Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women
Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women—the podcast where we Support, Amplify, Validate, and Elevate Black Women ALWAYS!
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The Corporate Lie: Why Your Job Title is Not Your Identity
04/06/2026
The Corporate Lie: Why Your Job Title is Not Your Identity
Are you more than your job title? This week, Kamika is joined in the sanctuary with Marli Crowe (fellow Arian and actual Birthday Twin) to discuss the raw reality of professional reinvention. Marley shares her humbling journey from a $200k Meta contract to a $19/hr mall job, exposing the identity trap and the toxicity of your value being tied to your work that leaves Black women exhausted. together they unpack resilience, why jobs aren’t loyal and what it means to rebuild your identity beyond titles and paychecks. This episode is part of The Corporate Baddie Series- A series created for Black women who are still inside corporate America and need strategy, language and protection, not hustle talk. Marli Crowe is a business strategist and former founder exploring identity beyond job titles. After a challenging return to work following a layoff, she closed her career development company and began building FRMR, a community centered on resilience, reinvention, and life outside corporate labels. LinkedIn: IG: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at
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How to Stay Visible and Valuable in Corporate America: Your Homegirl in HR Breaks It Down
04/02/2026
How to Stay Visible and Valuable in Corporate America: Your Homegirl in HR Breaks It Down
This episode launches The Corporate Baddie Series, a new conversation focused on helping Black women protect their careers and stay ready inside corporate America. Kamika is joined by Latoya Haynes, an executive coach and Human Resources leader, to break down what it actually takes to remain visible, valuable, and in motion at work. They discuss why staying in one role too long can quietly stall your career, how to keep a “ready plan” active, and why your career strategy should never depend solely on what your employer is doing. Latoya advocates for the PIE model: Performance, Image, and Exposure. She explains why overperforming alone isn’t enough for advancement. Together, they explore how to build exposure authentically, identify strategic advocates, use HR as a resource, and negotiate compensation beyond base salary. Kamika closes the episode with the S.A.V.E. Strategy, focusing on S for Support: redefining what real support looks like at work and why Black women don’t have to navigate corporate spaces alone. La Toya T. Haynes is an executive coach, Human Resources leader, and founder of The Talent Practice, where she helps high‑performing women be seen, valued, and advance their careers. With more than 27 years of corporate experience, she brings a strategic, human‑centered approach to supporting leaders across all levels of the organization. Business: The Talent Practice - LinkedIn: (personal) LinkedIn: (business) Instagram: Threads: X: @LaToyaTHaynes Subscribe to Black Women Will Save Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Interested in sharing your story, email info@blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen You can find Kamika at: Linked In- Instagram- Substack- TikTok- Threads- @kamikatdillard
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How to Close a Business with Intention- Part 3: How to Let Go of a Business Strategically
03/30/2026
How to Close a Business with Intention- Part 3: How to Let Go of a Business Strategically
In Part 3 of this three‑part entrepreneurship series, Kamika and business consulting expert AnGèle Cade talk about how to close a business with intention and let go strategically. They reframe business closure as a leadership decision, not a personal failure and unpack the cost of holding on past a business’s prime, why exit planning should begin early and how founders can transition with clarity instead of urgency. Together, they walk through strategic exit options including acquisition, franchising, succession and intentional sunsetting, along with the protections founders need in place for unexpected transitions. They also discuss how to recognize the value of non‑physical assets like data, brand equity, and intellectual property and how exiting well creates legacy instead of loss. Kamika closes the episode with the S.A.V.E. Strategy, focusing on V for Validate: validating that choosing to end a business chapter is not quitting, failing, or giving up. It’s discernment. It’s leadership. And it’s allowed. Series arc: Part 1 — How to Start a Business the Right Way Part 2 — How to Sustain a Business Without Burning Out Part 3 — How to Close a Business With Intention AnGèle M. Cade is a business consulting expert with over twenty years of experience helping entrepreneurs build strong, compliant business structures. She’s the CEO and Founder of Executive On the Go, and is widely known as the go‑to professional for helping founders protect their assets, plan strategically, and build businesses that last. Business and social media links: Instagram: Website: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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How to Sustain a Business Without Burning Out- Part 2: What Keeps Black Women Founders Stuck
03/26/2026
How to Sustain a Business Without Burning Out- Part 2: What Keeps Black Women Founders Stuck
In Part 2 of this three‑part entrepreneurship series, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a candid reflection on building a business on vibes instead of systems and what it cost to untangle later. She’s joined by business consulting expert AnGèle Cade to talk about what happens after the launch, when maintenance, delegation and reinvestment become unavoidable. Together, they name the realities Black women founders often carry alone: underestimating ongoing business upkeep, accidentally creating a job instead of a business, trying to grow everything at once and burning out in the process. They explore how to shift from operator to owner, why building in phases matters and how reinvesting in your business protects long‑term sustainability, while also discussing the power of relationships, entering rooms you weren’t invited to, building communal tables for Black women and why authenticity isn’t a liability, it’s the strategy. Kamika closes with the S.A.V.E. Strategy for the week: Equip: choosing systems and support that match your current stage of growth. This episode is for founders who are already in business and want to stay in it, without burning out or shrinking themselves. AnGèle M. Cade is a consulting expert with over twenty years of experience helping entrepreneurs build strong, compliant business structures. She’s the CEO and Founder of Executive On the Go, and is widely known as the go‑to professional for helping founders protect their assets, plan strategically, and build businesses that last. Business and social media links: Instagram: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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How to Start a Business the Right Way- Part 1: What Most Black Women Are Never Told
03/23/2026
How to Start a Business the Right Way- Part 1: What Most Black Women Are Never Told
In Part 1 of a three‑part entrepreneurship series, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with lessons from starting a business the wrong way and paying for it later. She’s joined by AnGèle Cade, CEO of Executive on the Go, to talk through what most Black women are never told before filing anything. Together, they unpack fear, perfectionism and paycheck security. The conversations moves into the fundamentals that actually matter: choosing the right business structure, understanding compliance, setting realistic financial expectations and thinking about exit strategy from the very beginning. AnGèle shares why investing in expertise early saves money long‑term, the risks of partnerships and equity and how to validate your idea before you commit. AnGèle M. Cade is a consulting expert with over twenty years of experience helping entrepreneurs build strong, compliant business structures. She’s the CEO and Founder of Executive On the Go, and is widely known as the go‑to professional for helping founders protect their assets, plan strategically, and build businesses that last. Business and social media links: Instagram: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Money, Boundaries, and Hard Decisions in Uncertain Times
03/19/2026
Money, Boundaries, and Hard Decisions in Uncertain Times
Financial clarity for Black women navigating layoffs and income disruption. In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with her own story of bankruptcy. Not as a failure, but as a lesson in waiting too long, carrying shame, and sacrificing health in the name of “doing the right thing.” She sits with financial expert Dr. Lynn Richardson for a grounded conversation about money decisions Black women are forced to make when income becomes uncertain. This episode blends intimate truth with a practical playbook: living “check to Monday” even at a high income, unlearning cultural money habits, setting financial boundaries with family and friends, and reframing tools like bankruptcy as pathways to recovery rather than punishment. Dr. Richardson breaks down why more money doesn’t fix a money problem without education, how wealthy people protect assets early, and why multiple income streams create resilience. Kamika closes with the S.A.V.E. Strategy: S for Support, reminding us that financial freedom is peace, not performance. Dr. Lynn Richardson is a nationally recognized financial expert, author, and media personality with nearly three decades of experience in finance and real estate. Named one of Urban Influence Magazine’s 20 Hottest Influencers in America, she’s known for her sharp wit and practical approach to money education. Dr. Richardson is a recurring financial expert on Good Morning America, Fox Business, The Steve Harvey Show, and BET, and the creator of New W.E.A.L.T.H. University, a platform focused on economic literacy and legacy building for Black communities Business and social media links: New Wealth University (NWU) Instagram: @newwealthuniversity Facebook: Dr. Lynn Richardson Instagram: X: TikTok: Threads: LinkedIn: Facebook: For the audience: Please feel free to text Dr. Lynn at (310) 349-3690 Website: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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The Kamala Effect: A Global Corporate Breakup for Black Women
03/16/2026
The Kamala Effect: A Global Corporate Breakup for Black Women
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a blunt prompt: don’t settle anywhere ( in romance and in work). She sits with Jo Wong, a London‑based business development consultant and founder of Let’s Grow Black Female Founders, for a global conversation about the “Kamala Effect” and why Black women across countries are choosing themselves over corporate approval. This episode blends intimate truth with a practical playbook: the call that changed everything, how identity and belonging shift between the US and the UK, and the small acts of courage that turn fear into momentum. Jo explains how to protect your intellectual property while employed, why negotiating your exit early is strategic, and how fractional expertise and side revenue can buy sleep, choice, and better clients. Kamika closes with the S.A.V.E. Strategy :V for Validate- a simple framework to name what you need, validate it for yourself, then ask for it with clarity. About the guest: Jo Wong is the CEO and founder of Let’s GROW Black Female Founders, a business development consultancy democratizing commercial strategy for underrepresented founders; she left corporate leadership in May 2025 after managing £450M+ portfolios. Connect with Jo Wong: Website: Instagram: Linkedin: Tiktok: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Aligned to Ascend: How TikTok Became the Catalyst for Doing the Uncomfortable
03/12/2026
Aligned to Ascend: How TikTok Became the Catalyst for Doing the Uncomfortable
