Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Avis Proctor, President of Harper College.

Dr. Proctor shares her journey from a mathematics educator to a college president, emphasizing need for intentionality in leadership, self-advocacy, and the power of community support in achieving success.

She reflects on her career journey and the pivotal choices that shaped her path. She also provides insights on the challenges of navigating shifting terrains in education and the significance of co-creating strategies with her team to weather the current climate.

Dr. Proctor also shares her strategies for maintaining focus and integrity amidst constant change, and her take on the importance of self-care and wellness in sustaining leadership energy.

About Dr. Proctor

Dr. Avis Proctor became the sixth president of William Rainey Harper College in July 2019. With over 30 years of experience working in multicultural environments as an innovative mathematics educator and administrator, she is committed to transforming lives through the power of education using research-based instructional strategies, strategic community engagement and future-focused economic development which all lead to strengthened educational opportunities that impact generations.

Dr. Proctor also provides leadership on several boards from local to national levels including the Northwest Educational Council for Student Success (NECSS), the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID), the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, and the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents (ICCCP).

During her tenure at the College, Harper has been recognized as an Achieving the Dream (ATD) Leader College of Distinction in 2020 and 2023, and as a 2023 Aspen Top 25 institution and as a 2025 Aspen Top 20 institution, and is a lead member institution of The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub established by the CHIPS and Science Act in 2023.

Dr. Proctor earned her bachelor's degree in Mathematics Education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Science in Teaching Mathematics at Florida Atlantic University, and her Doctorate in Higher Education at Florida International University. Dr. Proctor and her husband are the proud parents of one son.

Connect with Dr. Proctor at Harper College

• Harper College on Facebook

• Harper College on LinkedIn

• Harper College on Instagram

• Harper College on X

BWL Resources:

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Ange Matthews, an investor and personal finance expert, to discuss strategies for optimizing your salary.

Ange shares her journey from a $40,000 salary to building seven figures of passive wealth, offering insights into making every dollar work for you.

She emphasizes the importance of giving every dollar a job and making your money work overtime. Ange shares options for building passive income by leveraging stock options, stock investing, and self-directed IRAs. She also shares her insights on how your financial decisions can support your overall well-being, helping you to balance present enjoyment with future security. Mindset Shifts: Finally, Laura and Ange also discuss the heartwork of financial wellness, discussing the importance of forgiveness, delayed gratification, and setting financial boundaries.

About Ange

Ange Matthews is an Investor, Personal Finance Expert, Speaker, and the CEO of the Happy Investor Method. Her goal is to make investing and personal finance accessible and fun for all. As an experienced investor with nearly 20 years of experience, she has supported thousands of individuals through workshops and one-on-one coaching.

A first-generation investor, Ange was making $40,000 a year and had six figures in debt. She taught herself how to generate 7 figures of passive wealth through responsible money management. Her approach is not only happy but effective. Since then she used her investments to become a hotel owner, real estate investor, Angel investor, and shareholder in 89+ companies. Her mission is to help others do the same.

Check out Ange's free audio resource here.

Connect with Ange

Website - https://happyinvestormethod.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheAngelaEMatthews/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/happyinvestormethod/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaematthews/

BWL Resources:

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter to explore the journey of staying rooted through life's seismic shifts.

Laura and Dr. Daniela explore how to navigate transitions with grace, the importance of emotional honesty, and the power of community and self-care. Dr. Daniela shares her PivotWell framework for navigating life changes, and shares her insights on "leading while breaking" and the mindset shift required for thriving through life's tough moments.

About Dr. Daniela

Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter, PhD, CDP, CDR, CPC, CDRC is a bold disruptor in the wellness space—a United Nations Peace Ambassador, Certified Diversity Professional, sound bath practitioner, and Chief Alchemist of Transformation of The Heal Well Collective. With over 16 years in healthcare and in leadership, she's redefined what it means to heal well by merging mental health advocacy, cultural inclusion, and spiritual restoration. Through her signature PivotWell Coaching and 5-step framework, Dr. Daniela helps women navigate seismic life shifts—menopause, career transitions, loss—with radical self-awareness, strategy, and unapologetic grace.

Connect with Dr. Daniela on LinkedIn and on Instagram @thehealwellcollective

Get Dr. Daniela's book, Shattered Silence: Navigating Workplace Trauma and Thriving

BWL Resources:

• BWL podcast episode S1E3: Getting Into Alignment with Yourself (referenced for values clarification exercise)

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Dr. Nicole Bryan to discuss the unique strengths of introverts and the importance of recognizing and leveraging introverted qualities, such as deep thinking and observation, to succeed in the workplace. The discussion emphasizes embracing one's unique qualities and leveraging them for career growth and influence.

Laura and Dr. Nicole explore the unique nuances of Black women introverts, with specific regard to navigating office politics in leadership roles. They discuss the importance of relationship building in office dynamics, and how introverts can redefine their approach to self-advocacy. Their discussion also highlights the need for inclusive environments that allow introverts to contribute in ways that align with their strengths, including the use of strategic silence as a powerful communication tool.

