How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Nsé Ufot, an activist, community organizer, and CEO of The New Georgia Project, a voter support and legal action nonprofit organizationthat’s registering and engaging voters across Georgia. Listen in to gain insight into Nsé’s world and how she has evolved from behavioral researcher at Zoo Atlanta to a CEO handpicked byStacey Abrams.

You’ll learn how Oprah paid for Nsé’s college tuition, what it felt like to turn Georgia blue, and how The New Georgia Project is so successful in registering and mobilizing young, black voters. Plus, she shares powerful advice on inspiring activism and movement-building in the next young activists of color, especially with all the challenges we’re navigating today.

Born in Nigeria and raised in Atlanta with an immigrant family, culture shock was prevalent in Nsé’s childhood. Her difference, or her “otherness”, was always front and center. Thus, Nsé was driven to figure out what made this African-American culture so familiar, yet so foreign. 

“Good immigrant kid, I was going to be a neurosurgeon… It was always gonna be medical school, so to be where I am now is actually kind of funny.” ​-  Nsé Ufot

By the age of 14, Nsé was working with the Georgia House of Representatives. With a single mother working three jobs who was also working as an activist… helping people, meeting representatives, and getting curious about the struggles of her community were always parts of Nsé’s life!

“We are constantly listening. What do people care about? What are their hopes? What are their fears for themselves, for their families, for their communities? What DO they want to see in The New Georgia?​And then we work to connect the power of the vote to the change that they told us that they want to see because that is the thing that’s going to get people to come out.” ​​​​​​​​​-  Nsé Ufot

Connect with Nsé:

Visit her website: www.nseufot.com

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

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

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ns%C3%A9-ufot-b0b7b73b

Resources Mentioned:

The New Georgia Project: www.newgeorgiaproject.org

VIBE: www.newgeorgiaproject.org/campaigns/vibe

OASIS: www.newgeorgiaproject.org/campaigns/oasis

Amplify: www.amplify-ga.org

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

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Yolanda Williams, CEO and Co-founder of the natural skincare line, Cream Blends, and Owner and Chief Content Officer of DISTINCT Life Creative Agency. Yolanda is killin’ the game as an entrepreneur, mother, fitness influencer, and creative director, so let’s learn how she got here.

Ever since she was a little girl, Yolanda has been painting a colorful vision for her future. From dreaming of being a writer and hosting poetry open mic nights in high school, to self-publishing a memoir, Yolanda has always been driven to express herself, create, and innovate. Listen in as she sheds light on her journey of transitioning from corporate America to full-time entrepreneurship with her husband, Rick, while raising and homeschooling two kids.

“I built my business on the back of corporate America and having that stability... I literally used every lunch break to help build my business so by the end of the day when I got home, there were deliverables and things that I needed to work on from what I built on my lunch break.”-  Yolanda Williams

You’ll gain insight into Yolanda’s creative process for developing business ideas and products, how she and Rick grew their brands and scaled their businesses on their own, and her advice for starting and growing a business while working a full-time job. Plus, she tells the story of how she got her skincare products into Whole Foods, the powerful lessons she learned from that experience, and why she doesn’t want to do wholesale anymore.

“We grow slower trying to go the route that I’m trying to go, but I’m okay with that because we have multiple streams of income and multiple businesses to where I’m not pressed.”-  Yolanda Williams

Connect with Yolanda:

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

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-williams-a49a2525 

Resources Mentioned:

Cream Blends: www.creamblends.com 

Follow Cream Blends on Instagram: www.instagram.com/creamblends 

DISTINCT Life: www.distinctlife.com 

Follow DISTINCT Life on Instagram: www.instagram.com/distinctlife 

Outschool: www.outschool.com 

Kumon: www.kumon.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

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes artist, freedom fighter, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder of Black Lives Matter and founder of Dignity and Power Now, Patrisse Khan-Cullors! Listen in as she divulges what made her become an activist, how she’s dealt with backlash from non-supporters, and what inspired her to further pursue art and writing after years of front-line activism.

Patrisse has been defiant since DAY 1. She’s always wanted to change the lives of her community and her family. From organizing the youth community through The Bus Riders Union to igniting the Black Lives Matter Movement, Patrisse recognizes the hunger in black people to change the inhumanity we’ve been experiencing. 

