Cool Soror with Rashan Ali

It’s always dope to feature Cool People on The Cool Soror Podcast and today is no different! We welcome attorney, author and actor Tiffany M. Simmons. With a knack for creative reinvention and an unsurmountable hustle, Tiffany is determined to leave her mark on the entertainment industry. As an undefeated attorney and CEO of the Simmons Law Firm, she’s already demonstrated her prowess to exceed expectations. Therefore, adding another notch to her already impressive belt of achievements is no surprise. Her next move is her most challenging yet and she’s opening up to allow others a front row view of how she intends to get it done. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan – one of the notably worst cities for African-Americans who live below the poverty level and have the least access to quality public education – Tiffany was determined to create a new path. She became heavily involved in the arts but was equally fascinated with the jobs behind the scenes. This thirst led her to law school and the rest is history! With a strong concentration in Entertainment Law, Tiffany remained in the thick of the industry – patiently awaiting her return to the arts as an entertainer. After completing acting classes at the world renowned Tasha Smith Acting Workshop (TSAW), she was ready and eager to get back to the world of creativity. Not only is Tiffany building her acting resumé, but she’s also taking the literary world by storm. With the release of her fourth novel, The Plug’s Lawyer – a trap novel about a good girl with street habits – she’s also added the title, AUTHOR, to her impressive repertoire. Tiffany is winning the fight of this life and she is continuing to make moves in the rink. She embraces every round for the win. That’s what undefeated looks like. Social Media: Twitter: @iamsimmonslaw IG: @officialsimmonslaw @thatslawebook @theplugslawyer FB: Simmons Law, Tiff M. Simmons

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Dr. Kimberly Manning a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This Inglewood, California native has a heart of gold and to be in her presence at any given moment is truly a gift. A medical physician, affectionately known as “The Grady Doc,” Dr. Manning has an innate passion for her patients and a resounding kindness that every human being should encapsulate. Her official title is Associate Professor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Attending Physician/Clinician Educator at Grady Memorial Hospital but she is so much more. A friend to everyone she meets, Dr. Manning describes herself as the following: “I’m a wife. I’m a doctor. I’m a mom. I’m a thinker. I’m a doer. I’m an innovator. I’m a writer. I’m a teacher. I’m a leader. I laugh hard every day. I cry at least once every day. I live my life with intention and purpose. I try very hard to use my gifts and to be kind. “ You can see her passion in words on her blog: TheGradyDoctor.com Dr. Manning’s zest for life has always been within her, but after the sudden passing of her older sister and soror in 2012, she has vowed to make the most of every single moment in life. She finds the good in any and all situations. We should all have just a little taste of what this good doctor orders. Her order? Kindness on a platter. Kindness personified. Social Media: Twitter: @gradydoctor www.GradyDoctor.com  

This Cool People Episode with Ciji Townsend offers 15 minutes of power to teach you how to make the most of your busy life! Ciji Townsend, a change agent. PR specialist and corporate executive offers tangible ways to execute our days with the most effectiveness, including simply getting a watch to curve distractions. Who is Ciji? She is a believer, wife and a friend but most importantly she is genuine and authentic on her everyday journey to live balanced not busy and provide practical solutions to others (mostly strangers) to find balance and ultimately shift from crazy busy to confident calm. Ciji has been intrigued by the word, busy since she was six years old. Surrounded by working parents and grandparents, everyone seemed to be really really busy…ALL of the time. Ciji was initiated into her family’s secret society of busy people when she turned 13. Her over programmed social calendar, full schedule and ridiculous amount of commitments from school sports to the youth and government club was an official rite of passage. Ciji remained in the secret society and committed to the condition of being busy in high school, college and for many years post-graduation. Until one day a light bulb went off and she no longer wanted to respond to “how are you?” with the overused response, “I’m so busy!” She will show you how to remain balanced, not busy one step at a time! Social Medial: Instagram: @balancednotbusy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balancednotbusy/ Twitter: @balancednotbusy Website: balancednotbusy.com