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a reflection on the difficult decision to close one of her businesses. She sits down with entrepreneur Dianna Nicole to explore how doing what scared her: starting on TikTok, learning new skills, and trusting her community, became the spark for rapid growth. They unpack the mindset shifts, practical steps and small acts of courage that helped her turn imperfect action into momentum and meaningful revenue. Kamika closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy on Alignment Instead of Amplify. Dianna Nicole is a million-dollar entrepreneur, AI and social media consultant, and speaker who helps women build confidence, visibility, and income through TikTok and digital platforms. Known for blending strategy with heart, she empowers women to show up authentically, leverage modern tools, and create sustainable success without burnout. Social details: Website: Tiktok: Instagram: Linkedin: Facebook: Youtube: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Burnout, Being Fired and Betting on Yourself
03/09/2026
Burnout, Being Fired and Betting on Yourself
In this episode of Black Women Save Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a reflection on burnout, control, and why peace comes from focusing on what’s actually yours to hold. She’s joined by entrepreneur and coach Samantha Cook, who shares the moment she was fired from Microsoft and how that rupture became the catalyst for launching Inside the Cubicle Career Coaching and Consulting. Together they get candid about rest as resistance, naming job loss without shame and the practical first steps that keep you afloat while you rebuild. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Elevate—raise awareness of your limits and honor rest as mandatory. Samantha Cook is a University of Washington alumna and five‑star career coach who spent over a decade leading upskilling and performance programs at Amazon and Microsoft. In March 2025 she was fired — and within 30 days launched Inside the Cubicle Career Coaching and Consulting, securing a University of Washington partnership within 60 days. An AI optimization specialist who worked on Microsoft Copilot agents and named one of Seattle’s Top 15 Career Coaches, Samantha helps clients navigate layoffs, negotiate six‑figure offers, and turn setbacks into setups. Connect with Samantha Cook: TikTok: LinkedIn: Website: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Do It Scared: How to Start Imperfectly and Grow
03/05/2026
Do It Scared: How to Start Imperfectly and Grow
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a reflection on fear, control, and why peace comes from focusing on what’s actually yours to hold. She’s joined by entrepreneur and designer Cira Wright-Childress of GoGo Lush for a candid conversation about moving through uncertainty, taking imperfect action and building a business that gives you time and freedom, not just revenue. Together, they unpack how to acknowledge fear without letting it stop you, why the best move is often to do it scared and how imperfect action accelerates learning. Cira shares how being an early adopter of platforms like TikTok and live shopping helped scale her brand, why content is a numbers game and how an MLM background taught resilience. Kamika closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Validate your experience so fear becomes data, not a verdict. Cira Wright‑Childress is the founder and designer of GoGo Lush, a jewelry brand she launched in 2011 to build a business that reflects her vision of success as a young Black woman. After starting in corporate at 22 and seeing a lack of representation, Cira turned a childhood passion for jewelry into a global design practice focused on joy, craftsmanship and economic independence. Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Laid Off and Unbothered
03/02/2026
Laid Off and Unbothered
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika Dillard opens the Fail Forward File with a reflection on control and what happens when you try to manage outcomes, timing, and other people’s opinions, and why peace only comes from focusing on what’s actually yours to hold. She’s joined by Brittany Dandy, Senior Integrated Producer and founder of Ode to Us Wellness, for a grounded conversation about navigating layoffs, negotiating severance, and protecting your self‑worth during career transitions. Together, they unpack what preparation really looks like: from financial readiness and multiple income streams to motherhood planning and building stability without panic. Kamika closes the episode with the S.A.V.E. Strategy, flipping the S from Support to Simplify. When life feels overwhelming, the work is to simplify your focus, energy, and expectations—asking Is this mine to control? Brittany Dandy is a Senior Integrated Producer and founder of Ode to Us Wellness, a femtech company focused on improving the perinatal experience for Black women and women of color. Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling, wellness, and culture while using media and design to reimagine care, visibility, and support. Instagram handle: @odetouswellness @brittanycdandy Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: https://blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen.... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackwomensaveblackwomen/ Interested in sharing your story, email us at info@blackwomenwillsaveblackwomen.com You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamikadillard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamikatdillard/ Substack: https://substack.com/@kamikadillard TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@missktdillard... Threads: https://www.threads.com/@kamikatdillard
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The Forced Pause: When Your Body Makes You Slow Down
02/26/2026
The Forced Pause: When Your Body Makes You Slow Down
