SpeakUP! International Inc. is your go-to podcast for inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and educational content that empowers listeners. Join us as we delve into diverse topics with a focus on uplifting black and brown voices, promoting creativity, and fostering personal and professional growth.
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Hosted and produced by Asha Dahya rePROFilm connects storytellers and advocates who celebrate bodily autonomy. We curate mission-aligned short films in our online publication, The Periodical, along with an original interview podcast, playlist, newsworthy links and other small bits of activism. All you have to do is sign up at reprofilm.org
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The Cohort Sistas Podcast is an empowering and enlightening podcast that holds space for Black women and nonbinary doctoral degree holders to share their stories, experiences, and expertise. Each episode features an engaging interview on a wide range of topics, including academic trajectory, application process, mentorship, funding, career development, mental health, and social issues. Hosted by Cohort Sistas Founder and Executive Director Dr. Ijeoma Kola, The Cohort Sistas Podcast is known ...
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The Power of Storytelling in Overcoming Adversity with Carlos Anthony
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Carlos Anthony, an award-winning author, joins us for a powerful conversation that unearths the emotional and complex layers of his novel, "Shades of Black." Together, we navigate the tumultuous journey of Romero, a young Black teen grappling with racial profiling in a school environment. The narrative strikes at the heart of fear and vulnerability…
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Victoria Allen: Crafting Enchanting Stories and Embracing Self-Publishing Freedom
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Victoria Allen, a passionate children's book author, joins us to share her remarkable journey from corporate life to the enchanting world of storytelling. Discover how her beloved character, Buddy the Bear, came to life and the universal themes her books explore, such as overcoming childhood fears and embracing imagination. Victoria's story is a te…
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Lechon Kirb: Transforming Expertise into Impact and Embracing Calculated Risks
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Discover how to align your personal and professional aspirations with Lechon Kirb, a creative visionary, speaker, and author. Lechon shares his groundbreaking impact scaling process that transforms expertise into scalable products, perfect for coaches and consultants eager to expand their reach without sacrificing time or resources. Embrace the str…
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Zorina Pritchett - Creating Connections Through Adversity and Innovation
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Zorina Pritchett's life took an unexpected turn in December 2019 when her brother suffered a debilitating stroke. Faced with the daunting task of becoming his primary caregiver, Zorina embarked on a transformative journey filled with challenges and profound lessons. Her story shines a light on the power of love, resilience, and strategic planning a…
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Tenacity and Joy: Celina Caesar-Chavannes's Guide to Living Audaciously
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Celina Caesar-Chavannes takes us on an empowering journey from the sun-kissed shores of Grenada to the halls of Canadian politics. In this episode, Celina opens up about her experiences as a Black woman navigating the turbulent waters of politics and business. She reveals how her upbringing, blending assertiveness with compassion, shaped her into a…
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Mark Paisant: Transforming Lives Through Fitness and Mental Health Advocacy
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Ever wondered how the struggles of weight gain and mental health can lead to a journey of self-discovery and profound transformation? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paisant, a certified personal trainer and host of the Relatively Normal and 6AM Run podcasts. Mark takes us through his inspiring path from collegiate soccer player to battling signif…
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Pamela M. Covington - Stories of Resilience, Growth, and Triumph Over Adversity
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In this episode of SpeakUP! International, Ellington Brown and Rita Burke host Pamela M. Covington, a professional speaker, storyteller, and advocate for anti-poverty programs. Pamela shares her incredible journey from a comfortable middle-class lifestyle to experiencing unimaginable poverty within a week due to circumstances involving her husband'…
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Karlline Wilson-Mitchell: Championing Reproductive Justice and Black Health Equity in Midwifery
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Curious about the transformative power of midwifery and its role in achieving reproductive justice? Join us on SpeakUP! International as we welcome Karlline Wilson-Mitchell, the trailblazing first Black Canadian midwifery education professor. Carlene takes us through her remarkable career, shedding light on the pivotal role midwives play as communi…
