Podcast appearances and mentions of deborah santana

Many women reach midlife and feel a powerful inner urge to reinvent themselves. But how do you choose a new path when your entire life has been shaped by responsibility, relationships, expectations, or even life in the public eye? On this episode of HIListically Speaking, Hilary Russo welcomes author, activist, philanthropist, Deborah Santana.  From growing up as the daughter of a pioneering interracial couple to spending decades alongside music legend Carlos Santana, Deborah shares the deeply personal story behind her memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom. Together, they explore, • Midlife reinvention and identity • Spiritual awakening and meditation • Walking through grief, change, and uncertainty • Learning to trust your inner voice • The courage it takes to choose yourself • Legacy, healing, and freedom on the other side of the fire If you've ever felt stuck between who you were and who you're becoming, this episode is for you.  

There’s a challenge that comes with being known for what you do. When you move on you now have to figure out who you truly are. Deborah Santana spent more than three decades inside one of the most recognizable partnerships in American music as COO of the New Santana Band, co-architect of the Milagro Foundation, and the steady, contemplative presence behind a global touring life with her ex-husband, the legendary musician Carlos Santana. At an age when most people are quietly winding down, she did the opposite: she walked away from a 34-year marriage, dismantled the identity she had built around someone else's career, and started over. She earned a master's degree in her 60s, founded a new nonprofit (Do A Little), wrote a second memoir (Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom), and became a trustee of major cultural institutions. But this is not a celebrity interview. It's an exploration of transitions and later-life reinvention. You’ll hear about her experience and the lessons she learned that may help you. She shares the foundational daily contemplative practice she built, the calendar block for herself disguised as “a meeting” she used to jump start her writing, and the people audit she did to illuminate who is toxic and who is the light in her life. Deborah describes how liberating it can be to be a beginner again, if you’re willing. I often say “You don't stop growing just because you retire.” But, it’s not just a saying and Deborah’s story is an case study. If you’re ready to let go of your past and discover who you truly are now, this conversation is for you.   “When you have everything stripped away that you were known as, it is a wonderful opportunity to create exactly who you are.” — Deborah Santana   You’ll walk away with: A vocabulary for the identity work that retirement requires. And not just for the “what's next” part, but also the words for the “who am I now” part. A useful framework (the Four C's) for organizing life after a major transition. A replicable practice for protecting time for the work of “becoming” even when the people around you don't quite yet understand what you’re doing. __________________________ Bio Deborah Santana is the author of Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, Space Between the Stars: My Journey to An Open Heart and the editor of the acclaimed anthology All the Women in My Family Sing. Her work has been featured by Vogue, Oprah, and NPR, among other national and literary outlets. She is the founder of the Do A Little Foundation, which supports women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. Her work explores identity, social justice, spirituality, and the power of collective voice. She is mother to three artists: Salvador Santana, Stella Santana and Angelica Santana. She holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Religion with a Concentration in Women's Spirituality. She is a leadership donor of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture and a Lead Investor to the Courage Museum in San Francisco. _________________________ For More on Deborah Santana Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom Website _________________________ Do You Know What You’ll Be Retiring To? It’s graduation season. Will you be graduatiing from full-time work soon? Join our 10-person Design Your New Life in Retirement Group starting in September. The Very Early Registration discount ends soon. Learn more and sign up today. ___________________________ Retirement Podcast Conversations You May Also Love Mattering…in Retirement – Jennifer Breheny Wallace Navigating the In-Between – Monique Rhodes What Matters Most – Diane Button _________________________ Wise Quotes On Loving the Fire “When there is fire, when there is struggle, if I continue to walk through and find courage and bravery, then I'm going to get to the other side and realize how much I've learned, how much I've grown.” On Expectations “I expect a miracle. I expect to see someone, meet them with a smile.” On Finding Your Self “There is a special reason why you're here. So please find your authentic self, find your voice, know who you are, and go out and change the world.” ___________________________ About The Retirement Wisdom Podcast There are many podcasts on retirement, often hosted by financial advisors with their own financial motives, that cover the money side of the street. This podcast is different. You'll get smarter about the investment decisions you'll make about the most important asset you'll have in retirement: your time. About Retirement Wisdom I help people who are retiring, but aren't quite done yet, discover what's next and build their custom version of their next life. A meaningful retirement doesn't just happen by accident. Schedule a call today to discuss how the Designing Your Life process created by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans can help you make your life in retirement a great one — on your own terms. About Your Podcast Host Joe Casey is an executive coach who helps people design their next life after their primary career and create their version of The Multipurpose Retirement.™ He created his own next chapter after a 26-year career at Merrill Lynch, where he was Senior Vice President and Head of HR for Global Markets & Investment Banking. Joe has earned Master's degrees from the University of Southern California in Gerontology (at age 60), the University of Pennsylvania, and Middlesex University (UK), a BA in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and his coaching certification from Columbia University. In addition to his work with clients, Joe hosts The Retirement Wisdom Podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally in popularity by Listen Notes, with over 2 million downloads. Business Insider recognized Joe as one of 23 innovative coaches who are making a difference. He's the author of Win the Retirement Game: How to Outsmart the 9 Forces Trying to Steal Your Joy.

