Advertise on podcast: Someone You Need To Know with Rashanah Baldwin

In this powerful continuation, Rob Rose, founder of Rose Capital Group, delves into what it means to redefine ownership and wealth within communities of color. From land banking to homeownership, Rob shares how he’s helping current and aspiring developers build lasting legacies through real estate and community development. Together, we unpack the historical barriers that once locked out Black families, the modern fight for inclusion, and how millennials are reshaping the dream of ownership for the next generation. This episode isn’t just about property—it’s about pride, progress, and planting roots that grow into generational wealth. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to hear why Rob Rose is someone you need to know. 🎧Subscribe and stay in contact with updates via rashanahbaldwin.com

In this episode of Someone You Need to Know, host Rashanah Baldwin sits down with Rob Rose, Founder and CEO of Rose Capital Group, LLC, to talk about the intersection of community development, capital access, and Black wealth building. Rob shares his journey from public service and urban development to launching his own investment firm dedicated to creating equitable growth in underserved communities. Together, Rashanah and Rob dive deep into the realities of building generational wealth, the importance of strategic partnerships, and how thoughtful investment can reshape neighborhoods without displacing the people who built them. From real estate to racial equity, this episode offers insights for anyone passionate about inclusive economic development, financial empowerment, and legacy leadership. 🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to hear why Rob Rose is someone you need to know.

In Part 2 of our global real estate conversation, I sit down again with international strategist and powerhouse Makeda Smith, who shares the hard-earned lessons from navigating real estate transactions across Ghana, Dubai, Nigeria, the DR, and beyond. This episode goes beyond the glitz and glam of international property—it’s the real talk investors need before buying abroad. 🎙️ In this episode, we explore: The importance of knowing the local laws (and how fast they change!) Avoiding common mistakes investors make overseas The value of boots-on-the-ground relationships with local agents & leaders Why research + a visit should always come before your money The rise of Africa’s Black middle class and why now is the time The affordability of land abroad vs. fear-based hesitation in the U.S. How Americans can invest with impact, creating workforce opportunities for locals Whether you’re curious about global investing or ready to buy that dream plot of land, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take the next step. 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube: @RashanahBaldwin 🎧 Stream now on Spotify, Apple & all major podcast platforms #MakedaSmith #GlobalRealEstate #BlackWealth #InvestAbroad #DiasporaInvestment #PodcastSeries #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #AfricaRising #RealEstateWisdom #FaithRealEstateDominion

In Part 1 of this inspiring interview, we sit down with international real estate strategist and powerhouse Makeda Smith, CEO of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate®. Makeda shares how she started as a local realtor and expanded her empire into global markets—from Ghana and Dubai to the Dominican Republic. We talk about women in leadership, building community through real estate, and helping Americans embrace nomadic living while investing in themselves across borders. 🎙️ Topics Covered: How Makeda became a global real estate mogul Cultural lessons from investing abroad Empowering women to lead & build wealth Creating a sense of home and purpose across the diaspora 🔔 Subscribe to Someone You Need to Know on Spotify, Apple, and all major platforms📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube: @RashanahBaldwin #FaithRealEstateDominion #WomenInRealEstate #MakedaSmith #PodcastInterview #DiasporaWealth #GlobalInvesting #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow

In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Johnny Mullins, we delve into the specifics of development, particularly for Black and Brown changemakers poised to transform their neighborhoods. This episode covers: How to navigate permits, politics, and public meetings Why the right team can make or break your project Understanding market-rate, below-market, and affordable housing The critical difference between affordable housing and affordable homeownership Creative approaches to ending homelessness The launch of Dr. Developer’s U, a first-of-its-kind educational hub for aspiring developers This isn’t theory—it’s practical, real-world insight from a developer who's done it all. 🎧 Hosted by Rashanah Baldwin 🎙️ Listen to Part 1 for the origin story and values behind the mission. #RealEstateDevelopment #CommunityRevitalization #DrDeveloper #AffordableHomeownership #BlackExcellence #UrbanDesign #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow

As founder of Baldwin Media Group, I’m proud to partner with the Southland Development Authority to promote the ACHIEVE Summit—a powerful three-day experience designed for leaders, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the economic future of Chicago’s South Suburbs. This is a major opportunity for developers and business leaders in our region! The ACHIEVE Summit 2025, hosted by the Southland Development Authority, is coming to the Tinley Park Convention Center, June 27–29—and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer for the Southland. Keynote Speaker: Daymond John, star of ABC’s Shark Tank and founder of FUBU, will headline this dynamic 3-day summit packed with workshops, panels, exhibitors, networking, and real estate and business investment opportunities. 💼 Build your business.🏗️ Expand your investments.🤝 Connect with other visionaries shaping the future of Chicagoland. 🎟️ Get tickets & more info: https://www.achievesummit2025.com Let’s show up and ACHIEVE together!

