Ignite 2 Impact Podcast - Raise Up And Inspire The Next Generation Of Leaders

Dr. Towanna Burrous, President, CoachDiversity Institute is a best-selling author, trainer, and an ICF professional certified coach (PCC) based in Washington, DC. As a much sought after executive coach, Towanna’s mission is to empower diverse communities through executive coaching. Her role is to test, re-test and ultimately drive the organization’s overarching vision, strategy, and tactical direction. The CoachDiversity team delivers training and curriculum for to-be coaches and customized diversity and leadership programs for corporate and individual clients. Towanna has spent the past 28 years in both federal government and the private sector that has led to her serving a broad range of business executives, sales, and IT (information technology) professionals. She delivers custom keynotes and coaching and training programs designed to assist organizations in their efforts to equip their leaders and key contributors with the skills and competencies needed to excel in today’s challenging business environmen

Karen Taylor Bass is the Founder and Media Strategist for TaylorMade Media, LLC. She has created strategic public relations, branding, and marketing campaigns for nonprofits, schools, corporations, luxury brands, celebrities, athletes, and entrepreneurs. Her talent is crafting engaging branding campaigns while simultaneously securing top-notch media placements. Karen’s placements range from the Associated Press, NY Daily News, New York Times, NPR, WBLS-FM (NY), Hot97-FM (NYC), ABC News, Washington Post, USA Today, Yahoo News, Oprah, AOL Parenting, Forbes to Entrepreneur magazine. Taylor Bass brings determination and courage to each campaign, project, client and mentee she works with. Bass started out as a fundraiser working for the United Negro College Fund and United Way of NYC, to raise funds for various charities represented by the United Way. Bass exceeded her target fundraising goal by 30% within the first year and started to hone her skills as a communicator, writer and presenter to tap into her passio

Raised in Saginaw, Atkins worked hard to overcome childhood challenges, including family turmoil and abuse, to graduate from St. Joseph's High School. She continued her education at SVSU, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology.  Atkins then completed a law degree at the University of Detroit School of Law. After graduation, she became a lawyer and then was appointed the chief judge in Detroit's 36th District Court for 12 years until her retirement in 2012. After retiring from the bench, Atkins wrote her autobiography “The Triumph of Rosemary: A Memoir,” which was published in 2017. The memoir – at times raw and in other passages heartwarming – addresses important topics of diversity and social change. Born to an Italian teen and a married black man in Detroit in 1946, Atkins was adopted by a black couple in Saginaw. At age 19, she sparked a racial and religious scandal by marrying former Roman Catholic priest Thomas Lee Atkins, who was white and 25 years older than she. The couple had two biracial daughter

Alison Vaughn is Founder and CEO of Jackets for Jobs, Inc., a nonprofit that has provided employment etiquette, career skills training and professional attire to 20,000 job seekers since 2000. In 2013, Jackets for Jobs opened an office in Botswana (Africa). Vaughn represented the organization on the NASDAQ floor where she rang the closing bell in 2006 and 2014. Vaughn is a Goldman Sachs Scholar, a graduate of the investment firm’s 10,000 Small Businesses Program. She is one of Martha Stewart’s “Dreamers into Doers,” a group of entrepreneurs who turned their dreams into reality.  Community Advocate  Vaughn was the 2011 co-chair of the 56th Annual Detroit NAACP Fight for Freedom Dinner, which annually draws 10,000 attendees. Vaughn is devoted to family, enjoys traveling, reading and attending sporting events—never missing a Detroit Lions home game. She is a member of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Metro Detroit. Vaughn is a member of Distinguished Women in International Service, Gamma Phi Del

Regina Robinson is an Award Winning Global Speaker, Best Selling Author, and Inner Confidence Strategist who is widely known for engaging, motivating, and equipping women with the tools to unlock their inner confidence and become unstoppable women.She is widely known for engaging, motivating, an inspiring her audiences as she combines genuine inspiration, laughter, and practical principles to empower women to take immediate action in their lives, businesses, and careers. After years of teaching, consulting, and coaching in the educational field, Regina built a platform where she provides education, strategies, and accountability for women who are ready to show-up in their authentic power as they increase credibility, visibility, and confidence. She supports women in discovering, articulating, and mastering their uniqueness as they position themselves to confidently move from start to finish in their life, business, and career. She has been featured as cover stories and spotlighted in a number of magazines a

