SpeakUP! International Inc.

Step into the vibrant world of arts advocacy with award-winning curator, educator, and spoken word poet Paulina O'Keefe-Anthony. From her first nervous performance at age 18 to becoming a powerful voice championing equity in the arts, Paulina shares the remarkable journey that's taken her from Toronto community centers to international stages.

"Poetry can take you everywhere," Paulina reveals as she unpacks how spoken word became her gateway to community building and artistic expression. With refreshing candor, she describes the parallel paths she's traveled—developing as a performance artist while simultaneously building expertise in arts administration and nonprofit work. These intertwined journeys eventually led to her creating Creative Compass Solutions alongside her husband, a consulting firm that has secured over $1 million in funding for arts organizations.

At the heart of Paulina's work lies a passionate commitment to opening doors for historically marginalized artists. She offers valuable insights into the grant application process while acknowledging the systemic challenges of limited arts funding. Her work with the Toronto Arts Council's Black Arts Granting Program demonstrates her dedication to creating holistic support systems that go beyond simply providing money—offering mentorship, space, and community connections that emerging artists desperately need.

Perhaps most powerful is Paulina's honest reflection on burnout and self-care. After experiencing job loss and the sudden death of her father in 2023, she made the difficult decision to step back, spending 30 days in Trinidad to heal. This transformative experience taught her the importance of setting boundaries and making space for personal wellbeing—a lesson she continues to practice since returning home.

For young creatives and entrepreneurs, Paulina offers three gems of wisdom: jump fearlessly into your passions while you're young; build infrastructure around your dreams early; and believe fiercely in yourself, even when doubts creep in. True to her poet's heart, she reminds us that "doing the work" means practicing your craft when nobody's watching and strengthening not just your professional skills, but yourself as a whole person.

Join us for this inspiring conversation that illuminates the power of artistic expression to create meaningful change in ourselves and our communities. Connect with Paulina through LinkedIn or visit speakuppodcast.ca to learn more about our programs and upcoming episodes.

You can reach Paulina O'Kieffe-Anthony using the following platforms: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinaokieffeanthony/?originalSubdomain=ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinaokieffe/

Website:  paulinaokieffe.com

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The threads of African-Canadian history weave a story of resistance, resilience, and remarkable achievement that spans centuries—yet these vital narratives remain largely untold in mainstream historical accounts. Elise Harding-Davis changes that through her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history.

As a seventh-generation Canadian whose family has been in Canada since 1798, Harding-Davis brings personal connection to her work as a historian, author, and former curator of the North American Black Historical Museum and Cultural Center. She shares how the proud Black history she learned from her grandmother contrasted sharply with school curricula that erased these contributions, fueling her determination to ensure these stories would not be lost.

Harding-Davis takes us on a fascinating journey through untold chapters of Canadian history, including the crucial role of Black soldiers in the War of 1812. These freedom fighters formed Runch's Rangers and fought not just for British interests but to protect their own hard-won liberty from American expansion. Some American soldiers found themselves "looking down the barrel of a gun held by one of their former slaves"—a powerful reversal that standard histories rarely acknowledge.

Her global travels as a lecturer and consultant have allowed her to correct misconceptions about Black Canadian experiences from Ghana to China. When asked to enter a room where enslaved people had died during a tour of Elmina Castle in Ghana, she powerfully refused: "My people were forcibly taken through the door of no return in this building. We did not die. We survived."

Through decades of research, teaching, and advocacy, Harding-Davis reminds us that historical knowledge forms the foundation for identity and empowerment. As she eloquently states, "Without Black history, history is incomplete." Her work demonstrates that knowing our past—all of it—is essential to building a more inclusive future.

Join us for this powerful conversation with one of Canada's foremost authorities on Black Canadian history. 

Connect to Ms. Elise Harding-Davis via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-harding-davis-3452ba80/

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What happens when personal experience with discrimination fuels a lifelong commitment to equity work? Mr. Rohan Thompson, Director of People and Equity for the County of Dufferin, takes us on his remarkable journey from youth worker to systems change leader.

Rohan reveals how childhood mentors who kept him "on the straight and narrow" inspired his mission to pay it forward. This calling led him through various roles working with at-risk youth before stepping into pioneering equity leadership positions. Beyond his municipal work, Thompson maintains a private therapy practice using client-centered, trauma-informed approaches—a career path sparked by his own harmful experience with a non-Black therapist who asked if his father was "a typical Jamaican."

