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In this episode of the LITE It Up Podcast, Dr. Aginah sits down with Brandi Carroll, founder of The Runaway Reset, for a powerful conversation on burnout, reinvention, and what it truly means to live with intention.Brandi shares how stepping away from the traditional path of success led her to create a platform that helps high-achieving professionals reset their lives and reconnect with what matters most. Through her work, she supports individuals who feel stuck, burned out, or disconnected in taking a step back, gaining clarity, and designing a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.Together, we explore how travel can be more than just a getaway—it can serve as a catalyst for reflection, healing, and transformation. Brandi also discusses how she curates intentional travel experiences for individuals and groups who are ready to step outside of their routines and create meaningful change.This conversation also explores:Recognizing the signs of burnoutFinding the courage to start overRedefining success on your own termsNavigating life transitionsPractical ways to begin living more intentionallyIf you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for a shift, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider what your own reset could look like.🔗 Connect with Brandi CarrollLearn more about The Runaway Reset and explore curated reset experiences:www.therunawayreset.comFollow Brandi: @BrandibeonIT  ✨ LITE It Up TakeawaySometimes the clarity you’re seeking isn’t found by pushing forward—it’s found by stepping away.🔗 Connect with Dr. Aginah MusherahLearn more about LITE It Up Podcast and Radiant LITE Consulting:www.aginahmuhammad.com @LiteItUpPodcast

As we enter Women’s History Month and reflect on this year’s theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” I’ve been thinking about what leadership truly looks like in the lives of women.In this episode, I share a personal reflection from Saviour’s Day weekend, where my mother was honored for her years of service and commitment — an award she didn’t know was coming and her first ever. Watching her be recognized prompted me to think deeply about the women who sustain vision, faith, and family — often without public acknowledgment.This conversation explores faithful partnership, generational growth, and the quiet strength of women who help build what lasts. It also reflects on what it means for my generation to honor that model while defining our own purpose with clarity and intention.As we consider what it means to “lead the change,” this episode invites us to broaden our understanding of leadership — to include not only visibility and titles, but sustainability, faithfulness, and legacy.Honor the women who sustained the vision before you.Define clearly the vision you are sustaining now.Let’s LITE It Up. ✨Connect with Dr. Aginah - www.aginahmuhammad.com.

What if the delay isn’t disruption — but positioning? In this reflective solo episode of LITE It Up, I share what unfolded over the course of one week: a leadership panel with students carrying heavy burdens, a record-breaking snowstorm that left me stranded in Philadelphia, and news of violence in a place I once traveled alone. At first glance, these moments felt unrelated. But in the stillness of the delay, they began to connect. This episode explores: Recognizing protection you don’t always see The emotional weight high-achieving women carry quietly Why seeking counseling is strength, not weakness What responsibility can teach us about support And what I am refusing to carry into my final year in my 40s As I prepare to enter my last year before 50, I am thinking differently about timing, refinement, and release. Sometimes you are not behind.Sometimes you are protected.Sometimes you are being positioned. And sometimes… you are becoming. 🎧 Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube. Connect with Dr. Aginah https://www.aginahmuhammad.com

Last week, during the week of February 8th, I made a spontaneous decision to leave the country and travel alone to Cancun.Not because I was falling apart — but because I could feel I was getting close.In this solo episode of LITE It Up, I share what happened when I chose rest before burnout chose me. What began as a much-needed escape from the cold became a deeper realization about stillness, identity, and how responsibility can quietly become who we believe we are.Although solo travel isn’t new for me, this trip revealed something different. I realized that while I know how to rest physically, I don’t always know how to be still mentally. And for high-functioning women who are used to being “on” 24/7 — that awareness matters.In this episode, I reflect on:The quiet signs of approaching burnoutWhy high-achieving women struggle with stillnessWhat solitude reveals about identity beyond responsibilityChoosing restoration before hitting a wallAnd setting boundaries without over-explainingIf you’ve been strong, dependable, and constantly handling something… this conversation may resonate.Rest is not weakness.It is wisdom.🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you stream podcasts.Connect with Dr. Aginah www.aginahmuhammad..com

