Dope People

This is more than just a milestone — it's a movement.Welcome to Episode 50 of the Dope People Podcast — our first-ever LIVE and in-person recording in front of a studio audience! We went big for this one and brought out one of Chicago's brightest rising stars in film and television: Khalil Everage.Khalil is a proud Chicago native and breakout actor known for his roles in:

She is #DopePeople

He is #DopePeopleIn this thrilling episode of the Dope People Podcast, we are honored to welcome Mr. Gregory Sain, a luminary in community empowerment and a voice for positive change. Born and raised with a spirit of resilience and advocacy, Mr. Sain has made remarkable strides in various influential roles. As the Director of Community Safety & Relations, he has been a pivotal figure in fostering safer, more connected communities.His journey with the Chicago Urban League as the Director of the Male Responsibility Program showcases his commitment to mentorship and leadership. Mr. Sain's dynamic speaking skills and candid nature have also led him to success as a former radio host at WVON 1690 and WBGX 1570, and as a commentator on Truth Radio's "Butt Naked Truth."As a co-founder of the New Black Leadership Coalition, Mr. Sain has helped to shape dialogues around leadership and community development. His managerial acumen shone through in his role as the manager for comedian, actor, and author Steve Harvey, enhancing the reach and impact of one of entertainment's most recognizable figures.Beyond the professional realm, Mr. Sain's voice resonates in the hearts of many as a motivational speaker. He has been the driving force behind various "Today's Black Women Expos" and Town Hall meetings, using his platform to inspire and challenge audiences. His eloquence and wisdom have also graced numerous graduation ceremonies, leaving a lasting impact on young minds.At the core of his life, Mr. Sain is a proud father and a devoted son, reflecting the values of family and community stewardship. His journey is not just one of success but of profound influence and unwavering commitment to uplift those around him.Join us as we dive into the life and insights of Mr. Gregory Sain – a figure who continues to shape narratives and inspire change. It's anyone's guess what he'll say next, but one thing is for sure – it will be powerful, impactful, and absolutely #DopePeople.Support the Show: To keep up with more inspiring stories like Mr. Sain's, subscribe to our YouTube channel at Dope People Podcast on YouTube. You can also show your love for the podcast with some cool merch from Scott Steward's Merch Store.#DopePeoplePodcast #CommunityLeadership #Empowerment #InspirationalLeaders #GregorySain #Mentorship #CommunitySafety #Leadership #ChicagoUrbanLeague #MotivationalSpeaking #RadioHost #SteveHarveyManager #NewBlackLeadership #CommunityEngagementSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeopleDr. E'Toyare (Torie) Williams, also known as Dr.  Victorieus, was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Paseo Academy High School as a first generation High School graduate. After receiving her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo., Dr. Williams worked as an Educational Consultant with Chicago Public Schools and has continued independently adding her mentorship initiative since then. Dr. Williams took another step and took her education further by completing her Masters of Art in Teaching (MAT) with an emphasis in Special Education from National Louis University in Chicago and worked as a teacher in various schools: Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Thornwood High School, and Urban Prep Academy. In addition to her MAT, Dr. Williams earned her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) as well. At Thornridge High School, Dr. Williams was a Special Education Administrator and the Director of Student Activities where she not only taught classes which included social-emotional learning, she was responsible for 52 different extracurricular activities, ranging from Band to National Honor Society. Her biggest achievement was to receive her Doctorate of Education from Chicago State University in December of 2019. As the Founder and CEO of Be Victorieus Consulting, Dr. E'Toyare ( Dr. Torie) Williams is a highly accomplished educator, author, and consultant. She has dedicated her career to helping schools across the country develop culturally responsive trauma-informed systems of support. These systems foster resilience and success for staff, students, and families. Dr. Torie has guided schools, districts, and state departments of education in learning about the impact of ACEs and trauma. She has also educated them on the critical role of protective factors in fostering resilient schools and communities. Dr. Torie has assisted schools in developing and implementing trauma-informed practices that have positively impacted student behavior, academic achievement, and social-emotional development. She has also cultivated educator well-being and efficacy. Dr. Torie is a passionate advocate for the education of all children, especially those who have experienced trauma. Dr. Williams encourages involvement in extracurricular activities. Her motivation has always been her 3 beautiful children, Ker'Mari (17) Kynnedi (15) and Korri (11) who are actively involved in various activities inside and outside of school. She is a sought-after speaker and trainer, and her work has been featured in numerous publications. Dr. Torie is a true leader in the field of trauma-informed education, and her work is making a real difference in the lives of children and families across the country Become VicTORIEus! “Be VicTORIEus with Dr. Torie Williams” is an educational program that encourages the professional development of the individual and provides actionable guidance by offering a fresh perspective and an independent point of view while guiding a process that fosters the growth and educational development of the individual. Dr. Torie can: ● Provide a model for healthy, trusting relationships through clear communication and setting appropriate boundaries. ● Acknowledge their strengths, talents, and/or gifts and encourage them to find ways to use them. ● Be an active listener and offer support and encouragement when appropriate. ● Engage inSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People. Omari spent most of his young life thinking that he would become a scientist when he grew up. After all, his favorite person in the world (his mother) was a chemistry teacher and former scientist, so it seemed only right. After a rather unpleasant experience in his first year of college chemistry, he decided to change his major to mechanical engineering but was still only mildly interested in the subject. After some deep reflection, Omari finally discovered that the only thing that he had ever naturally beeninterested in was money. He was still conflicted, however, since there were many aspects of the applied sciences that he liked and, frankly, had become quite good at. But then arose the question, “why can't I be a financial scientist?” Eureka! Omari completed his undergraduate studies with a degree in finance and went on, a few years later, to earn an MBA in Financial Analysis.Omari worked for the first five years of his career as an investment advisor. Feeling again, in his heart, that he didn't have the ‘full picture' of what he was consulting around, he switched gears to work for a public accounting firm. Something clicked. Prior to working for the CPA firm, his experience had only ever consisted of studying large companies. After the switch, however, he began to learn about thespaces that small companies go through to become larger, better and/or greater. So, a new question arose: “Could there be a formula, a set of principles or laws that govern the financial success of growing businesses?”Unable to formulate a “good enough” answer to his latest question, Omari proceeded to, over the next decade, move around to different companies, taking a variety of accounting-related positions, ranging from corporate finance to private equity. In his last employee role, working as a private equity professional, Omari was struck by the idea of establishing an investment market for community-based retail, service, manufacturing, and distribution businesses. The new question is now, “What would bepossible if small businesses knew how to (and had the support networks to) grow their companies like large ones do?” Since this time, Omari's vision has been to take the mystery out of small business success by teaching entrepreneurs and their teams how scale versus merely growing.Follow Omari on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/omarikamal/ and visit his company's website at c3accounting.com/Support Dope People by purchasing some merch right here scottsteward.com/merch/Support the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeopleAmber Ginsburg is a Chicago-based artist who teaches at the University of Chicago in the Department of Visual Arts. She creates site-generated projects and social sculptures that insert historical scenarios into present-day situations, as well as engages present-day histories to imagine alternative futures. Her background in craft orients her projects toward the continuities and ruptures in material and social histories. She often works with long-term and ongoing collaborators, and together they engage multiple communities and elicit working relationships with experts in the fields of botany, political activism, biology, legal scholarship and activism, and science fiction.Always interested in history, more recently, Amber has been drawn to imagined futures, specifically a future that includes human survival. Looking to past feminist strategies, including collective action and equity politics, she works in large-scale sculptural forms that allow audiences a role in thinking through the making or completing the work. The boundary between human and nonhuman agency is pressing thinner. She follows specific material lineages, sometimes a tree species, sometimes porcelain, to map our varied and complex relationships. In doing so, Amber works in concert with objects as collaborators, agent-provocateurs, and narrative instigators.He is #DopePeopleEric Wilkins is the founder of the Broken Winggz foundation.Their mission is to give support to people who are paralyzed from gunshots, their families, and the millions of people who are just tired of the shooting and want it to stop. They're joining together with various organizations and taking a stand.The founder of Broken Winggz is Eric Wilkins. He was shot and paralyzed in May of 1999. He was put in a wheelchair. Doctors told him that he would never walk again, and that killed his spirits. But after years of exercise, prayers, and dedication, he is up and walking around. He has braces on both of his legs that go down from his knees to the tip of his toes to keep his feet and legs straight; he uses a cane to assist him with walking. Since then, he has joined with other paralyzed young people to take a stand against gun violence. There are thousands of young men and women in wheelchairs that think they're alone, but with Broken Winggz, they're never alone; they're in this together.This website will give insight into up-and-coming events; they will be linking together with other organizations, going to various schools to talk to kids about violence and how it affects everyone. They'll also be making various appearances to support other organizations. If one needs help and can't do it by oneself, they've come to the right place.Their support is not just for people who are paralyzed; it's for their whole family. They have people inside their families that have to take time and make sacrifices to make things happen too, so they're here for them. If one is just tired of funerals, tired of being in a gang, and wants out, or if one just wants to make a difference and be a part of something positive, this is the place for them.Eric grew up on the south side of Chicago in the part they call the wild, wild hundreds, and he played a major part in making it wild by being a part of a street gang, domestic violence, selling drugs and guns - and for that, he apologizes to the city. Now that he's been resurrected, he plays a major part in putting the city back together. He's met with variSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is #DopePeople

