In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Codie Elaine, the TV and film producer known for directing Black Love, a docuseries showcasing the beauty of love in black couples. Codie gives insight for aspiring producers and filmmakers into how to create momentum in the film industry and how to get picked up by a production company without giving up creative ownership or direction. She also speaks on what it’s been like to produce content with her husband, Tommy Oliver, while raising a family and thriving as a mompreneur.

But first, Codie sheds light on how she kept pursuing her passion for producing after studying broadcast journalism and working at Fox News (which she hated). She speaks on how she dealt with the challenges and devastating letdowns of not being able to get work and move up in the ranks, as well as how she pivoted to a new path in film production. Codie also talks about the time where she “left the business” and realized how many ways people can make an income while helping others.

“I wanted to tell stories, I didn’t know exactly where I fell but I definitely saw myself as a connector, a problem-solver that could push things uphill and that’s really what producing was.”-  Codie Elaine

Tune in to learn about the various pathways you can take as an aspiring producer and what she looks for in a boss and a mentor. Plus, she tells the story of how Black Love, along with her own love story, came to be amidst a “black marriage crisis.”  

“Be realistic about what it is you have, what it is you control, and what you’re asking of a partner. If you’re asking for them to pay for it, then you should expect to give something up.”-  Codie Elaine

Connect with Codie:

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/codieco 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/codieelaine 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/codie-elaine-oliver-6088a345 

Resources Mentioned:

Peter Stark Production Program: https://cinema.usc.edu/producing/index.cfm

Confluential Content: www.confluentialcontent.com

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes jewel bush, award-winning journalist, communications strategist, and subject matter expert with GirlTrek, the largest public health non-profit for African American women and girls in the United States. Through GirlTrek, jewel is inspiring black women to walk in their neighborhoods for radical self-care and healing. 

Pursuing her interests in writing, journalism, and storytelling, jewel has become the “Clarence Avant” of public relations and strategic communications. Listen in as she shares her candid thoughts on the value of storytelling, especially for communities of color, along with her experience covering stories in Haiti and Palestine. 

“A good story isn’t just going to fall in your lap, you have to root it out.”-  jewel bush

You’ll learn jewel’s philosophy on mission-based journalism and public relations, the steps GirlTrek has taken to reach their goal of getting 1 million women to take their pledge, and what a day in the life of a Chief of External Affairs looks like. Plus, she speaks on how they’ve pivoted their business strategy during the pandemic by creating a podcast and how you can pivot, too!

“I have prided myself on staying current, learning the new technology, being connected with younger communicators, and really just encouraging continued learning… My personal mantra is ‘be in the know.’” -  jewel bush

Connect with jewel:

Visit her website: www.jewelmariebush.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jewelmariebush 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jewelmariebush 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jewelbush 

Resources Mentioned:

Take the pledge with GirlTrek: www.girltrek.org 

Transition Magazine: https://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu/transition

Listen to the Black History Bootcamp Podcast: www.blackhistorybootcamp.com

Well-Read Black Girl: www.wellreadblackgirl.com

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Taylor Baldwin, a lifestyle photographer based in Philadelphia. Her work has been featured on Essence Magazine and different digital platforms like BET, Refinery29, XOnecole, ASOS, Time magazine, and many others. From switching majors and schools in her junior year of college to starting art school from scratch, Taylor juggled being a student, a mom, and a corporate event planner while still pursuing her love for art photography. She’s here to share her story!

Taylor speaks on how she fell in love with photographing black women’s street style. She explains how she started building relationships with different influencers by offering free photoshoots to practice and to put herself out there. She shares top tips on how to become a successful street style photographer by building a strong foundation. “Failure never crossed my mind…I never thought that I wasn’t going to be this person.”- Taylor Baldwin

She describes the feelings she experienced when ESSENCE reached out to work with her because of her good work. She also shares with us how the Glow Black Girl Glow series was born and developed. 

