Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community

Martin Henson is the founder and executive director of BMEN, a nonprofit focused on building real support systems for Black men—mentally, emotionally, and culturally. He’s not just talking theory; he’s in the trenches helping Black men navigate the weight of racism, mental health struggles, masculinity, and everything that gets pushed aside in mainstream conversations.

With a background in mental health counseling, project management, and years of community organizing under his belt, Martin brings a rare mix of honesty and intellectual clarity. He’s the kind of person who can break down systems, speak on healing, and challenge the way we think about manhood, race, and power—all without sounding like a professor talking at you.

Whether it’s therapy, conversation, or community support, or just what Black men need to survive and grow, Martin brings a sharp, grounded, relatable voice to the mic. 

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Ashley Magana is a full-time mama, dedicated entrepreneur, and creative powerhouse who believes in building a beautiful life from the inside out—and on paper! As a Financial Services representative, she helps individuals create a sturdy financial roadmap for the future. On the creative side, she uses her photography skills to capture moments and her passion for crafting to create. She also loves helping clients unlock their best selves through wellness and beauty products with MONAT. With a background blending Business, Human Resources, and Fine Arts (Victor Valley College), she approaches every client relationship with a holistic and detailed perspective.

Sara Alessandrini is an Italian filmmaker and social commentator based in Los Angeles, and the creator of the docuseries "This Is What New Yorkers Say". The series examines the resignation of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, exploring media coverage and conversations with everyday New Yorkers, while raising broader questions about politics, society, and public discourse.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Evan Jaqua is a successful International Business Development specialist, with an immense range of personal and work experiences in multiple countries. Fluent in several foreign languages, the ideas that form the basis for the Solutions Party come from having seen the world from multiple perspectives. He has concluded that this is a critical time in history, and urgent reform is needed so that our country can not only reverse its alarming decline but most importantly achieve its potential based on freedom and prosperity.

Check out what Evan has to say by clicking on the following link.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e 

Al Kushner is an award-winning author, LinkedIn Growth Strategist, and sought-after keynote speaker. With 30+ years of professional experience, Al specializes in helping financial advisors, CPAs, realtors, and business leaders build thought leadership and generate qualified leads through AI-driven LinkedIn strategies. His bestselling book, The AI LinkedIn Advantage, has transformed how thousands of professionals leverage AI to optimize their presence and drive measurable results. As host of the AI Authority Edge podcast and a trusted business coach, Al combines cutting-edge AI insights with actionable frameworks that audiences implement immediately.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Christina Kezar is passionate about serving her community and creating meaningful connections across the Bay Area. She works as a Clerk for the City of Richmond Superior Court, where she helps ensure accessible and efficient public service. Outside of her court work, Christina brings her energy and creativity to Off the Grid as an Event Coordinator and supports fan engagement for Oakland Roots SC—bridging people through shared experiences in food, culture, and sports.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Jim Marshall is a polymathic intellectual who has devoted over 50,000 hours to the study and practice of multiple dimensions of human development. He received a classical education at a Jesuit Military School, was accepted into engineering school while still a junior in prep school, and attended college on academic scholarship. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Science cum laude. While still an undergraduate, he began the study of “alternative” Arts and Sciences which today would be described as Transformational and Holistic. Eventually, he became a professional practitioner and, after 28 years of formal education, had a long career as a Human Development Engineer. He has successfully worked with hundreds of clients, and is the inventor of Septemics and several consciousness-expanding systems. His areas of expertise include psychology, philosophy, theology, parapsychology, science, engineering, mathematics, law, literature, history, music, organization, metaphysics, military science, political science, physical culture, human potential and education.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

In this episode we are joined by Amy Acosta and her daughter, Fiona. Amy is a dedicated troop leader with the Girl Scouts, where she empowers young girls to discover their voices, build confidence, and develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Through her guidance, Amy helps her troop learn the value of teamwork, service, and community engagement—instilling in them a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact. Passionate about nurturing the next generation of changemakers, she believes in creating inclusive spaces where every girl can thrive, dream big, and see herself as a leader.

Want to be a guest on Voices That Propel Us: Stories of Justice, Action, and Community? Send Danise Sugita a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1763751693205864f9876416e

Recruiter. Program Manager. Financial Coach. Facilitator. Site Director. While Brian Luis has worn many job titles in his 15+ years in the Bay Area nonprofit sector, his passion for service to others has remained the same. A self-proclaimed forever optimist, he tries to find joy in a work that often can feel hopeless. Luckily, he's always been able to find it whether developing future leaders in community, working for justice-impacted individuals, or building talent pipelines for non-traditional talent. 

Father. Husband. Filipino-American. Dreamer. Videogamer. Logophile. Brian's personal life is just as varied as his professional journey. His world view is shaped by growing up in very different (and yet similar) places from rural Philippines to the city life in the Bay Area. Through it all, he lives his life centered on three values - to leave this world a better place, to find joy in whatever he does, and to experience what life has to offer.

Reymundo Juan Armendariz is a longtime activist and organizer in the Chicano/Mexicano/Latinx community and co-founder of Community Agency for Resources Advocacy and Services (CARAS), a culturally based organization serving the South Santa Clara County. Reymundo has worked in the nonprofit world for 27 years providing youth justice advocacy, mentorship and services as well as housing and immigration rights and cultural awareness programs. Reymundo was a “movement baby” born to a 1960’s Chicana feminist activist and a formerly imprisoned “state raised” father incarcerated during the prison gang wars of the 1960’s. He is currently the Executive Director of the community organization he founded, CARAS, now in its 14th year of operation.