He is Dope People.Meet Jason Davis, Assistant Principal at Dunne STEM Academy in Chicago.To support Dope People please like, comment, share, and subscribe to Dope People on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can purchase our merchandise at https://www.scottsteward.com/merchTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merchSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.Reginald Lomax is the Managing Principle of R. Lomax & Associates DBA Your CFO Consultation where he specializes in financial consultation to urban small to medium-sized businesses and institutions to deliver services and solutions that help build, preserve, and manage wealth. R. Lomax & Associates  also assists business owners and companies by creating and presenting specialized financial recommendations to attain their financial goals and business objectives.Reginald Lomax is a high-performance professional and educator with more than twenty years of business management experience; visionary and strategist with a documented record of success, a solid background in finance, education, and entrepreneurship with the ability to create comprehensive strategic management plans.Reginald is the Director of Business Administration and Assistant Professor of Business at East/West University. As a faculty member, it is his responsibility to facilitate meaningful learning of core competencies in business management and Entrepreneurship. Lomax provides this education through structured learning instruction that creates a critical thinking environment, enabling graduates to immediately impact the current employment marketplace's needs.Reginald is Adjunct is a Faculty Lecturer of Business at City Colleges of Chicago and Prairie State College where he  facilitates meaningful learning of core competencies in business management and Entrepreneurship.Connect with Reginald Lomax on LinkedIn here linkedin.com/in/reginald-lomax-411a72b or by email at rlomaxandassociates@gmail.com.To support Dope People please like, comment, share, and subscribe to Dope People on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can purchase our merchandise at https://scottsteward.com/merchSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People!Get ready to meet the mastermind behind "The Dizz Wizz Series" LLC - Mr. Rheon Gibson! This motivational speaker and professional development provider is changing the game for children's social and emotional learning. With his unique approach and creative vision, Mr. Gibson is inspiring the next generation to be their best selves. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from the master. Follow him on Instagram (@The_Dizz_Wizz_Series), Facebook (The Dizz Wizz Series), and Twitter (@RheonGibson) to stay up-to-date with his latest work and join the #DopePeople #Empowerment #SocialEmotionalLearning movement today!And don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss a moment of inspiration and positivity! #StayTuned #StayInspired Let's make the world a better place, one book at a time.Support the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People.Dr. D-Nice Beaugelin, real name Denise Hunter, MD, is an Adolescent Wellness Specialist and founder and CEO of Wisdomteethinger. She has been a medical doctor for over 20 years. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has completed hours of training towards board certification in Functional Medicine. She's also been a youth leader for over 30 years and a trained youth motivational speaker. Her training in improv and storytelling helps her presentations to be delightfully engaging.Dr. D-Nice is an executive producer for her new TV show, Wisdomteethinger. She also currently serves on the Wake County Public School Student Health Advisory Council (SHAC). Most recently, Dr.D-Nice became a member of the OSG group which is a community of skilled professionals who advocates and uplifts today's youth. In addition Dr. D-Nice has been featured on CBS News and a host of other national television, radio, and media streams; including a featured interview with Dame Dash (Entrepreneur, Record Executive, Film Producer, & Co-Founder of the former Roc-A-Fella Records).Follow Dr. D-Nice on IG at https://www.instagram.com/dr.dnicebeaugelin/ and https://www.instagram.com/wisdomteethinger/Support the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeopleFrom the east to the west, global and beyond, Polaryss' zone of genius is at the intersection of art, math, science, & tech, taking her to places like Uganda, Benin & Brazil! Polaryss is an educator, Hip Hop artist, and activist whose synergy and passion are unmatched. Born and raised in the Mecca of Hip Hop, The Bronx, New York, Polaryss incorporates her art and life experiences into every aspect of her work. Whether she's performing on stage or promoting cultural diplomacy globally, she is always educating and entertaining. As an educator and social entrepreneur, Polaryss uses her craft to advocate for women in Hip Hop as well as educational equity in underserved communities. She uses Hip Hop in the classroom as a tool to teach and promote self-advocacy, effective communication, and critical thinking. She also utilizes the skill of improvisation (freestyle) to teach social and fiscal responsibility, classroom curriculum, and self-awareness. As an educator and Hip Hop Ambassador, Polaryss takes pride in the innovative ways she brings Hip Hop into the classroom, pairing it with STEAM and project-based learning to increase literacy. The founder of The Intentional Movement Project, an arts-based literacy program that uses Hip Hop to identify and address giftedness in historically underserved youth, Polaryss has made a significant impact on the global Hip Hop community and seeks to do the same in the field of education. She created The Intentional Movement Project (TIMP) to put emphasis on historically underrepresented gifted learners and aims at partnering with academic stakeholders to increase access to STEAM-based arts education. TIMP offers standards-based quality programming that shines a spotlight on self-advocacy, effective communication, and critical thinking using curriculum-based instruction. From the global stage to the classroom to the boardroom, Polaryss is reimagining education and the world through the lens of Hip Hop Culture. Founding member and former Co-chair of MC Lyte's Hip Hop Sisters (www.hiphopsisters.org, www.hiphopsisters.com), On the board for the Women In Hip Hop Division of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, Director of Creative Operations, Education Advisor and Lead Facilitator for Toni Blackman's Rhyme Like A Girl (@RhymeLikeAGirl on IG), and Hip Hop Cultural Ambassador to the US State Department.To support Dope People, purchase some of our merchandise by visiting https://scottsteward.com/merchSupport the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is #DopePeople.Meet Jason Harris a passionate and dedicated special education teacher in the Houston area.With over 10 years of experience in the field educating students in the Houston area, Jason hasa wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the unique needs of his students. Jason is dedicated to providing each and every one of his students with the individualized support they need to succeed in their education and reach their full potential. In addition to his teachingresponsibilities, Jason also coaches several sports at his school, where he uses his love ofsports and his natural leadership skills to inspire and motivate his players. Jason is a dedicated and compassionate educator who is always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the lives of his students.Support the showTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.Miles Williams is a revolutionary Principal in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mr. Williams is the Elementary School Principal at Bricolage Academy, an open-enrollment charter school with the mission to advance educational equity by preparing students from diverse backgrounds to be innovators who change the world. A social worker by training, Mr. Williams approaches school leadership through a trauma-informed lens, understanding the importance of seeing and treating the school community as whole people deserving of love and liberation.Miles received his B.A. in Human Service studies from Elon University and his MSW from the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago.Miles is passionate about social justice, mental wellness, traveling and sports. When he's not leading a school he can be found writing, listening to music, doing CrossFit or playing video games. On breaks you will find him spending time with his friends and family, or traveling around the world. He can be found on Instagram and Twitter @themileswill. To show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.DANIEL BAUER is an unorthodox RUCKUS MAKER who has mentored thousands of school leaders. The BETTER LEADERS BETTER SCHOOLS podcast is the CATEGORY KING of educational leadership shows and is in the TOP 0.5% of most downloaded podcasts compared to over 2 million global podcasts. His latest book, Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader is a book that reimagines what professional development for school administrators looks like in order to meet the needs of all school leaders who currently feel isolated and overwhelmed. To show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.As a Chicago Public School teacher, Mr. Bryan Pope, is a true representation of a credible and crucial life's work rather than just music projects. His music is a real and raw expression of self-love. Mr. Pope aims to use the power of music to combat and fight life's negative influences and challenges.  You can find Mr. Pope on FB and IG as @MrPopeMusic.Be sure to check him out!To show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeople.  Toya Carter better known as Ms. Carter has lived in East Harlem for over 40 years.  She is a former NYC public school teacher with a Master's Degree in education as well as a license in early childhood and elementary grades.  With over 20 years of teaching in the Department of Education, she recognized the deficiencies of preschool students entering Pre-K.This prompted her to found Carter's Day Care, the bridge between the community and families serving as a liaison; providing quality, and nurturing learning in a safe environment. Her goal is to prepare students for higher learning by developing every child's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical well-being starting at the early age of one.  In addition, she realized the importance of parental involvement which lead her to create The E.P.I.C Project (Empowering Parental Involvement Coalition). EPIC's mission is to empower parents to build strong relationships with their children and strengthen the partnership with their child's schools. Families will develop their capacity to fully support their children's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skills to lead them to success. The E.P.I.C Project offers parent workshops that provide the tools needed to collaboratively build the village to prepare our children for a successful future.Furthermore, Ms. Carter is invested in her community, so she started, The Harlem Clean Up. HCU brings awareness to change the behaviors of preventing litter and instilling neighborhood pride while bringing communities together to do good by keeping it clean and giving back. We model these behaviors by organizing clean-up programs and give-back events that show communities to “Love Where You Live”. We encourage residents to take ownership by participating, changing the narrative, and doing the work to keep the community clean, safe and beautiful.Toya Carter is invested in the community and children; this allows her to bring a unique experience to every family and community she serves.Follow Toya and her work:https://www.instagram.com/cartersdaycare_llc/https://www.instagram.com/harlemcleanup/https://www.instagram.com/the_e.p.i.c_project/To continue to support this podcast buy some merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch/To show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People.Principal Aneesha Jacko is an authentic, bold and compassionate leader with over 22 years of instructional, coaching, operational, planning, administrative and financial management experiences in a large urban school district. Receiving her undergraduate degree from Hampton University in Hampton Virginia, she then matriculated to Touro College and received a master's degree in Special Education and Early Childhood Education. She also earned degrees from Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus specializing in Literacy and Long Island University C.W. Post in Educational Leadership. She is president and owner of The Results Are In, LLC whose goal is to connect the world through meaningful interactions and communication.An active community leader serving in a number of organizations for over 20 years. Aneesha Jacko serves as a licensed minister at The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York. Additionally, she collaborates with leaders across the globe with Off School Grounds, Inc. (OSG) to support and impact schools and communities. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Inc, and Jack and Jill of America Inc. Audacity to Speak is the first book in a series dedicated to helping people to live the life of their dreams. Jacko is married with two sons.To show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People.Sandra Arreguín is a passionate educator with over 18 years of teaching and leadership experience. She started her career as a French and Spanish high school teacher in the Chicago Public Schools. Her educational leadership roles include world languages chair, high school bilingual/ESL/world languages specialist, high school assistant principal, and middle school principal.Sandra currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Niles Township High School District 219 and sits on the Board of GALS Inc.As a Latinx, multilingual, bi-literate, and bicultural educational leader, Sandra is dedicated to disrupting systemic inequities through humanization and liberation. An innovator with a transdisciplinary vision for education, she believes in promoting creativity, diversity, and connection to honor our human experience.In addition to her work in education, Sandra is VP of Operations of Acuario Entertainment, a family-owned event promotion company.Follow Sandra on LinkedIn here https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-arregu%C3%ADn-edd-4a8aa09/ and Acuario Entertainment on Facebook, here  https://www.facebook.com/AcuarioEntertainment/.To support Dope People, pick up some merchandise at https://www.scottsteward.com/merchTo show love to the Dope People Podcast, be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiD7tgj9ezb7Xuk7IOFHRBg.You can also purchase Dope People merch at https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.Avinash Bansal is co-founder and Chief Product Officer at TomoClub.org: Educational Gaming Platform for kids (9-14 yrs age) in the US to learn 21st-century durable skills via social games and simulations. TomoClub forms networks of curious kids, who make friends through games played in live sync sessions.  I am an XPrize Winner, Research Scholar from UIUC, and an Electronic Engineer from Delhi Technical University (DTU).To learn more, visit TomoClub.org. Follow Avi on Twitter @avinash_dtu.To support Dope People visit scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People.T'Nesia (TJ) Hurley, MA Chief Business Officer- Assistant Superintendent of Business Redding-Red Bluff Area TJ was born in Berkeley, CA, and raised in Oakland California. She attended public schools for her entire K-12 experience. TJ attended UC Berkeley for her undergraduate degree and the University of San Francisco for her Masters's Degree. TJ is currently in a doctoral program for educational leadership at Fresno State. TJ has been a teacher, principal, and Director. TJ currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Business for the Enterprise Elementary School District.TJ has24 years of teaching and administrative experience in California public schools. Her goal is for all students and staff to have access to the resources they need so that all learners graduate college/career ready! TJ provides equity-focused leadership and oversight of the District's $50M budget, facilities, maintenance/operations, bond projects, transportation, and nutrition services. Find TJ on Linkedin by clicking here https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-nesia-tj-hurley-ma-53666291/Support Dope People, shop at https://www.scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope People.Diony Marte is the founder and CEO of Daddy & Daughter Crew, NYC.Diony tells his story of how DDC came to be, his experiences in middle and high school, his hopes for our nation's educational system, and his aspirations for fathers.To learn more about Diony and how to support his movement, visit him on Instagram @dionymarte_ddc and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMKbcgzC05fZrJF_hug1Dhg.Support Dope People Podcast by going to scottsteward.com/merch

