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What happens when a player puts up a once-in-a-generation stat line and still gets overlooked?

That question sparked this conversation with Donna Orender, one of the most influential voices in sports, business, and women's leadership. It also reveals something deeper about the way women's achievements have often been evaluated through a different lens.

In this episode, Donna shares her journey from New York athlete to professional basketball player, sports executive, WNBA President, entrepreneur, and founder. We discuss the early days of women's professional sports, the challenges of building leagues before the world was ready to invest in them, and why progress is almost always driven by people willing to show up before recognition arrives.

Donna also shares the vision behind Generation W and the importance of creating environments where women and girls can see what is possible for themselves before the world tells them otherwise.

Whether you're passionate about sports, leadership, entrepreneurship, or creating meaningful change, this episode is a reminder that progress often begins with the courage to step onto a court, into a boardroom, or into a conversation where you don't yet see yourself represented.

Learn More

Generation W
Generation W

Upshot League
The Upshot League

About Donna Orender

Donna Orender is a former professional basketball player, business executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for women's leadership. She served as President of the WNBA from 2005 to 2010, helping guide a period of significant growth and visibility for women's professional basketball. Following her tenure, she founded Generation W, a platform dedicated to connecting, inspiring, and advancing women through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Through her work across sports, business, and philanthropy, Donna continues to champion opportunities that empower women and girls to reach their full potential.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #MeaningfulConversations #JacksonvilleVoices #DonnaOrender
#GenerationW #UpshotLeague #WomenInSports #WNBA #TitleIX
#WomenLeaders #InvestInWomensSports #SportsLeadership
#ConfidenceMatters #BreakingBarriers #CommunityLeadership
#PeopleWhoInspire #StoriesThatMatter #Changemakers #JaxPodcast

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The Jetsons promised us flying cars, robot assistants, and futuristic technology that seemed impossible. What they really got right was something simpler.

One day, the things that sound ridiculous become normal.

Artificial intelligence has crossed that threshold, and for many people, the pace of change feels exciting, confusing, and occasionally overwhelming. That's why I sat down with global technologist, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and community builder Angelina Grissom to talk about what AI actually means for our lives, our businesses, and our future.

Angelina brings a rare combination of technical expertise and human-centered leadership to the conversation. Rather than focusing on hype, she helps people understand how to use AI responsibly, strategically, and safely.

In this episode, we explore:

• What most people misunderstand about AI today
• The truth about privacy, data collection, and always-listening technology
• Why "free" AI tools may come with hidden costs
• How AI models learn and why that matters for users and businesses
• The risks and opportunities of AI-assisted app development
• Understanding security, encryption, scalability, and intellectual property in an AI-driven world
• The rise of AI agents and what they could mean for the future of work
• Why AI auditing and oversight may become some of the fastest-growing career opportunities
• How individuals can begin learning AI without a technical background or large budget
• Practical ways to build confidence with emerging technology

Angelina also introduces the concept of "vibe coding" using one of the most relatable analogies I've ever heard. An Easy-Bake Oven. Just because something makes building easier doesn't mean you fully understand what's happening under the hood. And when businesses rely on AI-generated products without understanding security, ownership, compliance, or infrastructure, the consequences can be significant.

Beyond technology, this conversation is about people.

We discuss women entrepreneurs, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the mental load of leadership, charging what you're worth, and the importance of finding communities that challenge and support you. Angelina shares insights from her work with SheEO VIP and explains why connection remains one of the most valuable resources any leader can cultivate.

If you're curious about artificial intelligence, concerned about where technology is heading, or looking for practical guidance on staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, this episode offers both clarity and optimism.

The future may be arriving faster than we expected, but as Angelina reminds us, staying human is still our greatest advantage.