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens this week’s Fail Forward File with a reflection on impatience, burnout, and what happens when Black women push past their limits instead of listening to their bodies. Kamika is joined in the sanctuary by Tanisha ‘Coach T’ Stewart, who shares how a near‑death experience during COVID reshaped her relationship with health, faith, and purpose. This ultimately lead to her to exit from corporate life into fitness and community‑centered wellness. Together, they explore what our bodies are trying to tell us, why health is often the first thing sacrificed during career transitions, and how to prioritize yourself with intention instead of pressure. The conversation also makes space for perimenopause and menopause, simple wellness habits that actually stick, and treating your body like your most valuable asset and not an afterthought. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Elevate—a reminder that choosing your health, honoring your limits, and slowing down is not falling behind. It’s leadership. Tanisha “Coach T” Stewart is the owner of Kid Fit LLC, Certified Menopause Coaching Specialist, NASM Personal Trainer, and the creator of Pray. Shed. Win! Coach T is passionate about helping women over 40 transform their bodies and lives while also teaching nearly 650 kids as a PE Specialist. She’s been a featured presenter at state conferences, nominated multiple times for Teacher of the Year, and brings unmatched energy to every stage she steps on. Connect with Coach T: FB: Instagram: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Name the Fear: When the Paycheck and Title Are Gone
02/23/2026
Name the Fear: When the Paycheck and Title Are Gone
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with a hard truth about her own journey. Dorsena Koonce joins Kamika in the sanctuary. An Emmy‑nominated storyteller and certified personal trainer, Dora opens up about being laid off and the multiple fears that have followed. As the conversation unfolds, the interview turns into a coaching moment, with Kamika helping Dora name the fear underneath her hesitation and perfectionism. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: A flip of E from Elevate to Eliminate: a call to eliminate habits, beliefs, and patterns that quietly sabotage your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Dora Koonce is an Emmy-nominated storyteller, certified personal trainer, and communications pro based in Cleveland. After more than a decade in broadcast journalism and earning her Master’s in Public Health, she’s blended media, movement, and mindset into her work helping people live stronger, more intentional lives. She’s the founder of DK Personal Training and the creator of “Leaders Who Train,” a social series that spotlights community builders who take care of their bodies as much as their mission. Instagram: TikTok: LinkedIn - Website - Facebook - Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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From Federal Job to Financial Freedom
02/19/2026
From Federal Job to Financial Freedom
What happens when your federal job disappears and you have to rebuild your finances from scratch? In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika explores boundaries, burnout, and the real path from a federal career to financial freedom with Jodi‑Kaye Wade. She opens the Fail Forward File with a reflection on what it costs when you ignore your own limits and why boundaries only work when you enforce them. Together, Kamika and Jodi- Kayre unpack what it looks like to rebuild after job loss, navigate pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and create financial stability on new terms by covering multiple income streams, credit repair, and pursuing homeownership with clarity instead of fear.The episode closes with the S.A.V.E. Strategy, centering the V on Vitality: a reminder that rest, energy protection, and holistic well‑being are not rewards, but requirements. Jodi-Kaye Wade is a financial coach, mortgage loan officer, and Founder & CEO of Reliance Financial Solutions, where she helps clients repair credit, become mortgage-ready, and build generational wealth with intention—especially those who’ve been told “no” before. A licensed Mortgage Loan Officer serving DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Florida, she specializes in guiding first-time homebuyers, investors, and busy professionals through the loan process with clarity and strategy. With over a decade of experience leading global economic development initiatives across Africa, Jodi-Kaye brings a justice-centered, practical approach to money, homeownership, and financial power. Social Media: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Websites: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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The Feedback You Owe Yourself
02/16/2026
The Feedback You Owe Yourself
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika Dillard opens this week’s Fail Forward File with a real conversation about feedback and what happens when you receive too much of it, from too many directions, all at once. Kamika is joined in the sanctuary by Alyceson‑Grace Eke, also known as The ECON Queen, and midway through their discussion, Kamika’s Natasha Wig that she is wearing seems to activate her coaching powers. What follows is less of a traditional interview and more of a real‑time coaching moment rooted in clarity, honesty, and care. Alyceson‑Grace shares her journey after being laid off from what she believed was her dream role, choosing rest, faith, and obedience over rushing back into familiarity. She opens up about building The ECON Queen, navigating slow seasons in business and trusting God’s timing. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Support: a reminder that entrepreneurship is not a solo act. Alyceson‑Grace Eke, also known as The ECON Queen, is an educator committed to expanding access to academic and financial education across all ages and life stages. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of North Texas with a degree in Business Economics, she brings excellence, clarity, and intention to every space she serves. Socials: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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The Climb Is Bigger Than the Job: Accountability, Survival, and Starting Again
02/12/2026
The Climb Is Bigger Than the Job: Accountability, Survival, and Starting Again
