Welcome to another month of Influencer Podcasting.  This month, we showcase individuals and organizations, doing phenomenal work in their communities and for their neighbors.  Social responsibility is an ethical process in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment.

Our theme for August - September, "Social Responsibility:  Giving Back On and With Purpose", offers the platform needed to share strategies, tactics and projects that are changing lives and communities.  Given the current atmosphere of social unrest, there are men, women and organizations that have found "pain points" and are addressing that need.

This week's guests are Officers of the Booker T. Washington High School Foundation: President Emeritus/Founding President,  Doris Glymph Greene, President, Gloria Graham Boyd, Vice-President, Colonel Kimberly Greene (Ret), M. L. Kohn, Scholarships and Matthew & Francis Addison, Alumni Co-Chairs.  These remarkable individuals share the mission, vision and strategies to maintain the legacy of the second high school built for Black students in the State of South Carolina, in 1916, Booker T. Washington High School.  At the advent of integration, BTW High School later was deemed obsolete and eventually closed.  The Columbia School Board sold the property to the University of South Carolina, leaving the Black community without its anchor institution.  

Listen to the proud history of BTW High School, the memories and life lessons that catapulted successful alumni to lives of service and giving back.  Hear how the BTW High School Foundation is keeping the legacy of that great institution alive and thriving.  This Foundation is a testament to the dedication of a group of retirees and their legacies, to keep the history and importance of Booker T. Washington High School relevant.  

Members of the Foundation's passion is contagious and inspiring.  Hopefully, you're inspired to "Give Back: On and With Purpose" in your community!

To learn more and support BTW Foundation check out their website:  https://bookertwashingtonfoundationsc.org

Welcome to another month of Influencer Podcasting.  This month, we showcase individuals and organizations, doing phenomenal work in their communities and for their neighbors.  Social responsibility is an ethical process in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment.

Our theme for August - September, "Social Responsibility:  Giving Back On and With Purpose", offers the platform needed to share strategies, tactics and projects that are changing lives and communities.  Given the current atmosphere of social unrest, there are men, women and organizations that have found "pain points" and are addressing that need.

This week's guest, Dr. Karen Dyer, a Partner in On Point Leadership, was formerly the Director of the Education and Nonprofit Sector for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).  Having served in this capacity for seventeen (17) years, she was responsible for leading the work that insured CCL’s portfolio of programs, products, and resources were made available to social sector executives and senior leaders (e.g., higher education, non-profit/NGO, and pre-K-12) - enterprise wide.  In addition to being the internal and external liaison involving CCL’s work in the social sector, Karen was a facilitator for the African American Leadership Program, Women’s Leadership Program, and recently named Honorary Senior Fellow – one of CCL’s highest honors. She is a Partner in On Point Leadership, was formerly the Director of the Education and Nonprofit Sector for the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).  

Karen is a renowned nonprofit consultant who will share tips for starting or sustaining a nonprofit organization.

Listen as she shares best practices that can help any leader or organization make the impact your community needs.

Welcome to another month of Influencer Podcasting.  This month, we showcase individuals and organizations, doing phenomenal work in their communities and for their neighbors.  Social responsibility is an ethical process in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment. 

Our theme for August - September, "Social Responsibility:  Giving Back On and With Purpose", offers the platform needed to share strategies, tactics and projects that are changing lives and communities.  Given the current atmosphere of social unrest, there are men, women and organizations that have found a "pain point" and are addressing that need.  

Our kick-off guest, "Pastor K" Kareem Bowen, is a pastor, entrepreneur, visionary and "actualizer".  He is a man of vision and purpose...who doesn't see "no" as the final answer.  "Pastor K" is a young man doing extraordinary things which  align with his passions and his purpose - connectivity, creativity and access.  

Listen as he shares best practices about sustainable community growth and how he works with partners to produce phenomenal results.   Wow!  ...And he has a litany of programs and sustainable solutions that are both impactful and replicable.