She id Dope People.Mrs. Jamilah A. Hud-Kirk is currently serving her 15th year as an elementary school principal at Fountain Elementary in Forest Park, Georgia. As an accomplished teacher, principal, speaker, and now author, she also has over 25 years of experience in urban and rural education as a teacher, School Improvement Specialist, Assistant Principal, and Principal at the elementary, middle, and district levels, in Alabama, Texas, and Georgia. She has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education (Tuskegee University), a Master's degree in Special Education (Auburn University), and Educational Leadership (the University of Texas at Austin). She is a speaker and founder of PCK Consulting, LLC.Mrs. Hud-Kirk considers her greatest accomplishment to be a wife of 20 years and mother to 4 boys and 1 girl ranging from 26 to 3 years of age. Being one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments yet, she has recently added one more “why” to her plate, empowering other female leaders to work on the work while creating balance in their own lives. Realizing that there is much to learn from her own experiences and those of other dynamic female leaders, she has recently created a blog and other social media platforms that are reflective of those golden nuggets. It is the desire and hopes that other leaders who share similar experiences of work/life balance will have a safe, honest platform in which to learn from and express their own personal journeys on how they manage to find harmony (or not) between their professional and personal lives.To learn more about Principal Captain Kirk, visit https://principalcaptainkirk.com/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/principalcaptainkirk/

