Purposely Driven Podcast

Born Herbert J. Green, Jr, is from Lafayette, Louisiana and has always had a distinct appreciation for all types of music. As a 5 year old, Herb would sit on his father's lap to listen to the Louis Armstrong show on shortwave radio. His paternal grandmother, Miss Clara

B. Davis played box guitar and two great uncles play accordion and Zydeco music. Two of Herb's older sisters sang gospel music in his families home church and his two younger brothers played trumpet and trombone. Though music was apart of his legacy Herb and another sister gravitated towards athletics. As he grew, Herb never lost his love for the music he listened to with his dad. Herb began training himself by banging on countertops or whatever was around the house, he would keep rhythm with different groove patterns. After joining the Military in 1986, Herb met Hector Ruiz of Puerto Rico. Ruiz began to teach Herb different beats on Congas, Bongos and Timbales.

After the military, Herb moved to Atlanta to overcome some of life's disappointments and develop his skills as a percussionist. Linking up with saxophonist Abel Johnson who formed the Groove Band, a smooth jazz and cover band that found some success but broke up after a couple of years he also played for the English Ave Baptist Church Choir his first paying gig. There Herb met musicians like Ollie Woodson, Bobby Byrd, Roberta Flack, Phil Collins and many others who gave advice that he still follows today. His influences are Paulinho Dacosta, Luis Conte", Dr. Leonard Gibbs, Ahmad Jamal, Ralph McDonald, Tito Peuente and many other percussionist who bring the STANK to the music!!!! Moving back to Louisiana, Herb joined JB SAAX and THE BAND1  an explosive, controlled and musically articulate group of musicians where he  continued to grow and mature as musician and percussionist.

Tonya Bolden-Ball holds a Master of Science in Leadership from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She earned a graduate certificate in Life Coaching from Grand Canyon University and completed Cornell University and University of South Florida Diversity and Inclusion certificate programs. Tonya is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, and Speaker. She is the owner of the TBB Collective and currently serves as the Regional Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Ochsner Lafayette General.

Some of her awards and recognitions include the Louisiana Association of Educator's Human and Civil Rights Trailblazer Honoree, LA Statewide Summit Delta Women in Business Honoree, Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine's Women Making A Difference Honoree, the Daily Advertiser/705 Top 20 under 40 Leadership Award, National Association of University Women (Lafayette Branch) Tribute to Excellence Honoree and the Kiwanis Southwest Citizen of the Year.

Her community and volunteer involvement span over 17 years in the Lafayette area. She serves as the mentor for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Black Women Leadership Association and one of the mentors for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Women's Basketball Team.

Her leadership involvement includes serving as the Louisiana Chair of Cluster 3 for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana's Board of Directors as well as Faith House Board of Directors. She is currently serving as the President of the Christiana Smith African American Alumni Chapter at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She was reappointed to the Louisiana Women’s Policy and Research Commission and recently appointed to the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of the Leadership Institute of Lafayette and the Leadership Louisiana leadership programs. She is the writer and serves as the host of the Moments of Elevation segments that are aired daily on KNEK Magic 104.7 and 95.5 KRRQ FM radio stations. She is married to Kirk R. Ball, and they are the proud parents of Trevor and Kennedi.

Kramer McDaniel is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor.  She is the owner of Agape Therapeutic Solutions, a growing private practice. Kramer attained a Masters of Social Work degree with a certification in Gerontology from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Kramer has 11 years of behavioral health experience and focuses on healing holistically, Grief & Loss, overall life transitions and motivating others to live life on purpose. Kramer currently resides in Lafayette, Louisiana which has become home. Kramer enjoys trying new foods, traveling and serving at her local church. Kramer is also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc, Leadership Institute Acadiana Class XXXIV and most recently name as Acadiana's 2021 Top 20 under 40.

Kevin was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He is a two-time graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Earning a Bachelor’s degree with a major in Marketing in 2006 and a Master of Business Administration in 2017. He has a diverse career background including two years as a full-time campus minister at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Kevin also has experience in Human Resources, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Higher Education.

Kevin currently serves as the Office Coordinator for the Louisiana Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (LEED) Center at UL Lafayette. This position allows him to work with entrepreneurs, students, and community organizations. These are all passions of his. Community involvement has been a very important part of Kevin’s life over the past ten years. He served for two years as Civic Committee Chair on the Board of Directors of The705 - Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana. Kevin currently serves as Secretary for New Hope Lafayette and President of the Board for The Family Connection, Inc. Kevin was named a Top 20 Under 40 Young Leader in Acadiana for 2017.