We are happy to have Lakeshia P. Dixon join the Cool Soror Podcast! A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., this educator, activist, wife and mother has taken life by its horns and led the way. A native of Miami, Florida and mother of three, she strives to impart to her children the importance of education and always putting your best self forward. You can feel her incredible energy and zest for life with every utterance. Lakeshia wears many hats and the one with likely the most flair is the colorful hat of motherhood. Noticing her son, Kaiden begin to experience pain in his leg at a very young age, she dug deeper to get the answers she needed. That answer would not come until years later which resulted in her son’s leg being amputated. But what could have been deemed something completely life-altering has turned into an opportunity to educate people about children with physical differences. With that, “Kaiden The Great and the Sinister Lunch Lady” was born as well as Kaiden’s Crew, a non-profit organization that provides assistive devices to these children. She operates an Educational Enrichment company and provides support to local schools within her community. When asked how she prevails through uncertain times, Lakeshia simply states: “One day, TODAY, will be a long time ago. Knowing this, you can always push forward because your greater is certain to come.” This epitomes resilence and so does she. Social Media: IG: @keshiawrites TW: @keshiawrites IG: @kaidenthegreat_ www.lakeshiapdixon.com www.kaidenthegreat.com

The Cool Soror Podcast welcomes Chiquita Lockley, a dedicated member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the producer and director of the forthcoming documentary, Eggs Over Easy: Black Women & Fertility (2018). She is also the producer of the award-winning documentary Kunta Kinteh Island: Coming Home Without Shackles (www. http://www.kuntakintehislandmovie.com/, courtesy ERoss Studios). She holds a BA in English from Spelman College and an MA in Film Studies from Emory University. Chiquita specializes in live event production, providing creative direction and production management for artists’ tours including: Tasha Cobbs, Kierra Sheard, William Murphy, Bishop Paul Morton and others. In 2013, she made her theatrical debut as playwright of the musical Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker Present: A Mother’s Love. Scenes from the musical, starring Kandi, Eddie Levert, Shirley Murdock, and Porsha Williams were featured on the season finale of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta”. Having spent the last 15+ years working in Faith-based television and media, Chiquita authored the book Creative Worship: 86 Tips for Establishing a Dynamic Worship, Media & Production Team. She is also the author of children’s book, Maggie Tales: Mommy, Where’s Heaven?, which seeks to demystify the Circle of Life for children and parents alike. Chiquita has done so much, but her mission to spread the word about fertility issues that women of color face is at the top of the list. “Eggs Over Easy” proves to be an eye-opener for a conversation that has not been heard enough. Social Media: www.ChiquitaLockley.com www.EggsOverEasyFilm.com IG: @QuitaWrites

Grief: there is no preparation. Only those who have experienced it can try or attempt to describe it. But do you have a grief plan with your siblings, parents, family, best friend, closest sorority sister or frat brother? This episode will at least encourage you to have the conversation and possibly implement the steps I’ve used in the midst of my best friend’s grief.

The Cool Soror Podcast is excited to have Eboni K. Williams, an active and dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is an attorney, author, and host on FOX News Channel. She also co-hosts ‘The Curtis & Eboni Show’ on WABC Radio in New York City (weekdays, 12-3 pm ET). Ms. Williams made her author debut with the national release of ‘Petty Powerful: Appearance, Substance, and Success’ in September 2017. Prior to her role with FOX News Channel, Ms. Williams served as a CBS News correspondent, HLN contributor and talk radio host for Los Angeles’ KFI AM640, sharpening her broadcast experience while sharing her expertly analyzed views on various culturally relevant topics. She’s also had frequent guest appearances on CNN and the NFL Network. Ms. Williams was accepted to and enrolled in The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill at the age of 16, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Ms. Williams began her professional experience in Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, where, as a law student, she clerked for the Louisiana Secretary of State and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. There, she also worked for various politicians, including New Orleans City Council Members, supporting efforts to rebuild the city of New Orleans. Ms. Williams received her BA in Communications and African-American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. Her career would and continues to flourish. Now she adds author to this impressive list and chronicles the lessons she’s learned along her journey in her book “Pretty Powerful.” But DO NOT let the title fool you. Eboni K. Williams is extremely impressive from the inside and that in itself is pretty powerful. Social Media: IG: EboniKWilliams Twitter: EboniKWilliams FB: @EboniKWilliams

Patrice Donelson, Tiffani Davis and Ashley Worlds Gomez are three Cool Sorors from the Spring 2007 line of the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. They join the show today to talk about their line’s documentary, “A Klass Act” and their 10 acts of service during Florida A&M’s Homecoming 2017. Their line name is H.I.D.A.Y.A. and it stands for Heroines Introspectively Defining AKAtude While Yielding AKAllence. The word Hidaya means "a precious gift". AKA is a gift for them as a line. They asked to be apart of her sisterhood and received that gift. They created this documentary in celebration of their 10 year AKA anniversary to showcase their Service, Sisterhood and Scholarship. The documentary is called "Our Precious Gift" . In it, they talk about what 10 years of sisterhood has meant to them personally and how they are serving their communities today through their careers and at home in their personal lives. The line’s theme for this homecoming is "A Klass Act: Then, Now, Forever.” They wanted to come up with something that spoke to the character the line embodies. Their love for Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Beta Alpha Chapter remains steadfast and true. The focus has and will always be to add to the iconic legacy the chapter holds through service and sisterhood. Spring 2007: definitely KLASSY. Social Media: IG: @BA_HIDAYA07

The Cool Soror Podcast is joined by a Cool Bruh of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Aaron Paxton Arnold has a level of grind that is rare and true to his core. A Southside Chicago native, he described his surroundings growing up as anywhere between “dope boy and AP student.” But like any great man does, he has thrived. Entrepreneur Lifestyle Expert + Key Note Speaker + National Media Contributor + Host and Founder of MusicIsMyBusiness, Aaron is one of the country’s top young faces and his work is fueled by a profound commitment to meshing entrepreneurship, music, social media & corporate America. He serves as a voice for the voiceless bridging the gap with those generations, younger and older...inspiring, educating, entertaining and breaking down barriers. His background in PR, journalism, music/entertainment, technology, brand management have allowed Aaron to provide a diverse expertise. His experience as an entrepreneur, speaker, young father and husband allow him to provide relatable anecdotes that all who he touches can appreciate. After nearly four years in corporate America, he followed his passion and took an unpaid intern-assistant job with Sean "Diddy" Combs for 18 months. His sacrifice, leaving a good job, was in hopes that one day he would become the next generation of entrepreneurs to influence business and entertainment. Aaron has become a sought after influencer, curator, panelist and keynote speaker, who has spoken everywhere from Harvard University to USC to Capitol Hill and recently signed a partnership as a national media influencer/Ambassador for General Motors Brands (Cadillac, Buick, Chevy). He also writes very passionately about social-political issues for CNN as an Opinion Columnist and is the Lifestyle, News and Entertainment correspondent for KISS 104.1 FM in Atlanta, providing all the up-to-date information on entertainment, news and trends. Aaron Paxton Arnold epitomizes what it means to have ‘faith & commitment.’ He has to: his life has mirrored it. Social Media: www.aaronpaxtonarnold.com

It’s another “Cool People” episode of the Cool Soror Podcast and we are delighted to have ESPN’s own Cari Champion join us. This California native is the epitome of Black Girl Magic as the host of Coast To Coast one one of the world’s most popular networks. Prior to joining Coast To Coast, Cari served as the host of ESPN2’s First Take, where she shared the debate table with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith and moderated their debate topics while offering her perspective and insight. She knew she wanted more so she set out to “knock on doors until I got a Yes!” Her ‘yes’ came in 2015. Before ESPN, Champion was an anchor and courtside reporter at the Tennis Channel. She also served as an entertainment/lifestyle reporter doing features for The Insider, Hollywood 411 and Starz Entertainment. She has spent time at WCGL in Atlanta as an anchor and reporter. While her resume and bio speaks volumes about her professional career, it’s who Cari is as a woman that rings loudly. She has a mentoring program that matches young women and girls with career guides in the field of sports journalism. With that, she has served as a mentor to our host, Rashan Ali and helped her doing a pivotal moment in her career. They talk about that moment during this in depth conversation. Cari Champion lights up the television screen talking all things sports, but her beauty resonates from within. We are all blessed to witness her simply being herself and it shows that in this world all you need is one yes. And the rest, they say, is history. Social Media: IG: carichampion Tw: carichampion FB: @carichampion

Charisma Atkins joins The Cool Soror Podcast today! A cool soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., this Decatur, Georgia native is at the forefront in the realm of Public Health. Lupus & Skin Care. She has 15 years of experience in public health as an Epidemiologist with specialization in epidemiologic analysis, disease modeling, public health marketing, communication, and training. She has also worked with several public health agencies including Whitman Walker Health Centers in Washington, DC, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), American Public Human Services Association, Florida Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). While helping to change the world in epidemiology, Charisma has faced her own health challenges. She takes us on the journey of her battle with Lupus and how she finally took a full grasp on the totality of her diagnosis. She fights it daily by understanding her body and treating it like the temple that it is. She has become a mentor and guide to other Lupus patients shedding light on managing the disease one day at a time. Charisma has not let her busy life stop her from her true passion of beauty and skin care. As a trained and certified esthetician, she specializes in all types of facials, chemical peels, body waxing and the use of home based products to care for the skin. Recently she entered into a business venture: an esthetics boutique to deliver all esthetic needs including lash extensions and nails in Atlanta, GA aptly called ‘Simply Charisma.’ With the life she’s led and is living, why wouldn’t she? Social Media: TW: SimplyCharisma / IG: SimplyCharisma / FB: @SimplyCharisma