Connect with Angelina Grissom

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinagrissom

SheEO VIP
https://sheeovip.com

About Angelina Grissom

Angelina Grissom is a global technology leader, executive AI coach, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical innovation. Through her work helping organizations and leaders navigate artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, she empowers businesses to embrace innovation while maintaining a strong focus on people, trust, and responsible implementation. As the founder of SheEO VIP, Angelina also supports women entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, collaboration, and community-building initiatives designed to help women scale both their businesses and their confidence.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch #MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #AngelinaGrissom #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #AIEducation #AIEthics #AISafety #DigitalLiteracy #FutureOfWork #AIForBusiness #WomenInTech #WomenWhoLead #SheEOVIP #InnovationWithHeart #LeadershipMatters #EntrepreneurMindset #TechForGood #HumanCenteredLeadership #FutureReady #CommunityLeadership #JaxPodcast #Jacksonville 

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Cities love to celebrate the things you can see. New buildings. New roads. New development. But the strongest infrastructure in any community may be the part that's invisible.

The stories people tell. The risks they take. The collaborations that happen when creative people find one another and decide to build something together.

In this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, festival organizer, and community builder Monique Madrid for a conversation about the creative heartbeat of Jacksonville and the people working behind the scenes to strengthen it.

Monique shares her journey into filmmaking and event production, including the unexpected moments that led her to become one of the driving forces behind LOL Jax Film Festival. What began as a passion project has evolved into a growing creative ecosystem where independent film, comedy, music, artists, entrepreneurs, and local businesses come together to create something larger than themselves.

We also take a deep dive into the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, one of the most exciting creative challenges in Northeast Florida. Monique explains the high-energy kickoff, the required elements every team must include, the pressure of completing a film in just 48 hours, and why the experience has become a proving ground for both new and experienced filmmakers.

Along the way, we explore lessons learned from producing events during COVID, adapting through uncertainty, and embracing what Monique describes as her "soft era" of leadership. One rooted in peace, boundaries, authenticity, and sustainable success.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, filmmaker, community advocate, or someone looking for inspiration to take the next creative leap, this conversation offers practical insight and a powerful reminder that thriving communities are built by people willing to show up and create.

Learn More

LOL Jax Film Festival
LOL Jax Film Festival

Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project
Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project

About Monique Madrid

Monique Madrid is a Jacksonville-based filmmaker, producer, and arts advocate dedicated to strengthening Northeast Florida's creative community. Through her work with LOL Jax Film Festival and the Jacksonville 48 Hour Film Project, she has helped create opportunities for emerging filmmakers, performers, and artists to showcase their work, build meaningful connections, and develop their craft. Passionate about collaboration, local storytelling, and supporting independent creators, Monique has become a respected leader within Jacksonville's growing film and arts ecosystem.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #CurateEducateActivate #HonorableMensch
 #MeaningfulConversations #StoriesThatMatter #CommunityLeadership #PeopleWhoInspire #Changemakers
#JacksonvilleVoices #NortheastFlorida #CommunityMatters
#LeadershipMatters #PodcastLife #PodcastHost #JaxPodcast #MoniqueMadrid #LOLJax #LOLFilmFestival #LoveOurLocals
#JaxFilm #JaxFilmScene #JacksonvilleFilm #FilmFestival
#IndependentFilm #IndieFilm #WomenInFilm #WomenFilmmakers
#48HourFilmProject #CreativeCommunity #SupportLocalArtists
#CreativeLeadership #StorytellingMatters #FilmMakersLife
#ArtsAndCulture #CreateYourCommunity

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City Hall doesn’t feel dramatic until you realize a single vote can reshape a neighborhood for generations. We sit down with Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso to get past the headlines and into the decisions that actually change daily life: where investment lands, how development gets approved, why some communities thrive while others get ignored, and what it takes to build trust when residents have heard big promises before. 

We talk leadership through the lens of service. Jimmy shares how the Navy taught him to learn fast in uncomfortable situations, earn respect, and then teach the next person, and how that approach carries into local politics through consistency, responsiveness, and showing up more than once. From community benefit agreements tied to the stadium deal to practical fixes that speed up drainage projects, he explains what wins look like when government is doing its job quietly and well. 

