Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Cassandra Lester.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview introduces Cassandra Lester’s nonprofit Grow Give Prosper and its partnership with Google’s “Grow with Google” initiative. The goal is to provide free career certification scholarships to underserved and economically impacted communities, helping individuals increase earning potential and gain financial literacy.

Key Takeaways

1. Mission of Grow Give Prosper

   • Founded in 2023, focused on financial education and empowerment.
   • Aims to help communities grow together, give to each other, and prosper collectively.

2. Google Partnership

   • Offers free career certifications in high-demand fields:
     • Cybersecurity
     • Data Analytics
     • Digital Marketing & E-commerce
     • IT Support
     • Project Management
     • UX Design
   • Certifications are self-paced, online, and typically take 3–6 months.
   • No prior experience required; participants receive a portfolio upon completion.

3. Accessibility

   • Scholarships are free; the only requirement is commitment.
   • Available to anyone in the continental U.S., regardless of education level (GED, college dropout, etc.).
   • Registration via growgiveprosper.org (scroll to Google Career Scholarships).

4. Impact

   • Over 300 scholarships awarded; previously had 500.
   • Designed to level the playing field for those without Ivy League degrees.
   • Certifications can stack (e.g., Project Management + Data Analytics) for greater career potential.

5. Financial Literacy

   • Defined as understanding financial concepts and applying them to daily life.
   • Misconceptions persist—some communities avoid discussing money or undervalue credit scores.
   • Cassandra emphasizes breaking cycles of predatory lending and poor financial habits.

6. Challenges

   • Cultural reluctance to discuss money.
   • Skepticism about legitimacy of programs.
   • Difficulty securing grants as a small nonprofit.
   • Cassandra combats these through grassroots outreach and workshops.

7. Personal Drive

   • Cassandra’s passion stems from seeing financial struggles across all demographics.
   • She actively promotes opportunities through community centers, adult education classes, and social media.

Notable Quotes

• “I want us to grow together so that we can give to each other and then prosper as a collective.”
• “Google is leveling the playing field—you don’t need an Ivy League education to earn a livable wage.”
• “The only fee is commitment.”
• “Financial literacy means you understand the words, you hear the conversation, and it’s not Greek to you.”
• “You can’t talk about managing finances if you really don’t have anything coming in.”
• “You don’t want to miss this opportunity to increase your earning potential.”
• “Once you’re certified, that’s yours for life—you can’t repo a degree or certification.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teresa Edwards.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to introduce Teresa Edwards’ book The Mirror Method: 12 Weeks to Stop Abandoning Yourself, a guided workbook designed to help individuals overcome people-pleasing tendencies, set boundaries, and prioritize their own needs without guilt. It focuses on personal empowerment, mental health, and rediscovering one’s authentic self.

Key Takeaways

1. People-Pleasing and Boundaries

   • People-pleasing becomes harmful when you agree to things you don’t want to do, leading to stress and resentment.
   • Setting boundaries is essential for self-respect and mental health.

2. The Mirror Method

   • A 12-week guided process to “unravel” harmful patterns and rediscover your true self.
   • Emphasizes self-reflection, journaling, and gradual transformation at your own pace.

3. Selfishness vs. Self-Care

   • Edwards reframes “selfish” as a positive concept: prioritizing your health and happiness is necessary, not negative.
   • You can’t be your best for others if you’re not your best for yourself.

4. Health as a Wake-Up Call

   • Stress is a silent killer; Teresa’s own health issues (high blood pressure) forced her to reevaluate her life.
   • Happiness and well-being should not be age-limited—“You’re never too old to return to yourself.”

5. Letting Go of Toxic Relationships

   • Users often exploit people-pleasers; recognizing and removing such relationships is crucial.
   • Fully committing to the Mirror Method means accepting hard truths and being okay with losing people who drain you.

6. Therapy and Mental Health

   • COVID accelerated acceptance of therapy in communities where it was previously stigmatized.
   • Mental health is as important as physical health—“The mind is a muscle too.”

7. Workbook Details

   • Available on Amazon and at themirrormethodworkbook.com in print and downloadable formats.
   • Exercises involve writing and self-reflection to confront truths and break patterns.

Notable Quotes

• “Boundaries are key.”
• “Selfish is not a negative word—it’s perseverance of yourself.”
• “You can’t throw a party and be mad at your own party.”
• “Enough is enough—look in the mirror and say it.”
• “You’re never too old to return to yourself.”
• “Stress is that silent killer.”
• “Fully commit means accepting all those good, bad, or ugly moments—and being okay with letting go.”
• “The mind is a muscle too.”
• “Be okay with being okay.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed April Lancit.

• Founder of a private therapy practice focused on culturally sensitive therapy for Black and Brown communities.
• Main Topics:
  • Cultural differences in therapy
  • Challenges in modern relationships and marriage
  • The impact of technology on human connection
  • The role of therapy in addressing generational trauma and stress
  • The future of therapy in the age of AI

💡 Key Insights 1. Culturally Sensitive Therapy

• April emphasizes the importance of therapists understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
• Black and Brown clients often face unique challenges that require a nuanced, empathetic approach.

2. Modern Relationship Struggles

• Top issues in marriage therapy: finances, infidelity, and communication.
• Communication is often overlooked but is foundational to resolving other issues.

3. Technology & Disconnection

• The rise of remote living and digital communication is reducing opportunities for organic human interaction.
• Couples are increasingly using text messages—even within the same home—to communicate, which can erode intimacy.

4. Therapy as a Preventative Tool

• Therapy shouldn't be reserved for crises; it can be a proactive tool for personal and relational growth.
• Pre-marriage counseling is often skipped or done too late, missing key conversations about values, finances, and intimacy.

5. AI in Therapy

• April sees potential in AI as a supplementary tool but stresses it cannot replace the human connection essential to effective therapy.

🧠 Final Message

April encourages people to seek therapy not out of crisis, but as a way to grow and connect more deeply—with themselves and others. She remains hopeful that with intention and effort, society can rebuild meaningful human connections.

#SHMS #STRAW 

#BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Katrina Fitten.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate entrepreneurs—especially women business owners—on how to secure funding responsibly, avoid scams, and develop a strategic financial plan. It also highlights Katrina Fitten’s expertise as CEO/CFO of New Day for You Financial and her mission to help startups and small businesses access capital.

Key Takeaways

1. Funding Opportunities & Qualifications

   • Katrina helps women business owners secure up to $100,000 in 100 days or less, with same-day approval and next-day funding.
   • Basic qualifications include:
     • Credit score of 680+
     • Existing credit lines (at least $10,000)
     • A clear business mission and low-risk profile.

2. Avoiding Scams

   • Beware of unsolicited emails/texts promising easy money.
   • Do your homework:
     • Check companies on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
     • Look for testimonials and partnerships with reputable banks (e.g., Chase, American Express).
   • Never share sensitive information without verifying legitimacy.

3. Importance of a Business Plan

   • Funding is not free money—you need a strategic plan.
   • Katrina calls it a “money mission”: know exactly how funds will be deployed.
   • Without a plan, money disappears quickly, leading to debt and bad credit.

4. Family & Friends Lending

   • Treat personal loans like business loans:
     • Have written agreements with terms, repayment schedule, and penalties.
     • Decide upfront if it’s a gift or a loan.

5. Services Offered by New Day for You Financial

   • SBA loans, equipment loans, purchase order financing.
   • Lines of credit and 0% interest credit cards (18–21 months).
   • Credit card stacking for higher funding amounts.
   • Credit restoration referrals for those with poor credit.

6. Success Story

   • Example: A tax accountant secured $160,000 in less than a week due to strong credit, revenue history, and a solid business plan.

Notable Quotes

• “If you don’t have a plan for your money, your money will have a plan—and you’ll look up and it’s gone.”
• “We don’t want to be out here racking up good debt and then you’re not going to be responsible.”
• “You have to vet companies. Go to BBB, Google them, and check their credibility.”
• “If I give you money, I decide—is it a gift or a loan? There are rules to borrowing money.”
• “We say if you don’t get anything, we don’t get paid.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Teri Williams.

