Drppodcast

Edna Elaine Glover is a retired schoolteacher from South Carolina School Districts. Teaching social studies to high school students, her career spanned 30 years. Ms. Glover grew up in the era of segregated schools and the Jim Crow South. She was among the few African American teachers that were hired to teach in integrated schools post segregation. Ms. Glover received a Bachelor of Arts from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree in education from The Citadel in Charleston. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. Recently, she has taken up quilting as a treasured journey of preserving her mother’s legacy.

Miyoshi Juergensen, PhD (she/her/hers) is an educator, scholar, and practitioner whose work centers Black educational history, teacher leadership, and equity-driven school and community improvement. A former classroom teacher and district leader, Dr. Juergensen brings more than two decades of experience in education and a deep commitment to understanding how Black educators have historically built, sustained, and visioned caring and consequential schools and communities under conditions of constraint.Currently, she serves as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Juergensen’s research explores Black teacher leadership in segregated and marginalized schooling contexts, the intellectual histories of Black educators in the U.S. South, and how these traditions inform contemporary improvement efforts in schools, particularly those serving historically underserved communities. For her, Black History Month lasts 365 days, as she emphasizes that Black history

Erin Poyant is the founder of #hATTRNextGen™, a community-driven movement focused on raising awareness of V122I hereditary amyloidosis within the Black community. Inspired by her late father’s journey with the disease and her own experience as a gene carrier, Erin’s work centers on honoring legacy while encouraging earlier understanding and more informed family health conversations.In another capacity, Erin works with the Amyloidosis Research Consortium (ARC), supporting healthcare providers and systems with education and resources that enhance understanding of all forms of amyloidosis. Together, her community advocacy and professional experience reflect a commitment to improving awareness, access, and equity across the amyloidosis landscape.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 38 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influenti

Bishop Dickie L. Robbins is a dynamic visionary, community leader, public speaker, preacher, teacher, husband, and father.Bishop Robbins is a strong believer in equipping the believer to embrace the truth of who they are in Christ. They are to influence the world around them by having signs and wonders following them. The life of the believer should be such an example, of who Christ is, that those perishing are drawn to Christ by the life they live.Along with his wife, Bishop Robbins founded and is currently the Senior Pastor of Life In Christ Ministries in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Joanne Mitchell-McLaren is a Lifelong Patient Advocate and Educator, Clinical Expert and Rare Disease Specialist. Her overall goal is to prepare and provide patients and caregivers with the awareness, support and education they need as it relates to their health. She has provided tools, education and encouragement that patients need to feel confident to have courageous conversations with their health care providers; in hopes to empower them to make the best decision and to use their voice to advocate for themselves.Patient advocacy is her birth right. She believe the greatest gift one can provide is the gift of a servant, especially to those with vulnerabilities in our community regardless of their diagnosis, neighborhood one resides in or any other health disparity reason.

Lawrence C. Harris is a nationally recognized Youth Empowerment Speaker with a dynamic voice for teens and young adults facing self-doubt, insecurity, and internal barriers. Through his powerful lived experience—overcoming childhood abuse, Autism, and complex PTSD—Lawrence has helped thousands of young people build unshakable self-worth and rise above challenges that once held them back.

Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, Founder and CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, is a phenomenal trailblazer. Dr. Seele is celebrating over 38 years of providing vision and leadership in areas of technical support to strengthen the capacity of faith institutions in the United States and Africa to eradicate health disparities by promoting health education and services within their local communities.Born in the heart of the south, this Lincolnville native always shares a special love for South Carolina. Dr. Seele received her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science from Clark Atlanta University in 1976 & 1979, respectively, later receiving her Doctor of Humane Letters from the College of New Rochelle, NY, in 2007.As a pioneer and community activist, Dr. Seele is known for her work in forging public health & faith-based partnerships for engaging individuals in health promotion and disease prevention interventions. Time Magazine 100, who named Dr. Seele One of the Most Influenti

Kaye Woodard is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Co-Founder of Livalytics, Inc. - a system that combines biometric analytics and health insights to help businesses and individuals achieve measurable performance improvements.Her experience includes leading process improvements that deliver measurable results—most notably, playing a key role in launching the iconic Redbox video 'robot,' which transformed video rental through automation and logistics innovation. This experience reinforced her belief in the power of technology to enhance customer experience while improving business performance.Building on this expertise, she designed Livalytics. Livalytics reflects her commitment to data-driven optimization, empowering organizations to support healthier, more productive teams while maximizing their return on investment.

