True Voice Life Stories

The Global Entrepreneur

Omowale Crenshaw shares his journey through formal education, career changes and traveling the world. He discusses some of the lessons he has gained while living aboard. We cover his current work as a real estate developer based in Colombia. He provides an overview of the socio-economic landscape in Colombia and the lessons we can gain from studying emerging economies. He also highlights the importance of traveling and how it can help us see the world from a different perspective and even help better understand ourselves.

For The Love Of Jazz

Gail Boyd is a Chicago born and raised entertainment lawyer. She represents a number of critically acclaimed jazz artists. In this episode, Gail shares some of her experiences as an entertainment lawyer, artist manager, and her love for jazz music. She highlights the significance of jazz music as a tool for activism and the importance of keeping jazz music alive.

Finding Family

At age nine, Marvin Charles lost the person he thought was his mother. Soon after that, he learned she was actually not his biological mother. He spent decades of his life surviving and finding his way. He turned his life around in his forties and reunited with his children. Shortly thereafter he was reunited with his biological mother and father. He shares his journey with us in this episode.

Fighting Breast Cancer

Bridgette Hempstead is the founder and CEO of Cierra Sisters, an organization on a mission to break the cycle of fear and increase knowledge concerning breast cancer in the African-American and underserved communities. Her mother and grandmother taught her the value of community and looking out for others, especially when it comes to arming people with the right knowledge so that they can look after themselves. Her own personal journey with breast cancer and navigating the American health system inspired her activism and advocacy for breast cancer awareness. She is passionate about ensuring equal and fair treatment for all those diagnosed with breast cancer.

Collaboration & Partnership

As a father, physicist, electrical engineer, student mentor, consultant, entrepreneur and founder of STEMTAC Foundation, Al Herron’s broad reaching work allows him to not only extend his career ambitions but also make positive contributions to society. In this episode he shares his life journey and discusses the full gamut from childhood to his future goals and ambitions. In all that he does, Al emphasizes the power of partnership and collaboration, which is why mentorship is something that is very important to him.

A Written Awakening

Gaylloyd Sissón, a writer and retired educator, speaks on his journey of self actualization and awareness. He grew up in Hawaii and most of his childhood was spent away from the troubles that many African Americans faced during the time he was growing up. His first encounters with blatant racism were not until his first visit to St Louis at 13 years old. His experience in the south awakened something of which he could only uncover through journaling and writing. It unconsciously shaped his life to the point and is writing a book about the events.

Education & Elevation

Dr. James Smith’s education background and his work in corporate and teaching have led him to education advocacy. He serves on various boards and committees with the efforts of transforming the US education system and ensuring full participation and protection of students of color. In this episode he shares some of his personal and professional milestones. He further highlights the importance of ‘upskilling’ and claims that this is what helps one to grow and reach greater heights in their career.

The Gift of Life

In this episode, James Donaldson shares how his highs and lows helped him gain confidence, overcome adversity and honor his gift of life. From his time in the NBA, a knee injury that introduced him to the world of physical therapy, life as a successful entrepreneur, health issues and his current run for mayor and more — he continues on a very storied journey. He is passionate about mental health and urges people to speak openly and seek help when needed.

Family & Tradition

In this episode, Robert Lee Nellams discusses the importance of family and tradition. He recalls some of his fondest memories growing up in and around his grandmother’s house and how his generation is trying to keep that same energy. He also discusses some of his work as the director of the Seattle Center and some of traditions and special moments that have surfaced over the years.

Media For Good

Karsonya Wise Whitehead, better known as Dr.Kaye, holds a Ph.D. in culture, language, and literature. She is a professor and the radio show host of ‘Today with Dr. Kaye’. Karsonya spends her time guiding students and her listeners by challenging their worldview.