Jalesa Jones is a young, black and accomplished business leader in the technology industry, serving as the Co-Owner and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of 3D Media. Under her leadership, 3D Media provides cutting-edge technologies, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) solutions, to critical infrastructure sectors, notably including the U.S. Department of Defense. Graduating magna cum laude from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) with a degree in Business Manag...
Jul 15, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Charese Williams is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved to Lafayette in 2015. With a passion for dance and a dedication to helping others, Charese brings a vibrant energy to every endeavor. Currently, Charese works for Second Harvest Food Bank as part of their Human Resources team, where they focus on fostering a supportive and efficient workplace environment. Beyond her professional role, Charese is deeply committed to serving the community. She actively engages in various volunte...
Jul 01, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Mr. Seanathan Polidore is the son of Clarence and Versana Polidore. He is a year 2000 graduate of Franklin Senior High School. Mr. Polidore continued his education to earn a master’s degree in psychology. His life has quite a few adventures. Some of those include the U.S. Navy, being a husband and father, health and fitness trainer, co-founder of Pen Business Solutions, motivational speaking for schools and community groups, and being the author or co-author of 8 books. You can find his author i...
Jun 15, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Consuela Gaines is an organizer for Voice of the Experienced/VOTE in the Lafayette, LA chapter. She’s a formerly incarcerated woman who served 22 years of a 47 year sentence. She’s a survivor of solitary confinement and currently serves on the Louisiana Task Force for Safe Alternatives to Segregation. While incarcerated, she participated in various leadership roles from being a counsel substitute to a literacy tutor; graduate of Office Systems Technology and Welding, just to name a few. Since he...
Jun 01, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Val is a native of Long Beach, Ca. Lafayette, La is where she has lived for much of her life and considers it home. She currently resides in the hub city with her best friend and husband Steve of 16 years. Val received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. During her undergraduate studies she was awarded a scholarship to study abroad on Semester at Sea Institute for Shipboard Education where she gained a global educational experience in nine countries. S...
May 15, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Originally a native of Alexandria, LA, Diamond has called Lafayette, LA home for over 12 years. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, with a minor in Psychology, from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has completed the John Maxwell Certification program. In her spare time, Diamond is the Vice President of the Christiana Smith African American Alumni Chapter at ULL, serving on the Alumni Engagement Committee; She serves on University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Women’...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 5
From her early years in Lafayette, Louisiana, Jazmyn Jones exhibited a passion for dance that would shape her life's journey. With a natural talent and dedication, she immersed herself in various dance styles, from ballet to hip hop, nurturing her love for the arts from a young age. As a teenager, Jazmyn's talent began to shine brightly. At just 14, she took the lead in teaching hip-hop classes and crafting choreographies that captivated audiences. Her dedication and skill caught the attention o...
Apr 15, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Shalonda Thibeaux is the CEO and Founder of Talks With Shay Life Coaching, LLC. She received a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development. Shalonda has several years of experience with working with children and families. She has a semi-podcast called Talks With Shay, where videos are posted every Friday on Facebook, YouTube and her website www.talkswithshay.org . Talks With Shay was birthed during Covid, after she was not able to continue ministering to the ladi...
Apr 01, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Shyra Moran is a native of Geismar, LA, currently residing in Lafayette, LA. In 2005, Shyra received her Bachelor of Science from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Business Administration and has been a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated since 2003. Shyra is the Community Relations Officer for Advancial Federal Credit Union. Shyra has a heart for her community as she loves to serve loudly and proudly. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors for CASA of SOLA, co- cha...
Mar 14, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Calvary De'Rosa Sampson, LPC, NCC, is a dedicated Teen and Adult Therapist and the owner of Calvary De'Rosa Counseling and Consulting. With extensive qualifications as a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana and Texas, Calvary possesses the expertise to address a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. Her additional certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) equip her t...
