Leaders In The Spotlight

S06 EP05

Ashley Lania is the visionary CEO of BossyByNature Design Studio, where she empowers feel-good, women-led brands to thrive through strategic design, digital marketing, and purpose-driven storytelling.

From Fortune 500 companies to community-rooted nonprofits and celebrity-backed brands, her portfolio includes impactful collaborations with icons like Tabitha Brown, Simone I. Smith, Mary J. Blige, and more.

A proud advocate for women and diverse creators, Ashley is especially passionate about amplifying women-owned brands—helping names like Donna’s Recipe, Born to Roam and Simone I. Smith rise with confidence and clarity.

BossyByNature’s Top Services Include:

🌟 Social Media Management

🌟 Social Media Strategy

🌟 Email Marketing

🌟 Creative Direction

🌟 Graphic Design

🌟 Brand Consultation & More

Whether she’s designing, strategizing, or empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs, Ashley leads with heart, hustle, and a mission to make every brand feel seen.

Guest: Ashley Lania

https://www.bossybynature.co/

https://www.instagram.com/bossybynatureco/

https://www.tiktok.com/@UCi2ntL-Ndhl8EEeXFs3qMnA

https://www.linkedin.com/company/bossybynature-design-studio/

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 4

Brittany Walker is a purpose driven leader, social justice advocate, and devoted mother of four whose life’s mission is rooted in transforming adversity into action. As the Founder and CEO of Butterfly’s Haven, she provides dignified housing and holistic supportive services for former foster youth, justice impacted individuals, and families navigating homelessness. Born from her own lived experience surviving domestic violence, homelessness, and the failures of broken systems.

Butterfly’s Haven was created as a soft landing, a safe space for others to unpack trauma and rebuild their lives surrounded by love, empathy, and community. For Brittany, this work is more than service it’s a sacred calling. With deep faith and gratitude, she honors the purpose God placed on her life by helping others rise, heal, and thrive. She needed a hero so she became one.

Guest: Brittany Walker, Butterfly’s Haven CEO

https://butterflyshaven.org/

https://www.instagram.com/butterflys.haven/

https://www.treehouse.community/spaces

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 3

Sherika Charity-Junirs is a powerhouse in financial aid leadership, currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid at Northern Virginia Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. With 15 years of experience, she’s championed access, equity, and student success across Virginia’s community college system.

Sherika holds a double major in Economics and Sociology from the University of Virginia, earned her MBA in Management from Strayer University, and had completed consequences for a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Old Dominion University. But beyond the credentials, it’s her passion for helping students navigate life’s financial crossroads that truly sets her apart.

While reimagining supports for underrepresented and needy students, Sherikaleads with purpose, perspective, and a deep commitment to transforming lives through education.

Guest: Sherika Charity-Junirs

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

S06EP02

Ahneishia Washington is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is passionate about seeing individuals, families, and communities get their joy back to thrive in wholeness and peace. Ahneishia grew up in the city of Compton, where she developed her passion for seeing urban communities heal from inner city trauma, and fostered a compassion for mental health and emotional wellness.

Ahneishia obtained her Master's of Science Degree in Counseling- Marriage & Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and has been an advocate and change agent in community mental health needs and family restoration since.

Ahneishia is now the "Queen-E-O" of her own virtual private practice, Kingdom Counseling Solutions, where she specializes in providing culturally competent relatable care to clients of color, clients of faith, and clients from urban inner-city backgrounds who have experienced trauma. Affectionately known as the CPT MFT on social media, Ahneishia empowers urban faith-based wellness & mental health education not only with through her therapeutic work in clinical care through individual, couples, family, and group therapy, but also through providing workshops, trainings, speaking engagements, and critical incident & stress debriefing support to corporations, local churches, non-profits, hospitals, schools, and local & virtual events within her community.

Guest: Ahneishia Washington, LMFT

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 1

Launi King has been a globally recognized design executive for more than 20 years. As the founder and CEO of Creative Play, King developed a product lab that champions inventors and illuminates Black women-driven innovation. Creative Play develops products that break the loop in everyday problems, crafting efficient and fun solutions that empower people in their daily pursuits. ClaspeesTM, the first product launch, are functional yet stylish collectible accessories that prevent the loss of drawstrings.

King has successfully set the strategic direction and led cross-functional, performance-driven teams in creating global product lines for companies including Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, Mattel, National Geographic, ESPN, and The Walt Disney Company. King has overseen key partnerships with brands such as L’Oréal, Balenciaga, Vans, Levi’s, Krispy Kreme, Ferrero, Blue Apron, Samsung, Sir Kensington, Tic Tac, Off-White, NYX, and many more.

