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2020 – a pivotal year marked by George Floyd's tragic murder and the global pandemic's disproportionate impact on distressed communities. As the world grappled with these challenges, the demand for social justice reverberated across various sectors, prompting organizations to reassess their approach to social impact. In this insightful episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY," hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha have an inspiring conversation is Michael Houston, the CEO and founder of Mythix Sound Design and Director of Social Impact at Arnold Worldwide. Michael shares his remarkable journey from music production to advocating for social change within the corporate realm. Despite facing challenges as a marginalized individual at the beginning of his career, Michael found solace and encouragement at Arnold, where he’s empowered to utilize his advocacy skills with gusto. However, getting to where he is now required the courage to quit a prior job that delivered more harm than growth. And it also required an attitude of being open to exploring opportunities that presented themselves, including entrepreneurship, with a collaborative spirit. Michael emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in fostering spaces for social impact. He highlights the transformative (not performative) initiatives he’s created and led with his team and the significance of grace and empathy while at work, particularly during tumultuous times like the pandemic. As he shares his lived experiences as a person of color who is part of the LGBTQ+ community he stresses the necessity of finding supportive communities, embracing intersectionality, and committing to personal growth through ongoing conversations about diversity and inclusion. It becomes evident as Michael’s story unfolds, that leading with genuineness not only opens doors but also fosters meaningful connections that drive positive change. He delivers a powerful message: in a world yearning for social impact, authenticity is the catalyst for creating lasting and meaningful transformation. #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast

When you lean into culturally sound content creation with heart, people will show up to support you. In this episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY," Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero sit down with Marky Marcano, the Founder and CEO of The Marky Marcano Productions and MMTV Studios to talk about how staying true to our roots and understanding audience preferences inform the continuous development of content…successfully.  Marky's journey as a Producer, TV Host, and culturally mindful Content Creator has been nothing short of remarkable. His stewardship of culture and tradition, as well as his impact as a Puerto Rican in the diaspora, has earned him the affection of loyal fans. “Even though I live in Florida, every time I visit Puerto Rico and I’m interviewed, my friends and relatives in my hometown knock on each other’s doors to make sure they tune in to see me on TV. Having that kind of support is priceless and very humbling,” Marky shares. With over 14 years of experience, Marky has seamlessly transitioned from his early days in radio to embracing digital technology and podcasting in recent years. His dedication to his craft has earned him prestigious recognitions in his native Puerto Rico such as the Premios Paoli Award, among others. Every Monday, without fail, Marky broadcasts the Marky Marcano Show LIVE, showcasing his persistence, genuine love for community, and unwavering self-confidence. He just recently reached a major milestone –producing his 500th show. He marvels, “Imagine that! I started using my cell phone to create content. It was very hard to start, but now I have this platform to do what I love and share it with others.” Despite his global reach and success, Marky remains grounded in his culture and values. A champion of new talent, he opens doors and his generous collaborations with fellow creators is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance in achieving success while staying true to one's humanity. He’s a fervent advocate for social causes and the arts, using his platform to invite the community into meaningful discussions and always ensuring to present a positive spin on trending topics to empower the Latino community. #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #MarkyMarcano #TheMarkyMarcanoShow #CulturallyRelevant #ContentCreation

🎙️ Coming Soon: Issues2Impact Chris Majocha and I want to make an exciting announcement! We'll be teaming up with our esteemed colleagues and friends, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel and Valerie Solomon on launching a brand new venture that's set to make waves in the community! Join us as we introduce " Issues2Impact," a spin-off podcast where we will tackle real-world challenges head-on. In this special episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY," we dive deep into the purpose and goals of " Issues2Impact." Together, we'll be leveraging our collective expertise in nonprofit consulting, content creation, leadership development, and business to provide invaluable guidance to founders, professionals, and leaders who are eager to make a positive impact in their communities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to address recurring issues, offer solutions, and create a supportive community of like-minded individuals who are committed to driving change. Whether it's overcoming obstacles in business, navigating organizational challenges, or finding innovative ways to drive social impact, we're here to lend our expertise and support every step of the way. NOTE: Here’s an open invitation to anyone facing a challenge in the work they do. You can simply DM any one of us and we can schedule you as a guest. Let us be your expert sounding board! What sets "Issues2Impact" apart is our genuine commitment to fostering collaboration and open-mindedness. We're not just here to talk – we're here to take action and create meaningful change by helping leaders address the issues that keep them from moving forward with their impact. From engaging the community and fundraising to encouraging real, honest dialogue, our new podcast will serve as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for all who tune in. So, if you're ready to join us on this incredible journey of growth, learning, and impact, check out the specs of what we plan to do in "Issues2Impact." Together, we'll turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. We can make a difference, one issue at a time. #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #Issues2Impact #newpodcast

