THE CHAIR

On this episode, I introduce you to Joshua McLellan a Principal software engineer who I have had the pleasure of consulting with when building my workable prototype for THE CHAIR. He shares how he entered into the world of software development with a math and economics background, how a passion pushed him to read more about the field outside of college, and what it means to help others grow their crayon box. Enjoy!

His Bio:

Joshua McLellan is a Principal Software Engineer with experience across distributed storage, health tech, cybersecurity, and mathematical modeling. His work focuses on turning ambiguous product and operational problems into practical architecture, tools, standards, and systems. He currently works at Nasuni, where he helps shape technical direction. He holds dual degrees from UMass Amherst in Natural and Environmental Resource Economics and Applied Mathematics, with a minor in Philosophy. Outside of work, he enjoys bike riding, cooking, and building playful community software, including a live voting platform for an annual eggnog competition.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep66) —Drawing Ideas in Crayon

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, Brianna the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement at Buckingham Browne & Nichols high school is a biracial Black and white woman who takes us on her hair journey. We learn about where the signature bun comes from, the evolution of Bri’s curls, and her pet peeve when it comes to touching her hair. Enjoy! 

Her Bio: 

Brianna Smith is the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, where she creates meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay connected through networking, volunteer engagement, and lifelong community building initiatives. She is passionate about fostering authentic relationships and creating programs that strengthen connections across generations. She enjoys hearing alumni stories and seeing them reconnect with one another as well as with the school. Being part of the BB&N Community has always been a highlight for her. She stays involved in the community by mentoring seniors and coaching three seasons. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for all students to connect with alumni while also being a trusted resource for guidance, support, and encouragement. 

She enjoys staying active, traveling, Boston Sports, laughing, and reading.  

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep65) —The Signature Bun

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

One this episode, I introduce you to Brianna Smith the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement at Buckingham Browne & Nichols high school. She graduated a year ahead of me when we attended BB&N and is now crafting stories, connecting with alum, and creating community in her role. Come listen to Bri dive into thinking about what it means to belong and build space for students and alum to thrive with BB&N as a support system. Enjoy! 

Her Bio: 

Brianna Smith is the Associate Director of Alumni Engagement, where she creates meaningful opportunities for alumni to stay connected through networking, volunteer engagement, and lifelong community building initiatives. She is passionate about fostering authentic relationships and creating programs that strengthen connections across generations. She enjoys hearing alumni stories and seeing them reconnect with one another as well as with the school. Being part of the BB&N Community has always been a highlight for her. She stays involved in the community by mentoring seniors and coaching three seasons. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for all students to connect with alumni while also being a trusted resource for guidance, support, and encouragement. 

She enjoys staying active, traveling, Boston Sports, laughing, and reading.  

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep64) —I Belong

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, dana a multi-hyphenate transdisciplinary artist lets us in her world,  her hair journey, from her perspective as a mixed race Black woman. We get into conversations about race, curl pattern, community, and what it means to dana always loving her hair. Enjoy! 

Her Bio: 

dana e. fitchett is a writer, dancer and dance educator, visual artist, and student of life. Her practices are grounded in listening deeply and cultivating languages and narratives that honestly honor and reflect complexity. Storytelling – verbal, physical, rational, and abstract – is at the core of her work. dana’s perspectives are informed by her working-class, East Coast origins, an illuminating journey through educational institutions, and relocation as an adult to the Bay Area; experience of life on the so-called color line; a career path spanning the arts, education, communications, and the world of nonprofit and community-based organizations; and a lifelong exploration of the expressive legacy of the African diaspora. Also a practiced plant-based foodmaker and novice music producer, dana holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and a master’s of fine art in interdisciplinary art, and spends most of her time between New York, Boston, and Oakland.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep63) —Twirling my 3-D Curls

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, I introduce you to dana, a multi-hyphenate transdisciplinary artist who takes us on a rollercoaster of what it means to be human and an artist creating in our capitalistic context. She drops gems and reminds us all we have light and we all have the ability to share that light. Enjoy! 

