Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast

She had every reason to quit—grief, financial struggles, and the challenge of protecting her late partner's dream. But instead of giving up, Abbey Tiu built Leilani Asian Fusion, a restaurant that honors Jason Morales' legacy. She also runs a successful mental health practice dedicated to helping others heal. How did she turn tragedy into success, and what can you learn from her journey? Watch until the end to find out.Abbey Tiu is a restaurateur and entrepreneur based in Aurora, Illinois. She is the owner of Leilani Asian Fusion, a dining establishment located in the historic Hobbs Building at 2 N. River St. in downtown Aurora. The restaurant, which opened on August 9, 2024, offers a diverse menu featuring inventive takes on sushi, steak, vegetarian dishes, boba (bubble tea), and signature cocktails. Leilani Asian Fusion also houses an underground lounge called Forbidden City, inspired by Southeast Asian nightclubs, offering rum-inspired craft cocktails, beer, and wine. The name "Leilani" honors Abbey's daughter and serves as a tribute to her late partner, Jason Morales, an exceptional restaurateur, entrepreneur, and engineer who was a longtime supporter of Aurora's revitalization. His giving spirit and zest for life are integral to the restaurant's ethos.Outline00:00 Kicking Off Season Four of Tuesdays with Andrea1:00 Abbey Intro and Bio5:22 From the Phillipines to the United States7:06 Joining a gang10:24 Transition from Gang Life to Mentorship14:06 Dropping out of high school19:05 Dealing with a troubled marriage20:12 Building a Mental Health Practice26:26 Leaving an unhealthy relationship32:49 Meeting Jason Morales34:39 Building Leilani Asian Fusion36:59 Jason's Passing and the Impact on Abby's Life42:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life45:46 Not Missing an Opportunity49:27 Leilani Asian Fusion1:02:45 Advice and Insights for Listeners1:11:08 Faith in the Universe and Vision Board Goals1:13:00 Connection and Support from a Distance

Grammy-nominated Tejano musician and home-town legend: You're just as goodThe evolution of a major recording artist in the 80s- 90s and his present influence on Tejano music. In this episode, Tony Guerrero, lead singer from the legendary Tejano band, La Sombra, shares his experience being a Tejano superstar in the 80s and 90s, singing from the heart, creating his own musical style, and his mother's inspiration.Watch: https://youtu.be/IWsOkHkk4goListen: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/audioAbout La Sombra: La Sombra, known as “The Windy City Boys” because of their hometown of Aurora, Illinois near Chicago, released over twenty full-length studio albums featuring songs in both Spanish and English. The group has been credited with influencing the Tejano and Cumbia music fields in terms of musical style, dress, and concert performances as well as a generation of newer artists including the Kumbia Kings, according to Wikipedia.This episode was recorded on May 28, 2022.The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q.NIGHTLIGHTSShe Could Sing La Sombra's lead singer on his musical inspiration https://youtube.com/shorts/Pa4LX5W8wtAYou're Just as Good What every artist needs to know https://youtu.be/J0DzpTk6P4kMaking One of a Kind Music La Sombra's unique contribution to Tejano music https://youtu.be/produj_vEhAThe Mexican Michael Jackson La Sombra's crossover into Mexican markets https://youtu.be/T_mc9c7X8-MQUOTESI see myself as an ordinary personMy mom would sing to meYou are nobody's shadowI loved musicI was playing music out of heartI did it out of loveIt just happenedYou're just as good as they areLet's just record something just out of love for the musicWe took a chance with the musicNothing was out of luckI believe in GodTake that first stepkeep going forwardEverything I create sounds badass to meCreate your own style of musicBe yourself