We are excited to launch our first episode of “Cool People” with Digital Marketing Guru, Athony “AJ” Joiner. A native of Louisiana and a Computer Information Systems graduate of Southern University, AJ had the zest for entrepreneurship even in the corporate setting. After years of giving major corporations brilliant ideas, AJ decided to step away and take digital marketing to the next level..this time with his own clients. Directly from his website www.anthonyjoiner.com, he describes himself as the following: “Modestly speaking, my clients have repeatedly told me that I have ‘the gift’. The gift of pulling back the curtain and showing smart, influential thought leaders and business owners how to make money online by using social media and other online tools to monetize the years and years of knowledge they have acquired in their industry. We focus on your skills and knowledge and turn it into cash all from the comfort of your home. There are too many fluffy ‘digital strategists’ and ‘branding experts’ who tell you to post six times a day, create a vision board and make sure you have the right colors and fonts, but they can’t connect a single piece of strategy to the tools you need.” Anthony has played an integral role in the life of our host, Rashan Ali. They delve deeper into their business relationship and how she has truly benefited from his tutelage. From meditation to the confines of religion, Anthony showcases the tapestry of his intellect in “Million Dollar Mind.” You’ll see why his currency is so rich. Social Media: IG ajjoiner Twitter @ajjoiner www.anthonyjoiner.com

Grammy-Award Winning Singer and Co-Host of the new talk show, Sister Circle TV Syleena Johnson joins the Cool Soror Podcast. A Cool Soror of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, this Chicago Native has lived and breathed music since the 6th grade. But as melodic tones constantly rang in her ears and lyrics flowed through her pen, she faced the music industry monster that has continuously proven to be unkind. Syleena continued and continues to press on. Syleena’s inherent vocal ability and lyrical prowess place her high in a league of some of the best singers and performers of her generation. Kanye West, R. Kelly and Musiq Soulchild have all sought her out for collaborations as she has penned numerous major R&B hits and continues remain relevant as a new generation of music lovers have come to love her as one of the original cast members of the TV One hit reality series R&B Divas Atlanta and now as as a co-host of Sister Circle Live on the same network. This mother and wife goes in depth about her son's Autism diagnosis and how it sent her into a year of depression. Now, it has given her unprecedented strength and the ability to love unabashedly. Syleena is taking this new opportunity so people can see the real her and she understands that this time of her life has complete purpose. She is clear that her "Voice Is Her Vehicle." We are certainly along for the ride. Social Media: TW: @syleena_johnson IG: @syleenajohnson

Our host, Rashan Ali, talks about her first day on the new talk show, "Sister Circle Live!" She delves into the meaning of "Standby" and what it means for your name to be called. She also talks about the loss of a very close friend and how she is using her passing to live a life fulfilled. We hope you will be inspired to be and live like your best self.   FB: @rashanali IG: @rashanali TW: @rashanali

It’s not every day that our host, Rashan Ali, gets to interview someone she helped become a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha. This episode gave her the second opportunity as she sits down with Christelsie Johnson, who is definitely a Cool Soror. A professional film and television makeup artist, Christelsie takes us on an emotional ride of loss, perseverance and triumph. She has ridden each of these with that mustard seed of faith. It was all she had. A graduate of Florida A&M University in theatre, her original focus was acting. She did however, study all aspects of the art including acting, directing, lighting and makeup. She went on to become a public school teacher and then serve as a director of arts in therapy for a counseling agency. After being laid off, she took what she thought would be a temporary job in cosmetics, with MAC cosmetics. There her love for the art developed. She has now worked as a full-time makeup artist for 11 years and her portfolio is impressive! Christelsie has worked with numerous celebrities, magazines, NBA cheerleading teams, top hair companies, brides and has 20 television and film credits under her belt. She served most recently as makeup department head for Tales, which returns to BET in October and is currently on Jay Z’s Tidal. She also served as makeup department head on TV One’s highest premier in network history, When Love Kills. Coming up on 9/24/17, she has an intensive television and film workshop for makeup artists who are interested in transitioning into the industry full time. She believes that sharing her gifts is the true definition of service and that is exactly what she is doing through her work and her company, “My T.R.U.E. Beauty.” She’s everything the name means: beautiful inside and out. One listen and you will agree. Twitter: @CATrueBeauty IG: @christelsie www.christelsie.com