Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell Podacst | Strategic Moves Media Network

Episode Title:
Unveiling the Secret to Crafting a Firm Financial Foundation

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with LaRese Purnell to discuss financial literacy, business leadership, and building long-term financial stability. The conversation explores financial education, entrepreneurship, and strategic money management, with a focus on how these principles impact individuals, families, business growth, and community economic empowerment in Cleveland and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Financial literacy and personal money management
Building sustainable financial foundations
Business leadership and strategic financial planning
Entrepreneurship and wealth-building strategies
Community empowerment through economic education

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to financial foundations and mindset shift
[08:10] – Discussion on building long-term financial stability
[16:45] – Insights on entrepreneurship and business leadership
[24:30] – Importance of financial education in communities

Guest Bio:
LaRese Purnell is an author, financial expert, and Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an accounting, tax, and payroll company based in downtown Cleveland. With over 18 years of experience in business management, tax, and finance, he has held executive roles in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. He holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo and is pursuing a Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University.
He is also the author of Financial Foundations: Building Financial Freedom One Tool at a Time and has traveled nationally to teach financial literacy across cities, universities, and professional events. In addition, he serves on multiple boards, including the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Cleveland Public Library Foundation, NAACP Cleveland Branch, and CEOGC.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because financial literacy and strategic money management are essential tools for building stronger individuals and communities. It connects directly to issues of economic empowerment, education, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial stability in underserved communities.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: https://cleconsultingfirm.com/staff/larese-purnell/
Social Media: N/A
Organization: CLE Consulting Firm 

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Discover How Relationships Can Dramatically Change Your Life!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Councilman Blaine A. Griffin to discuss leadership, community engagement, and the power of relationships in transforming lives and neighborhoods. The conversation explores civic leadership, public service, and community development, with a focus on how these issues affect Cleveland’s diverse communities, governance, and long-term social impact.

Key Topics Covered:
The role of relationships in community transformation
Leadership in local government and public service
Cross-cultural engagement and community relations
Public safety, youth initiatives, and re-entry programs
Building stronger, more connected neighborhoods

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Discussion on how relationships shape community outcomes
[08:25] – Insights into cross-cultural community building in Cleveland
[16:40] – Leadership approach to public safety and youth initiatives
[24:10] – Reflections on long-term civic engagement and service

Guest Bio:
Blaine A. Griffin is the Ward 6 Councilman and President of Cleveland City Council, representing one of the city’s most diverse districts. Prior to his current role, he served for 11 years as Executive Director of the City’s Community Relations Board, focusing on cross-cultural relations, police-community relations, and youth development initiatives.
He has also worked with the Cuyahoga Department of Justice Affairs managing community re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals, and served as Program Director for the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland, overseeing emergency food distribution operations across the county.
Councilman Griffin began his career in community service with the Harvard Community Services Center and East End Neighborhood House, where he worked on initiatives addressing infant mortality and community wellness. He is widely recognized for his leadership in civic engagement and community empowerment across Cleveland.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it highlights how relationships, trust, and collaboration can transform communities. It connects directly to issues of leadership, public safety, equity, and civic responsibility, showing how strong community engagement can create lasting social impact in urban neighborhoods.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: N/A
Social Media: N/A
Organization: N/A

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Can Gentrification or Urban Renewal Save Cleveland? Here’s What You Need to Know!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with India Pierce Lee, Senior Vice President of Programs at the Cleveland Foundation, to discuss gentrification, urban renewal, and neighborhood transformation in Greater Cleveland. The conversation explores community development, equitable growth, and institutional partnerships, with a focus on how these issues affect Cleveland neighborhoods, civic leadership, housing, and long-term urban sustainability.

Key Topics Covered:
Gentrification vs. urban renewal in modern cities
Neighborhood revitalization and equitable development
Role of major institutions in community transformation
Housing, sustainability, and community investment
Collaboration between government, nonprofits, and communities

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to gentrification and urban renewal debate
[08:35] – Role of Cleveland Foundation in neighborhood development
[16:50] – Discussion on institutional partnerships and impact
[25:10] – Future of sustainable urban communities in Cleveland

Guest Bio:
India Pierce Lee is Senior Vice President of Programs at the Cleveland Foundation, leading key initiatives in neighborhood revitalization and community development across Greater Cleveland. She works closely with institutions and communities to drive equitable urban growth and sustainable development.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it addresses one of the most critical urban questions: whether gentrification or urban renewal truly benefits communities. It connects directly to issues of housing equity, displacement, economic development, and the long-term sustainability of urban neighborhoods in Cleveland and beyond.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: N/A
Social Media: N/A
Organization: Cleveland Foundation

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Unpacking the Social Impact of Meryl Johnson’s Views on Critical Race Theory

