Here We Glow Podcast

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, Kia Smith offers wisdom for young professionals who are new to the non-profit sector. Ashley and Kia discuss the the logistics to starting a non-profit including start-up costs and filing, fundraising, sponsorship, and more. Kia also shares her passion for cultivating accessible dance opportunities to the south side of Chicago for all ages and skill levels.  About Kia Kia is the founding Executive Artistic Director of the South Chicago Dance Theatre,  a multicultural theatre company, firmly rooted on the city’s south side, aiming to preserve the art of dance through quality performances and educational opportunities. A Chicago native, Kia Kia trained intensely on scholarship at The Hyde Park School of Dance, The Joel Hall Dance Center, ETA Creative Arts Foundation, and StoryCatchers Theatre. She is a recipient of the American Dance Festivals tuition and staff assistant scholarships, and graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Western Michigan University. Kia has toured and performed on many stages, nationally and internationally.  Her collaborative and choreographic credits include; Nike, HBO, Chicago Opera Theatre, the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians and many more.   Connect with Kia! Website: http://www.southchicagodancetheatre.com/ Email: southchicagodancetheatre@gmail.com Instagram: @southchicagodancetheatre     Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, Corbin Thomas shares his passions of serving his community through sports, fashion, and youth development. Corbin and Ashley discuss the process to starting a non-profit organization and clothing brand. Corbin also shares how his Christian values and walk in faith has shaped his life and career.  About Corbin Corbin is a Relationship Manager for Limitless Creative Company and  Manager at Station 23, the Jordan Brand Facility in Chicago. In addition to his full-time gigs, Corbin is one of the founders of of the B.I.G. Homie Project, a youth organization, and Chxsen, a faith-based clothing brand.  Corbin earned his Bachelor’s in Applied Arts & Sciences from Midwestern State University and has played basketball at the collegiate and professional level.   Connect with Corbin Email: Corbin35thomas@gmail.com Twitter: @corbin_thomas35 Instagram: @corbin_t B.I.G. Homie Project Instagram: @bighomieproject Chxsen Clothing Brand:  https://thechxsenfew.com Chxsen Instagram: @thechxsenfew   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, Amy M. Gardner offers practical advice for emerging professionals who strive to find the right mentors and build relationships during our early careers. She emphasizes that now is the perfect time to develop leadership skills that will be necessary to thrive during career elevation. Amy and Ashley also discuss non-cliché tips on building strong application materials such as resumes, cover letters, and references.  About Amy Amy M. Gardner is a Principal and Certified Professional Coach with Apochromatik.  She coaches attorneys and other professionals on career transitions and career challenges, including career development, leadership, time management, executive presence, and others.  She also offers group workshops and seminars (including for CLE) for law firms and other organizations. Amy is a former dean of students at a top 5 law school, former partner at a mid-size law firm, and former big law associate.  She holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School, a Master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor’s degree from Luther College. Connect with Amy & Apochromatik! Email: amy@apochromatik.com Apochromatik: http://www.apochromatik.com Resume Redo: http://www.apochromatik.com/resumeredo   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, Elijah Seay, MHRIR, shares how he overcame a quarter-life crisis, which shifted his passions and career interests to the realm of human resources and leadership coaching. Elijah and Ashley also dive into their struggles with imposter syndrome as a young professional striving to live big dreams.  About Elijah Elijah Seay, MHRIR, is currently a project manager and consultant for a small private leadership development company in San Diego. He was born and raised in small town Iowa, but soon made his way out to Southern California after graduating from the University of Illinois with his masters in Human Resources. Outside of work, Elijah enjoys coaching rugby along side his wife for a local high school rugby team - and they just played in the championship game! Lastly, he is addicted to dope conversations and finding a cure for imposter syndrome and plans to make that his life mission to incorporate the two.   Connect with Elijah LinkedIn: Elijah Rogeay Seay Instagram: @eseay3 Book Recommendation: The War of Art by Steven Pressfied   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, filmmaker & speaker, Vanessa McNeal MSW, shares her journey of starting her own media company, speaking on national stages, and creating films that advocate for social change. Vanessa highlights her upcoming film, "Gridshock" and how she raised funds to produce & direct the film. About Vanessa Vanessa, is an award winning documentary filmmaker, national speaker, and 2x TEDx speaker.  She travels and speaks nationally on how to confront adversity with grace using her personal story as a vehicle to inspire and empower others.   In 2017, Vanessa founded her media company McNeal Media, with the goal of creating social change through the art of storytelling. She is the Director of the internationally recognized documentary, “The Voiceless”. She most recently Directed "Gridshock", a documentary focused on the sex trafficking demand. The film was made possible after Vanessa raised $45,000 in an all or nothing fundraising campaign.   Vanessa was the first in her family to graduate high school and went on to pursue her Bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Northern Iowa.   Premiere of "Gridshock" Tickets   Connect with Vanessa Website: vanessamcneal.com Email: info@vanessamcneal.com Instagram: @thevanessamcneal   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, I wrap up the "in transition" series by sharing my checklist of moving to a new city as a young professional. I share strategies and lessons learned from my relocation experiences, while emphasizing saving money and making connections in your dream city in the months prior to a move. I also stress the importance of making sure you are emotional and mentally ready for a big move post-graduation or in you new career before making the big move! Relocation Checklist Blog   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod   Connect with Ashley LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Twitter: @ashdavi01 Instagram:@ashdavi01