Housing affordability takes center stage, with a clear-eyed look at why “Jacksonville is affordable” can be true on paper and still feel false on the ground. We dig into tenant protections, the idea of a tenant ombudsman, a landlord registry that helps renters see code compliance history, and the need for better data on corporate ownership and rising prices. We also explore missing middle housing, TIF districts for home repair in legacy neighborhoods, homelessness services, and why light rail and smart infill planning can shape a healthier, more connected city over the next decade. 

If you care about city council, urban planning, tenant rights, affordable housing, homelessness, transportation, and what community-centered growth actually requires, this conversation is for you. 

To reach Jacksonville City Council Member Jimmy Peluso (District 7), use the official contact details below: 

Official City Hall Office

• Phone Number: (904) 255-5207
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: 117 W. Duval St., Suite 425, Jacksonville, FL 32202 

District 7 Staff

• Executive Council Assistant: Brooks Dame
• Assistant Phone Number: (904) 255-5135
• Assistant Email: [email protected]

Online and Social Media

• Campaign & Political Site: jimmyforjax.com
• Official Facebook Page: Councilman Jimmy Peluso on Facebook

To check further council updates or meetings, verify details directly through the Jacksonville City Council Members page.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps more people discover these conversations and the remarkable people helping shape our communities and our future.
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A rent increase doesn’t sound like a siren, but it can be the first crack that breaks a family’s whole scaffolding. Today we sit with that uncomfortable truth and follow it where it leads: to grocery checkout lines, week-to-week hotel rooms, kids trying to hide the same outfit, and seniors on fixed incomes forced to choose between food and medication.

I’m joined by returning guest Colleen Rodriguez, CEO of LJD Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) in Northeast Florida. Colleen walks us through what she’s seeing right now in Jacksonville and beyond: the “invisible middle” of ALICE families who are employed but one emergency away from free fall, the rapid growth of homelessness among parents with young children and seniors, and how food insecurity changes depending on whether someone has a kitchen, a microwave, or nothing at all. We even get practical about what actually helps at a food pantry and how to get involved at www.jfcsjax.org  including volunteer opportunities and teen foster care birthday lunches.

We also connect the dots between affordable housing, out-of-state landlords, and eviction diversion programs that can keep kids in the same school and families in the same home. Then we go deeper into the mental health impact of financial stress and the shame that keeps people from asking for help, plus small, discreet ways communities can support children through schools. Finally, Colleen explains how wraparound services work, and why unrestricted giving to one of the most respected agencies in our community can provide immediate assistance that leads to generational impact.

If today's conversation inspires you, I encourage you to learn more about JFCS, volunteer, advocate, or make a donation. Every dollar helps provide food, counseling, emergency assistance, foster care support, senior services, and life-changing programs throughout Northeast Florida.

Donate today at:

The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services Donation Page

Learn more about their work:

JFCS Jacksonville Official Website

The work of The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services isn't about solving a single problem. It's about strengthening the foundation that allows people to build stable, healthy, and hopeful lives.

Since 1917, JFCS has quietly become one of Northeast Florida's most important safety nets, serving children, families, seniors, veterans, foster youth, Holocaust survivors, and individuals facing food insecurity, housing instability, mental health challenges, and financial hardship. Their mission is simple but profound: helping people help themselves. Whether it's keeping a family housed through eviction diversion, stocking pantry shelves for neighbors experiencing hunger, supporting foster children as they transition into adulthood, providing counseling during life's darkest moments, or educating future generations through Holocaust education and intolerance prevention programs, JFCS meets people where they are and helps them move forward with dignity. 

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Language class shouldn’t feel like a worksheet factory where conjugation is the only goal, and instead the mission is to learn a language... share a culture... change the world.

In this episode we learn from Donna Guzzo, President and CEO of Language Exploration Enrichment, about what happens when we teach language to kids through stories, art, kindness, and cultural immersion instead of fear and memorization. Donna has spent more than two decades building an after-school enrichment program that helps children speak with confidence while also learning the humanity behind the language.

