Ethocast

In offices across the country, people often ask, "How do these fraternity and sorority people get these jobs???" Nicki Joiner can answer that question. Having worked in both higher education and talent acquisition, Nicki knows the "secret sauce" for career advancement among fraternity and sorority members. She also understands how the job market performs and how college students should adjust overall. Check out Nicki's advice and insights about career readiness on this episode of "Ethocast."

About the Guest

Before transitioning to recruiting, she spent eight years working in higher education as a student affairs administrator, giving her a deep understanding of what students need to succeed after graduation. While working at JPMorgan Chase, she reviewed more than 50,000 résumés and hired 541 students whose salaries totaled more than $49.2 million. Today, she recruits AI fellows for nonprofits on behalf of Anthropic and CodePath, so she sees firsthand how employers are hiring right now.

That experience gives Nicki a clear view of how AI is reshaping the workforce, especially for early career professionals and the entry-level jobs that used to be their first step in. She helps students understand what’s changing, which skills set people apart, and how to use AI as a tool without letting it replace the judgment employers are still hiring for.

Her workshops cover AI and the future of work, job search strategy, professional networking, personal branding, and unpacking the role of the résumé, giving students tools they can use immediately.

Nicki has worked with organizations like NASA, Girls Inc., and MPI, as well as more than sixty colleges and universities across North America. Her style is hands-on, energetic, and highly relatable. She breaks big, complex topics into step-by-step plans students actually feel ready to follow. Her goal is always the same: help students take action and believe in what’s possible.

Off the stage, Nicki is the kind of person who appeared on a reality TV show and wore a prom dress to her own wedding, so students tend to feel like they’re getting career advice from someone who’s lived a little. These days, you’ll find her mentoring in her community and paying forward the support that guided her journey.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery returned to "Ethocast" to share more of his thoughts about those renouncing and denouncing Divine Nine fraternities and sororities. In this episode, he discussed that if renouncers and denouncers are going to call out D9 symbols, they should also consider the symbols of items we purchase and even symbols in churches.

About the Guest

Dr. Lyman Montgomery is the founder of SacredGreekslife.com, a faith-centered platform dedicated to helping members of Black Greek Letter Organizations follow Jesus with clarity, integrity, and confidence. Through biblical teaching, cultural insight, and honest dialogue, he equips believers to navigate the intersection of faith and Greek life without fear, shame, or confusion. His work challenges distorted narratives about Christianity and Greekdom while calling believers to live as salt and light in every space God assigns.

Dr. Montgomery has written more than eight books and has been featured in leading business and leadership magazines for his work in coaching, compliance, and organizational excellence. He is a sought-after conference speaker known for blending theological depth, cultural awareness, and practical leadership strategies that transform both individuals and institutions. He is the owner of Focused Driven Compliance and Focused Driven Lifestyle Coaching, where he advises organizations and leaders on achieving clarity, sustainability, and excellence in both mission and operations.

An active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Dr. Montgomery brings a unique voice to conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and brotherhood. His life and leadership journey were featured in the internationally acclaimed and award-winning documentary UnMasking Hope, which chronicles his commitment to healing, identity, and purposeful living. He is a devoted husband and proud father of three sons, and his life’s mission is to help others discover that they do not have to abandon their culture to follow Christ, but can instead redeem, reclaim, and repurpose it for His glory.

As people continue to renounce and denounce their Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, Dr. Lyman Montgomery continues to push back...hard. He doesn't argue, he brings receipts.  In part one of this conversation, Lyman talks about his motivation for founding Sacred Greeks, the inconsistencies of renouncing and denouncing logic, and more.

About the Guest

Dr. Lyman Montgomery is the founder of SacredGreekslife.com, a faith-centered platform dedicated to helping members of Black Greek Letter Organizations follow Jesus with clarity, integrity, and confidence. Through biblical teaching, cultural insight, and honest dialogue, he equips believers to navigate the intersection of faith and Greek life without fear, shame, or confusion. His work challenges distorted narratives about Christianity and Greekdom while calling believers to live as salt and light in every space God assigns.

