December 26er Podcast

Art collector, Culture Creator and Archivist, Syreeta Gates discusses her commitment to preserving hip hop culture, driving innovation through strategic connections, and utilizing her archival work to support feature films and documentaries.

Delisha and Damarcus discuss their individual and collective focuses for the end of the year and why they don't buy into the "finish strong in Q4" culture perpetuated on social media.

Raul "Dutch" Wikkeling discusses forging his own path in the Bay Area, putting himself through Columbia University, and making the switch from private equity to startup strategist.

Partner at the Parkside Group, Paul Thomas discusses his journey from New York City Public Housing to working as a senior aide to several high-ranking elected officials, and how he's leveraged his experience to now develop and execute government relations efforts on behalf of his clients.

Senior Data Analyst at VaynerMedia and Founder of Savvy Excel, Demariano Hill discusses moving from one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in California to the suburbs of Sacramento, discovering his interest in government at Texas Southern University, and utilizing his analytical skills to transition from politics to the private sector.

Motivational speaker and Executive Director for Enrollment Management at York College of the City University of New York, La Toro Yates, Ph.D. discusses his personal and professional journey as the son of single mother, first-generation college student and Jersey City native.

Antonio Alston, Associate Director of Planning and Strategy at Wavemaker, discusses graduating from Penn State during the Great Recession and finding his footing in advertising after working in journalism and finance.

In this episode of Extraordinary Occurrences, Delisha and Damarcus discuss how they pulled off their first back to school bash and backpack giveaway, serving over 400 kids and counting.

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams discusses the pivotal moment that led to his 22-year career in law enforcement, his subsequent service in the New York State Senate, and why he has his sights set on the 2021 New York City Mayoral Election.

Dancer, performer and founder of Black Girls Pole, Dalijah Franklin discusses moving to New York with her heart set on becoming a professional dancer, discovering a new passion which eventually became a career, and now traveling the world, teaching and inspiring women to embrace their bodies and express their individuality.

Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, educator, and motivational speaker, Dr. Magdala Chery discusses overcoming trauma, setting appropriate boundaries to facilitate emotional and psychological healing, and building a career on her own terms.

December 26er Podcast Producer, Damarcus joins Delisha on the mic to discuss manifesting their philanthropic vision, making unconventional life choices, and the importance of forging meaningful relationships.

Model, actress, and entrepreneur, Kenya Heyliger discusses leaving behind a career in IT to pursue her passions full-time, and maintaining positivity and confidence despite the challenges that come with her chosen path.

Beauty pageant winner turned stylist and visual merchandiser, Deniece Mitchell discusses being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, making the decision to take her power back, and building a brand to inspire others to do the same.

Motivational speaker and career coach, Randall E. Toby discusses overcoming childhood challenges, building a career, then leaving a full-time job behind to pursue his passions, which include founding the "Breakfast with Our Boys” series and Magnificent Men Mentoring Group.

Writer, Social Impact Strategist and Founder of MogulPRO Consulting, Glenda Smiley discusses honing her skills in such areas as executive support, program development and organizational growth, making the decision to leave a coveted position at Black Girls Rock, and navigating her current roles as an "intrapreneur," partner, and new mom.

Entrepreneur, adjunct professor and business and political commentator, John Burnett discusses charting his own academic and professional course, and how he transitioned from working at a grocery store to a career in finance at one of largest retail brokerage firms on Wall Street.

Entrepreneur and mastermind behind Rebound Recipes, Jason Akoi discusses his Liberian roots, walking away from the premium leather goods brand he built while still a college student, and his subsequent journey towards personal wellbeing and a vegan lifestyle.

Research Producer for the Mike Muse Show, Co-Founder of the Hustlers Guild, and Advancement Manager at Urban Assembly, Kevin Beckford discusses being raised by his grandmother, earning degrees from three prestigious institutions, and charting a new course after working in the Obama Administration.

Educator, certified life coach, and speaker, Al Hardy discusses his journey from business owner to Dean of Students at Marion P. Thomas Charter School in Newark, NJ, and his involvement in the K.I.N.G. Movement and other community initiatives.