We get into how thematic units and storytelling make vocabulary feel useful, why early speaking matters more than perfect pronunciation, and how culture-first teaching builds real cultural literacy. Donna shares how kids learn that Spanish-speaking countries are not “all the same,” how small details like food and greetings can teach respect, and how children often bring that openness home, nudging parents toward new experiences and better conversations.

Donna also connects language education to global citizenship through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, showing how young students can grapple with big ideas like hunger, clean water, peace, and even gender equality when the discussion is grounded in age-appropriate examples and guided dialogue. We wrap with what she’s learned from kids about perseverance, why “first you love them, then you teach them” shapes strong classrooms, and how immersive camps blend language learning with cooking, crafts, games, and music.

If you care about Spanish for kids, bilingual education, empathy, and raising globally aware students, this one’s for you. To find out more about LEE, visit:

www.leestjohns.pbworks.com

904-553-4274

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Titles change fast. Identity changes slower. And when you’ve spent years living inside a mission, walking away can feel like you’re leaving part of yourself behind. I’m joined- for the third time- by Alexa Jenkins,  former United States Navy commander,  a wife and mom who’s now building her next chapter in the corporate world. We get honest about what “reinvention” actually looks like when it’s not a social media makeover, but a real reset of purpose, confidence, and community.

Check out the two previous episodes: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2041024/episodes/12176107-what-do-pirate-hunting-and-personal-connection-have-in-common-my-guest-alexa-jenkins-united-states-navy-commander.mp3?download=true

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2041024/episodes/13372521-does-personal-leadership-style-impact-public-connection-my-guest-commander-alexa-jenkins-united-states-navy.mp3?download=true

Alexa shares the surprising thing she prioritized most during her military to civilian transition: culture. Not prestige. Not the perfect job title. Culture. We talk about how to find the “ocean” where you thrive, why veterans- and plenty of civilians- get trapped in credentials they don’t even want, and how one person’s belief in you can unlock your next role. Along the way, she breaks down the debrief mindset the military trains so well and why that skill becomes a powerful tool for corporate leadership, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

We also dig into the uncomfortable reality of veteran employment, including the stat that 63% of veterans are underemployed or unemployed, and what needs to change in awareness, hiring, and self-assessment. Alexa explains how SkillBridge can help, how to translate military experience into business value, and why she talked to 200+ people through cold outreach to learn industries from the inside. We close with reflections on service, “The Watch,” the whiplash of swapping deployments for PTO sign-ups. 

This episodes Honorable Mensch spotlight on Jonathan Richmond, Director of Mission United at United Way of Northeast Florida.
https://unitedwaynefl.org/mission-united

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Being “the first” sounds like a celebration until you realize how often it comes with no blueprint. I grew up in a family shaped by immigration and four Holocaust survivor grandparents, where education meant security, not prestige and nobody was sitting around the table talking about college applications, networking, internships, or career strategy. That’s why this conversation hits so hard: talent and ambition are everywhere, but roadmaps are not, and two students with the same grades can still be separated by generations of hidden knowledge.

I’m joined by Hannah Oberholtzer, Executive Director of Thrive Scholars Jacksonville, to talk about what real college access and opportunity look like for high-achieving students from economically under-resourced communities. We dig into the biggest misconception about these students, why “they’ll be fine” is often wrong, and how Thrive defines success as more than graduating high school or even college. Hannah shares how Thrive’s intentional pathway includes a Summer Academy on a college campus, one-on-one college access coaching, financial aid navigation, mentorship, and professional development so students build the skills, confidence, and networks that lead to economic mobility and long-term career success.

We also get practical about the ecosystem around students: internships that typically start too late, transportation barriers that quietly shape who can show up, and why partnerships across nonprofits, business leaders, and community matter if we want outcomes that last for generations. If you care about first-generation college success, educational equity, workforce development, and building diverse leadership that reflects our communities, this episode is for you.

