Cool Soror with Rashan Ali

Financial Guru & Good Steward® Coach Shawn D Rochester is the CEO of Good Steward and a financial mentor and strategist to individuals and families striving to become legacy creators…those looking to become a Good Steward of their resources and put themselves in a position to leave an inheritance for their children’s children. Shawn teaches through Good Steward that having a strong personal financial management foundation is a critical component for developing strong families, communities and global competitiveness. Just a few years ago he transitioned from his esteemed full-time job as a seasoned corporate development and strategy executive within the private, public and nonprofit sectors, and turned his passion for people into a thriving enterprise as a speaker, financial coach and entrepreneur becoming CEO of Good Steward LLC. Now through Good Steward University®, he provides education, strategy, resources, and coaching to help individuals and families develop the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding necessary to: increase household cash flow to dramatically increase savings/investments, eliminate debt and seed into the Kingdom. His nationally acclaimed financial course The Good Steward Financial Empowerment Series, which is the foundation of his coaching program, is taught online through Good Steward University and in churches, empowerment conferences, and through groups. The sought after course combines bible based truths on money and stewardship while also addressing cultural concerns of African Americans examining Shawn’s extensive and life-changing research on what he calls the “The Black Tax”®. Shawn holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from The University of Rochester, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from The Chicago Booth School of Business with a focus on Accounting, Finance & Entrepreneurship. He lives in Southbury CT with his wife and two children. Order his new book “The Black Tax” at www.theblacktaxed.com and find out more about his mission at www.GoodStewardLiving.com.

Today we are joined by Wendell Cole, A Cool Bruh of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. This Brooklyn, New York native, by way of Marietta, Georgia is a 4th year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from Georgia State University at 20-years-old. He has always had an avid interest in medicine, sports and entrepreneurship. With a history of starting businesses, he kicked off his first startup during the early part of medical school. Since then, he has ventured into many different fields including network marketing and real estate. His passion is seeking knowledge and giving back to the community. His current projects include his podcast- Convos With Cole, where he interviews guests from varied backgrounds. He has hopes to have a career in Orthopaedic Surgery and will soon be working on another project related to Orhopaedic Surgery education. Wendell Cole already has a lot on his plate, but that has never stopped him and probably never will. As he stated firmly, “I don’t believe in limits.” You will certainly understand why. Social Media:IG: IamDrCole / TW: IamDrCole / FB: @IamDrColewww.iamdrcole.com

Our host, Rashan Ali shares lessons she and her husband have learned during their 15 years of marriage. This funny, intimate and witty conversation showcases the vulnerability of love.

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes filmmaker, visionary, producer, content creator Stacey L. Holman. This Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc is doing some outstanding work telling the stories of African American people through film. In her words, this is her story: From Dillard University in the Big Easy to Tisch School of the Arts in the Big Apple, I have honed my passion to write, produce and direct films that speak to matters of the heart, human insecurities, and bring light to treasured sub-cultures. Some of my works that address these themes include: Mirar Mirror, Girl Talk, Lumiette, Surrender (part of the anthology 6 Things I Never Told You) and Dressed Like Kings. My world in film has moved between narrative and documentary. On several projects, I have been able to blend the two genres structurally and visually. I have also brought my experience to several incredible historical films as Producer, Co- Producer, Line Producer, and Associate Producer. My portfolio includes the Peabody Award-winning Freedom Summer and the Emmy Award-winning Freedom Riders produced and directed by Stanley Nelson, the Emmy Award-winning Jesse Owens, andMary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Band, which aired on PBS affiliates. Through these projects, I have worked to breathe life into history for new and diverse audiences, to demonstrate its relevance for our present and to preserve it for future generations. My film territory even expanded into the world of philanthropy as a consultant with the JustFilms unit at the Ford Foundation. Recently I was one of the producers on Stanley Nelson's most recent project Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities which airs on PBS’ Independent Lens in February 2018. Currently, I serve as one of four producers/directors on Skip Gates documentary Reconstruction and the Birth of Jim Crow. Stacey is a part of a masterpiece and will continue to create important work for years to come. We should all be glad she’s behind the lens. Social Media: www.blackbutterflyproductions.net#hbcurising