President & COO (and owner) of OneUnited Bank, from Money Making Conversations Masterclass:

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Showcase OneUnited Bank’s role as the largest Black-owned bank and its commitment to financial empowerment.
• Educate listeners on digital banking solutions, financial literacy, and generational wealth strategies.
• Promote OneUnited Bank’s services and initiatives, including its youth financial literacy contest and “One Transaction” wealth-building concept.

Key Takeaways

1. Origins & Growth of OneUnited Bank

   • Started as a community bank in Boston, later acquired four Black-owned banks (Miami, LA, Boston) and merged into OneUnited.
   • Became the first Black-owned digital bank and now serves customers nationwide.

2. Digital Banking & Accessibility

   • Customers can open accounts online in minutes.
   • Features include:
     • Mobile check deposit (take a photo of your check).
     • Direct deposit with early pay (up to 2 days early, no fees).
     • Largest surcharge-free ATM network (100,000 ATMs, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).

3. Combatting Financial Deserts

   • Addresses lack of brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities and reliance on predatory check-cashing services.
   • Emphasizes that check-cashing services never improve credit scores and often harm financial health.

4. Financial Literacy & Wealth Building

   • Advocates automatic savings as a key wealth-building habit.
   • Introduced WiseOne, a tool that aggregates financial data to:
     • Track net worth, income, expenses.
     • Identify duplicate charges and suggest savings.
     • Provide debt-reduction strategies.

5. Youth Financial Literacy Initiative

   • “I Got Bank” Contest for ages 8–12:
     • Read a financial literacy book (free download available).
     • Submit an essay or artwork on what they learned.
     • 10 winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.

6. One Transaction Concept

   • Six key transactions to build generational wealth:
     • Homeownership (OneUnited offers $25K–$50K down payment assistance).
     • Life Insurance (affordable way to transfer wealth).
     • Investments (automatic contributions).
     • Profitable Business (entrepreneurship or side gigs).
     • Credit Score Improvement.
     • Savings (automatic transfers).
   • Focus on one transaction at a time for sustainable progress.

7. Economic Advice for Uncertain Times

   • Anticipates stagflation (inflation + rising unemployment).
   • Recommendations:
     • Hold on to your job (avoid unnecessary job changes).
     • Save more, spend less.

Notable Quotes

• “We were the first Black-owned digital bank—and now the largest Black-owned bank in the country.”
• “Check cashers only report to credit bureaus when you don’t pay them. That’s crazy.”
• “If it goes in your pocket, you’re more likely to spend it. Wealthy people automate savings.”
• “One transaction can make the difference between being wealthy or not.”
• “We have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the country—100,000 ATMs.”
• “Hold on to your job. Start saving more and spending less.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards.

A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity

• Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice.
• She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18.
• Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer.

2. Turning Point

• A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to.

3. Relentless Pursuit of Education

• Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service.
• After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education.
• Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband.

4. Professional Success

• Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia.
• Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis.
• Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years.

5. Support System

• Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team.
• Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision.

6. Advice & Motivation

• Be clear about your goals and stay focused.
• Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now.
• Believe in your dream even when others don’t.
• Use adversity as fuel for your ambition.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• “I feel thankful but not satisfied.”
• “My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.”
• “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Crystal Victoria.

🎯 Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to:

• Showcase Crystal Victoria’s work in youth entrepreneurship through her nonprofit Target Evolution, Inc.
• Promote the Teen Biz Box, a hands-on business starter kit for kids.
• Inspire parents, educators, and community leaders to support alternative career paths for youth.
• Share Crystal’s personal journey from juvenile detention to becoming an author and entrepreneur.

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Empowering Youth Through Entrepreneurship

• Target Evolution trains youth ages 8 to 18 to earn money and gain real-world experience.
• Programs include retail and culinary entrepreneurship, with plans to expand nationally starting in Dallas and Houston.

2. Teen Biz Box: A Practical Solution

• A $100 kit that includes everything a child needs to start a small business.
• Three product options: Friendship Bracelets, Craft Notebooks, and Ceramic Coasters.
• Kids can earn up to \$150–\$200 per box by selling customized products.