About Thrive Scholars Jacksonville

Thrive Scholars is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping high-achieving students from low-income and under-resourced communities gain admission to top colleges, graduate successfully, and launch meaningful careers. Their comprehensive six-year program provides academic preparation, college advising, mentorship, career development, internships, and professional networking opportunities that help students achieve long-term economic mobility.  connecting students with academic resources, mentors, internships, and professional networks throughout Northeast Florida.

To find out more about Thrive Scholars, Jacksonville: https://www.thrivescholars.org/get-involved/jacksonville/

In anticipation of their 25th year, read the 2025 Impact Report here:

https://www.flipsnack.com/A5F8DCA8B7A/thrive-scholars-fy25-annual-impact-report

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A jar of loose change can be a financial plan, a love letter, and a blueprint for resilience all at once.

This week on Schmooze with Suze, I begin with a childhood memory that has stayed with me for decades. My parents kept one of those giant water jugs from the water machine, not for water, but for coins. Pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters collected one sacrifice at a time. That jar eventually bought their first washing machine and first vacuum cleaner.

Long before I understood budgets, investing, or compound interest, I understood something else: big things are often built in small ways.

That story sets the stage for a heartfelt and practical conversation with Kellie Smith, wealth and philanthropic advisor at B&C Financial, about financial literacy, wealth building, philanthropy, and why so many women were taught how to give, care for others, and show up for their communities, but were never taught how money actually works.

Kellie shares her own financial wake-up call after graduating college with student loan debt and realizing how easy it is to borrow money without understanding the long-term cost. Together, we explore the difference between making money and building wealth, why retirement planning is really about buying back your time, and how simple steps like creating an emergency fund, maximizing an employer match, reducing subscription creep, and utilizing high-yield savings accounts can create lasting financial stability.

We also unpack the often-misunderstood world of philanthropy and legacy giving. From donor-advised funds and endowments to planned giving and charitable legacy strategies, Kellie helps demystify how ordinary people can create extraordinary impact for generations to come.

Whether you're just beginning your financial journey or looking to align your resources with your values, this conversation offers practical advice, inspiration, and a reminder that wealth isn't just about what you leave behind.

Because wealth isn't measured only by what we accumulate. It's measured by what we sustain, what we share, and what we make possible for others.

In This Episode:

• Financial literacy lessons women often miss
• The difference between income and wealth
• Building financial confidence at any age
• Emergency funds and retirement basics
• Employer matching and investment fundamentals
• Philanthropy as a wealth-building mindset
• Donor-advised funds, endowments, and planned giving
• Creating a legacy that reflects your values
• Why generosity and financial stewardship belong together

Because wealth isn't measured only by what we accumulate. It's measured by what we sustain, what we share, and what we make possible for others.

Kellie Kelleher-Smith, CAP®

Kellie serves as a Wealth Advisor with B&C Financial Advisors in Ponte Vedra Beach. She is a registered Investment Advisor Representative and holds the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation through The American College of Financial Services. The CAP® credential is a specialized designation focused on charitable planning, philanthropic strategy, wealth transfer, and helping individuals align their financial resources with their values and legacy goals. 

Her professional background uniquely combines:

•  Wealth management and financial planning 
•  Philanthropic advising and charitable strategy 
•  Multi-generational wealth planning 
•  Retirement planning 
•  Legacy and estate-focused giving strategies 
•  Nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience 

Prior to joining B&C Financial Advisors, Kellie held leadership roles with the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida and the American Cancer Society, giving her a rare perspective that bridges both the nonprofit and financial planning worlds. 

B&C Financial Advisors Contact Information

B&C Financial Advisors
110 Professional Drive, Suite 101
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Phone: (904) 273-9850

Website: B&C Financial Advisors Website

B&C is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm serving individuals, families, retirees, business owners, trusts, and charitable entities.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #ViewsWithSuze #WomenAndWealth
 #FinancialLiteracy #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom
 #MoneyMindset #LegacyPlanning #Philanthropy
 #Tzedakah #GivingBack #WomenWhoGive #CommunityImpact
 #PurposeDriven #LegacyGiving #DonorAdvisedFund
 #PlannedGiving #GenerosityInAction #WomenSupportingWomen #WomenInLeadership #WomenEmpoweringWomen #WomenUnited #WomenMakingAnImpact #FemaleLeadership #InvestInWomen #FinancialConfidence #Jacksonville #NortheastFlorida
 #JaxCommunity #SmallThingsBecomeBigThings

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Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... 

