Delivering Impact

In Episode 16, Dwight speaks with S. Renee Smith and her father William J. Smith, Sr. S. Renee Smith is a renowned speaker, and brand consultant who has authored six books. William J. Smith Sr was the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Smith Masonry, Inc.

Dwight shares his ties with the Smith family as a former recipient of the William J. and Reverend Shirley M. Smith Scholarship while attending Delaware State University.

S. Renee and William Smith recently authored a new book titled Go Futher With God. The family duo shares testimonal stories from Go Futher With God, which pulls back the curtain on William J. Smith Sr remarkable journey as a teenage runaway who became a master builder and community leader.

S. Renee Smith Website https://srenee.com

S Renee Smith LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srenee/

Go Further With God Book Website: https://www.lca.education/go-further-with-god-book-sales

In Episode 15 of the Delivering Impact Podcast, I speak with Aaron Taylor, Senior Vice President and Executive Director at AccessLex Institute- Center for Legal Education Excellence, for an insightful conversation on expanding access within the legal profession. Vice President Taylor shares his career journey and how the Center for Legal Education Excellence advances AccessLex’s mission to empower the next generation of lawyers.

Vice President Taylor sheds light on the LexScholars Pathway Programs, initiatives designed to guide pre-law students from underrepresented backgrounds through the law school admissions process.  I’m privileged to reflect on my personal experience by participating in the 2025 LexPreLaw Program. 

Listeners will learn about valuable AccessLex resources, including financial counseling services and the Scholarship Databank, both designed to help students make a legal education a financial reality.

Vice President Taylor closes the conversation by sharing what is on the horizon for AccessLex Institute and how the organization continues to innovate in support of aspiring law students nationwide.

AccessLex Institute Website: https://www.accesslex.org

Aaron Taylor Senior Vice President Contact: [email protected]

AccessLex Institute LexScholars Pathway Programs https://www.accesslex.org/tools-and-resources/lexscholars

AccessLex Scholarship Databank https://www.accesslex.org/databank

In this episode,  Dwight speaks with Skye Blanks, a serial entrepreneur who serves as Chief Operations Officer of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB). Dwight reflects on the unique connection with Skye through the Elevate Executive Education Program. As the co- founder of Premo Cannabis, a dispensary based in New Jersey, Skye shares the regulatory challenges in the cannabis market. Skye discusses the inspiration to launch Herman Todd Consulting Group and his passion to help small business owners scale. Skye enlightens listeners with a preview of his upcoming book Fundamentals of Fortune - Unlocking the Hidden Profits In Your Business. 

Connect with Skye Blanks and his busines ventures:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skyeblanks/

Premo Cannabis https://premocannabis.co

Herman Todd Consulting Group https://hermantodd.com

Elevate Executive Education Program https://thecoalitiondc.org/elevate/

In this episode, I am privileged to speak with Thennie Freeman, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Director Freeman shares what a typical day is like to lead DC DPR, sharing how she balances the demands of her role with maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Our conversation explores the vital role recreation centers play in supporting DC residents—from wellness and community programs to opportunities for connection across neighborhoods. We also discuss DC DPR’s Ward-by-Ward meetings that keep residents updated on new and existing construction projects.Director Freeman emphasizes that “recreation is prevention and also extension” encouraging residents to sign up for DPR’s fall programs and events.

We conclude the conversation by emphasizing the importance of leveling the playing field for women in sports and ensuring equitable access for all.

Residents can register and sign up for DC DPR programs at: https://dprevents.com

Director Freeman LinkedIN  https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefreedc/

Follow DC DPR on Social Mediahttps://www.instagram.com/dcdpr

FitDC: https://fitdc.com

City Kids Wilderness Project: https://citykidsdc.org

Joy Evans Therapeutic Recreation Center

https://dpr.dc.gov/page/joy-evans-therapeutic-recreation-center

In this episode, Dwight speaks with Danielle Boardley, Assistant Dean of Student Life at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law. Dean Boardley discusses her work supporting law students and what motivated her to launch the Stephen and Sandra Sheller Pipeline Program. Dean Boardley highlights the program’s core pillars and its impact on aspiring legal professionals.