Mar 01, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Bianca Coats, a native of Lafayette, LA, received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and has also graduated from Southern University and A&M College with a Master’s in Public Administration. She was the recipient of the James E. Webb Internship Program at the Smithsonian Institution in Occupational Health Services in Washington, D.C. and has completed the Marshall University’s Dietetic Internship Program. Bianca is a publis...
Dec 15, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Natalie Bunner, MSW, LCSW has been advocating for children, youth, families and caregivers, both personal and professional, for over 20 years. She currently serves pediatric clients ages 7-18, adults with acute and chronic mental challenges with anxiety and depression, adults in pediatric-focused professions to combat burnout and compassion fatigue and families to promote healthy parent/child reconnection. As a therapist, Ms. Bunner utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities in her practice in...
Dec 01, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Rochelle was born and raised in Lafayette, LA. She is the founder of Pure Intentions Candle Company; a boutique candle company crafting small batch candles. Rochelle is an emerging storyteller and new mom, navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood. Married to her high school sweetheart of Abbeville LA, she cherishes the journey they've shared together in Acadiana. With an unwavering belief in the power of community, she is passionate about building connections and uplifting those around h...
Nov 15, 2023•23 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Jessika Rae” Gayden. She is a Louisiana resident. Nurse of 10 years with experience in multiple specialities: post-operative care, hospice, WoundCare, LongTerm Care & Rehab, psychiatric care, home health, and nursing education and training. She loves spreading hope and joy through her nursing career as she seeks to be a vessel of healing for others. She is currently furthering her nursing education as her ultimate desire is to continue educating and training others in the field. She serves i...
Nov 01, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 20
Nicole Ryane Johnson, homeschooling mom, girl farmer, UL Lafayette graduate and local entrepreneur, has ownership in several leauxcal (local) business ventures, including CPR 2 Geaux , L4S Farms , Fightingville Fresh Market and The Fresh Growers' Collective . She has a passion for teaching and encouraging others in the areas of entrepreneurship, farming and self-sustainability. Nicole enjoys networking with other like-minded individuals and is passionate about her community! As a farmer, Nicole'...
Oct 15, 2023•54 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Ebony Roberts is a fascinating woman with an eclectic background. A mother of five, a wife, and an elementary school teacher, Ebony has always been passionate about beauty, self-care, and helping others feel confident by actualizing their most beautiful selves. As a young girl, Ebony became passionate about beauty and self-care. She was so infatuated with the industry that at just ten years old, she started to experiment with various ingredients and became a self-taught beauty expert. Today, wha...
Oct 01, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Mel Haynes wears many hats – a nurturing mother, a loyal friend, a dynamic business owner, and an inspiring community leader. Born and raised in Broussard, Louisiana, she is the proud owner of Sweet Envie LLC located at 4302 Moss Street in Lafayette. In a transformative decision made in March 2021, Mel bid farewell to a corporate career spanning over a decade, ignited by an unyielding passion to realize her bakery dream. Sweet Envie has evolved over the past two years, to more than a just a bake...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Aleisha Johnson Cook is a native of Lafayette, LA. She graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with concentrations in Global Supply Chain/Logistics and Marketing. After 12 years working in various Supply Chain, Operations, and Project Management roles for a Fortune 100 company headquartered in Memphis, TN, she moved back home to Lafayett...
Sep 02, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Brent P. Broussard is the Chief Executive Officer of The Broussard Enterprise Group, LLC. A Lafayette native, who has also spent time in Baton Rouge, is a graduate of Northside High School. Brent went on to study Music & Criminal Justice at the University of Louisiana- Lafayette. In the past decade, Brent has worked in various roles in the sales industry before deciding to begin a journey as a budding entrepreneur. In 2021, while attending the Accelerate Northside program, given by the UL LE...
Aug 16, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Dr. Liz Romar-Chavis has been providing conservative, gentle, specific chiropractic care to diverse populations of people across Louisiana for well over a decade. She received her BS from Xavier University of Louisiana after successfully completing the Biology Pre- Med program with honors. After completing a Post-baccalaureate program in Biomedical Sciences at Georgia Campus – Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Chavis enrolled in Life University’s College of Chiropractic and has n...