Dr. Montgomery has written more than eight books and has been featured in leading business and leadership magazines for his work in coaching, compliance, and organizational excellence. He is a sought-after conference speaker known for blending theological depth, cultural awareness, and practical leadership strategies that transform both individuals and institutions. He is the owner of Focused Driven Compliance and Focused Driven Lifestyle Coaching, where he advises organizations and leaders on achieving clarity, sustainability, and excellence in both mission and operations.

An active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Dr. Montgomery brings a unique voice to conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and brotherhood. His life and leadership journey were featured in the internationally acclaimed and award-winning documentary UnMasking Hope, which chronicles his commitment to healing, identity, and purposeful living. He is a devoted husband and proud father of three sons, and his life’s mission is to help others discover that they do not have to abandon their culture to follow Christ, but can instead redeem, reclaim, and repurpose it for His glory.

Although Christine Briede was initiated into Kappa Alpha Theta over 40 years ago, the lessons that she learned in college have carried her for life. A highly respected nonprofit professional in the Greater New Orleans area, Christine joined Ethocast to talk about how fraternity and sorority members can positively impact society, especially in modeling healthy relationships.

About the Guest

Christine T. Briede serves as president and CEO of the Jefferson Community Foundation, where she leads strategic partnerships, fundraising efforts, and community initiatives that strengthen Jefferson Parish. Her career bridges the corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic sectors, combining strong business leadership with a deep commitment to community impact.

Before joining JCF, Christine served as Director of Development at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center and as a philanthropy officer with the American Red Cross. Earlier in her career, she spent 20 years as the President and majority owner of an international food service equipment and design company, successfully leading the business through its sale in 2013.

Christine’s leadership has been widely recognized. She is a five-time Biz New Orleans “New Orleans 500” honoree, a 2022 New Orleans CityBusiness Women of the Year Hall of Fame inductee, a three-time Diversity magazine “Top 500 Women Businesses in the U.S.” honoree, and a Gambit Weekly “40 Under 40” recipient.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Film Communications from the University of Alabama, has completed nonprofit management coursework through Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and earned a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida. Christine earned her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE®) credential in 2020.

As a proud member of a Divine Nine sorority, Tish Norman is aware that the stakes are high. That is why she is steadfast in her belief that members of D9 fraternities and sororities should recognize that we march to the beat of a different drum. In a powerful conversation, Tish talks about how the pressure of being knowledgeable, constantly watched, and strategic in recruiting may seem unfair, but it's real. 

About the Guest

Tish Norman is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. She is the executive director of Transforming Leaders Now Inc., an educational consulting company that specializes in college and career readiness, women’s leadership, and the African-American experience. Tish started her career in the classroom in Cincinnati, teaching 3rd and 4th grade. After being crowned Miss Black Cincinnati, she took her gifts to Hollywood. Whether it was commercials, music videos, game shows, documentaries, or sitcoms, Tish did it all!​ After 10 years in Hollywoodland, Tish found herself back in the classroom. 

Out of an amalgamation of all of her professional experiences in education, pageantry, and acting, one day, Tish found her sweet spot on stage, delivering a keynote to 500 high school students. She loved it! ​Now, almost 20 years later, as a professional speaker and having delivered over 1000 presentations, Tish’s unparalleled energy, delivery style, and stirring keynotes have become favorites among universities, associations, and leadership conferences from coast to coast.​ 

Tish is a contributing author of several articles and three books:  From Mediocre to Magnificent, Leading the Way, and BLACKOUT: Real Issues and Real Solutions to Real Challenges Facing Black Student Affairs Professionals.​ A graduate of Kentucky State University, Tish has a master’s in education from Pepperdine University and is a doctoral student in Pan-African studies, where her research focuses on memory and the Black sorority.​ Based in Atlanta and having spoken in 45 states and 14 countries, Tish still maintains an active speaking schedule, keynoting at dozens of campuses and leadership conferences every year.

Ali Hornung's passion for giving goes beyond philanthropy. It's about hope. A nonprofit leader and speaker, Ali joined Ethocast to talk about how she managed grief in college and the importance of college students managing their grief. The Sigma Delta Tau member reveals that grief doesn't just have a personal impact, but it also affects academic performance and student leadership responsibilities. Her story explains perfectly why it's important for brothers and sisters to be there for each other, fully.