What does it look like to intentionally create space for renewal in a season that calls for clarity, release, and growth?In this episode of LITE It Up, I’m joined by Echo Muhammad, the curator behind EmpowerHer Soul: Renew & Rise Retreat — A Self-Love Sunday Experience, taking place Sunday, March 15th. Echo shares the why behind curating this soul-nourishing, one-day immersive retreat and what moved her to create a space designed to support women in releasing what no longer serves them and stepping fully into the woman they’re becoming.Our conversation explores purpose, self-love, embodiment, rest, and the power of being supported, seen, and held in community. As we transition into spring—a season of renewal and growth—Echo reflects on why slowing down, setting intentions, and reconnecting with mind, body, and soul is not a luxury, but a necessity.If you’re feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or standing at the edge of a new season, this episode offers both reflection and invitation. It’s a reminder that resetting is an act of self-love—and that you don’t have to do it alone.✨ EmpowerHer Soul: Renew & Rise Retreat📅 Sunday, March 15A curated, self-love Sunday experience focused on intention-setting, embodiment, rest, and renewal.✨ Early bird tickets for Renew & Rise (March 15th) ends Feb 15th and are going fast! 🎟 Tickets: https://www.ticketfalcon.com/e/empowerher-soul-presents-renew-rise-retreat-a-self-love-sunday-experience/ 📝 Reflection Questions What in my life is ready to be released as I enter this new season? Where am I craving more rest, renewal, or reconnection—with myself or my body? What does self-love look like for me right now, beyond words or intentions? How might being supported, seen, or held in community support my growth in this season? What intention do I want to plant as I step into the woman I’m becoming this spring? Connect w/Echo on Social Media @msecho_chanel Connect w/Dr. Aginahwww.aginahmuhammad.com

February often arrives quietly, but it carries powerful invitations for reflection, release, and renewal. In this solo episode, I share why this is a season to reset—not because something is wrong, but because something new is emerging. This conversation is an invitation to pause, listen, and intentionally prepare for what’s next without carrying the weight of the last chapter. If you’re feeling tired, reflective, or standing at the edge of transition, this episode offers grounding, perspective, and permission to reset with grace. 📝 Reflection Questions You're invited to journal, reflect, or sit with these questions throughout the week: What am I still holding that no longer belongs in my next chapter? Where in my life am I rushing instead of allowing myself to reset? What kind of rest—emotional, mental, or spiritual—do I need most right now? How can I honor this season without pressure to have everything figured out? What would it look like to move forward feeling lighter and more aligned? Connect w/Dr. Aginah Musherah www.aginahmuhammad.com

In this episode of LITE It Up, we sit down with Oriah, a college freshman at Xavier University and the author of Accepted! The College Application Blueprint. Oriah shares her firsthand experience navigating the college application process, offering honest insight into what worked, what was challenging, and what she wishes she had known sooner. Designed for high school students and parents, this conversation provides practical guidance on approaching college applications with clarity and confidence. Oriah discusses organization strategies, college essays, managing stress, and how students and families can work together throughout the process. Whether you’re just beginning your college search or finalizing applications, this episode offers a real-world student perspective to help you navigate the journey with greater understanding and purpose. 🔔 Watch, share, and subscribe for more conversations supporting students and families on the path to college success.You can purchase Accepted! The College Application Blueprint on Amazon. https://a.co/d/8YIdSUiTo connect with Dr. Aginah Musherah visit: www.aginahmuhammad.com

As LITE It Up celebrates six years of shining light, Season 11 begins with a full-circle conversation that is both personal and powerful.In this special episode, host Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad is joined by her three children—siblings navigating different stages of their college journeys at North Carolina A&T State University. One has just completed their first semester of college, while two are closing out their final year as seniors after a successful fall semester that included Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors.Together, they reflect on the lessons learned during the fall semester, the adjustments and growth that came with it, and the realities of balancing academics, independence, and well-being. The conversation also offers practical advice for students preparing to graduate, those continuing after their first semester, and families supporting students through these pivotal transitions.As they look ahead to the spring 2026 semester, the siblings share their goals, what they are most looking forward to, and how being a family on the same campus has shaped their experiences. The episode closes with a reflection on legacy, resilience, and what it means to keep shining your light through every season of growth.This Season 11 kickoff is a reminder that college is more than a destination—it’s a journey marked by preparation, progress, and purpose.✨ Tune in, reflect, and be encouraged as we continue to LITE It Up—and shine bright like a diamond. Connect with Dr. Aginah Website: www.aginahmuhammad.com Email: [email protected]