She is Dope People.Ms. Samantha Pugh, AKA Power, is a proud native New Yorker who has dedicated her life to education and believes wholeheartedly that All students should have access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college and beyond. As a first-generation college graduate, she believes that by creating an environment where children are supported emotionally, challenged academically, and empowered socially every child can succeed beyond their dreams. Her commitment to education is a “true calling” and she is highly driven to ensure that every child, regardless of zip code, can and will have the tools to succeed. She is determined “to change the world, one student at a time!”She is a transformational leader with 21 years of experience in all grades, K-12, who has had success with turning around struggling schools, building on the success of high achieving schools, and founding new effective schools in both district and charter settings across New York City. She has demonstrated that she is a true champion for the children of the most underserved neighborhoods. She has been able to accomplish this by continuing to be relentless and passionate in the pursuit of ensuring that all students see college as a viable option. Her strengths include collaborative leadership, strategic and innovative planning, empowering educators to develop their leadership skills and their instructional expertise, developing and implementing equitable and inclusive programming, and fostering strong relationships with all stakeholders.Throughout her journey in the education field, she has held numerous positions, beginning with five years as a successful classroom teacher followed by six years as a Dean of Students and an Instructional Coach. For the next seven years, Ms. Pugh held the positions of Assistant Principal and Principal in both charter and district schools where she worked to turn around struggling schools. Her most recent experiences include Founding Head of School/Principal where she created, led, and implemented programming that addressed the needs of students who come from one of the poorest and educationally underserved congressional districts in this country.  Currently, she is the Chief Academic Officer at Merrick Academy Queens Public Charter School.  Additionally, she is committed to building the capacity of teachers and leaders. She has started her own consulting business where she offers her expertise and training to teachers and leaders all over the city in the areas of classroom management, school and adult culture, curriculum design, and instructional leadership. Ms. Pugh holds a Bachelor of Arts in English/Secondary Education from Hampton University, a Master of Arts degree from Touro University in Literacy, and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Fordham University's Educational Leadership Administration and Policy Principal Preparation program. She is also an alumna of the prestigious nationwide leadership preparation program New Leaders which is a yearlong program that develops transformational school leaders to ensure high academic achievement for all children. Catch Power at:https://www.samanthapugh.org/https://www.instagram.com/principal_powerpugh/?hl=enTo support Dope People, go to https://www.scottsteward.com/merch

