Today’s guest is a true force of faith and beauty—Dbora, founder of Dbora Cosmetics and Women in Power, joined by her business partner and son, Romee Gooden.

For over 20 years, Dbora has built an inspiring cosmetics empire rooted in self-worth, service, and empowerment. From working with royalty and celebrities to uplifting women in shelters, hospitals, and underserved communities, she’s on a mission to help women feel confident—inside and out.

🎧 Get ready for a conversation filled with purpose, elegance, and unstoppable faith.

INSTAGRAM: @ROMEEGOODEN

YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@romeegooden?si=xdFJYzrUAJKUiTQG

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063903228998

In this episode, we're joined by Clifford Exil, Founder and CEO of JetEx Mechanical LLC—a veteran and minority-owned certified business making major waves in HVAC, plumbing, and general construction.

With over 15 years of industry experience and contracts with clients like the MTA, Columbia University, and Honeywell, Clifford is building more than just infrastructure—he’s investing in communities and future talent through workforce initiatives and global partnerships.

🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on building a mission-driven, multimillion-dollar enterprise.

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jetex-mechanical-llc/
WEBSITE: https://jetexmechanical.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Joy Williams—a powerhouse at the intersection of wellness, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

Joy is the Associate Director of Community Engagement at Hofstra University’s Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Founder & CEO of SoulJoy Wellness, a lifestyle brand empowering Black women in mind, body, and soul. With deep roots in service, strategy, and innovation, Joy shares how she’s using her platform to address health disparities, uplift entrepreneurs, and build purpose-driven communities.

In this episode, we're joined by Avi Mukherjee, Hofstra University’s Pre-Award Grants Manager and past Assistant Director of Grant Writing and Management at Hofstra's Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

With over eight years of experience supporting interdisciplinary research and strategic initiatives, Avi joins us to share expert tips on navigating the world of grant writing—how to position your ideas, build strong proposals, and secure funding to fuel innovation.

🎧 You won’t want to miss this practical and insightful conversation!

In this episode, we're joined by Paul Williams—a dynamic CEO, multi-business owner, tech strategist, and national community leader. As the force behind Absolutely Trophies Inc. and GI Integrated Computer Solutions, Paul has built businesses that serve everyone from major institutions to local communities. But his influence doesn’t stop there—he’s also the founder of the Inner City Handball Association, a Hall of Fame athlete, and a nationally recognized mentor and nonprofit leader.

About Paul

Paul Williams, CEO of Absolutely Trophies Inc. MBE located in Bayside Queens is a custom recognition awards builder, promotional products provider and custom sports apparel supplier . Paul’s is also CEO of GI Integrated Computer Solutions Inc. a small business IT consulting company specializing in hardware and software solutions. 

Paul is a native of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn and current Brooklyn resident. He is an alumnus of Brooklyn Technical H.S., Hunter College, Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program and Hofstra Ascend Program. Paul has an Associate degree in Physics, and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Paul has a strong sense of giving back to the community that has helped him obtain success and welcomes teen interns annually in his businesses . 

In 1991, Paul founded the 33-year-old Inner City Handball Association Inc., a 501C3 charity which educates, mentors and serves hundreds of young athletes each year through the sport of Handball, in addition to serving on the Board of Managers for the Jamaica Queens YMCA. Paul also is the current Chairman of the New York Athletic Club Elite Handball team helping to develop world class Handball champions. 

Paul is a National USHA Handball and NY State Handball Hall of Fame member. He was also the first African American to serve on the board and as Vice President of the United States Handball Association and as President of the World Handball Council. Paul is also a recipient of the 2022 Queens Borough President & United States Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards for Community Service. 

You can connect with him on social:

INSTAGRAM
@ichandball
https://www.instagram.com/absolutelytrophies/ 

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/AbsolutelyTrophiesInc/# 

LINKEDIN
https://www.linkedin.com/in/absolutelytrophies 

WEBSITE
https://www.absolutelytrophies.com/ 

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
https://www.blackenterprise.com/how-this-entrepreneur-reinvented-himself-to-become-a-winner-in-the-trophy-business/ 

In this episode, we're joined by Nelson Tavares, a powerhouse in both construction and finance. As CEO of Watson Stone Inc. and Tristate Steel Corp, Nelson brings a unique blend of commercial construction expertise and financial acumen, leading multimillion-dollar projects for clients like Delta Airlines, MTA, and the NYC Public Health Lab. With a background in banking and a proven record of scaling businesses, he’s redefining what it means to build—literally and strategically.

Nelson Tavares is a dynamic and results-driven business leader with extensive experience in both steel and stone commercial construction and finance. As the Chief Executive Officer and President of Watson Stone Inc/Tristate Steel Corp, Nelson Tavares has successfully guided the strategic direction of the company, focusing on sustainable growth and high-quality installations for a variety of commercial and industrial projects. With a strong commitment to operational excellence, Nelson Tavares ensures that all projects meet stringent quality standards, timelines, and client specifications while fostering strong relationships with key clients and suppliers.

In addition to leadership in construction, Nelson Tavares was also the Chief Operating Officer and Owner of JS General Contracting. Under its leadership, the firm grew revenue from $100,000 to $1.3 million in just three years. Nelson Tavares developed successful strategies that attracted high-profile contracts with organizations such as the School Construction Authority, MTA, Port Authority, and SKANSKA USA. Notably, his led the successful completion of the Delta Sky Lounge at JFK Airport and collaborated on a $500 million project at the NYC Public Health Lab.

Before venturing into the construction industry, Nelson Tavares gained significant experience in banking, holding roles at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, HSBC Bank USA, and Wells Fargo Financial. He managed multi-million-dollar portfolios, advised high-net-worth clients, and developed expertise in commercial lending.

Nelson Tavares holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Baruch College and is fluent in Spanish. With a proven ability to drive business growth, improve operational efficiency, and build long-lasting relationships, Nelson recently obtained his Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification as a majority business owner to further expand his impact in the industry.

You can connect with him on social media:

INSTAGRAM: @nelz23

LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelson-tavares-finance/

This episode features Frederick Towles, an accountant, author, speaker, and finance coach committed to helping others unlock their full potential.

As the founder of The Towles Group Inc., Frederick empowers individuals and small businesses with the tools they need for financial freedom, leadership, and long-term success. He also leads a non-profit, Unlimited Expectations Inc., where he teaches youth about money and entrepreneurship.

Connect with Frederick on his social accounts:

INSTAGRAM - @mrtowles @towlesgroup
TIKTOK - @fredtowles
YOUTUBE - @fredericktowles2933
LINKEDIN - Frederick Towles
WEBSITE - www.thetowlesgroupinc.com
FACEBOOK - facebook.com/TheTowlesGroupInc
TWITTER - www.twitter.com/TTGInc

In this episode, we're joined by Coralie Saint-Louis—a journalist-turned-media and tech entrepreneur with a mission to reshape how we consume news.

Coralie is the creator of Enpak, a social media app delivering real-time, verified local news from accredited journalists—designed to build more informed and civically engaged communities. With deep roots in Haiti and a passion for inclusive media, Coralie is leading the way in tech for good.

Connect with her on her social channels:

• Instagram: @enpaksocial
• TikTok: @enpaksocial
• YouTube: @tdnmedia
• LinkedIn: Coralie Saint-Louis and Enpak Social
• Website: https://enpaksocial.com/