What does it take to shift the narrative of development in Black neighborhoods? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Johnny L. Mullins—architect, developer, and founder of JM3 Design & Development—to discuss his bold, healing-centered approach to building. We cover: His first project in Bronzeville and how it ignited his mission The role of design in community empowerment Mentorship for rising Black developers Balancing luxury and affordability in real estate Cross-sector collaboration for social impact This is more than development—it’s about restoring legacy, dignity, and opportunity. 🎙️ Hosted by Rashanah BaldwinListen now and be inspired. Stay tuned for part 2. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms. #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #DrJohnnyMullins #RashanahBaldwin

In this episode of Someone You Need to Know, Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority (SDA), shares his journey from mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley to national policy work with Senator Cory Booker on Opportunity Zones to reshaping economic development and housing in Chicago’s Southland. We talk: Why SDA is changing the game in housing and business developmentWhat it takes to reimagine investment and opportunity in communities like Harvey, Dolton, and Riverdale How the South Suburban Land Bank and Monarch Fund workSDA’s Affordable Suburban Housing Pilot, which converts abandoned homes into future ownership opportunitiesHomeownership as a tool for generational wealth and economic development.The ⁠ACHIEVE Summit⁠, happening June 27–29 in Tinley Park, with Daymond John (FUBU's CEO and Shark Tank judge) headlining as keynote speaker 🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube, and all podcast platforms. #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #SouthlandDevelopment #BoKemp #AchieveSummit2025 #DaymondJohn #BlackLeadership #ChicagoSouthSuburbs #CommunityDevelopment #OpportunityZones #AffordableHousing

In this powerful episode of Someone You Need to Know, host Rashanah Baldwin interviews Anthony E. Simpkins, President and CEO of NHS Chicago, about the future of affordable housing and community development in Chicago. We explore: • His career journey from law and public service to nonprofit leadership • How NHS is using its CDFI status to create real change • Why homeownership remains a critical wealth-building tool • How policy, politics, and partnerships shape housing justice • What accountability in revitalization means 🔔 Subscribe to the podcast "Someone You Need to Know" by Rashanah Baldwin for more impactful conversations. 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube #AffordableHousing #ChicagoLeadership #CDFI #AnthonySimpkins #NHSChicago #HousingEquity #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #UrbanPlanning #PublicPolicy #Homeownership

In this powerful interview, Rashanah Baldwin sits down with Bonita Harrison, CEO of Sunshine Management and Managing Broker/Owner of KBM Realty, to talk about how she's using real estate as a tool for economic empowerment and transformation. Bonita shares her journey into real estate, her mission to create quality, affordable housing, and her commitment to revitalizing communities without displacing residents. Through homeownership opportunities and innovative property development, Bonita is building pathways to generational wealth for families across Chicago. Topics Covered: Creating generational wealth through homeownership The importance of quality, community-focused real estate development Challenges and wins as a Black woman real estate leader Building equity in underserved neighborhoods Strategies for sustainable economic development 👉 Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Chicago’s most impactful real estate leaders. 📍 Subscribe, like, and share to support the movement! #RealEstateDevelopment #GenerationalWealth #CommunityDevelopment #ChicagoRealEstate #WomenInRealEstate

In this special Fair Housing Month episode, I sit down with Willie “J.R.” Fleming, the Chairman of the Anti-Eviction Campaign, to discuss housing as a fundamental human right and what it takes to protect that right—from the South Side of Chicago to Capitol Hill. We explore: J.R.’s powerful journey into housing activism and community organizing. The mission of the Anti-Eviction Campaign and its national impact Public housing demolition and its lasting effect on Black communities Mandates from the Cook County Land Bank and holding the government accountable CDFIs, political posturing, and the future of affordable housing policy Youth homeownership and why real estate should be accessible for all J.R.'s federal advocacy efforts with the Biden-Harris Administration This is more than a conversation — it’s a call to action. 🔔 Subscribe to my YouTube channel @RashanahB to hear from everyday leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Visit my website www.rashanahbaldwin.com for details. 🎧 Follow "Someone You Need to Know" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream. #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #JRfleming #AntiEviction #FairHousingMonth #PublicHousingMatters #AffordableHousing #HousingJustice #ChicagoAdvocates

