Libsyn Directory

S6E6: Healing Together with Camesha Jones-Brandon & Dr. Marion Malcome

Release Date: 10/03/2024

S6E9: Giving as a Way of Life with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew

Black Woman Leading

In this conversation, Laura discusses the concept of giving as a way of life with Dr. Froswa Booker-Drew, a network weaver and philanthropy expert. They explore the importance of strategic giving and recognizing the value that Black women bring to philanthropy. Dr. Froswa' discusses the concept of giving circles and the importance of relationships and social capital in community building. She emphasizes that Black people have always been philanthropists, giving their time, talents, and resources to support others. Dr. Froswa encourages Black women to amplify their leadership by being...

S6E8: Defining Your Leader Story with Taiia Smart Young

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura chats with Taiia Smart Young, Book Coach, Writing Consultant & Story Strategist, to discuss the importance of defining your leader story to support your personal brand and professional growth. They emphasize the power of storytelling and emotional resonance in building connections and influencing others. They also highlight the value of integrating all of your experiences, including your #strugglestory and life-changing moments, into your narrative. Taiia shares the building blocks of your leader story and practical ways to share your story to amplify...

S6E7: Strengthening Mindful Self-Talk

Black Woman Leading

In this solo episode, Laura shares the power of mindful self-talk and how it can transform your leadership journey. Our internal dialogue plays a pivotal role in shaping not just how we see ourselves but how we show up in the world—and especially in the workplace. Laura explores how positive self-talk can help rewire limiting beliefs and reduce stress, while also providing strategies to challenge negative thoughts and embrace your present without judgment. She shares mindfulness points for High Achievers, key elements of self-compassion, and how to consciously shift your internal...

S6E6: Healing Together with Camesha Jones-Brandon & Dr. Marion Malcome

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura discusses the power of community-based mental health care with guests, Camesha Jones-Brandon and Dr. Marion Malcome. Camesha and Dr. Marion share about their work with the Chicago-based Heal TogetHER program, which provides peer support for Black women to be seen, heard, and build authentic connections that empower mental well-being. Heal TogetHER provides support to people who have mild to moderate mental health concerns with brief 1-on-1 emotional support, resource connections, and education about mental health conditions. They discuss preventative approaches in mental...

S6E5: Leveling Up on LinkedIn with Portia Obeng

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura discusses increasing visibility on LinkedIn with Portia Obeng, Social Media Strategist & LinkedIn Coach. They discuss how LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for professional growth and personal branding, while also addressing the challenges and reservations people have with using the platform. Portia provides tactical tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles, including the use of keywords and avoiding cliches. She also emphasizes the importance of mindset and self-worth in personal branding, and discusses strategies for building meaningful connections on...

S6E4: Dreaming on Purpose with Ariane Hunter

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura interviews Ariane Hunter, Speaker, Author, and Career Equity Expert, about her book 'Dreaming on Purpose: A Manifesto for Black Women on Taking the Leap, Building Your Dreams, and Being Your Own Boss.' Ariane shares her personal journey and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in the corporate world. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, defining success on your own terms, and centering care in your career. Ariane and Laura also discuss the importance of dreaming as a form of resistance and reclaiming oneself. Ariane emphasizes the need to...

S6E3: Leading with Authenticity with Shayla Atkins

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura Knights interviews Shayla Atkins, Founder and CEO of Atkins Impact Consulting, about leading with authenticity. Shayla shares her personal journey of code-switching and conforming in the corporate world, and how she eventually found success by embracing her authentic self. They discuss the importance of alignment, clarity, and healing in leadership, and how authenticity is the new leadership currency. Shayla introduces the concept of SPICE (Savvy, Performance, Image, Communication, and Exposure) as the key skills for effective leadership. She also emphasizes...

S6E2: Leaning into Community with BWL Alums

Black Woman Leading

In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums (Shaneka Stanley, Lekeshia Hicks, and Jada Hamm) to discuss the importance of community care in professional development. They share their experiences as Black women leaders and the role of community in their journeys, the importance of “mirrors” and support systems, and the challenges and triumphs of setting and maintaining boundaries. They emphasize the importance of showing up authentically, taking up space, and making meaningful connections. They also highlight the power of being a...

S6E1: Welcome to Season 6!

Black Woman Leading

Welcome to Season 6 of Black Woman Leading, the podcast! This podcast is an extension of the Black Woman Leading learning experience. The theme for season six is “Community Care is Critical.” In addition to the focused topics we’ll explore this season, the core questions this season will explore how embracing community has fueled our personal and professional growth. In keeping with our core pillars, the episodes will continue to have a holistic focus on three core areas--leadership development, self-care and mental wellness, and relationship management. We’ll...

S5E14: Reflections on Identity & Season 5 Recap with Elizabeth Ann Rogers

Black Woman Leading

We are celebrating the completion of our fifth season! In addition to the focused topics we explored this season, the theme for season five was Identity. We explored the questions - “Who are you and who do you want to be?” The core questions this season were focused on embracing our identity and core values, and amplifying the message that who we are right now is worthy and who we choose to become through our learning and growth is worth the effort. We have a very special guest joining us for this recap episode — my mother, Elizabeth Ann Rogers! Since our parents are one of...

More Episodes

They discuss preventative approaches in mental health, the significance of social connections for our overall wellness, and practical strategies we can implement in our daily interactions to support the mental health of our friends and family.

Learn more about the Heal TogetHER program at https://www.communitycare.sistaafya.com/healtogether.

Guest Bios

::Camesha Jones-Brandon

Camesha L. Jones, LCSW is a Community Mental Wellness Changemaker who serves at the intersection of culture, community, and social justice. She is the Executive Director of Sista Afya Community Mental Wellness, a social enterprise that provides mental wellness care that centers the experiences of Black women in Chicago. Since Sista Afya's founding in 2017, they've served over 1000 Black women through their innovative, community-driven programs. In 2020, she launched Sista Afya Community Care NFP, a nonprofit that provides free mental wellness care and education to women experiencing multiple barriers to care. Camesha's work at Sista Afya has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Vogue, Allure, TEDx, and Rolling Out. Camesha is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois who graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor's in Sociology and received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Chicago. Camesha strongly believes in eliminating barriers in the mental health field that people of diverse cultural backgrounds experience by creating affordable and accessible care that centers the well-being of the whole person.

Connect with Camesha

Website: www.communitycare.sistaafya.com

Connect on Instagram & Facebook - @sistaafya

::Dr. Marion Malcome

Dr. Marion Malcome is a mother, scholar, social worker and a born-and-raised Chicagoan - south side! Dr. Malcome is currently an Assistant Professor at Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work where she teaches courses on clinical assessment and diagnosis and power, oppression, privilege and social justice. Her research is situated at the intersection of race, place and mental health in which centers the lived experiences of Black women and mothers to understand how where one lives coupled with experiences of racism shapes mental health and wellbeing over the life course. Dr. Malcome’s community work has long been focused on “helping people help people” through the lens of Black mental health and is grounded in close to 20 years of direct clinical social work practice experience. She also co-created the Becoming an Anti-racist Mental Health Clinician in 2013 which has trained just over a thousand clinicians across the country.

Connect with Dr. Marion

Website

Connect on LinkedIn

Resources: