Ep. 21 Equal Pay Day marks how far into the year women must work to earn what a white man made in the previous year. This gap means that white women must work until mid-March of the following year to earn what a white man made in the previous calendar year—while Black women must work well into the summer to catch up. Pay Equity movements highlight these disparities and calls for systemic change to ensure all women are paid fairly for their work.

On this powerful episode of Grace & Grind, Dr. Pamala Brown-Grinion sits down with Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson, Executive Director of Friends in Recovery New York, to break down the harsh realities of the pay equity gap and equip you with real strategies to advocate for the salary you deserve.

🎙️ Inside This Episode:

✅ Why Black women face the biggest wage gap—and how to fight back

✅ How to confidently negotiate your pay beyond annual reviews

✅ Dr. Smith Wilson’s “Act Up” method to demand your worth

✅ The secret to turning courage into confidence 💡

✅ The power of community and policy change in achieving pay equity

White women earn approximately $0.79 for every $1 a white man makes. While this is higher than the $0.31 that Black women earn, it still reflects a significant gender wage gap. The disparity widens further for women of color, with Latina and Indigenous women often earning even less.

🔗 Resources to Take Action:

📌 Friends in Recovery New York – Supporting individuals through advocacy & policy change

📌 Pay Equity Acts – Learn about the Modern Pay Act, Paycheck Act, and Equal Pay Act

📌 Totally “You”-nique Institute of Excellence – Elevating professional and personal development

📌 Follow Dr. Pamala Brown-Grinion on social media: @IAmPamela

💡 About Our Guest:

Dr. Angelia Smith Wilson is a leading advocate for pay equity and economic justice for Black women. With a background in policy, strategic planning, and community engagement, she’s on a mission to ensure fair wages and workplace opportunities for all. Through her leadership at Friends in Recovery New York, she’s changing lives by empowering individuals and influencing systemic reform.

Your paycheck should reflect your value.

Learn how to speak up, act up, and level up today! 🎧 Tap the link to listen.

#PayEquity #EqualPayDay #KnowYourWorth #NegotiateYourSalary #GraceAndGrind #BlackWomenAtWork #FinancialAdvocacy #WomensHistoryMonth

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Ep. 20 You don’t just wear your brand—you embody it! In this conversation with Toi Sweeney, an award-winning fashion stylist, brand strategist, and the founder of The Well Dressed Brand, we'll unpack the intersection of personal branding, emotional resilience, and faith.

💔 From navigating the unthinkable—losing a child and a parent—to rising with grace, Toi shares how she transformed grief into growth, using color, confidence, and conviction to rewrite her story.

With over two decades in the fashion industry, including years as a stylist at QVC, Toi has mastered the art of non-verbal communication and personal branding. She has worked with top television personalities, curated on-air looks for global brands, and now helps professionals craft a wardrobe that speaks before they say a word.

As a TEDx speaker, Telly Award winner, and author of Secrets of the Well Dressed Brand, she empowers individuals to control their narrative through style and strategy.

🔑 Key themes:

✨ Mastering emotional etiquette in business and life

✨ The role of personal branding in healing and reinvention

✨ Faith, forgiveness, and standing in your true power

Tune in now and learn how to shape your narrative with intention. 🎧💡

🔹 Toi Sweeney's Website: www.toisweeney.com

📲 Social: @toisweeney on all platforms

📚 Book: Secrets of the Well Dressed Brand by Toi Sweeney

🆕 NEW: Totally You-nique Emotional Etiquette Program – Elevate your self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills with Dr. Pam’s latest program on mastering emotional intelligence in personal and professional spaces.

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Ep. 19 Do you ever feel like you're carrying emotional baggage you just can’t put down? 😞 Maybe past trauma is affecting your confidence, your relationships, or even your ability to set boundaries. You’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck.

Introducing Emotional Weight Loss: Cleaning Out Your Emotional Refrigerator. 🧘🏾‍♀️✨

Many of us were never taught emotional etiquette—how to process our feelings in a healthy way. In this episode, I break down ten common traumatic experiences women face and why healing is so important.

