Self Empowerment Episodes

Can a pair of shoes change a child’s life? For a student who has experienced embarrassment, bullying, or the feeling of not belonging, the answer may be yes. In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, we meet the team behind Kicks for Class, Inc., a Georgia nonprofit providing new, properly fitting footwear to underserved K–12 students. The team shares the personal experiences that inspired its mission and explains why shoes can represent much more than fashion. They can provi...

At just 30 years old, Chantel Roberts was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer after recognizing that something in her body wasn’t right. Her experience became a powerful lesson in knowing your body, asking questions, and advocating for yourself—regardless of your age. In this inspiring episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Chantel and her mother, Michelle Roberts, share their family’s journey through breast cancer, loss, treatment, faith, healing, and purpose. Chantel opens up abou...

What happens when retirement plans are replaced by school drop-offs, homework, and parenting all over again? In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we welcome Dimeca and Burdette Hawkins, founders of Poppa & Gigi's Promise. They share their journey of unexpectedly becoming full-time caregivers for their grandchildren and how that experience inspired them to create a nonprofit dedicated to supporting grandparents and other relative caregivers. Resources from the episode Pop...

Can healing truly change your life? This week on Conversations with Karen and Kat, we welcome Eboni Caldwell, founder of Productive & Prosper-Us Empowerment, LLC. After surviving homelessness, domestic violence, divorce, and financial hardship, Eboni transformed her pain into purpose and now helps women heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. In this powerful conversation, she discusses healing trauma, inner-child work, setting healthy boundaries, journaling, faith, forgiveness, and d...

What if the behaviors we label as resistance, defiance, or laziness are actually signs of an untold story? In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, we welcome Dr. Erlange Elisme, behavioral health consultant, trauma-informed leadership strategist, author, and founder of Elisme Consulting Services. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in behavioral health, education, and leadership, Dr. Elisme explores how trauma shapes our relationships, workplaces, and communit...

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...

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode of Conversations with Karen & Cat, we welcome back renowned African-centered psychologist, educator, and author Dr. Kevin Washington (Mwata Kiari Emeka Sankara) to explore a transformative approach to mental health and healing. Grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu — “I am because we are” — Dr. Washington introduces his groundbreaking work, Ubuntu Psychotherapy: Addressing the Transgenerational Trauma of Afrikan/Black People. Together, we unpack ho...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down with Dr. Tracy Baynes — oceanographer, educator, and visionary leader committed to expanding college access for low-income high-school students. After earning her doctorate from the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography and conducting coral reef research, Tracy shifted her focus to teaching, developing field courses for institutions like Columbia University’s Biosphere 2 Center, Sea Education Association, the University o...

In this uplifting episode, we sit down with Leida Rountree, a Certified Financial Planner™ turned Certified Life Coach, 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and Mindfulness Meditation Teacher who has made it her mission to help women design the lives they were born to live. After years of professional success, Leida realized her fast-paced lifestyle was unsustainable — and that true fulfillment required more than achievement. Through self-discovery, yoga, and mindfulness, she began to realign he...

In this episode, we sit down with Sharoya Ham — a mother of three, devoted wife, and the founder of Embrace Behavior Change. As a behavior change specialist and parent coach, Sharoya is passionate about helping families, educators, and workplaces shift their focus from constant problem-solving to creating meaningful, joy-filled connections. Through her Parent Coaching, Teacher Coaching, and Workplace Coaching services, Sharoya equips people with the tools to reduce stress, strengthen relation...

We’re joined by Michelle Kang: first-generation Korean American, mom of three, community advocate, and candidate for Georgia State House District 99. Michelle shares her inspiring journey—from organizing service projects as a teen in South Korea to supporting immigrant families and small businesses in Gwinnett County. Now, she’s running for office to fight for housing, education, public safety, and equity for all. 💬 Tune in for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and building a...