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File with an analogous reflection on Mount Everest and the truth that reaching the summit means knowing when to slow down, ask for help, or take a different route. She’s joined in the sanctuary by Pamela Nanton, a fashion industry veteran and 20‑year breast cancer survivor, who shares how she made peace with taking a few steps down in title and level to secure her next opportunity while still honoring her long‑term vision and pursuing her entrepreneurial work. Pamela talks candidly about layoffs, relocation, and choosing sustainability over ego in a cutthroat industry. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy flips the A to Accountability: a reminder that accountability is the rope that keeps us connected on the climb, especially when the path forward requires humility, honesty, and trust. Pamela Nanton is a fashion industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, first inspired by her mother’s love of sewing while growing up in Dallas, Texas. A 20‑year breast cancer survivor, Pamela carries a perspective shaped by resilience and a simple truth she lives by: don’t sweat the small stuff. Her journey has taken her across the country, through seasons of healing, creativity, and partnership. She and her husband have been married for 12 years and have shared both life and work along the way. Socials/ Business Handles: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Six Layoffs Later…
02/09/2026
Six Layoffs Later…
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika Dillard opens the Fail Forward File by naming an outdated work ethic she built earlier in life that no longer serves her in this season. She reflects on the danger of half‑ass doing life while expecting million‑dollar results and the responsibility that comes with wanting more without honoring the work, rest, and intention required to sustain it. Kamika is joined by Chimere Brown, who shares her experience navigating six layoffs across tech and pharma, including the road trip she took after her most recent one to rest, reflect, and reconnect with herself. Chimere opens up about the emotional toll of repeated disruption, the importance of movement and community, and how this season led her to launch Crossroads + Callings: a podcast rooted in testimony, transition, and reminding people they are not alone on the other side of loss. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Elevate: an invitation to level up how you care for yourself, not through hustle or status, but through intention, nourishment, and choosing yourself first. Chimere Brown, MBA, PMP, is a seasoned leader with over 13 years of experience driving digital transformation, AI integration, and operational excellence across technology and pharmaceuticals. She has led strategic initiatives for companies including Salesforce, CareerBuilder, and Biogen, blending executional rigor with thoughtful leadership. Chimere is also the host of the Crossroads + Callings Podcast, where she explores stories of pivot, purpose, and navigating life’s major transitions. Her work is rooted in service, with ongoing volunteer leadership through organizations like Chicago Scholars and Project SYNCERE. Social Media Handles: Instagram: TikTok: Apple: Youtube: Pocket Casts: Spotify: Overcast: Substack: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Productivity, Pressure, and the Power of Play: Escaping Corporate Burnout
02/05/2026
Productivity, Pressure, and the Power of Play: Escaping Corporate Burnout
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika Dillard opens the Fail Forward File by naming a familiar trap: overextending, ignoring boundaries, and mistaking someone else’s urgency for her own. She reflects on slowing down, honoring rest, and treating winter as a season for intentional movement instead of constant productivity. Joined by Dr. Aja King, the conversation in the sanctuary dives into corporate burnout for Black women, especially in predominantly white workplaces. Dr. King challenges the myth of working twice as hard for equality and unpacks how overwork, layoffs, and productivity culture disconnect Black women from their worth. Together, they explore how to cope with job loss, reclaim rest, build community, and protect creativity—whether you’re navigating a layoff or still employed. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy, flipping the E from Elevate to Enforce: a reminder to enforce your boundaries, honor rest, and move at your own pace. Dr. Aja King is a licensed professional clinical counselor and founder of Brave Defiance Consulting. She helps high-performing professionals who are burned out and lonely reconnect with themselves and others without abandoning their ambition. She’s also the creator of Lioness Den of Self-Love, a Skool community focused on rest, emotional honesty, and healing beyond survival mode. Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Pregnancy, a Pink Slip, and a Pivot
02/02/2026
Pregnancy, a Pink Slip, and a Pivot
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by introducing the E.V.O.L.V.E. framework: a reminder that resetting doesn’t work if you don’t address the reason a reset feels necessary. She challenges the urge to start over without reflection and invites listeners to choose evolution instead. Kamika is joined in the sanctuary by Alexis Watts, founder and CEO of A Watts Collective, who shares her journey through a high‑risk pregnancy, a NICU stay, and the emotional fallout of being let go from corporate America. Alexis reflects on grief, misplaced loyalty, and the moment she realized corporate is not family, before stepping into the pivot that led her to entrepreneurship. She walks us through stopping the job search, accepting support, working for free to build systems, and leaning on years of networking to launch her agency with zero funding and a newborn—showing how consistency, kindness, and vision can turn disruption into direction. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Support & Amplify—a reminder to support yourself by telling your story and letting your evolution be seen. Alexis Watts is the Founder & CEO of A.Watts Collective, a Colorado-based marketing and PR agency known for its boots-on-the-ground approach and powerhouse brand strategy. After returning from maternity leave following a high-risk pregnancy, Alexis was unexpectedly let go — a moment that changed everything. Instead of breaking her, it became the catalyst for her greatest transformation. Within months, she launched A.Watts Collective with zero funding and a newborn at home. Today, her agency has grown into a fast-scaling firm serving franchises, hospitality brands, business districts, and attractions across the region. Known by many as the “Kris Jenner of Marketing,” Alexis is celebrated for her ability to elevate businesses and create opportunity wherever she goes. Connect with Alexis: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Use Your Voice: Why Black Women Must Keep Pivoting