Dr. Asheena BaezSustainability Culturalist. Healer of Humanity who speaks what she seeks until she sees what she said.Dr. Asheena Baez is an internationally renowned Mindful leadership Coach, Curriculum Developer, and Educational Consultant.Dr. Asheena Baez is the Chief Executive Officer of Asheena Baez Consulting LLC. An adjunct Professor at Columbia University, Russell Sage Doctoral Program Organizational Cultural Strategist, and Complex Systems Leadership and Wellbeing Consultant for the New York City Department of Education, Dr. Baez specializes in curating the conditions to create an intersectionality between organizational culture sustainability and indestructible wellbeing.   She has devoted the last two decades of her life to leadership and organizational wellbeing transformation globally. Dr. Baez has led global teams in the education, corporate, and nonprofit sector in utilizing evidence-based mindful practices to cultivate psychological flexibility & emotional resilience, cultural transformation & sustainability as well as diversity, equity, & inclusivity.     After graduating from the Summer Principal Academy Graduate Program at Columbia University, she went on to serve the program as a Leadership Coach and is currently an Adjunct Professor. Asheena has led transformation and cultural sustainability efforts for school districts, organizations and corporations, in eight countries.Growing up in the South Bronx in New York City provided Asheena with the resilience and inspiration to transform global communities using the power of mindful awareness techniques. She is a mother of three and a passionate educator that believes indestructible wellbeing is the birthright of all humanity.Internationally, Asheena provides education networks, corporations, organizations, and government agencies with high-impact training in Mindful Leadership practices of self awareness, self acceptance, and self actualization to promote whole-health increased organizational culture sustainability and wellbeing outcomes globally. She has completed her doctoral studies and dissertation centered on The Impact of Mindfulness in Cultivating Sustainable Organizational Culture and Wellbeing.I'm here to serve! Hit me up  at asheenabaezconsulting@gmail.com.To support Dope People Podcast purchase product at scottsteward.com/merch

Ms. Raisa Turner - Assistant Principal of Culture & Climate at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.Ms. Raisa Turner is a Brooklyn native. Raisa graduated from Adelphi University with a Bachelor's in Math and Masters's in Secondary Education. Raisa started her teaching career in 2013 teaching Kindergarten at Success Academy Charter School in Fort Greene as well as 1st & 2nd grade. She moved to a high school setting at New Visions Charter High School, where she has taught Algebra 1 for 6 years. Ms. Turner has impacted many of her students in a positive way. Within her first year, she took over as the new National Honor Society Advisor and inducted 40+ students. Ms. Turner also served as the 9th Grade Grade Level Team & Advisory Team Leader.From very early on in her life, Ms. Turner recognized her purpose, which was to be a leader in education because of her love for children. Educating and helping others is what she loves to do. Additionally, this passion further led her to obtain her certification as a School Building & District Leader from the College of St. Rose as well as obtaining her Masters in Educational Leadership. 6 months later, she became the Assistant Principal of Culture & Climate at Mount Vernon STEAM Academy.Ms. Turner's motto is that she is “in the business of servicing students” and will continue to mentor and be a great role model for all students who cross her path.To support Dope People, visit https://scottsteward.com/merchNeed a tutor? Visit www.BlackGirlTutors.com to learn more.

He is Dope People.Tom Boasberg is the Superintendent of the 4,000-student Singapore American School (SAS), starting July 2019. SAS is one of the world's largest, most diverse, and academically innovative international schools.Prior to joining SAS, Tom taught educational leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.Tom also served for 10 years as superintendent of the 94,000-student Denver Public Schools (DPS), stepping down in October 2018.To support Dope People, visit https://scottsteward.com/merchKids can learn about the stock market Kids learn stock chart analysis and how to manage their own investment portfolio.

We had to bring her back - Dr. Crystal PorterDr. Crystal E. Porter, Ph.D. is a hair scientist and owner of Mane Insights, Inc, a company that conducts research to further understand the specific needs of the hair and scalp.  As a recognized contributor in the world of hair science, she also provides knowledge about hair to individuals, professionals, and industry leaders. She is passionate about debunking myths and empowering others to properly care for their hair. Her patented process uses science to help professionals understand their clients' hair so they can provide customized solutions.Visit https://www.maneinsights.com/ to learn more.Visit https://scottsteward.com/merch to support Dope People.

SHE IS DOPE PEOPLE!Dr. Crystal E. Porter, Ph.D. is a hair scientist and owner of Mane Insights, Inc, a company that conducts research to further understand the specific needs of the hair and scalp.  As a recognized contributor in the world of hair science, she also provides knowledge about hair to individuals, professionals, and industry leaders. She is passionate about debunking myths and empowering others to properly care for their hair. Her patented process uses science to help professionals understand their clients' hair so they can provide customized solutions.Dr. Porter spent the majority of her corporate career at L'Oréal, USA where she managed the Physics Laboratory and Consumer Insights teams studying the biophysical characteristics of hair and pigmented skin within different global ethnic groups and understanding behaviors that are related to consumers' experiences. She has also contributed to L'Oréal's global classification of curl in hair and has authored scientific journals, presentations, and book chapters on various topics such as hair straightening and ethnic hair.During her undergraduate education, Dr. Porter received her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Chicago State University. She participated in internship programs at Argonne National Laboratory where she studied chronobiology and researched NMR shift reagents at Rochester Institute of Technology. Her doctorate degree was received in the field of Physical Polymer Chemistry from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. During her graduate studies, she thermally characterized polymer thin films using modulated differential scanning calorimetry and studied the mechanical behavior of polymer composites. She also patented a skin cream and was inducted into the scientific research honor society, Sigma Xi.Dr. Porter is a wife and mother of two daughters. She is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Within Delta, she has served on the Educational Development Committee for the Glen Ellyn Area Alumnae Chapter and served as Chair of Sciences and Everyday Experiences, an informal science education project funded by the National Science Foundation, from 2007 to 2011. Also, Dr. Porter is a member of the Fermilab Community Advisory Board.Dr. Porter's personal passion resides in the educating and mentoring of underrepresented youth about the opportunities in the field of science. She works with Chicago State University's Center for STEM Education and Research to help develop research programs in hair science that expose underrepresented STEM students to research opportunities that will result in scientific breakthroughs.In addition, she actively initiates efforts within Chicagoland area schools and the general public to close the academic achievement gap that exists among Black students. As such, she is one of the founding members of P.A.T.H.S. (Parents and Administrators Together Helping Students), a parent group within Indian Prairie School District 204 whose mission is to work with school administrators to empower parents in helping their children to excel academically. Her commitment to philanthropy is further exemplified as a current supporter and past member of the Board of Directors for C.H.A.R.M, a not-for-profit outreach and mentoring organization.She has served in the capacity of a presenter, master trainer, and/or consultant for several organizations including, the American Academy of Dermatology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, PowerNetworking Conference, Society of Cosmetic Chemists - Ohio Valley Chapter, Textile Research Institute, and Trichologists on a Mission.Visit https://www.maneinsightKids can learn about the stock market Kids learn stock chart analysis and how to manage their own investment portfolio.

