Join host Brittany Sharpton in an inspiring conversation with Amanda Edwards, an attorney, dynamic leader, and Houston mayoral candidate, as they delve into the remarkable journey of overcoming setbacks and finding resilience in the face of adversity. From her early days as a successful municipal law attorney to her current pursuit of becoming the next mayor of Houston, TX, Amanda shares her insights, strategies, and personal experiences that have shaped her into the thoughtful and resilient leader she is today.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Tune in to this captivating episode of Britt Happens and learn from Amanda Edwards' wisdom and resilience as she paves the way for a brighter future.

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After a stellar 20-year career of groundbreaking accomplishments as a lawyer and 6 years of making philanthropic investments at the second largest foundation in the U.S., the Ford Foundation, my guest, Thomasina Williams realized her personal passion and professional mission to help others avoid the loss of wealth and fracturing of relationships that befell her family.

Thomasina facilitates and coaches business-owning individuals and families to build stronger relationships and make better decisions, so their families flourish and businesses thrive across generations.  She was the very first consultant in the nation hired by Wells Fargo Private Bank to go in-house and play a leadership role in building a new internal group to support its ultra-high net worth clients in navigating the family side of wealth.

Thomasina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

She is a longtime student of Bowen Family Systems Theory, a Certified Resilient Leadership Coach, and a Conversational Intelligence Coach. Thomasina holds certificates in Advanced Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute. She is also a member of the Purposeful Planning Institute, where she serves on its Advisory Board; the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute, where she serves on its Board; the Independent Trustee Alliance; and The Florida Bar.

Additionally, Thomasina serves on the Advisory Board of Enterprising Women magazine and the Advisory Council of the Women Business Collaborative, and is a member of the Inner Circle of How Women Lead.

Host: Brittany Sharpton

Outstanding discussion with proud New Orleans native, highly sought-after motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, and internationally acclaimed STEM advocate and educator Dr. Calvin Mackie!

Dr. Mackie, a former tenured Tulane Engineering professor (the FIRST Black tenured professor at the School of Engineering might I add!), founded STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Since 2014, STEM NOLA has engaged over 50,000+ students – mostly under-served low-income students – in hands-on STEM project-based learning.

Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization created to expose, His message and life’s mission continues to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. Dr. Mackie founded STEM NOLA as a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Their award-winning programs provide activities, events and virtual learning to under served communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization specialized in hosting events and bringing STEM experiences to urban neighborhoods. Over the past eight years, STEM NOLA, which is now an affiliate of STEM Global Action, has engaged more than 70,000 students, 17,000 families and 2,150 schools across the U.S. and in five other countries.

A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie graduated from high school with low test scores requiring him to take special remedial classes at Morehouse College. In 1990, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College with a B.S. degree, as a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Simultaneously, he was awarded a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he subsequently earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996.

Host: Brittany Sharpton

Tune in for an entertaining and enlightening discussion with New York State Senator, Kevin S. Parker, Chairman of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Senator Parker discusses his political experience, leadership, and vision for New York City as well as his inspiration for pursuing public service and the related challenges to serving in the public spotlight. Parker represents the 21st senate district which consists of many diverse communities including Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope.

A product of the New York City Public School system, Senator Parker attended P.S. 193, Andries Hudde I.S. 240, and Midwood High School. Elected to the New York State Senate in 2002, Senator Parker’s professional background reflects a wide range of public service and an unwavering commitment to a better New York. As the Special Assistant to former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Senator Parker managed intergovernmental relations in New York City, and was the liaison between the Comptroller; city, state, and federal elected officials. Before taking office, Senator Parker was a New York City Urban Fellow and also served as Special Assistant to former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger; Legislative Aide to former New York City Councilmember Una Clarke, and Special Assistant to Assemblyman Nick Perry. As Project Manager with the New York State Urban Development Corporation, Senator Parker financed minority and women owned businesses and promoted community business redevelopment.

For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Exclusion and discrimination against Haitian refugees has been a constant factor across both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of this discrimination in policy stems from a distinction in international law and there is very strong evidence that anti-Blackness plays a critical role in marking Haitian immigrants as persona non grata.

