We’re excited to highlight an event that’s all about economic empowerment and uplifting local Black and minority-owned businesses. I speak to  Lori Noel —Chair of the Economic Development Committee of the South Jersey Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She’s here to talk about the Annual Black and Minority Business Expo, happening in collaboration with Cherry Hill West and East High Schools’ African American Culture Clubs. It’s a powerful day of community, connection, and commerce you won’t want to miss.
Event Details:
🗓️ Saturday, April 5th
🕚 11 AM – 4 PM
📍 Cherry Hill West High School
2101 Chapel Ave, Cherry Hill, NJ
💼 Over 60 vendors celebrating Black and minority entrepreneurship!
🔗 Visit sjacdst.org/events for more info

• Website: sjacdst.org
• Instagram: @dst_sjac

Kim Fraites-Dow, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania joined us to talk about the highly anticipated GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way, happening on May 17, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. This event is designed to empower and inspire girls in grades K-12, offering a full day of leadership, creativity, and fun. Kim will also share insights into the Calling All Girl Bosses initiative and how Girl Scouts continues to support and uplift young changemakers in our communities. For more details on GirlzDay and how to register or become a sponsor, visit www.gsep.org/girlzday.
Follow Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania on social media:
📷 Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
📘 Facebook & LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Diana A. Torralvo is the Director of Community Relations & Communications for NBC10, Telemundo62, and NBC Sports Philadelphia. She plays a key role in strengthening relationships with local organizations and ensuring the stations’ deep-rooted commitment to serving the Greater Philadelphia community. As the NBCUniversal Local Impact Grants return in 2025 with over $227,000 in funding for local nonprofits, Diana shares insights on this impactful initiative, how organizations can apply, and the program’s long-term impact on the region. Nonprofits can apply now through April 11 at localimpactgrants.com or becasdeimpactolocal.com (Spanish-language site). Follow NBC10 & Telemundo62 for updates:
🌐 Website: NBC10.com | Telemundo62.com
📢 Twitter/X: @NBCPhiladelphia | @Telemundo62
📷 Instagram: @NBCPhiladelphia | @Telemundo62
📘 Facebook: NBC Philadelphia | Telemundo62

We’re partnering with a coalition of Black community leaders, government officials, and health experts in Philadelphia and across seven cities today launched You Have the Power to Save Lives, a campaign to promote the use of the overdose-reversing naloxone in Black communities.  Here’s an excerpt of a news conference announcing the campaign to raise awareness about overdose and the availability free life saving Narcan.  YouCanSaveLives.org

 In this month's SpeakOut with Angela Giampolo, aka Philly Gay Lawyer, we explore pressing issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. This episode the latest executive orders impacting the community and the elimination of over 200 words on government websites that not only impact LGTQIA+ but individuals in the wider community.
Giampolo Law Group  
 X: @Philly Gay Lawyer
Instagram: @yourgaylawyer
TikTok: @gaylawyer    

Author, filmmaker, and producer Curtis Chin is coming to the Free Library of Philadelphia on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:30 PM to talk about his new memoir, Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant. This humorous and heartfelt book reflects on his experiences growing up as a gay Chinese American in 1980s Detroit, with his family's Chinese restaurant serving as the cultural and emotional centerpiece of his story. Chin’s storytelling explores themes of identity, family, community, and resilience with both wit and warmth. Don’t miss this special event at the Free Library, where he’ll share insights from his book and his journey as a writer and activist.
 For event details, visit: Free Library Author Events
 Follow Curtis Chin and learn more about his work at www.curtisfromdetroit.com, and on social media @curtisfromdetroit (Instagram) and @curtischin (Twitter/X).