Guest: Launi King

https://www.instagram.com/launik/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/launiking/

https://www.creativeplayinc.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 5 Episode 11

Ms. J’Tasha St. Cyr, CEO and Founder of Miss Everything Entertainment, a dynamic production company based in Los Angeles. A proud native of the city, J’Tasha is of Creole and Belizean descent.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entertainment Marketing and a minor in International Business from Cal Poly Pomona University. With a background as an international dancer, actor, and model, J’Tasha built an expansive network and gained invaluable insight into the global entertainment industry. These experiences laid the foundation for her successful transition into producing and directing film and television projects.

Since 2019, Miss Everything Entertainment has been a proud partner of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF). In 2020, the company produced the PAFF Institute Panel Series, with J’Tasha personally moderating three of the five engaging and impactful panels.

Guest: Ms. J’Tasha St. Cyr

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6397287/

https://www.instagram.com/jtasha_/?hl=en

https://linktr.ee/MissEverythingEnt

https://www.instagram.com/misseverythingent/?hl=en

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 5 Episode 10

Alison "Ali" Bodager is a passionate advocate for underserved youth and the founder of Jacaranda Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transition-age adults (18-24) experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. Born and raised in Ohio, Ali has been committed to helping young people navigate life’s challenges since she was in middle school. As an adult, in 2010, she moved to the Los Angeles area to work at an after-school program in Skid Row, Downtown LA. Following the program's closure, she shifted to a role as a trust and estate paralegal, which provided her with valuable legal training and insight into the nonprofit sector. In 2020, Ali’s work as a Campus Coordinator for a church in Burbank was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, giving her the time and space to further research and develop her vision for Jacaranda Rising. In 2021, Jacaranda Rising was officially launched with the mission to empower young adults facing homelessness and foster care challenges, equipping them with life and job skills, school supplies, and more. In 2024, Jacaranda Rising served over 60 young adults, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Ali’s goal is to continue expanding the nonprofit, doubling the number of young people served each year, and making a lasting impact in their lives.

Guest: Alison "Ali" Bodager

www.jacarandahousing.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

Season 5 Episode 9

Nicole Bryant is the founding Chief Operating Officer of the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Civil Rights. Nicole is at the helm of some of LA’s most impactful initiatives, including the award-winning anti-hate campaign, LA For All, and the recently launched Just Say Hello campaign, in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles. Nicole also oversees the department’s intellectual property in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and leads upward mobility programs like LA Medical Day and LA Law Day, giving students direct access to trailblazing professionals. A passionate mentor, Nicole runs an internship program supporting high school, college, and law students—something especially close to her heart, having started her own public service journey as a Student Worker. Before her current role, Nicole climbed the ranks at the County of Los Angeles, ultimately serving as Senior Analyst to the CEO, where she worked to eliminate racial inequities and shape policy for women and girls. She holds both a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Technology Law. Beyond her government work, Nicole is expanding into film production, focusing on meaningful projects that inform and inspire. She also serves on the board of Oceans and Roads Film Foundation, which introduces underserved families to sailing, aquatic sports, and water safety.

Guest: Nicole Bryant

Instagram @attorney.Nikki

LinkedIn Nicole Bryant, Esq.

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 5 Episode 8

Dynasty Taylor, a social worker and native of South Los Angeles, founded Dynasty's United Youth Association (DUYA) in 2014 at just 23 years old during her first year of graduate school at USC. Driven by a passion for social change, she pursued a Master’s in Social Work, equipping herself with the tools to empower underserved youth to rise from poverty to prosperity. In addition to leading DUYA, she writes grants, develops curriculum, and designs program models to support youth development and educational equity. She also serves as a Public Social Services Commissioner for Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office in District II, advocating for policies that uplift marginalized communities. As a City Scholars Foundation Fellow and proud LAAWPPI alumna, Dynasty’s dedication to social impact has earned recognition from the LA Times, New York Times, and Points of Light.

Guest: Dynasty Taylor www.dynastysyouth.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

Season 5 Episode 7

Shelby Williams-González President & CEO of Inner-CityArts and has 20 years of experience in the arts education field and 22 years as a professional dancer, Shelby  has a career made up of overlapping networks. Artist, educator, and leader pushing for social change. Shelby has taught dance and performing arts for LAUSD, as well as developed programs for non-profit organizations such as The California Dance Institute, A Place Called Home and the L.A. Opera’s Education Program. As the previous Executive Director of artworxLA, Shelby dedicated her work to creatively educating alternative high school teenagers with sustained arts exposure and immersion. She believes that investing human and financial resources around our young people is necessary for LA’s youth to evolve as unique individuals and flourish as creative adults.

Shelby serves on the Board of Directors for the Arts for Healing and Justice Network, an interdisciplinary collaborative that provides exceptional arts programming in order to build resiliency and wellness, eliminate recidivism, and transform the juvenile justice system. Shelby also serves on the Board of Directors of Suarez Dance Theater and is a member of the Los Angeles' Chapter for the Undoing Racism Collective. She holds a B.A. in Dance and Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley and is a proud native Angelino, mom, wife, and avid shoe shopper!

Guest: Shelby Williams-González

@innercityarts @shelbywillgonz

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