Today, Michael speaks with Deborah Santana. Deborah is an author, activist, philanthropist, and spiritual seeker whose life journey bridges music, service, and deep personal transformation. In her memoir,  Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, she shares the path of leaving a 34-year marriage to music legend Carlos Santana, reclaiming her authentic self, and walking through life's challenges with courage, faith, and spiritual practice. Through her foundation, Do A Little, whose name is based on the Bishop Desmond Tutu's aphorism, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world," Deborah supports women, girls, and communities through education, healing, and empowerment. Conversation Highlights Include: -What it means to "love the fire," and how life's challenges can become a doorway into real spiritual growth and transformation. -The moment of choosing yourself, and what it takes to step into a more authentic and purpose-aligned life. -How a lifelong spiritual foundation and meditation practice can anchor you through major life transitions. -Recognizing when you've outgrown certain relationships or roles, and allowing yourself to evolve with honesty and compassion. -A clear and practical way to begin claiming your truth through stillness, self-inquiry, and reflection. -Why fear can keep you stuck in familiar patterns, even when you know something in your life needs to change. -How to stay engaged in the world while remaining grounded in a deeper spiritual awareness. -A simple daily practice that strengthens intuition and helps you stay centered and connected throughout the day. -The importance of listening inward instead of being guided by external expectations or validation. -How living with courage, service, and intention creates deeper fulfillment and a meaningful impact on others. Next, Michael closes with a guided meditation that invites  you to remember your true identity beyond conditions and reconnect with your inner awareness. 

When a woman decides to choose herself, everything changes. It's a moment that invites her to reclaim her voice, her truth, and her life after years of living according to expectations that no longer fit. Deborah Santana's journey goes from a life shaped by heritage, to marriage to legendary musician Carlos Santana, to a spiritual and personal rebirth. She discusses why the fire meant to consume us can become the source of freedom. Deborah is an author, activist, and author of the book, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom.

In this powerful episode of the Soul of a Leader Podcast, we welcome Deborah Santana, author, activist, and humanitarian leader. Deborah shares her deeply personal and transformative journey, drawing from her latest work, Loving the Fire, where she explores healing, resilience, and the strength required to rise through life's most challenging seasons.

