Leaders In The Spotlight

S7 E4

Scott Thornton Entrepreneur | Business Leader | Mentor Scott Thornton is an entrepreneur, business leader, and mentor whose journey is a powerful example of perseverance, personal growth, and discovering purpose through life's experiences. In 2008, Scott relocated his family from Illinois to California to pursue an opportunity in the plumbing wholesale industry—an industry he knew little about at the time.

Through determination, hands-on experience, and a willingness to learn, he built a successful career that eventually led to an ownership opportunity at Temecula Winnelson in 2015. Despite having no previous experience running a company, Scott embraced the challenge. Working alongside a dedicated team, he helped grow the business from approximately $3 million in annual sales to an impressive $13.6 million.

Today, Scott's mission extends beyond business success. Drawing from his personal and professional experiences—including setbacks, difficult decisions, and life-changing lessons—he has embarked on a passion-driven mentoring initiative designed to help others navigate life's challenges. Whether someone is feeling lost, financially overwhelmed, professionally uncertain, or simply stuck, Scott's goal is to walk alongside them, offering guidance rooted in real-life experience.

After 57 years of life's lessons, Scott discovered what he believes is his true purpose: using his journey to help others find direction, overcome obstacles, and recognize the possibilities ahead. His story is a reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers. Sometimes, it's about having the courage to begin, the humility to learn, and the willingness to use your experiences to make a difference in someone else's life.

Guest: Scott Thornton

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA 

S7 E3

Claudia Heyneman Wells is an actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community servant, internationally recognized for her role as Jennifer Parker in the iconic film Back to the Future. Her performing career began in San Francisco, where she was a founding member of the San Francisco Girls Chorus, founded in 1978, and performed principal children's roles in ten operas between the ages of eight and twelve at the San Francisco War Memorial Opera House and the Curran Theatre, appearing in productions with legendary artists including Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, Montserrat Caballé, and many others.

Beyond her work in entertainment, Claudia built a respected career as founder and owner of Armani Wells, the Los Angeles–based curated men's luxury resale business she established in 1991. Through Armani Wells, she became an early leader in men's luxury resale, championing quality, stewardship, and sustainable fashion long before luxury resale became mainstream. Her work reflects a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship, personal service, and the enduring value of beautifully made clothing.

Guest: Claudia Heyneman Wells

https://linktr.ee/theclaudiawells

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

S7 E2

KAREN COVELL is an independent Producer of films, Specials and Documentaries, Founding Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN) and Co-Founder and Producer for JC Productions, an independent film and music production company. She is also an active member of the Producers Guild of America. As Founding Director of the Hollywood Prayer Network, Karen challenges Christians around the world to pray for the people, the projects and the issues in the world’s most influential marketplace, Hollywood.

Guest: KAREN COVELL Producer/Director of The Hollywood Prayer Network

www.KarenCovell.com www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org

https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodprayernetwork/

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

S7 E1

Erin Miracle is an award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer, writer, director, and producer whose career spans film, theater, television, and international performance. Her credits include The Beast, Dead Kansas, Death on the Border, and The Passion Play, which reached more than 500 million homes worldwide. In 2021, Erin founded the Miracle Makers International Film Festival, a platform that champions purpose-driven filmmakers and creators. Through her work, she brings faith and artistry together to create stories that uplift, inspire, and endure.

Guest: Erin Miracle

Instagram: @miraclemakersiff

Website: MiracleMakersIFF.com

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits

Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Season 6 Episode 11

Wendy Gladney is The Purpose Partner. She serves as a Coach, Life Strategist, Consultant, Author, and Speaker. A multi-faceted businesswoman with close to thirty years of experience, Wendy is the founder Season of Greatness (SOG); Personal Services Plus Consulting (PSP); and the nonprofit, Forgiving for Living, Inc. (FFL).

As a Coach, Consultant and Strategist, Wendy has worked with individuals, community-based organizations, small businesses, and corporations across America. Wendy believes in helping others reach their full potential while providing exceptional service. ​

Wendy received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a graduate of both The Protocol School of Washington, certified and licensed to teach International Protocol, Etiquette, and Intercultural Understanding; and Antioch University Coaching Tools Program, where she received a certification in coaching through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Wendy takes her personal and professional life experiences and shares how to turn stumbling blocks into steppingstones to achieve the life you desire, also known as your, “Season of Greatness.”

As a writer, Wendy is a weekly columnist for both the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Inland Valley News and has authored two books: “The Preacher’s Daughter: A Memory” and “Forgiveness: Change Your Life Forever.” Her subject matter frequently revolves around the themes of forgiveness and healing. ​​

Wendy is a mother, grandmother, and wife. She is committed to her faith, family, and community.  She believes everyone has the power to make a difference and lives by her motto: “Healing Without Hate:  it’s a Choice, it’s a Lifestyle, Pass it on!”  

Guest: Wendy Gladney

www.wendygladney.com

www.forgivingforliving.org.

