Economic Empowerment Episodes

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down with Melissa Ramirez, Director of Gwinnett Young Professionals at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, to explore what it truly means to build community with intention. Melissa shares her journey into leadership and how she has cultivated a space where emerging professionals can connect, grow, and lead with purpose. From creating impactful programming to fostering authentic relationships, she breaks down the importance of showing u...

Erika Allen is the CEO for Urban Growers Collective, President of Green ERA Educational NFP, and Co-Owner of Green Era Sustainability Partners. Urban Growers Collective is a Black- and women-led non-profit farm in Chicago, Illinois working to build a more just and equitable local food system. They provide hands-on job training and create economic opportunity for youth, and beginner BIPOC farmers. Urban Growers cultivates eight urban farms on 11 acres of land, predominantly located on Chicago’...

Marlene Fosque became the first black county commissioner in Gwinnett County in 2018. She joins us to talk about her historic win, her imprint on the region, and bridging communities through economic development and connectivity.

Join us for a conversation with John Moye, Urban League Senior Director for Policy, Legislative Affairs and Civic Engagement on the State of Black Georgia. We discuss the 2024 legislative priorities for the urban league and their 2022 Publication, "The State of Black Georgia", which provides policy recommendations in the critical areas of education, justice reform, civic engagement, health care and economics. A copy of the report can be found at ulgatl.org.