International indifference towards Haitian suffering, discrimination, and human misery will continue as long as Americans continue to emphasize TEMPORARY outrage while remaining in a pattern of repeated ignorance and convenient amnesia.

For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Tune in for a really fun discussion with political strategist and analyst, Shermichael Singleton. We talk #NickiMinaj and her COVID comments, AOC and the #MetGala, and who's album is better: #Drake or #Kanye! You don't want to miss this!

Shermichael Singleton is a Political Strategist, Analyst and contributor to the Boston Globe. He has worked on three presidential election campaigns. He’s been a CNN political commentator and now regularly provides commentary on MSNBC.

Following the 2016 election, he was the youngest-ever Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deputy chief of staff, supporting Secretary Ben Carson. He was removed from his HUD position after penning an op-ed critical of President Trump’s characterization of Black voters.

Follow me at @brittanysharpton

Tune in to hear from Lewis H. Williams III, Houston-based Travel Entrepreneur, Influencer, Founder of the very popular blog 'Travel Is The New Club', and one of THE most free spirited, entertaining, YOLO-esque people I know! 

Lewis, who quit his job as a top salesperson at a major international communications firm, will travel literally at the drop of a hat. His unique perspective on life and rebellion against social constructs coupled with his yellow pimp shades, brown liquor, and love for his beloved cat, Atlanta, makes him the life of the global fiesta!

Follow me at @brittanysharpton

Follow Lewis at @ihustlenation

Tune in to hear from Atlanta Councilman, Andre Dickens! Dickens is running a strong campaign in his Mayoral bid to replace the City of Atlanta's current Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. We discuss his vision for Atlanta's future development; as well as technology, transportation, safety, and security for citizens. Andre, who spearheaded the efforts to create ATL's first ever Department of Transportation, believes efficiency and effectiveness are key to a high quality of life.

Outside of his civic and public life, Andre Dickens is a father, Chief Development Officer for TechBridge, enjoys taking online piano lessons, and loves his chihuahua!

Host: Brittany Sharpton

Had a super fun and informative discussion with City of Miami Commissioner, Jeffrey Watson! We discussed sustainable economic development , market rate, workforce, and affordable housing , bolstering tech in Miami, STEM, and more!

Miami native Jeffrey Watson is a passionate leader on a mission to foster economic inclusion, build capacity, and elevate community status for enhanced outcomes and quality of life. He has over 30 years’ experience in finance, development and urban economic development.

His National public career includes serving as Interim Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House for President William Jefferson Clinton. In addition, Mr. Watson served as a Director of the Presidential Transition team and in various states as a State Field Director; and ultimately, the Deputy National Field Director of the Clinton/Gore Presidential campaign.

Host: Brittany Sharpton

Tune in to hear Miami-born attorney, small business owner, mother, and District 8 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins discuss the future of digital currency, plans for transportation advancements in Miami-Dade, sustainable economic development, the challenges of balancing beauty and brains, and more!

How Will Cryptocurrency Transform The Future of Business Forever? If you haven’t quite yet warmed up to the idea of cryptocurrency, you are certainly not alone. Only about 15% of Americans currently own some form of digital currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. And a large portion of these investors bought in the past two years. Regardless of your investment stance, however, there is a strong possibility that cryptocurrency will be impacting you and the future of business transactions.

The daughter of Jamaican immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities, she was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital and spent part of her early years living in what is now a Section 8 housing complex called Milton Manors. Commissioner Cohen Higgins knows the importance of a quality education and is a proud product of our Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she graduated at the top of her class and earned a scholarship to the University of Florida. She became the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to attend law school at Florida State University. After completing her education, she joined prestigious national law firm, before branching off on her own to start her own firm, dedicated to serving small businesses and individuals in our community. She is proud to call South Dade home with her husband, two young children, and their two dogs. #BrittHappens #MiamiDadeCounty #BrittanySharpton #DanielleCohenHiggins

Host: Brittany Sharpton