“I think black creativity is the epicenter of how we heal and transform and evolve our societies.”-  Patrisse Khan-Cullors

Gain insight into Patrisse’s candid thoughts on the role of conflict and courageous conversations, along with how abolition can be a framework for solving internal conflicts inside of movements, communities, families, and black leaders. She also speaks on the projects she’s currently working on and what she believes is achievable for the future of our society.

“We live in a punishment and revenge culture. That punishment and revenge culture makes us dispose of each other… it makes it easier to dispose of someone like Dave Chappelle or dispose of black trans women.”-  Patrisse Khan-Cullors

Connect with Patrisse:

Visit her website: www.patrissecullors.com 

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

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

Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=727718905 

Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/patrisse-cullors-b2b58356 

Buy her memoir, When They Call You A Terrorist: https://amzn.to/3pd6f5p 

Resources Mentioned:

Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com 

Dignity and Power Now: https://dignityandpowernow.org 

Bus Riders Union: www.twitter.com/busridersunion 

Crenshaw Dairy Mart: www.crenshawdairymart.com

Watch RESIST: www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DI2pY4Fn40 

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

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Melissa Chanel, lifestyle blogger, content creator, sneaker connoisseur, and Founder and Creator of Kicks and Fros, a kick community for Black and brown women. On top of all that, she’s also the Head of Global Community & Communications at Cantu. Listen in as Melissa shares about her love of sneakers and the steps she took to establish herself as a Black female influencer in the sneaker, fashion, and lifestyle space.

Melissa highlights the power of building and nurturing community, what led her to create merch for Kicks and Fros, and how she balances and optimizes her time spent on Kicks and Fros, her full-time job at Cantu, and her personal brand.

“If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right!”-  Melissa Chanel

Stay tuned to hear Melissa’s top tips for overcoming creative blocks and refueling your creativity, along with advice for aspiring content creators on staying relevant and organized. Plus, Melissa shares the mantra that keeps her focused and confident, as well as her pro tips for cleaning and protecting your sneakers.

“Give yourself grace. Don’t feel like you need to keep up with anybody else. Do what you came to do, what you want to do, your style of sharing, of teaching… whatever it is you do as a content creator, just stick to your true and authentic self.”-  Melissa Chanel

Connect with Melissa:

Visit her blog: www.melissachanel.com 

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

Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/MelissaChanel2 

Resources & Apps Mentioned:

Kicks and Fros: www.kicksandfros.com

SNKRS: www.nike.com/snkrs-app 

GOAT: www.goat.com

StockX: www.stockx.com 

Social Status: www.socialstatuspgh.com

Request Boutique: www.requestboutique.com 

Calendly: www.calendly.com

Later: www.later.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

In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Eunique Jones Gibson, innovator, creator, culture leader, and founder of Because of Them We Can, Culture Tags, and Culture Brands. Listen in as Eunique sheds light on her journey to becoming a social activist, entrepreneur, and creative powerhouse for good.

After leaving the corporate marketing world and experiencing a life-altering car accident, Eunique became very intentional with her life and the purpose she has: hustling to amplify the good on a daily basis.

“Once I figured out a way to get my own ideas out of my head and to bring them to fruition, but to also monetize them, there was no longer a need for me to ask someone else for permission.”-  Eunique Jones Gibson

Stay tuned to hear Eunique’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on leaving a corporate job and activating your entrepreneurial drive, as well as advice for entrepreneurs on dealing with failure. She shares her thoughts on what will make a campaign go viral, how to get kids involved in activism and black history, and what it takes to get your products into major retailers and to stay on the shelves. Plus, Eunique speaks on how her family and her upbringing has shaped her way of thinking as it relates to her self-worth, creativity, activism, and leadership. 

“The power of life and death is in the tongue. We have the ability to call things into our life, into our existence, by what we say and what we believe. So, I speak life into my dreams.”-  Eunique Jones Gibson

Remember, “give yourself grace, it’s not a race, it’ll all work out in the end.”

Connect with Eunique:

Visit her website: www.euniquejones.com 

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

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

Because of Them We Can: www.becauseofthemwecan.com 

Submit a story to BOTWC: [email protected] 

Culture Brands: www.culturebrands.co 

Culture Tags: www.culturetags.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

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

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

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/

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

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