This new Emotional Etiquette course from Totally You-nique Insitute of Excellence is designed to help you release emotional weight, rediscover yourself, and move forward with confidence.

Register for the program here

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Ep. 18 From survival to success, etiquette has played a pivotal role in shaping Black identity and resilience. In this episode, Grace + Grind producer Jazzy T and etiquette coach Dr. Pamala dive into the history, impact, and evolution of etiquette within the Black community. Etiquette isn’t just about table manners—it’s a set of socially accepted behaviors that have shaped interactions, access, and upward mobility for generations.

When we think of Black history, we often reflect on the resilience, creativity, and strength of our ancestors. We celebrate the monumental achievements of leaders, activists, inventors, and cultural icons. But one essential aspect of our heritage that is often overlooked is the role of etiquette—refined social grace, manners, and cultural decorum—as both a survival tool and a means of advancement.

🔎 What You’ll Learn:

✅ The origins of etiquette in the Black community—from the brutal constraints of slavery to its unexpected role in empowerment

✅ How house slaves learned cultured behaviors that later helped break social and economic barriers

✅ The post-slavery impact of etiquette, including colorism, social stratification, and the stigma of "acting white"

✅ How Black leaders and organizations reframed etiquette as a tool for equity, empowerment, and professional success

✅ The lasting influence of etiquette on closing socioeconomic gaps, building confidence, and fostering respect in today’s society

The System Wasn't Built for Us—So How Do We Win? 🚨

What happens when the rules keep changing to hold you back? Dr. Pamala exposes the hidden attacks on Black success—from education and DEI rollbacks to economic roadblocks—and reveals how etiquette can be a revolutionary tool for upward mobility.

Connect with Dr. Pamala

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Etiquette as a Survival Strategy

07:30 - The Impact of Slave Codes on Behavior

12:45 - From Black Codes to Imposter Syndrome

18:20 - Social Strata Within Black Communities

23:50 - The Decline of Etiquette in Modern Society

29:15 - Reclaiming Etiquette for Empowerment

35:40 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action

#BlackEtiquette #CulturalEmpowerment #HistoryMatters #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth

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Ep. 17 For participants like Dominance Dubai, Project Butterfly became more than just an etiquette course—it was a foundation that helped her break free from toxic environments, develop confidence in her artistry, and navigate the challenges of the music industry with grace and determination.

As a teenager, Dominique participated in the program, which instilled in her a foundation of confidence, resilience, and self-discipline—qualities that would later become essential as she faced the harsh realities of the music industry and personal hardships. She shares how lessons in poise, etiquette, and self-worth gave her the strength to walk away from an abusive relationship and prepared her to present herself with grace and assurance in an industry that often demands more than just talent.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pamala and Dominique discuss how mentorship and personal development play a crucial role in success—not just in entertainment but in life. From handling public appearances to maintaining composure in high-stress situations, Dominique credits Project Butterfly with shaping the way she carries herself both on and off the stage.

🎤 Confidence & Presence – Dominique learned early on that presence isn’t just about showing up—it’s about commanding a room with self-assurance.

🦋 The Lasting Impact of Mentorship – Project Butterfly taught her essential life skills that she still applies today in her career and personal life.

💪 Resilience in the Music Industry – From rejection to personal struggles, Dominique’s training in self-discipline and etiquette helped her stay grounded and push forward.

✨ Self-Worth & Boundaries – The program reinforced her understanding of her worth, which later gave her the courage to leave a toxic relationship and demand respect in the music industry.

🙏 Faith & Personal Growth – Dominique attributes much of her perseverance to her spiritual foundation and continuous self-reflection.

Connect with Dominance Dubai on Instagram and TikTok

Connect with Dr. Pamala

Chapters:

0:00 Welcome Dominance Dubai

5:46 Project Butterfly at Franklin High School

9:51 Skills for Escaping Domestic Violence

11:08Confidence and Self-Expression

13:46 Overcoming Life's Challenges

17:30 Empowering Young Girls Through Project Butterfly's Impactful Program

21:03 Graceful Resilience Through Personal Development

23:47 Self-Care and Faith as Paths to Personal Fulfillment

24:40 Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence

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Single mom, full-time professional, and sorority sister—Mone' Barkley is a master of multitasking! 💼👩‍👧 How does she manage the never-ending grind with such grace and confidence? In this inspiring episode, host Pamala Brown-Grinion sits down with her friend Mone' to dive into the secrets behind balancing career, personal life, and community commitments.