Accentism is a thing…a discriminatory or unfair treatment centered on a person’s accent or use of a language. It can represent a barrier to many, but not for Ana Carolina Salazar. To her, it’s an advantage. In this episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY" Chris Majocha and I sit down with the Founder and CEO of BOLD Digital + Hispanic Marketing Agency and as we dive into her inspiring journey of moving to the U.S. from Venezuela as a teenager, not knowing the language, and navigating the challenges of adapting to a new life in a new culture with a new family…well, let’s just say we quickly agree that Ana is no pushover. Ana opens up about the emotional experience of losing her mother, and how she and her sister came to the U.S. to live with their father, who had remarried. As an English language learner, Ana recounts both funny and challenging anecdotes that shaped her early days in the United States. Despite the initial struggles, Ana now commands English fluently and has been recognized for her outstanding work as a Latina entrepreneur. Last year, Ana decided to launch her own podcast, "Hablamos Spanglish," where she explores the personal journeys of people who like her, have been oftentimes challenged by how they are perceived and who have bulldozed their way through obstacles that try to get in the way. She not only celebrates her culture and its diverse voices, showcasing the evolution of her accent from a perceived weakness into a strength – her podcast now expands into English, connecting even more souls with the shared story of resilience, passion, and victory! #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #HabamosSpanglish #Accentism #Grit

Hey there, FAMILIA! This is a biggie. We just recorded a special milestone episode of our award-winning podcast "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY." Can you believe it's our fifth year already? Time truly flies when you're engaged in meaningful conversations. As we kick off this anniversary celebration, I've got someone special joining me – none other than my incredible co-producer and now co-host, Chris Majocha. Yes, you heard it right! Chris will be stepping into the limelight as we embark on this new chapter together. Let me take you down memory lane for a moment. Chris and I crossed paths during a board meeting at an arts organization. I was passionately advocating for historically excluded communities, and it seems my unapologetic stance caught Chris's attention. We share all the juicy details of our first encounter and how a lunch invitation followed. Little did we know that encounter would blossom into a profound and loving friendship that feels like family. Fast forward to the Spring of 2018, and together, we launched "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY." Over the years, we've been honored to host guests from incredibly diverse backgrounds, bringing you unfiltered opinions and raw authenticity. To mark this milestone, Chris and I decided to give the podcast a facelift and, in a moment of spontaneity, we decided to "renew our vows" on air. The result? Well, let's just say it took Chris by surprise, and our ad-libbed moment turned out to be both funny and heartfelt. So, without further ado, welcome to "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY" – where we promise to deliver genuine conversations about real issues. If you're tired of the same old canned answers, you've landed in the right spot. Buckle up for a rollercoaster of diverse perspectives. Join us as we dive headfirst into topics that impact our lives daily – from the boardrooms to the streets. Get ready to hear real people cut through the B.S. and deliver the discussions you've been waiting for. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Here's to many more years of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY"! #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast

I met him at a recent business networking event and was immediately attracted by his energy…everyone is. He’s a people magnet because he loves us all. In this insightful episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, I have a conversation with Dr. Gary Montoute, affectionately known as Dr. G, a trailblazer in the field of IT with a passion for human-centered leadership. In a world often perceived as data-driven and sterile, Dr. G has carved a path that puts people at the forefront of success. For him, nurturing people is at the heart of IT. Dr. G shares his journey of transforming workplace environments into hubs that invest in the development of individuals. His current triumph is building the most diverse team in his company, proving that inclusivity is not only a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. He believes that human-centered leadership begins with a profound ability to listen—with an open mind and heart. He dives into the significance of introspection and the impact of self-reflection in contributing to a better society that benefits everyone. One key takeaway is the profound significance of removing judgment from the act of listening. Dr. G emphasizes that true human-centered leadership begins with a non-judgmental approach to understanding others. By setting aside preconceived notions and biases, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with those around us. Dr. G encourages listeners to cultivate genuine curiosity and empathy, fostering an environment where individuals can express themselves authentically. In removing judgment from the listening process, we not only enhance our understanding of diverse perspectives but also contribute to the creation of inclusive spaces where every voice is valued. It's a transformative mindset that Dr. G believes is essential for building stronger, more harmonious relationships in both professional and personal spheres. Mentorship and meditation, according to Dr. G, are also integral components of human-centered leadership. They create spaces for individuals to comprehend one another and, equally crucial, to understand themselves. As we approach the close of the year and the dawn of 2024, Dr. G's insights couldn't be more timely, especially in the context of the ongoing global challenges and the upcoming U.S. general elections, proving that leadership rooted in humanity has the potential to shape a brighter future for us all.

In the intricate landscape of business ecosystems, a myriad of challenges often prevails—from oppressive rhetoric to limited opportunities, inhumane personalities, and a pervasive culture of fear. Yet, amidst this, there are beacons of change and transformative leadership. In this episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY," I have a profound conversation with Deloria Nelson-Streete, a luminary in the realm of human resources, diversity and inclusion, and employee relations. With a wealth of experience spanning over 20 years, Deloria is not just the Founder of ACE Solutions; she is a fervent advocate for authentic, creative, and effective workforce transformation. The focal point of our discussion revolves around her exceptional ability to consistently lead with love—a quality that stands as a potent antidote to the oppressive rhetoric, draconian policies, inhumane personalities, and the pervasive culture of fear that often plagues business environments. Deloria underscores the importance of fostering a sense of belonging in the workplace by embracing the mantra "Come as you are." She emphasizes the risk inherent in stifling individuals from being their authentic selves, asserting that professionalism is rooted in behavior rather than superficial attributes. "Being professional is about behaviors," Deloria asserts, challenging the conventional notions that perpetuate barriers based on appearances, beliefs, and social markers. We discuss the impending transition to a new global majority in U.S. demographics, and the natural evolution in workplace dynamics as individuals from collective societies, where decisions are made for the benefit of the entire group, assume more prominent roles. This will herald an era of increased empathy, compassion, respect, and caring—emanating from the core tenet of love. Acknowledging the inherent challenges of navigating close proximity with those holding opposing values, I candidly confess my struggle to Deloria. In response, she offers a profound perspective, encouraging the consideration that aspects of love, particularly respect for human dignity and grace, can be demonstrated from a distance. Establishing healthy boundaries, she asserts, becomes an act of love—to oneself and to others kept at bay to circumvent conflict. Through Deloria’s insights, we glimpse a future where love becomes the cornerstone of workplace culture—a powerful force dismantling oppressive structures and nurturing an environment where authenticity, respect, and compassion flourish.

What started as a chance meeting at a wedding where she was tearing up the dance floor turned into a revelation about the lack of true representation in scientific research environments. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, my guest and now friend, Dr. Alex de Verteuil shares her journey from the vibrant diversity of South Florida to the less diverse landscape of Oregon where she pursued her Doctorate in Genetics. This inspiring and enlightening conversation with an Afro-Latina geneticist who's breaking down barriers in the scientific realm delves into the critical topic of representation in STEM careers and why it matters. Driven by her experiences, Alex passionately discusses how systemic design, historically exemplified by events like the Three-Fifths Compromise of 1787, has perpetuated exclusion in scientific research. She emphasizes the impact of this exclusion on decisions that influence crucial aspects of our lives, such as health care. We explore the importance of diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry and decision-making. Alex advocates for a space where questions are asked about the composition of decision-making groups, fostering a collaborative environment that considers a broad range of perspectives. "We are now more open to ask questions such as, 'Are the right people here to make this decision?', which leads to informed decision-making because we create a space where we can explore diverse viewpoints together," shared Alex. She gives credit where credit is due for advancements that help people thanks to scientific research of years past. However, Alex also recognizes that it will take a lot more collaborative work to discover things that factor in missing data by bringing historically excluded populations into the fold (NOTE: Many claims supported by scientific research are void of true representation and are incomplete at best). This thought-provoking conversation highlights the transformative power of representation in shaping the future of science for the benefit of all humanity.