“I think I needed that dramatic moment of everything stopping, I needed that moment to just refocus and figure out what I love about what I was doing.”- Taylor Baldwin 

Listen in to learn how Taylor navigated the world during the covid pandemic by getting back to the art of photography and trying new things. Plus, Taylor shares how she overcame the fear of impressing everyone and developed her style by saying no to many people. 

“Everything will come full circle for you if you just keep on working at it.”- Taylor Baldwin  

Connect with Taylor:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mama.photog/  https://www.instagram.com/glowblckgirl/ 

Website: https://www.mamaphotog.com/

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Jessica Myers, an entrepreneur, real estate developer and investor, and one of the youngest black hotel owners in the hospitality industry. From dreaming of being a TV news anchor to realizing her passion for real estate, Jessica has always wanted to make an impact on as many people as she can and she’s here to tell you how she’s doing it.

Jessica speaks on how her education in journalism and participation in several work experience programs, including her roles at Fox News and The Nick Cannon Show, shaped her journey to becoming a real estate investor and hotel owner. She also breaks down what real estate wholesaling is, how it helped her break free from her corporate career, and how she co-created the Epic Collective as a platform to network and educate others on the freedom of working in real estate.

“My dad was like, “You spent so much time climbing up the corporate ladder, what if the ladder is on the wrong wall?” and that enlightenment is what started the trajectory of fulfillment, of purpose, ownership, and really connecting with my dreams.” -  Jessica Myers

Stay tuned to learn how to overcome fear and failure to develop a successful track record in real estate investment and development, along with the power of working because you want to, not because you have to. Plus, Jessica shares insight into her future community development endeavors and how her hotel business has been impacted by the covid-19 pandemic.  

“The more you surround yourself with people who know how to navigate tough situations, the better and more secure you feel.”- Jessica Myers

Connect with Jessica:

Visit her website: www.wholesalertohotelowner.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsjessicamyers 

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsJessicaMyers33 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatipton 

Resources:

The Emma Bowen Foundation: www.emmabowenfoundation.com 

International Radio and Television Society: www.irtsfoundation.org 

Course: From Wholesaler to Hotel Owner: www.wholesalertohotelowner.com 

Epic Collective: www.epiccollective.com 

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Tanya Sam, star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Director of Partnerships at TechSquare Labs, a tech startup hub and venture capital fund, and Founder of The Ambition Fund, an investment company focused on funding businesses founded by women and minority entrepreneurs.

Tanya peels back her many layers to shed light on her education in genetics and nursing, her transition into the tech industry, her awe-inspiring philanthropy efforts, and how the covid-19 pandemic has deeply affected her. Tanya shares how she got onto The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the ups and downs of being on the show and dealing with rumors, and what inspired her to create The Ambition Fund and get involved in the TV show, Making of a Mogul.

“I truly believe that, especially in communities of color, we need to highlight opportunities and different pathways to success in building multigenerational wealth within our communities and we need representation to do that.”-  Tanya Sam

Stay tuned to hear fascinating stories of changemakers in the entrepreneurial space, Tanya’s top 3 life-enhancing apps, and what she’s working on next in 2021. Plus, she offers wise advice on fear, networking, and taking risks in entrepreneurship.

“The key to entrepreneurship is just being able to dive in, believe in yourself, and every day make actionable steps to making your business a success.”-  Tanya Sam

Connect with Tanya:

Visit her website: www.tanyasam.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/itstanyatime 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ITSTANYASAM 

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/itstanyatime 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tanyasam 

Get Tanya’s Favorite Apps:

1Password: www.1password.com 

Slack: www.slack.com 

Calendly: www.calendly.com

Kindle: www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=16571048011

Insight Timer: www.insighttimer.com 

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Gina Charbonnet, an entertainment industry veteran. She’s the founder and owner of GeChar, an entertainment and production agency where she has produced events for ESSENCE, BET, NAACP, National Democratic Committee, Converse, among many others. Listen in as Gina shares her journey in the entertainment industry and especially as the executive producer of the ESSENCE festival’s Empowerment Experience Stage. Gina always imagined herself doing something creative with her life; she recalls when she first fell in love with the film industry and how it changed her perspective on what women can do as far as creative careers.  