The conversation explores the evolution of equity work from community development frameworks to today's EDI terminology, with Rohan offering a historical perspective on why current pushback against social justice initiatives shouldn't discourage practitioners: "Anytime there has been progress, there has been resistance. We've seen this before, we've experienced this before."

Among Thompson's proudest achievements is the "Black Brilliance" initiative he helped establish in Waterloo Region, which transformed from a one-day event into a powerful platform where Black students documented their school experiences through digital storytelling, becoming educators to the system that was failing them.

Drawing from his own experience as a football player and coach, Rohan shares how sports teach accountability, resilience, and self-confidence—lessons that translate perfectly to equity work where persistence through resistance is essential. For aspiring social workers, he offers three profound principles: focus on not doing harm, recognize people are doing their best with what they have, and understand that with proper support, anyone can thrive.

Join us for this inspiring conversation about building more equitable communities and the personal journey that drives this vital work. Subscribe to SpeakupUP! International for more thought-provoking discussions with changemakers from around the world!

You can reach Mr. Rohan Thompson using the following platform: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohan-thompson-8b39111b2

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What would you do if you discovered your teacher's pension wouldn't be enough to sustain you after retirement? For Queen D Michelle, the answer came in a life-changing decision to leave Atlanta behind and start fresh in Mexico's Lake Chapala region. Her remarkable journey reveals how necessity can become the catalyst for profound personal transformation.

Queen D Michelle's story begins with a practical problem faced by many retired educators. After 27 years in the classroom, she found herself working multiple jobs to supplement her pension—driving for Uber, shuttling railroad engineers, designing curriculum online. When the realization hit that "I will always have to do this," she began researching alternatives and discovered Mexico's expat-friendly communities where her dollars would stretch further in a place with "the second-best weather in the world."

This geographical shift became the doorway to something far more significant than financial relief. Freed from constant work demands, Queen D Michelle embarked on a journey of self-discovery through meditation, yoga, writing, and community building. She authored multiple books including "Considerations: A Guide for Moving Abroad" and "Traveling Home Together," a spiritual guidebook. Her DNA testing through African Ancestry revealed her Fula heritage from Guinea-Bissau, leading to a powerfully emotional homecoming visit to her ancestral village where her people "wiped tears from her face and welcomed her home."

Today, Queen D Michelle focuses on helping others through her nonprofit organization addressing generational trauma and developing curriculum for "Generation Alpha"—children born between 2010-2024. She believes deeply that "if trauma can be passed down, healing can be passed up," and champions meditation as the essential pathway to spiritual awakening. Her own journey exemplifies what's possible when we dare to step beyond conventional expectations and reclaim our authentic selves.

You can reach Queen D. Michele using her social media platforms:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/qdmichele/

X/Twitter:  https://x.com/1Light1Luv

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@MovingInwardOnward

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/considerations2020/

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

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"We are not what the system has told us we are," declares Tina Garnett, a powerful voice in the fight against systemic oppression. As a seventh-generation Black Canadian descended from Charlotte and James Handy, Garnett brings three decades of experience championing marginalized communities to this profound conversation about resilience, purpose, and transformation.

Garnett's journey through racism began in London, Ontario, as part of one of the few Black families in the area, before taking her to Northern British Columbia where she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of systemic violence against Indigenous women. These experiences crystallized her understanding of racial hierarchy and white supremacy, driving her to pursue education as a tool for change despite being told as a child with a learning disability that "school was not for me."

Now serving as Executive Director of the Jean Augustine Center for Young Women's Empowerment, Garnett creates spaces where young women ages 7-17 can develop holistically through mentorship, after-school programs, and civic engagement initiatives. Her previous groundbreaking work implementing EDI strategies at SickKids Hospital challenged institutions to move beyond merely counting diversity to creating genuine inclusion.

The conversation delves into Garnett's personal practices for sustaining her work—beginning each day with prayer and gratitude, practicing yoga to release trauma held in the body, and dedicating Sundays to family. Despite making "half of what I made" in institutional settings, she finds "ten times as much more joy" in her current role empowering young women to envision futures where they see themselves represented.