Our host, Rashan Ali takes a moment to drop a few gems to help you reach your higher thought of who you are. Along the pathway of realizing who you are truly meant to be, everybody won't be a part of the ascension.         Instagram @rashanali Twitter @rashanali Facebook Rashan Ali

We always love have The Cool Bruh feature on the Cool Soror Podcast. Today we re joined by Lin Rountree: a cool brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The Soul-Trumpeter, is an accomplished recording artist, producer and live performer. With Six solo projects, Twelve Top 20 Billboard singles (including a certified #1), and numerous collaborations with some of the industry's top R&B/Contemporary Jazz artists to his credit he is poised to become one of the most renowned artists of his generation. Lin began playing the trumpet in Alexandria VA., when he was just 11-years-old and frequently attended music development programs at The Duke Ellington School for Performing Arts in Washington DC. Upon his graduation from High School, Lin was recruited into the Music program at Florida A&M University where he performed with the famed Marching 100 under the direction of William P. Foster and Dr. Julian White. After receiving his degree from FAMU he found his home in Detroit, Michigan where he formed a band and performed extensively throughout the region. In 2004, he released his debut CD, GROOVETREE on independent label BDK Records, which was met with international acclaim. After releasing one more CD under BDK: SUMTHIN' GOOD and another SOUL-TREE, The Soul-Jazz Experience (self released) also to rave reviews, he was sought after and signed to major label, Trippin' N Rhythm Records, where he subsequently wrote and co-produced three more projects: SERENDIPITOUS, SOULFUNKY and his current CD, STRONGER STILL featuring the #1 Billboard Hit Single "Pass The Groove." This amazing musician recognized his gift early and he is continuing the journey making his trumpet sing. Social Media:FB: Lin RountreeTW: @linrountree IG: @linrountree

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes singer, Keia Johnson: a Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Known for her bigger than life laugh and sultry voice, Keia is no stranger to the entertainment business. A certified military brat, Keia Johnson was born in San Antonio, TX but grew up all over the world. It was the move to Memphis that helped her establish her sound and performance style. She has performed with some of the best talent Memphis has to offer. In 2003, Keia continued to lead the way by being crowned the third African-American Miss Arkansas State University – a path blazed by Debby Turner, an ASU alumnus, who would later become Miss America in 1990. Keia went on to the Miss Arkansas Pageant where she was crowned Miss Congeniality, a name that stuck with her for years to come. She graduated with a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Radio/Television Broadcasting and a minor in Political Science. But the arts kept calling her name. Years later, it was American Idol that served as the true catalyst for “Miss Congeniality” to go to Hollywood where she wowed the judges for two seasons. Her audition performance of Celine Dion’s vocally rigorous “My Heart Will Go On” prompted guest judge and musical role model Mary J. Blige to simply declare: “She can sing!” Keia later went on to compete on Season 4 of “The Voice” as well. Being on a talent competition taught her that her love for music was more than just winning. She just had to keep singing. And that she has done aptly honing her “gift of song.” Social Media:www.keiajohnson.comInstagram @therealkeia, Twitter @contactkeia

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Sheree Alexis to the show. A Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., this Chicago native originally set out to be a doctor. But her fun and stylish upbringing led her into a life she truly embraces and adores. A full time mother and seamstress, Sheree Alexis is building an empire with beautiful, unique styles that have her clients and fans wanting more. Sheree Alexis offers timeless and fashion-forward pieces, inspired by everyday beauty. Her diverse line is represented by many collections, which have developed from ideas to realities throughout her career as a seamstress. Her goal is to create exclusive designs that each wearer can adapt to freely express their own style. This fun and engaging conversation is an example of not knowing the path and going their anyway. Sheree Alexis is doing just that. Social Media:www.shereealexis.com@shereealexis

