Women 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...

In this episode of Conversations with Karen and Cat, we discuss the journey behind the launch of Akosua Hosi LTD — Karen’s new fashion brand celebrating African heritage through handcrafted clothing, accessories, and jewelry. Karen has worked with local artisans in Ghana and Kenya and shares what makes this brand so special. Join us at the Atlanta Vegan Festival on Saturday, April 19th, from 11 AM - 5 PM in Grant Park. 🛍️ Support Black-owned, women-led, artisan-crafted fashion — ...

We sit down with Martina Schmidt and Julie Miller of The She Served Initiative. The Initiative was created in 2022, allowing Martina to combine her passion for photography and raising awareness for women veterans. The She Served Initiative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has photographed and profiled over 130 women veterans and published 6 magazine issues dedicated to them and their stories. To host a photography session contact the organization at: Email: martina@sheservedi...

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...

In this episode we have a conversation with Jamika Render, founder of The Graceful Futures Society, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering pre-teen and teen girls exposed to domestic violence. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a home with domestic violence and surviving two suicide attempts, Jamika channels her deep passion for mental health advocacy into creating impactful SEL programs that provide the tools and support these young girls need to thrive. In addition to her nonprofit wo...

Michelle Benitez is an Emmy-Award winning journalist. She is the evening and late news anchor on Univision 34 at Atlanta, Georgia. Michelle was a panelist in the Georgia Gubernatorial Debate 2022 and interviews high ranking official from the White House and local agencies. Prior to that Michelle anchored Noticias WINK and Univision WSFL in Fort Myers, Florida for two years. She interviewed elected officials, celebrities and musicians. Covered high profile crime cases, fires, hurricane damages an...

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.

Chef Katrina is a sought-after speaker, author, and female business mentor. In 2021 she co-founded the first-ever female business education platform, Truth Bomb Academy™. Providing the back to basic female business training which completely disrupts the ‘male’ modeling of business that women have been experiencing their entire lives. Her mission is to create more female millionaires. Contact information: Email: Katrina@truthbombmarketing.com Website: https://truthbombmarketing.com Po...

Black Children’s Book Week (2/25/24 - 3/2/24) celebrates Black children and Black-authored books for them. We sat down with four authors. Soleil Cross, known as Dr. Soleil is an eight-year-old author with a passion for STEM, and telling stories.“Pluto- Special, Just the Same Dwarf Planet” is her first book. Find it at https://www.solrizingstemadv.com/ or amazon Susan H. Hines, author of “Buckley is a Busy Boy” and “Buckley’s Family Fishing Trip”. Follow the adventures of this loveable pooc...