01/29/2026
Use Your Voice: Why Black Women Must Keep Pivoting
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by naming the power of using your voice especially in seasons of uncertainty, layoffs, and forced pivots. She reflects on why silence costs Black women more than speaking up and how telling the truth becomes a strategy for survival. She’s joined by Nikki Free, journalist, cultural commentator, and creator of 92 Seconds of News with Nikki Free. Nikki shares the story behind the viral 92% image, her journey through multiple career pivots, and why Black women must keep reimagining work beyond corporate America. Together, they unpack layoffs, capitalism, confidence, and the importance of building income streams that honor your expertise and your life. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Elevate: a call to elevate your voice, your value, and your vision as you move forward with intention. Nikki Free is a cultural force blending bold fashion, unapologetic truth‑telling, and sharp political commentary. With over 30 years in journalism and communications, she’s the creator of 92 Seconds of News with Nikki Free and the viral 92% image that captured Black women’s collective exhaustion and clarity after the 2024 election. Through her platforms and her 200K‑strong Freehive community, Nikki centers Black women over 40—championing confidence, cultural critique, and the freedom to live fully, loudly, and unapologetically. Connect with Nikki Free: Instagram: YouTube: TikTok: Facebook: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Everything Happens for a Reason
01/26/2026
Everything Happens for a Reason
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by unpacking ghosting as a professional habit—and why choosing silence over conversation can be a missed opportunity for growth. She reflects on accountability, respect for time, and what it really means to fail forward. She’s joined in the sanctuary by Lynese Rawlins, a longtime HR professional who shares how a layoff led her into a season of rest, spiritual grounding, and entrepreneurship. Lenise walks us through launching Roots to Press, her New Jersey‑based cold‑pressed juice and sea moss brand, building community through intention, and navigating both financial preparation and uncertainty. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Elevate—a reminder that rejection doesn’t define you. It refines you. Every no is a stepping stone to what’s next. Lynese Rawlins, a seasoned HR professional with over 9 years of experience in people strategy, leadership development, and building high-performing, heart centered cultures. After nearly a decade helping teams and executives thrive, Lynese took a leap of faith turning her passion for wellness into her purpose. She is now the founder and CEO of Roots to Press, a New Jersey based cold-pressed juice/sea moss and wellness brand inspiring others to live healthier, more intentional lives one bottle at a time. Lynese is a proud dog mom, avid fitness queen and entrepreneur, who’s learning to balance business ownership, family, and self-care, all while staying deeply grounded in her faith and community. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and rooted purpose & proof that it’s never too late to pivot, pour into yourself, and press forward. LinkedIn: Business Page: Personal Page: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Coaching Through Chaos
01/22/2026
Coaching Through Chaos
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by naming her own pattern of over‑giving and why choosing herself is the foundation of sustainable success for Black women entrepreneurs and leaders. She’s joined by Dr. Carla Michelle- executive coach, business psychologist, and founder of CM Coaching & Consulting—for a powerful conversation on coaching through chaos, confidence, identity, leadership development, and navigating career pivots. Dr. Michelle breaks down the difference between therapy and coaching, why Black women need executive coaching, and how to move through layoffs, reinvention, and self‑doubt with strategy and self‑belief. Kamika closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Flipping the V from validate to Voice: an invitation to speak up where you’ve been silent and remember that confidence grows in the sound of your own voice rising after failure. Dr. Carla Michelle is the Founder and CEO of CM Coaching & Consulting Services and an executive coach, business psychologist, psychotherapist, and author with over two decades of experience working with high-performing men and women across industries and leadership levels. She is known for working at the intersection of confidence, identity, and power—supporting leaders who are accomplished externally while navigating complexity beneath the surface. Holding a doctorate in Business Psychology, Dr. Carla blends academic rigor with real-world application to help leaders elevate confidence, strengthen self-leadership, and align who they are with how they lead, both personally and professionally. She is the author of The S.T.R.O.N.G. Woman’s Playbook, The Free Woman: How to Live Free Everyday, and Confidence Without A Chaser: Real Stories and Strategies for Building Unshakable Confidence in Leadership, Love, and Life. She also hosts The STRONG Network Podcast, where she advances self-leadership as a practical discipline for clarity and meaningful impact. Email: Website: Instagram: Tiktok: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Fractional Freedom, Woo‑Woo Wisdom
01/19/2026
Fractional Freedom, Woo‑Woo Wisdom