The Cool People feature of the week is a woman who is truly running for change: Alison Desir. A native of Englewood, New Jersey, she is leading the pack one step at a time. Named by Women's Running as one of twenty women who are changing the sport of running and the world, Alison is the founder of Harlem Run (an NYC-based running movement) and Run 4 All Women (an initiative that has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood), and just launched the podcast Finding Meaning (on the RUN), available on iTunes, Google Music, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Alison is currently featured alongside American Ballet Theatre® principal ballerina Misty Copeland, world champion sprinter Natasha Hastings, professional stuntwoman Jessie Graff, and Chinese taekwondo champion and actress Zoe Zhang (Lanxin Zhang) in Under Armor’s latest global campaign, Unlike Any, which celebrates and honors the unprecedented achievements of female athletes that rise above gender comparisons and stand on their own as marvels of athletic prowess. Passionate about community, mental health and fitness, Alison's nickname, “powdered feet,” comes from the Haitian Kreyol saying, which describes a person so active that you never see them, just the footprints of where they’ve been in powder. Alison started running distance after a period of depression, and, over the past 4 years, has been able to Find Meaning on the Run. When Alison is not running, she is working to resolve and speaking passionately about issues related to women and girls. Social Media:www.alisonmdesir.comIG: @alisonmdesir TW: @alisonmdesirFB: Alison Mariella Desir

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Shennice Cleckley to the show! A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Shennice is the epitome of joy! This baker, author, freelance writer and coach and former government policy director knows how to grasp life by its horns and make some incredible music. She attributes her passion for abundant living to her unorthodox faith in God’s power to change any situation by His grace. Shennice is the author and illustrator of three children's books that are titled “Please Wait Mommy’s Working”, “Meet Lewis’ Big Family” and “Have You Seen My Little Tooth”. She also shares her story of teen motherhood in an anthology titled “There’s a Jewel In You”. Shennice is the content curator for her blog My Sweet Spot Life and a contributing writer for the Womeneur Blog, Edible Columbia Magazine, Edible Charleston Magazine, Columbia Living Magazine, Charleston Living Magazine and Wilmington Living Magazine. Shennice is a graduate of Columbia College with degrees in Political Science and Public Affairs. She resides in Columbia, South Carolina with her husband LeBrian. Together they have four children and one grandchild. Shennice is all about the community, serving on various boards including two terms on the City of Columbia Accommodations Tax Board, Columbia College McNair Entrepreneurship Mentor And What's Next Midlands. In addition to being a Zeta she is also a dedicated member of the Junior League of Columbia. Shennice Cleckley is living her year of manifestation, marking off each goal she accomplishes one at a time. This manifested joy resonates with every word she speaks. Social Media:www.shennicecleckley.comwww.mommyandlewis.com Twitter: @iamshenniceIG: @iamshennicecFB: Shennice

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. to the show: Sonia Jackson Myles. A native of Saginaw, Michigan, she graduated summa cum laude from Florida A&M University (FAMU) with a BS in Business Administration (1989) and an MBA in Marketing (1990). Before launching her Sister Accord business full-time, Sonia was an executive in Corporate America with over 20 years of experience, managing over $20 Billion in spend. She has worked for Ford Motor Company, The Gillette Company and The Procter & Gamble Company. Her last corporate role was as P&G’s Director, Global Packaging Purchases, where she managed $6 Billion in spend. Sonia was named one of Essence Magazine’s “Women of Power” in 2008, Bloomberg Report’s “History Makers” in 2009, Trumpet Award Foundation’s “Women in High Heels” in 2010. Sonia was inducted into FAMU’s School of Business and Industry’s Hall of Fame in 2011, and was named one of Black Enterprise Magazine’s Top Executives in Marketing & Advertising. In 2012, Sonia was named one of FAMU’s 125 Outstanding Alumni, in celebration of the University’s 125th Anniversary, and was awarded The Gillette Legacy Award. Sonia was nominated for a 2013 NAACP Image Award, in the Debut Author category, for her book, The Sister Accord: 51 Ways To LOVE Your Sister. Sonia is the Founder, President & CEO of The Sister Accord Foundation, which has 3 areas of focus: Educating girls and women, Enlightening girls and women of the Power of Sisterhood and Eradicating bullying and violence against girls and women. She is also the Founder & CEO of The Accord Group LLC, which is a leadership development, employee engagement, branding & diversity consultancy. She currently serves as the Chair for FAMU’s School of Business & Industry’s Advisory Board. Sonia is also a Board Member for The Impact Young Lives Foundation, which supports leadership development for youth in S. Africa, and Fresh Start Beverage Company. Her mantra is “There is always a seat at the table for excellence—focus on being excellent.” Social Media:IG: @the sisteraccord TW: @the sister accord FB: @the sister accordwww.thesisteraccord.com, www.dreamwalkingcourse.com and www.soniajacksonmyles.com

If you’ve ever wanted to know more about yoga and meditation, Sherrell Moore-Tucker is the perfect person and she is our Cool People feature today. She is a best-selling author, speaker, and wellness professional who focuses on wellness as a lifestyle! She specializes in showing people how manage daily stress, health and social trauma by learning how to "Breathe In, Stress Out". Sherrell is the creator of Faith & Flow Yoga®. A yoga practice that teaches people how to use their faith, body, breath, and flow to raise their level of consciousness, reconnecting with the creator, and themselves on a deeper mental, spiritual, and physical level. She also, created Sisters Who Meditate® as an international movement to educate and support women who want to cultivate a spiritual practice utilizing Christian meditation and prayer to deepen their relationship with God. She is passionate about educating people about mind-body principles that are applicable for everyday living. She serves your community by educating and teaching communities and businesses about various forms of yoga, meditation, and breathing techniques for stress management, social and health related trauma and self-care. Hearing Sherrell talk about yoga and meditation in such a beautiful and personal way, will truly make you want to start the journey yourself. As she stated so eloquently in this episode, there is beauty in a “powerful mind.” From the beginning to end you, will see why she has one. Social Media:IG: @sherrellmooretucker, FB: @sherrellmooretucker, TW: @sherrellmooretucker

It’s always COOL to have COOL PEOPLE on The Cool Soror Podcast and Genise Shelton is just that. She is a mother of six and married to the love of her life, Dr. Courtney Shelton. The Chicago native is an actress, author and philanthropist who also co-starred in season four of BRAVO’s “Married to Medicine.” She decided to use her platform to push for change after 8 African American girls went missing in the DC area in 2017. She was moved to launch Our Children’s Keeper Foundation, which was created to help end modern day slavery of child sex trafficking and recover abducted and missing children in Atlanta and surrounding areas. OCK works to prevent the sexual exploitation of youth and helps current victims find confidence, strength and stability beyond the limitations of their current lifestyle. Genise is very passionate about platforms that affect the very foundation of our community - homelessness, sex trafficking of minors, and domestic abuse of children. She has witnessed, first-hand, the impact that both can have on an individual. She has added author to her growing list of titles including her debut book, Married to Fitness which chronicles her fitness journey. Although she carries many titles, one that is nearest to her heart (outside of being a wife and mother) is saving our children who are being trafficked at staggering numbers. She is truly “Our Children’s Keeper.” Social Media:IG: officialgenise Twitter: @officialgenise Twitter: @ockfoundationIG: @OurChildrensKeeper

It’s always cool to have the Cool Bruhs on the show! Kirk Brown, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. joins the Cool Soror Podcast. This Bronx, New York native is a true light in philanthropy. Serving as the Head of Development for The Ron Clark Academy and one of the co-founders of the Emerging 100, it’s no wonder why this intelligent young brother lives his life with purpose. Born to hard-working Jamaican parents, he received the seed of the gift of giving by seeing their example. His heartbeat is a direct result of that seed. He lives by a Winston Churchill favorite: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Kirk Brown is doing just that, blessing young people and anyone he comes in contact with. When asked what he wanted people to know about him, he responded. “I’m a Newlywed. Connector. Founder. Traveler. Community servant. I’m just a regular who enjoys giving back to the people serving the community. I get it from my parents.” There is nothing regular about that. Social Media:IG: @kirkandre

Our host, Rashan Ali offers a few words of wisdom to help you write out your plan. In this 10 minute episode, she recalls her own plan for The Cool Soror Podcast and how writing the vision for her dream opened the door to fruition. She encourages you to do the same in 2018!