to starting Squire, Dave worked at AXA, where he assisted in the launch and sales strategy of various financial products that has now amassed over $9 billion in sales. Dave was a consortium fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Business school and is a graduate of the University at Albany. Host: Brittany Sharpton

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit" Very excited to usher in Women's History Month with my next guest, Theresa Therilus, Esq., the City of North Miami's very first woman and Haitian-American City Manager!....and maybe Florida's future governor?!?! I first met Theresa at a Black Ivy League event I co-hosted about 6 years ago. She was extremely poised, super sharp, witty, and refreshingly grounded. Just before joining the City, Theresa served as Interim Director of procurement for Santa Clara County in California where she led the county’s $6 billion+ budget Prior to that, she became the youngest-ever Senior County Administration Official for Miami-Dade County, was Florida’s Assistant Attorney General, and also represented professional athletes as an NFL agent. A diverse and impressive resume to say the least! Subscribe and tune in as we discuss Ms. Therilus' interesting career path, building capacity for minority participation in development, Black banking, the legacy she hopes to leave at NoMi, why she eats challenges for breakfast, and much more! #BrittHappens #BlackGirlMagic

"Being underestimated is one of the biggest competitive advantages you can have." There will be haters, doubters, non-believers, and then there will be you...proving them all wrong! My childhood friend, former Miami Northwest Express Track Club teammate , and Olympic medalist Bershawn Jackson aka Batman's personality has always been as big as his talent LOL! Tune in to hear what motivated this track and field super star turned sports agent and founder of his very own track club to block out the noise of naysayers and dominate for *years* in a sport that said he was just too small to succeed #BrittHappens #GutsOverFear #DontBelieveMeJustWatch Jackson first came to prominence while running for Miami Central High School, where he set the still standing FHSAA (Florida High School) record in the 300 meter hurdles at 36.01 in 2002. He then continued to run at the college level at Saint Augustine's University and set a Division II National Championship Record of 48.50 in the 400 m hurdles in 2004. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bershawn "Batman" Jackson won a bronze medal in the 400 m hurdles. He also has three medals (two gold, one bronze) at the World Championships and one gold medal at the World Indoor Championships.

“Is it cotton candy sweet as gold or cotton candy sweet n’ low??” Straight out of Duval County Jacksonville, FL, Thrill Da Playa has held it down for the Sunshine State ever since the early 90’s as a member of the world renowned 69 Boyz of the coveted Quad City Family. Tune in for this informative and super enlightening conversation with Van Thrill Da Playa, one half of the legendary Miami bass Grammy award winning rap group, the 69 Boyz. In addition to answering my burning questions about lyric confusion, we discuss how he’s navigated the music industry through a global pandemic, reinventing himself as an artist while staying true to who he is as a person, the most challenging part of his career, what being a MILF really means LOL, and much more! Born Van Bryant, Thrill excelled in sports at a very early age. In fact, it was at Flethcer Sr. High School that the name “Thrill” was given to the All Star wide out. After graduation and a brief stint in the U.S. army, Thrill returned to Duval to seriously pursue his musical career. After co-penning and co-producing mage hits for 95 South: Whoot There It Is (5 million sold), Dis-N-Dat: Freak Ma Baby (Gold LP Gold Single), Tootsie Roll, 199Quad (6.5 Million sold), Quad City Djs: Come On Ride Da Train (Platinum), as well as the theme song to the Micheal Jordan Bugs Bunny Classic Space Jam, the theme to Eddie Murphy s Dr. Doolittle, Reah Pearman’s Sunset Park, and countless other soundtracks. 69 Boyz is an American Miami bass and hip hop group originating with Thrill from Jacksonville, Florida and Fast and Slow from Orlando, Florida, United States. The group was initiated Thrill Da Playa with the assistance of producers C.C. Lemonhead and Jay Ski (of Chill Deal, Quad City DJs and 95 South), and consists of rappers Van “Thrill Da Playa” Bryant, Barry “Fast” Wright. The driving force behind one of the South’s leading party rap groups, 69 Boyz, Thrill da Playa spun off a less successful solo career during the late ’90s while still keeping the Boyz going strong. Born Van Bryant, the rapper/producer grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and spent a little time overseas in the Army. Upon returning from Germany, where he had been stationed, Thrill hooked up with producer C.C. Lemonhead, who knew Bryant from his days of high-school football (where the artist originally earned his nickname). Thrill contributed to Lemonhead’s solo album, Bass to Another Level (1993); and the producer best-known for 95 South’s “Whoot (There It Is)” returned the favor, overseeing the debut 69 Boyz album, 199Quad (1994), and its enormously successful club hit, “Tootsee Roll.” The song made an impact across the States, infiltrating even the pop mainstream as a novelty hit. The follow-up album, The Wait Is Over (1998), took several years to prepare, and by the time it did drop, the fervor over “Tootsee Roll” had subsided. Following The Wait Is Over, Thrill began his solo career with The Best of Home Bass (1999), which compiled some of his previous work for the underground label. After another 69 Boyz album, 2069 (2000), Thrill issued a pair of solo releases, Dunks N D’s (2001) and The Return of the Big Bronco (2001).

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm." Indeed, anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm, but rough seas require creative, transformative leadership...a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor! Most of us want a leader with passion and energy to make things happen; but we also want to know that when crisis hits, our leader will take decisive action in a calm and professional manner. If "Cool, calm, and collected" was a person, you'd be looking at my next very special Britt Happens podcast guest and friend, Mr. Esmond K. Scott, City Manager of North Miami Beach, FL. Esmond is as hilarious as he is shrewd, worldly, super sharp, and charmingly unassuming. North Miami Beach is the epicenter of Northeast Dade, a hidden gem , and mini paradise within our diverse County. Located midway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and adjacent to the Golden Glades Interchange where I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and the Palmetto Expressway meet, North Miami Beach is truly at the "Crossroads of South Florida". A City bursting at the seams to take off and finally gain its own identity and personality, not to be confused with the plethora of other municipalities with similar names. The central location and easy access has made North Miami Beach one of South Florida's best known regional shopping areas and one of its most popular sites for office users. Tune in as we discuss Mr. Scott's vision, challenges, and plans to further elevate his City to the destination of choice in South Florida!

