Philly native Rhonda Simmons, an educator, author, preacher and entrepreneur, founded a home for unwed teen moms in Texas, a state that is ranked amongst the highest in teen pregnancy rates. Rhonda was candid with us about what inspired her to be passionate about this work.

We discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on academia, marketing and its role in the future of employment. Rhonda shared her perspective on critical race theory and the importance of educating our youth.

Through her foundation, The Simmons Empowerment Foundation Inc. (TSEFI), Rhonda authored Dear Future Me: The Journey Begins and created an empowerment summit of the same name to uplift and motivate others.

Social Media: @tsefiorg on all platforms
Website: www.tsefi.org
Podcast: Empowered Heart to Heart- on Spotify, iHeartRadio www.tsefi.org/podcast
Resources: Don’t Drop the Mic by TD Jakes

Ayanna shares the misconceptions surrounding being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder later in life and the disparity in resources available for people of color. We discuss the difference in identifying black and Hispanic children with autism relative to white children and the services needed to reach their full potential.

Not letting autism stop her, Ayanna is a creative artist that has made dolls, clothing and paintings. Ayanna is a former choreographer with work seen on BET, ABC Family, the Maury Povich Show, and at The Apollo Theater and she’s illustrated 22 books and 4 coloring books. Ayanna was honored at the United Nations and given a proclamation making April 26th Ayanna’s Day in Westchester County, New York.

Ayanna walks us through sensory overload for people on the spectrum pertaining to sounds, smells and coping mechanisms. Specifically, Ayanna works with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy DBT that teaches mindfulness and journaling. Ayanna shares the experiences of seizures and fainting spells that many people with autism have that are not always discussed.

Social Media: @Phenomenallyautistic and linktree for merchandise

Resources: @AutisticsUnmasked non-profit organization

Books: Cupcake Girl and Her Birthday Adventure by Chanelle A. Watson, Illustrated by Ayana Davis; We Are Magical and We Are Still Magical- coloring books by Ayanna Davis

Dr. Felecia Pullen, founded and is the President and CEO of Let’s Talk SAFETY, Inc., a not-for-profit that includes: SAFE in Harlem, a CDC-funded teen-led prevention coalition; The PILLARS, Manhattan’s first OASAS-funded Recovery Community & Outreach Center; and The SAFETY Net, a teen-designed Clubhouse in Harlem.

Dr. Pullen shared her personal experience with drug use that fueled her desire to help others on their recovery journey. We discuss the grind to secure funding to keep community programs open, her role in the Netflix documentary Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy and the effect that addiction has on her beloved Harlem neighborhood. Dr. Pullen continues to create partnerships with community leaders to offer holistic, complementary, alternative approaches for individuals and their families.

Social Media:
@Safeinharlem, @pillars.nyc

Resources
www.safeinharlem.org, www.pillarsnyc.org, www.Drpphd.com