She reflects on how she worked hard in the industry to earn the title of Executive Producer while having Susan Taylor as her mentor. She shares the challenges that tested her at the beginning of her career and how she learned to handle them. “I always think of situations that sometimes are challenging as a way to figure it out.” Gina explains why Oprah was her favorite guest at the Empowerment Experience Stage. 

After having worked with the ESSENCE Festival for many years, Gina is happy to hone her producer skills and contribute to the change in the community through empowerment. “No matter where you’re in life, you have power and you have value.” She also touches on how proud she is that she was a part of conversations that could make a difference in the black community. 

Gina shares with us how she ended up as the executive producer of the feature film Ma Belle, My Beauty after forming a mentor-mentee relationship with the director. She advises young creatives who want to break into the entertainment industry to intentionally own what they’re doing, be disciplined, and then look for a mentor to help them be experts. 

Connect with Gina: https://www.instagram.com/gechar.co/ 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Calvin Quallis, Founder and CEO of Scotch Porter, an award-winning male grooming brand that places wellness as a priority for men.

Not too long ago, Calvin left a comfortable, yet unfulfilling corporate career to start a small barber shop in his neighborhood, just as his mother had done when he was a kid. Listen in as Calvin shares about the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of Scotch Porter, including the difficulty and uncertainty of starting a product line in his kitchen with no product development experience. 

“I wasn’t necessarily passionate about a particular thing… about owning this barber shop that was a cultural hub… about products initially. I think what I was passionate about was making my life better and figuring out what it is that I’m supposed to do in life.”-  Calvin Quallis

Stay tuned to learn how Calvin funded his product line, the meaning behind #beardgang, and some of the most powerful lessons he’s learned from his journey, like the importance of being present and relishing in your success. Plus, he offers advice for those who are interested in entering the beauty and wellness industries.

“Once I started to build, understand, really peel back the layers and figure out ‘what do you really want to accomplish with this brand?’… once I developed a purpose or mission, I was able to leverage that to really build a business that was more than just about a product.”-  Calvin Quallis

Connect with Calvin:

Visit Scotch Porter’s website: www.scotchporter.com 

Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/calvin_quallis 

Follow Scotch Porter on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scotchporter 

Use #beardgang 

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Dr. Chris Pernell, a dynamic physician leader, health and wellness visionary, and social change agent. She’s a charismatic and leading voice in preventative medicine and public health and is currently working as a senior executive in a hospital in New Jersey. Chris is here to talk about her journey and her mission of educating the black and brown communities about the Covid-19 vaccines.

Chris grew up in a New Jersey school that lacked diversity, yet she knew and saw black excellence in her community. Her experience with prejudice shaped her sense of voice and advocacy, teaching her how to use her voice and stand up for herself at a young age. Chris knew she wanted to be a doctor since the sixth grade and has truly been prepared for her current roles since high school.

Chris details how attending Princeton University was a challenge academically and culturally, along with how taking two gap years lead to massive growth and expansion in her skills, later distinguishing her in medical school. She describes how her faith and her family helps her endure through life’s challenges, why it was important for her to take on the role of preventative medicine and public health physician, and why she participated in the Covid-19 vaccine trials. She also offers insight into her experience getting the Moderna vaccine and its accompanying symptoms.

“Historically, that is one of the inequities that we have to work on. Black and brown persons do not participate in clinical research in the levels that are equivalent to their representation of a population… and that’s for a host of reasons.”-  Dr. Chris Pernell

Stay tuned to hear about Chris’s disappointing encounter with Ben Carson and how she overcame a life-threatening illness while in her internship. Plus, she shares powerful advice on overcoming adversity and setbacks in life.