Charting your own path and creating a successful living in real estate and entrepreneurship.In this episode, we talk about growing up with a Latino single dad raising daughters. The early career grind and finding success with Realty of Chicago. Sally also talks about having the guts to chart your own path and breaking out of fear and promoting yourself while focusing on the next chapter.Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/umfp3sM9W4M Listen to the episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/tuesdayswithandrea/ This episode was recorded on March 11, 2022. More information about Sally can be found at: realtyofchicago.com, Careers@realtyofchicago.com, Sally@realtyofchicago.comThe Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q.NIGHTLIGHTSWho has Guts? https://youtu.be/Ap3RrnSZKgE Making a successful living in today's times with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of ChicagoPromote Yourself https://youtube.com/shorts/548LOqfVKkI Don't wait for someone to give you a hall pass with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of ChicagoOnto the Next https://youtube.com/shorts/VjPgiJlrdYM What to do when facing doubt or rejection with Sally Delgado, VP of Operations at Realty of Chicago

In the episode, we talk about opening up her e-commerce local shopping platform, supporting small businesses, living and working in organized chaos, power moves for women, and getting out of the comparison trap.This episode was recorded on February 22, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ More information about Ana Tredreaand Spots on the Fox can be found at: www.spotsonthefox.com Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q.NIGHTLIGHTSDon't Compare https://youtu.be/xF1MVxvkKMs Find Your Happiness https://youtu.be/Ang1FeRMN4g Organized Chaos https://youtu.be/xt0YhBncx2Q Power Moves https://youtu.be/G05Caa647zg Spots on the Fox https://youtu.be/Xjitm77atfY

"I Decided to Skill Up” IT Solutions Architect: Skill Up & Use the Gift of Technology He went from GED to retail to corporate and is now a leading cloud operations technologist. Learn about the moments that sparked Johnny's career in tech and the mentor who changed his life. This episode was recorded on March 9, 2022. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q. NIGHTLIGHTS Learn the new thing https://youtube.com/shorts/972qVU3E1CQ Using the gift of technology https://youtu.be/aGKW9Nqbga8 From retail to corporate https://youtu.be/297lJnuyUzE Moments of spark and women in leadership https://youtu.be/vmSKpFvmqBk

Mystery Novel Author: Connecting People through Art. In this episode, Andrea sits down with mystery novel author, Eric Lodin about his book, We All Have Soft Hearts. Learn about the writing process and rituals that create environments of flow and ways to activate the energy within by tuning in to our strengths. Publish Date: March 22, 2022.The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on June 30, 2021. Since we recorded this episode, Eric has been working on a sequel to Soft Hearts. Look for Slumbering Beasts: A Rett Swinson Mystery by Eric Lodin, releasing sometime in May 2022, wherever you buy your books or ebooks.Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4QTIMESTAMPS 05:37 The novel writing process06:48 Writing from a woman's viewpoint09:55 Getting a book ready for publication11:00 Getting in the flow15:16 Connecting to people through art21:15 Growing up in North Carolina and meeting his wife23:37 Sparking writing talent at an early age29:55 Writer's Block and taking the first step34:21 What every artist needs41:25 Eric's broader mission of helping young people discover their passion46:26 The Leadership Challenge48:13 Play to your strengths 50:26 The concept of guilty pleasure51:52 Using a writing pseudonym52:35 Bring something to fruition

"Everybody has something to share" Farm girl from Vermont taught herself to code and created a website that inspires millions of people around the globe. In this episode, we discuss being an early woman in tech, creating her website MotivateUs.com, meeting kindred spirits, lessons from bartending and honoring the stories of others. Here message: Be a Rebel with a Cause MotivateUs.Com is one of the oldest, largest, and most beloved websites of positive quotes, stories, poems, and articles since 1997. It offers the best of what the internet was made for: relevant stories about life for all ages. Watch Episode: https://youtu.be/zTXoMkd_bD4 TIMESTAMPS03:49 Living library of wisdom10:24 Selling vs buying18:04 Meeting kindred spirits20:00 Going through grief30:10 Wandering rebel33:22 Lessons from bartending35:50 Bring something good to the world38:09 Right or effective39:32 Intuition and backstabbing45:44 Help growing the website48:36 Honoring the stories of others53:00 Everybody has something to share56:12 I believe in people and obliged to share