“The real question is are you positioned now to be work optional later?”, was the question Michelle Gordon, Founder and CEO of Investably posed that hit me like a brick on the forehead in this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY. When I shared my desire to continue to work only on passion projects and advocacy when I reach retirement age, she explained that I can do that as long as I fully understand what I have to work with now and learn how to protect and build upon it. As a mom and business owner who identifies as Latina, Michelle launched Investably, a registered investment advisory firm to help women-led households with financial planning and investment management after working 18 years in the Corporate sector. “Working in Wall Street, I realized that there was a need for guidance among women who look like me on how to be purposeful, strategic, and tax-efficient with their money,” Michelle states. “The end goal is to shift from working for the money and to get the money to work for you, and that requires knowing how the system works,” she adds. Michelle grew up under the watchful eye of her hard-working immigrant parents. She understands firsthand what it means to not have the benefits of generational wealth, of passed-down knowledge, and objective advice on financial planning and investments. So, she became 'that' teenager who created cashflow budgets, traded stocks, mapped out early retirement and real estate acquisition strategies, and opened a retirement account at 19. It’s no surprise that she pursued a career in investments and wealth planning. Today Michelle is a Stevie Award for her fiduciary work with clients, and has developed a 4-week Financial Vitals Masterclass to help guide women who are heads of household in assessing their current financial status and create a roadmap to safeguard and grow the wealth they are creating, effectively and efficiently. See details here: https://investably.com/4-week-master-class. BTW, men are welcome, too! Something I learned in the conversation with Michelle is that wages earned by working for others are the highest taxed form of income. Since Latinas experience the largest pay gap when compared to White men (57 cents to their $1 for doing the same jobs) it’s no surprise that before the pandemic, Latinas were creating businesses at a rate six times faster than all other groups, and some data suggests that trend has continued. This said it’s just as important to learn the ropes with regards to running a business as what to do with the revenues you make. Asi que yo me voy a apuntar para tomar el curso de Investably.

The education system is broken. Once designed to standardize humans to become a workforce pipeline that met the demands of industrialization, it just doesn’t work anymore the way it is. Thankfully, Adam Mangana, Chief Innovation Officer and Co-Founder of OptimaEd has developed a solution currently being implemented in Florida, and he joins me in this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY to talk about it in detail. He shares how he became a pioneer in creating Education Experiences using 3D immersive spaces, solving challenges presented by using 20th Century teaching methods in a 21st Century world. The biggest challenge is making sure our kids are Future Ready because the future is now. Adam is an educator with almost two decades of experience in education technology and creating teaching standards aligned with virtual reality curriculum, culminating with the launch of Optima Academy Online. It’s a tuition-free online school serving students grades K-9 in the Sunshine State with over 4,000 highly interactive modules that provide learning experiences in 3D environments where students can learn (meaning inside it, virtually) with either the real-time guidance of a real teacher as an avatar or in a self-paced format. Optima has also secured funding to provide the hardware to all students – FOR FREE, delivering equitable access to advanced technology to historically disenfranchised communities. “In addition to self-paced and teacher-led coursework, students are able to learn by experiencing the moment in history from the perspective of the person who lived it by stepping into their avatar,” says Adam. He adds, “It brings into the fold the opportunity to cultivate empathy throughout the learning experience.” After realizing there was not much research regarding the impact and efficacy of virtual reality in education, Adam decided to get a master’s at Vanderbilt University to conduct his own research to better inform this innovative approach to education. It paid off. Today over 400 students of all backgrounds have free access to Optima Academy Online. “By decoupling funding for education from zip codes we democratize and individualize learning. This also provides parents an option that delivers safety, socialization, and flexibility,” Adam points out. OptimaEd is also working with Stanford Children’s Hospital to support students who are bedridden and unable to attend school. Adam’s immediate goals are to consistently double the number of Floridian students every year and to expand to other states where parents are facing similar challenges brought on by COVID. “During the pandemic, people placed tremendous value on the gift of time. Spending time with family and loved ones and figuring out ways they could be with their children more was prioritized,” Adam observes. “I get it. My children are now learning virtually. It makes a difference when you can be there and make them a peanut butter sandwich during your breaks. But I’m always telling our team that we need to nail it before we scale it, so we are making sure to do this right,” he adds.