Author, activist, filmmaker, and business leader Deborah Santana discusses her deeply personal new memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom. Deborah shares her rebirth following the end of her 34 year marriage to musician Carlos Santana and the exhilaration of reclaiming her voice, identity, and freedom. Anyone facing change and transition and looking to heal and transform will find a lot to learn from Deborah's story. About Deborah Santana- Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.   In 2005, she published her first memoir: Space Between the Stars that told of her experiences growing up as a bi-racial child, and her coming of age. Ms. Santana has produced five short documentary films, four with Emmy-award winning director Barbara Rick: Road to Ingwavuma, Girls of Daraja, School of My Dreams, and Powerful Beyond Measure. These films highlight the work of non-profit partners in South Africa, and the Daraja Academy, a free secondary boarding school for girls in Kenya. Pre order- Loving the Fire : Choosing Me, Finding Freedom Available April 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it truly mean for a woman to choose herself — after decades of devotion, visibility, and living at the center of global fame?As we enter Women's History Month, on this powerful episode of Women Road Warriors, Shelley Johnson and Kathy Tuccaro welcome Deborah Santana — author, activist, philanthropist, and former wife of legendary musician Carlos Santana. For 34 years, Deborah served as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Santana Management, helping steward an international music empire while raising three children in the spotlight of worldwide acclaim.But her story is far deeper than celebrity.Born into a lineage of Pentecostal preachers and acclaimed blues musicians, and raised in an interracial family during the Civil Rights era, Deborah carries generations of resilience, faith, and spiritual conviction. She is a visionary leader, lifelong spiritual seeker, and passionate advocate for women's education in Africa through her foundation supporting women and girls in health, education, and happiness.In her powerful memoir, Loving the Fire: Choosing Me, Finding Freedom, Deborah shares the deeply personal journey of reclaiming her voice after decades devoted to marriage, spiritual teachers, and roles that defined her identity.This conversation explores:Identity beyond fameAncestry and generational strengthSpiritual awakening and self-discoveryLeadership behind the scenes of a global brandThe courage it takes for women to step out of the shadows and into sovereigntyAt its heart, this episode asks a profound question:What does freedom look like when a woman chooses herself?If you are navigating reinvention, healing, spiritual growth, or redefining your own power — this conversation will resonate deeply.https://deborahsantana.com/loving-the-firehttps://deborahsantana.com/do-a-littlewww.womenroadwarriors.comwww.womenspowernetwork.net#DeborahSantana #CarlosSantana #WomenRoadWarriors #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenEmpowerment #ShelleyJohnson #KathyTuccaro #SpiritualAwakening #LovingTheFires

Guest Deborah SantanaToday's guest Deborah Santana is a woman of social action. Deborah is a native Californian, African-American, and of Irish-English descent with a deep-rooted role in social activism that began before she was born. With parents of different races living in the lower middle class, Deborah claims that humanity and community are in her DNA. Deborah is now head of a foundation specified to help women and girls, and is a multi-published author. She has a deep appreciation for the arts and education and is an active feminist. Deborah also holds a leadership role in the African-American History and Cultural Museum at the Smithsonian and is currently helping to make the Women's History Museum Initiative a reality. She holds a master's degree in religion and philosophy and raises three creative children.Join us with Jason Doherty and this incredible guest as they discuss Deborah's vital contribution and impact on Darajah Academy, reviewing the values of hard work, giving back, and maintaining integrity as principal values in both Deborah's life and the pillars of Darajah. Deborah will also confer the absolute cruciality of racial equality and women's education, advocating the work to stop marginalizing their roles in society. Additionally, this episode will show us why Deborah claims that--even to this day--Darajah was the best experience to happen to her. In this episode you will learn:What impact the Kenyan girls had on this American activistThe crucial role of women in modern society (US or African) and the futureThe core values of a successful entrepreneurAbout Daraja Academy and the Podcast:Jason and Jenni Doherty are the founders of Daraja Academy and parents to 115 current students and many alumni. Jenni comes from a family of eight children and is the first woman in her family to go to university. Jason comes from a family of five, and his passion is education.When Jason and Jenni Doherty – educators from the Bay Area – visited Kenya in 2006, they were struck by the degree that gender determined opportunity. For families living in deep poverty, access to education was already limited, but sons were still far more likely to attend secondary school than daughters. Girls were being left behind. Thus, they started Daraja Academy.Daraja Academy is a boarding secondary school for Kenyan girls with top academic scores and exceptional leadership skills but without the means to continue their education. The academy provides shelter, food, healthcare, and counseling services so students may focus on their academic and personal potential without the everyday barriers they would otherwise face. Their groundbreaking educational model has generated a community of students filled with intellectual curiosity and a hunger to learn. Through this podcast, we get to know the stories of the girls of Daraja, Daraja Academy, and all the incredible people that support and strengthen Daraja.Connect with Daraja Means Bridge:Website:https://www.daraja-academy.org/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/daraja-academy/                       https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-doherty-baa9735a/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/DarajaAcademyTwitter:

