Courageous Conversations

A simple idea can ignite a powerful change, sparking a movement that touches lives far and wide.

For Ssanyu Lukoma, one idea evolved into a mission with a global impact.

Ssanyu Lukoma is a teenage entrepreneur, author, and public speaker studying broadcast journalism at Howard University. At 13, she founded Brown Kids Read, a nonprofit promoting diverse literature for children, and later launched The Brown Reads Bookshelf. Ssanyu has published four children's books through her company, Share a Smile Books, and was crowned Miss HBCU Teen 2023, using her platform to advocate for diverse literature and HBCU education. She inspires others through workshops and her passion for amplifying diverse voices.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Ssanyu, who shares how she successfully transitioned her online bookstore, the Brown Reads Bookshelf, into a nationwide virtual book drive, mobilizing high school and college students to distribute thousands of books in their communities. Ssanyu's passion for spreading awareness about cultural appreciation and the importance of intergenerational inspiration is palpable as she discusses her work with corporate leadership and the impact of her TEDx Talk.

Key Discussion Points:

• Ssanyu Lukoma's journey as a teenage entrepreneur and founder of Brown Kids Read.

• The creation and impact of the Brown Kids Reads Bookshelf and Share a Smile Books.

• How Ssanyu uses her platform as Miss HBCU Teen 2023 to advocate for diverse literature and education.

• The importance of amplifying diverse voices and inspiring others to bring big ideas to life.

• Insights on balancing roles as a student, author, and public speaker.

Embracing her passion for diversity and education, Ssanyu Lukoma shows us that with determination and a vision, even the smallest voices can make the biggest impact.

Connect with Ssanyu Lukoma here!

Instagram: @ssanyuspeaks / @brownkidsread

Website: ssanyuspeaks.com

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Ever felt like life's challenges are stacking up against you, making your goals seem out of reach?

For former elite gymnast, Braie Swann, knowing how to flip those challenges into stepping stones for success is not new to her.

Braie Swann is a former elite gymnast and All-American from the University of Arkansas, who now excels as a head coach, judge, and business owner. With a background in competitive sports, she has seamlessly transitioned into multiple roles, including entrepreneurship and social media influence. As a dedicated mom and mentor, Braie continues to inspire others with her resilience and drive.

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Amy sits down with Braie, who shares her journey from being a young gymnast to excelling as a Division 1 athlete at the University of Arkansas. Braie opens up about the challenges she faced balancing the intense demands of gymnastics with her academics, revealing how she built the resilience to overcome a major injury that sidelined her for eight months. Now a mother, coach, judge, and entrepreneur, Braie discusses how her experiences in gymnastics shaped her approach to life and business. She also reflects on the importance of maintaining a social life during college and finding purpose beyond sports. This episode offers a powerful story of perseverance, time management, and the pursuit of passion for young women looking to lead with courage.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to shift your mindset when facing life's toughest challenges and learn strategies to stay resilient even when the pressure is on.
• Insights into juggling the demands of personal and professional life, with practical tips on how to manage time and responsibilities effectively.
• Understand what it takes to stay motivated and driven, even when the path seems uncertain or overwhelming.
• The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community and how to seek out those who uplift and inspire you in your journey.

Remember to always stay motivated and to keep pushing forward–your next success might just be around the corner.

Connect with Braie Swann here!

Instagram/TikTok: @ayybraiebraie

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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Ever wondered how some college girls seem to juggle it all—academics, social life, and a budding career—without breaking a sweat?

Join us as Katie Anne, a 19-year-old vlogger and sorority sister, spills her secrets on finding balance, staying motivated, and turning her college experience into an inspiring journey for young female leaders everywhere.

Katie Anne, a lively vlogger from Orange County, California, started sharing her life online at 14. Now a rising sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder, she's studying Strategic Communications and minoring in Creative Technology & Design. Katie's interests include Christianity, balanced living, exercise, and sorority life, and she's excited to move into the Delta Gamma house with 75 sisters this fall. Her relatable and engaging content, from sweet treats to beach days with family, continues to inspire and entertain her audience.

In this episode of the Courageous Conversations podcast, Amy sits down with Katie Anne while she shares her journey of balancing college life, building a successful YouTube channel, and maintaining a vibrant social media presence. Tune in to discover how she finds the sweet spot between her academic responsibilities and her passion for content creation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Strategies for managing her time between college, sorority life, and content creation.