“This Stops With Me”Educator and Leader: You Have Power to Break CyclesFormer educator with a passion for sharing cultural experiences talks about healthy diet and anxiety, depression after losing a student, breaking generational cycles, travels abroad and molding next Gen leaders.TIMESTAMPS04:35 It takes a village6:35 Selfless people that impacted Simon: Father David, Chief Cross and Clayton Mohammed8:38 Representation11:22 What representation isn't14:51 Gut health22:13 Extreme anxiety and holistic medicine27:32 Home ownership and security31:29 Being a new father34:03 Defining moments37:44 The power of history and breaking generational cycles41:51 Travel abroad with students and immersive learning48:13 Being an extrovert49:25 Transitioning from teaching to city youth services manager51:39 Fred Rogers53:45 Supporting youth programs1:00:51 Being kind

“Reclaiming Lives”Reclaim 13 Founder: Protect the Vulnerable and Don't Look AwayA clinical psychologist set out on a path of radical change to address the unmet needs of vulnerable children. Reclaim 13 is the only specialized “safe” house in Illinois for minor victims of sex trafficking and exploited youth.Topics-Spotting the vulnerable ones-Online predation and spotting the vulnerable-Teens and the grooming process-Sexual violations as a unique childhood trauma -Finding safe places-Reclaiming identity -Building a forever community-Getting involved in Reclaim 13This episode was recorded on February 7, 2022.

Judge Bianca Camargo is one of five women, and the first Latina, appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as a Circuit Judge in Kane County. Hear her experience growing up on the East side of Aurora, Illinois, the trickle-down effect of opportunity, people who shaped her career and being a former prosecutor for the Kane County State's Attorney's office.Her message: Representation matters and flush out the noise. .Full episode on TuesdaysWithAndrea.com.

"Level the Playing Field" How to Combat Corporate Racism: Driving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Corporate America Speaking the honest truth with Jeremy Nixon on how Blacks can move ahead in their careers and how corporate America can better support them. Publish Date: June 15, 2021 The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ This episode was recorded on May 7, 2021 Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

Inspiring Girlfriend: Be the Change we Want to SeeLessons she teaches her kids, finding peace after losing her brother, pushing past comfort for growth, being a force for good, tenacity, supporting men and borrowing hope.Publish Date: June 8, 2021Episode link: https://youtu.be/RTLVs-e0vS4The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4QThis episode was recorded on 5/5/2021.

First Hispanic Judge in Kane County: Strengthening the Judicial BenchThe sacrifice of military families and spouses, Latino identity, bringing diversity and community to the judiciary, servant leadership, pathway to judgeship, giving kids a voice and an open invitation to the public.More information about Judge Cruz can be found at: https://www.illinois16thjudicialcircuit.org/ Publish Date: June 1, 2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on May 8, 2021Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

Chicago-based Rapper: The Power of Thought and Self-Identity The state of our culture, self-growth, temptation, animal intelligence, plant-based eating, harmony and perception, courageous stupidity, God, the bible and quitting cigarettes. More information about Ivory Lofton can be found at: www.instagram.com/lyricalivo Publish Date: May 25, 2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 4/18/2021.Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

Chicago-based Rapper: Embracing Insecurities & Using GiftsGetting kicked out of college, pursuing his craft, hiding our imperfections, using the superpowers within us, comparison, jealousy and working with rapper Twista.More information about Ivory Lofton can be found at: www.instagram.com/lyricalivoPublish Date: May 18, 2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 4/18/2021.Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

Bar Owner with a Vision: Get Social and Leap Forward Marketing director takes a leap of faith into the world of craft beer. His message: get butterflies in your stomach, every day! More information about Edwin Goitia can be found at: www.finalstretchevents.com Publish Date: 5/11/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 4/20/ 2021Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

Free-spirited Solo Traveler: Creating Amazing Experiences From bartending to Cirque Du Soleil, she's led 70+ teams in 17 countries and shares her unique take on exploring human connection and inspiring leadership from around the world. More information about Carolene Meli can be found at: www.carolenemeli.com Publish Date: April 6, 2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 3/24/2021.Visit the YouTube Channel to watch all Nightlight videos and full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ3j17MWCWe_oreTCuyYf4Q

This episode features teacher, community organizer and doctoral student, Sandra Gonzalez and her quest to bring the student and faculty voice back to the forefront in education governance. Join the conversation as she talks about transparency, equity and governance in higher education.More information about Sandra Gonzalez can be found at: https://www.sandrag4wcc.com/ Publish Date: 4/26/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 3/22/2021.

