In this special Black History Month episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey is joined by Alexis Phillips, Supervisor at Webber Park Library, and Isy Ibibo, Librarian at Brooklyn Park Library, for a powerful conversation centered on storytelling, community, and the joy of reading Black history aloud.

The conversation invites listeners to the annual Black History Month Read-In at Sumner Library on February 22, from 1–4 PM, and explores what a read-in really is, how everyone can participate (even if public speaking isn’t your thing), and whether attendees can share their own creative work. Alexis and Isy also highlight recommended books and excerpts, reflect on the impact of last year’s read-in, tease what to expect this year, and discuss what makes Sumner Library such a historic and meaningful space — including the importance of the Gary N. Sudduth Collection.

This episode is a celebration of Black voices, Black literature, and the role libraries play in preserving culture, memory, and imagination. Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer, or simply looking for a meaningful way to engage with Black History Month, this conversation is for you.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this inspiring episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey sits down with Marisa C. Williams, the newly appointed and trailblazing CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys. Marisa brings a wealth of nonprofit and leadership experience to the role, having previously led transformative work at North Hills Affordable Housing and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. She steps into this leadership role with a bold vision to advance the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character — championing initiatives that expand access, equity, and opportunity for youth across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and beyond. Tune in as Marisa shares her journey, her passion for empowering the next generation of changemakers, and her commitment to reimagining what leadership can look like in communities today.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

As Minnesota marks 40 years of officially recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real explores what that legacy means today and where the work of equity must continue.

Host Tracey Williams-Dillard sits down with Ashley Oolman for a thoughtful conversation on justice, unity, and shared responsibility across Minnesota. The discussion is part of One Dream One Minnesota: Echoes of Unity, a week-long statewide observance honoring four decades of Minnesota’s MLK holiday.

Together, they reflect on how equity work shows up in education, workforce access, and civic life, and why accountability and community voice remain essential. The episode also highlights Echoes of Unity, a special commemorative edition from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder documenting the history, impact, and future of Minnesota’s MLK legacy.

This conversation reminds us that the MLK holiday is not just a moment of remembrance, but an ongoing call to action that lives far beyond one day.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership, and real community impact.

📖 Learn more about One Dream One Minnesota and Echoes of Unity at spokesman-recorder.com

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this episode, we cut through the confusion and barriers surrounding funding—because too many entrepreneurs are still being shut out of the capital they need to grow. From grants and loans to investors, CDFIs, and community funders, the team breaks down what the funding landscape actually looks like and what funders are truly looking for.

A key focus of the conversation is documentation readiness—the stories, numbers, and financial clarity every entrepreneur needs before applying for any type of capital. The episode offers practical steps for auditing your finances, understanding your funding gaps, and building a “funding-ready” checklist that positions you for approval instead of rejection.

We also confront the harder truths:
Why accessing loans, grants, or lines of credit remains difficult, how predatory practices show up, and the systemic barriers that keep many business owners—especially BIPOC entrepreneurs—from traditional bank funding.

This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap, spotlighting local resources and success stories that prove entrepreneurs can secure capital when they’re equipped with the right preparation and strategy.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

Most businesses don’t fail because the owner lacks talent—they fail because the owner never shifts from doing it all to leading through others. In this episode, we break down the golden ticket for entrepreneurs: the mindset transformation that takes you from surviving to sustainably scaling.

The conversation dives deep into a powerful question:
Is your brain still operating in “beginner entrepreneur mode”—even though your business has grown beyond it?

From expanding capacity and delegating with intention to building a team that supports long-term growth, Episode 7 calls out the habits that keep entrepreneurs trapped in hustle mode. The hosts explore why slowing down, analyzing how you make decisions, and releasing control are essential steps toward legacy-building, succession planning, and true scalability.

This episode is a roadmap for anyone ready to evolve from grinding alone to leading a thriving, supported enterprise.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In Episode 6, we address one of the most common — and least discussed — reasons businesses close: burnout.

Owners grinding 80 hours a week, juggling every role, and carrying the pressure alone often face overwhelming stress and declining health. This episode breaks down how exhaustion affects our entrepreneurs and what it truly costs.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

Too many entrepreneurs try to build their businesses in isolation — and it shows. In Episode 5 of the Strength & Strategy Series, we explore how the lack of networking, mentorship, and community support can slow down growth and limit opportunity.

This episode breaks down the importance of tapping into the right ecosystems: Black chambers, cooperatives, incubators, peer networks, and community-driven business circles that exist to help entrepreneurs win.

Host Tracey is joined by Octavia “Tav” Treadway of Something Great and Tommy McNeal of McNeal Management, who share practical ways they help business owners access mentorship, community, and the kind of support that turns struggle into strategy.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your business alone — this episode gives you the roadmap to stop surviving and start connecting.

🕘 New episodes every Monday at 9 AM

🎯 Subscribe to the full 8-part Strength & Strategy Series

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In Episode 4 of the Strength & Strategy Series, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for small and growing businesses — visibility.

Many entrepreneurs struggle with brand awareness and underestimate the power of a strong digital presence. This conversation dives into why marketing matters — from understanding social media and SEO to staying consistent with your messaging and promotion.

Host Tracey explores what it takes to cut through the noise in a mid-sized market like Minnesota, where connection and community matter just as much as content. Learn how to build a brand that people don’t just recognize — but remember.

We also highlight how MSR Media can help elevate your story, amplify your message, and bring visibility to the work you’re already doing.

🕘 New episodes every Monday at 9 AM

🎯 Subscribe to the full 8-part Strength & Strategy Series

#StrengthAndStrategy #MSRMedia #Marketing #Visibility #BrandAwareness #MinnesotaBusiness #Entrepreneurship

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In Episode 3 of the Strength & Strategy Series, we focus on what keeps a business alive — not just growing: customer service and professionalism.

Host Tracey explores how reliability, clear communication, and genuine trust-building separate brands that last from those that fade. Joined by insightful guests, this conversation challenges entrepreneurs to raise their standards — not as a luxury or ideal, but as a necessity for survival in today’s competitive market.

Learn how professionalism shapes reputation, why consistent service earns loyalty, and how raising expectations within your team sets the tone for long-term success.

🕘 New episodes every Monday at 9 AM

🎯 Subscribe to the full 8-part Strength & Strategy Series

#StrengthAndStrategy #MSRMedia #CustomerService #Professionalism #TrustBuilding #Leadership #BusinessGrowth

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In Episode 2 of the Strength & Strategy Series, we explore how strong leadership, efficient operations, and solid infrastructure create the foundation for sustainable business growth.

Host Tracey dives into the systems and strategies that help entrepreneurs move from idea to execution — showing how planning, structure, and leadership alignment turn ambition into measurable results.

This conversation highlights the power of building from within: refining processes, strengthening teams, and setting up infrastructure that supports expansion.

🕘 New episodes every Monday at 9:00 AM
🎯 Subscribe to the full 8-part Strength & Strategy Series

#StrengthAndStrategy #MSRMedia #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #Operations #Entrepreneurship

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021