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, recent grad, Obie Obumseli shares his non-traditional journey to earning his degree. He also tells his personal and professional goals in his next chapter of life. Obie and I discuss growth opportunities for young men and how your inner circle can impact your professional development.  About Obie Obie Obumseli Jr. is an Iowa native and a recent graduate of Iowa State University. While in Ames, Iowa he pursued a degree in marketing from Ivy’s College of Business with a minor in Public Relations. Upon graduation, Obie has been very active in mentoring young men and helping them avoid the pitfalls he encountered in his life. With mentorship being a main focus of his, Obie is currently looking to start programs to help inner city youth with a primary focus on faith and sports. In his free time, you can find Obie playing basketball at local gyms or trying to recreate dishes he saw on The Food Network, most notably Chopped. Connect with Obie on LinkedIn.   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

In this episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, I'll chat with emerging marketing guru, and my dear friend, Lauren Boyer. Lauren shares her journey of transitioning from a college student from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to starting her career in Chicago. Lauren emphasizes the importance of creating your own path while moving to a new city and cultivating new personal and professional relationships. We also discuss Lauren's decision to begin her career in the niche area of legal marketing versus a general marketing agency.  About Lauren Lauren Elisabeth Boyer is a proud Iowa native and alumnus of the Mizzou Reynold’s Journalism School (Class of 2016). She currently works in the world of legal marketing, supporting the Global Immigration & Mobility practice at global law firm Baker McKenzie. In her free time, you can find Lauren at the Chicago fire pitch playing soccer, cooking a new recipe or trying a new restaurant, or spending time with her friends and family. Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.   Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter: @hereweglowpod Instagram: @hereweglowpod Facebook: @hereweglowpod

Welcome to the very first episode of the Here We Glow Podcast, hosted by yours truly, Ashley Davidson. In this episode I'll share the overall vision for the Pod and share some of my background that brought me to this point. You'll hear about my yearning and struggles of glowing up into my best personal and professional self. I'll also give you the rundown of the show and what to expect from me and HWG Pod's guests, "The Brilliant." Connect with HWG Pod Website: hereweglowpod.com Email: ashley@hereweglowpod.com   Visit our Socials Twitter:@hereweglowpod Instagram:@hereweglowpod Facebook:@hereweglowpod   Connect with Ashley LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com Twitter:@ashdavi01 Instagram:@ashdavi01