Dr. Steve Fouts is a 20-year veteran educator from the city of Chicago with teaching experience at all levels of education.  He's currently CEO of Teach Different, a Chicago-based company providing conversation training and software to K-12 teachers and schools.For more information about Teach Different, visit https://teachdifferent.com/.To support Dope People, visit https://scottsteward.com/merch

Dr. Barbara Mullen is currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services at Cambridge Public School. Dr. Mullen's main role is to ensure that equitable practices are at the core of each system throughout CPSD in order to address and redress long-standing inequities and opportunities in student outcomes. Previously, she was the  Chief Equity Officer at Providence Public Schools and the Director of the Learning Leader Network for the Center for Leadership and Educational Equity. Dr. Mullen supported Rhode Island School Districts with continuous improvement toward equitable outcomes. She is the author of Secure Your Oxygen Mask First: Strategies to Prevent Burnout in Special Education Practitioners and numerous publications both digital and print. She currently lives in North Providence, RI with her family.Connect with Dr. Mullen on Twitter @DrBarbaraMullenConnect with Dr. Mullen on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-a-mullen-ph-d-91bb4116/Support Dope People https://scottsteward.com/merch/i-am-dope-people-crew

PRINCIPAL Shine On Lakeasha Williams is Dope People. Principal Shine On is an Amazon Best Selling Author and  Brooklyn native who is enthusiastic about working in a community that she loves. Click here to purchase your copy of her best selling book from Amazon.She is a social justice educational leader with over twenty years of experience as a paraprofessional, classroom teacher, staff developer, assistant principal, special education administrator, and Principal Coach. Her greatest strengths include school turnaround, instructional leadership, school improvement action plans, data-driven culture, differentiated professional development, community engagement, and family empowerment initiatives.Lakeasha was recently featured on ABC 7, WPIX11, Now  This Politics, and Rai, Italian Broadcasting Corporation for her Brown Girls empowerment activity with her 5th-grade girls. AM NY newspaper also highlighted Lakeasha's work as well. Connect with Principal Shine On on LinkedIn.

They are Dope People!Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor are best-selling contributing authors of Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals, Volume 3, 2nd edition. They are also co-founders of Create and Educate, LLC an education and literary firm that offers resources to schools to include, including professional development and a catalog of culturally relevant book titles for school-age children from independent authors.The school leaders have 40 years of experience in education between the two of them with experience in charter school start-ups, as well as, instituting AVID andLeader in Me as school initiatives. In addition, the duo were the recipients of the South Carolina Palmetto Silver Award for academic growth, moved two and three report card levels in one year, won the Palmetto State Arts Education Steam School of Excellence Award, and Teacher of the year. After experiencing tremendous academic growth, NWEA conducted a case study that is featured on their website. Most recently Dr. Houston and Principal Taylor have a new book that will be released in December 2021, "It Doesn't have to be Lonely at the Top: The Power of Collaboration in Leadership" that outlines their story of resiliency in their leadership journey. Their weekly Facebook Live Series, The Collaborative, exhibits this notion, as well as, their Saturday Professional Development Series. Copies can be reserved today on their website https://www.createandeducate.solutions/.To support Dope People, purchase some of our merchandise by visiting https://scottsteward.com/merch

Dr. Fakemma has had experience teaching K-12 for more than 40 years. Dr. Fakemma is currently the superintendent of Ontario Christian School. His experience as a classroom teacher and principal has prepared him for his current job. Dr. Fakemma has a lot of love and passion for Christian education. God has called Dr. Fakemma to be an educator, administrator, husband, dad, and grandfather. Dr. Fakemma is a servant-leader and strives to be a Christ-like example to those he comes into contact with each and every day.To connect with Dr. Fakemma catch him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/len-fakkema-2bbab433/.To support Dope People, purchase some of our merchandise by visiting https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People!Dr. Collum operates an Illinois-approved training academy where she routinely conducts basic security, firearms, health & safety, and concealed carry courses. She is the owner of CYC Enterprise, Inc., which conducts real estate investments, property management, and tenant screening & placement services.She also established Inspire Enterprises to provide entrepreneurial training to existing and aspiring business leaders who desire to transform the lives of their clients and local communities. As an Executive Committee Member of SCORE Chicago and Vice-Chair of Diversity & Education, she volunteers her time designing and presenting a curriculum that guides start-up businesses in strategic planning and measuring social impact. As an education & business consultant, some of her functions include working with the 17th Ward Aldermanic Office as the Youth Development Coordinator and as an independent contractor for Calumet Park School District 132 offering personal, professional, and leadership development assistance and support.True Believers Outreach Ministries is her personal ministry that was established in 2008. It is a reflection of her heartfelt desire to be an example of a believer in all things. One of her most profound accomplishments was in 2013, which was the establishment of True Believers Community Connections. It is a non-profit organization that addresses issues, crises, and needs of individuals and families whether local or abroad.Through this commission, Dr. Collum walks alongside returning citizens and other high-risk populations on their journey toward being restored and renewed after experiencing hopelessness.  As the Board Advisor to the 07th District Chicago Police Department's Faith-Based Executive Council, she volunteers her time offering guidance to the CAPS Office and faith-based leaders of Englewood in spearheading community interventions that demonstrate and communicate strong police/community/faith partnerships.Furthermore, Dr. Collum is an accomplished author. Her book entitled, The Mentor's Manual: Guidelines to Giving and Receiving Wisdom requires readers to think differently about the role of mentors and to better appreciate the value of mentoring relationships. In the book, she makes a spiritual parallel between the duties of mentors and those of midwives, specifically emphasizing the importance of birthing tangible fruit, as witnessed in the actualization of a vision or accomplishment of goals.Dr. Collum possesses an EdD in Educational Leadership, a MA in Educational Leadership and Organizational Change, an MSW in Program Planning and Administration, and a BA in Criminal Justice. Her passion is to encourage others to expand their knowledge base and skillsets to become viable assets to the contribution of leadership development.To support Dope People, purchase some of our merchandise by visiting https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is Dope!Jacksonville-North Pulaski Schools superintendent Dr. Jeremy Strickland Owoh, Ed.D. shares the cornerstone of his leadership philosophy—authentic educational equity through the practice of deep listening and honest conversations. Dr. Jay believes that education is one of the most powerful things in life. It is one of life's most precious gifts that can never be taken away from a person. Education affords people the opportunity to inquisitively seek and find the meaning behind everything and aids in the advancement and improvement of a person's life. Education provides us a way to understand our community and each other, and it offers us an opportunity to use that knowledge wisely. As educators, it is imperative that we provide these opportunities for all of our scholars, irrespective of culture, race, creed, or gender.Dr. Jay is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and committed to hiring effective educators, in order to place the right person in the right position. Dr. Jay is committed to the process of continuous school improvement, with an emphasis on having a growth mindset of endless possibilities for JNPSD; sharing its unique story to attract families to the District; to using effective educational programs that will have a positive impact on all learners; and to educational equity for all of our scholars, families, and staff.Look for Dr. J on Twitter @DrJay_06