🎧 LIHEAP: Help Paying Utility Bills
Struggling with utility bills? The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers grants to help eligible households stay warm without needing to repay the funds. With millions in aid going unclaimed, PECO is encouraging customers to apply before the April 4, 2025 deadline. You don’t need to be on public assistance to qualify. 🎙️ Guest: Patricia King, Manager of Community Engagement at PECO
Topic: How LIHEAP works and who it can help. 🔹 Learn more and apply:
🌐 peco.com/LIHEAP
📞 LIHEAP Hotline: 800-34-HELP-4 (800-344-3574) 📲 Follow PECO for updates:
Facebook: facebook.com/pecoconnect
X (Twitter): twitter.com/PECOconnect
Instagram: instagram.com/PECOconnect
 
🎧 The Illest Club: A Teen Entrepreneur’s Fashion Dream
Meet Gavin Pennington, a St. Joe’s Prep senior juggling school, basketball, and a booming streetwear brand. His line, The Illest Club, is turning heads and will make its runway debut at Philly Fashion Week. Follow Gavin’s journey:
🌐 theillestclub.com
📲 Instagram: @theillestclub
 
🎧 Women’s History Month Songstress: A Celebration in Song, Poetry & Dance
Valray Productions honors the legacy of Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, and other legendary Black women in music, poetry, and dance. Don’t miss the 25th anniversary of Women’s History Month Songstress—a vibrant celebration of sisterhood. 📅 Friday, March 28, 2025 | 7 p.m.
📍 Treasures Banquet Facility, 5549 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 🎟️ Tickets & Info: valray.eventbrite.com | 📞 267-979-3940
📲 Follow: Facebook @Valray Production | Instagram @jazzy_val
 
🎧 Philly Hoop Group: For the Love of High School Basketball
I sit down with Michael Brooks and Taylor Bailey, founders of Phillyhoopgroup, a nonprofit amplifying Philadelphia high school basketball—boys and girls teams alike. Since 2019, they’ve been the go-to source for local hoops coverage, powered by passion and community pride. 📲 Follow: @phillyhoopgroup on Instagram for updates and highlights!

I speak to Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" Fayanju, Chief of the Division of Breast Surgery at Penn Medicine.  Dr, Fayanju discusses the factors that have resulted in higher mortality rates for Black Women and the critical importance of early detection and knowing family history.  
https://pennmedicine.org/BreastCancerCare  

💰 Navigating Your Finances in Uncertain Times
Worried about your 401K? Unsure how to manage your finances in today’s unpredictable market? We get expert advice from award-winning wealth manager Allie Plonska of Morgan Stanley on making smart, strategic financial decisions.
📩 Contact Allie Plonska
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (215) 497-7074 🎧 Further Listening:
Gain deeper insight into market trends with Lisa Shalet, CIO & Head of the Global Investment Office at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, in her podcast episode "Navigating the Trump Trade." ▶️ Listen here: Navigating the Trump Trade

💔 Romance Scams: Know the Red Flags
Even the smartest people have fallen victim to romance scams, leaving them emotionally and financially devastated. U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark joins us to expose common scams and how to protect yourself.
🔍 Resources for Scam Protection:

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• Federal Trade Commission
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

🏕️ The Transformative Power of Girl Scout Camp
As a city girl, I know firsthand how Girl Scout camps provide an affordable way to experience nature, adventure, and personal growth. Molly Eigen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, joins us to share why Girl Scout Camp is more than just fun—it’s a foundation for leadership and confidence. 🌎 Want to Learn More?

• Explore camp options & register: www.gsep.org/camp
• Stay connected:
  • 📷 Instagram & Facebook: @GirlScoutsEPenn
  • 💼 LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

The U.S. may be one of the world’s wealthiest nations, but when it comes to the health of pregnant Black women, our maternal health outcomes rank alongside those of developing countries. Black maternal morbidity—pregnancy-related complications that cause short- or long-term health problems—continues to be a crisis. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health, in collaboration with Birth Justice Philly, has released a groundbreaking report: “Severe Maternal Morbidity in Philadelphia, 2016-2022.” This report sheds light on alarming disparities in maternal health. Dr. Aasta D. Mehta, Director of the Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health, joins us to discuss the findings, the city's initiatives to address this crisis, and how this data can drive meaningful change.
🔗 Resources:

