Youth Empowerment Episodes

At 18 years old, Jamison Charles made a decision that changed the course of his life. One night led to eight felony convictions, a 50-year sentence, and ultimately 27 years behind bars. But prison did not end his story. In this powerful episode of Conversations with Karen and Kat, Jamison shares how faith transformed his life, how he discovered his gift for writing while incarcerated, and how he returned home determined to change the narrative. Today, Jamison is an author, playwright, m...

Mohamed Berte, graduating senior from Shiloh High School and incoming University of Pennsylvania student. Mohamed discusses what it takes to lead with purpose as a young changemaker. Mohamed held various leadership roles on campus and founded the Shiloh Student Athlete Association. He opens up about balancing academic excellence (holding a 4.54 GPA and ranking #3 in a class of 420+, being a four-year varsity athlete despite undergoing two major knee surgeries, and managing a successful ser...

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...

In this episode we sit down with David N. Mitchell, President and CEO of The Unity Production Group, LLC. and Dir. of Drama Ministry for the AME Church. Mitchell is Chicago native and a graduate of Grambling State University. He holds a B.A. in Theatre and Business and is an award winning playwright, actor and director. Mitchell combined his love for theatre and ministry to found "The Tipping Point Project in Asheville, NC to meet the needs of their youth population. The program uses theatre ...