About the Guest

Alison Hornung is a passionate childhood cancer advocate and the former Miss Rhode Island 2024. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, she holds degrees in global business management, German, and human development & family sciences. Ali's advocacy began at age 12, inspired by her honorary “little sister” Ella, who courageously battled leukemia for three years. Ella’s strength continues to drive Alison’s mission to bring comfort, hope, and tangible support to children and families facing cancer.

As the founder of the Glimmer of Hope Foundation, Ali has raised nearly $1 million to support childhood cancer awareness and holistic health initiatives. Her work has led her from local communities to national platforms, including speaking before Congress and serving on a panel at the White House for President Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative.

Through Glimmer of Hope, Ali provides bald dolls to children undergoing treatment, empowers families with programming and resources, and champions legislation to fund pediatric cancer research. Ali’s efforts have made her a nationally recognized voice for change and a tireless advocate for families navigating the unimaginable.

Working in student affairs at your alma mater sounds like fun...right? Maybe; maybe not. Darius Woodfork is doing just that at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he was initiated into his fraternity and now serves as the assistant director of student engagement. Darius joined Ethocast to talk about what he has learned, the real deal about his work, and what kinds of leaders he would like to see his students become.

About the Guest

Darius Woodfork is the assistant director of student engagement for fraternity and sorority life at Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU), where he is dedicated to fostering meaningful and inclusive experiences within the Greek community. He holds both a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in strategic communication from SELU, grounding his work in a strong understanding of community, leadership, and effective communication. Driven by the belief in meeting students where they are, Darius centers his work on understanding individual journeys and empowering students to grow with confidence and purpose. His passion for student development guides his mission to create environments where every student feels supported, valued, and equipped to thrive. Darius was initiated into Omega Psi Fraternity Inc. at SELU.

This episode starts with an announcement that the Black Greek Success Program is now The D9 Leadership Blueprint! But that's not it! College members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council now have access to a comprehensive leadership guide called The D9 Leadership Blueprint: Personal Leadership, Ubuntu, and Collective Impact.

Episode 28 of Ethocast also dives into New Year's Resolutions for the Divine Nine. College D9 members will hear three resolutions designed to help them strengthen their personal leadership so that they end the academic year on a strong note in their chapters and on their campuses.

Phaith Frazier began Grown and Greek® as a celebration of the service and achievements of members of the Divine 9. Host of the podcast of the same name, Phaith visited "Ethocast" to talk about why she took such an interest in the stories of National Pan-Hellenic Council Greeks, how she sees the D9 pooling resources for community progress, the criticism that D9 Greeks don't do enough, and how the D9 can cultivate the next generation of leaders.

Phaith was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at the University of Montevallo in Alabama. You can see full episodes of the Grown and Greek® Podcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@GrownandGreekPodcast.

About the Guest

Phaith Frazier is a marketing professional from Pell City, Alabama and a professional DJ known as DJ Chocolate. She also runs Eventful Media Group, Inc. and the luxury accessory and philanthropic-focused brand Grown and Greek®. She is also a ZeroZero Foundation board member. 

Phaith has a strong body of work as a marketing expert in professional sports, entertainment, media, and business. Her professional career includes marketing director for a regional food distributor, manager of marketing and graphics for the New Orleans Pelicans G-League affiliate, the Birmingham Squadron, and marketing manager for a cluster of radio stations in Huntsville, Alabama, that included Country, Urban AC, News/Talk, Sports, and Contemporary Hit Radio music formats.  Phaith’s expertise in branding and marketing made her indispensable to the teams she has worked with.

Phaith’s ties to Alabama run deep.  She built an impressive personal brand as both a radio personality and an international DJ.  During her high school years, Phaith was part of the Pell City High School state basketball championship team. She continued playing at the University of Montevallo, where she competed in the Final Four.

Her passion for giving back and helping impactful causes reflects her diverse background and unique experiences, which also include working abroad teaching English as a second language in South Korea! Phaith is also a talented artist who draws, paints, and performs in local theater. She spent three years traveling the country with a national theater company. 

Philanthropy is about more than money. It's about people and wanting to see a better world. When our fraternities and sororities engage in philanthropic partnerships and participate in our national programs, it should be about more than fulfilling requirements. It should be about leadership. This episode explores building that leadership through philanthropy.

"Ethocast" is presented by Edify Ventures, LLC.