• 📄 Read the full report: Philadelphia SMM Report (2024)
• ❤️ Learn more: Philly Loves Families
• 🤝 Birth Justice Philly: Visit their website

🔍 Follow & Connect:

• Instagram/X/Threads: @PHLPublicHealth
• Facebook: /phillyhealth, /phillymcfh
• LinkedIn: City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health

 💔 Romance Scams: Even the smartest people have been financially and emotionally devastated by online romance scams. U.S. Postal Inspector George Clark breaks down the red flags and shares how to protect yourself from fraud. 🔗 More Information:

• U.S. Postal Inspection Service
• Federal Trade Commission
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

🌿 Girl Scout Camp: A Life-Changing Experience
As a city girl, I know firsthand how Girl Scout camps provide a fun, affordable way to experience nature, adventure, and personal growth. Molly Eigen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, joins us to share why Girl Scout Camp is more than just fun—it’s a foundation for confidence and leadership.
 🏕️ Want to Learn More?

• 🌎 Explore camp options & register: www.gsep.org/camp
• 📢 Stay connected: Instagram & Facebook: @GirlScoutsEPenn | LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

 

Protecting Medicaid: The “Hands Off Medicaid”  Campaign
Millions of Americans rely on Medicaid for essential health care, from seniors in nursing homes to children and expectant mothers. However, recent proposals in Congress threaten to slash Medicaid funding, potentially stripping health care from 72 million Americans to finance tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations.
🎙️ Guest: Leslie Dach (pronounced Dock), Chair of Protect Our Care
Topic: The impact of these proposed cuts and how to protect vital health care 🔹 More Information:
🌐 protectourcare.org
📲 Follow Protect Our Care on social media:
📌 Facebook: /ProtectOurCare
📌 Instagram: @Protect.Our.Care
📌 TikTok: @ProtectOurCare
📌 Threads: @Protect.Our.Care
📌 Bluesky: @protectourcare.org
📌 X (Twitter): @ProtectOurCare  

🍪 Great News for Girl Scout Cookie Fans!
Craving Thin Mints or Caramel deLites? You’re in luck! Girl Scout Cookies are available longer this year—now through April 12! Get your favorites shipped directly to your door while supporting Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP). I speak with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for GSEP, about the impact of this annual fundraiser and how your purchase helps empower young girls and support local Community Troops.
 🔗 Order your cookies & support Community Troops: Buy Here
📲 Follow Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania:

• Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
• Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
• YouTube: GirlScoutsEPenn
• LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

Zaire Franklin & Shelice’s Angels: Empowering Young Women  
Then, we turn to Philadelphia native and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin. As an All-Pro Second Team selection and first-time Pro Bowler, Franklin’s leadership extends beyond the football field. In honor of his late mother, Shelice Highsmith, and his grandmother, Juanita Highsmith, he founded Shelice’s Angels—a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women by providing mentorship, scholarships, and opportunities to grow, learn, and succeed. ✨ Upcoming Event: Shelice’s Angels Inaugural Scholarship Gala
📅 Date: Thursday, March 20
📍 Location: The Switch House, 1325 Beach Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125
🔗 For more info & tickets: www.shelicesangels.com 📲 Follow Shelice’s Angels:

• Instagram: @shelicesangels
• Facebook: Shelice’s Angels

 Rediscovering the Kingdom of the Happy Land First, we dive into HAPPY LAND, a compelling historical novel that brings to life the nearly forgotten Kingdom of the Happy Land. This remarkable piece of Black history—almost erased from the record—sheds light on land ownership and the resilience of Black communities in the post-emancipation era. I speak with Dolen Perkins-Valdez, the acclaimed author of HAPPY LAND.
 📖 Learn more: dolenperkinsvaldez.com
📲 Follow Dolen Perkins-Valdez:

• X (Twitter): @dolen
• Instagram: @dolenperkinsvaldez
• Facebook: writerdolen