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose

https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/

https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

S06E10

Imhotep Coleman is the founder of Urban Scholar Film Academy, a Saturday affinity program serving high school youth in Inglewood, CA. The Ready to Rise award–winning initiative is dedicated to empowering young filmmakers by sharing the communal and collaborative process of storytelling. Through intentional pipelines, content creation, and community building, Urban Scholar Film Academy fosters creativity with purpose and love. Learn more at www.urbanscholarfilmacademy.org.

Imhotep is also a proud member of the Film Production Faculty at West Los Angeles College and a 2024 Alex Trebek Television Academy Legacy Fellow. His commitment to education and mentorship extends beyond the classroom: he and his wife, Alexis, co-founded Urban Scholar Academy, an award-winning academic enrichment and tutoring center. Their work has been recognized nationally, including honors as Super Bowl LVI Legacy Champions, 2023 WWE WrestleMania Community Champions, and Golden Globe Foundation Community Champions.

A veteran member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Imhotep has served as an Assistant Director on acclaimed projects such as 9-1-1 (FOX), Scandal, and Project X, among many others. Originally from Kansas City, Imhotep is a graduate of Howard University’s Television & Film Department. For the past twenty years, he has proudly called Inglewood, CA home. He is married to his hometown and college sweetheart, the phenomenal Alexis Coleman, and together they are raising two dynamic sons, Jalen and Malachi.

Guest: Imhotep Coleman

https://urbanscholarfilmacademy.org/

Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

S06 E09

Craig Shimahara is the founder and CEO of Shimahara Visual, a full service creative agency specializing in property marketing and architectural visualization, with studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston.

Craig is a Presidential Award Recipient of the AIA Los Angeles chapter, a winner of Gensler’s Watanabe Award for excellence in visual communication, and garnered best original screenplay honors at the Montreal Cinefest for his 2015 feature film, Masterless. Partnering with his wife, Lorraine, he is currently co-producing the non-profit, social justice documentary Architecture of Hope, which showcases international solutions to homelessness and is narrated by Angela Bassett.

He holds a Masters degree in architecture from UCLA and lives in Santa Monica with Lorraine and their teenage children.

Guest: Craig Shimahara

shimaharavisual.com

LA • NY • BOS

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

S06E08

Dr. Dawnn Lewis, a multitalented and multifaceted individual: President & CEO of Morning Jewel Inc. – a multi-platform production company in the areas of film, television, animation, music/music publishing & experiential events.

She is also the Founder & CEO of the A New Day Foundation – a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, that provides financial & programmatic support to underprivileged youth and grassroots community based nonprofit organizations.

In 2019, Dawnn received an Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities for her more than 40 years of unwavering service and support to underserved youth and communities across the county and abroad. She is a: Trumpet Award, Grammy Award-winning singer, multiple NAACP Image Award, BMI & ASCAP Award-winning songwriter, film, television & stage actor, a Series TV creator/producer and an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2021.

Guest: Dr. Dawnn Lewis

https://anewdayfoundation.net

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits

Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here:

https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/

https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship

https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Season 6 Episode 7

Emmanuel J. Waters Co-Founder and CEO Old Hillside Bourbon Company is an experienced contracts consultant in Silicon Valley. He started his career working for the Department of Defense and has over 12 years of experience in both commercial and government contracts.

Upon leaving the federal service, he opened up his own LLC and currently serves as a contracts subject matter expert for universities such as Stanford, University of California, Berkeley, and several tech companies.

One thing most do not know about Emmanuel is he is the son of a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and spent his high school years living in Japan and Germany. Emmanuel has visited over 32 foreign countries and visits a new one every year. Emmanuel currently resides in San Jose, California where he enjoys traveling the world with his wife and daughters. Emmanuel holds an M.B.A. from Texas A&M University-Commerce.

Guest: Emmanuel J. Waters

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-waters-4740989a

https://www.oldhillsidebourboncompany.com/our-founders?srsltid=AfmBOoreOOjrTDrThj2Gevnudot5rQd-OGPsM-5GbOM-Zi6IAQo9ar26

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/

https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship

https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Season 6 Episode 6

Marsha Smith is the founder and CEO of Minibop, a company transforming early childhood education through the power of music. With a background in music management from Berklee College of Music and years of experience as both a performer and educator, Marsha’s journey has been shaped by the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the industry.

Navigating a space where creative arts in early education are often overlooked, she built Minibop to bridge the gap—giving young children access to high-quality, developmentally rich music experiences while also empowering early childhood educators with the tools and training to confidently integrate music into their classrooms. As an entrepreneur and mother, Marsha has had to balance ambition with caregiving, advocate for her vision in rooms where she was often the only woman, and carve out a space where music is seen as essential, not optional.

Through Minibop, she is not only reshaping early education but also paving the way for other women to lead with creativity, confidence, and impact. Her work is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and purpose—showing that when women amplify their voices, entire industries change for the better.

Guest: Marsha Smith

https://minibopmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/minibopmusic/

https://www.youtube.com/@UCFE781NvvrE02rn6uv2o72A

https://www.tiktok.com/@minibopmusic

Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose

https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/

Credits Host - Tige Charity

Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight

Follow us here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/

https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_

Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747

Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/

Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656

Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks

Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.

Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA

Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner

Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry