Money Making Conversations Master Class

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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, the largest Black-owned bank in the United States. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. OneUnited Bank’s Mission & Reach

• Formed by merging four Black-owned banks in Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles.
• First Black-owned digital bank (since 2005).
• Serves customers in all 50 states.
• Offers accessible, affordable financial services and promotes financial literacy.

2. Digital Banking for Underserved Communities

• OneUnited provides:
  • Mobile check deposit (via smartphone).
  • Early direct deposit (get paid 2 days early).
  • Access to 100,000+ surcharge-free ATMs (including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, Chase, Citibank).
• Designed to combat financial deserts and predatory check-cashing services in Black communities.

3. Financial Literacy & Trust

• Teri emphasizes the need for Black communities to trust Black-owned institutions.
• OneUnited is FDIC-insured and uses cutting-edge technology, including AI.
• Financial literacy is key to building generational wealth.

4. WiseOne AI Tool

• An AI-powered financial assistant that:
  • Tracks spending and subscriptions.
  • Offers insights on saving and debt reduction.
  • Aggregates data from multiple accounts to show net worth, cash flow, and financial health.

5. Youth Financial Literacy – “I Got Bank” Contest

• 15th annual contest for kids ages 8–12.
• Participants submit an essay or artwork based on a financial literacy book.
• Ten winners receive $1,000 savings accounts.
• Book: I Got Bank by Teri Williams (available free at oneunited.com/book).

6. OneTransaction Concept

• Focuses on six key financial transactions to build generational wealth:
  1. Homeownership
  2. Life Insurance
  3. Investments
  4. Profitable Business
  5. Credit Score
  6. Savings
• Encourages individuals to focus on just one to start their wealth-building journey.
• Learn more: oneunited.com/onetransaction

💬 Notable Quotes

• “We are a real bank, not a fintech. We are FDIC-insured.”
• “We are great with money. We just haven’t always had access.”
• “Focus on one transaction. That’s all it takes to start building generational wealth.”

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

He leads a premier online tour booking platform dedicated to crafting
unforgettable travel experiences. Over a decade in demonstrating strategic acumen and high stakes project management using meticulous attention to detail, passion for exploration and a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Welcome to Plane James And Janes, your premier travel agency for extraordinary journeys!  We specialize in crafting unforgettable travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Our passion for exploration and commitment to excellence ensures that every trip you book with us is not just a journey, but a lasting memory.

Whether you're dreaming of a serene beach getaway, an adventurous safari, or a cultural city tour, Plane James And Janes is your gateway to the world's most enchanting destinations.

We are a a travel agency dedicated to providing professional and personalized travel consultation services to anyone who is looking for a seamless, hassle-free, exceptional experience. Our experienced, friendly staff will coordinate domestic and international travel for any budget. You can count on us to meet your leisure and corporate travel needs.

#AMI

#STRAW

#SHMS

#BEST

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

Suli Salaam, the founder of Paint Your Heaven, shared his journey and insights on Money Making Conversations Masterclass. His company specializes in web, app, and software design and development, with expertise in full-stack programming—covering both front-end and back-end development.

Key Highlights:

• Inspiration Behind the Name: "Paint Your Heaven" reflects his belief that having a clear vision allows people to bring their dreams to life.
• Background & Motivation: Growing up in a challenging neighborhood, he credits his mother’s encouragement and a supportive teacher for instilling self-belief.
• Full-Stack Development Expertise: He differentiates his work from basic web design, explaining how full-stack development enables complex applications like Uber.
• AI & Innovation: His company integrates AI technologies through APIs to enhance functionality.
• Upcoming Projects: He is working on a post-audio production tool that simplifies editing for podcasts, movies, and music.
• Advice to Young People: He encourages embracing change and pursuing careers in programming and AI.

Suli’s story is a testament to self-belief, innovation, and perseverance. His company aims to serve businesses worldwide while also giving back to inner-city communities through education on positive thinking. You can check out his work at PaintYourHeaven.com.

 

#AMI

#BEST

#SHMS

#STRAW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Summary of the Interview

On Money Making Conversations Masterclass, Rushion McDonald interviews Dawnn Lewis—iconic actress, singer, songwriter, voice actress, philanthropist, and founder of the A New Day Foundation. The conversation traces her extraordinary career, starting from her childhood as a singer, dancer, and actor, through her rise to fame on A Different World, her decades-long voiceover career (including The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks), and her ongoing philanthropic work supporting youth nationwide.

Dawnn discusses the challenges of being a multi-talented artist in an industry eager to box people into one lane, how A Different World both elevated and pigeonholed her, and how animation opened a vast new chapter for her that has lasted more than 30 years. She shares her philosophy on longevity, discipline, relationships, and the responsibility to give back. The interview also highlights her foundation’s programs supporting students, HBCUs, and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Interview

1. Celebrate Dawnn Lewis’s multi-decade, multi-disciplinary career

The interview showcases the depth of her talent—from singing and songwriting to acting, animation, and Broadway.

2. Highlight representation and legacy

Dawnn discusses the cultural impact of A Different World and her groundbreaking role as a Black female captain in Star Trek: Lower Decks.

3. Inspire audiences with her journey from Bed-Stuy to global success

Her story emphasizes perseverance, big dreaming, and ignoring limitations others impose.

4. Promote the A New Day Foundation

Dawnn details programs empowering youth, HBCU students, and underserved communities.

5. Provide insight into surviving and thriving in entertainment

She shares the importance of relationships, versatility, and constant self-improvement.

Key Takeaways

1. She was a “triple threat” long before Hollywood discovered her

Singing, dancing, and acting from age 7–11, she began performing professionally at 10 and even launched her own musical theatre degree program at the University of Miami.

2. A Different World brought fame but also typecasting

While it launched her into global visibility, it also led people to underestimate her songwriting, music, and voiceover abilities.

3. Her voice acting career spans more than 30 years

She has voiced characters on The Simpsons, Futurama, Star Trek: Lower Decks, Craig of the Creek, Fairly OddParents, Mortal Kombat, and many more.
Her entry into animation came from imitating her young niece for a role.

4. Representation matters deeply to her

Seeing Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek inspired her as a child; today, Dawnn is one of the very few Black captains in the Star Trek universe.

5. The industry rewards resilience and relationships

Dawnn emphasizes that her longevity comes from consistently doing excellent work and nurturing her professional network.

6. She founded the A New Day Foundation to uplift youth

Her programs serve teens, HBCU students, and communities nationwide, providing mentorship, laptops, scholarships, and life skills training.

7. Dawnn’s journey is one of intentional growth and constant reinvention

She never stopped expanding—into Broadway, television, songwriting, animation, philanthropy, and leadership.

Notable Quotes

(All quotes from the uploaded transcript.)

On talent and early training

• “I was singing, dancing at seven, acting at eleven… doing all three professionally since I was about ten years old.”
• “I thought I was going to be a recording artist… I had my own single out. I was charting on Billboard.”

On being boxed in

• “I didn’t start getting pigeonholed until I did A Different World… now you’re just an actress.”

On entering animation

• “There weren’t very many people of color in the animation world… the director said, ‘Who are you? How come I never met you before?’”
• “I get to voice characters they wouldn’t hire me visually to play.”

On representation and Star Trek

• “In the legacy of Star Trek, it’s me and Avery Brooks as the Black captains.”
• “Seeing Nichelle Nichols made me hopeful… she was my hero.”

On career longevity

• “You quiet the naysayers by just showing up and doing the work.”
• “God keeps opening doors and giving me what I need to walk through them successfully.”

On giving back

• “I am my best investment.” (also used in her foundation’s mission)
• “Where you were yesterday is not where you have to end up today.”

@#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer, Rushion McDonald interviewed George Acheampong and Carter Cofield.

They own Melanin Money, which aims to empower the Black community through financial literacy and wealth-building. They have been recognized for their innovative approach to bridging the wealth gap and fostering a culture of financial empowerment. Melanin Money has implemented the challenges they have had to overcome, as well as their advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Melanin Money was a platform designed to create a space curated exclusively to serve Aspiring 1st Generation Melanin Millionaires. When looking at the disparities in the wealth gap for people of color, we knew we needed to create a trusted community and platform, uniquely serving the needs of those who need the education, support and resources the most.

George Acheampong
Co-Founder and Investment Specialist
A thought leader in the area of finance and entrepreneurship. I am the Founder and Managing Partner of Capitalwize, LLC - A Financial Planning and Investment Management Firm. We work with aspiring & current 1st Generation millionaires to become legacy leavers for their families.

Additionally, the Founder of Melanin Money, the #1 Brand for wealth builders of color. We create merchandise, targeted initiatives, and programming with a mission of closing the wealth gap by 10%.