Stefanie HicksA dynamic DEIJ & Human Resources professional with extensive business acumen and 15 years' experience focused on building mutually beneficial partnerships, leading highly effective teams, and delivering innovative strategies to promote accountability and awareness around diversity, equity, and inclusion, drive employee engagement and skillfully recruit and retain top talent.Stefanie also provides organizational development consultation and training focusing on social justice, leadership, and organizational change. She has worked in both the private and nonprofit sectors and prides herself on working diligently to bring her professional experiences, research interests, and passion for social justice to life through her work, always seeking to create space for community building, healing, and liberation.Co-Founder & Principal Facilitator, SAA VisionariesAssociate Director, Diversity Equity & Inclusion in the Office of Human Resources at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.To support Dope People, purchase some of our merchandise by visiting https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is Dope People.Meet The Grant Guru! Bejanae Kareem is a social good edupreneur, with over 20 years of experience in education, grants, equity building, and STEAM Education. Her mission is to advance equity globally by building educator capacity in grant writing & STEAM to increase student access to innovative education.BK is also the founder and Executive Director of BK International Education Consultancy. Bejanae Kareem is a dynamic, results-oriented educator and social impact edupreneur, with over twenty years of experience in education, research, program management, grant writing, and community outreach. Ms. Kareem leverages her leadership skills as the founding Executive Director of BK International Education Consultancy.Bejanae Kareem has positioned BK International Education Consultancy as a knowledgeable, experienced, and accredited provider of continuing education units specializing in professional learning and grant acquisition for school districts, non-profits, higher education institutions, and local governments. Ms. Kareem has successfully managed multi-million dollar and multi-year grants funded by foundations and federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Education, the National Institute of Justice, and Toshiba Foundation.In addition to grants, Ms. Kareem has taught in PK-12 and collegiate environments, both virtually and face-to-face. Ms. Kareem served as a robotics coach and science programming coordinator in which she coordinated multiple student programs to make contact with the International Space Station, experimental research with NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program, and successfully provided consultation to schools seeking STEM/STEAM Certification. She is passionate about bridging theory to practice in continuing education and training to support adult learners hone new skills.Visit her website at https://www.bkconsultancy.org/ Follow her on IG at @bk_consultancyKids can learn about the stock market Kids learn stock chart analysis and how to manage their own investment portfolio.

Dina McReynolds EverageMother - Educator- Connector – Life EnthusiastDina McReynolds Everage has spent the last 30 years successfully transforming school experiences for students in two of the most challenging communities in Chicago. She is now a RE-wired educator that is RE-committed to living her life to the fullest. During the pandemic, this “surTHRIVor” launched several businesses that are created to inspire and motivate others to also enjoy the abundant life God has promised us!Dina is currently an Urban Education Consultant.Kids can learn about the stock market Kids learn stock chart analysis and how to manage their own investment portfolio.

Derrick Collins serves as the Dean for the College of Business at Chicago State University. Previous to CSU, Mr. Collins was Assistant Clinical Professor of Finance at Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg School of Management where taught Venture Capital and Private Equity Investing, as well as Entrepreneurial Finance. Prior to his academic career, Dean Collins worked as a venture capitalist and a bank commercial loan officer.Derrick Collins serves as the Dean for the College of Business at Chicago State University. Under Mr. Collins' stewardship, the College of Business has expanded its curriculum offerings to enhance students' industry-specific and technical proficiencies, including entrepreneurship, international business exposure via global internships, and an MBA program that focuses on working professionals. Previous to CSU, Mr. Collins was Assistant Clinical Professor of Finance at Northwestern University's J.L. Kellogg School of Management where he developed and taught the course, Venture Capital and Private Equity Investing, as well as served as a lecturer for the course, Entrepreneurial Finance. Mr. Collins taught in Kellogg's full-time and part-time MBA programs as well as its Executive Managers' Program. Mr. Collins began his academic career while serving as a General Partner of Polestar Capital Partners, an early- to growth-stage venture capital partnership focused on investing in minority-controlled technology companies. It was this experience in the venture capital community that served as the platform for Mr. Collins to successfully teach private equity in a higher education environment. Prior to Polestar, Mr. Collins served as President of Shorebank Capital Corporation, the venture capital subsidiary of Shorebank Corporation, an Illinois bank holding company. Mr. Collins began his finance career as a Commercial Loan Officer in Shorebank's banking subsidiary, South Shore Bank. Mr. Collins has lectured extensively on the topic of private equity, venture capital, and minority entrepreneurship and has received accolades for his ability to convey complex financial and business concepts to financially-sophisticated and novice audiences, alike. Some of the venues include the Credit Suisse International Business School, the National Minority Supplier Development Council's Advanced Management Education Program, the National Football League's Player Development Program, the National Basketball Players Association's High Growth Entrepreneurship Program, the Chicago Urban League's NextOne Program, the Wall Street Journal's Black Entrepreneurship in America Conference, and guest appearances on Chicago's WGN-TV Minority Business Report, WVON Radio's Urban Business Roundtable, as well as numerous other private and public conferences and meetings. Mr. Collins currently serves on the boards of Cinnaire, a full-service community development finance institution that advances affordable housing and community development, and ECM Performance Materials, a provider of custom chemical and polymer processing services for industrial and manufacturing applications. Derrick Collins earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and his M.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. 