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Meryl Johnson to discuss Critical Race Theory, education, and the role of race in shaping equitable learning systems. The conversation explores educational equity, policy debates, and student opportunity, with a focus on how these issues affect children of color, public education, and broader social systems in Cleveland and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Critical Race Theory and public education debate
Equity in schooling and student opportunity
Teacher training and cultural competency
Policy, race, and educational reform
Preparing students for long-term success

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to Critical Race Theory discussion
[08:15] – Debate on race in education and equity
[15:40] – Teacher experience and classroom impact insights
[23:10] – Final reflections on student opportunity and fairness

Guest Bio:
Meryl Johnson is a retired educator with 40 years of experience in Cleveland Public Schools and a former member of the Ohio State Board of Education. She has dedicated her career to student advocacy, teacher development, and educational equity, with a strong focus on supporting underserved students and improving classroom outcomes.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it addresses how education systems handle race, equity, and opportunity. It connects directly to debates around policy, student success, and how schools can better serve diverse communities while preparing all children for equal opportunity.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: N/A
Social Media: N/A
Organization: Ohio State Board of Education (past service)

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Discover How Taking One Step Leads to Unprecedented Success!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm to discuss leadership, poverty alleviation, and the power of education and opportunity in transforming lives. The conversation explores community development, personal growth, and access to essential services, with a focus on how these issues affect low-income families, education systems, and long-term economic empowerment in Cuyahoga County and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Breaking the cycle of poverty through education and support services
Leadership in nonprofit and community action organizations
Early childhood education and workforce development
Access to resources for low-income families
Building stronger communities through opportunity and partnership

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to leadership and “taking one step” philosophy
[08:30] – Discussion on poverty, opportunity, and transformation
[16:45] – Role of education in long-term community success
[24:10] – Insights on nonprofit leadership and impact

Guest Bio:
Dr. Jacklyn A. Chisholm is the President and CEO of Step Forward, Ohio’s largest Community Action Agency. She is a nonprofit executive and educator with extensive leadership experience in community development, education, and public service.
She previously served as CEO of the Global Music Cultural Center and held leadership roles at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Case Western Reserve University. She holds multiple advanced degrees from Case Western Reserve University and has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Cornell, and other prestigious institutions.
Dr. Chisholm is widely recognized for her work in education, nonprofit leadership, and community empowerment.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it highlights how education, opportunity, and support systems can transform lives and break cycles of poverty. It connects directly to issues of economic inequality, early childhood education, workforce development, and long-term community sustainability.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.stepforwardtoday.org/
Contact: https://www.stepforwardtoday.org/contact
Organization: Step Forward

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Meet Dr. Gregory Hall and Watch What He Did Next…

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Dr. Gregory Hall to discuss men’s health, preventative care, and the importance of building stronger healthcare connections within communities. The conversation explores healthcare access, wellness education, and coordinated medical care, with a focus on how these issues affect men’s health outcomes, underserved populations, and long-term wellness in Cleveland and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Men’s health awareness and preventative care
Coordinated healthcare and specialist networks
Breaking barriers in health disparities
Community outreach and health education
Improving long-term wellness outcomes for men

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to men’s health and personal health journey
[08:20] – Discussion on improving healthcare coordination
[16:45] – Importance of preventative screenings and early care
[24:10] – Community outreach and changing men’s health mindset

Guest Bio:
Dr. Gregory Hall is an internal medicine physician at UH Richmond Medical Center and part of the UH Cutler Center for Men. He focuses on coordinating care, preventative health, and improving health outcomes for men through a team-based medical approach.

He plays a key role in developing specialized care networks across cardiovascular, sleep, digestive, and integrative health, while also engaging in community outreach to promote men’s wellness and health education.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it highlights the importance of men’s health awareness, preventative care, and coordinated medical systems. It connects directly to issues of healthcare access, health disparities, and long-term wellness, especially in underserved communities.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: N/A
Social Media: N/A
Organization: N/A

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Unveiling the Mystery of CMHA: What You Need to Know!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Jeffery K. Patterson, CEO of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), to discuss public housing, community development, and long-term housing stability. The conversation explores affordable housing systems, resident support programs, and neighborhood revitalization, with a focus on how these issues affect low-income families, housing access, and community growth in Cuyahoga County and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Public housing and housing assistance programs
Affordable housing and community development
Resident self-sufficiency and support systems
Neighborhood improvement and revitalization
Closing the digital divide in underserved communities

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Personal connection and introduction to CMHA leadership
[08:40] – Overview of public housing benefits and purpose
[16:30] – Discussion on housing innovation and community impact
[25:10] – Future of affordable housing and digital access initiatives

Guest Bio:
Jeffery K. Patterson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), one of the largest housing authorities in the United States. He oversees large-scale housing programs, resident services, and community development initiatives serving tens of thousands of residents in Cuyahoga County.

