This episode features my conversation with Shayne Hearns! She is an operating room nurse at the University of Michigan’s cardiovascular center. Shayne graduated from Oakland University’s School of Nursing in 2017. She would have said favorite activities are snuggling in and watching Netflix pre-COVID-19, but now it’s anything outside! Shayne loves being goofy and making people laugh as she finds it’s the easiest way to connect with them.

Follow Shayne on Instagram @mylifeasshayne!

Today’s episode features Dominique Calixte! I am so excited to share my conversation with her as it takes a bit of a different format. We discussed our experiences in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors as young women of color.

Dominique is a proud Haitian-American, Boston native. She is also a dedicated nonprofit professional, so much so that Dominique is earning her master's in Nonprofit Management at Northeastern in a few weeks. She’s also very involved with several nonprofit organizations as a board member, including the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Boston, which supports emerging young nonprofit professionals.

Links to the Resources Dominique Shared:

Website: www.DominiqueCalixte.com

YW Boston - Stand Against Racism Online Campaign: https://www.ywboston.org/our-work/our-programs/stand-against-racism/

The Rooted:

https://therootedretreat.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/therootedcollaborative/?ref=bookmarks

Women in Development (Boston and NYC Chapters)

https://widgb.org/

https://widny.org/

AFP - Association of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org/

YNPN National: http://www.ynpn.org/

YNPN Boston: https://www.ynpnboston.org/

I had the opportunity to chat with Rho Hudson on this episode of BYOC! Rho is a new comedian and improviser but long time funny lady. She’s currently studying at The Second City Training Center in Chicago and visiting various open mics to work on her stand up materiel. Rho’s biggest accomplishments in comedy have been opening for Samuel Comroe and auditioning for Stand up NBC.

You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter @ohrrho. And check out her music recommendation, Lucky Daye!

This episode features Kiara Bobo-Byrd! She’s in her junior year at Michigan State University studying an interdisciplinary science degree with the goal of becoming a doctor in the future. Kiara is such a wise young woman who shares her persevering perspective during our chat.

You can follow Kiara’s journey on twitter and instagram at kiaraaleema subscribe to her youtube channel too!

Today’s episode features Haita Toure! She is originally from Anchorage, AK but currently lives in Charlotte, NC. She recently graduated with her MA in Sociology. She is passionate about making content on YouTube and working to end race and gender issues, and human trafficking.

Haita is one of the funniest women I know but you can decide for yourself by checking out her Youtube Channel and following her on Twitter (@HumoruZ_Tr3) and Instagram & Snapchat (@touredefrance).

This episode features Torri Mathes! She is the Media Communications Specialist at the City of Auburn Hills, Michigan and specializes in content writing and editing, social media marketing, and videography. Torri has worked in web, software, and app design and development, as well as branding and collateral development within a range of industries including business, automotive, city government, nonprofits, and healthcare systems. In her off time, she have spent over 6 or so years working with, developing, mentoring, and facilitating non-profit organizations that help girls and women of all ages that aid resources for career development or workforce advancement. Most recently (this past election), Torri and a peer started their own business to help women running for office at a local and county level.

Torri’s quote for this year is: “You've survived what you thought would kill you. Now straighten your crown and move forward like the queen you are.”

Her (longer) quote/daily reminder: “So, do it. Decide. Is this the life you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? Kinder? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out and decide.” - Meredith Grey

This episode features Cevannah Scott! She is a self taught makeup artist and Flint native who shares her everyday makeup routine, tips, and beauty tricks with women of all ages. With the help of her artistic eye, Cevannah uses daytime and evening looks to enhance the natural beauty of her clients and educate them on best practices and product purchases in everyday use. Cevannah has recently relocated to Columbus, Ohio in hopes of continuing her makeup artistry and connecting with other makeup artist and beauty influencers.

You can follow her beauty page on Instagram @cevannahscott and check out The Potter's House At One LA podcast she is currently listening to!

Music Produced by: Khaysirah MuhammadSmith

Artwork Created by: Maia Boakye

Our first interview is with Briana Terry! She believes in working to grow and make a change. While she’s not studying for grad school, you can catch her working on multiple projects at a time. Follow her on Instagram at __4bri and Facebook for updates on her non-profit and you can get her self-illustrated, designed, and edited poetry book An Intricate Mind. She will also be starting up her web show "In The Mix."

As you’ll hear us discuss, Briana recently turned an old passion into a work of art by creating a clothing line called ‘Shorty’ which you can buy today! So be sure to check out everything she has going on and connect with her if you have questions, opportunities to collaborate, or want to show your support.

Briana also listens to Black Girl Podcast and She’s a Creative. Check those podcasts out for more #blackgirlpodcastmagic!

This episode is a quick introduction to Bring Your Own Chair. Our host, Khayriyyah, will share the background of BYOC, why she felt compelled to create it, and what you can expect from future episodes.

Get to know a little more about her by checking out her professional and personal passions by checking out her website khayriyyah.com!

Music Produced by: Khaysirah MuhammadSmith

Artwork Created by: Maia Boakye