Purposely Driven Podcast

Cheylon Woods is the Head of Ernest J. Gaines Center, Archivist, and Associate Professor in the Edith Garland Dupre Library. Throughout her scholarly career, Mrs. Woods received her Masters of Library and Information Science from Louisiana State University, her Masters in Heritage Resources from Northwestern State University, and a dual bachelor’s degree in History and Political Science from Louisiana Tech University. Mrs. Woods is also a 2011 Institute of Museum & Library Studies fellow, where she worked as an archivist with HistoryMarkers (an oral history archive based out of Chicago) and the Alabama State Department of Archives and History. As a fellow Cheylon actively worked with communities and prominent figures across the country to fill in information gaps related to African American history in the state of Alabama. As the Head and Archivist of the Ernest J. Gaines Center, Cheylon has continued this work by facilitating the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of Rural Black communities throughout South Louisiana, like those represented in the work of Dr. Ernest J. Gaines. On UL Lafayette’s campus, Cheylon is on numerous committees-most notably the Diversity Advisory Committee-and works, and actively serves as the faculty advisor for the UL student chapter of the NAACP. Cheylon is also the only library faculty member to obtain Graduate Faculty status at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Mrs. Woods also created and maintains an academic blog about the work of Ernest J. Gaines to help bridge the Humanities information gap many international students encounter during their research.

Off-campus, Cheylon is actively engaged in numerous professional and community organizations. As a current member of the Louisiana Historical Record Advisory Board, Mrs. Woods works with archivists across the state to ensure Louisiana’s history is accessible and well preserved in every parish. Cheylon is also a founding board member of the Iberia African American Historical Society, and actively works with community organizations interested in building cultural spaces/museums in Acadiana. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Society of American Archivists, Louisiana Library Association, the Association of the Study of African American Life and History, Louisiana Archives and Manuscript Association, and the Society of Southwest Archivist, to name a few. She has presented research at numerous national and local annual meetings, as well as designing and executing public programs focusing on topics like education, civil rights, gender roles, and Southern and African American literature. In 2021 her first edited text Through Mama’s Eyes: Unique Perspectives on Southern Matriarchy was published, and this was a co-edited collection with Dr. Kiwana McClung. Cheylon has also published scholarly articles about ethnic museums and libraries as sites of experiential learning and continued education in the archival profession. In addition to continuing to further her knowledge and encourage conversations on and related to the works of Dr. Ernest J. Gaines, Cheylon is currently working towards a PhD. in Folklore and researching diversity, equity, and inclusion in information repositories as well as the Ernest J. Gaines in the world of digital pedagogy.

Ruben Henderson currently serves as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Recruitment at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing and Legal Studies) and his Master of Business Administration from the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He is preparing to begin his doctoral degree in Educational Leadership in August 2023 at UL Lafayette. Ruben is dedicated to making an impact in higher education and the community. In addition to serving on several major university committees and conducting various professional and leadership presentations, he serves as the advisor of the Black Male Leadership Association and is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. For the third year, Ruben has served as an adjunct faculty member at UL Lafayette teaching a freshman seminar course titled, Black Male Leadership. His current involvement in the community includes serving on the following boards: Miles Perret Cancer Services, the Hilliard Art Museum, and the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of South Louisiana. Ruben is a graduate of Leadership Lafayette Class XXIX (29) and currently part of the University of Louisiana System Management and Leadership Institute (cohort six). Within the UL System, he also serves on the Black Male Advisory Council and is a campus facilitator for the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program. He is the President for the Black Faculty and Staff Association at UL Lafayette, President for the Christiana Smith African American Alumni Chapter, and President for the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators. Some of his recent achievements include the Carreathers-Scott Innovative Advisor Award at the Southwestern Black Student Leadership Conference, Tribute to Excellence Award with the National Association of University Women, Southwest Champion of Service Award with Volunteer Louisiana, Sunbelt Conference Faculty of the Year Award, Outstanding Graduate and Professional Student Award with the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators, Dean Mary Olive McPhaul Award with the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership,