Her Bio: 

dana e. fitchett is a writer, dancer and dance educator, visual artist, and student of life. Her practices are grounded in listening deeply and cultivating languages and narratives that honestly honor and reflect complexity. Storytelling – verbal, physical, rational, and abstract – is at the core of her work. dana’s perspectives are informed by her working-class, East Coast origins, an illuminating journey through educational institutions, and relocation as an adult to the Bay Area; experience of life on the so-called color line; a career path spanning the arts, education, communications, and the world of nonprofit and community-based organizations; and a lifelong exploration of the expressive legacy of the African diaspora. Also a practiced plant-based foodmaker and novice music producer, dana holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies and a master’s of fine art in interdisciplinary art, and spends most of her time between New York, Boston, and Oakland.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep62) —Trust Our Light

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, Dr. Ping-Ann is a professor of Anthropology and mixed race. She is Akan-Ghanaian and Chinese-Malaysian heritage, and Trinidadian up-bringing. Dr. Ping-Ann shares about her hardships on her hair journey and how her daughter’s hair journey is helping her fall in love with her own. Enjoy! 

Her Bio:

Ping-Ann Addo (she/her) is an ethnographer who is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a core faculty member in the Critical Ethnic and Community Studies Master’s program and the Native American and Indigenous Studies minor. Her book, Creating a Nation with Cloth: Tradition, Textiles, and Tongan Women(Berghahn Books, 2013), analyzes women’s agency, nation-building, and cross-generational immigrant identity in contemporary New Zealand through the shifting value of traditional wealth. She conducts ethnographic fieldwork in Boston at the intersection of Caribbean immigrant identity, place-keeping, and resistance to gentrification; has conducted fieldwork in Boston and Trinidad; and has story consultant on the documentary film (More Than Mas’, 2022) about Caribbean Carnival costume, competition, and the multiple meanings of victory in Boston. Ping-Ann serves on the academic team for the United Maroon Indigenous Peoples and as an ethnographer of their emergent social movement, focusing on women and youth-led processes of earth-care, food sovereignty, and healing. Her related forthcoming edited volume is entitled The Spirit of Marronage: Expressions of Afrikan Indigenous Self-Determination (Vernon Press). She is of Akan-Ghanaian and Chinese-Malaysian heritage, and Trinidadian up-bringing. She is a mother, partner, daughter, auntie, friend, and collaborator.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep61) —Vaseline, Canerow & The Ponytail

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, I introduce you to Dr. Ping-Ann an Anthropology professor who takes us on a journey unraveling her why she entered and continues to stay in the field of anthropology. She brings us into her world of ethnographic research of the Tonga women and the parallels doing research on in the world of Boston Carnival. Enjoy! 

Her Bio:

Ping-Ann Addo (she/her) is an ethnographer who is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a core faculty member in the Critical Ethnic and Community Studies Master’s program and the Native American and Indigenous Studies minor. Her book, Creating a Nation with Cloth: Tradition, Textiles, and Tongan Women (Berghahn Books, 2013), analyzes women’s agency, nation-building, and cross-generational immigrant identity in contemporary New Zealand through the shifting value of traditional wealth. She conducts ethnographic fieldwork in Boston at the intersection of Caribbean immigrant identity, place-keeping, and resistance to gentrification; has conducted fieldwork in Boston and Trinidad; and has story consultant on the documentary film (More Than Mas’, 2022) about Caribbean Carnival costume, competition, and the multiple meanings of victory in Boston. Ping-Ann serves on the academic team for the United Maroon Indigenous Peoples and as an ethnographer of their emergent social movement, focusing on women and youth-led processes of earth-care, food sovereignty, and healing. Her related forthcoming edited volume is entitled The Spirit of Marronage: Expressions of Afrikan Indigenous Self-Determination (Vernon Press). She is of Akan-Ghanaian and Chinese-Malaysian heritage, and Trinidadian up-bringing. She is a mother, partner, daughter, auntie, friend, and collaborator.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep60) —One and a Half Way Street

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, I introduce you to Niyonu, an educator, group facilitator, consultant, artist, and visionary of Academy for Peace & Liberation Education. Niyonu shares her 7th grade decision that changed everything when it came to her hair. She also discusses what it means to be a mother of boys and watching them on their hair journey as well. Enjoy!

