Growth & Grace

The discussion featured Leaha Crawford interviewing Phyllis James about her impressive career trajectory and her role in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Phyllis, a Harvard Law graduate, detailed her journey from Washington, D.C., to prominent legal roles in Boston, San Francisco, and Detroit before joining MGM Resorts International. At MGM, she broke barriers as the first African American partner in a top law firm and the first African American executive on the Strip. Phyllis emphasized the importance of DEI in corporate leadership and announced the 18th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference on Sept. 22-23, 2025, at MGM Grand Conference Center, aiming to inspire, develop skills, and network future leaders.

Frank Ruvalcaba from Operation Hope discussed financial literacy, credit management, and home ownership. He emphasized the importance of understanding credit scores, which are influenced by payment history (35%), credit usage (30%), credit types (10%), new credit (15%), and credit age (10%). Ruvalcaba highlighted the significance of budgeting, using a sample Excel form to track income and expenses. He noted that a good credit score is above 656, with scores above 700 being excellent. Operation Hope offers free financial well-being coaching and credit education, partnering with US Bank and providing services to the entire community.

Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong discussed her journey from community activism to becoming a city councilwoman for Ward 5 in Las Vegas. She highlighted her background in community service, her election history, and her transition from the Nevada State Assembly. Shondra emphasized the importance of affordable housing, mentioning the Marble Manner development and the need for equitable housing mixes. She also detailed Ward 5's development, including the Smith Center, AC Marriott, and the West Side Education and Training Center. Shondra stressed the importance of understanding city systems and being intentional in community work.

Leaha Crawford hosts a program discussing the Uplift Foundation of Nevada, led by Rick Austin. The foundation, established in 2002, focuses on mentoring youth and reducing juvenile justice involvement. Key programs include the Omega Gents, which provides mentorship and college preparation, and the Youth and Justice Forum on September 6, aimed at reducing youth in the juvenile justice system. The forum, involving law enforcement, lawyers, and law students, has shown an 84% reduction in youth entering the system. Other initiatives include Q Cuts, providing haircuts and school supplies, and the Scholarship Luncheon, awarding $37,000 in scholarships.

Leaha Crawford, co-host of "Growth and Grace," discusses her background, including her 20 years in Las Vegas, her education at Howard University, and her career in taxes. She emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation and understanding tax laws, sharing her experience with tax resolution and the impact of stress on clients. Crawford also highlights the new tax bill's changes, particularly the increase in the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000. She stresses the need for small businesses to stay compliant with state requirements and the importance of accurate tax returns for homeownership and financial stability.

Assemblymember Jovan Jackson discussed his legislative journey, highlighting his freshman term in Carson City. He passed two bills: AB 321, allowing inmates who fought wildfires to continue post-release, and AB 406, protecting mental health services from AI replacement. Despite one veto and three bills that failed, he emphasized the importance of perseverance. His district, encompassing North Las Vegas, faces challenges like affordable housing, which he addressed with a bill on tax-exempt ADUs. Jackson also shared his background in mental health and overcoming incarceration, advocating for justice-impacted individuals to run for office.

The program discussed the new streamlined loan product from Bank of Nevada, offering up to $250,000 with minimal documentation. This product includes lines of credit, term loans, business credit cards, and overdraft protection. To qualify, businesses must have been operational for two years, have ownership documentation, and generate revenue. The program emphasized the importance of proper entity documentation and financials for larger loans. Contact information for Keith Jackson (702-268-2048) and Lamont Fitts (702-252-6304) was provided for those interested in the product. The hosts also highlighted the bank's commitment to building relationships with clients.

Leaha Crawford and Julian Rosado discuss recent events in Las Vegas, including a dust storm that caused power outages. They introduce Brenda Bryant, an entrepreneurship advocate with a background in finance, human resources, and organizational development. Brenda shares her journey from singing in Hollywood to teaching business classes at UNR Extension. She emphasizes the importance of understanding financial data, effective communication, and building a solid business foundation. Brenda's classes cover topics like networking, financial literacy, and business operations. She also highlights the role of UNR Extension in supporting small businesses through practical education and resources.

The program discussed the Las Vegas A's baseball team's new stadium, funded by nearly $2 billion, including taxpayer dollars. Park Dental was highlighted, emphasizing their commitment to patient care, including in-house membership plans for those without insurance. They offer comprehensive dental services, including Invisalign and implants, and stress personalized care. Affiniderm, partnered with Park Dental, provides luxury facials, microneedling, and laser hair removal, focusing on customized skincare routines. The conversation also touched on the importance of wellness, addressing issues like osteoporosis and the benefits of carboxy gel therapy for tissue regeneration.

The program discussed the Oklahoma City Thunder's team culture and their recent championship run, highlighting their supportive environment. Leaha Crawford and Julian Rosado then introduced guests from Parks Dentistry and Affiniderm, focusing on the importance of oral and facial care. Derek and Justin from Parks Dentistry emphasized their commitment to patient-centric care and the benefits of advanced dental technology. Jonathan and Xan from Affiniderm shared their rebranding journey, stressing the significance of a strong business name and their expanded services, including wellness treatments. The conversation underscored the importance of investing in health and wellness for overall well-being.