• The importance of having a supportive network and how Katie Anne's family and management team help her succeed.

• Where a career with vlogging can go and the importance of having multiple streams of income.

Join us in reflecting on how balancing college life and personal passions can lead to finding your own sweet spot in a whirlwind of responsibilities.

Connect with Katie Anne here!

TikTok: @heymisskatiee

Instagram: @heymisskatie

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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In today's world, mental health is a crucial conversation, especially for young people who often feel the weight of these challenges.

Hearing stories of others' struggles can be incredibly comforting, reminding us that we are never truly alone in our journey.

Sadie Sutton is a 20-year-old psychology student at the University of Pennsylvania. After experiencing a year and a half of intensive treatment (beginning at 13 years old) and fully recovering from severe depression and anxiety, she was inspired to share her story with fellow teens going through their own personal growth. Since sharing her story, Sadie has accumulated over 150k podcast downloads, appeared on 25 shows, and been featured in multiple publications. Sadie is a reminder of our ability to turn adversity into prosperity even at a young age.

Hear from Sadie in this episode where she discusses her incredible journey from struggling with mental health issues to becoming a beacon of hope for young women everywhere. Sadie shares her story of battling depression and anxiety from a young age, the impact it had on her life, and how she overcame these challenges to achieve personal and academic success.

Key Discussion Points:

• Sadie's experience of being encouraged to actively participate in her DBT treatment, emphasizing the need to understand both the logical and emotional sides of recovery

• The day-to-day struggles of someone with depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, and how families can learn to validate and support those feelings

• The importance of asking for help, being patient with oneself, and not making things worse during tough times

Remember, there is always hope and you don't have to go through this alone. It is ok to ask for help.

Connect with Sadie here!

Website: https://shepersistedpodcast.com/links

Instagram/TikTok: @shepersistedpodcast

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It is no secret that female athletes don't get as much recognition as male athletes do.

The only way to start this conversation is by hearing from a female athlete firsthand.

Cassidy is a Division I field hockey player at James Madison University. She is a rising senior on the JMU Field Hockey team and studies Marketing with an Interdisciplinary Honors minor. Cassidy is the current Co-President of JMU SAAC, and has been a participant of the JMU Dukes Leadership program since her first year of college. Coming from a close-knit family upbringing, Cassidy seeks to display those family values in every interaction and relationship she has. She loves to learn, to push herself, and to connect with the greater world around her.

In today's episode, D1 field hockey player, Cassidy Strittmatter, is here to discuss her journey, the challenges faced by female athletes, and the importance of support and recognition for women in sports.

Key Discussion Points:

• The ongoing challenges for achieving equal funding, support, and recognition in women's sports programs

• The crucial role of supportive administration and media in leveling the playing field for female athletes

• The importance of seeking team experiences beyond sports, such as school projects or clubs, for personal and professional growth

While it's always a fight, whether it's for funding or recognition, the growth and achievements in women's sports deserve the same spotlight as men's.

Connect with Cassidy here!

Instagram: @cass.stritt

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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How can you turn your biggest battles into victories?

Leia T. Hunt is a two-time childhood cancer survivor, founder of Leia's Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal and Princess Marygold and the Royal Tea Party. Diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at two years old, Leia underwent 26 surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy, ultimately defeating cancer but losing vision in her left eye.

Leia Hunt's incredible journey from surviving childhood cancer twice to founding her own nonprofit, Leia's Kids, is a testament to resilience, strength, and the power of choice. In this episode, Leia shares her experiences with bullying, the lifelong side effects of cancer, and how she turned her hardships into a mission to help others. This episode is a must-listen for young women, especially college students, looking for inspiration and empowerment.

Together, Amy and Leia engage in conversation about a testament to the power of choice, resilience, and the importance of a supportive community.

Key Discussion Points:

• How to choose happiness when overwhelmed with anger and frustration from life's events.

• The power that your choices hold in the face of adversity and how conscious decision-making during tough times can lead to remarkable transformations and a fulfilling life.

• Tips for those who feel they don't have genuine connections/friendships and the role of patience and faith played in that process.

Always remember that although you can not change the past, you can shape how your future looks by doing what you can right now in the present!