Her Bio:

Niyonu D. Spann is a transformational educator, organizational strategist, artist, and spiritual leader whose work bridges liberation, healing, and whole-system change. She is the founder and president of 4 Circles Beyond, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment through education, culture, and radical inclusion. In that capacity, she leads the development of the Academy for Peace & Liberation Education (AP&LE)—a visionary, tuition-free high school based in Chester, Pennsylvania—and the Teacher’s Liberation Residency, which supports educators in practicing joyfully and justly.

Niyonu holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master’s in Human Resource Management/Organization Development from American University/National Training Laboratories, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformational Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has served as a teacher and administrator at both residential and day schools, including Oakwood Friends School and Friends Select, and as Dean at Pendle Hill, a Quaker study and retreat center.

An experienced consultant and facilitator, Niyonu has worked with nonprofit boards, school districts, foundations, and international organizations on racial equity, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. Notable partners include the American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood (PA & NJ), University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Delaware Health and Social Services. She co-founded CEIO (Co-Creating Effective & Inclusive Organizations) in New Haven, CT—a multi-year initiative to support inclusive leadership and systems change.

As founder of Beyond Diversity 101™ (BD101)—a five-day intensive workshop now in its 24th year—Niyonu has guided hundreds of individuals through deeply transformational experiences in race, power, and liberation. Her signature approach centers spirit-rooted healing, rigorous truth-telling, and community-based accountability.

Also an accomplished artist and cultural worker, Niyonu founded Tribe 1, a multiracial performance ensemble dedicated to music for peace and justice. She continues to perform as a solo artist, with two albums including Spirit Fuel (2021), and leads Nuyoni Productions, a multimedia company focused on ancestral honoring, joyous living, and sound healing.

Niyonu is a frequent keynote speaker and plenary presenter, with appearances at Naropa University, New England and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings, FLGBTQC Midwinter Gathering, and the Republican National Convention protests. Her writings and speeches—such as “Being Home is Heartwork” and “Letting Go of Illusion, Engaging Truth: Healing!”—are known for their spiritual rigor, emotional depth, and uncompromising call to justice.

Niyonu has received numerous awards for her work, including the Candace Woman of Achievement Award (100 Black Women) and the Dorothy James Community Service Award (Media Fellowship House). In 2019, she was nominated for the Paul and Joyce Aicher Leadership in Democracy Award.

Through every role she holds—as educator, executive, consultant, artist, or activist—Niyonu embodies the belief that transformation begins within and that liberation, creativity, and community restoration are not only possible—they are necessary.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep59) —My 7th Grade Decision

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, I introduce you to Niyonu, an educator, group facilitator, consultant, artist, and visionary of Academy for Peace & Liberation Education. We dive into topics surrounding education, organizational development, and what it means to develop courage beginning from your roots. Enjoy!

Her Bio:

Niyonu D. Spann is a transformational educator, organizational strategist, artist, and spiritual leader whose work bridges liberation, healing, and whole-system change. She is the founder and president of 4 Circles Beyond, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community empowerment through education, culture, and radical inclusion. In that capacity, she leads the development of the Academy for Peace & Liberation Education (AP&LE)—a visionary, tuition-free high school based in Chester, Pennsylvania—and the Teacher’s Liberation Residency, which supports educators in practicing joyfully and justly.

Niyonu holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Oberlin Conservatory, a Master’s in Human Resource Management/Organization Development from American University/National Training Laboratories, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Transformational Studies from the California Institute of Integral Studies. She has served as a teacher and administrator at both residential and day schools, including Oakwood Friends School and Friends Select, and as Dean at Pendle Hill, a Quaker study and retreat center.