When artistry and entrepreneurship meet purpose, incredible experiences happen. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, doll artist Jayd Collins, CEO of Reborn Nursery Next Door shares how she transformed her passion for motherhood into a business that helps people during their most vulnerable moments. Jayd was exhibiting her artistry and product at the 2023 Greater Haitian American Chamber of Commerce Summit, but I had no idea she was a vendor. All I knew was that she had a beautiful newborn baby named Sage sleeping soundly in her arms…GOTHCA! The newborn was one of Jayd’s handcrafted designs. I almost lost it. I just HAD TO HOLD SAGE once I realized that I would not be imposing (I know better than to ask a new mom that I just met if I can hold her baby).  As a mom of six children she homeschools, Jayd loves the feeling of holding a newborn baby. She first became a collector and eventually decided that she wanted to learn the art of creating original realistic reborn dolls. Self-taught, Jayd discovered that she had mad artistic abilities, and you can clearly see that she’s a master reborn doll artist (see Baby Lavender in the vodcast). It’s a skill she’s constantly working at, commanding new techniques for hair and skin tone reproduction to ensure she can “bring to life” babies of diverse ethnicities. “You get varying reactions. Most people jump right in, and like you, want to hold them immediately. And some freak out because they find them creepy,” Jayd shares with a laugh. However, she points out that reborn dolls play a role in supporting people during their most vulnerable moments. After the loss of a child, while getting cancer treatment, to combat loneliness, for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia in nursing homes, during end-of-life…the sensation of holding a newborn baby brings comfort to most humans. Jayd adds, “These dolls are very expensive because they require a lot of work to make them realistic. My mission is to create reborn dolls that can be more affordable for people to have access to the positive effects these dolls can have from a mental wellness perspective.” I told her THIS will be my gift to myself this upcoming Christmas!

The rapidly evolving landscape of the "white collar gig" economy requires a critical mindset shift that professionals in job transitions need to make. In this eye-opening episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY" my remarkable guest, Monique Mills, Founder and Chief Innovation Strategist of TPM Focus, joins me to talk about an urgent situation affecting highly qualified and experienced professionals. We both know too many individuals in transition after being laid off who are clinging to the idea of a traditional full-time job, complete with regular paychecks, corporate perks, and benefits. But, as Monique emphasizes, the urgency of the situation lies in that the longer they resist embracing the changing employment landscape, the bleaker their financial future becomes. As a seasoned entrepreneur who worked in corporate for a long time as well, she shares her invaluable insights. Monique has seen it all when it comes to career transitions and building companies from scratch. We discuss how the gig economy is evolving far beyond personal services and food delivery. Professionals from various backgrounds and across most industries are entering the “white collar” gig economy, and companies are actively seeking their skills and expertise on a project basis or in entrepreneurial roles – because they bring VALUE to accomplish specific goals. Monique predicts a significant shift in how employment is structured, and she shares why it's essential for everyone to acquire entrepreneurial skills, project management expertise, and sales acumen – all of which are underpinned by effective communication skills. “I know this may sound harsh, but it doesn’t matter that you’ve been working for decades. You still have to prove yourself every day. Whether you are employed or are exercising entrepreneurship, your performance is always being carefully evaluated. So, it’s time to let go of this entitlement mindset,” she warns. It might explain why job seekers are oftentimes required to go through several rounds of interviews, including with panels formed by company leadership, and then struggle to understand what went wrong – why did they choose someone else? This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ever-changing job market and seeking valuable insights on how to adapt to the new world of work. Explore with us the concept of a "white collar gig" economy and learn how to stay valuable and relevant in this evolving landscape.