Registered nurse, aromatherapist and oncology certified aesthetician on toxins, weak guts and the common struggle many small biz owners are facing: marketing during a pandemic!More information about LUXXE | HONOR can be found at: https://luxxehonor.com/Publish Date: 3/16/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 12/15/2020.

Health & Fitness Owner on a Mission: Be Better Friend a fellow NCC Alum on running multiple businesses, the sacrifice of success, derailments (that could end it all!) and opening the first high-end vegan, gluten-free restaurant in the midwest. More information about Ron Anderson can be found: https://www.rejoicelounge.com/ Publish Date: April 13, 2021. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 2/25/2021.

Local healthcare hero on living your best life ----> now

An Operations VP on leadership, marriage and overworking.We talk generational expectations, hiring retail workers, leading with ADHD, life's fair shake, embracing passions, identity politics & a warning for overworking spouses.Publish Date: March 30, 2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​Recorded on: February 19, 2021

We talk about leaving the gang environment, being a terrible high-schooler, dreaming big, becoming mayor, leading through crisis, vaccine equity and Aurora's formula for success. This episode is part of a special series: Aurora, Meet your Mayor. The series focuses on the men running for the city's top position, their profession and what drives them. More information about Mayor Richard Irvin can be found at: https://irvinformayor.com/ Publish Date: 3/23/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 3/9/2021.

This episode features mayoral challenger John Laesch, carpenter and activist on a mission to go green and create better jobs. We talk about people-powered campaigns, green new deal, job training, democracy, leadership and the cycle of poverty and empowerment.This episode is part of a special series: Aurora, Meet your Mayor. The series focuses on the men running for the city's top position, their profession and what drives them.Publish Date: 3/16/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 3/9/2021.

This episode features mayoral challenger Judd Lofchie, a real estate broker, attorney and city alderman. We talk compassion, living a life of service, getting Aurora's financial house in order, building wealth with real estate, and the Rotary club.Publish Date: March 9, 2021More information about Judd Lofchie can be found at: https://juddforaurora.com/ This episode was recorded on February 26, 2021. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​

A Mother’s Hope: a story of self-love and sovereignty (full series combined in one episode)Part 1: "Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight" Teenage Dreams & Nightmares: Surviving Domestic Violence. Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave” Sacrificial Love: Facing Addiction and her second divorce. Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump" Go and Let Go: Living a Life of Mission. Part 4: "This One is Yours" Promises Fulfilled: Everlasting Love. Publish Date: 3/1/2021

Part 4: Promises Fulfilled: Everlasting Love Marrying the wrong person, becoming a grandmother, leaning on God's promises and the dream that confirmed everything. Part 4 of four-part series: A Mother’s Hope: A Story of Self Love & Sovereignty. Part 1: “Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight” Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave” Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump" Part 4: "This One is Yours" Publish Date: 3/1/2021. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ This episode was recorded on 2/27/2020.

Part 3: Go and Let Go: Living a Life of Mission Lessons from Ecuador and Kosovo, letting go of a promising suitor and hearing that still small voice (the knowing). Part 3 of four-part series: A Mother’s Hope: A Story of Self Love & Sovereignty.Part 1: “Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight” Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave” Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump"Part 4: "This One is Yours" Publish Date: 3/1/2021. The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​ This episode was recorded on 2/27/2020.