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by reflecting on the year of the snake and an exciting year of the fire horse cohort that will be offered through Fail Forward Coaching. She’s joined in the sanctuary by Lakshmia Marie, seasoned consultant and founder of Refurb Consulting, who shares how an unexpected layoff became the catalyst for a fully aligned pivot into fractional consulting. Lakshmia breaks down the realities of stepping into fractional work, landing her first $50K contract, building a business model rooted in freedom, and embracing her boundaries as a strategic advantage. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Supporting yourself through Radical Self‑Belief: a reminder that self‑support, daily affirmations, and grounding rituals are essential tools for navigating reinvention with clarity and confidence. Lakshmia Marie is a seasoned consultant with 15+ years of experience building and scaling companies. Following a transition in 2024, she leveraged her deep operational expertise to launch ReFerb Consulting, where she serves as a fractional consultant. She specializes in helping B2B SaaS companies solve critical growth and retention problems, focusing on strategies that deliver immediate, measurable results and sustainable profitability. Websites that are mentioned during the episode: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Failure Wasn't an Option
01/15/2026
Failure Wasn't an Option
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika opens the Fail Forward File by reflecting on career pivots, delayed wins, and learning to trust your value beyond immediate results. She’s joined in the sanctuary by Tamara Keller, Co‑Founding Partner and COO of The Sax Agency, who shares her path from engineering and consulting to building a culturally impactful marketing agency. Tamara discusses the realities of early entrepreneurship, taking years to reach revenue milestones, and why knowing your worth—and building the right foundation—matters. The episode closes with this week’s S.A.V.E. Strategy: Validate—a reminder to affirm your journey, your skills, and your progress, even when growth feels slow. Tamara Keller is a strategic force in branding, marketing, and cultural engagement. As Co-Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of The Sax Agency, she leads with purpose—crafting integrated campaigns that sit at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and social impact. With deep expertise spanning industries from entertainment and higher education to government and nonprofits, Tamara builds consumer-centric marketing initiatives that drive measurable growth while honoring the cultural nuances of the communities they serve. Trained as both an engineer and financial strategist, Tamara brings a rare combination of analytical precision and creative vision to her work. Her approach transforms business challenges into opportunities for innovation, advocacy, and connection—making her a sought-after leader for brands looking to align mission with market. At the heart of her work is a steadfast belief that marketing is not just about visibility, but about building trust, belonging, and sustainable impact. A champion of equity and access, Tamara has dedicated her career to uplifting underserved communities—both through her client work and through board service with organizations focused on mental health, education, and economic opportunity. Her leadership is grounded in process, driven by purpose, and inspired by people. Business/ Socials: Instagram: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Trust Your Gut
01/12/2026
Trust Your Gut
This week on Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika reflects on the pressure of watching podcast numbers and learning to trust impact over metrics. A reminder from her personal “board of directors” reframes everything: helping one person is enough. We’re joined by Jaiyla “Binz” Robinson, founder Enforme Reiki, who shares her journey through an unexpected layoff, financial survival, and choosing consistency while building her healing practice rooted in womb and sacral energy Reiki. Our S.A.V.E. Strategy for the week focuses on Amplify—releasing perfectionism, sharing your work in progress, and trusting that your voice matters now. Jaiyla, also known as Binz, is the owner of en Forme Reiki and a practicing Reiki healer currently training to become a Full Spectrum Doula. Her journey into energy work began after struggling for years with severe menstrual pain, which led her to explore holistic healing beyond medication. That experience sparked a deeper mission to support Black women, non-binary people, and anyone with a womb in reconnecting with their bodies and their own healing energy. Through en Forme Reiki, she focuses on Womb & Sacral Energy Reiki to support hormonal balance, emotional release, and creative flow, while also offering full-body and distance sessions for grounding and renewal. As she completes her doula training, she aims to blend Reiki with birth work to provide calming, restorative care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Website: Business Instagram: Linktree: LinkedIn Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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The Next Harlem Renaissance
01/07/2026
The Next Harlem Renaissance
Kamika sits down with Vanity Jenkins of Shifted Consulting to break down the real steps Black women can take after a layoff or major career shift. Vanity breaks down why so many of us are turning to entrepreneurship, the real financial trade‑offs that come with it, and the freedom it offers beyond corporate politics. She urges Black women to give themselves grace, feel their feelings fully, and rebuild from the intersection of what they’re good at and what they love. No Fail Forward File this week but we do focus on support in our S.A.V.E. strategy and what it looks like it when trying to figure out your next steps. Vanity Jenkins is the founder and principal consultant of ShiftED Consulting, bringing over 20 years of experience advising nonprofits, school and district leaders, charter networks, and companies on learning and development. She has trained more than 3,000 principals, executives, and teams nationwide, with work rooted in culturally relevant leadership and organizational equity. A values‑driven, inclusive leader, her teams consistently ranked in the top 10% on the national Great Places to Work Survey. Vanity holds certifications in Women’s Leadership, Restorative Justice, and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy. Socials: Instagram: Facebook: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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It’s In God’s Hands Now