As a proud alumnus, Dwight also reflects on his own meaningful experiences with the program and the doors it has opened for future law students.

Pre-Law students are encouraged to apply for the next cycle of the Sheller Pipeline Program in April 2026. The application link is provided below.

Dean Boardley LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-boardley-she-her/

Drexel University Thomas R. Kline Stephen and Sandra Sheller Pipeline Program https://drexel.edu/law/admissions/summer-immersion-program/

In this episode, Dwight is joined by Meeta Sharma-Holt, the Executive Director of The Fishing School. Dwight walks down memory lane to reflect on moments as a participant with The Fishing School which had a lasting impact. Director Sharma-Holt discusses the Fishing School’s transition to focus on cutting-edge STEAM programs. Further, converse on opportunities listeners can support their vital mission through fundraising and community partnerships. 

The Fishing School https://www.fishingschool.org

Email: [email protected]

The Fishing School Social Media Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thefishingschool/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheFishingSchool/#

LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fishing-school/?viewAsMember=true

In this episode, we sit down with Ms. Jaia Thomas Esq, a seasoned sports and entertainment attorney and the visionary founder of Diverse Representation. With over 15 years of experience, Ms. Thomas has been instrumental in structuring, drafting, and negotiating agreements within the television and film content sectors.

Diverse Representation is dedicated to revolutionizing the sports and entertainment industry. Through a robust database and innovative initiatives, Diverse Representation aims to amplify opportunities for African American agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists nationwide.

Join us as Jaia shares insights into her journey, the pivotal role of diversity in entertainment and sports, and the transformative impact of Diverse Representation's programs and events. This episode promises an enlightening conversation on breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in one of the world's most dynamic industries.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaia-thomas-13b0a62/

https://www.diverserepresentation.com/

https://www.blackwomeninsports.com/

https://www.blacksportsownership.com/home

Our guest today is Delano Hunter, Director of District of Columbia Department of General Services.

Director Delano Hunter

DC Department of General Services

DC Department of General Services CBE Symposium

DC Department of General Services Mentor-Protégé Program 

DC Infrastructure Academy

Podcast Transcript

Our guest today is Lateefah Durant. Ms. Durant serves as Vice President of Innovation at CityWorks DC ensuring that young people have the work experience, social capital, and credentials needed to compete for family sustaining jobs. CityWork DC programs are providing young adults with apprenticeship opportunities in high demand, high wage industries such as IT, Finance, and transformative career coaching.

Lateefah Durant https://www.linkedin.com/in/lateefahdurant/

CityWorks DC https://www.cityworksdc.org/

CityWorks DC Embark https://www.cityworksdc.org/embark

Arizona State University Local DC https://asulocal.asu.edu/washington-dc

National Apprenticeship Week https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week

Our guest today is Kristi C. Whitfield Director of the District of Columbia Small and Local Business Development. DSLBD is a government agency with a mission to support the development, economic growth, and retention of District -bases businesses and promote economic development throughout the district commercial corridors. Director Whitfield provides insight regarding Distrit of Columbia Certified Business Enterprise, DSLBD small business grant opportunities, and upcoming initiatives.

Resources

DC Department of Small and Local Business Website | dslbd (dc.gov)

Dream Pitch 2023 Dream Pitch Program | dslbd (dc.gov)

DC Certified Business Enterprise Program CBE Certifications | dslbd (dc.gov)

DC Green Book Green Book: Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Opportunity Guide | dslbd (dc.gov)

Made in DC Made in DC Certification Program | dslbd

Kiva Hub DC Kiva Hub at DSLBD | dslbd

Art All Night DC Art All Night | dslbd

Obviously DC #ObviouslyDC