With over 30 years of public service experience, he previously held leadership roles within CMHA and the City of Cleveland, focusing on human resources, operations, and public administration. He is widely recognized for his leadership in affordable housing innovation and community transformation.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it highlights how public housing plays a critical role in providing stability, opportunity, and support for underserved communities. It connects directly to issues of housing equity, economic mobility, neighborhood development, and access to essential resources like internet connectivity and supportive services.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.cmha.net/contact
Social Media: N/A
Organization: Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA)

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Unbelievable: See How OMJ|CC is Changing Lives and Helping People Secure Jobs!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Ida Ford to discuss workforce development, job placement, and economic empowerment through OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County (OMJ|CC). The conversation explores employment access, workforce training, and business partnerships, with a focus on how these programs help job seekers, employers, and communities build stronger economic futures in Cleveland and beyond.

Key Topics Covered:
Job placement and workforce development programs
Employer–community partnerships for hiring and training
Career readiness and skill development
Economic empowerment through employment services
Supporting underserved job seekers and communities

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Introduction to OMJ|CC and its mission
[08:25] – Discussion on workforce challenges and opportunities
[16:40] – How job training programs connect people to employers
[24:10] – Leadership insights on economic development and impact

Guest Bio:
Ida Ford is a workforce development leader with over 19 years of experience in recruitment, business development, and strategic planning. She has served as Economic Development Liaison for OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County and worked as a Business Services Consultant with PA CareerLink under United Labor Agency.

She is a public speaker, author, entrepreneur, and recognized leader in workforce innovation. Her background includes executive leadership in employment services, strategic HR development, and community workforce initiatives focused on connecting job seekers with meaningful employment opportunities.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because workforce development is key to economic stability and community growth. It connects directly to issues of employment access, job training, employer partnerships, and long-term financial independence for individuals and families in underserved communities.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: https://www.omjcc.us/
Social Media: N/A
Organization: OhioMeansJobs Cleveland-Cuyahoga County (OMJ|CC)

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Mental Health Is Important, But It’s Just the Beginning

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Rev. Benjamin Gohlstin, Chair of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, to discuss mental health, addiction services, and the impact of racism as a public health crisis. The conversation explores mental health access, health equity, and community support systems, with a focus on how these issues affect underserved populations, healthcare outcomes, and long-term community well-being in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

Key Topics Covered:
Mental health and addiction recovery services
Racism as a public health crisis
Health equity and community disparities
Crisis intervention and support systems
Access to behavioral health resources in Cuyahoga County.

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – Opening discussion on mental health awareness and care
[08:20] – Addressing racism as a public health crisis
[16:40] – Data insights on mental health and substance use services
[24:10] – Community crisis support and intervention resources

Guest Bio:
Rev. Benjamin Gohlstin is the Chair of the ADAMHS Board of Cuyahoga County, where he leads efforts focused on mental health, addiction services, and community behavioral health systems. He plays a key role in shaping policies and programs that address mental health access and equity across the county.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because mental health, addiction, and racial health disparities directly impact community stability and quality of life. It connects to issues of healthcare equity, crisis response, and long-term social well-being, especially in underserved communities.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: N/A
Social Media: N/A
Organization: N/A

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.

Episode Title:
Rep. Shontel Brown: Politics is a Contact Sport

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell, Kenn sits down with Congresswoman Shontel Brown to discuss the realities of political leadership and public service. The conversation explores the challenges and responsibilities of governing, coalition-building, and delivering results for communities across Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. From local government to Congress, Rep. Brown shares insights on how persistence, relationships, and resilience shape real political progress.

Key Topics Covered:
The realities of politics and public service
Coalition-building across communities and parties
Economic development and infrastructure investment
Education, healthcare, and public services
Leadership challenges in Congress

Notable Moments:
[00:00] – What it really means that “politics is a contact sport”
[08:20] – From local council to national leadership
[16:45] – Infrastructure law and regional impact on Ohio
[24:10] – Working across the aisle in Congress

Guest Bio:
Congresswoman Shontel Brown represents Ohio’s 11th Congressional District, including Cleveland, Akron, and surrounding suburbs. Before Congress, she served as a Cuyahoga County Councilmember and Warrensville Heights City Councilmember.

She is recognized as a coalition-builder and policy leader, with a focus on economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare access, and improving quality of life for working families. She previously made history as the first Black woman and first woman to chair the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party.

Why This Conversation Matters:
This conversation matters because it reveals the real-world demands of political leadership and how decisions made in government directly affect communities. It connects to issues of representation, infrastructure development, economic opportunity, and the importance of collaboration in solving complex public challenges.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell for conversations at the intersection of politics, culture, business, faith, and community power.

**Follow / Connect:**
Website: [www.astrategicmove.com]
YouTube: [www.youtube.com/@StrategicMovenetwork]
Facebook: [Ihttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076269155209]
Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/kendowell/]
TikTok: N/A
Email: [[email protected]]

Guest Links:
Website: https://shontelbrown.com/meet-shontel/
Social Media: N/A
Organization: N/A

Production Notes:
Hosted by Kenn Dowell
Produced by Strategic Moves Media Network
© [Year] Strategic Moves with Kenn Dowell. All rights reserved.