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Some children walk into a room carrying more than backpacks.

They carry noise.

The noise of uncertainty. The noise of expectations. The noise of circumstances they did not choose. The noise inside their own heads.

In this episode of Schmooze with Suze, I sit down with Kathryn McAvoy, founder and executive director of The Performers Academy, for a conversation about what happens when creativity becomes something much bigger than performance.

Because this isn't just about singing, acting, dancing, or stepping onto a stage. It's about identity, belonging and confidence.

It's about building environments where young people can discover who they are before the world tells them who they aren't.

Kathryn shares the vision behind The Opportunity Project and discusses the deeper mission behind after-school programs, mentorship, arts education, work-readiness experiences, and creating pathways for young people who may not always see opportunity reflected back at them.

We tackle:

• What "opportunity" really means for young people
 • The barriers students in Jacksonville are facing today
 • Why self-esteem and identity matter just as much as academics
 • The surprising things creative expression unlocks in children
 • Why consistent adult presence changes outcomes
 • The difference between helping communities and strengthening communities
 • Kathryn's own journey as an entrepreneur, leader, and advocate

Because when a child finds their voice... confidence becomes choice. Choice becomes behavior. Behavior becomes pattern. Pattern becomes life.

And if we want different outcomes, we have to build different environments.

Kathryn McAvoy is the Founder and Executive Director of The Performance Academy, a Jacksonville-based nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of young people through arts education, mentorship, and creative expression.

For more than fifteen years, Kathryn has worked to create spaces where youth, particularly underserved and vulnerable populations, can discover confidence, identity, and purpose through the arts. Her journey spans entrepreneurship, community leadership, and advocacy, but at the center of her work is a simple belief: creativity can be a tool for healing.

Kathryn founded The Performance Academy with the vision of giving young people more than performance skills. She wanted to create environments where they could feel seen, heard, and empowered. Today, she remains actively involved with students and programming, continuing to lead with a hands-on approach that keeps relationships and impact at the center of the work. 

The Performance Academy (TPA) is a registered nonprofit organization in Jacksonville, Florida that uses art, education, and mentorship to inspire and transform young people.

TPA's mission is to inspire, cultivate, and transform youth through art, education, and mentorship. Its vision is to create safe spaces where young people can discover their unique gifts and develop confidence, courage, and conviction. 

Programs and initiatives include:

• The Opportunity Project
 • Creative Genius programming
 • Summer camps and after-school experiences
 • Truth & Proof Arts Open Mic
 • Shakes/Sphere
 • Work-readiness and life-skills development
 • Youth mentorship and artistic training 

Students engage in disciplines including:

• Acting
 • Film and storytelling
 • Dance and choreography
 • Visual arts
 • Music and lyricism
 • Technology and AI
 • Wellness and movement 

At its core, TPA is not simply teaching kids how to perform.

It is helping them build identity, discipline, resilience, and direction so they do not just dream differently...

They live differently.

#SchmoozeWithSuze #KathrynMcAvoy #ThePerformersAcademy #ArtsEducation #HealingThroughTheArts #YouthEmpowerment #CreativeYouthDevelopment #CommunityImpact #ArtsMatter #FutureLeaders #WorkforceDevelopment #Storytelling #ConfidenceBuilding #YouthLeadership #CreativeExpression #CharacterDevelopment #Jacksonville #NortheastFlorida #InspiredAndInspiring

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Subscribe to the Schmooze with Suze Podcast for your dose of #Culture, #Values and #GlobalCitizenship... with a side of #chutzpah... 

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