The daughter of a blues pioneer falls in love with two brilliant musicians. Sly Stone takes her out of her quiet life, but almost drags her into the dark world of his own demons. Then she meets Carlos Santana, a long partnership built on a mutual search for transcendence. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Girls Fly!  (Girlsfly.org) partners with authors and publishers to inspire women and girls to write.  We believe that finding your written voice will help you to know that there is support, you don't have to wait to be invited and that "written words have a bigger voice than screaming out loud."  Girls Fly! is partnering with Barnes & Noble for the 2019 Finding Your Written Voice Tour with your local authors present just for you.  We are proud to partner with  Nothing But The Truth Publishing http://nothingbutthetruth.com/ and editor, Deborah Santana, of the anthology, ALL THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY SING to bring forward women of diverse backgrounds and colors to help you value and achieve your own desires to write and be published. Meet author Want Chyi as we discuss what it means to be an "Asian American Punk", from the anthology ALL THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY SING.  A prolific writer and  Learn more about Want Chyi at https://wantchyi.tumblr.com/

Deborah Santana is an author, seeker and activist for peace and social justice. She is founder of "Do A Little", a nonprofit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. She's penned a memoir--Space Between the Stars, and is the editor of a magnificent collection of stories in the anthology All the Women in My Family Sing. In it, 69 Women of color share experiences, thoughts, and actions in griping essays that are a powerful education for each of us. Find out more at www.allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com.

1. Rev. Kamal Hassan, facilitator, OneLife Institutes' "Healing Black Lives": A special day of healing and renewal for people of African Descent" at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church. https://www.onelifeinstitute.org/healing-black-lives. 2019 dates: Saturdays, March 16, June 8, Aug 17 & Dec 7  (9:30am-4:30pm) Kamal Hassan, OneLife Board Member & Spiritual Co-Director is also a spiritual leader, educator, and community servant. He currently serves as Pastor/Teaching Elder at the Sojourner Truth Presbyterian Church in Richmond California, a position he has held since 2008. Before this call Reverend Hassan spent more than three decades as both a public and private school educator, community organizer and religious worker. Kamal is a founding member of both the New Afrikan People’s Organization and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. He has worked for social justice and Human Rights locally, nationally, and internationally. 2. Deborah Santana, editor, All the Women in My Family Sing (recorded 07.03.2018). 3. Dina Zarif, curator, Iranian artist, join us to talk about "Music of the Banned" concert March 16, 2019. http://redpoppyarthouse.org/event/motb-20190316/ 4. Amara Tabour Smith, Nkeiruka Oruche, Amber McZeal join us to talk about: House/Full of Black Women's Black Women Dreaming "divine darkeness" March 24-April 14, 2019 visit http://www.deepwatersdance.com/    

children's anthologies mentioned in episode *Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls edited by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo *We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson anthologies mentioned in episode Jen - *Here We Are: 44 Voices Write, Draw, and Speak about Feminism for the Real World edited by Kelly Jensen *Flying Lessons & Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh *Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles edited by Natalie C. Parker   Ashley -  *#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women edited Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale *Anthology of Motherhood edited by Rachel Piercey and Emma Wright *Because I Was a Girl edited by Melissa de la Cruz   Sara -  *Girls Write Now: Two Decades of True Stories by Young Female Voices edited by Girls Write Now *All the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World: Essays on Equality, Justice, and Freedom (Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God) edited by Deborah Santana and America Ferrera *My True Love Gave to Me: 12 Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins other mentions *Chimamanda Ngozi's We Should All Be Feminists *Women of NASA Lego Set *You Should Meet Collector's Set: Women Who Launched the Computer Age; Mae Jemison; Misty Copeland; Jesse Owens; Duke Kahanamoku; Katherine Johnson  *Barack Obama's Of Thee I Sing Check out what's coming up next.   want to support unabridged?   *Become a patron on Patreon.​ *Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram. *Like and follow our Facebook Page. *Follow us @unabridgedpod on Twitter. *Subscribe to our podcast and rate us on iTunes or on Stitcher. *Check us out on Podbean.

