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

​​Sheryl Hauk is a lifelong music educator, advocate, and author of Piece by Piece: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and the Power of Creativity. After more than four decades directing choirs and mentoring students, she now uses her voice to speak about trauma recovery, resilience, and the role of creativity in rebuilding a life. Through her writing and advocacy work, Sheryl is committed to changing laws, supporting survivors, and empowering others to reclaim their stories — piece by piece.

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

FranCine Gadsden was born in Brooklyn, New York, the third youngest of fourteen children. Her introduction to fashion began at the age of ten when she completed her first sewing project—an apron. That early experience sparked a passion that would shape her future as a designer.

After graduating from the International School of Design in Manhattan, FranCine was given the opportunity to work with Audrey Smaltz Inc. (ASI/Ground Crew), a fashion company known for coordinating backstage services and fashion editorials for major designers. Through this work, she gained invaluable industry experience and worked alongside renowned designers including Donna Karan, Adrienne Vittadini, Calvin Klein, Gucci, and Givenchy.

FranCine later relocated to Northern California, where she launched FranCine’s Fashions 4 Children, a clothing line that quickly gained recognition. Her designs were featured on Pacific Bell Message Center commercials, Mornings on 2 (KTVU), The Wall Street Journal, Essence Magazine, Black Child Magazine, The San Francisco Examiner, The Oakland Tribune, the Wee Poets Television Show, and Barney & Friends. Her collection was also featured and sold in Nordstrom and Macy’s stores across Northern California during Black History Month, and year-round in several specialty children’s boutiques nationwide.

In 2015, FranCine expanded her creative vision by launching Sticks and Stones Tees & More, a brand that showcases her original artwork and thought-provoking messages on apparel and accessories designed to inspire both the wearer and the viewer. One of the brand’s most recognized images is Afro Puff Gurl © 2015.

Inspired by the powerful response she witnessed from young girls who saw themselves reflected in the Afro Puff Gurl image, in 2023 FranCine founded Afro Puff Gurl Prep Academy (APGPA). The organization was born from a place of love and a desire to do more—creating opportunities that empower girls to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams.

FranCine believes that investing in the education, confidence, and leadership of Black and Brown girls is essential to building strong, resilient communities. Through her work as a designer, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder, she continues to foster a culture of self-love, creativity, and empowerment that will positively impact girls for generations to come.

https://sticksandstonest4u.com

https://apgpa.org

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 

Luke Mickelson grew up a hardworking farm kid in the small town of Kimberly, Idaho, where community, character, and service were simply a way of life. An avid athlete and lifelong competitor, he poured his energy into youth programs, coaching, and mentoring—developing both a passion for people and a natural talent for leadership. 

That same drive carried into his professional career in business, but something was missing. In 2012, driven by a desire to make a deeper impact, Luke founded Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a simple but powerful mission: “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town.” What began as a single act of kindness has grown into a global movement. Today, SHP has more than 400 chapters across 47 U.S. states and 4 countries, delivering over 370,000 beds to children in need. Luke has personally trained and mentored hundreds of chapter leaders, sharing his blueprint for community-driven change and empowering thousands to serve with heart and purpose.

His work has been recognized on Mike Rowe’s Returning the Favor, CNN Heroes (Top 10 finalist), NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt, Good Morning America, The Today Show, People Magazine, and even American Ninja Warrior. These platforms have celebrated his unwavering dedication to what he calls the Humans Helping Humans philosophy.

Today, Luke travels the country as a keynote speaker, guest, and podcast host, inspiring audiences to embrace the power of tiny moments that create massive impact—and to discover the joy of serving others in their own communities.

https://www.facebook.com/SHPLuke

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shpluke/

https://www.tiktok.com/@shpluke11

https://www.instagram.com/lukemickelson/

https://www.youtube.com/@lukemickelson5338

https://www.shpbeds.org

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 

First and foremost, Natalie Duran is a woman of faith and a follower of Jesus Christ. She truly believes her calling and ministry is to empower individuals, especially women, to step into the fullness of who God designed them to be and to live a life of abundance, purpose, and confidence.

Professionally, she serves as a financial broker, life insurance agent, and mortgage loan originator. She has seen firsthand how finances can either become a tremendous blessing or a constant source of worry, depending on perspective, education, and support. Her passion is helping families and business owners gain clarity and peace around their finances so money becomes a tool, not a burden.

She is also the founder of a Women in Business Networking and Prayer community. This is not a typical networking group—it is not transactional. The focus is on building real relationships, praying together, and intentionally helping one another grow, especially through social media presence and visibility. What truly sets this community apart is that the group is completely free. As a business owner herself, Natalie knows how challenging the early stages can be, and she never wants cost to be a barrier for women who are just getting started.

Outside of business, Natalie is a wife and a proud mom of four amazing kiddos. She also supports her husband in his business, helping coordinate concerts and events across the United States, which keeps life full, fast-paced, and fun.

Everything she does is rooted in faith, family, and service, and she is grateful for the opportunity to connect and share more.

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

Eric Robinson spent a dozen years in Christian ministry, leaving the pulpit of his Baptist church to spend the next 24 years with the FBI, where he investigated drugs, gangs, crimes against children, and counterterrorism, among other violations. He has written a book detailing his experiences, to be published in the Fall.

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

Genevieve works as a facilitator to social justice organizations across the power-holding spectrum, from foundations to intermediary funders to nonprofits to collaboratives and collectives. Genevieve loves art, gardening, being alive, and riding bicycles across New York City and State. She wants to live in a world where philanthropy doesn’t need to exist and people have what they need to thrive and be well. She loves mischief, jokes, and useless behavior.

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

Medical Meal Specialist | Private Chef | Founder, Real Medical Meals Thankfully Local Private Chefs and The Resort Chef

Chuck Hayworth is a private chef and medical meal specialist recognized for delivering precision-driven nutrition through elevated, chef-crafted cuisine. As the founder of Real Medical Meals and its sister brand, Culinary Wellness Collective, Chuck bridges the gap between clinical dietary protocols and refined private chef service by working with patients using physician and dietitian supplied guidance.

With more than two decades in professional kitchens and hospitality leadership, Chuck has built a career around translating complex medical nutrition frameworks into food that is both therapeutic and deeply satisfying. His expertise includes low-sodium and renal-supportive protocols, anti-inflammatory and longevity-based nutrition, gut restoration strategies, Mediterranean performance models, and customized plans for clients managing autoimmune conditions, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic inflammatory disorders.

A 25-year rare GIST cancer survivor, Chuck’s work is grounded in lived experience. His approach combines resilience, research-informed strategy, and culinary craftsmanship—ensuring that clients never feel restricted, only supported.

Through private in-home chef service, structured medical meal programming, and performance-focused nutrition consulting, Chuck serves individuals and families who require more than standard meal prep. His work is designed for those who demand discretion, precision, and measurable results—without sacrificing flavor, quality, or hospitality.

Real Medical Meals operates as the clinical-forward arm of his work, focusing on condition-specific, medically aligned meal execution. Real Medical Meals expands the vision into longevity, performance optimization, and lifestyle-centered wellness experiences.Chuck Hayworth stands at the intersection of medical nutrition, culinary artistry, and strategic wellness—proving that therapeutic food can be powerful, refined, and transformative.

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

Sneha Gandhi White is a passionate Empowerment Coach dedicated to helping women reconnect with their inner strength, voice, and purpose. With a deep belief in the power of healing, authenticity, and conscious growth, Sneha creates brave, inclusive spaces for individuals to unlearn limiting beliefs and step into their full potential. Drawing from her lived experience, cultural wisdom, and training in trauma-informed coaching and embodiment practices, she supports clients in navigating life transitions, reclaiming self-worth, and cultivating aligned, joyful lives.

Whether through one-on-one coaching, workshops, or community gatherings, Sneha’s approach is rooted in compassion, truth-telling, and sustainable transformation. She believes empowerment isn’t about becoming someone new — it’s about coming home to who you already are.

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

Tara Mae Temple has over fifteen years of success in advertising, communications, and healthcare fundraising and marketing. She holds an honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Communications, reflecting her lifelong interest in human behavior from a sociological perspective. Tara is dedicated to finding evidence-based strategies to help people navigate life’s challenges. A nonfiction writer and the author of LIFE HACKS FOR HEALING & HARMONY (under the pen name of Tara Mae Temple), she is also a developmental editor and enjoys helping other authors create their best nonfiction work.

During her healing journey, Tara discovered coping strategies that helped her navigate serious life struggles. Applying these methods, along with wisdom, faith, and life lessons, led her to a more harmonious life, making her feel inspired for the first time in four decades. Now she is a passionate advocate for women’s issues, committed to serving others through her writing. She is Filipino Canadian, and as a member of an ethnic minority, Tara brings a fresh, uplifting, and insightful voice to the self-help genre. 

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

Alicia Gregory is a San Jose native currently serving as the Director of Fiscal Services at Monterey Peninsula College, following her role as Interim Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services at Cabrillo College. Her work centers on strengthening institutional operations with a focus on improving systems and reducing obstacles that can get in the way of student success.

She holds both a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from California State University, Monterey Bay, and is an AmeriCorps alumna, having completed two terms with the Public Allies program. Alicia brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to her work and is deeply committed to equity, access, and creating environments where students can thrive.

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