Lunch with a Luminary

Our Season Finale is here, featuring an extraordinary conversation with Ray Daniels, a luminary in the music and entertainment industries. Ray takes us on his inspiring journey from struggle to success, shares insights on thriving in an AI-driven world, and reveals his strategies for building a personal ecosystem and leaving a lasting legacy.

This episode is part of our special Invest Fest 2024 Series and marks the conclusion of an incredible season of captivating conversations.

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green - Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment 

In this powerful episode of Lunch with a Luminary, we sit down with Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green, the second African American woman to earn a PhD in physics. As part of our Invest Fest 2024 Special Series, Dr. Green shares her groundbreaking work in cancer treatment using lasers and nanoparticles, which has successfully eliminated human cancer in mice within 15 days—without the debilitating side effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Dr. Green opens up about the personal experiences that fueled her mission and the challenges of being a Black scientist in a field with significant funding disparities. Her nonprofit, the ORA Lee Smith Cancer Research Foundation, aims to raise $10 million for FDA approval and $100 million for full clinical trials, bringing hope for an accessible and affordable cancer treatment to millions.

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

This week on Lunch with a Luminary, we dive deep into the transformative journey of Corey Jacobs, founder of the Buried Alive Project. From receiving 16 life sentences for non-violent offenses at just 19 to leading the fight to free others, Corey’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and purpose.

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Wallace Sermons, the first Black Chief Procurement Officer for the State of Maryland, to explore his incredible journey from an Army brat to a trailblazer in the world of procurement and government contracting.

Wallace shares:

• His path from the Air Force to entrepreneurship and ultimately procurement leadership
• The challenges minority-owned businesses face, with less than 1.3% of federal spending going to Black businesses
• Practical strategies for engaging with Procurement Center Representatives, Apex Accelerators, and Small Business Development Centers
• Tips for leveraging state-level liaisons to break into government contracts

This inspiring conversation is part of our Invest Fest 2024 Special Series, where we highlight trailblazers across industries.

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

In this week’s Invest Fest 2024 Series, we sit down with Inga Willis, a state representative with a remarkable journey from the vibrant 90s Atlanta music scene to the halls of political power. 

Inga shares:

• Her early career in the music industry and her work with icons like LaFace Records and TLC.
• The influence of her parents’ civil rights activism on her political journey.
• Insights on adapting to technological disruptions, enhancing consumer experiences, and retaining staff.
• The significance of Kamala Harris' Back on Track program and why business owners must stay engaged in policy.

Plus, Inga’s love for fiction and her top advice for entrepreneurs will leave you motivated to take your business to the next level!

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

This week, we're joined by Demetrius Bledsoe, CEO and founder of Fresh Harvest 365 and Fresh Highlands 365. His smart farming enterprises are revolutionizing agriculture by addressing food deserts, workforce development, and sustainability. Demetrius shares his journey from St. Louis to becoming a leader in agriculture, creating programs that teach vocational and leadership skills, and introducing urban communities to the future of farming through hydroponics and VR training.

Highlights include:

• Programs teaching electrical, plumbing, and greenhouse management
• Mini hydroponic kits for families and schools
• Tackling food insecurity with year-round fresh produce

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

In this week's episode of Lunch with a Luminary, Jackie P. Taylor sits down with Janell Stephens, the visionary CEO and founder of Camille Rose, to discuss the evolution of the beauty industry, her journey as a self-taught entrepreneur, and her passion for community impact. 

Janell shares how the beauty industry has shifted towards inclusivity and multiculturalism, the importance of trusting her team, and why she’s committed to growing her business at her own pace. She also opens up about her new initiative, the Juneteenth ARM Program Festival, which celebrates culture and gives back to the Atlanta community. 

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on how hard work, education, and staying true to your values can lead to success in business.

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

Lunch with a Luminary is thrilled to present our latest episode featuring the incredible @ChefChristanWillis! Join us as Christian, an Atlanta-based personal chef and TV personality, shares her inspiring journey—from discovering her love for cooking, transitioning from journalism to the culinary world, and building a successful business through social media and word-of-mouth. 

In this episode, Christian reveals insights from her early experiences at Disney’s high-volume kitchens, working in some of Atlanta’s top restaurants, and learning the power of knowing her worth and staying adaptable in business. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, aspiring chef, or entrepreneur, her story is sure to inspire!

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

In this episode of Lunch with a Luminary, we’re thrilled to welcome entrepreneur and wellness advocate @christinamrice, founder of @omnoire! After leaving the PR and marketing world due to burnout in 2015, Christina shifted her focus to wellness, creating a space for Black and Brown women to connect, heal, and thrive. Om Noir’s retreats, which began in-person, took a bold pivot to virtual in 2020, drawing over 3,000 participants. 

Join us as Christina shares her insights on recognizing burnout, setting boundaries, and listening to your audience. We also dive into her journey expanding Om Noir to include corporate wellness and group travel. Whether you’re on your own wellness journey or just need a bit of inspiration, this conversation is for you. 

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary

In this episode of Lunch with a Luminary, we sit down with the unstoppable Sadia Yansaneh —a motivational speaker and personal trainer who knows exactly how to turn pain into power. Sadia’s journey through personal trauma has fueled her mission to help others unlock their true potential and push through life’s toughest moments. Whether she’s leading high-energy workouts or inspiring crowds, her passion for personal growth shines through. 

Join us as we explore Sadia's powerful story of resilience and discover how she inspires others to keep going, even when the going gets tough. If you’re ready for a dose of motivation, this episode is for you!

🔗 For more inspiring conversations, visit: www.lunchwithaluminary.com
📱 Stay connected with us on social: @lunchwithaluminary