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” -Martin Luther King Jr. Tune in for a much-anticipated, super lively, and enlightening chat with the man behind THE read of 2020! Louisiana activist, Gary Chambers, Jr., became a household name in the advocacy world this past June when a video of him brilliantly calling out East Baton Rouge School Board Member, Connie Bernard, went viral and shared by the likes of LeBron James, Madonna, and millions of others. That moment at the school board meeting was only one of several instances over the years where Chambers used his voice and media platform to speak truth to power. Gary is also considering jumping in the Congressional race for U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond’s soon-to-be vacated seat—provided he can raise the necessary money through crowdfunding. As we know, Congress is full of Connies -- both men and women. And plenty of them are Democrats. Few people are more willing to go to DC to not only calling out and effectively address injustices, but fight for everyday people -- those most often overlooked and left out..."We built this joint for free and we're done begging you to do what's right!" Let's get it!! KEEP PUSHING!

"I am not afraid to speak up and ask questions. I am a spokesperson for the community. I am the block captain." Nancy Dawkins is a force to be reckoned with, a walking legacy who does not take no for an answer, and the wittiest 96-year old I know! She is a community activist, an education advocate (and former educator of 35 years), Liberty City pioneer, and one of my most favorite people! She along with her late husband, Miller Dawkins, who served as a City of Miami Commissioner for years, moved into their Liberty City home over 60 years ago. Since then, Mrs. Dawkins has worked tirelessly to make her community a better place. In 2017, the City of Miami named Northwest 50th St from 12th to 17th avenues as ‘Mrs. Nancy S. Dawkins Way,’ for all of her hard work and dedication to the community. Dawkins grew up in South Florida and graduated from Dillard High School in 1941. She then went to Bethune-Cookman University and graduated with her associate’s degree, then went to Florida A&M University to receive her bachelor’s in home economics and elementary education. She later got her master’s in education from Indiana University in 1962. One of Dawkins’ major accomplishments includes starting the Northwest Chapter of AARP in Miami. “It was important for me because of all the benefits that AARP offered,” Dawkins said. “I was a member of AARP in an integrated group and it was not convenient for me to go to their meetings. [Former County Commissioner] Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler and my husband encouraged me to start one in the neighborhood.” The AARP chapter allows its members to receive benefits for seniors. Dawkins said businesses and politicians come and inform them of what’s going on and benefits they can receive. Dawkins currently speaks to young people and encourages young girls to take up engineering and technology. She’s also an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church. Dawkins has not slowed down. She wants to help anyone that she crosses paths with and the younger generation. “I encourage young people because you are going to be the people to carry the country on while we’re gone and look out for the senior citizens,” Dawkins said. “My motto is to do all I can while I can, and if there is anything I can do to help someone while I pass, my living will not be in vain. I thank the lord for longevity.”

"Two roads diverged in the woods and I took the one less traveled; and that has made all the difference." Tune in to hear why Florida State Representative (District 80) Byron Donalds, self-proclaims to be a proud "pro-Trump, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-life" Black man, what inspired him to run for Congress, police brutality, his thoughts on the relationship between the Republican party and the Black community, education, criminal justice, and immigration reform, draining the swamp, and much more! Donald's Background/Platform (courtesy of his campaign website): Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Byron Donalds is the product of a single-parent household. Throughout his life, his mother made every sacrifice possible in order to give him the best opportunity at the American Dream. That philosophy his mother taught him, striving to leave future generations better than the current, is what leads him in his work, his home life, and as a state legislator. Byron attended Florida State University and graduated in 2002 with bachelor of arts degrees in finance and marketing. Byron’s career path has included working in the finance, insurance, and banking industries in Southwest Florida. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, Byron currently sits on five committees and honorably serves as the chairman of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. He was named a Champion of Economic Freedom for his A+ rating for the 2017 Legislative Session by Americans for Prosperity. For the 2018 Legislative Session, he was the recipient of the Award for Conservative Excellence by the American Conservative Union Foundation. In 2018, Byron was honored by the Florida Council on Aging for his work in preventing elder abuses in financial transactions. During his time in the Florida House, Byron has primarily focused on elder affairs, criminal justice reform, and striving to make sure each child in Florida has access to a world-class education. He has been a featured speaker and panelist discussing policy and politics on national and statewide stages. Byron has been a guest host and commentator on Daybreak with Drew Steele, on 92.5 Fox News FM; the Bob Harden Show; the Joe Whitehead Show, on 98.9 WGUF; Pundits on the Porch, a podcast by the James Madison Institute; and as a featured speaker at the Republican Party of Florida’s Sunshine Summit this past summer. Having served the community in a multitude of ways since he moved to Collier County in 2003, Byron was previously appointed by Governor Rick Scott to the board of trustees for Florida Southwestern State College. From 2004 to 2016, Byron served as a youth leader in his church where he mentored middle school and high school students. In his spare time, he enjoys volunteering as a coach in youth football and basketball leagues. Byron Donalds lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife, Erika, and their three sons, Damon, Darin, and Mason. Having spent his adult life in business, service, and leadership in his community, he will continue leading a prosperous and conservative Southwest Florida and fight for those same values in Washington, DC.