“Don’t be afraid to put certain dreams out to pasture, as long as you don’t put you out to pasture.”-  Dr. Chris Pernell

Connect with Dr. Chris Pernell:

Visit her website: www.drchrispernell.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/thegooddoctormd 

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LifeClinic101 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrChrisMD 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drctp

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Rhonesha Byng, a publishing boss, Emmy award-winning journalist, speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Her Agenda. Rhonesha and Her Agenda are incredible resources of inspiration, information, and community for millennial women looking to reach their next level of success, both professionally and personally.

Rhonesha reflects on her early passion for journalism, back when she attended press conferences as a teenager, and explains how she came up with her motto, “No one ever slows her agenda.” Rhonesha explains how she landed high-value, paid internships with top media companies in high school, as well as how she made her own TV and radio shows and interviewed celebrities, like Lupe Fiasco, while studying communications in college. 

“When you declare and set your mission, your community will hold you accountable to it and it will help you to manifest your goals and attract opportunities.”-  Rhonesha Byng

Rhonesha is a powerhouse that fearlessly shoots her shot, time and again. Stay tuned to learn how to advocate for yourself and receive the recognition that you deserve as a boss female, along with why Rhonesha decided to take the path of entrepreneurship seriously and start her own media platform. Plus, she talks about Hurston House, her private social club and dedicated co-working space for gifted and creative women, and how she’s pivoted in business as a result of the major unrest in 2020.

“You can’t tell yourself no before anyone else tells you no.”-  Rhonesha Byng

Resources Mentioned:

The Emma Bowen Foundation: www.emmabowenfoundation.com 

Her Agenda on Instagram: www.instagram.com/HerAgenda 

Her Agenda on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HerAgenda 

Hurston House on Instagram: www.instagram.com/HurstonHouse 

Hurston House on Twitter: www.twitter.com/HurstonHouse 

Connect with Rhonesha:

Visit her website + Subscribe to her monthly newsletter: www.rhonesha.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/NeshasAgenda 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/NeshasAgenda 

Text Rhonesha: (917)-634-4667

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Jovian Zayne, an International Speaker and Certified Leadership and Professional Development Coach with over a decade of experience. Jovian leads the OnPurpose Movement, a firm committed to helping organizations and individuals to “live and work on purpose” through targeted coaching, public speaking and facilitation experiences.

Jovian shares the story of discovering her unique talents and gifts as a teenager, navigating biases as a black high school student, and how the black community at her university opened her eyes to her innate power. She sheds light on overcoming imposter syndrome and the value in connecting to and trusting your Source, the Source that helps remind you that you were created with purpose, love, and care. 

“There will be a day when trying to do things for other folks won’t fill you up. I’m glad I didn’t and I haven’t lived my life trying to prove somebody else wrong instead of trying to prove myself right.” -  Jovian Zayne

Jovian speaks on the importance of celebrating your victories, leaning on your family and your faith, and finding ways to bring yourself outside of your comfort zone so that you can continue to grow and evolve. She also shares the intentions and challenges behind creating the OnPurpose Movement and the Day of Purpose, as well as why accountability is the foundation to any lasting change.

Stay tuned to hear about the wisdom Jovian has gained and how her purpose has changed becoming a mother.

“Sometimes we really aren’t going to get the road map, but the map will be given to you one piece at a time with every step that you take.” -  Jovian Zayne

Connect with Jovian:

Visit her website: www.jovianzayne.com 

Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/jovianzayne 

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/jovianzayne 

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jovianzayne 

About the Host:

Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create tangible outcomes that helps clients exceed expectations. Her diverse career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate and political sectors, as well as small businesses internationally.

With more than a decade of experience, Dreena and the WhitPR team have a proven ability to spot opportunities for our clients to grow their brand recognition in saturated markets that are in alignment with their overall objectives.

The Huffington Post listed Dreena as one of their “Top 25 African American Millennials in PR to Watch.”

Follow Dreena & WhitPR on all the socials:

@Dreenawhitpr & @whitpr

Join The WhitPR Collective: www.whitprcollective.com 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit howigotherewdreenaw.substack.com