3. Alternative Pathways Matter

• Not all kids are tech-focused or college-bound.
• Entrepreneurship teaches soft skills like communication, customer service, and resilience.
• Victoria emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction over purely digital business models.

4. Personal Story of Redemption

• Crystal shares her background of being in and out of juvenile detention.
• Entrepreneurship gave her purpose and a way out of street life.
• Her journey is a testament to the power of second chances and vision-driven leadership.

5. Preparing for the Future of Work

• With AI and automation changing job markets, reskilling and adaptability are key.
• Entrepreneurship offers a mindset shift that prepares youth for career transitions every 3–5 years.

🗣️ Notable Quotes

• On youth entrepreneurship:
  “An app will never replace food and eating. We need programs for culinary and hospitality entrepreneurs.”

• On her personal journey:
  “I didn’t have a Teen Biz Box. I had trouble. But I prayed to God: ‘Give me something to do with this story.’”

• On accessibility:
  “Some kids don’t have bootstraps to pull themselves up. Let’s slide down the ladder and help them climb.”

• On the Teen Biz Box:
  “Before you spend $1,000 on your kid’s business idea, give them a box. If they sell everything, maybe they’re serious.”

• On preparing for the future:
  “Long gone are the days of one career for life. Learning, unlearning, and reskilling is the new normal.”

📦 Teen Biz Box Highlights

• Contents: Product inventory, art supplies, business cards, signage, and educational materials
• Website: TeenBizBox.com
• Target Age: 8–18
• Goal: Teach entrepreneurship, communication, and self-reliance

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Shelli-Ann McKenzie.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview focuses on advocating for healthcare professionals, addressing the challenges they face, and introducing Shelli-Ann McKenzie’s nonprofit organization, Help for Healthcare Professionals (HCPP). The goal is to highlight burnout, financial struggles, and systemic issues in healthcare while promoting programs that support mental wellness, financial literacy, and career development.

Key Takeaways

1. Healthcare Workforce Challenges

   • Nurses and healthcare professionals face high stress, burnout, and long hours, leading to workforce shortages.
   • Many professionals struggle financially—24% live in poverty.
   • Lack of professors in nursing schools limits the number of students entering the profession.

2. Understanding Nursing Roles

   • Nursing includes multiple levels:
     • Registered Nurse (RN): Associate or bachelor’s degree.
     • Advanced Practice Nurses: Master’s level (e.g., Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator).
     • Doctorate Level: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD.
   • Nurse practitioners often function as an extension of physicians, providing quality care.

3. Respect and Recognition

   • Nurses provide more direct care than any other health profession but often lack recognition.
   • Advocacy is key to ensuring nurses can practice at the highest level and improve access to care.

4. Why HCPP Was Founded

   • Born out of COVID-19 crisis and Shelli-Ann’s personal experience with burnout.
   • Mission: Provide mental health referrals, financial assistance (gift cards, gas), and professional development.
   • Programs include:
     • Financial literacy workshops
     • Entrepreneurship training for healthcare professionals
     • Scholarships and internships for aspiring professionals

5. Youth Med Program

   • Targets ages 13–20 to build a healthcare workforce pipeline.
   • Offers hands-on training, CPR certification, exposure to neurosurgeons, and mentorship.
   • Tuition-free and designed to scale nationally.

6. Funding and Community Support

   • HCPP is a nurse-owned nonprofit, funded by federal grants and donations.
   • Annual event: Night of Grand and Gratitude—a charity awards dinner to raise funds for programs.

Notable Quotes

• “No one else was coming to save us—so I created HCPP.”
• “24% of healthcare professionals live in poverty.”
• “If we don’t have enough professors, we cap nursing students—it’s cyclical.”
• “The most rewarding part of nursing is showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.”
• “Every dollar we raise fuels education programs like Youth Med—strategic investment in the future of healthcare.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Latrease Price-Gistard.

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aims to educate listeners on the mortgage industry, highlight the role and benefits of working with an independent mortgage broker, and provide practical advice on home financing options, credit challenges, and programs that support homeownership. It also shares Latrease’s entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned.