Season 11 of LITE It Up marks six years of storytelling rooted in purpose, resilience, and legacy. Created in honor of the late Munir Muhammad, LITE It Up continues to amplify the voices of women navigating transition while balancing leadership, career, motherhood, and personal growth. Join us as we celebrate this milestone and launch a new season of meaningful conversations designed to Lead. Inspire. Transform. Empower. 🎧 Streaming on all major podcast platforms🎥 Watch on Spotify and YouTube Connect with Dr. Aginah www.aginahmuhammad.com [email protected]

Now that you’ve learned how to approach scholarships with strategy and confidence, it’s time to take the next essential step in paying for college: completing the FAFSA.In this 15-minute solo episode, Dr. Aginah Musherah breaks down the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in simple, practical terms—so students and families feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.You’ll learn:✨ What the FAFSA really determines (and why “FAFSA doesn’t give you anything” is a common myth)✨ What you need to gather before you begin✨ Which tax year is required for the 2026–27 FAFSA (hint: 2024 tax returns!)✨ The biggest mistakes families make and how to avoid them✨ How FAFSA and scholarships work together to build a strong financial aid plan✨ Why every college student must complete FAFSA every yearWhether you're filing FAFSA for the first time or helping a returning student stay organized, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.🎧 Tune in to “FAFSA Made Simple: Your Next Step After the Scholarship Mindset Series”New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast are available on YouTube and all streaming platforms.Visit Dr. Aginah's website: https://www.aginahmuhammad.com

In the final installation of the Scholarship Mindset Series for National Scholarship Awareness Month, Dr. Aginah Muhammad sits down with Aaron Williams, a first-year Computer Engineering student at Northern Illinois University—who earned an extraordinary $2 million+ in scholarship offers.Aaron’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, preparation, and persistence come together. In this inspiring conversation, he shares how he approached the scholarship process, the strategies that helped him stand out, and what motivated him to keep applying even when the process felt overwhelming. His story is a motivating roadmap for students aiming to finance their college education with confidence and intention.Throughout his academic journey, Aaron has remained both intellectually driven and community-minded. As an IB and dual enrollment student, he completed rigorous coursework that prepared him for the demands of engineering. One of his greatest honors has been being named valedictorian twice—first in elementary school and again in high school. These distinctions reflect years of discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus.His accomplishments include:• Valedictorian in both elementary school and high school• Admitted to more than 50 colleges• Awarded nearly $2 million in scholarship offers• Active engagement in STEM, leadership, and serviceAaron’s story reminds students everywhere that scholarships are within reach—and that consistency, belief, and strategy can create life-changing opportunities.🎧 Tune in to this inspiring finale of the Scholarship Mindset Series, and hear firsthand what it takes to navigate the scholarship journey with purpose and resilience.🔔 New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast stream every Tuesday on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Muhammad's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

🔥 This week on the LITE It Up Podcast, we’re unlocking the strategy behind scholarship success.Join Dr. Aginah Musherah as she sits down with Educator, Attorney, and Scholarship Advocate, Kishasha Williams-Ford, Esq., who has helped hundreds of students and families navigate the scholarship process with clarity and confidence.In this episode, Kishasha breaks down what needs-based scholarships really mean, the myths that hold families back, and why students should be applying for scholarships every single year—whether they’re in high school, college, or graduate school. She also shares smart organizational strategies to help students stay ready and competitive.If you’re just joining the Scholarship Mindset Series, make sure you go back and watch the previous episodes to get caught up—they all build on each other!🎧 Tune in to Scholarship Strategy Unlocked: Needs-Based Truths & Year-Round Success for Every Student, streaming on YouTube and all podcast platforms.Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

Welcome back to the Scholarship Mindset series on the LITE It Up Podcast! In this week’s episode, we sit down with Kevin Coy, Post-Secondary Counselor at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, to break down what students and families really need to know about the scholarship and college admissions process.With 25+ years of experience in counseling, admissions, and college planning, Kevin shares insider strategies that help students stay organized, build stronger applications, and work more effectively with their school counselors. Whether you're a parent, high school student, educator, or community advocate, this episode offers clear steps to help you navigate scholarships with confidence.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to work with your school or post-secondary counselor during the scholarship processThe best ways for students to stay organized from freshman to senior yearPractical tips to strengthen scholarship and college applicationsHow counselors view essays, activities, and student readinessCommon mistakes families make (and how to avoid them)Action steps students can take TODAY to increase scholarship opportunities🎓 About the Scholarship Mindset SeriesNovember is Scholarship Awareness Month, and all month long we’re sharing real-world strategies, expert insights, and powerful stories to help families reduce college costs and build a strong scholarship plan. If you missed the first episodes—our series kickoff and the conversation with Nicole Brookens of PLAN4Success—be sure to go back and watch so you don’t miss any tools or tips.🔥 Stay Connected👉🏾 If you found this episode helpful, LIKE this video.👉🏾 SHARE it with a student, parent, or educator who needs this information.👉🏾 SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday at 7:00 AM.Let’s continue building the Scholarship Mindset—and LITE It Up! 🔥Visit the website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

In this episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah sits down with Nicole Brookens, Executive Director of PLAN4Success, for a powerful and practical conversation designed to help families take immediate action in the scholarship application process.Nicole breaks down the essential strategies every family needs—from organizing critical documents and building a competitive student profile to tracking deadlines and writing compelling essays. Together, they share real, actionable tips that students and parents can use right now to approach scholarships with clarity, confidence, and purpose.If you’re supporting a student through the college-going process—or if you’re a student who wants to secure scholarships—this episode will help you shift your mindset, get organized, and unlock scholarship success.Connect with PLAN4Success: https://www.plan-4success.orgConnect with Dr. Aginah Musherah: https://www.aginahmuhammad.comLITE It Up is available on all streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Spotify.

In this solo episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah kicks off National Scholarship Month with an inspirational and practical conversation designed especially for parents, students, and anyone committed to expanding educational access. With three students currently enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University, Dr. Aginah Musherah knows firsthand that scholarships are not simply awards — they are strategy, discipline, organization, and mindset. Scholarships aren’t accidental; they are intentional. In her home, they are part of the plan — not a last-minute hope. Drawing from personal experience as a parent and her professional background in higher education leadership, Dr. Aginah shares simple, actionable steps families can take today to begin the scholarship journey with confidence and purpose. She sheds light on the realities of applying for scholarships — the rejections, the persistence, and the systems needed to stay committed — while reminding listeners that debt-free degrees are possible with preparation and support. Whether you're raising a future college student, currently navigating the college process, or mentoring a young scholar, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and a roadmap to begin building a scholarship-focused mindset rooted in access, financial responsibility, and generational uplift. ✨ This Month on LITE It Up This episode launches a month-long series celebrating National Scholarship Month, dedicated to empowering families with information, tools, and inspiration to make college more affordable and accessible. Here are scholarship providers you should access to begin the process: Scholarship America: https://scholarshipamerica.org Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF): https://tmcf.org/scholarships/ United Negro College Fund (UNCF): https://uncf.org/scholarships Stay tuned all month for tips, resources, and insights to support debt-free college journeys. 🎧 Connect & Continue the Journey If this episode motivated you, helped you reframe the scholarship process, or gave you tools to begin, share it with a parent, student, educator, or mentor who needs it. Let’s support the next generation as they dream, plan, and pursue excellence — without lifelong debt. ✅ Subscribe & leave a review ✅ Follow @LITEItUpPodcast ✅ Share the episode & tag us Together, we light the path toward possibility, preparation, and debt-free degrees. Visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com