"The goal of many leaders is to get people to think more highly of the leader. The goal of a great leader is to help people to think more highly of themselves." Tune in to hear what inspired attorney and Florida State Representative, Dotie Joseph, to enter the wild world of politics, why she originally was not interested in practicing law, her accomplishments in Tallahassee during her first term, the challenges of campaigning and leading during COVID-19, work-life balance hacks, and why she believes she deserves to be re-elected for a 2nd term! Joseph's Background/Platform (courtesy of her campaign website): Dotie Joseph was born into a life of public service and community activism as the daughter of Rev. Gonel Joseph and Marguerite Mompremier, a nurse. Dotie grew up in the District, attended Miami-Dade public schools, studied hard, and earned degrees from Yale University and Georgetown Law. Dotie became a fierce advocate after interning with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, and litigating employment discrimination cases all around the US. Wanting to use her advocacy skills to serve the community, Dotie returned home to make a difference. When elected, Dotie will fight for equal access to affordable housing, safe communities, quality education, affordable health care, and job creation. She wants to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in the District. PUBLIC SERVICE—Dotie has served as: • Miami-Dade Democratic Party, First Vice-Chair • President Barack Obama, Volunteer Attorney • Haitian Lawyers Association, Past President • North Miami Beach, Deputy City Attorney • NAACP, Co-Counsel & Yale Political Action Chair • Carter Center, Intern for President Jimmy Carter

"Law is not law, if it violates the principles of eternal justice. All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope. " Tune in to hear why Miami-Dade County (FL) Circuit Court candidate, Attorney Olanike "Nike" Adebayo, believes she is best fit to serve as a judicial leader and decision maker for our community. We discuss the importance and significance of this race, overcoming COVID-19 campaign challenges, what exactly circuit court judges do, how they affect our everyday life, her background, relevant legal experience, community impact and footprint, and more! Adebayo's Background/Platform (courtesy of her campaign website): Many are called to a life of service, but very few choose to accept that calling. Olanike “Nike” Adebayo grew up as a biracial female in Chicago, Illinois. However, she first realized the calling to serve in the area of criminal justice during one of her annual visits with her father in Nigeria. During that particular visit, Nike was a firsthand witness to a crime that was reported to law enforcement, but never investigated. Even as a child, she was troubled that Nigeria’s few existing laws were not necessarily enforced. Nigeria’s law enforcement had a limited infrastructure and their legal obligations to investigate and prosecute crimes seemingly did not exist. ​Upon returning to the United States, Nike realized how fortunate she was to live in a country where laws are enforced and people are held accountable for their actions. At the same time, Nike faced her own harsh reality in that she was teased and bullied because her mother was white. Nike learned at a young age to speak up for herself, which made her self-aware, strong and resilient. Dealing with both of these situations, Nike realized her calling to serve. She recognized that she would spend her life defending and upholding the law, and fighting for those who needed help. She knew then that she wanted to be a lawyer and a judge. In Nike’s new role at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Community Outreach Division, she provided prosecutorial, law enforcement, and quality of life initiatives throughout the county. She developed training outlines and provided instruction to police officers from different municipalities, assisted in the development and implementation of the Junior State Attorney’s Program, and represented the State Attorney’s Office at meetings with elected officials, law enforcement, and concerned citizens. After working for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office for more than one-half of her career, Nike decided to leave again to work as a defense attorney in order to become a well-rounded attorney. In August 2014, Nike formed her own firm, Olanike Adebayo, P.A., and practices in the area of family law, criminal and juvenile defense, and personal injury. In December 2014, Nike joined the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel, Third Region of Florida as an Assistant Regional Counsel in the dependency division. Nike tirelessly represents and defends parents who have been charged of abuse, abandonment, and neglect of their children by the Department of Children and Families.

As the legal cannabis industry has expanded across the US over the past decade, green is the most prominent color seen in this space. In addition to the color of the flower, sales are projected to reach up to $30.4 billion in the US by 2023, States have generated as much as $369 million in cannabis tax revenues in a single year, and legal cannabis is said to support over 240,000 American jobs. The colors that aren’t seen as frequently in the industry are black and brown. It’s no secret that the prior prohibition of cannabis disproportionately and adversely impacted people in communities of color. In an attempt to counter this history of disparity, many states and cities have implemented social equity programs in connection to the legalization of medical or adult cannabis use. Tune in for a blunt (ha!) conversation with lifetime Oakland resident and Castlemont High School graduate, Alphonso Tucky Blunt as we discuss how he got into the cannabis business, the importance of education and networking within the industry -- particularly with Black professionals, other "non sexy" avenues to excel in the business, and his big plans for the future (hint hint Forbes cover)! While growing up in Oakland during the war on drugs era, Tucky managed to stay out of trouble and maintain a 4.0 GPA and a full time job while in high school. He was also using and selling cannabis. Cannabis sales to him was another form of employment. In 1999 while on an errand with his grandmother, she had him go to a dispensary, from that day forward his mission was to own one for himself, so he could sale cannabis legally. He worked at and was a vendor for multiple bay area dispensaries from 1999-2004. In 2003 he attempted to become an owner of a dispensary, and was told blacks would never own in this business. In 2004 he was arrested for possession with the intent to sale, and given 10 years of felony probation with a 4 way search clause. Still determined to learn more on the legal side, he attended and graduated from Oaksterdam University in 2008. In true path formation, had he not been arrested, he would not have qualified for the equity program. Now as the 1st person to open a dispensary under Oakland’s Equity program, he is finally continuing on that path of ownership. His goals and values are still spiritual and family driven. With the help of his partner Bri Moore, they look to change the face of the cannabis industry, one location at a time. Blunts + Moore opened its doors on November 29th, 2018. A native born son, selling cannabis legally in OAKLAND!!!

"Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway." Tune in to hear why Miami-Dade County (FL) Commissioner and mayoral candidate, Esteban "Steve" Bovo, believes he is best fit to be the next leader of Miami and what his vision for the County entails! We discuss the importance of transparency in government, updates on the SMART Plan, his thoughts on socialism in local government, stimulating the economy, and much more! Bovo's Vision (courtesy of his campaign website): As a County Commissioner, I have successfully pushed through some reforms but many more are needed. I’ve fought for real change, at times being the lone voice. In the “Accomplishments” section of this site you will see a full list, but I’ll share some highlights here. I am proud of spearheading the effort to finally approve term limits for the county commission and of sounding the alarm on how contracts are awarded at Miami International Airport in a corrupt manner. I worked to reform County Employee Benefits and Retirement to reflect fairness and equity in what taxpayers can afford. I am running for Mayor of Miami-Dade County because politics cannot continue to be above the priorities of the taxpayer. Business as usual at county hall can’t continue for Miami-Dade to prosper and our citizens to have the quality of life they deserve. My candidacy is based on conservative principles to protect taxpayer dollars, ensure transparency, fairness, and fiscal responsibility. Make no mistake, my administration will not serve the interests of the extreme liberals that are looking to redefine America and in the process increase Miami-Dade government on the back of its taxpayers. The next Mayor of Miami-Dade County needs to be committed to moving the country forward with courageous and innovative reforms. At the forefront of every county initiative, proposal, bid, contract, ordinance and project must be demanding transparency and efficiency to protect the taxpayer from unethical practices, waste and abusive taxes. If an initiative does not meet that criteria at the onset, it will be dead on arrival under my administration.

Tune in to hear why Miami-Dade County (FL) Commissioner and mayoral candidate, Xavier L. Suarez, believes he is best fit to be the next leader of Miami! We discuss addressing racial tension and protests in light of recent events, education and afterschool programs, the SMART Plan and BayLink, the brain drain, being hands on and connecting with constituents, stimulating the economy, and much more! Suarez was first elected Mayor of the City of Miami in 1985 and subsequently re-elected in 1987 and 1989. During his tenure, he worked diligently towards the construction of affordable housing, prioritized community neighborhood improvements and received national praise for his effective handling of civil disturbances. Since 1993, Suarez has focused on practicing law and writing six books, A Unified Theory of God, Mind and Matter, the first, was published in 2005 by AuthorHouse. Xavier L. Suarez was elected to serve on the Miami-Dade County Commission as District 7 Commissioner on May 24, 2011. He represents numerous municipalities including the City of Miami, the Village of Key Biscayne, the City of Coral Gables, the City of South Miami, the Village of Pinecrest, as well as areas of unincorporated Miami-Dade County. Commissioner Suarez attended Villanova University on a Presidential Scholarship where he earned a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, in Mechanical Engineering in 1971. Subsequently, in 1975, he received joint degrees: a Juris Doctor and a master’s degree in Public Policy, from Harvard Law School and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. He published a law review article on congressional immunities and performed a consulting study for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on the issue of performance standards for new sources of pollution. Commissioner Suarez was born on May 21, 1949 in Las Villas, Cuba. He has lived in Miami since 1975. Married to Rita Suarez, he is the father of four children, Francis Xavier, Olga Marie, Anna Teresita, and Carolina.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower." Tune in to hear why Miami-Dade County (FL) mayoral candidate, Alex Penelas, believes he is the most qualified candidate to run the 7th most populous county in the United States! Penelas has a passion for public service and improving people's quality of life. We discuss his thoughts on income inequality, sea level rise, the brain drain, equity in contraction, traffic, local job creation, and much more! Penelas says the challenges faced in the past in Miami-Dade required the County to be innovative and courageous. Today, we face a new set of challenges that have unfortunately lingered because of inaction. Penelas promises to work to earn your trust through his policy ideas, vision, and leadership. The issue that most motivated his return to public service is the lack of meaningful progress on mass transportation. He will be laser focused on transit and mobility projects along several of our proposed corridors. The half-penny Sales Tax passed by voters in 2002 will be spent as it was intended – to build-out mass transit and rail throughout Miami-Dade. Penelas promises to confront climate change challenges and lead the world in confronting this threat with strategy, technology, and the best science. We will take advantage of all the County government’s resources and partner with the private sector to bring affordability to our housing market. We will take on the inequities that exist throughout our community by creating policies that level the playing field in terms of access and opportunity for those that have been shut out so far and safety for those who are bearing the brunt of gun violence. And we will address other important issues that are ignored, like mental health.

"The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." – Coretta Scott King In April 2019 Commissioner Levine Cava announced she was running for Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Deeply concerned by the prosperity gap, threat of sea level rise, and widespread distrust in County government, she set out to be #AMayorWhoCares about these and many other pressing issues facing our County. Her vision focuses on building efficient and effective county-wide transit, solving the affordability crisis, bringing quality jobs, addressing gun violence in our communities, preparing for sea level rise, and improving residents’ quality of life. As #AMayorWhoCares, Commissioner Levine Cava is committed to creating a County government that works for all. Daniella Levine Cava has been a tireless advocate for South Florida residents and communities for almost 40 years. She came to South Florida in 1980 and finished her last year of law school at University of Miami, to join her husband, Dr. Robert Cava, a Miami native. Daniella and Robert raised two children, Eliza and Edward, in Miami-Dade. After a decade of work as an attorney with Legal Services of Greater Miami and the Guardian Ad Litem program, in 1996 Commissioner Levine Cava founded the Human Services Coalition, now known as Catalyst Miami. Catalyst empowers low- and moderate-income families with the tools necessary to lift them out of poverty. Since her historic victory in 2014, Commissioner Levine Cava has put her experience and passion to work as a powerful voice on the County Commission for a range of quality of life, accountability, economic and environmental concerns. She has championed women’s issues by taking the bold step to pass legislation that made Miami-Dade County the first County in the United States to sign on to the UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women. As a result of the legislation, the County has adopted several polices to ensure equal pay and equity for women in County contracting and County hiring.

Hone your craft. I love that phrase. It conjures up just the right combination of humility, passion, competitiveness, and drive. And in this episode, one of my most anticipated, we dive deeper in the subject! My next guest is not just family, but someone who I personally and professionally admire. He is a glowing example of focus and preparation meeting opportunity and someone who is dominating and enjoying great success in a space that I, too, hope to achieve one day! I am honored to introduce the legendary Fred 'Bugsy' Buggs, one of New York’s most popular and well respected radio and media personalities! Bugsy started his media career in high school in New York City and has also graced radio stations in Florida, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Philadelphia! After hosting several radio shows across the east coast, he returned back home and became the Assistant Program Director and Music Director for KISS FM. Bugsy’s expertise in production and artist development later landed him a job with Def Jam Records where he helped to develop some of the biggest names in the business including Redman, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, The Lost Boys, Onyx, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, and more. After a year at Def Jam, his love for radio called him back to the airwaves and now you can find him killing it as the afternoon on-air personality and voice of SiriusXM FLY and 107.5 WBLS in New York City! Bugsy is truly a legend and has definitely made his presence known in both the radio and record worlds! Tune in to learn how Bugsy's honed his craft from a young age and worked his way up through the entertainment industry and how he has not only been able to pivot from unexpected setbacks in his career but apply those 'scraped knee lessons' to build stepping stones for sustainable success across the highly competitive entertainment industry!

I'm am SUPER crunk (Sorry, I couldn't help myself!) about this episode! Today's guest is one of the most prominent figures in music and pop culture, a crossover multi-platinum selling household name, and one of the most recognized entertainers in the music industry. In case you haven't guessed yet, I'm referring to the legendary, Grammy and Billboard award winning rapper, songwriter, front man of one of my favorite rap groups -- Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz --, a fire record producer, and an insanely talented international DJ: Jonathan Smith AKA Lil Jon!! Lil Jon began his career in the early 90s and almost 30 years later, you cannot go to a party or event today and not hear one of his smash records while getting the crowd of all demographics hype! He has crafted groundbreaking hits for a diverse array of artists including: Ice Cube, Usher, Pitbull, Ciara, Ludacris, Too $hort, Ying Yang Twins, E40, TPain, Nas, Jadakiss, Mobb Deep, and the list goes on! He’s also worked with will.i.am, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Bret Michaels, Travis Barker, Jennifer Lopez, Machine Gun Kelly and many more. His songs have also been featured in huge blockbuster movies including The Hangover, The Proposal and the Step Up franchise. Famous for his now iconic catch phrases "Yeah," "What" and "Okay, this hip hop icon is also a marketing genius with endorsements with Oakley, Jimmy Johns, Don Julio and more. He's a tennis and hockey fan, and a health fanatic (sea moss is one of his favorites!) Jon has starred in the 2019 Pepsi Superbowl commercial with Cardi B and Steve Carell, he's had regular appearances and skits on the Dave Chappelle Show in the early 2000s, was a fan favorite on Celebrity Apprentice, and has gone back to his DJ'ing roots securing a wildly successful residency at The Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas. An impressive and robust career is an understatement!! Stay tuned as we discuss what motivates Jon to keep going in this cut throat business, how the industry has changed in light of COVID-19, what it's like DJ'ing online, his Verzuz battle with hip hop start T-Pain, the true origination of crunk music, his philanthropic work in the community, stock market investing, upcoming projects with Ludacris and Usher, and he even helps me pick out my very first diamond encrusted grill!! LOL I have met a lot of people throughout my life -- high profile politicians, celebrities, business execs, hall of fame professional athletes --- and Jon was one of the most humble, kind, and genuinely down to earth people I've come across. I SO much enjoyed our conversation, learned a lot, and hope you do too!! LET'S GOOOO!!!!

Good leaders are trailblazers, making a path for others to follow. Great leaders, however, inspire their people to reach higher, dream bigger, and achieve greater. Perhaps the most important leadership skill one can develop is the ability to provide inspiration to their team. If you inspire others to reach for the stars, they just might bring you back the moon! Had such a great time and was honored to be joined by this episode’s special guest -- a walking community treasure chest filled with knowledge, insight, and experience -- Miami-Dade County Commissioner Barbara Jordan. Commissioner Jordan has enjoyed a distinguished 35-year career with Miami-Dade County, serving in numerous capacities including as a Public Administrator, Assistant County Manager, and Vice Chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Commission. She has a very unique perspective of County government because of her decades of working knowledge and intimate familiarity with the system. Commissioner Jordan has been the people’s voice of reason over the years and demonstrated the political will to take on the known challenges of her community. Tune is as we discuss industry diversification for an improved economy, funding for infrastructure investment, updates on transportation and the SMART Plan, improvements with crime in Miami Gardens, addressing socio-economic inequality, the brain drain, and accountability and transparency in the budget process. She also drops gems on leadership qualities necessary for long-term success, what she’d tell her younger self, and her dream plan if she had a 100% chance of success! Commissioner Jordan is gearing up for retirement later this year, currently serving in her 16th and final year as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Her leadership and tenacity will sorely be missed, but I look forward to what’s on the horizon. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail”

Organizations that destroy the status quo win. Whatever the status quo is, changing it gives you the opportunity to be remarkable. Today's episode features my former Wharton classmate and super witty friend, Brandon Harris. Brandon has had a rewarding and impressive 13 year career at Bloomberg, now serving as their Global Head of Financial Products Marketing. Bloomberg L.P. is a privately held financial, software, data, and media company headquartered in New York City and founded by Michael Bloomberg in 1981. The company provides financial software tools and enterprise applications such as analytics and equity trading platform, data services, and news to financial companies and organizations through the Bloomberg Terminal (via its Bloomberg Professional Service), its core revenue-generating product. Hope without a strategy doesn’t generate leadership. Leadership comes when your hope and your optimism are matched with a concrete vision of the future and a way to get there. Tune is as we discuss why Brandon chose Marketing over Consulting or Investment banking, what it's like working for a Presidential candidate (Michael Bloomberg), how he rose in the corporate ranks (Hint: Closed mouths don't get fed!), why he hates office "face time" and the notion of 30- and 60- minute meetings, his self-reflection and thought processes when evaluating his professional happiness, and his slight obsession with SETT (superstition, efficiency, travel, and technology), plus more!

Many of us may recognize my next guest, Madison Shockley III, from his role as Fred on "The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl". This wildly successful YouTube comedy attracted almost 2 million views on the first episode alone by serving up a slice of Black life not often available on-screen. The viral web series challenged the archetypes generally available for Black people in entertainment, especially women, who are often cast as sassy, power hungry, angry or mammy figures — sometimes a combination of them all — but rarely awkward. What most of us may not know is that, through his organization SEOWA (Social Equity Owners and Workers Association), this actor-turned-cannabis entrepreneur, is at the forefront of activism pertaining to LA's Social Equity Program (SEP). Cannabis criminalization and its enforcement has had long-term, adverse impacts on Los Angeles, particularly for low income and minority communities. The SEP is one tool LA is using to begin to acknowledge and repair the harm caused by the War on Drugs and the disparate enforcement of cannabis prohibition. Tune is as we discuss why Madison backed away from acting, his feelings about and contributions to Awkward Black Girl, SEOWA's current work, future plans, and challenges, his motivation behind leaving a legacy, (surprising!) hurdles with dating and dating apps, and more!

Today's episode features a very special guest, Francis X. Suarez, the Mayor of my hometown paradise, Miami, FL, one of the fastest growing and most dynamic places in the world. In addition to year round enviable weather, nightlight, and cuisine, Miami is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman, the second most entrepreneurial city in the US, and a cultural crock pot teeming with unique flavor and energy. It is no wonder we are known as The Magic City!! Tune in as Brittany Sharpton and Mayor Suarez discuss how his personal experience with COVID-19 influenced his approach on public policy, his plan on re-opening Miami, how traffic, technology, and a pandemic, surprisingly, go hand-in-hand, his current thoughts on mass transit and the SMART plan (Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit Plan), the after effects of the coronavirus on future building design & development, parks overlaying highways, and....a potential future presidential bid??! Mayor Suarez, the first Miami-born Mayor and an attorney by trade, was elected as the 43rd Mayor of Miami in November 2017 with 86% of the vote. Mayor Suarez serves as Chair of the Environment Committee, as well as on the Advisory Board of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and is the former President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities.

This episode features a guest who truly embodies beauty and brains, sprinkled with Southern charm and killer Manhattan-esque (is that a word? lol) fashion sense! I met Christie a little over 5 years ago at a Leadership Miami Welcome mixer on South Beach. She was impeccably dressed yet so warm, witty, and really made me feel comfortable as a newcomer to the LM Family. From being voted by her 6th grade teachers as "Best Groomed," to being voted by her high school classmates as "Best Dressed" for 3 consecutive years to being named 2012 Brickell's Best Dressed with a feature in Brickell Magazine, Christie, a Spelman College and Manchester Business School alum, clearly has a great eye for fashion! After years of co-workers, friends, and family asking Christie to shop with or for them and after unlimited calls and text messages for fashion advice, she established her company in 2016 while in business school pursuing her MBA. She began working with targeted professionals as a complimentary service to make sure her business model worked. Later, she began charging a fee and worked the business as a side gig. In 2018, Christie took the leap of faith to work on I Am CHIC full time. Tune in as we discuss her take on what it truly takes to be a full-time entrepreneur, the continuous learning process, her candid account on contemplating returning to a 9-5 (on several occasions!), and the importance of mentorship, networking, and having your coins adequately in order to survive the uncertain, yet rewarding, journey of business ownership.

Today's episode features author, trading coach, entrepreneur, and charming Memphis native Al Pickett. Financial markets can be bewildering at the best of times, but the coronavirus has made the task of understanding them that much harder. One of the worst stretches in market history has included one of the most rapid stock rallies. Fear not! Tune in as we discuss how to survive the coronavirus markets, what Forex trading really is (Hint hint: NO MLM!), why it's recession proof, the importance of having a "why" when attempting to reach your goals, the role "thirst trapping" plays in social media algorithms, and much more. This episode is definitely one to archive and save for future reference! Al Pickett is a veteran of the real estate finance industry. At the age of twenty-four he purchased his first company in a strategic buyout. Through interruptive marketing and advertising campaigns he was able to attract clients and build a trustworthy company brand recognized throughout the community. Al Pickett has a deep understanding on how to maximize a business’s assets to increase its market share. He “quintupled” the revenue of his first company in the first year of operation. He currently operates a private investment firm with an emphasis on trading currency trends. He’s also helped to build a network of 100+ business mentors for new entrepreneurs through Start Co., a venture development organization that develops founders and their companies. He sits on the board of Volunteer Odyssey, an immersive volunteering experience for job seekers. He operates on the principles that you must be passionate about what you do, committed to those you serve, and excellent at completing the job. He’s a frequent speaker at Universities and organizations in the Mid-South on topics about entrepreneurship and finance.

Today's episode features a guest who's worked behind the scenes to deliver some of the biggest hits from the 90s and 2000s, many of which are still personal favs and can solicit a clachet (classy ratchet lol) twerk at the drop of an "Hey Alexa"! In the mid to late ’90s, Dave Lighty (brother of the late great hip-hop mogul, Chris Lighty) was the Manager of A&R at Def Jam. By the late ’90s, Dave moved to Jive Records to become the Sr. Director of A&R, where he held that position for over a decade. Today, he’s the Owner of ViolatorSouth, a record label, management and marketing company and a consultant at Odlight LLC, a brand strategies firm. Tune in as we discuss how Dave went from military man to music exec, how influential his brother, Chris, was to his career, business acumen, and outlook on life in general, how he was able to navigate the highly competitive music industry, women hip-hop pioneers who inspired the "ratchet girl movement", his gift of recognizing amazing talent, exciting upcoming projects, and how he has been able to bounce back from some of the most challenging circumstances poised and ready to eat 2020 and beyond alive! Formerly one of the Senior Director’s of A&R for Jive Records, Dave Lighty was directly responsible for helping to shape the sound of popular music. With over 20 years of urban music experience, Lighty has seen firsthand how hip-hop has morphed into the most marketable genre of pop music. His experience ranges from consultation work to management duties for esteemed companies such as Violator and Def Jam Records where, in the late ‘90s, Lighty worked closely with one of the most talented rosters in rap history. Such longevity is proof of Lighty’s ingenuity to turn the music he grew up loving into a successful career. Growing up in the Bronx in the ‘80s, Dave Lighty was raised in every aspect of the burgeoning hip-hop culture. As a teen he moved to Maryland where he would eventually enlist in the military. After leaving the service, Dave found himself straying from his original plan to go to college and falling victim to the pitfalls of the street. At the time his older brother Chris Lighty was living in New York City where he founded the hugely successful Violator Management. In 1994, Chris and his associate Lyor Cohen advised Dave to move to New York to pursue a career in the music industry. After two years of trading off roadie and assistant duties for Violator artists like Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest and Mobb Deep, Lyor Cohen, the former president of Def Jam Records, hired Dave in 1996. He was eventually made the Manager of A&R where he was responsible for collaborating with artists like LL Cool J and Foxy Brown. During his two year tenure at Def Jam, Lighty served as the beat coordinator for LL’s platinum-selling Mr. Smith album and compiled the hits for EPMD’s Out of Business and the five-disc Def Jam Greatest Hits. Using his personal network of industry tastemakers, Lighty is constantly on a quest to find the next big thing, his knack for recognizing star quality in his mind is something that comes along with confidence, charisma, talent and a solid work ethic. With his production company Odlight, Lighty continues to consult talent into the mainstream market. Being able to enrich hip-hop is absolutely essential to him. Through his hard work and dedication, David Lighty has already proven he is committed to improving the culture that has served as both his inspiration and life’s work.

This episode features a man who gives Trick Daddy a run for his money; not just for his immense genuine love for "da kids", but his growing collection of gold grills. Had such a fun time chatting with my friend, Brandon Okpalobi, CEO of Dibia Athletic Development and the founder of Dibia DREAM (Development through Recreational Education for Athletic Minds). A Seventh Ward, New Orleans, LA native, Brandon graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Computer Information Systems and minor in Marketing, after walking on the Division 1 basketball team and earning a scholarship and position of Team Captain his senior year. Though he has worked for major corporations including the Orange Bowl Committee, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and The Miami Heat, Brandon always had his heart set in serving and changing his community through investment in our future -- our children. Tune in as we discuss the importance of staying true to thine own self, what inspired him to take the leap of faith to start his own business, keeping a level head to navigate through temporary set backs, the interesting dynamic of social media (and thirst trapping), the significance of strong faith in his success, his Nigerian culture and pride, upcoming projects in the pipeline (hint: there's an Academy in the works!), and much more! Whether you know him as B Dot, Young Jefe, or simply Brandon, this one is sure to be an entertaining and enlightening treat.

You're in for a teachable treat with today's special guest, Bertha Henry, County Administrator for Broward County, Florida, the second-most populous county in the state of Florida and the 17th most populous county in the entire United States. Tune in for a powerful message from this accomplished history maker and wildly successful County CEO. We discuss effective, humble, and balanced leadership, exciting upcoming projects within Broward County, how to navigate the complex world of social media and public opinion, and why it's so important to always remain unapologetically you. In Mrs. Henry's role, she acts as the CEO of Broward County, managing a budget of about $5 billion and directs the functions of county government, which includes about 2 million residents and operations for nearly 60 agencies, including the Ft. Lauderdale Airport, seaport, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. Mrs. Henry is a Miami native who earned her B.S. in government and an M.S. in Public Administration from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. She has had a longstanding career in public service, with more than 40 years of experience in public administration, including service in Montgomery County, Ohio and the City of Miami, Fl. She began working for Broward County in 1996, left for Miami to assist with the city’s financial recovery serving as Assistant City Manager of Finance Administration, and returned to Broward in 2000, to serve as Deputy County Administrator for eight years prior to her appointment as County Administrator. In 2017, Mrs. Henry was the first Black woman to win the prestigious Mark E. Keane Memorial Award for Excellence awarded by ICM, the International City/County Management Association. "Only a handful of women have ever received this coveted recognition in the history of the organization. Bertha is the first African-American woman to receive this award which was presented at the ICMA annual meeting."

Today’s episode features Larry M. Spring, Jr., CPA, the Manager for the City of North Miami, the fastest growing city in Miami-Dade County. He also serves as the Executive Director of the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency. Prior to joining the City, Mr. Spring was the Corporate Director of Budget and Productivity for Jackson Health Systems and prior to that, the Assistant City Manager for the City of Miami, serving in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer and Director of Budget and Strategy. Before transitioning to government, Mr. Spring had a successful career in the commercial banking industry. Mr. Spring is actively involved in the community and has served on the board of numerous professional and civic organizations. Tune is as we discuss what exactly a City manager’s role is, the challenges of working in the public sector/government, strategies for dealing with the not-always-so-honest or unbiased media, the largest development project in Florida -- happening right in North Miami, transit and transportation plans for the region, the City's involvement in Superbowl 2020, #BlackChef, the importance of creating and fostering a legacy, and what’s up next on the entrepreneurial for Larry.

Today's episode features hip-hop icon and long-time family friend, Luther Campbell aka Uncle Luke. Luke is a successful entrepreneur, record executive, producer, football coach, and Miami-based community and political activist. He put our hometown on the musical map by pioneering “Miami bass” rap in late ’80s. Incredibly intelligent, well-read, and unassumingly politically connected, his raw, refreshingly authentic, and hilarious personality and commentary keeps your jaw dropped while forcing you to challenge popular opinion and the status quo. Luke, best known for being the former leader of rap group 2 Live Crew, was party to Campbell v. Acuff-Rose Music, Inc., which was argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. As a result, he has been described as "the man whose booty-shaking madness once made the U.S. Supreme Court stand up for free speech". Next year, 2020, will make 30 years since 2 Live Crew made history by birthing the black and white "Parental Advisory" warning label. Tune in as we discuss 2020 and why it's so crucial to actively involve yourself in our political process, his take on the evolution of music and hip hop, efforts to avoid tainting young kids' minds with today's polluted environment, whether he'll run for political office again, what's next for the show Warriors of Liberty City on Starz, and much much more!