Dr. Nicole shares her concept of 'quiet disruptors,' highlighting how introverted leaders can create impactful change within organizations.

About Dr. Nicole

Dr. Nicole A. Bryan went from the 'Block to the Boardroom' and is now a certified leadership career coach, organizational consultant and psychotherapist, with 25+ years' experience helping introvert women define their own success, lead with confidence, expertly navigate company politics, and secure their executive seat to maximize their income, influence, and impact.

Nicole's world-class programs at TheChangeDoc, LLC integrate psychology, key business principles, organizational behavior and decades of real-world experience as a corporate executive to empower introvert women to make a difference, lead bolder and create positive change for themselves, their teams, and the world!

Nicole was raised in Brooklyn, NY and always represents her Bajan (Barbados) roots. She's passionate about health, wealth and hot yoga! She also believes that life is all about loving and learning and has received the following degrees: Ph.D. Counseling Psychology at University of Maryland College Park; Masters of Education, Counseling - University of Maryland College Park; Masters of Education, Personnel Counseling - Fordham University, M.B.A. - Cornell University, Masters of Industrial Labor Relations - Cornell University; Bachelor of Arts, Business - Michigan State University.

Connect with Dr. Nicole on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nakisha Muhammad to discuss the leadership competencies of diplomacy and political savvy, through her point of reference as an executive leader.

Nakisha shares her unique journey from entrepreneurship to her current role as Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, chronicling how she learned to honor her own boundaries while navigating the demands of leadership and emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself and others in fostering effective communication and diplomacy.

Laura and Nakisha share the intricate dynamics of leadership, focusing on integrity, boundaries, and the importance of self-care, while navigating work spaces as Black women. They also discuss the challenges of maintaining personal values in professional settings, the necessity of setting and respecting boundaries, and the strategies for dealing with resistance in leadership roles.

Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the need for political savvy as a crucial skill for career advancement, and strategies for engaging in difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism.

About Nakisha

Nakisha serves as the Chief Technology Officer at 1nHealth, bringing her cross-industry technology background into healthcare. A serial entrepreneur, Nakisha has founded, operated, and scaled SaaS businesses as well as eCommerce brands. A self-taught developer and technologist, Nakisha has built multiple data-management and data visualization companies, managing developer teams and IT infrastructure. Nakisha's philosophy in software engineering is rooted in a methodology that centers on the user experience first and then building the functionality around the user's needs.

Connect with Nakisha on LinkedIn

Resources:

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this bonus episode, Laura shares her highlights from the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference + Retreat, which took place May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach, VA.

Black Woman Leading LIVE! is the premier leadership development conference to help Black women professionals learn, heal, and grow in their leadership capacity.

Join us at the 2026 event, which will take place May 11-14, 2026 in Myrtle Beach, SC! Learn more and register at www.BWLretreat.com.

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this solo episode, Laura discusses the complexities of navigating change in both personal and professional contexts. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and adaptability as leaders face inevitable disruptions. The conversation explores various models of the human side of change, the emotional processes involved, and practical strategies for supporting oneself and others through transitions. Laura highlights the significance of understanding resistance to change and offers insights on how to effectively manage it while fostering a growth mindset.

About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide.

Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.

Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.

Resources:

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this solo episode, Laura discusses the importance of asking for what you want in your career, particularly for Black women. She emphasizes that self-advocacy is not just about the words you use but also about your internal mindset and sense of worthiness. She shares frameworks to help listeners work on both the heart work and head work needed for effective self-advocacy. Laura encourages self-reflection on past experiences to understand internal and external factors that influence one's ability to ask for what they want. Ultimately, she empowers listeners to advocate for themselves and recognize their worth.

About Laura Laura Knights is the Creator of Black Woman Leading® and host of the podcast. She is an executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and licensed clinical social worker with 20+ years of experience creating personal and professional development programs that have touched leaders worldwide.

Her expertise and background in business, human resources, adult education, and social work uniquely equip her to teach others how to deal with both the "head work" and "heart work" required to succeed at work and in life. She is the Founder and CEO of Knights Consulting LLC, a leadership development consultancy that provides customized training and coaching programs to create more confident leaders and high-performing teams.

Black Woman Leading® is a research-backed initiative which offers leadership development programming, a podcast, and an annual conference for Black women professionals. Black Woman Leading® is an initiative of Knights Consulting LLC. Learn more at blackwomanleading.com.

Resources:

• Article reference: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2022/10/04/new-study-finds-that-black-employees-are-penalized-for-self-promotion/

• Book reference: Negotiating While Black by Damali Peterman

• Now enrolling for both the August 2025 sessions of the Early Career and Mid-Career programs. Learn more at https://blackwomanleading.com/programs-overview/

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums from the Early Career and Mid-Career Programs (Alexys Anderson, Shelby Norman, and SherAaron Hurt) to discuss our season's theme of Driving the Narrative of Your Career.

Emphasizing the importance of setting a personal vision and advocating for oneself while balancing heart work and head work along the career growth journey, they explore the significance of mentorship, the challenges of navigating identity, and the importance of community support.

