RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

What happens when a former NASA engineer decides to stop working within the system and start building the future of it?

In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Taryell Simmons sits down with De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin, former NASA Flight Research Engineer and Co-Founder and CEO of Osoosi, to explore his journey from aerospace engineer to technology entrepreneur.

DJ shares what it takes to build an aerospace AI startup in an industry where safety, trust, precision, and innovation matter. The conversation explores Osoosi's work around real-time cockpit intelligence, Artificial Pilot Awareness, the Halo AI Copilot, and a future where artificial intelligence enhances human decision-making rather than simply replacing it.

DJ also opens up about making the mindset shift from engineer to CEO, navigating entrepreneurship as a Black founder in aerospace and AI, and why greater representation matters in the industries shaping our future.

This conversation is for entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, and anyone who has ever looked at an industry and wondered, “Is there a place for someone like me?”

The bigger message: You don't have to wait for permission to enter the future. You can help build it.

• How DJ's aerospace journey led him to NASA and eventually entrepreneurship
• What it takes to transition from engineer to startup founder and CEO
• The challenges of developing AI technology for a high-stakes industry like aviation
• How Osoosi approaches Artificial Pilot Awareness
• The vision behind the Halo AI Copilot
• Why human-machine collaboration matters in the future of aviation
• How entrepreneurs build trust and credibility in complex industries
• Lessons from building an aerospace technology startup
• DJ's experience navigating aerospace and AI as a Black founder
• Why representation matters in emerging technology industries
• Advice for young Black engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs entering spaces where they may not see themselves represented

The future doesn't have to be human versus machine.

It can be human with machine.

And as artificial intelligence transforms industries like aviation, Black entrepreneurs and innovators have an opportunity not only to participate in that future—but to help build it.

Osoosi: Osoosi.com

Topics discussed: Aerospace AI, aviation technology, NASA, Artificial Pilot Awareness, Halo AI Copilot, human-machine teaming, artificial intelligence, aerospace entrepreneurship, Black tech founders, engineering, startup leadership, and innovation.

Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin
Featured Company: Osoosi
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
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📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Danela Butler, actress and poet, joins RISE Urban Nation to share her journey of turning pain into purpose through creativity. This episode explores acting, poetry, resilience, and how Black creatives can use storytelling to heal, inspire, and transform communities.

• 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danela_butlerofficial/
• 🎭 Acting Portfolio: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/danelabutler
• 🌐 Website: DanelaButler.com
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
• 📘 Facebook: Danela Butler
• 📱 Threads: @Danela_Butlerofficial
• 📱 TikTok: @DanelaButler1

Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Danela Butler
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

LaTonja Muhammad, founder of College Cost Cutter, shares how families can navigate the complex college financial aid system and significantly reduce the cost of higher education. From common mistakes to proven strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for parents, students, and entrepreneurs looking to build generational wealth without student loan debt.

🌐 Website: https://CollegeCostCutter.com

📘 Book: The College Funding Playbook

Host: Taryell Simmons

Guest: LaTonja Muhammad

Music: Will Maker

Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Setche Kwamu-Nana, inclusion strategist and founder of Bridges to Belonging, shares her powerful journey from facing 163 job rejections to building a consulting business that helps organizations identify overlooked talent and dismantle systemic barriers. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, identity, and how Black and African entrepreneurs can turn lived experiences into strategic power.

🌐 Website: https://www.setche.com

Host: Taryell Simmons

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

How do you turn military leadership into a powerful business advantage?

Eric L. Johnson II of Flavor Hills breaks down how discipline, brand strategy, leadership, and community engagement have helped grow a standout Black-owned hospitality brand. From shaping the customer experience to expanding into new markets, Eric shares lessons on building a brand people remember and a company culture people want to be part of.

For entrepreneurs, veterans, and business leaders looking to scale with intention, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, marketing, and sustainable growth.

🌐 Flavor Hills: https://theflavorhills.com

Flavor Hills Leadership: Eric L. Johnson II, Andre Truss, Tellers Pollard III, and Culinary Director Chef Morgan Teianne

Topics Discussed: Veteran entrepreneurship, hospitality leadership, restaurant branding, community engagement, business expansion, team culture, customer experience, and Black business growth.

Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Eric L. Johnson II
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Dontavious Shuler is an Emmy-winning Director of Photography known for his exceptional work in TV. Dontavious Shuler’s journey into filmmaking began during a deeply challenging period marked by personal loss, isolation, and financial struggle. Through faith, journaling, and community support, he transformed those experiences into his film Echoes, which explores the impact of unresolved trauma. In this episode, Dontavious shares how he built his production company from the ground up, the importance of social responsibility in film, and how creators can turn their life experiences into meaningful content.