Tanya Simmons Reid is a visionary leader, communications strategist and mental health advocate. In 2018, she founded Skyrocket Communications, Inc. to help organizations "rise brilliantly" in their ability to serve clients, customers and communities. Under her leadership, Skyrocket Communications also produces signature events and apparel that spark awareness, drive change and foster meaningful conversations.With a distinguished career spanning communications, marketing, business development, branding, sales, donor engagement, media relations and event management, Tanya has built a reputation for delivering innovative solutions that amplify impact and achieve measurable success.Committed to addressing mental health disparities in Black and Hispanic communities, Tanya launched the SoundMinds Mental Health Awareness & Solutions Conference on July 15, 2021. Held annually during Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, this advocacy initiative brings critical conversations to the forefront and provid

Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach, and development. For over 16 years, he has been dedicated to establishing and expanding health programs across the United States by building the capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact congregations and the communities they serve by strategically leveraging faith-based and community partnerships to impact sustainability.Currently, Cary is a Program & Strategic Development Consultant for The Balm In Gilead, Inc., where he works diligently at the intersection of faith and public health nationally to address the burden of various diseases that impact African American communities. A highly skilled strategist and national speaker adept at leading relationship building and engagement opportunities, he has forged various faith-based and public health community partnerships and coalitions. With a sincere pas

Delores Fedrick is a multifaceted public health leader with over 50 years of pharmaceutical and medical sales, grant writing, nonprofit administration & public health literacy experience. She is the author of The Complete Guide to Developing Nutritional Skills: A One-Stop Dietary Solution for the Entire Family and Diverse Literacy Levels (First and Second Editions). She is passionate about ensuring everyone has adequate information to live healthy lives. 

Bio of Janet M. Taylor, Owner, Totally Organized, Inc. For the past 28 years, I have been assisting clients in creating a space that attracts more abundance, love, and happiness in their lives. My expertise includes transforming cluttered rooms into functional and creative spaces, organizing the personal and professional spaces of executives, and downsizing offices.As a speaker, I have presented at the Philadelphia Home Show and conducted workshops at the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers’ Annual Conference. In 2020, I gave a webinar for a corporate client in New York that was attended by over 600 people.I have also hosted and produced the weekly podcast “Got Clutter? Get Organized with Janet” for over a decade, which has received over 1,000,000 downloads and was ranked the Number 2 Organizing Podcast. The show covers a variety of topics, including how to get organized before getting married, how to be an organized pet owner, and how to organize your pantry for better health.In addition to my speaking and p

Craig Ascue is a humble visionary leader, entrepreneur, and community builder rooted in the Gullah Geechee heritage of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. As CEO of Ascue’s Paint and Body Shop, a second-generation collision repair business founded by his father in 1968, Craig blends tradition, technical excellence, and team leadership. Since taking the helm in 1995 after graduating from South Carolina State University with a degree in Marketing, Craig grew the company’s revenues, maintained consistent profitability, and in 2007 relocated operations to a 10,000 sq. ft. modern facility. Craig did this while assisting his father in developing the now Ascues Automotive Complex in Mt Pleasant, S.C. His team of 16 technicians and administrative professionals continues to uphold a reputation for integrity, excellence, and community commitment as they repair cars daily. They have been consistently voted Best Body Shop in Mt Pleasant, S.C. for several years.In 2020, Craig found Ascue Capital to explore and formalize the fam

Tiffany D. Pogue, PhD (she/her/hers) is a life coach that incorporates the use of Black History, Black Culture, and Black Spirituality to support women in their defining and acquisition of holistic success. College dropout turned Black PhD, Tiffany knows first-hand how the knowledge of our cultural legacy can change our lives for the better. Currently, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs and an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Albany State University.   Pogue received her PhD from Emory University in Educational Studies.  As a proud HBCU graduate and administrator, her research interests include Black Educational History and Philosophy, Black Literacy Traditions, and Community-School Engagement.  Tiffany believes that through a critical exploration and examination of history, scholars and activists can collaboratively craft a narrative of hope, and plans for, the improvement of society. Her current work examines the role of Black women’s literacy in the practices of Black

S. Darlene Cheek is an extraordinary Executive Administrator with a gazillion years of administrative experience. She graduated from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC with a bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Music. She moved to New York and has held many roles: Caseworker for the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect, Transitional Housing Social Work Supervisor and Director, and numerous temporary positions. She joined The Balm In Gilead, Inc. during the inception of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Harlem Community unifying churches and communities around this disease. She held many positions at the Balm: Executive Assistant, Director, Creator of the Book Store and Resource Library and an consultant for more than 20+ years. She also worked with the first NYS HIV/AIDS testing site located in and run by the church, New Hope Community Church. And for fun, Darlene likes to do community outreach and sing! She's a woman of faith, integrity and holds very dear, her friends and family.

Derin Lindsey is an established Branding, Marketing and Creative Entrepreneur. He is the Founder and President of For Black Men's Health Inc. Derin is a wellness advocate dedicated to educating and empowering men of color to prioritize their health.

Tyza Brister is the Church Administrator at Beacon Light International Baptist Cathedral in New Orleans, LA where her father Bishop Darryl S. Brister is the pastor.She is a mother, a creative, a former athlete and mental health advocate.

Nolly Swan is a recent graduate of the Clemson University Master's of Science in Historic Preservation program at the Clemson Design Center in Charleston, South Carolina. She is originally from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. This May, she published her graduate thesis titled "A Comparative Analysis of Cultural Preservation Focused Land-Use Regulations within the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor of South Carolina."Below is a link to her thesis statement:https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4473/

Transformation Specialist Dionne Jones is all about that balanced life! Dionne is Founder and Owner of Age with Vibrancy, LLC, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Age with Vibrancy, LLC “meets women where they are, and takes them to where they deserve to be in their lives.” Dionne takes the whole-body approach to helping women thrive. Get ready to strip away all of the self-doubt and negativity, and find YOU again!