On this episode, we are joined by Flossie Ross, the Lead Community Outreach Advocate with Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV). Flossie shares personal insights from her work on the front lines of domestic violence prevention. In this episode, you’ll learn about: The early warning signs of domestic violence How education and outreach save lives Ways you can support survivors and spread awareness 🕊️ Upcoming PADV Events Mentioned: 🌟 Legacy of Hope Dinner 📅...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rashad Patterson—Southwest Atlanta native, Georgia State University graduate, and celebrated children’s book author—to explore how storytelling can empower the next generation. With a background in sociology and a deep commitment to representation, Rashad weaves community, identity, and hope into every page he writes. We dive into his latest book, Santiago, Waylon, and Legend, a heartwarming tale that’s winning the hearts of kids, parents, and educa...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with humanitarian, advocate, and community transformer LaQuana “LA Pink” Alexander —First Lady of Street Groomers and CEO of The Community Boutique. From her personal journey through homelessness to becoming a force of change in Atlanta and beyond, LA Pink shares how her passion for service turned into a global mission. Through The Community Boutique, a nonprofit she founded, LA Pink provides critical support such as clothing, mental health services, ment...

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO and Founder of Not On My Own (NOMO) , a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping youth and young adults with essential life skills rarely taught in schools. Since 2019, she's been on a mission to educate, empower, and encourage—offering guidance in everything from financial literacy and car buying to mental health and post-graduation support. Discover how her grassroots outreach—from youth outings to jacket drives—creates lasting impact across...

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Edward Paul, President of the Gwinnett Branch of the NAACP, to discuss the ongoing impact of the NAACP in 2025. From the courtroom to Congress, state legislatures to local governments, the fight for justice and equity continues. President Paul shares how both national and local chapters are driving change, advocating for policy reform, and educating communities to advance Black and Brown voices. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on why the NAACP remains a...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we sit down together to discuss: Honoring the 60th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery March President Trump’s executive power and constitutional debates The controversy around the deportation of Venezuelan nationals Discussion on dismantling the Department of Education Let us know what you are doing to engage. Comment with us on social media and share your thoughts!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Courtney Robinson, a Leadership Branding Strategist and Image Expert, to explore how women in executive roles, entrepreneurship, and leadership can elevate their brands to new heights. As an Executive Style Mentor, Author, and Speaker, Courtney shares her transformative Purpose Palette Persona framework, a powerful approach to aligning inner purpose with outward presence. Courtney dives deep into the fears that often hold high-achieving women bac...

We sit down with D. LaDena Bolton, Candidate for DeKalb's Super District 7. She's a chemist, wife, mother, and community servant. Through Bolton Legacy Inc, a 501c3 nonprofit organization co-founded by Dr. Bolton and her husband, Dr. Clement J. Bolton II, they distributed over $320,000 in resources to underserved DeKalb students, reaching nearly 16,000 families since 2019. Dr Bolton is a graduated of Avondale High School,Savannah State University and earned her PHD-in chemistry from Clark Atlant...

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’...

We sit down with Lakila Bowden, speaker and COO of iSee Technologies, Inc. Lakila has been a featured speaker for The Walt Disney Company, Kraft-Heinz, Verizon, JP Morgan Chase, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and numerous other national and local organizations. She retired from Corporate America at age 37 and now spends her time leisurely teaching thousands of women leaders to maximize rest and revenue by prioritizing self-care and self-celebration.

In this episode we are joined by Brandon King. Brandon is an instructor and facilitator for programming at the Gwinnett County Public Library's Learning Labs. He has been in this position for four years, primarily leading sessions on audio/video recording, basic sewing, photography, and a variety of other topics. As a GCPL employee, he is dedicated to helping patrons discover the resources available to them for free through the Library and spark their autonomy as they are developing new skills i...

Karen and Cat sit down with Forrest Tuff, Author, CEO, Film Producer, Master Coach and Speaker. Forrest is the CEO and founder of One Vision Productions, a media and branding agency voted Best of Georgia. Recognized among the Top 5 CEOs to Watch in 2024 and Georgia's Most Influential Leaders, he is a Master Life Coach and keynote speaker. Tuff has produced commercials, documentaries, films, podcasts, and TV shows. He was voted the Top Filmpreneur® of the Year by the International Association of ...

In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Jean-Francois,Board Member for Project WINN, and Chief Financial Officer, aka The Budget Maven, for WINN Network. The WINN’s brand focuses on mindset development and financial competency. The group offers workshops and educational tools to prepare students for real life scenarios. Project WINN is committed to enhancing personal development education for underserved communities, addressing the critical gaps in educational opportunities with a rich array o...