children's anthologies mentioned in episode *Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls edited by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo *We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson anthologies mentioned in episode Jen - *Here We Are: 44 Voices Write, Draw, and Speak about Feminism for the Real World edited by Kelly Jensen *Flying Lessons & Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh *Three Sides of a Heart: Stories about Love Triangles edited by Natalie C. Parker   Ashley -  *#NotYourPrincess: Voices of Native American Women edited Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale *Anthology of Motherhood edited by Rachel Piercey and Emma Wright *Because I Was a Girl edited by Melissa de la Cruz   Sara -  *Girls Write Now: Two Decades of True Stories by Young Female Voices edited by Girls Write Now *All the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World: Essays on Equality, Justice, and Freedom (Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God) edited by Deborah Santana and America Ferrera *My True Love Gave to Me: 12 Holiday Stories edited by Stephanie Perkins other mentions *Chimamanda Ngozi's We Should All Be Feminists *Women of NASA Lego Set *You Should Meet Collector's Set: Women Who Launched the Computer Age; Mae Jemison; Misty Copeland; Jesse Owens; Duke Kahanamoku; Katherine Johnson  *Barack Obama's Of Thee I Sing Check out what's coming up next.   want to support unabridged?   *Become a patron on Patreon.​ *Follow us @unabridgedpod on Instagram. *Like and follow our Facebook Page. *Follow us @unabridgedpod on Twitter. *Subscribe to our podcast and rate us on iTunes or on Stitcher. *Check us out on Podbean.

ABOUT DEBORAH SANTANA Deborah Santana is the editor of All the Women in My Family Sing. She is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women, Ms. Santana collaborates with organizations that work to prevent and heal relationship and sexual violence, improve the lives of America's abused and neglected children, and a worldwide community of artists and allies who work for empowerment, opportunity, and visibility for women artists.   For More Information Visit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077722F6Y/ ALL THE WOMEN IN MY FAMILY SING is monumental and timely as human rights and justice are being challenged around the world. It is a watershed title that is both written and published entirely by women of color, including the editing, book cover design, and promotions. Our vision is to empower underrepresented voices and to impact the world of book publishing in America — particularly important in an industry that considerably lacks diversity. Since the Women's March in January 2017, there has been a growing sense of solidarity among women who refuse to be silenced. What began as a protest of women from every racial and socioeconomic background has evolved into a social and political movement. The last several months have proven that women's voices really do matter and can make a difference. Read more at the AllTheWomenInMyFamilySing blog. www.deborahsantana.com https://allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com/about-1/

How to Subscribe to Vibrant Happy Women: Apple Podcasts · Android · Overcast · Castbox · Radio Public About this Episode: Do you ever feel like your voice isn’t really heard? Or that you’re not truly valued? We can shift that when we speak our truth AND when we allow other women to do the same. In this episode guest Deborah Santana explains why it’s especially important that we share and listen to the experiences of women of color so we can collectively rise up in a spirit of love, compassion and connection and experience a truth healing of our hearts. Links From This Episode: www.allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com Natalie Goldberg Follow Jen Riday on Instagram Jen on Facebook Deborah on Facebook Follow Deborah on Instagram God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine Book by Deborah: All the Women in My Family Sing Book by Natalie Baszile: Queen Sugar Have questions you'd like Jen to answer on the show? Email her at support@jenriday.com How to Leave a Review How to Leave a Review: Click here to watch a quick video to learn how to leave a review. How to Subscribe to Vibrant Happy Women: Apple Podcasts · Android · Overcast · Castbox · Radio Public Give us a Rating and Review · Subscribe on iTunes Comments: If you’d like to make a comment or leave feedback about the podcast, leave us a phone message at 1-608-352-6586 or email us at support@jenriday.com  

Deborah Santana is an author, seeker and activist for peace and social justice. She is founder of Do A Little, a nonprofit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. She's penned a memoir--Space Between the Stars, and now is the editor of a magnificent collection of stories in the anthology: All the Women in My Family Sing. 69 Women of color share experiences, thoughts, actions in griping essays that are a powerful education for each for each of us. Highly important reading. www.allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com