Connect with Leia here!

Instagram: @leiahunt_ & @leias_kids

Website: https://leiaskids.org/

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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Have you ever thought about breaking free from your comfort zone?

In today's Courageous Conversation, Amy is joined by Bateman Solms. From her daring application to her exploration in Bermuda's waters, Bateman's story challenges us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace the unknown.

Bateman has spent the past four years living in Scotland completing her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at the University of St. Andrews. She applied to boarding school at 16, without telling her parents and gained a full scholarship at an amazing school working in a lab in Bermuda. She began sharing her experience as an American abroad four years ago. She loves being a resource and sharing her experiences that she is passionate about!

Together, Amy and Bateman delve into the exciting journey of growing into independence and seeking out adventures that help us discover our strengths and passions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Tips for those who are introverted or shy but want to embrace new experiences.

• The concept of "rejection therapy" and building confidence through small steps and cumulative experiences.

• The exponential benefits of accumulating diverse experiences and perspectives.

Never forget that rejection is part of the journey. It only takes one 'yes' to change everything.

Connect with Bateman here!

Instagram: @shark_bateman

TikTok: @shark_bateman

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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Picture a young girl, diagnosed with a chronic illness at just 10 years old, who not only faces her challenges head-on, but also uses them as a catalyst for incredible achievements.

Meet Gigi Robinson, whose journey from adversity to advocacy is nothing short of extraordinary. She creates, educates, and speaks about topics most important to her — mental health and chronic illness. From making history in Sports Illustrated to empowering countless individuals with her children's book and insightful essays, Gigi's story is one of triumph and tenacity.

Join Amy and Gigi today, as they have a Courageous Conversation about how Gigi transformed her struggles into strengths, inspired a global community, and continues to achieve and inspire remarkable success. Gigi's positivity, resilience, and creative spirit will leave you feeling motivated and uplifted.

More in this episode:

• How Gigi found resilience through self-advocacy & creative expression.

• Importance of surrounding oneself with empathetic and supportive individuals.

• Encouragement to remember that everyone has their own struggles, so you don't need to internalize judgment from others.

Connect with Gigi Robinson here!

Instagram: @itsgigirobinson

Website: www.gigirobinson.com

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In today's Courageous Conversation, Kelly is honored to host Cameron Dobbs, a dynamic sports broadcaster and former collegiate volleyball player whose journey is a testament of resilience, faith, and finding purpose beyond the game.

Growing up in a faith-filled family with a passion for SEC football in Georgia, Cameron's life had always revolved around sports. Her talent and dedication led her to play volleyball at the University of Miami, where she envisioned a future filled with athletic triumphs.

However, life threw Cameron an unexpected curveball when she suffered 3 concussions in a single year, forcing her to step away from the sport she loved and reevaluate her path. This turning point in her life not only tested her physical limits but also reshaped her identity.

Tune in to discover:

• Cameron's journey of understanding her worth beyond her athletic performance, embracing her identity as a child of God.

• How to recognize and celebrate athletes beyond their athletic abilities

• Cameron's personal motto "play where your feet are," which helped her accept life's redirection

Connect with Cameron here!

Instagram: @cam.dobbs, @playwhereyourfeetare

Website: playwhereyourfeetare.com

Stay Connected with The Courageous Brand here!

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Bullying is everywhere.

You've probably experienced this cruelty in some capacity, especially as a woman.

In today's Courageous Conversation, Amy is joined by Adriana Carrig, founder and CEO of the Little Words Project.

After years of bullying, Adriana started making bracelets in college for herself and her sorority sisters. The wearable affirmations reminded them of their worth, and got them through tough times together. Ten years and millions of bracelets later, the Little Word Project community is living proof that kindness is a superpower.

Listen in as Adriana discusses the evolution of her brand and advice for handling negativity & building a supportive community.

More in this episode:

• The importance of self-belief and perseverance in entrepreneurship

• Strategies for sustaining organic growth in a bootstrap business

• How personal experiences with bullying shaped Adriana's mission

You must believe in yourself, that's half the battle.

Connect with Adriana here!

https://www.littlewordsproject.com/

Instagram: @littlewordsproject, @adrianacarrig

Stay Connected With The Courageous Brand HERE!

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