Abbracci (which means hugs in Italian) opened when I was just 4 years old. My family and I have so many fond memories here growing up so this episode is really special! Although I’ve known Nino for decades, I was so grateful for today’s show, as this was my very first time sitting down (in an office vs dining table!) with this uber successful Miami-based entrepreneur to explicitly discuss the 3rd most important thing in his life (after his 2 beautiful daughters!), his other baby — Caffe Abbracci. Abbracci, the go-to fine Italian restaurant for the who’s who of Miami – celebrated its 30th birthday this year (July 2019) which is in incredible feat in its own right, but especially in the cut throat restaurant industry and particularly in a market as fickle, competitive, and trend-focused as South Florida. Loyalty is rare and consistent ‘feel-good’ family vibes that match high quality food is even rarer. Nino Pernetti — a Venice, Italy native and owner of THE world famous Caffe Abbracci in Coral Gables, FL — has hosted celebrities and socialites from US Presidents, to Fortune 500 senior executives, to professional athletes and entertainment superstars…to loyal local families who celebrate intimate milestones and business moguls who have happily hosted client lunch meetings weekly for years. Nino started his career is hospitality and hotel management at just 15 years old, and has literally traveled all around the world before stopping in Miami in 1981, and as they say, the rest is history! With the proliferation of restaurants in South Florida, we discuss how Nino is able to continue to be the market leader, particularly in the Italian space. His clientele is a broad cross-section of all of South Florida, how has he been so successful in reaching all demographics? The restaurant industry is often romanticized, and for those outside of the industry, owning one seems like and all-you-can-eat buffet of wealth and status, but what is it really like? Employees do not turn over often at Abbracci (very rare), we discuss what has been his key to their success and loyalty. Tune in as we briefly dive into who Nino is, how he’s been able to dominate his craft, and how listeners can get an opportunity to chat with our special guest over an espresso!

How fitting that in the wake of Montgomery, Alabama electing its first ever African-American Mayor, Britt Happens was blessed to have our first female guest, who also just happens to be another history maker as the first Black woman to serve as the Mayor of Miami Shores, earning the most votes ever -- in history! Equally humble as she is hilarious, Crystal, who hails from Des Moines, Iowa, is a devoted mother of 2 beautiful girls, wife to the former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar, a most hospitable friend, attorney, public servant, and has a Rolodex more impressive than Simone Biles' triple double. Incredibly intelligent, accomplished, poised, and hella fun, what's most admirable about Crystal (in my opinion), is her spirit of authenticity and staying true to who she is in. In this episode of BrittHappens, we touch upon local, national, and international politics, her interesting career path, civic involvement, family, fostering an environment that supports women being mothers while maintaining a fulfilling career, Mulattoes in the Post Antebellum South, and taking responsibility for architecting your very best life. Aside from the awesome quality content and her most soothing and earthy voice, this was truly such a fun conversation and interview to record! I'm already looking forward to Part II! Tune in, download, subscribe, and please share!

On today's episode, our guest, Marlon Hill discusses the whys and hows of advancing your mission to advance the greater good for our community, turning off the noise to really focus on selecting effective leadership, and removing the blinders to merge outside of our comfort zones to break down invisible barriers which hinder growth and advancement. We will explore his journey and background on multiple fronts: personal, civic, professional, and most recently, political. Just a little appetizer on Marlon (press play to receive the entrée!): Marlon was born in Kingston Jamaica, graduated from Miami Southridge High School, and earned both his law and finance/international business degrees from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Marlon is a partner at the Miami law firm Hamilton, Miller and Birthisel and is running for the Miami-Dade County Commission District 9's open seat. Marlon is decorated with professional and civic accolades including the inaugural Ruth Shack Leadership Award honoree, a member of The Miami Foundation’s inaugural Miami Fellows class in 1999, and serving as a board member on the Miami Parking Authority, Orange Bowl Committee, the Miami Book Fair International, and a host of others. Tune in to hear why you truly don't have to be independently wealthy or wait for a big check to be written to make a sustainable difference. If you want something bad enough, you will leave the sidelines waiting for someone else to act, and find a way to leverage the resources available to get it done!

The Billy Pulpit: Speaking Truth to Power features Miami-bred filmmaker, producer, and entrepreneur, Billy Corben of Rakontur. Not everyone may like or always agree with Bill, but how can you not get a chuckle out of his famously flippant #BecauseMiami #BecauseFlorida social media posts, raw attitude, and courage to speak up when it's often unpopular, particularly in such an insanely political city such as Miami. Corben, who has produced several notable documentaries, including the Cocaine Cowboys series (#HeyGriselda) and The U, discusses why he thinks "Miami is a sunny place for shady people" (but loves it!), why being a white man in America is lit, how our community can address ineffective government, practical and pointed advice for an aspiring filmmaker, his exciting new projects, and tons more.

Today's episode -- sub-titled "Hi Vai!" -- features our guest, JP Galvao, the co-founder and CEO of Vai (which means 'Go' in Portuguese). JP shares why he brought the concept of CaaS -- Car as a Service -- to Brazil, how and why he partnered with Uber, the challenges he's faced as an entrepreneur, advice on overcoming those obstacles...and why he hates body wash! Tune in to learn about the birth of Brazil's Netflix of Car Rental Service!

K. Elliott, aka The Well Fed Black Writer, penned his first novel, Entangled, in 2003. Despite being offered multiple signing deals, Elliott decided to start his very own publishing company, Urban Lifestyle Press, through which Elliott was selected to co-author with hip-hop superstar 50 Cent. Bookstore by bookstore, street vendor by street vendor, Elliott took to the road selling his story. He did not go unnoticed, selling 50,000 units in his first year and earning a spot on the Essence Magazine Bestsellers list. Tune in to learn what it takes to truly make a successfully sustainable living as a writer, why you shouldn't rely so heavily on Amazon for distribution, why lasting social impact trumps dollars, and who comprises Elliott's Mt. Rushmore of Golddiggers (yes, you read that correctly)!

Successfully pivoting to a new career can be one of the hardest but best plays you ever make. Tune in to learn how Darryl Sharpton — former NFL-star turned furniture mogul-in-the making — pushed through unexpected career setbacks and obstacles to dominate both on and off the football field.