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Creating Memorable Narratives: Insights from Jason Browne
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Meet Jason Browne, a dynamic storyteller and seasoned speaker whose journey into radio and public speaking was shaped by his DJ father and music teacher mother. Jason’s approach to leadership transcends mere motivation, focusing on genuine connection, support, and the exchange of resources. As he delves into his method of addressing sensitive topic…
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Sophia Jackson's Vision for Community Engagement and Representation
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What if maintaining a childlike wonder could be your secret superpower in connecting with youth? Join us as we welcome Sophia Jackson, an inspiring child and youth worker with a vibrant passion for the arts. Sophia's journey is a testament to how creativity can weave into a fulfilling career in child and youth care. Listen as she recounts her exper…
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Navigating Life's Challenges: How Sarah Freeman-Smith Found Her True Calling
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Can facing life-altering challenges lead to discovering your true calling? Meet Sara Freeman-Smith, our remarkable guest who turned vision loss into an inspiring journey of resilience and self-discovery. This episode of SpeakUP! International takes you deep into Sara's life, from her roots in an underserved community to her impressive career in rec…
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Empowering Black Women through Tradition and Innovation-Aina-Nia Ayo’dele
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Unlock the secrets to spiritual liberation and transformative leadership with our special guest, Aina-Nia Ayo’dele. As a leadership coach, author, and ancient wisdom teacher, Aina brings a wealth of knowledge rooted in African spiritual practices and traditional wisdom. She shares her impactful journey with Sacred Leaders International and her inst…
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Richard Pinnock, MBA: Data-Driven Decisions: The Power of Insight
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Discover how personal experiences shape powerful leaders in diversity management with our guest, Richard Pinnock. Raised in Montreal by a German mother and Jamaican father, Richard's multicultural upbringing and career journey are nothing short of inspiring. Listen as he shares how his childhood in a diverse neighborhood and early career influenced…
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From Childhood Challenges to Cultural Historian: Tiki Mercury-Clarke Inspiring Journey
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What was it like growing up in a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood in Toronto? Join us as Tiki Mercury-Clarke, a third-generation Torontonian, takes us on a heartwarming journey through her early days on Henry Street. Through her vivid storytelling, Tiki paints a picture of a close-knit community where cultural diversity wasn't just celebrated bu…
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Fat activist Allison Graham talks to photographer Shoog McDaniel about what it was like to be on the other side of the lens for the documentary about their life and art practice. “I want people to see the movie and not be able to see a difference between the beautiful spring water and the beautiful Belly. I want it to be one and the same.” — Shoog …
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Prince George's Artistic Journey and Mentorship Impact
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What inspired the creation of the diverse character Bugsy in the early 2000s, long before diversity became a buzzword? Join us on Speak Up International as we welcome Mr. Prince George, the spokesperson for Warzone Comics and the charismatic host of the Prince George Show. Broadcasting from LA, Prince George takes us through his expansive journey i…
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Curiosity and Respect: Dr. Julie Pham's Journey from Vietnam to Entrepreneurship
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How does a South Vietnamese identity shape a career journey from academia to entrepreneurship? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Julie Pham PhD., a Vietnamese-born American and Cambridge-educated social scientist, as she shares her extraordinary path from South Vietnam to Seattle. We explore the profound impacts of her family's esca…
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a conversation with Fat Activist Allison Graham
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It’s a very compassionate thing to do to see yourself as you are and not hate yourself.” — Allison Graham on building fat community in her hometown Advocate and community-builder Allison Graham joins guest host Emily Christensen for a conversation about why she likes the word fat, body positivity vs. fat liberation, and how anti-fat bias shows up i…
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Marketing Mastery and Editing Excellence in Self-Publishing with Michelle DeFilippo
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How can self-published authors navigate the complex landscape of modern publishing and retain control over their creative works? Get ready to discover the secrets of successful self-publishing as Michelle DeFilippo, a veteran with over 50 years of experience, joins us on Speak Up International. From her early days at Crown Publishers in New York to…