Key Takeaways

1. Background and Career Path

   • Latrease has a finance degree and started in investment operations in 1999.
   • Transitioned from auto financing and co-owning a car dealership to mortgage lending.
   • Became an independent mortgage broker in 2022 after being laid off during rising interest rates.

2. Role of an Independent Mortgage Broker

   • Holds her own license and partners with multiple lenders to offer tailored loan products.
   • Advocates for borrowers to ensure they get the right product, not just approval.
   • Specializes in helping first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and those with unique challenges.

3. Home Financing Insights

   • Reverse Mortgages: Typically for seniors 62+, often used by those 75+ with equity and limited retirement funds. Provides tax-free cash without monthly payments; debt settled upon sale or refinance.
   • Zero Down Payment Programs: Offers up to 3% for down payment, attached to the mortgage; other programs provide up to 5% for down payment and closing costs.
   • FHA 203K Program: Allows buyers to finance home purchase and renovations in one loan—ideal for fixer-uppers.

4. Credit Challenges

   • Programs exist for credit scores as low as 500, but require higher down payments (10–20%) and result in higher interest rates.
   • Latrease consults and provides “what-if” scenarios to help clients improve credit over time.

5. Entrepreneurial Lessons

   • Mistakes: Starting without enough capital and a strong pipeline; economic timing matters.
   • Advice: Build capital, secure a solid client pipeline, and understand market conditions before going independent.

Notable Quotes

• On independence:
  “As a broker, you serve as that advocate for your borrower to make sure they’re getting the right loan product.”

• On reverse mortgages:
  “The beauty of it is there are no monthly payments going back to the institution. The debt is paid off when the home is sold or refinanced.”

• On credit challenges:
  “Programs go as low as 500 credit score, but those borrowers need 10–20% down.”

• On entrepreneurial advice:
  “Make sure you have strong capital and a solid pipeline before stepping out on faith.”

• On perseverance:
  “It’s all about follow-through. It’s all about your dream and whether you want to make it happen.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Christina Dukes Brown.

CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic, NJ

Purpose of the Interview

The interview aimed to:

• Raise awareness about the Boys & Girls Club’s impact on underserved communities in Paterson and Passaic, NJ.
• Issue a call to action for volunteers, mentors, corporations, and donors to support youth programs.
• Highlight challenges faced by marginalized communities and how the Club addresses them through education, nutrition, and character-building programs.

Key Takeaways

1. Community Impact

   • The Club serves 1,400 children and teens daily across two main clubhouses and 11 satellite sites.
   • Programs include academic support, tutoring, arts, athletics, and life skills development.

2. Challenges in the Community

   • High rates of homelessness, food deserts, and low literacy and math proficiency (only ~20% literate and ~15% proficient in math in Paterson).
   • Stereotypes and “deficit ideology” that assume poor or minority youth lack capacity for success.

3. Programs and Initiatives

   • Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and Saturday sessions.
   • Creative Outlets: Dance, musicals, and arts.
   • Sports & Aquatics: Swimming program praised for breaking stereotypes.
   • Young Adult Support (18–24): Internships, skill-building, and career readiness for those not pursuing college.

4. Call to Action

   • Volunteers and mentors needed to inspire youth.
   • Corporations and entrepreneurs encouraged to provide internships and teach business skills.
   • Donations critical—$4M annual fundraising goal to sustain programs.

5. Dr. Brown’s Motivation

   • Rooted in her upbringing in Jersey City during the crack era.
   • Believes in being part of the solution, not just complaining about systemic issues.
   • Emphasizes building “efficacious spirits” and affirming unique skills in youth.

Notable Quotes

• On Motivation:
  “I can’t complain about the position of Black and Brown people in society if I’m not going to do the work necessary to support its elevation.”

• On Stereotypes:
  “Deficit ideology assumes that if you are poor or minority, you do not have the capacity to be successful. We fight that every day.”

• On Community Support:
  “My community got me where I am today… I’m calling on the village to support what we’re trying to do.”

• On Youth Potential:
  “No matter where you come from, and no matter what you look like, you have the capacity to become great.”

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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