🌐 Website: https://dontaviousshulerstudios.com

Host: Taryell Simmons

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Bio: 

With a legal career spanning three decades, Teri Lee Thompson has carved a distinguished career as a federal criminal defense attorney in high-stakes capital cases, adjunct professor, and associate magistrate court judge. But Teri’s impact stretches far beyond her courtroom. She is an author and the owner of ZELLA PUBLISHING, an independent producer of books, audiobooks, and digital content. As a writer, Teri produces powerful collections that address culture and diversity. She is the creative force behind the children’s book series, the Adventures of Kai, that ocuses on self-esteem in Black children. She is the author of Kinky, Curly, Mine, Sun-Kissed, and Princess Locs.

Her nonprofit, JUSTICE REDEFINED, furthers her mission to inspire girls and teens to overcome challenges and achieve all that they can.  Her program, IMAGINE ME, serves girls between ages six and nine, and focuses on reading and technology. Her program, G.L.O., which stands for Grow, Lead, Overcome, is designed for preteen and teen girls, and empowers them to realize their full potential by enhancing their reading, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lay the groundwork for future success. Each facet of JUSTICE REDEFINED provides comprehensive mental health resources.

Resources & Mentions:

Credits:

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Many Black and African entrepreneurs possess powerful knowledge and lived experience but have been taught to only use those gifts within traditional jobs or business structures. In this conversation, Stevii Mills explains how entrepreneurs can package their expertise into coaching programs, digital products, workshops, and other income-generating opportunities. This episode explores visibility, ownership, storytelling, and the power of turning what you already know into a scalable business.

Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills is a Visibility Coach and Strategist with over 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations and 16 years as an entrepreneur. She helps high achieving professionals turn their knowledge and expertise into income generating opportunities so they can increase their impact and live the life they love. A two time six figure business owner, author, and podcast host, Dr. Stevii has been featured on major platforms including BET, CBS, FOX, and ABC. Through her work and community, The Permission Slip Club, she empowers others to confidently step into visibility, monetize their experience, and get paid for what they already know.

Connect with Stevii Mills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevii.mills

Website: www.stevii.com

Host: Taryell Simmons

Guest: Stevii Mills

Music: Will Maker

Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Keith Wattley, attorney, Obama Foundation Fellow, and Founder & Executive Director of UnCommon Law, joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss criminal justice reform, second chances, and the humanity of incarcerated people serving life sentences.

With more than 25 years of experience advocating for people in prison and on parole, Keith shares how healing-centered and trauma-informed legal advocacy can create pathways for accountability, transformation, and safe reentry into society. This powerful conversation explores redemption, storytelling, parole reform, and why some of the people society finds hardest to defend are often those most in need of hope and healing.

Keith Wattley is the Founder and Executive Director of UnCommon Law. He has spent more than two decades advocating for the rights of incarcerated people and those on parole.

His work focuses on helping individuals demonstrate personal transformation and successfully navigate California’s parole process. In addition to individual advocacy, Keith has trained hundreds of attorneys and law students and has led efforts to improve prison and parole conditions through impact litigation.

Keith was selected as an inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow in 2018 and received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2020.

🌐 Website
https://www.uncommonlaw.org/

👤 Keith Wattley
https://www.uncommonlaw.org/keith-wattley

📱 Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/uncommonlawyer/

📘 Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/UnCommonLaw/

💼 LinkedIn (Organization)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncommon-law/

💼 LinkedIn (Keith Wattley)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-wattley-44050034/

📺 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8K93TWilSZeD8QYVp20Kiw

📧 Email:
[email protected]

Learn more about UnCommon Law’s 20th Anniversary storytelling and event series, including:

🔗 20th Anniversary Page

UnCommon Law is currently accepting proposals from mission-driven leaders and organizations interested in presenting at the 20th Anniversary Conference.

Proposal Deadline: June 15

🔗 Submit a Proposal

Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Keith Wattley
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation Media

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥

Mo Cisse, founder and CEO of Meraki Allure, joins RISE Urban Nation to share his journey of building a sustainable luxury fashion brand that prioritizes quality, purpose, and environmental responsibility. In an industry driven by fast fashion, Mo chose a different path—focusing on made-to-order clothing, ethical manufacturing, and environmental impact. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and how to build a brand that reflects your values while creating lasting change.

🌐 Website: https://www.MerakiAllure.com

Host: Taryell Simmons

Guest: Mo Cisse

Music: Will Maker

Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.

If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