Check out his website:  www.kbs.com 

Welcome back to our focus and celebration of public service!  As you know, I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and meaningful giving back!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Today, our last guest of the month is Dr. Lyna M. Matesi, Associate Professor - Leadership Studies and also directs the MBA program at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point.  Over the last 25 years, Lyna served in change management, leadership development, and curriculum development roles at U.S. Cellular and business planning, project management, and communication technology roles at Motorola.  Dr. Lyna prepares leaders to thrive in disruptive environments. She directs an MBA program at UW-Stevens Point, where she prepares next-generation entrepreneurs and business professionals.  She also serves as On-Call Facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership.  She is invited to speak with leadership teams in for-profit, nonprofit, and government organizations.

As a professor, Dr. Matesi taught undergraduate and graduate courses in management, leadership, and strategy. She played an instrumental role in launching three new degree programs in data science, data analytics, and business administration as well helping secure a 4 million dollar program endowment.

Listen as Dr. Matesi shares her very fascinating leadership journey and learn how she uses her sense of "hustle" to make things happen for herself and others. Learn how her work ethic, tactics and excitement for creating, changed her life and the lives of everyone she touches.  

Check out the work of an entrepreneur from her program:  Quyen Him + Assembly Shop + - "Be All The Things Scholarship"

https://assembly-shop.com/pages/community 

Welcome back to our focus and celebration of public service!  As you know, I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and meaningful giving back!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Today, our guest is Glorina Stallworth, Injury and Violence Prevention Unit Manager with the North Carolina Division of Public Health. In her current role, she oversees over $8 million dollars of federal funding provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Her daily responsibilities include management of prevention strategies and activities that address numerous public health priorities, including motor vehicle injuries, rape and sexual assault, opioid addiction, falls and suicide. Glorina works with numerous community-based organization and other state agencies to ensure the health and well-being of all North Carolinians.  

She also serves as Board Chair for the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network and serves as a facilitator of the NC Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Advisory Council. Glorina formerly worked as the Family Violence Prevention Coordinator with the NC Dept of Health and Human Services and is a Certified Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP) and a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP) in Child and Adult Mental Health. Her extensive experience of more than 25 years in sexual and intimate partner violence, as well as mental health has afforded her the opportunity to use numerous platforms to promote the safety and well-being of North Carolinians across the state.

Glorina's passion for young people and families is evident in her "hands on" work with people impacted by injury and violence from a caring and compassionate perspective.

Learn more about how the COVID pandemic has uncovered inequities and disparities and ways in which we can all help ourselves and others. 

Welcome back to our focus and celebration of public service!  As you know, I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and meaningful giving back!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Today, our guest is Rachel Torres is the Administrator and National Director for the Employment Training Administration’s (ETA) Office of Job Corps at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Job Corps is a residential program that provides comprehensive and integrated academic and career technical skills training, workforce preparation, and support services for low-income young adults ages 16 to 24. In this role, she is responsible for operating the $1.7 billion program, including its 123 centers across the country.

Over the years, Ms. Torres received recognition for her leadership at both the agency and Departmental levels, including numerous Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Awards. In 2019, she was the proud recipient of the DOL’s Distinguished Career Service Award.

She has been a member of the African American Federal Executive Association since 2017 and serves as the Community Affairs Director and Program Director on its Board of Directors. From 2017 to 2019, she chaired the Board of the Directors of Washington Leadership Academy, a charter school in Washington DC that focuses on technology.

Listen as Rachel shares personal advice and encouragement for those looking to excel in public service and the role AAFEA can play.  As Rachel says:  "If you want more from your career...take ownership and keep moving towards that next step...whatever it may be."

Welcome back to our focus and celebration of public service!  As you know, I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and meaningful giving back!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Today, our guest is Marcus Coleman, a Former Program Manager at FEMA and a manager at HWC.  Marcus, shares the origins of his passion for public service.  His family legacy started with his great-grandmother, grandmother and mother and set the tone for his extensive career in public service career and leadership.  Marcus wears a t-shirt for our interview that is reflective of his appreciation and recognition of all those who contributed to his success - "Not Self-Made. Village Raised."  

