In this episode of Prepare for Takeoff, host Terry L. Cyrus sits down with Dr. Brandon Frame, author, professor, Founder & CEO of The Black Man Can Foundation, Inc. He shares his journey from Connecticut to Morehouse College and his path through education, nonprofit leadership and academia. Dr. Frame discusses how his lived experiences and passion for positive representation of Black men and boys led him to build a nonprofit focused on social emotional learning, mentorship and entrepreneurship. He also details his role as a professor of social emotional learning at Sacred Heart University. Dr. Frame opens up about his unlikely and nontraditional path to earning his doctorate, the obstacles he faced and how persistence, community and purpose guided his journey. The conversation highlights the power of storytelling, education and service, reminding viewers and listeners that staying committed to the vision helps you Prepare For Takeoff.

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In this episode of Prepare For Takeoff, Terry L. Cyrus interviews Tishawa Howard, author, financial advisor and Regional Vice President at PFS Investments. She shares her journey from growing up in Miami to building a successful career in financial services. A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a graduate of West Virginia State University, Tishawa reflects on her nearly decade long career as an IRS Field Agent and how it shaped her passion for financial literacy and community empowerment. She speaks candidly about building a business as a single mother and the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people. She also emphasizes taking ownership of your financial future. Tishawa highlights the seventh year of her Convergence Empowerment Conference and her book, both created to help others overcome self imposed barriers, walk in faith and pursue their dreams as they Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Podcast Setup

00:18 - Tishawa Howard's Background and Early Life

03:11 - Transition from Miami to West Virginia

04:32 - Sorority Life and College Experience

06:06 - Career Beginnings with the IRS

08:21 - Life as an IRS Field Agent

11:11 - Transitioning from IRS to Financial Services

15:14 - Building a Financial Advisory Career

18:35 - Faith and Perseverance in Business

19:30 - The Power of Perseverance

19:58 - Financial Literacy and Community Empowerment

22:27 - Building a Strong Financial Foundation

25:46 - The Importance of Supporting Each Other

28:45 - The Convergence Empowerment Conference

33:30 - Becoming an Author and Sharing Your Journey

38:18 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

42:36 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

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In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Howard C. Stevenson, Director of the Resilience Empowerment Collaborative and Constance Clayton Professor of Urban Education at the University of Pennsylvania, shares his journey from Delaware to becoming a national leader in racial literacy and community healing. He explains how barbershops can serve as powerful therapeutic spaces for Black men. He speaks to the importance of preparing children for racial challenges and the lasting impact of trauma on mental and physical health. Dr. Stevenson also highlights the mission of Lion’s Story, the nonprofit he co-founded to help communities build racial literacy, reduce identity based stress and reclaim their own stories. He shows how community, healing and joy can strengthen our resilience as we Prepare For Takeoff.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Black Excellence and Community Healing

01:05 - Growing Up in Delaware: Cultural Roots and Family Dynamics

03:30 - Sports as a Pathway: From Soccer to Higher Education

05:14 - Innovative Healing: The Role of Barbershops in Mental Health

08:53 - Navigating Race: Experiences from the East Coast to the West Coast

11:21 - Returning to the Community: The Importance of Family Therapy

13:56 - Giving Back: The Responsibility of Success

14:31 - The Changing Landscape of Faith and Community Engagement

21:43 - Racial Socialization: Preparing the Next Generation for Challenges

24:08 - Understanding Racial Conundrums in Healthcare

24:42 - Navigating Challenges in DEI Initiatives

25:36 - The Importance of Healing Strategies

27:06 - Collaborative Efforts for Change

28:01 - Black Excellence Across Various Fields

29:59 - Empowering Individuals to Pursue Their Purpose

30:22 - Community-Based Interventions for Youth

34:16 - The Role of Nonprofits in Healing

36:52 - Addressing Black Trauma and Its Impacts

43:35 - Preparing for Takeoff: Key Takeaways

46:43 - Prepare For Takeoff Closing

The future of business is yours to shape. Sign up for a free Shopify trial by clicking our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shopify.pxf.io/55LGnj⁠⁠.

Start recording like a pro with Riverside, click our Prepare For Takeoff affiliate link ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://riverside.sjv.io/jeVZYP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started.