The discussion highlights how embracing intersectionality and self-affirmation can empower Black women to take charge of their career narratives and pursue their professional visions with confidence. In this conversation, our program alums discuss the importance of intentionality in actions, the power of dreaming big, navigating fear and doubt, and the significance of self-advocacy. They also share their personal experiences and insights gained from the Black Woman Leading programs. The discussion also highlights transformative moments in their leadership journeys, encouraging listeners to embrace discomfort and give themselves grace in their career paths

Guest Bios:

::Alexys Anderson

Alexys Anderson is a Higher Education professional with a passion for supporting students on their journeys to and through graduation. Her professional roles have encompassed student success strategies, leadership development, and student retention.She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from Salisbury University and Master's degree in College Student Affairs from Rutgers University.

Connect with Alexys LinkedIn.

::SherAaron Hurt

SherAaron Hurt is a visionary leader in data science education and inclusive community building. As the Director of Workshops and Training for The Carpentries, she oversees global workshop strategy and leads instructor and trainer development, certification, and community engagement. With a background in Business Administration, Marketing, and Hospitality Management, SherAaron brings a service-first approach to advancing equitable, high-impact learning experiences around the world.

She supports thousands of instructors and trainers across the globe, creating sustainable engagement and championing inclusive education through thoughtful programming and strategic leadership. She shares her insights on inclusive pedagogy, equitable access, and community-led learning at national and international conferences. Known for her warmth, intentionality, and authenticity, she builds lasting relationships and inspires teams to thrive.

Outside of her professional pursuits, SherAaron is a luxury travel enthusiast, fur-mom to her Shih Tzu Oreo, and a certified fitness instructor affectionately known in gym circles as HypeChicSher. She teaches high-energy Cardio Kickboxing and proudly serves as a Brand Ambassador for Orangetheory Fitness.

Her experience in the Black Women Leading (BWL) community helped spark her pursuit of a deeper calling—combining her passions for faith, flying, and fitness. Through her work and her workouts, SherAaron hopes to inspire others to elevate—one learner, one leader, and one lunge at a time.

Connect with SherAaron on LinkedIn and Instagram @sherfitlife

::Shelby Norman

Shelby Norman (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Professional Development & Outreach for the Office of Academic Excellence and Opportunity. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she has always been immersed in diverse expressions of southern culture and community. Shelby is an alumna of The University of Alabama, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Political Theory, and Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies with a research concentration in Critical Gender and Race Theories.

As the Associate Director of Professional Development and Outreach, Shelby leads the strategic development and implementation of new professional development opportunities and initiatives for faculty and staff. Shelby also develops and enhances collaborative partnerships across university departments and promotes her office as a consultative resource to support all Tulanians reach their full potential.

Shelby's diverse experiences in higher education span across student and academic affairs in small and large state institutions, as well as private. Shelby has a strong history with mentorship and leadership initiatives, especially those rooted in diversity, equity and inclusion practices. Shelby is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tri Iota Honors Society ,Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Order of Omega Honor Society and The XXXI Women's Honor Society.

Connect with Shelby on LinkedIn and Instagram

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay

In this conversation, Laura welcomes Nicole Palmer to discuss the unique experiences of Black women in corporate America, with regard to managing uneven power dynamics.

Nicole shares the inspiration behind her book, and the concept of 'Black womaning' as a way to navigate the challenges faced in the workplace. They explore themes of fear, purpose, and the shared experiences of Black women across various industries, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in overcoming obstacles.

Nicole also shares her personal journey of navigating a toxic work environment, the impact of PTSD, and the steps she took towards healing from workplace trauma, including self-forgiveness and practicing emotional detachment. Through Nicole's story, they explore the challenges of navigating uneven power relationships and the importance of setting boundaries to foster healthy workplace relationships.

About Nicole

Nicole S. Palmer is an author, founding partner of publishing company Delnic Media, and host of 5-star rated podcast Black Womaning in Corporate America™. She is also the author of "Playing the Game While Black Womaning in Corporate America." When she isn't writing, she's speaking, and she's usually talking about equity.

Connect with Nicole

Website: https://delnicmedia.com

Instagram @nicolespalmer

Nicole on LinkedIn ​​

Purchase Nicole's book on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Resources:

• Event: Join us for the 2025 Black Woman Leading LIVE! Conference +Retreat, May 27-30, 2025 in Virginia Beach! Learn more at bwlretreat.com

• Full podcast episodes are now on Youtube. Subscribe to the BWL channel today!

Credits:

Learn about all Black Woman Leading® programs, resources, and events at www.blackwomanleading.com

Learn more about our consulting work with organizations at https://knightsconsultinggroup.com/

Email Laura: [email protected]

Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

Follow BWL on LinkedIn

Instagram: @blackwomanleading

Facebook: @blackwomanleading

Youtube: @blackwomanleading

Podcast Music & Production: Marshall Knights

Graphics: Téa Campbell

Listen and follow the podcast on all major platforms:

• Apple Podcasts

• Spotify

• Stitcher

• iHeartRadio

• Audible

• Podbay