Carter Cofield
Co-Founder and Tax Specialist
A co-owner of Melanin Money and the Lead Advisor at Cofield Advisors, LLC. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), devoted his professional journey to empowering entrepreneurs to thrive by strategically navigating their taxes.
My commitment to financial literacy has provided the opportunity to establish a space where entrepreneurs can immerse themselves in their zone of genius while learning how their finances can set them free.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Attorney Jalene Mack, America’s Favorite Entertainment Attorney, and discussed ten tips on developing your business and avoiding signing a contract that can ruin your dream.  There are bad contracts, and there are scam contracts.  Tell us the difference between the two.
Where can you go if you don't have much money for legal advice?
Ten tips on how to develop your Business
#1 Identify Your Project
#2 Make sure you have a Plan
#3 Form a Team
#4 Prepare a Budget
#5 Form a Business Entity
#6 Get an EIN
#7 Open a Business Bank Account
#8 Protect Your Assets
#9 Contracts
#10 Marketing

#SHMS

#BEST

#STRAW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

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

Interview Summary: Ashley Christopher on Money Making Conversations Masterclass

Guest: Ashley Christopher
Host: Rushion McDonald
Platform: Money Making Conversations Masterclass
Focus: HBCU access, scholarships, STEM pipeline, purpose-driven leadership

Overall Summary

Ashley Christopher shares the origin, growth, and impact of the HBCU Week Foundation, which she founded in 2017 to increase enrollment at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), remove financial barriers, and create direct pathways from high school to college and corporate America. What began as a local Wilmington, Delaware initiative evolved into a national movement that has facilitated over 10,000 on-the-spot HBCU acceptances and nearly $100 million in scholarships, including a landmark $40 million STEM scholarship partnership.

The conversation blends entrepreneurship, education equity, resilience, faith, and purpose, highlighting how lived experience and authentic mission can scale social impact.

Purpose of the Interview

1. To spotlight the HBCU Week Foundation and its measurable outcomes (acceptances, scholarships, STEM investment).
2. To educate families and students about on-the-spot college acceptance and scholarship opportunities.
3. To inspire purpose-driven leadership, particularly among Black entrepreneurs and community leaders.
4. To demonstrate how local solutions can scale nationally when rooted in authenticity and impact.
5. To share a personal story of resilience, including surviving a stroke at age 29 and redefining purpose.

Key Takeaways 1. Access Changes Outcomes

• HBCU Week’s on-the-spot acceptance model allows eligible students to receive immediate college decisions and scholarship offers at a live college fair.
• This removes prolonged uncertainty and barriers that often discourage first-generation and underserved students.

Students bring their transcript, SAT/ACT scores, meet with an HBCU counselor, and can be accepted immediately.

2. HBCUs Are a Pipeline to Opportunity

• Ashley emphasizes that HBCUs are not just cultural institutions, but talent pipelines into corporate America, particularly for STEM fields.
• Enrollment growth and scholarship funding are as critical as brand awareness.

3. The Power of Strategic Partnerships

• A relationship that began with seven $40,000 STEM scholarships grew into a $40 million partnership with the American Chemistry Council.
• The goal: addressing a projected STEM workforce deficit while increasing diversity in the field.

The partnership now supports 1,000 students committed to STEM majors at HBCUs, with nearly 600 awards already distributed.

4. Purpose Can Be Born From Crisis

• Ashley shares her experience of having a stroke at age 29, caused by birth control use, which required her to relearn how to write and regain physical mobility.
• The experience intensified her sense of urgency, discipline, and purpose.

Surviving the stroke shifted her mindset from ambition to intentional impact.

5. Authentic Passion Fuels Scalable Impact

• Ashley never intended HBCU Week to become national—it was designed to serve students in her hometown.
• Growth occurred organically because the mission was authentic, focused, and student-centered.

“When you love what you do and have a real passion behind the impact, it catches on.”

Notable Quotes

On Mission & Growth

• “The goal was to take care of the students in my hometown… I had no idea it would become national.”

On On-the-Spot Acceptance

• “If you have the requisite GPA and SAT or ACT score, you can be admitted right there.”

On HBCUs & STEM

• “If everybody around the table looks the same, we’re in trouble.”

On Faith & Opportunity

• “I can’t take credit for it… but for my relationship with God, this wouldn’t be a thing.”

On Purpose After Adversity

• “It created a different sense of drive and purpose in me.”

On Impact

• “If I can’t help tier-one students, who can?”

Conclusion

The interview positions Ashley Christopher as a systems builder, not just a nonprofit founder. Her work demonstrates how education access, strategic partnerships, and lived experience can intersect to change thousands of lives. The conversation reinforces that scalable impact often starts with a local problem, clear values, and relentless execution.

 

#BEST

 #STRAW

 #SHMS

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed L. Marilyn Crawford.  She orchestrates unparalleled global events, champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and leads ventures in investment, finance, and philanthropy with offices in NYC, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia. L. Marilyn Crawford is a global brand architect, strategist, and marketer. She is an award-winning figure in the business world, renowned for her branding, business growth, and strategic marketing expertise. Crawford holds four prestigious positions: President & CEO of WH MUSA Ventures, Ltd., Managing Partner of WH Equities Partner, LLC, Founder & President of Alpha Global Enterprise, and President & CEO of Windsor Primetime.