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Building Consistency in Sales: Benjamin Brown's Proven Methods
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Mr. What if you could revolutionize your sales game with a simple, structured process? Join us as we sit down with sales expert Mr. Benjamin Brown, who shares his remarkable journey from a farm in South Carolina to becoming a leading sales trainer and entrepreneur. With over 23+ years of experience, Benjamin takes us through his time in the Marine …
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Transforming Organizational Culture: Dr. Lloyd Williams, PhD., on Integrating Spiritual and Psychological Needs
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What if you could transform your organization's culture by understanding both its spiritual and psychological needs? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Lloyd Williams,PhD., an industrial psychologist and consultant with a rich background in theology, psychology, and business consulting. Dr. Williams takes us through his personal journe…
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Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from Rahz Slaughter
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What happens when life throws insurmountable obstacles your way? Join us on this inspiring episode of SpeakUP! International as we uncover the deeply moving journey of Rahz Slaughter, a motivational speaker and co-author of "Student Success Secrets." Born with a physical disability and raised by a young, single mother battling addiction, Rahz's sto…
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Leadership Reimagined: Doris Jackson-Shazier’s Faith-Based Approach
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What if you could effectively lead with authenticity and humility while balancing motherhood and a demanding career? Doris Jackson-Shazier joins us on Speak Up International to share her remarkable journey from her early leadership roles within her family to managing teams in corporate America and her bold transition to entrepreneurship. You’ll hea…
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Today on the podcast, and the 2nd anniversary of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Asha Dahya speaks with Florencia Varela of Peace Is Loud and Lela Meadow-Conner of rePROFilm, along with several filmmakers who participated in the recent Collective Lens Impact Training program to talk about why supporting films in reproductive justice is so important…
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Mentorship and Mastery: Ahmard Vital's Insights on Personal Growth
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What happens when a successful college football recruiter hits rock bottom and embarks on a journey toward personal transformation? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ahmard Vital, who transitioned from recruiting top athletes to motivating individuals worldwide. Discover the pivotal moments that led to his profound spiritual and personal d…
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Spirituality and Social Change: Dr. Dionisio Nyaga's Ph. D. Insightful Approach
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Discover the inspiring journey of Dr. Dionisio Nyaga Ph. D., an assistant professor at Algoma University, as he navigates the complexities of social justice education and tackles anti-Black racism head-on. Dr. Nyaga opens up about his personal encounters with various forms of oppression and the transformative power of community involvement. We also…
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Shaping Futures: Marcia Smellie's Commitment to Education and Community Leadership
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What happens when a young girl from London, England, finds herself in the starkly different landscape of Canada at the start of high school? Marcia Smellie B.Ed. transports us to her early days of assimilation, tackling the Canadian winter, the shift from an all-girls school with uniforms to a co-ed school without them, and the challenge of fitting…
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Building Inclusive Pathways: The Remarkable Story of William A. Adams
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What drives a young boy from Southern California, immersed in the world of technology, to become a beacon for diversity in the tech industry? Join us on SpeakUP!International to uncover the extraordinary journey of Mr. William A. Adams. This episode promises an insightful exploration of Mr. Adams' life, from his self-taught beginnings in computer s…
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Marcus Higgs's Blueprint for Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships
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How can effective communication redefine the preteen years for both parents and children? Join us as we sit down with Marcus Higgs, a communication coach who has dedicated his life to helping parents navigate the complexities of their children's formative years. Marcus's journey from missionary teacher to founder of Searching Future Press is nothin…
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Kathryn Smith's Voyage from Corporate America to Empowering Minority Entrepreneurs
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Embarking on an entrepreneurial adventure can often feel like navigating uncharted waters, but Kathryn Smith, an Atlanta-based marketing guru, is here to light the beacon. Join us as Kathryn unravels her personal odyssey from the security of corporate America to the thrill and tumult of creating her own marketing consulting firm, Walton Birch, and …