Part 2: Sacrificial Love: Facing Addiction and a Second DivorceDelia DeLeon Dy on embracing love again, facing the consequences of addiction and accepting loss.Part 2 of four-part series: A Mother’s Hope: A Story of Self Love & Sovereignty.Part 1: “Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight” Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave” Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump"Part 4: "This One is Yours" Publish Date: 3/1/2021.The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 2/27/2020.

A Mother’s Hope: A Story of Self-love & Sovereignty. This is a four-part series featuring my mom’s story of self-love and sovereignty.Part 1: "Get Off Your Shaky Legs and Walk Straight" Teenage Dreams & Nightmares: Surviving Domestic ViolenceGrowing up in a family of nine, teenage marriage and motherhood, finding Jesus and recognizing the early stages of abuse.1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience physical violence by their intimate partner at some point during their lifetime. As ugly as this topic is it must be addressed. This is my mom’s story of surviving domestic violence and the brave people and safe spaces that helped her through.Part 2: "I Love You Enough To Leave” Sacrificial Love: Facing Addiction and her second divorce.Part 3: "Dignity in a Dump" Go and Let Go: Living a Life of Mission. Lessons from Ecuador and Kosovo, letting go of a promising suitor, and hearing that still small voice (the knowing).Part 4: "This One is Yours" Promises Fulfilled: Everlasting Love. Marrying the wrong person, becoming a grandmother, leaning on God's promises and the dream that confirmed everything.Publish Date: 2/23/2021The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​This episode was recorded on 2/27/2020.

Software Engineer: Empowering DevOps TeamsLessons from Japan, what the world needs more of, and connecting people through technology.Publish Date: February 16, 2021Learn more about Michael Migliacio at: https://www.angstygaijin.com/ The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​Recorded on: December 15, 2020

Executive Connector: Diversifying the Board RoomLibrarian and research director on increasing Latino representation in 'the room where it happens' and building a pipeline of board-ready individuals.Learn more about Ozzie at: https://latinocorporatedirectors.org/The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​​Recorded on: November 23, 2020

Published on: February 2, 2021 Andrea McMillian sits down with serial entrepreneur Perla Tamez to talk about scaling and operating her businesses. This conversation focuses on entrepreneurship, scaling her businesses, and building culture. Learn more about Perla at: www.perlatamezinspiration.com This episode was recorded on: November 19, 2020 The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at: https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/​

Andrea McMillian sits down with local politician Sam Nunez to talk about his campaign for Aurora Township Trustee. This conversation focuses on local elections, role of government, community engagement and advice for youth interested in local leadership.This episode was recorded on: Jan 15, 2021 The Tuesdays With Andrea Podcast can be found at:https://tuesdayswithandrea.com/

Finding Peace: Growing up adopted & anxious. Sarah's journey of finding her birth family, unlocking her identity and letting go of anxiety.

Family Legacy: A Father’s Might and Mission. Facing loss and grief as a widowed dad and embracing a diverse, blended family. Recorded 2/27/20My first podcast ever recorded was with my dad, Jason. He shares his story of being an Asian immigrant, becoming a doctor, being a widowed father to two, and finding new love, family and meaning.

She served two tours in Iraq, one in Kuwait, and 1 year in the reserves. Learn this military patriot’s story of sacrifice and service. Warning: A not-your-typical Veterans’ Day podcast from a not-so-typical army veteran on patriotism, equity in higher education, her year of yes & what civilians should know.

Tough but fair: Developing champion people Lisette oversees 45 Xfinity Stores and several hundred Xfinity retail sites. Learn how this fortune 50 vice president leads high-performing teams at work and at home.

When blinders come off: Unleashing creative potential amidst retail struggles and job transitions. Mike’s built his career helping customers and developing people as an assistant store manager for places like BestBuy, Target and Trader Joe’s. Now he’s focusing on developing himself and shares personal details of how being laid off helped him flex his creative muscles and sparked questions of how and where he spends his time.

Leading Courageously In Crisis:She's a history-making police chief leads law enforcement response in the second-largest police department in the state. Her reflections on the Henry Pratt mass shooting, covid-19, civil unrest, and why she's not afraid of the "c" word - compassion. Also, the self-talk that almost stopped her from being "the first".

