Archives

    Behind the Confident Smile

    April 18, 2024
    Join us on ‘Behind The Confident Smile’ as Leslie Roberson, founder of The Black Beauty Collective, shares her inspiring transformation from model and veteran to a trailblazing entrepreneur. Leslie discusses how her experiences have shaped her mission to revolutionize Black-owned beauty brands, focusing on meeting the specific beauty needs of Black women and empowering entrepreneurs. This episode delves into her efforts to create a supportive community that breaks barriers and fosters innovation in the beauty industry.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    April 5, 2024
    Discover Ana Sierra’s transformative journey from a basketball prodigy in the Bronx/Harlem to a Chicago community leader and founder of the Ana Sierra Women’s Basketball League (ASWBL). Ana’s story highlights the power of sports in empowering women and girls, showcasing her shift from athlete to advocate. This episode reveals how her dedication to sportsmanship and community has inspired a new generation.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    April 1, 2024
    Join us for an inspiring episode of ‘Behind The Confident Smile’ featuring LaSandra, a dedicated speaker, social justice advocate, and founder of Grace and Grief. In the wake of her husband’s sudden passing, LaSandra navigated the depths of grief alongside her four children, transforming her personal pain into a powerful platform for support and healing. Through Grace & Grief, she has become a beacon of hope for those facing loss, channeling her experiences into a mission that empowers others through her YouTube channel, public speaking engagements, and grief coaching services. This episode offers an intimate look at how resilience and understanding can lead to profound acts of service, providing solace and strength to many.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    March 12, 2024
    This episode features an inspiring discussion with Sala Spencer, a distinguished healthcare professional and passionate community advocate. With her extensive background as a Registered Nurse, Certified Birth Doula, and her journey towards becoming a Certified Infant Mental Health Specialist, Sala offers invaluable insights into maternal and infant health. Having attended over 200 births, her commitment to enhancing healthcare outcomes for mothers and their babies is evident. This episode shines a light on Sala’s profound impact on families through her work, sharing her experiences and the importance of support during one of life’s most significant moments.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    March 12, 2024
    On ‘Behind the Confident Smile,’ dive into the extraordinary story of Diana, a woman who transformed her life from incarceration to becoming a pivotal figure for Chicago’s youth. This episode takes you through Diana’s incredible journey of rebuilding her life after release, from her time in a halfway house to her influential role as the Director of Youth Engagement. Hear how Diana dedicates herself to being a beacon of hope, passionately working to ensure that her past does not dictate her future, and inspiring others to believe in the power of change and redemption.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    February 28, 2024
    In a powerful and moving episode, host Bianca Cotton is joined by Sara Brown, Erica Williams, and Brandi P., who open up about their personal battles with infertility. This discussion shines a light on the often overlooked issue of infertility among Black women, delving into their individual journeys, the broader societal impact, and the quest for solutions. Offering a blend of personal stories, insights, and empowerment, this episode provides hope and solidarity for those navigating similar challenges, emphasizing the importance of awareness and support within the community.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    February 6, 2024
    Host Bianca Cotton sits down with Ja’Niece Nelson, whose journey embodies the essence of lifelong learning and unwavering dedication. Achieving her Bachelor of Science in Child Maternal Health/Human Lactation at the age of 40, Ja’Niece’s path is not just academic; it’s deeply personal. From her early experiences as a new mother to becoming a certified Breastfeeding Peer Counselor, Labor Doula, Postpartum Doula, Child Birth Educator, and an advocate for family support, her story is a beacon of inspiration. This episode celebrates Ja’Niece’s remarkable journey, highlighting the powerful message that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a meaningful impact.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    January 31, 2024
    Host Bianca Cotton engages in a profound conversation with Yvonne Orr, acclaimed for her extensive experience in development, communications, and nonprofit management. Orr, the leader of YORR Consulting Group and an accomplished artist, brings her unique insights from Chicago’s cultural and philanthropic spheres. This episode offers an enriching exploration of Orr’s expertise in blending professional leadership with artistic creativity, making it a must-watch in our archive.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    January 23, 2024
    Join Bianca Cotton and guest Lakesha Spight, an experienced social worker, as they explore the importance of parental rights and advocacy in education, offering essential insights for both educators and parents.

    Behind the Confident Smile

    January 17, 2024
    Meet Lakesha Spight, a dedicated social worker and Aurora University graduate, as she shares her powerful journey of becoming a teen mom at 16 with host Bianca Cotton. Discover her inspiring story of resilience and dedication.