Shamika Mamou is a real estate professional with experience in lending and notary public closings. Currently, Shamika is a Community Outreach and Loan Officer with Lafayette Community Development Fund, where she assists first-time home buyers with down payment assistance. Additionally, Shamika is an Adjunct Instructor at South Louisiana Community College, where she facilitates notary public exam prep courses. Shamika received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Louisiana State University. She’s an MBA candidate in Finance at Louisiana State University at Shreveport, with an expected graduation date of August 2023. Also, Shamika completed ministry school at Ever Increasing Word Training Center. With an unwavering passion for service, Shamika utilizes a platform created from her skillfulness in problem-solving, empathy, and integrity to cultivate trusting and respectable connections. As a change agent, she strives to empower others by educating, motivating, and facilitating processes that provide transformative experiences. Shamika serves on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. She is a Junior League of Lafayette member and a school champion for Alice Boucher Elementary through their partnership with Love Our Schools.

Karen C. Dugas, M.Ed. is the owner of Above the Limit, LLC, a tutoring company that provides tutoring services for students in grades K-12 and an outstanding ACT Prep program that helps students qualify for scholarships. Mrs. Dugas is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College and Louisiana State University Shreveport. She has taught in the public and private school systems for over 20 years. She is the founder of Beyond the Bus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit chartered to provide free college and career workshops, as well as, free ACT Prep classes for students who are motivated to attend college, but do not have financial access to quality ACT Prep programs. Her most recent endeavor has been AIM High, a homeschool option families to foster a love of learning through exposure and experiences. Mrs. Dugas loves meeting new people and traveling. She is married to the love of her life Riveny Dugas, Sr. and they have six adult children ages 21-25.

Kiwana T. McClung is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture & Design and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A graduate of Louisiana State University's School of Architecture and Design, Kiwana is nationally recognized for her research and efforts toward increasing diversity within a school of architecture and equitable, inclusive curricula. In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Kiwana is responsible for fostering diversity among students, faculty, and staff, as well as ensuring that underrepresented groups have equal access to educational opportunities and resources.

 Prior to joining the faculty at UL Lafayette, Kiwana worked as an Architectural Designer for several firms around South Louisiana. Since starting at UL Lafayette in 2013, she has served as the faculty advisor to the UL chapter of NOMAS, the student organization for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and also chairs several committees at the university including the Diversity Advisory Council and the Graduate Council's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee. She was recently recognized by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as their 2021

Tremika Cleary a native of Franklin but resides in Carencro. She is a mother of 2- a son (25 years old) and a daughter (11 years old). She stewards a company called Defined Resolutions as an Engagement Specialist and Facilitator of Behavioral Change. Their mission is to "Promote the Power of Mindful Practices" via training, coaching, and consulting. She's also been a Professor of Psychology for over five years at South Louisiana Community College and the University of People, a global institution. She has a background in therapeutic practices with over ten years of experience as a Master's level practitioner and clinical supervising. Her passion is to promote self-awareness through the teachings of Emotional Intelligence, which impacts how we interact and engage personally, professionally, and socially with others. Outside work, she loves to volunteer for various causes, especially youth and mental health; spend time with my family, and SLEEP. Her scripture for this season in her life is Matthew 7:16; "You will know them by their fruits."

Dr. Enola Pillard is CEO of Ashanti Enterprises. A trailblazing woman of God  - a forerunner - her core values and beliefs have granted her access to the wisdom that there are no limits and no boundaries in a life lived by faith. With diligence, persistence, and determination she has demonstrated that each of us can be brave, courageous, and unstoppable - soaring like eagles. She knows that reaching for the stars and never giving up will lead to success. Dr. Pillard has been a passionate hairstylist of 29 years. Through continued education in her industry she not only became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor, but also obtained her Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees in Cosmetology. Furthermore, she pursued additional course work to become a Certified Trichologist, as well as a Holistic Hair Practitioner. Through her journey she also attended numerous summits, hair shows, bootcamps, conferences, as well as a mentorship academy to stay updated on the latest trends. Dr. Pillard has obtained numerous certifications through extensive training in order to provide the best service possible.

Commitment to her divine purpose has led Dr. Enola Pillard to also become a life coach, educational mentor, and motivational speaker. She has been featured in various magazines, on numerous talk shows, podcasts, tv shows, and as a guest speaker at graduations, conferences and author book tours. As an educator she is also imparting her knowledge and skills to upcoming barbers and stylists as a member of the staff of a local college in her hometown.