You'll hear how Marcus crafted a highly relevant public service career that has been at the nexus of the faith community and government, while being the source of training, marketing and preparedness at a time when it is most needed.  Marcus is so passionate about public service and such a gifted and strategic thinker who shares his talents across a wide range of organizations and causes.  He shares key insights around preparedness and practical tips that everyone can and should follow, in the event of a disaster.  

Listen as Marcus shares personal advice and encouragement for those considering or already in public service, as a "noble profession".  As Marcus says:  "If you're thinking about a career in public service...there's room for you and your talents."

Welcome back to our focus and celebration of public service!  As you know, I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and meaningful giving back!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Kicking off this month, our Chief Evangelist of CommonSense Leadership Influencer Podcast, Dr. L. D. Bennett, shares her public service career and leadership journey.  Dr. Bennett's public service career spans all levels of government - local/county, state and federal.  She is very open and transparent about both the good times and the challenging moments in public service...while always valuing the impact on her career, life and leadership.

Enjoy LD's wonderful stories, funny moments and life-changing wisdom...you'll be glad you did!

 Listen as LD shares key lessons learned at each level of public service and the take-aways that have served her well.  

Welcome to our focus and celebration of public service!  I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and giving back in a meaningful way!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Rounding out this month, is Marilyn A. Sanders - Chicago Regional Director - U. S. Census Bureau.  In this role, she oversees eight states with a total population of nearly 54 million people and nearly 24 million housing units. Mrs. Sanders also serves as an advisor to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Field Division Transformation Team, and as a member of the Chicago Federal Executive Board. Her extensive career spans five Decennial Censuses and multiple Survey Data Collection innovations and improvements. Mrs. Sanders is committed to excellence at every level in pursuing the Bureau’s mission.

Mrs. Sanders’ extensive knowledge of field data collection has been an invaluable asset to the Chicago Region. Her contributions as a Coordinator, Survey Statistician, Supervisory Geographer, Assistant Regional Census Manager, and Deputy Regional Director in both the 2000 and 2010 Censuses provide a glimpse of her more than forty-year career with the U.S. Census Bureau which has included five Decennial Censuses.

She has received many commendations during her career. These recognitions included three Bronze Medals in 1992, 2000, and 2011, and the Presidential Hammer Award in 2010. She has been nominated twice for Federal Employee of the year for her outstanding public service.

Listen to Mrs. Sanders's keys to success as an African American female succeeding in a nontraditional role for individuals "that look like her"!  

Welcome to our focus and celebration of public service!  I have tremendous fondness and appreciation for my time in public service and the invaluable lessons I learned about leadership, people, community, and giving back in a meaningful way!

Our theme for June-July:  "A Call to Public Service:  A Leadership Journey"

Today's guest is Marie C. Johns is CEO of PPC-Leftwich, a minority/woman-led firm with deep roots in Washington, D.C. She focuses on management consulting, business development, organizational effectiveness, and public policy consulting. She has been a leader in business, civic, and government service for more than 30 years.  In 2009, Marie was nominated by President Barack Obama to serve as deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Following her Senate confirmation, she was responsible for management of the nearly $1 billion agency and development of SBA programs and policies, including leading the effort to implement the more than 60 provisions of the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010.

Marie is a member of the Greater Washington Business Hall of Fame and one of Washingtonian magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women.” Marie is also a Howard University Board of Trustee member.  In addition to being founding chair of the Washington DC Technology Council, she has served as a board member, president, or chair of the DC Chamber of Commerce, the Federal City Council, the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the Economic Club of Washington, Leadership Greater Washington, and the International Women’s Forum of Washington, D.C.

Listen as Marie shares the value and importance of small businesses and being in service to others.  You'll "lean in" for the captivating story of the phenomenal legacy of her paternal grandparents and the impact their determination and business savvy has had on her life.  Tremendous life lessons for entrepreneurs and all professionals!