01/04/2026
It’s In God’s Hands Now
In this week’s episode, Kamika gets real about never leaving a job voluntarily in this week’s Fail Forward File. Despite the involuntary exits, every experience became a divine level up. We are joined in the sanctuary with Dr. Marissa Robinson who shares her own RIF experience, the chaos of a shifting administration, and why “resilience” isn’t the compliment people think it is. ADHD detours included, but the message stays clear: there’s no one right way to rebuild, and resourcefulness looks different on every Black woman. Our S.A.V.E. Strategy for the week focuses on Elevating yourself. “Dr. Marissa Robinson is the Founder of Real Health Impact, LLC, where she leads equity‑driven strategies in infectious disease and public health. She also teaches at George Washington University, shaping the next generation of public health leaders. Previously, she advanced national priorities at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on vaccines, HIV/AIDS, and reducing disparities. Beyond her work, she brings joy and community through dance, and loves exploring new restaurants with her husband and their corgi, Pump. LinkedIn: Business Website: Social Media Handles Instagram: Tiktok: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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No Happy Holidays: When the Season Just Feels Heavy
12/19/2025
No Happy Holidays: When the Season Just Feels Heavy
Trigger Warning: This episode includes open discussion of depression, isolation, and thoughts of self‑harm. Please listen with care and take breaks if you need to. The holidays aren’t always merry — and for many Black women, this season can feel especially heavy. In this powerful special episode, host Kamika Dillard opens up about her own journey through job loss, isolation, and the dark thoughts that followed. She shares the hard‑won lesson from her Fail Forward File: shame and silence can pull you inward, but healing requires connection. We don’t heal alone. We heal together. Kamika is joined by Dr. Loren M. Hill, a licensed clinical psychologist, who offers grounded, compassionate strategies for navigating mental health, financial strain, and the pressure to “perform joy” during the holidays. If you or someone you know is in crisis, free and confidential support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Dr. Loren M. Hill is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Acclivity, bringing 30+ years of expertise in mental health, trauma, and strategic career development. She hosts Your Strategist Is In, a podcast centered on navigating success and well‑being, especially for Black women and first‑gen professionals. Loren's Social Media & Business Handles Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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My Good Government Job
12/10/2025
My Good Government Job
In this episode of Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women, Kamika shares a Fail Forward File about almost signing up for a marathon—until her line sister set her straight. She sits down with Kiona Owens to unpack what it means to lose a “good government job” and how she’s navigating her next steps. This week’s Save Strategy centers on the V: Validation—reminding us that it’s more than okay to rest. Because let’s be real: Team No Sleep is wack, especially in your 40s. Kiona Owens is a Cultural Diplomat, Strategic Advisor, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Executive committed to advancing inclusive innovation across Africa and the diaspora. Formerly the Senior DEIA Advisor and Cultural Diplomat to Africa at the U.S. Agency for International Development, she transformed her 2024–2025 federal layoff into a platform for legacy by founding the Global Beauty & Innovation Exchange (GBIE). GBIE bridges Africa’s creative economy and the diaspora through inclusive beauty, STEAM-based cosmetic science education, and cross-border partnerships that empower underrepresented founders. Through her work, Kiona blends diplomacy, creativity, and systems thinking to expand equity and ownership in global markets. LinkedIn: Website: Personal Instagram: Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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Intersectionality in Real Life: Loss, Love, and ADHD
12/07/2025
Intersectionality in Real Life: Loss, Love, and ADHD
Kamika Expresses her honest opinion a lot this episode (if we are being honest lol). She gets real about anxiety in this week’s Fail Forward File. This week’s guest Lauren Pan (LP) shares how job loss turned into unexpected gains in love and family support. Together they dive into intersectionality: Blackness, women, queer, religion, disability and wrap up with LP’s business Houstory will change the way we rent moving forward. We wrap the with a S.A.V.E. Strategy reminding us that supporting friends is simple but powerful. About Lauren Pan (LP) LP—Lauren Pan—is The Intentional Leader, Founder of Houstory, and a champion of authenticity. With over a decade in strategic HR and team building, she’s committed to dismantling insecurity in organizations and creating transparency in housing. Through Houstory, she proves that leading with your whole self isn’t just ethical—it’s a strategy for equity and impact. Subscribe to Black Women S.A.V.E. Black Women on YouTube and Instagram. Share this episode with a sister who needs it, and join the movement to amplify our stories. Visit our website: Instagram: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: Interested in sharing your story, email us at You can find Kamika at: LinkedIn: Instagram: Substack: TikTok: Threads:
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