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HOW NOT TO DATE WHILE TRANS with Nyala Moon
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On the Periodical Podcast, triple threat Nyala Moon chats about her “Fleabag”- inspired fourth-wall-breaking short film “How to Date While Trans.” Like a lot of actors, Moon had to create the content she wanted to star in. When she was in school, pre-”Pose,” she jokes that most roles for trans people were “dead hooker #87” on “Law & Order: SVU.” Sh…
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Josee Smith's Literary Landscape: Triumph Over Perfectionism and Championing Diverse Voices in Writing
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As a mentor and beacon of inspiration, Josee Smith joins us to unravel her transformative journey from reader to published author. Facing down the specters of perfectionism and self-doubt, she shares how the solitude of the pandemic became the crucible for her anticipated novel's creation. Her candid reflection resonates deeply, especially for blac…
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Shaping the Future of Black African Canadian Learning with Nana Dei's Visionary Approach
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Join the conversation with the esteemed Professor George JS Dei loving known as Professor Nana Dei, a beacon of knowledge for Black African Canadian education, as he graces our platform with his insights that meld the essence of resistance with the transformative power of education. We venture beyond the confines of conventional learning and into t…
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Marion Lowe McLean's Educational Odyssey: From Jamaican Roots to Quebec's Community Vanguard and International Reform
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When education meets passion, transformative stories emerge. Our latest guest, Marion Lowe McLean, embodies this blend with her stirring journey from Jamaican roots to her influential role in Quebec's community service and education. As the founder of the Quebec Board of Black Educators and Les Passerelles Globale Bridges, Marion's narrative is ric…
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A Tale of Empathy and Expertise Desiree King's Commitment to Senior Housing Solutions
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Desiree King's story is not just about real estate; it's a story of passion and dedication to helping seniors live comfortably in their golden years. As our esteemed guest, Desiree opens up about the nuances of assisting older adults in downsizing and making informed property decisions that resonate with their desire to age in place. Her approach i…
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Empowering Others, Amplifying Voices: A Versified Journey with Order of Ontario recipient and Entertainer Dwayne Morgan
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When a high school talent show sparked a flame that would ignite Dwayne Morgan's future, he couldn't have predicted the blaze of inspiration he would become for so many. Today, we're honored to host this two-time Canadian National Poetry Slam champion and Order of Ontario recipient as he shares his journey from discovery to mastery in the world of …
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Debbie Nichols-Skerritt's Rhythmic Healing: Uniting Dance, Massage Therapy, and Community Wellness
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Dance isn't just an art—it's a healer, a teacher, and a bridge across generations. Debbie Nichols-Skerritt of Markham, Ontario, joins us to weave her personal tapestry of life as a registered massage therapist and professional dancer. Her company, "For your Temple," serves as a sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of dance and the restorative touch o…
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BLACK MADONNA with Morgan Jerkins & Zora Schiltz Rouse
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“I don't personally believe you can extricate environmental issues from reproductive issues because if a mother is drinking polluted water, what is that going to do to her system? What is that going to do to the system of the baby that she's housing? If she lives in an area where he can see noxious fumes being pumped into the air because of a nearb…
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BONUS: Dr. Mariel Buqué on Healing Your Trauma Before Entering the Job Market
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In this episode, Dr. Buqué shares invaluable insights on intergenerational trauma, imposter syndrome, and the integration of indigenous healing practices into therapeutic settings. Dr. Buqué sheds light on how intergenerational trauma manifests in professional environments, particularly within academia, and offers empowering perspectives on reclaim…
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Eugene Williams Jr.'s Evolution: From Child Star to Beacon of Educational Empowerment and Authorship
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Embark on a journey through the eyes of Eugene Williams Jr., whose transition from the glitz of childhood stardom to the gratifying world of education and authorship illustrates the profound impact of life choices and familial influence. His story unfolds, revealing how a blend of early fame and the wisdom of his nurturing parents carved his future…