Throughout the discussion, Garnett weaves together historical injustice, personal loss, and hopeful transformation. Her message that "there's no wrong way to do your life except to quit" serves as both challenge and comfort to listeners navigating their own journeys through systemic barriers toward authentic self-expression and community empowerment. Listen to her account and be inspired!

1.     Website: https://equityinprovidence.com/

2.     LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-garnett-ma-b3866621/

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Half of a woman's life is spent in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—yet these critical transitions remain under-researched, underfunded, and shrouded in unnecessary taboo. That's what drove Amita Sharma, after suffering in silence through her own hormonal journey, to create Nourishdoc: a holistic wellness platform empowering women through these transformative years.

"I was too scared to speak up," admits Sharma, despite her impressive education and successful career. "I thought people would judge me or think I wasn't capable." This fear of judgment keeps countless women suffering quietly through symptoms they don't understand—from hot flashes and heart palpitations to anxiety and mood changes—without proper support or knowledge.

Most medical professionals receive just eight hours of training on perimenopause and menopause during medical school, creating a dangerous knowledge gap that leaves women navigating these transitions alone. Nourish Doc bridges this gap through culturally-sensitive guidance that recognizes how women from different backgrounds experience menopause differently. For example, Latina and African American women typically reach menopause earlier (around 47-48) and experience more severe hot flashes compared to other groups.

The platform's holistic approach emphasizes "food as medicine," mindful movement, stress reduction, and community support—moving beyond symptom management to address the whole person. Perhaps most revolutionary is Nourishdoc's commitment to accessibility, with their upcoming app priced at just $10 monthly to democratize expert knowledge that typically costs hundreds per consultation.

"We want to help women prioritize self-care and prevent chronic conditions in their post-reproductive years," Sharma explains. "This isn't just about surviving menopause—it's about thriving through this new chapter with dignity, knowledge, and community support."

Ready to transform your hormonal journey? Visit nourishdoc.com to learn more and sign up for notifications when the app launches in March. You can reach Amita Sharma using the following social media platforms:

Website: http://www.nourishdoc.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Nourishdoc/

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/nourishdoc

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@nourishdoc

Instagram:  http://www.instagram.com/nourish_doc

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amita-sharma-nourishdoc/

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What if embracing radical empathy could transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you? Join us as we explore this profound concept with the remarkable Moy Fong, an award-winning entrepreneur whose journey of leadership and empathy began at the young age of 19 when she became a mother. Moy shares her inspiring story of resilience, illustrating how her entrepreneurial spirit was born out of the need to secure a better future for her family. Discover how her experiences fueled the creation of innovative programs like STARS, designed to empower and set a positive precedent for youth.

The path to personal growth is paved with self-reflection, and Moy emphasizes this through her work as a certified coach. By illustrating the power of diverse perspectives, we learn how self-analysis and honest feedback can drive transformation. Moy's experiences underscore the importance of character development in entrepreneurship, offering real-life case studies that highlight the significant impact of understanding interpersonal dynamics. Her commitment to fostering empathy and supporting those who face rejection and hardship is a testament to her vision of social change.

Navigating the business world comes with unique challenges, especially for women. Moy sheds light on the barriers women encounter, such as securing financing and overcoming confidence issues. Through her journey with Solid Rock Family Services, she demonstrates the power of building supportive networks and advocating for financial literacy. This episode also offers insights into holistic development for women in business, encouraging them to embrace their potential and thrive. Join us to uncover key strategies for achieving business success while staying true to your core values and mission!

 Social media platforms: 

LinkedIn:  https://ca.linkedin.com/in/moyfung

https://thecaribbeancamera.com/moy-fung-empowering-women-in-business-and-personal-development/

https://www.excellenceconference.org/portfolio/olivia-moy-fung/

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/moyfung

https://www.instagram.com/moyfungofficial/

https://www.facebook.com/moyfungincorporated/

https://about.me/moyfung

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/moyfung_emcee-rolesandresponsibilities-entrepreneurlife-activity-7097230462087032832-8pz8

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Visionary entrepreneur Micah Elechi takes us on a transformative journey from his early days as a graphic designer in Nigeria to becoming a leading force in tech innovation with Macklemore Solutions . Hear how Micah's determination to overcome employment challenges led him to create AfriLink, a groundbreaking platform empowering African youth by bridging the gap between skilled individuals and job opportunities. His story is a powerful testament to the impact of mentorship and the vital role of individual and governmental efforts in societal progress.