An experienced consultant and facilitator, Niyonu has worked with nonprofit boards, school districts, foundations, and international organizations on racial equity, leadership, strategic planning, and organizational transformation. Notable partners include the American Friends Service Committee, Amnesty International, Planned Parenthood (PA & NJ), University of North Carolina Greensboro, and Delaware Health and Social Services. She co-founded CEIO (Co-Creating Effective & Inclusive Organizations) in New Haven, CT—a multi-year initiative to support inclusive leadership and systems change.

As founder of Beyond Diversity 101™ (BD101)—a five-day intensive workshop now in its 24th year—Niyonu has guided hundreds of individuals through deeply transformational experiences in race, power, and liberation. Her signature approach centers spirit-rooted healing, rigorous truth-telling, and community-based accountability.

Also an accomplished artist and cultural worker, Niyonu founded Tribe 1, a multiracial performance ensemble dedicated to music for peace and justice. She continues to perform as a solo artist, with two albums including Spirit Fuel (2021), and leads Nuyoni Productions, a multimedia company focused on ancestral honoring, joyous living, and sound healing.

Niyonu is a frequent keynote speaker and plenary presenter, with appearances at Naropa University, New England and Philadelphia Yearly Meetings, FLGBTQC Midwinter Gathering, and the Republican National Convention protests. Her writings and speeches—such as “Being Home is Heartwork” and “Letting Go of Illusion, Engaging Truth: Healing!”—are known for their spiritual rigor, emotional depth, and uncompromising call to justice.

Niyonu has received numerous awards for her work, including the Candace Woman of Achievement Award (100 Black Women) and the Dorothy James Community Service Award (Media Fellowship House). In 2019, she was nominated for the Paul and Joyce Aicher Leadership in Democracy Award.

Through every role she holds—as educator, executive, consultant, artist, or activist—Niyonu embodies the belief that transformation begins within and that liberation, creativity, and community restoration are not only possible—they are necessary.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep58) —Courageous Work:Roots to Petals

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...

On this episode, Shanteah works in the world of construction and is a hairstylist. She shares how working in construction is leaving her imprint on her city, why she decided to go to cosmetology school, and how her love for her own hair has evolved over time. Enjoy! 

Her Bio: 

Shanteah Norfleet is a hardworking and determined professional from Massachusetts with a strong passion for growth, resilience, and self-improvement. Known for her ambition and real-life experience, she takes pride in balancing strength, independence, and authenticity in everything she does.

With experience in labor and hands-on work, Shanteah is dedicated to building a successful future while inspiring others through perseverance and confidence. She enjoys exploring new opportunities, learning practical skills, and helping those around her.

THE CHAIR (S2/Ep57) —Building Spaces

I’m Your AWARD WINNING Host Dreme. 

I’m a Black woman, an educator turned tech entrepreneur but still an educator. Building a platform called THE CHAIR is a Black and Brown centered tech platform dedicated to supporting people on their hair journey. You can design hairboards, connect to hair stylists, and share hair care tips all in one space for a more joyous and streamlined experience. AND built a AWARD WINNING podcast to share hair stories and stories surrounding identity, education, and entrepreneurship. 

Send us Fan Mail

Host & Exec Producer:  Dreme Flynt, M.Ed, MBA
Editor: Lila Woodbridge
http://www.lilawoodbridge.com/
Music Creators: Your Host Dreme & Seoul (@xSeoulMusicx) 

Learn More About THE CHAIR:
Join THE CHAIR Community for FREE:
http://thechair.kinsta.cloud/

Join THE CHAIR Newsletter for FREE:
https://growinghands.wpengine.com/newsletter/

Commercial Credits:
Visionary: Your Host Dreme
Animator: Ahmad Merhi
 https://amerhifilm.com/film
Voice Actor: D. Ruff (@d_ruff3),  The Poet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAH2cqo64U

My Book:
From Nowhere & Everywhere: Captured Emotions of a Beautifully Broken Love Story
My explorations through poetry, diary entries and photography as a Black woman, an educator in Guangzhou, China.
Website -  https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/j...