Shawn is a leadership expert with a focus on corporate leadership, consultative sales, and vision. He illustrates leadership thus: lead by example, trustworthiness, mutual respect, and praise. He is uniquely skilled at using this simple yet profound ethos to bring leaders at all levels to the realization that their team’s performance is largely dependent upon their ability to lead.Shawn teaches what he lives, by drawing from the proficiency he has gained from over two decades of real-life, in-the-trenches business experience, motivational speaking, training, and executive coaching. His skillful delivery of true stories and use of precisely crafted multimedia resources spark an emotional connection with his audiences. The depth of Shawn’s knowledge and the effectiveness of his delivery style place him among the best leadership and vision speakers in the country. He appreciates, and shares with his audiences, that leadership is a moment-to-moment choice. It is not about title, tenure, or position. Leadership is

Leadership Coach. Consultant. Facilitator. Speaker. Entrepreneur. Carmen Thomas is a top notch exuberant entrepreneur.  She is the originator of Transformation Empowerment Solutions: a successful leadership firm that offers custom made winning programs, specializing in life changing leadership and organizational development.   As a LEADERSHIP COACH: Carmen Thomas is an advisor to a vast amount of Successful Entrepreneurial Businesses, Various Organizations, Chief Executive Officers and serves as a role model to diverse Board Member. She is well recognized as the top executive coach’s in her region.  As a CONSULTANT: Carmen specializes in providing vital information to executives and leadership teams.  Her strategic method assist in helping top officials reach their full potential through a solution focused process with cohesive organizational change, and process transformation.  As a FACILITATOR: Carmen's unprecedented professional workshops, conferences and seminar programs are strategically customized to de

For 28 years, as president of OWN: Onyx Woman Network, Ola Jackson has been a voice and given a voice to women in business.   It was Mother’s Day 1991, when Ola received a handmade Mother’s Day card from her husband and son and a check that would redirect her path from employee to business owner. Ola created an 8-page local newsletter that grew into a national business magazine called Onyx Woman. She expanded to produce sell-out women’s conferences, a television talk show and began speaking around the country.   Through her encounters with her audience, Ola noticed that women expressed that, although successful on the outside, there was something missing in their desire to thrive for inner-peace and confidence.   At the same time as she was evaluating her own life-lessons, (the mother of an autistic adult son and caregiver to her 80-year old mother), is when she began to appreciate the value of taking care  of herself while dealing with the challenges of caring for others. She was encouraged to turn this mome

Demarra Gardner is founder of Black Women About Business (BWAB) which supports black female leaders intersect business and wellness so they can lead optimal lives. They provide business planning, executive coaching, training, retreats, and resources, such as the BWAB podcast. Not only is Demarra founder of BWAB, she has also been a successful entrepreneur since 2007 as principal of Change Agent Consulting (CAC), a national full-service consulting practice. CAC is comprised of a dynamic team of consultants who provide executive/life coaching, leadership development, and business strategy services. Demarra has led successful ventures (for-profit and nonprofit) while guiding others to launch and scale their businesses. Her business success has allowed her to travel to twenty-five countries across six continents, be engaged with her community in meaningful ways, and help individuals from all walks of life have greater fulfillment and purpose. Demarra is certified in Yoga as a Peace Practice and is currently comp

Dee C. Marshall is a Certified Coach, Author, Speaker, Leadership Trainer, Diversity Consultant, TV Lifestyle Expert and Radio Host. She is CEO at Diverse and Engaged, LLC (Formerly Raise The Bar, LLC). She was named Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs and Top 25 Influential Black Women by several leading publications.  She is the creator of the Win, Rock & Rule Empowerment, an event that takes annually in New Jersey. It's in its ninth year.  Dee C. Marshall is... a Game Changer, Power Player, Fire Starter, Mover & Shaker and United State of Women Nominated Change Maker. Dee C. Marshall is... a Wall Street alumni. Former corporate executive and leadership trainer for Fortune 500 companies including Merrill Lynch, Prudential Securities, Moody’s Investor Services, Johnson & Johnson, and The New York Times.   a Capitol Hill go-to for women leaders. Women of Congress call on Dee to co-convene women’s initiatives, gather local women leaders, strategically plan the mobilization of women, and provide insi