✨ What You'll Learn:

✔️ Strategic Scheduling: How calendars and task prioritization help you stay on top of it all

✔️ The Power of Support: Why sharing your challenges and building a network is essential

✔️ Self-Affirmation: How ancestral strength and personal resilience can fuel your success

If you’re a single mom wondering how to manage your career, passions, and family life without feeling overwhelmed, this episode is packed with actionable tips just for YOU!

🗣️ Notable Quotes:

"I choose and prioritize my yeses. And I am now standing strong on my no's."

"If I'm not passionate about it, I'm not doing it."

💡 Don’t miss this chance to find inspiration, build confidence, and create a balance that works for YOU.

🔑 Topics Covered:

👉 Hit play now and transform your approach to life’s endless demands!

#GraceAndGrind #SingleMomLife #TimeManagement #WomenEmpowerment #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #Multitasking #Leadership #SupportSystems

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Ep. 16 Single mom, full-time professional and sorority sister —how does she do it all? In today's fast-paced world, juggling multiple responsibilities is often a necessity rather than a choice, especially for single mothers. Pamala Brown-Grinion and her friend, Mone' Barkley, underscore the significance of strategic scheduling as the backbone of effective multitasking in their conversation.

Mone' shares her secrets to managing the never-ending grind with poise, from time management strategies to setting boundaries and building a supportive community. 🌟

Are you a single mom wondering how to manage your career, personal life, and passions without losing your mind? This episode is for YOU! 🙌🏾

🌟 Key takeaways:

Listen now for inspiration and actionable tips to help you balance it all with grace and confidence!

✨ Notable quotes:

🗣️ "I choose and prioritize my yeses. And I am now standing strong on my no's."

🗣️ "If I'm not passionate about it, I'm not doing it."

#GraceAndGrind #SingleMoms #Multitasking #WorkingMoms #WomenEmpowerment #Balance #MentalHealthAwareness #CommunitySupport #PodcastRecommendation

multitasking, single mothers, leadership, mental health, prioritization, time management tips, single mom strategies, work-life balance, delegation techniques, emotional resilience, how to manage time effectively as a single mom, strategies for balancing work and family life, importance of mental health for single parents, how to say no and prioritize tasks, ways to handle emotional overwhelm as a single parent

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Ep. 15 If you start every January with high hopes but end up abandoning your New Year’s resolutions by February, this episode is your wake-up call! Dr. Pamala Brown-Grinion dives deep into the fascinating history of resolutions and the modern-day psychology behind why so many of us struggle to make them stick; by breaking big goals into bite-sized steps, staying accountable, and celebrating your progress along the way.

From the surprising ancient roots of goal-setting to the psychological frameworks that drive success, this conversation offers a perfect blend of history, strategy, and motivation.

✅ The key to setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

💡 How to stay motivated with self-compassion and adaptability

🤝 The power of accountability and why it’s a game-changer

🎯 Simple tools for tracking progress and celebrating wins along the way

Quotes to live by:

📝 “Writing your goals down can produce a 42% higher rate of achieving them.”

🔥 “You have to want this goal more so than you want to quit in the moment.”

Don’t let another year pass you by. Press play for a fresh perspective on resolutions and step into 2025 with confidence and clarity!

