Express to Success

Taina Maldonado sits down with one the biggest advocates for equality in women's sports, World Champion Boxer Heather "The Heat" Hardy. She first made waves on the scene of amateur boxing in 2011-2012, winning every title you could win at 125lbs. Regionals, Metros, Nationals and Golden Gloves, along with a NE Kickboxing title. Hardy was ranked #1 in the USA at 125lbs. before turning professional August 4, 2012.

After turning professional, Hardy racked up an impressive 15 straight wins and no losses at Super Bantamweight (122lbs.) including capturing a WBC and UBF International title. Hardy became the first female to be signed to a long term promotional contract by DiBella entertainment and the first female to box professionally on a boxing card ar The Barclays Center. Hardy was then known as “The First Lady of Brooklyn Boxing”.

In August of 2016, on the night she captured the WBC Featherweight Title, Hardy/Vincent was aired on NBC Sports, and was the first female bout to be televised in over 20 years.

In June of 2017, Hardy decided to try her hand at MMA and became the first athlete (male or female) to be co-promoted in two combat sports. She signed to Belabor and became an instant fan favorite when she won her pro debut at MSG by knockout. 

In 2018, Hardy fulfilled her dream of becoming a world champion where she defeated Shelly Vincent for a second time and was only the second female fight ever to be aired on HBO.

Taina Maldonado sits down with Cecelia Townes, a graduate of Howard University and UCLA School of Law and discusses her succesful career from the start as she has focused on empowering young women in the sports industry. As an undergraduate Cecelia was a 4-Time Academic All-American of the Women’s Tennis team. Cecelia's legal practice focuses on federal personnel and labor law. While engaging in a full-time legal practice, Cecelia also remains dedicated to sports and empowering women. As such she created and runs GladiatHers.com, a site dedicated to women in sports and women who want to achieve their maximum potential. GladiatHers® also hosts events, workshops and a mentorship program. Cecelia serves on the Board of Directors of the national nonprofit, Play Like a Girl! (an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for girls to be active) and Next Level Tennis & Education, (a non-profit dedicated to developing talented, well-rounded, successful tennis players who excel on the court and in life outside of sports). She makes regular appearances on podcasts and provides sports law commentary on espnw.com.  She also hosts her own series, Workin’ Women Wednesdays which provides tips on professional and personal development. Cecelia is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Atlanta.

Taina is joined by rising star in the sports media, Jessica Slate, currently a Digital Marketing Specialist with the Connecticut Sun. Jessica began her career with the Texas Longhorns as an intern and has spent time as an ESPN Sideline Analyst, In-Arena Host for the Phoenix Suns, Director of Social Media for Arizona Christian University before her most recent achievements. Jessica was a contributor to University of Texas' Hook Em Headline and Los Angeles Lakers "Lake Show Life." Jessica, a succesful volleyball player began her journey in sports media at a young age, and her journey through the industry is an motivating story about sacrifices and hard work paying off.

After a very successful weekend for the Italian National Team in the Eurobasket Qualifying Rounds, Taina Maldonado sits down with national team member and Euro League Hooper Sabrina Cinili. Sabrina, a 6'3 point guard, started her professional career while in High School. Having competed at the professional level for nearly 16 years, Sabrina Cinili shares her growth in the game, the many experiences she had in strengthening her game to eventually be a crucial part of the Italian National Team.

A special episode with World Class UFC fighter, Megan Anderson. Taina sits down to talk with Megan about her upcoming 2021 challenge with Amanda Nunes to become the undisputed champion after a very succesful career in Invicta and the UFC. Megan shares her experiences from the beginning of her journey at age to where she is today. Listen in to the many challenges she has faced, obstacles she has overcome and her ultimate rise to the top. Megan currently holds 11-4-0 record with 6 knockouts and 3 submissions. A chance to learn about one of the most feared female fighters in the world.

Sanya Richard-Ross sits down to discuss her epic career in track and field and how she achieved greatness, winning 4 olympic gold medals, 3 of them coming in the 400M Relay and winning the 400M Individual at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Sanya did not only win multiple Olympic medals but won 19 medals, 13 of which were gold in the World Championships, World Athletics & World Indoor Finals. She was inducted into the Texas University Track and Field Coaches Hall of Fame in 2016. Her record breaking 400M sprint and gold medals are not her only accomplishments as she currently is the Host of Central Avenue TV. She is also the creator of Mommi Nation Blog. Check out Central Ave TV HERE

Taina Maldonado sits down with the 5th overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft and WNBA All Star, Kelsey Bone. Hear Kelsey share her experience through college to being a Top 5 pick in the WNBA and her journey as a professional hooper.

Our first episode features Sportscaster Rebecca Haarlow, who is currently working for MSG Networks in NY and NBA broadcasts. Rebecca shares her journey from Princeton Univeresity as a member of Track and Field to her current success as a Sportscaster in the NBA. An inside look at her experiences.