Jewel Tankard is multi-faceted and like a gleaming gem she shines on multiple levels. She is a nationally and internationally sought-after speaker and financial expert. Her dedication for seeing women and families obtaining financial freedom to live their dreams led her to found the phenomenal members-only Millionairess Club. Jewel’s empowering message is bible-based. Since 2002 she and husband Ben Tankard have co-pastored Destiny Center, a growing, multi-cultural, non-denominational church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee near Nashville. Ben is the Grammy-nominated “godfather of gospel jazz music” and the genre's bestselling artist/producer, earning several gold and platinum records and a Stellar Award. The couple and their five children were the subject of Bravo TV’s hit reality series about the powerhouse couple and their family ties, “Thicker Than Water,” which aired from 2013-2016.   A global economist, Jewel founded the mentoring group, the Millionairess Club, in 2009. The native Detroiter studied economics

Dr. Priscilla Archangel is a seasoned executive coach, leadership and organizational development consultant, author, speaker and teacher. She is also the President of the National Association of Women Business Owners - Greater Detroit Chapter. She has held a variety of strategic global human resource executive roles at General Motors over the course of her 30+ year career there, focusing on leadership development, talent management, talent acquisition, coaching, change management, culture change, performance management, organization development and HR operations.   Now, Priscilla’s focus is developing successful leaders, and partnering with them to grow their teams and organizations. She works with leaders in organization of all sizes, across a variety of industries. Her collaboration helps them to uncover and align their unique purpose with their professional roles; identify creative approaches to address organizational challenges; supports them through leadership transitions; and leverages culture and empl

Dr. Siohvaughn L. Funches is a renowned public speaker, a published author, and a loving mother who is committed to sharing the life-transforming truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Spearheading A Wow Woman Publishing, she has authored and released two books, The True Story for God's Glory: The Life of Siohvaughn L. Funches-Wade and You Gotta Let God Finish! Funches founded and heads A Woman's Worth Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization helping women and children survivors of domestic violence heal and be restored. Dr. Funches has earned her Bachelors Degree in Psychology, a Master's level certification in Professional Counseling, a Doctorate in Theology and a Juris Doctorate degree in law where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Currently, Dr. Funches owns her own alternative dispute resolution firm, The Mediation Matters Firm, LLC, where she provides clients alternative dispute resolution services. She has been featured in many popular radio, TV and print media outlets. A portion of the proceeds from e

Edward Egnatios is a program officer at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. As part of the Detroit team, he identifies and nurtures opportunities for positive systemic change within communities and executes programming efforts aligned with the foundation’s organizational direction. In this role, he provides leadership and oversight for programming and works closely with other staff to ensure integration and coordination of efforts. Before joining Kellogg in 2013, Ed served as a consultant for the Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation in Detroit. Earlier, he was program officer, senior program officer and program director at the Skillman Foundation in Detroit where he conceived, coordinated or managed a wide range of neighborhood and youth-focused programs, including: the Good Neighborhoods program, the Detroit Youth Employment Consortium and the Detroit Youth Development Alliance. In other professional experience, Ed was president/CEO of EK & Associates in Grosse Pointe, Mich., nat

 Washingtonian, Ms. Maria Stanfield is a Senior Executive in Corporate America, CEO, Career Coach, Speaker, and founder of My Sister’s Closet and My Sister CEO. Maria is passionate about carrying the torch of the women who’s shoulders she stand on, which is what led her to birthing My Sister’s Closet in 2014. My Sister’s Closet mission is to meet the needs of women through professional services and monthly workshop sessions. Maria quickly realized that My Sister’s Closet was just the beginning of what was to come. In 2016, God gave her the vision to launch My Sister CEO, a community of pioneering women who share the belief that with the support of one another their dreams can become a reality. My Sister CEO’s mission is to foster collaboration and growth among women in their personal, business, and work life, through mentorship, coaching and community engagement. Maria is a sought-after speaker for delivering an empowering message as a panelist, breakout, and keynote speaker on topics such as Professional De