Her passion for the beauty and wellness industry – both inward and outward – as well as a heart of compassion for others led her to share her gifts and talents at home and abroad. As a bestselling author of children's books, prayers for entrepreneurs, coaching, devotional, and inspirational books, she shares her struggles and victories, allowing her testimonies to inspire others to be their best selves and to reach their personal goals and dreams. Also, she has participated in Anthology projects such as Cosmo Chronicles, Trailblazers Who Lead, What's Your Superpower, Prayers and Affirmations, and Love Letter To My Daughter to demonstrate her support for the work of amazing peers in her industry. Dr Pillard discovered that each success is not final, and each failure is not fatal. We must continue to pursue excellence regardless of the outcome of any given endeavor. What matters is the courage to continue striving, knowing that healthy ambition creates a path, and persistence causes you to continue on your journey to fulfillment of purpose.

As a Lafayette native and real estate professional, Gerren recognizes and values the trust his clients place in him and strives every day to exceed their expectations. A member of Robbie Breaux & Team since 2018, Gerren works with individuals and investors who are interested in buying or selling property. 

Prior to entering real estate, Gerren served in the United States Navy. These experiences instilled the discipline it takes to build strong habits. His business has grown successfully and consistently thanks to repeat transactions of happy clients and their introductions to friends, family and neighbors.
 

Outside of real estate, Gerren takes pride in giving back to the community and serves as a youth basketball coach for Cajun Sports Association. He also serves as a Board Member of The Family Connection, Inc., an organization that provides individuals aging out of the foster care system with the resources necessary to be successful.

JoHanna Elaine Babineaux-Zeno

Born and raised on the north side of Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduate of Northside High School & South Louisiana Community College. JoHanna is not only a leader at heart, but leads in a community which her roots were established.

JoHanna is A Proud Wife to the Amazing Terrance Zeno and Grateful Mother to 3 Beautiful Daughters (Shania, Amiya & Cadence Elaine) as well A Fur Mommie of 2. She is an Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, Author & A servant at heart. Building and Lifting others is her heart posture and desire.

She is the owner of the Locally Known Juice Business “En’Juice Me Inc” which is an all natural cold pressed fresh juice company. With recently completing the program Accelerate Northside, JoHanna has been able to expand and grow her business to new heights. JoHanna’s ultimate goals are to teach others the different benefits of juicing and how we are as strong as what we put inside our bodies. Getting people to enjoy a healthy beverage while bringing a smile to their faces.

She is also the Co-Owner of The Business “Handz On Services” that specializes in Floor Installment, customized Showers and Backsplashes. As well as the Founder and Host of the Podcast Un•Comfor•Table that believes in the Phase “In Order for you To Heal, you must talk about it”. There’re  so many different hats that she wears, but hosting events with her family and friends is by far her favorite. Beside a good Brunch with her girls and the enjoyment of doing life with others.

This Is The Girl who is known as Joh!

Dr. Marquia Whitehead is an award-winning professor, DEIAB strategist, life and career coach, professional writer, and entrepreneur who possesses a Doctorate in Education, specifically Educational Leadership. Additionally, she received a Graduate Certification in Professional Writing. Starting her career at Louisiana State University as an English Professor, she previously served as an Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment and an Assistant Director of Retention & Strategic Initiatives. She also served as the Director of Education at Blue Cliff College. Currently, she is the owner of Dr. Kia Consulting, DEI Sensitivity Reviewer, Project Based Writer, Contract Professional Development Instructor, Instructional Coach & Facilitator, Adjunct English and Research Professor at several colleges and universities, and College Advisor. Dr. Whitehead’s doctoral research entitled African American Women in Leadership in Higher Education and the Glass Ceiling has won awards and been presented at several conferences. She is also the creator of a book club – Catch That Read! Her passion and research consist of all aspects of education; diversity, equity, and inclusion; people of color and literacy; disenfranchised communities; retention for marginalized groups; diversity and inclusion; and women’s empowerment and leadership. She is also currently a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana and member of Leadership Lafayette’s Class XXXV. Collectively, Dr. Whitehead has over ten years of experience in education. Personally, Dr. Whitehead enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and overall enjoying every aspect of life.