Relationships are very important to Kevin. He loves spending time with his family and friends. Helping others find their purpose and live it out is something that has always been important to him. He believes that everyone has something unique in them and we must live the life we are called to live.

Erica Fox’s talent is as diverse as the culture of her Southern upbringing. Her music is characteristic of the down-home lifestyle she was nurtured in, flavored with a dash of Louisiana blues and a pinch of country soul. By middle school, she was writing voraciously and recorded her first song “Gotta Be With You” which played on local radio. At eighteen, Erica ventured to L.A. for college and landed a recording contract on MCA Records. Wanting to make a social difference through music, she co-created an after-school program with EMI Records teaching  middle school students how to run a record company. She co-produced a 12-track CD entitled “Start the Conversation” advocating safety awareness for HIV prevention. Erica has traveled across the country, but when not teaching youth or entertaining others, Erica can be found utilizing her business skills as the curator for Attakapas Collective, a multicultural co-op and gift store in Downtown Lafayette. She is also involved in the community as a board member of the Lafayette Commission on the Needs of Women and Evangeline Thruway Redevelopment Team. Erica states," Purpose always begins and ends with God. It's finding out what God placed in you to do and be and live in that. 

Desiree' is an alumni of ULL with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and received her Master’s in Organizational Leadership with South New Hampshire University. She started her career in Human Resources with Midsouth Bank as an HR Assistant in 2009. She is currently working with Ochsner Lafayette General as an HR Manager. She is known in the department as the HR Nerd and has a true passion for helping employees discover their why in what they do. Desiree' is currently serving as the 2021 Acadiana SHRM President and a member of the Leadership Institute of Acadiana  Class XXXIV. Desiree’ is married to her best friend, Damion of over 21 years and they have a 7 year old son, Collin and a 1 year old furbaby, Bear Teddy.

For more information about Aylee's Angels visit www.Ayleesangels.com or email Desiree' at [email protected]

Faydra Nabers-Allen, MHA, is the Physician Practice Administrator at Opelousas General Health System in Opelousas, Louisiana. In 2016, Faydra enrolled in the MHA program at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FRANU).  As a leader within the Franciscan Missionary of Our Lady Health Systems at the time, she possessed a natural connection to the University's mission and values. Faydra fostered meaningful connection with the faculty and staff and became recognized as an influencer among her peers.  In 2018 Faydra graduated with honors and began her career as a healthcare administrator.   Faydra serves as the President of the FRANU MHA Advisory Board where her role focuses on connecting with faculty and staff, contributing to curriculum and program development, and cultivating leadership excellence amongst early careerists.

As a Physician Practice Administrator, she provides leadership to over 200 teams of physicians, mid-level providers, nurses and support staff.  She is accomplished in business operations, strategic planning, and service excellence.  Among her colleagues, Faydra is described as, "a visionary leader that values human connection and demonstrates the upmost professionalism and respect for all.  She embodies the essence of human kindness and is strengthened in her faith and love for her family.”

Faydra also serves on the Board of Directors for the Louisiana Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives (LACHE) as Region 3 Representative. Her role focuses on connecting members to valuable resources for career advancement and healthcare management career development. Faydra also serves on the LACHE Diversity Inclusion Committee, where she supports diversity and inclusion strategies and educational seminars to achieve closing the gaps within healthcare workforces and improving healthcare for all.

Corey J. Frank, known as "Mr. Spoken Red" is one of the most familiar faces in the Arts & Entertainment industry. Corey J operates the Spoken Red Brand specializing in Marketing PR, photography, event planning and dance instruction. Carrying a strong drive and passion for youth and community affairs, Corey J advocates against bullying and for health awareness causes such as Sickle Cell, Lupus and Women's Health. Corey J serves on multiple boards including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana, United Way of Acadiana, LSU-E Foundation Board and a host of others. "Live life through the windshield, not the rearview mirror" is a motto Corey J. lives strongly by that he feels promotes optimism, evolution and tenacity.

Listen in as Corey Jack of Jack and Associates discusses overcoming the traumas of life to get to where he is today. Corey states that it is God, his family and inner circle that won't let him fail and push him to fulfill his life's work.

Keesha is a wife, mom, volunteer, and all around leader in her community. Join me as we discuss the impact her family life and her relationship with God shaped the woman that she is today.