Dr. ZaLonya Allen is President/CEO of the National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA). Prior to NEA, she founded the South East Michigan Entrepreneurs Association in December 2010. She has been an entrepreneur, speaker, author and coach for nearly 20 years. Dr. Allen has presented for numerous organizations throughout the country including Ford UAW, Edison, Society for Human Resource Management, Clemson University and the Federal Government to name a few. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur she worked in the corporate world as well as academia. Dr. Allen earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Michigan, a Masters in Industrial Relations from Wayne State University and a Doctorate in Psychology from North Central University. She now coaches entrepreneurs, helping them develop a plan for achieving their dreams. Dr. Allen is a member of the American Psychological Association and the National Speakers Association.   For more info on Dr. ZaLonya Allen  visit her online at www.zalon

Psychologists can help people recognize and avoid the triggers that make them stressed, angry or depressed. They can also provide ways to help them manage the inevitable negative emotions that sometimes flares without warning. This show will show you how.  Hear from Michele Leno, Ph.D., LP, Licensed Psychologist.    Dr. Leno is a native of Detroit and licensed psychologist in the state of Michigan. She completed her undergraduate studies at Marygrove College and later attended the Michigan School of Professional Psychology, and obtained her M.A. in clinical psychology. She completed her doctoral degree at Saybrook University in California. Dr. Leno is the owner of DML Psychological Services, PLLC, a company that provides consulting services throughout Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. She is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and Psychology Today. Dr. Leno serves on the board of directors of National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She has offered her expertise to severa

Wendy Y. Bailey is a World Class Business and Sales Coach, an International Thought Leader and Sales Speaker.  Affectionately called “WendyY” by her clients, business associates and colleagues, she is a sought-after business coach and engaging sales speaker for her fierce and dynamic dedication to inspiring individuals, groups and organizations to create extraordinary results.  She is the Chief Visionary of the Beyond Limits Live Movement – a movement focused on guiding its members to next-level of financial success via mindset mastery, marketing, influence and visibility strategies along with and sales activation, strategy and scripting. WendyY has been a featured expert in Black Enterprise and on various other radio programs and media outlets. Through her business, Business Beyond Limits, WendyY inspires her clients to create bigger, better, bolder bottom lines. She masterfully coaches her clients on income acceleration, revenue generation, profitability and client infusion.  She is a lifelong learner and

Kiko Davis is the only female African American bank owner in the United States.  She is also the trustee of the Donald Davis Living Trust. Kiko’s late husband, Don Davis, was the former chairman and owner of First Independence Bank, the 7th largest African-American controlled bank in the United States, which is still controlled by the Davis family.    She is also the founder and president of the Don Davis Legacy Foundation, established in 2016 to perpetuate the legacy building efforts and initiatives envisioned and developed by the late, Donald Davis, world renowned music producer turned banking mogul.   Kiko Davis is the Managing Director of Groovesville Productions & Publishing LLC which controls the Grammy Award-winning music catalog of her late husband.   A respected investor, speaker and mentor, Kiko Davis received many accolades and awards for her work. Mrs. Davis, a Detroit native, is also a devoted mother to her two children. Davis takes pride in her philanthropic efforts and extends her support

Dena Dodd Perry is an award winning market researcher with over 20 years of experience. Detoxelicious is her first health and fitness book. Dena is a momprenuer and yoga teacher 500-CYT. She received her 200 CYT training in Hot Power Yoga from Forever Om. In addition, Dena expanded her yoga teacher education with her 300 CYT training in all major aspects of yoga including restorative yoga, pranayama breathing exercises, gentle flow yoga, chair yoga, detox yoga, pregnancy yoga and many other styles. Dena received her specialized mantra meditation training from the Deepak Chopra Center in San Diego. She truly loves sharing the gift of yoga with beginners with an emphasis on breath, body alignment and meditation. Her thesis was on piriformis syndrome, using yoga therapy as form of physical therapy. She is now a patented inventor of America’s 1st stylish yoga mat organizer made with intention by a yoga teacher. She has over 25 years of experience in statistical methods as an industrial engineer with over combine