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Rosemary Sadlier's Lifelong Mission for Black Historical Recognition and Inclusivity
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Join the conversation with the formidable Ms. Rosemary Sadlier, a vanguard for diversity, equity, and inclusion, as we celebrate the indomitable spirit that brought Black History Month to national prominence in Canada. Weaving a tapestry of perseverance and hope, Rosemary recounts her pivotal role in lobbying for its federal recognition, building u…
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Dawn Brathwaite's Legal Journey: Breaking Barriers and Weaving Diversity into the Fabric of Justice
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From a vibrant Jamaican upbringing to the esteemed courts of Birmingham, Dawn Brathwaite's legal odyssey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As you tune in, you'll be captivated by her account of resilience and soaring triumphs in healthcare law. Her journey is a testament to the power of ambition, as she evolved from an aspiring attorney to a lumin…
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Teaser with Morgan Jerkins & Zora Schiltz Rouse
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Morgan Jerkins and Zora Schiltz Rouse are young filmmakers working at the thematic intersection of environmental and reproductive justice. Morgan is a New York Times bestselling author and National Magazine Award-winning journalist. Zora is a producer and director who most recently worked on a Ryan Murphy show for FX. We'll be back with their full …
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Natasha Henry-Dixon's Chronicle of History: Infusing African Canadian Narratives into Education and Beyond
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Celebrate International Women's Day with us as we sit down with the insightful Natasha Henry-Dixon, assistant professor of African Canadian history at York University and a Vanier Scholar. Natasha captivates us with her journey, starting with the stories of Emancipation Day and leading up to her 25-year teaching career. Her stories aren't just anec…
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jeewan chanicka's Blueprint for Inclusive Academic Excellence and Community Empowerment
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Embark on a transformative exploration with jeewan chanicka, whose leadership as the Director of Education at the Waterloo Region District School Board is marked by a trailblazing commitment to inclusivity and cultural responsiveness. Within the walls of our learning institutions, jeewan's voice is a clarion call for systemic change, challenging us…
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Crafting Legacies in Music and Science with Donna McCurvin
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Donna McCurvin's journey is nothing short of enthralling. She's lived multiple lives in one—chemist, environmental protector, and cultural curator—and in this episode, she invites us into her world of passion-fueled transformation. We kick off with stories from the heart of Toronto's music scene, where Donna's IRIE Music Festival and Toronto Urban …
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Nataniel Turner’s Guide to Intentional Parenting: Nurturing Aspirations and Empowering Children’s Success
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When Nataniel Turner recounts the story of his son visualizing soccer goals to triumph on the field, it's more than heartwarming—it's a blueprint for success. Our latest episode isn't just about soccer, though. It's a deep dive into the realm of intentional parenting, where Nataniel's personal journey intertwines with potent strategies for nurturin…
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Dr. Frank Douglas' Odyssey: Championing Equity and Innovation in the Pharmaceutical World
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From the small coastal nation of Guyana to the highest echelons of the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Frank Douglas's life is a chronicle of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equality. In our latest episode, we're honored to host this trailblazing figure as he recounts the challenges of his early life and the formative moments t…
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Fadhwa Yusuf's story of Transformation: Unearthing Treasures in Life's Twists and Embracing the Inner Child
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Have you ever uncovered a hidden gem within your life's challenges? Fadhwa Yusuf joins us to illuminate how every twist and setback can be a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Her journey from self-questioning to becoming a transformational life coach is a testament to the power of personal metamorphosis. Fadhwa recounts the heartwarming sto…
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Priscilla Manful's Odyssey: Reimagining Child Welfare Through Leadership and Community Integration
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Embark on a powerful journey with Priscilla Manful, the trailblazing CEO of the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, as she narrates her remarkable voyage from Ghana to influential leader, setting a new standard for child welfare. This episode unveils Priscilla's transformative approach to leadership, one which harmonizes accountability, com…
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