Micah’s bold decision to present AfriLink on the international stage, despite financial risks, showcases the courage and strategic vision behind its growth. Discover how attending a pivotal event in London helped forge valuable partnerships with recruiting agencies, setting the stage for AfriLink's success. We explore the lessons in leadership that Micah imparts, emphasizing transparency, honesty, and humility, as he navigates the challenges of expanding AfriLink's reach, forging alliances, and creating over 300 jobs across the continent.

Beyond business, Micah shares his personal growth journey and the diverse interests that have enriched his career. From his involvement with Empower Her 101 to his passion for swimming and basketball, Micah's multifaceted life paints a picture of resilience and dedication. Join us as we discuss his long-term vision for Macklemore Solutions  and AfriLink, focusing on affordable education and job creation, and listen to Micah's inspiring message of perseverance in facing global uncertainties.

You can reach Micah Elechi using one of the social media platforms below: 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/mc_macklemore/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/elechi.micah/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/macklemore_fashion/

Website:     https://macklemoresolutions.com/

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Nicole Osbourne-James, a renowned free thinker and accidental stand-up comedian, reveals her fascinating journey from the spoken word poetry scene of the 1990s to the dynamic world of comedy. Unpacking how her evolution as a young mother propelled her into comedy's broader expressive realm, Nicole shares insights into the role of spoken word in activism and community engagement. Her initiatives, like the Black Media Network Conference, showcase the power of grassroots efforts in social change and highlight the importance of community spaces in nurturing activism.

Juggling comedy, motherhood, and festival production isn't a simple feat—and Nicole knows it all too well. She opens up about the complex dance of balancing societal expectations and personal boundaries to stave off burnout. A heartfelt moment unfolds as we reminisce about the joy of hearing our mothers laugh, leading to a conversation about Nicole’s brainchild, Comedylicious, which merges comedy and food to celebrate cultural expression. This episode underscores the essential nature of self-awareness, especially for introverts seeking solace in a bustling world.

In a candid discussion on gender disparity within the comedy industry, Nicole reflects on her mission to create inclusive spaces for women comedians. Her accidental activism aims to reshape the landscape of comedy, offering opportunities like daytime shows with childcare. We also explore her impactful journey in online activism, particularly the "Guns Get None" movement, and how humor serves as a bridge for mental health awareness through initiatives like "Healing and Humor." Nicole's story is an inspiring testament to how laughter and community can foster understanding and healing.

You can connect with Nicole Osbourne-James using the following social media platform:

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/enojeozjam.

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Uncover the magic behind young adult fiction with acclaimed author Charlene Thomas on this episode of SpeakUP! International. From her childhood days of weaving tales in scribbled notebooks to becoming an award-winning writer, Charlene offers a heartfelt reading from her latest book, "Streetlight People." Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, imagination, and a strong support system, shedding light on how crucial encouragement can be in nurturing one’s dreams. Listen as Charlene recounts the pivotal moments that validated her career choice and reflects on the evolution of her storytelling.

Charlene delves into the intricate art of crafting stories, sharing behind-the-scenes insights into her creative process. Discover the inspiration behind her debut novel "Seaton Girls" and her latest release "Streetlight People," as she explores themes of friendship and unexpected plot twists. With aspirations to expand her repertoire into adult fiction, Charlene discusses the growing demand for young adult books that cater to male readers and the complex task of selecting a favorite work among her published novels. She also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance, the importance of community, and the necessity of constructive feedback.

Navigating the publishing world can be daunting, but Charlene's experience in corporate marketing provided her with a unique edge. She shares strategies for querying literary agents and her swift journey to securing a book deal with Penguin Random House. The episode also highlights how authors can leverage their strengths to effectively market their works, making the process enjoyable rather than burdensome. With practical advice and an encouraging spirit, Charlene urges writers to pursue their dreams while providing support through writing coaching and an active social media presence. Join us for a conversation brimming with inspiration, insight, and an appreciation for the miracle of storytelling!

You can connect with Ms. Thomas using the following social media platforms:

Website: https://www.charlenethomasbooks.com/

Twitter:  https://x.com/Charlene_Thomas

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/charlenethomasbooks/profilecard/?igsh=MTQwbXcwNGk1Z3g3dA==

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-thomas-83131818/

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