Dallas socialite, Nicole, was earning 200k as a sales executive at Oracle & At&T when sentenced to 10 years in prison for a DUI resulting in a death. In prison she became aware of the need to support women wanting to turn their life around & founded The Rusty Diamond Network offering re-entry services for returning women. Also a former 'student' of Provo Canyon School, Nicole sheds light on the abusive troubled-teen industry.

Nurses around the world make huge personal sacrifices to help fight covid-19. Orlando shares what it's like managing acutely ill patients, dealing with death on a daily basis, and triaging patients during the pandemic. Also my younger brother, we talk about growing up Boricua, coping with loss, coming out, and bougie standards.

Shannon is an HR executive leader navigating ‘work in the time of a global pandemic’. He's also one of my closest friends. We talk business continuity, diversity and inclusion, brave conversations, and how he puts his values into action in the workplace.Listen as he hilariously shares his journey into HR and how a high school corporate internship program changed his life.

Two-time cancer survivor, Jackie, unleashes the amazing in young Latinas. Founder of The Fig Factor Foundation and creator of the international movement and book series, Today's Inspired Latina, she shares her entrepreneurship journey and her 'responsibility to land' as pilot in command.

Alexandria advances equity within her district and is rehauling the learning experience for high school teachers and students. Launching today is volume II of her newest book: today's Inspired Latina! Did I mention she's my twin?! We also talk about mom guilt and when sisters fight.

As commissioner for Governor Pritzker’s Serve Illinois Commission and CEO of Chicago Cares, Jenne is a power player among Chicago's professional elite. Learn how she's pivoting through Covid, connecting folks of difference & bringing her 'whole' self to the table. Spoiler: It's with radical honesty, authentic connection, & lots of laughs.

LEADING FORWARD - Part 8/8 of special series: Town Hall HealersLeadership lessons from CompTIA's president and chief executive officer, Todd Thibodeaux, on expanding emotional intelligence, stepping into leadership, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

FOLLOWING FAITH ----------------------------Shawndra's artistry inspires me to think critically and live authentically and her ministry leading a citywide college outreach with her husband intrigues me. How are they building faith, empathy and culture with students across Chicago? What is the voice of our young people? How does she get them to 'listen'? She takes me back to church as we talk about faith and reconciliation in modern times. ----------------------------Part 7/8 of Special Series: Healing a Hurting NationPart 1: FINDING OUR TRIBEPart 2: BUILDING COMMUNITYPart 3: LIFELONG LEARNINGPart 4: DEFENDING THE VULNERABLEPart 5: CREATING CREATIVE SPACES Part 6: LOOKING INWARDPart 7: FOLLOWING FAITH - out now!Part 8: LEADING FORWARD - coming soon! 9/1

Helping a Hurting Nation Heal? Part 6/8LOOKING INWARDAs a mental health provider, Tony is a professional at counseling people through problems. After earning the trust of my teenage son and husband, he's now someone I count on to 'tell me like it is'. In this episode, we talk about common challenges families and couples face, navigating interpersonal conflict, and self-improvement.

Helping a Hurting Nation Heal? Part 5/8CREATING CREATIVE SPACESAs a visual storyteller, David captures the life and personality of people all over the world and as founder of True Chicago, he’s creating spaces to connect and encourage creatives. Learn how his work continues to promote life and the empowerment of others.This conversation focuses on David's photography journey, founding True Chicago, and what it means to be a black creator during this time.

How Do We Help a Hurting Nation Heal? Part 4/8DEFENDING THE VULNERABLEEmily is a gladiator defense attorney and fierce advocate of criminal justice reform. Learn how she's empowering others to fight back and her holistic approach towards practicing law. A graduate of Harvard University and Stanford Law School, Emily is Senior Legal Counsel at The Justice Collaborative, and Founder & CEO of Partners For Justice, a nonprofit committed to increasing access to justice.This discussion focuses on law, public safety and civics.