Other Episodes You'll Enjoy:

Rhythms of Success: Creating New Neural Pathways with Megan Hansel | High Vibe Table Talks

Mindful Resolutions: A Kinder, Gentler Approach to Self-Improvement | Healthy Illness Podcast

Resources:

Chapters:

0:00 History of New Year's Resolutions

4:12 Exercise, Nutrition, Finances, and Self-Care

7:46 Write it Down and Get an Accountability Partner

10:12 Achieving Goals Through Holistic and Persistent Self-Improvement

15:09 Setting SMART Goals

18:32 Goal Setting and Accountability for Personal Success

22:05 Consistency, Self-Compassion, and Visualization

28:02 Overcoming Procrastination with a Round To It Token

New Year's, resolutions, self-improvement, goal setting, motivation, New Year's resolutions, goal achievement, mental health, financial goals, habit formation, how to set New Year's resolutions, importance of writing down goals, ways to improve mental health, tips for saving money, how to create a goal plan

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Ep. 14 🎶 It's the Most Stressful Time of the Year! But it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Dr. Pamala Brown-Grinion blends her expertise in etiquette and mindfulness to help you handle the holidays with grace and empathy. Learn how to navigate RSVPs, thoughtful gift-giving, and tricky emotional triggers while respecting diverse traditions. Whether you're hosting or attending, this episode equips you with practical tips to create meaningful connections and reduce holiday stress. 🌟

Key Takeaways for the Summary

1️⃣ Mindful RSVPs: Always respond promptly—it's a sign of respect to your host!

2️⃣ Gift-Giving Gracefully: Choose meaningful gifts while being sensitive to allergies and preferences.

3️⃣ Empathy for Emotional Triggers: Recognize past traumas and respect different levels of holiday enthusiasm.

✨ Listen now to embrace the season with poise and purpose! 🎙️

Let’s create spaces of empathy, avoid imposing our own holiday cheer, and foster genuine connections this season.

Chapters:

0:00 Holiday Etiquette and Stress Management Tips

9:00 Managing Seasonal Stress

12:07 Respecting Holiday Traditions and Gift-Giving Boundaries

14:53 Understanding Trauma and Sensitivity During the Holiday Season

19:47 Understanding Kwanzaa's Impact and Sensitivity to Trauma

22:02 Understanding Trauma and Its Physical Manifestations

23:16 Conclusion + Ways to Help

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Ep. 13 Dr. Lesli Myers-Small—a trailblazer in education and leadership - shares her incredible journey as a high ranking Black Woman in leadership.

From leading the Rochester City School District to serving as Executive Director of the Police Accountability Board, Dr. Myers-Small reveals how she stepped outside her comfort zone to discover new opportunities.

With wisdom from her 31-year career in education, she highlights the transferability of leadership skills, the power of high expectations, and the importance of being a role model for youth.

Tap play now for insights that inspire growth, courage, and impact! 🎧

✨ Key Highlights

🔑 The courage to leave familiar shores for new horizons.

💡 Leadership skills are adaptable across industries.

🌟 Building authentic relationships to empower the next generation.

Resources

📖 "Leadership Lessons" by Dr. Lesli Myers-Small

🎧 Check out her podcast: Less is More

Taste and C Catering (585) 733-8238 9 High Point Drive Spencerport, NY 14559

Dr. Lesli Myers-Small is a distinguished leader and educator with nearly two decades of experience in the field. She has held prominent positions such as Superintendent of the Brockport Central School District and the Rochester City School District. Known for her dynamic leadership and motivational speaking, she is also a TEDx speaker and author of the book "Leadership Lessons." Dr. Myers-Small runs her own consultancy focusing on training and coaching, has received multiple awards, and serves on various community boards. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Police Accountability Board. Additionally, she hosts a podcast titled "Less is More" and has recently ventured into entrepreneurship with a catering business called Taste and C Catering.

Inspirational Role Models Month, National Entrepreneurship Month, Life Writing Month, National career development month

Chapters:

0:00 Leadership, Career Shifts, and Culinary Ventures

6:26 Empowering Women of Color Through 'It Happened' Stories

9:12 Empowering Youth Through Role Models and Relationship Building

16:47 Staying True to Oneself Amidst Public Scrutiny

21:20 Overcoming Adversity and Imposter Syndrome Through Parental Guidance

24:27 Empowering Women Through Code Switching and Education

29:24 Diverse Social Connections and Wise Relationships

33:35 Wisdom, Resilience, and Healing Through Generational Lessons

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