Guest Host Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati gets up close and personal with Loraine Ballard Morrill about her recent trip to Spain.  Sharif El-Mekki, Founder and CEO for the Center for Black Educator Development talks about the upcoming #BMEC2024 Conference November 21-23 in Philadelphia.  El-Mekki was also the subject of Vanesse’s month feature “What is Philadelphia Reading?” https://thecenterblacked.org/professional-learning/black-male-engagement/

In these divisive times, it’s important to remember that there are remarkable individuals inspiring others to work for positive change. Champions of Caring was founded in 1995 to help middle and high school students create social change. The organization is currently producing a documentary, "The Coral Ring Legacy," to promote and inspire social activism for people of all ages and backgrounds. I speak with Founder and President Barbara Greenspan Shaiman about this exciting project.
www.championsofcaring.org
Handles @championsofcaring On FB Champions of Caring 2

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gainer was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation.

In 1988, 5-year-old Marcus Yates was caught in crossfire inside a corner store in Southwest Philadelphia. While the deaths of children to gun violence have become tragically commonplace, Marcus's death at that time galvanized the city and inspired me and many others to work to end gun violence. Over three decades later, the family took a courageous step toward healing by meeting with the men convicted in the shooting. In a surprising turn, the family concluded that while Ike Johnson admitted to being involved, citing self-defense, Michael Gainer was wrongfully convicted. The Yates family has committed to proving his innocence. I spoke to Marcus's mom, Shelly Yates Whittington, and her two sons, Tony and Malcolm Yates, about their journey of healing and reconciliation.

The Democratic National Convention is now in our rear view mirror with Vice President Kamala Harris accepting the DNC's historic nomination as candidate for President of the United States.  I spoke to  Philadelphia blogger, podcast host and influencer Andrea Lawful-Sanders about her impressions covering the Convention and the hopes and challenges facing Harris on the road to the November Election.  
https://alawfultruth.com/

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support community organizations tackling some of the region's most pressing issues. Now, as Vanguard’s Head of Community Stewardship and President of The Vanguard Group Foundation, A.J. continues this impactful work. In this segment, I speak with AJ, along with Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples, founders of FathersREAD365, a program supported by the Foundation.
 
Links:  

• Community Stewardship at Vanguard ·       
• Vanguard’s Signature Philanthropic Initiative: Strong Start for Kids ·        
• FathersREAD365

 I speak with Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Gregg leads the bureau’s mission to position Philadelphia as a top destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and i
 Website and Social Media:

• discoverPHL.com
• Facebook: Discover PHL
• LinkedIn: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
• X: Discover PHL
• Instagram: @discover_PHL

Join me as I chat with Nafees Norris, an inspiring scientist and the CEO and Founder of Nafees Innovations. Nafees shares his journey from being doubted by those around him to leading groundbreaking work with pharmaceutical companies. He is also passionate about increasing youth engagement in the sciences. Website and Social Media:

• Website: nafeesino.com
• Instagram: @nafeesinnovations

Quitting smoking is challenging, but there are resources available to help. In this segment, I talk with Ryan Coffman (he/him), MPH, CHES, CTTS-M, who manages the Tobacco Policy and Control Program for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. Ryan discusses the PA Free Quitline and other free resources designed to support you on your journey to becoming tobacco-free. Website and Social Media:

• Website: SmokefreePhilly.org
• Facebook and X: @gethealthyph
• Instagram: @gethealthyphilly

In this episode, I speak with Gregg Caren, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). Gregg leads the bureau’s mission to position Philadelphia as a top destination for meetings, conventions, sporting events, and international tourism. He also collaborates closely with the Pennsylvania Convention Center, national industry associations, and the City of Philadelphia to bolster the city’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Website and Social Media:

• discoverPHL.com
• Facebook: Discover PHL
• LinkedIn: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
• X: Discover PHL
• Instagram: @discover_PHL

• https://www.instagram.com/discover_PHL/

You probably know Vanguard best as an investment firm, which offers mutual funds, ETFs, financial advice, and retirement products. What you may not know as well is that Vanguard has very active community programming in our region, led by Aldustus “A.J.” Jordan. Throughout his career, A.J. has made significant contributions to exceptional nonprofits and responsible corporate entities that support community organizations tackling some of the region's most pressing issues. Now, as Vanguard’s Head of Community Stewardship and President of The Vanguard Group Foundation, A.J. continues this impactful work. In this segment, I speak with AJ, along with Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples, founders of FathersREAD365, a program supported by the Foundation.
 
Links:  

• Community Stewardship at Vanguard ·       
• Vanguard’s Signature Philanthropic Initiative: Strong Start for Kids ·        
• FathersREAD365

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia will soon close the special exhibition Okaeri (Welcome Home): The Nisei Legacy at Shofuso. This exhibit highlights the story of the Nisei, or second-generation American-born individuals of Japanese descent, and explores their unique contributions to Shofuso, including their activism during the Civil Rights Movement. I spoke with Rob Buscher, Marketing and Community Engagement Consultant for the Japan America Society, and Jason Finkelman, Shofuso Artist in Residence. Links:

• Okaeri Exhibition
• Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia
• Jason Finkelman's Music

  I also spoke with Laura Charanza, a Life and Recovery Coach, who discusses the concept of love bombing, how to avoid falling in love with a narcissist, and recovering from traumatic relationships. Link:

• Laura Charanza

  First, I’m proud to present a segment produced by one of our summer Work Ready students. There are many ways to process life experiences, and in this episode, Trinity Nieves talks with Adam, an author and music artist, about the intersectionality between trauma and the arts. Links:

• Adam on Spotify
• Adam on Instagram