In honor of Fair Housing Month, join me, Rashanah Baldwin, as I interview Cassandra "Ms. Cass" Sneed — Principal Broker of the Aspire Group powered by EXIT Strategy Realty. 🏡✨ Ms. Cass is more than a REALTOR® — she’s a connector, educator, and powerful advocate for community growth. In this episode, she shares her journey in real estate, her passion for serving diverse communities across Chicago and the suburbs, and the importance of bridging real estate and community service. We dive into: Her impact through organizations like R.A.G.E., the Dovetail Project, and more Tips for first-time homebuyers and seasoned investors How community engagement and real estate go hand-in-hand 🔔 Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel @RashanahB for more inspiring interviews and🎧 Follow "Someone You Need to Know" on all major podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts! Let's celebrate leaders making a difference — one neighborhood at a time. 🏡💬 #FairHousingMonth #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow #RealEstateMatters #MsCass #HousingEquity #Podcast

In this week's episode, Rashanah revisits a conversation from 2020 when COVID was just beginning to spread throughout the U.S., she chats with Corey Mays, a retired NFL linebacker turned angel investor and motivational speaker about life after professional football, business strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners to stay connected, and business tips for how entrepreneurs can pivot during COVID-19. Corey Mays is an angel investor, entrepreneur, mentor, keynote speaker, and volunteer with various organizations that give back globally in the Chicago community. He currently serves as President of the NFL Alumni Chicago Chapter and is Co-Chair of the Economic Empowerment Committee for the 100 Black Men Chicago Chapter. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email [email protected] with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know? Visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this episode of Someone You Need to Know, Rashanah reflects on the memories and life of Harold Lee Rush. Harold Lee Rush was a radio personality, Chicago legend, and historian who passed away on Jan 1. 2022 Harold was my mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor. He saw appreciation for my work and mission to change the negative narrative about Englewood into a positive one when I was only blogging about the Good In Englewood and sharing on social media. Harold was nice enough to share the mic with me and carved out 10 minutes of his airtime to allow me to launch “What’s Good In Englewood’ with Shanah B, a weekly segment on WKKC’s 89.3 FM radio station during Harold’s shift. For over six years, I shared the mic with Harold, where we reported on Good News in the neighborhoods, not just Englewood but also surrounding Black communities. This led to many media spotlights and profiles, such as the front cover of the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, and PBS Documentaries. Harold was alongside me in every one of these media profiles. Harold was unapologetically Black with an infectious laughter who touched the lives of countless individuals beyond the city of Chicago, held an impeccable passion for history that goes far beyond any historian I know, and had a lover Bid-Whiz! Harold made an everlasting impact in his radio career, impacting many students at Kennedy King King, online, and worldwide. Harold, you will be truly be missed, and your radio silence is deafening. Rest In Power HLR.                                                                                       Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email [email protected] with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com

In this episode, Rashanah chats with Danielle Perry who serves as the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer (CROO) for Illinois. They explore the challenges of the Illinois Cannabis industry, the licensing process, how many minorities have been granted licenses, and the new policies implemented to make improvements in the process ensuring that the social equity component addresses the communities impacted by "The War On Drugs" and ensure those communities get a fair shake in obtaining cannabis licenses. Danielle was appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker after legalizing Adult Use of Cannabis, she works with 13 state agencies to direct the regulation and taxation of the Illinois cannabis industry.  Her priorities for the office are ensuring Illinois reaches its social equity goals through community reinvestment, diversifying the industry, and expungements. Within her first year, Danielle led the expungements of nearly half a million cannabis-related arrest records. Have thoughts about the episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #SomoneYouNeedToKnow. Email [email protected] with feedback or questions! Be sure to subscribe to her youtube channel as well! @RashanahB Follow @RashanahBaldwin everywhere – Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Want to see the showcase of Someone You Need To Know, visit www.rashanahbaldwin.com