Internationally recognized as a Master Brand Architect and acclaimed networker, Marilyn's strategic brilliance has earned her the distinguished moniker "marketing mogul" by NYPOST Pg6. Her awards include recognition from the National Bar Association, Forbes Family Trust, NYC Humanitarian of the Year, and Ebony Marketer of the Year, and she has been a chosen keynote speaker at the Harvard University Women in Business Conference, among others.

#AMI

#BEST

 

#SHMS

 

 

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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviews Taia Rashid, and Daphne Carter. The company proudly boasts the distinction of being the "first Black women-owned citrus-based liqueur in the United States." They created a vodka-based drink that is infused with the finest natural ingredients. The two women came up with an idea to start a business while vacationing on the shores of the Amalfi Coast in the summer of 2022, and now the two beverages born from that idea-inspiring trip are the award-winning Daphane Limoncello and Daphane Raspberry Berrycello.  Cashid Beverage LTD Co has created a one-of-a-kind "original beverage" that is vodka-based and infused with the finest natural ingredients. The libations can be chilled as a shot, sipped alone over ice, or mixed with other fine spirits, juices, and seltzers to create fantastic palette-pleasing experiences!

#BEST

#STRAW

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily.  I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur.  Keep winning!

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Ken Jon Miyachi.

He is the Co-Founder and CEO of BitMind—the world's first decentralized Artificial Intelligence (AI) Deepfake Detection System.  Ken is an authority on how people can protect themselves using free solutions. He can provide:
● Live demonstrations of real vs. AI-generated content
● Simple steps your readers can take to verify suspicious images
● Insights on the latest AI scam tactics and how to avoid them
● Examples of recent cases where these tools could have prevented fraud
● Live demonstration of deepfake detection system
● Practical tips for viewers to protect themselves from AI scams
● Analysis of why traditional verification methods are failing
● Solutions for the future of AI fraud prevention

Prior to founding BitMind, Miyachi served as a Senior Software Engineer at leading organizations such as NEAR Foundation, Amazon, and Polymer Labs, where he honed his expertise in scalable technology solutions. He studied computer science at UCSD where he conducted research at the San Diego Supercomputer Center.

Company Description *
The award-winning BitMind technology providesAC awareness and protection against evolving threats, adapting in real-time to new ACAI developments. BitMind, has created a suite of free apps and tools allowing users to instantly detect AI-generated images before people fall victim to misinformation and deception.

The company offers a range of innovative solutions that democratize and accelerate open-source AI, with a core focus on Decentralized AI Networks. The company, focused on the Bittensor protocol, provides compute, developer tooling, and integration services that enable users to fully harness the power of a Decentralized all-in-one AI platform.

For both B2C and B2B use, BitMind, has created a suite of free apps and tools that can instantly detect AI-generated images before people fall victim. These tools are free and accessible to anyone, and include:
 AI Detector App: A simple website where users can drag-and-drop suspicious images for fast deepfake detection results;
 Chrome Extension: Flags AI-created content in real-time, while browsing. See video examples of how it works here and here;
 X Bot: Verifies if images on X/Twitter are real or AI-generated;
 Discord Bot: Verifies if images are real or AI-generated via its Discord Integration;
 AI or Not Game: Fun Telegram bot that tests your ability to distinguish between AI-generated and human-created images.
In February 2025, BitMind won the Best Infrastructure Prize at the Coinbase Developer Platform Hackathon for its decentralized reputation system. The system provides real-time verification of AI claims through blockchain technology, integrating Coinbase CDP, Virtuals.io, and Opacity Network. The solution enables on-chain reward distribution and trust share trading via the Ethos Network, while featuring custom Bittensor plugins for Eliza and Virtuals platforms.

#STRAW

#BEST

#SHMS

 

Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success.

Business Podcast

Entrepreneurship

Small Business

Business Growth

Financial Literacy

Wealth Building

Black Entrepreneurs

Minority Business

Leadership

Executive Leadership

Business Funding

Marketing Strategies

Personal Development

Startup Advice

Sales Training

CEO Interviews

Founder Stories

Professional Development

Economic Empowerment

Business Success

Networking

Brand Building

Innovation

How to start a business

Small business funding

Entrepreneur success stories

Business leadership podcast

Wealth building strategies

Black entrepreneur podcast

Minority business development

Marketing for small businesses

Business growth strategies

Startup funding opportunities

Executive leadership training

Financial literacy education

Success mindset podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.