Aug 01, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Cheylon Woods is the Head of Ernest J. Gaines Center, Archivist, and Associate Professor in the Edith Garland Dupre Library. Throughout her scholarly career, Mrs. Woods received her Masters of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University, her Masters in Heritage Resources from Northwestern State University, and a dual bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Louisiana Tech University. Mrs. Woods is also a 2011 Institute of Museum & Library Studies fellow, wh...
Jul 15, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Ruben Henderson currently serves as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing and Legal Studies) and his Master of Business Administration from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is preparing to begin his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership in August 2023 at UL Lafayette. Ruben is dedicated to makin...
Jul 01, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Shamika Mamou is a real estate professional with experience in lending and notary public closings. Currently, Shamika is a Community Outreach and Loan Officer with Lafayette Community Development Fund, where she assists first-time home buyers with down payment assistance. Additionally, Shamika is an Adjunct Instructor at South Louisiana Community College, where she facilitates notary public exam prep courses. Shamika received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Louisiana State Universit...
Jun 15, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Karen C. Dugas, M.Ed. is the owner of Above the Limit, LLC, a tutoring company that provides tutoring services for students in grades K-12 and an outstanding ACT Prep program that helps students qualify for scholarships. Mrs. Dugas is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College and Louisiana State University Shreveport. She has taught in the public and private school systems for over 20 years. She is the founder of Beyond the Bus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit chartered to provide fre...
Jun 01, 2023•41 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Kiwana T. McClung is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture & Design and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A graduate of Louisiana State University's School of Architecture and Design, Kiwana is nationally recognized for her research and efforts toward increasing diversity within a school of architecture and equitable, inclusive curricula. In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Kiwana is responsible for fostering diversity among students, fac...
May 15, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Tremika Cleary a native of Franklin but resides in Carencro. She is a mother of 2- a son (25 years old) and a daughter (11 years old). She stewards a company called Defined Resolutions as an Engagement Specialist and Facilitator of Behavioral Change. Their mission is to "Promote the Power of Mindful Practices" via training, coaching, and consulting. She's also been a Professor of Psychology for over five years at South Louisiana Community College and the University of People, a global institutio...
May 01, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Dr. Enola Pillard is CEO of Ashanti Enterprises. A trailblazing woman of God - a forerunner - her core values and beliefs have granted her access to the wisdom that there are no limits and no boundaries in a life lived by faith. With diligence, persistence, and determination she has demonstrated that each of us can be brave, courageous, and unstoppable - soaring like eagles. She knows that reaching for the stars and never giving up will lead to success. Dr. Pillard has been a passionate hairstyl...
Apr 15, 2023•28 min•Season 3Ep. 7
As a Lafayette native and real estate professional, Gerren recognizes and values the trust his clients place in him and strives every day to exceed their expectations. A member of Robbie Breaux & Team since 2018, Gerren works with individuals and investors who are interested in buying or selling property. Prior to entering real estate, Gerren served in the United States Navy. These experiences instilled the discipline it takes to build strong habits. His business has grown successfully and c...
Apr 01, 2023•24 min•Season 3Ep. 6
JoHanna Elaine Babineaux-Zeno Born and raised on the north side of Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduate of Northside High School & South Louisiana Community College. JoHanna is not only a leader at heart, but leads in a community which her roots were established. JoHanna is A Proud Wife to the Amazing Terrance Zeno and Grateful Mother to 3 Beautiful Daughters (Shania, Amiya & Cadence Elaine) as well A Fur Mommie of 2. She is an Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, Author & A servant at hear...
Mar 15, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Dr. Marquia Whitehead is an award-winning professor, DEIAB strategist, life and career coach, professional writer, and entrepreneur who possesses a Doctorate in Education, specifically Educational Leadership. Additionally, she received a Graduate Certification in Professional Writing. Starting her career at Louisiana State University as an English Professor, she previously served as an Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment and an Assistant Director of Retention & Strategic Initiati...
Mar 01, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 4