Vondale Eugene Singleton Sr. was born on the Southside of Chicago.  Having to deal with the death of his mother, and the imprisonment of his father, Vondale was raised by a family friend who encouraged me to stay in school. At the age of 17, Vondale met a mentor that empowered him to go to college. Vondale is a 1st Generation College Graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts, and a Master of Arts. Vondale used his gifts of technology, and people skills to show empathy to young men that were in similar situations.Vondale has worked in primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Vondale believes that “salvation plus education is an unbeatable combination”. While serving as an Assistant Principal, at KIPP Tulsa, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vondale started a Male Mentoring program called C.H.A.M.P.S. (Culturally Helping And Making Positive Success).C.H.A.M.P.S. has been featured on ABC, FOX, NBC, USA TODAY, PBS, VOA, Huffington Post, and the Atlanta Black Star for leading students to create a short film that was featured as 1 of 15 out of 1,500 at the White House with President Obama, as an Official Selection of the 2nd Annual White House Student Film Festival.Vondale has won numerous awards and many recognitions for his work with C.H.A.M.P.S. and seeks to Educate, Empower, and Expose Young Men beyond the four walls of the school through culturally relevant conversations. You can learn more about C.H.A.M.P.S. by visiting https://www.champsmentoring.com/You can follow Vondale on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/vondalesingleton/Purchase Dope People merchandise at https://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeopleLisa M. Steward-Baugh, QMHP, Recovery Coach, MAOL, CLCLisa is a Qualified Mental Health Professional,  Certified Life Coach, Recovery Coach, and holds a Masters's in Organizational Leadership.                      Lisa has worked in Social Services, advocating, supporting, embracing, and empowering women for more than 20 years. In her personal life she has chosen to dedicate herself and connect with women, by way of community, maternal experiences, homelessness, child health, mental illness, substance abuse, and so much more.  Lisa has been defined as a Connector, A Leader, A Mentor, The Clean-Up Woman, and even a Master Trainer.  She is certified to facilitate several research-based workshops and groups, which include, but are not limited to; Life and Parenting Skills, Mental Health Education and Support, Abuser Intervention, Sexual Assault, Recovery, John's Training, Domestic Violence, Healing, and so much more.  Lisa's mindset is stuck on challenging women to truly allow themselves to be transparent and in their truth with themselves and each other, in order to live their best lives.  Lisa has a gift for connecting and embracing women, particularly those who are broken and who have experienced or are living in trauma and crisis-related situations.Presently, Lisa sits in the position of Region Manager for CEDA South overseeing FsACE; ((Family Support And Community Engagement), a “case management” program that looks at your needs and builds you a path toward self-sufficiency). Including her recent acceptance to “100 Women who Care”, an organization that uses the power of collective giving to make a positive difference in the diverse neighborhoods of our Chicago community.“Let's have the Conversation”Lisa's motto speaks to encourage women to:- have full transparency- be in their truth- be ok with being vulnerable- always pay it forward- serve, be selfless- have no judgments- don't be afraid to have a conversation- help other womenYou can find Lisa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-m-baugh-recovery-coach-qmhp-maol-clc-948a94101/ or by calling 708-439-9788For Dope People merch visit https://scottsteward.com/merchhttps://scottsteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeople.In this episode of Dope People, we sit with Dr. Kenyatta Starks, founder and CEO of Starks Consulting (https://www.starksconsults.com/).With 25 years in education, Dr. Starks is a transformational and systems leader. She believes that relationships are one of the many critical levers for leadership to be successful. Listen to Dr. Starks navigates her way through an informative conversation, an entertaining game of 'This or That', and as she gives her perspectives on the importance of educational leadership.Connect with Dr. Starks on LinkedIn by clicking here https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenyatta-starks-ed-d-she-her-2bbb8a17/#For the latest in #DopePeople merchandise shop now by clicking here https://scottsteward.com/merch

He is #DopePeopleJaer Armstead-Jones has been a middle school teacher for the past 15 years with a heart to help teens thrive in education and in character. He also has published a novel titled "My Invisible Father" about three teens who are missing their fathers in different ways but don't realize how much they are the same.www.jaerarmsteadjones.comInstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedinGoodreadsTo support Dope People, purchase merchandise at ScottSteward.com/merch

She is #DopePeopleElizabeth Meyers (Liz) currently serves as the Senior Program Director for the South/Southwest branch of After School Matters in Chicago. Most recently, Liz served as the Principal of Randolph Elementary located in the West Englewood community of Chicago. Liz also served in a variety of other leadership roles in her career such as Assistant principal, Instructional Support Leader, and Teacher within CPS. Elizabeth has also served as Campus Director for the University of Chicago Charter Schools.In this episode, we explore varying perspectives on what's working in education, why she chooses teachers over principals, and how she thinks education needs to innovate in the coming years.To support the show, order some Dope People merch by clicking here, scottsteward.com/merch

He is #DopePeopleIn this episode of Dope People, Alex Jewell explains, social currency, the 4th industrial revolution, the metaverse, device addiction, algorithms, web  Socially-driven lead software, Blockchain, and decentralization.Alex is a Blockchain consultant and activist, artisan foodporn director, and social media marketing expert at @bestfoodalex. Alex is a progressive righter for political organizations, global economic forums, and watchdog groups dealing with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, futurism, and decentralization. Meet Alex Jewell. He is Dope!To connect with Alex, visit http://www.alexjewell.com/ or follow Alex on social media @bestfoodalexDope People merchandise can be purchased at https://scottsteward.com/merch

Bill Gerstein has had a long career in education and in business. Most recently Bill led a major effort for the Chicago Public Schools to create a comprehensive community engagement strategy in the Humboldt Park community. Prior to that, he was the co-founder and principal of two small high schools. One was the School of Entrepreneurship, a small high school located within the South Shore High School campus in Chicago. In 2007 he left South Shore to start the Austin Polytech Academy in the Austin community. Mr. Gerstein was a high school social studies teacher and track coach for eight years before he became the owner/operator of a small chain of supermarkets (Mr. G. Finer Foods) in Chicago. While in business, Mr. Gerstein became actively involved in many community activities on the South Side of Chicago including public schools. In 1996 Mr. Gerstein sold his business as part of an effort to expand into a bigger location. After running a community-based organization, he obtained a master's degree in school administration. Working with the community and teachers he helped organize four small schools within South Shore High School as the school converted its structure from a comprehensive model to a campus of autonomous small high schools.Bill currently works as a senior advisor to Leadership Greater Chicago.

She is #DopePeople and she is the first person ever interviewed on Dope People Podcast.As a South Side Chicago native, born and raised in the Englewood community, Beulah Mcloyd provides nearly two decades of educational experience, offering leadership skills and instruction to the youth. As a principal for nearly 10 years, Beulah continues to reach new heights in transforming schools and reinventing herself to take on new and exciting challenges. Prior to her education experience, Beulah got an early start in witnessing the Chicago Public School system, as she saw her mom as an instructor for CPS. And, although she wasn't a product of CPS, her life's work has been about leveling the playing field, so that no matter what a child's zip code or economic status might be, he/she would have access to high-quality education.  As a dedicated, self-proclaimed advocate of high-quality education, Beulah is fully committed to ensuring the schools she touches and transforms are world-class success the urban community deserves.To catch up with Beulah visit https://www.BeulahMcLoyd.net and all things @beulahmcloyd on social media.For Dope People merchandise, visit https://scottsteward.com/merch