1. Ron Yassen (Director) of "Crossroads," a featured selection of the SFJFF, is an Emmy® Award-Winning sports documentary producer and director who began his career at Classic Sports Network and a founding member of Network of Champions. He has produced and directed numerous films, including Roger Maris: Reluctant Hero, Glory in Black and White, and Kareem: Minority of One. He is a partner at Roadside Entertainment.  https://jfi.org/sfjff-2018/film-guide/crossroads 2. Deborah Santana, ed. All the Women in My Family Sing  https://allthewomeninmyfamilysing.com/ 3. Kristiana Rae Colón's "suspension" is a part of the SF Playwrights Festival July 2018. She is also a poet, playwright, actor, educator, Cave Canem Fellow, creator of #BlackSexMatters and co-director of the #LetUsBreathe Collective. She was awarded 2017 Best Black Playwright by The Black Mall. Amy Mueller, Artistic Director, Playwrights Foundation, gives an introduction, overview of this 2018 season, July 20-29. http://playwrightsfoundation.org/bapf2018/ http://tobtr.com/s/10894509

Deborah Santana is an author, business manager, and activist for peace and social justice. Her non-profit, Do A Little, serves women and girls in the areas of health, education, and happiness. With a passion to provide educational opportunities for girls and women. www.deborahsantana.comAnne Grady is an internationally recognized speaker and author. Anne shares humor, humility, refreshing honesty and practical strategies anyone can use to triumph over adversity and master change. www.GetStrongEnough.com

Deborah Santana, Editor of "All the Women in My Family Sing” discusses this vital collection of essays by women of color that was designed to empower underrepresented voices.

Salvador Santana  is a singer, songwriter, keyboardist, composer, poet and activist. The son of ten-time Grammy-winning guitarist Carlos Santana and poet/author/activist Deborah Santana, his music roots reach back to his maternal grandfather, Saunders King, an icon of American blues and his paternal grandfather, violinist and mariachi bandleader Jose Santana. Salvador  began playing piano at the age of five and became comfortable with other instruments in high school.  In 1999, he collaborated with his father on composing the Grammy-winning track "El Farol" on the album Supernatural. He has recently teamed up with CASA in Action and DEC Artists to create a campaign to tell immigrant stories from across the country and drive voter registration and activism to reform immigration laws.   Ally Venable, lead vocalist and guitarist of the powerhouse blues rock Ally Venable Band,started young, singing in church a child.  It was only recently, as a protégé of Lance Lopez,  that she found her passions: the guitar, blues, and rock.  She formed the band and never looked back.The Ally Venable Band  has become a powerhouse in the Lone Star State and Ally was named the 2014 and 2015 East Texas Female Guitarist of the Year. Joined by bassist, Bobby Wallace and classically trained drummer Elijah Owings, it is easy to see why some people in the Texas blues community hear the future of blues when she plays.  Now on tour in Texas, we are proud to introduce her to an international audience.

Bestselling novelist, award-winning playwright and Oprah Book Club pick’s inspiring memoir of juggling marriage, motherhood and politics as Pearl Cleage worked to become a successful writer and self-fulfilled woman. In this revelatory and deeply personal memoir, Cleage takes readers back to the 1970’s and 1980’s, retracing her struggles to hone her craft amidst personal and professional tumult. Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta-based writer and author of eight novels, including What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, which was an Oprah's Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her novel Baby Brother's Blues, was awarded an NAACP Image Award for Literature. She is also a widely produced playwright. Deborah Santana is an author, philanthropist, activist for peace and social justice, and founder of Do A Little, a non-profit that serves women and girls in the areas of health, education and happiness. Her memoir, Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart was published in 2005. She is a member of the Board of Directors at MoAD.

World Radio Day Special - Sylvia Global's host travels with Deborah Santana from the Bay area of northern California to kenya, Africa.  Author, philanthroptist and activist for peace and social justice, Deborah speaks about the power of girls at Daraja Academy and listens learned from finding her own voice.

World Radio Day Special - Sylvia Global's host travels with Deborah Santana from the Bay area of northern California to kenya, Africa.  Author, philanthroptist and activist for peace and social justice, Deborah speaks about the power of girls at Daraja Academy and listens learned from finding her own voice.