Nabwic.org

Hosts Jada Williams and Ersula Odom bring you an engaging conversation led by NABWIC Member and Tradeswoman Erica Braxton, Union Construction Worker and Certified Welder.   Erica Braxton is a proud union construction worker & certified welder. A member of Plumbers Local 24 Northern New Jersey since 1993 and a member of Iron Workers Local 11 Northern New Jersey since 2015, she is an advocate of women and minority issues in construction. She is also the founder of several social groups which mentor women in the trades, and is a member of National Association of Black Women in Construction Erica interviews other women in the trades as they talk about their careers, challenges, goals and achievements in their occupations as tradeswomen.  Colleen Brooks (Carpenter (24 Years) Tenika Deshawn, Owner, The Lady Carpenter Voncaira Williams, Electrician, IBEW Local 58 Lisa Dickenson, IBEW Local 948 Terri Powless, Iron Workers Local 25 (26 Years) Felicia Wiseman, Treasurer, IBEW Local 58      

Hassanah Thomas is a veteran community, grassroots television Producer and Founder of Inner-Attainment TV (IAT) with over 25yrs experience. She earned a BS degree from Emerson College in her hometown of Boston, MA and later received a MA in Producing for Film and TV from American University in Washington, DC. Between 2005 and 2006, she developed several television pilot episodes of the television series, “Living Islam in America” that she continued to produce until the spring of 2011, and in that time received several awards from the Alliance for Community Media as well as several production grants from Odyssey Network.  Hassanah is joined by Co-producer Loretta Edwards Wilson and General Contractor and entrepreneur Keisha Gilchrist. Loretta Edwards Wilson brings a breadth of production experience from production manager to supervising producer on the BET Awards Show and films such as the Rap it Up Film Odicie and Showtime’s Belle.  During her time as a buyer of content, Wilson worked with several television

Tarolyn Buckles is the president and CEO at Onyx Enterprise, Inc. a project and Construction Management Civil Engineering Firm. Her impressive resume as a civil engineer and owner of her own firm has given her the opportunity to work on high-profile construction projects in Detroit, including the M-1 Rail project. https://video.pbs12.org/video/dptv-education-tarolyn-buckles-stem-heroes/ AWARDS: Best Small Business in Michigan Crain's Notable Women in STEM Michigan 50 Companies to Watch  Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence Award NSBE-National Society of Black Engineers Golden Torch Entrepreneur of the Year NAWIC-National Association of Women In Construction Crystal Vision Award Contact: Tarolyn Buckles, A.M. ASCE President and CEO Onyx Enterprise, Inc. |7650 2nd Avenue, Suite 106 | Detroit, MI, 48202 |tbuckles@onyx-enterprise.com | 

Real estate entrepreneur Vanessa Cullins Hopkins serves as Vice President and Operations Manager for Pebo Enterprises Corporation, Pebo Enterprises Georgia LLC, PeboVan Tax Liens and Deeds, and VanPebo Florida LLC. Vanessa and her husband Keith, who is president of the entities mentioned earlier, raise capital for the acquisition and renovation of real estate properties. The company renovates distressed assets to promote its corporate philosophy of building wealth among disadvantaged Black and Brown people, allowing them to rent to own. Her power team consists of a realtor, lenders, general contractor, CPA, subcontractors, title companies, and insurance companies. From 2011 to 2016, Vanessa Cullins Hopkins served as Vice President of External Medical Affairs for Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), where she operated at the intersections of Public Policy, Communications, and Medical Services to provide leadership, voice, and assistance to junior and senior staff.  Vanessa serves as Treasurer for

Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. is Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and past Chair of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). His distinguished career spans more than four decades, including tenures as CEO of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority.  Ford is a champion of multimodal transportation, walkable neighborhoods, public-private partnerships and transit-oriented development; and known for industry-leading insights and thought leadership on international transportation issues from trade and study missions around the world. Greg Evans was appointed as the Florida Department of Transportation District Two Secretary effective February 6, 2012.  Evans has over 25 years of experience in the management and operations of public infrastructure.  He is an alumnus of Southern Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology. 

Doug Wheeler serves as the President and CEO of the Florida Ports Council (FPC), a nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s 15 public deepwater seaports and their management. The FPC provides leadership, advocacy and information on seaport-related issues before the Legislative and Executive Branches of State and Federal Government. Wheeler has more than 20 years of governmental affairs and association leadership at both the state and federal levels where he previously held positions with the Associated Builders and Contractors, and more recently, the Florida Chamber of Commerce where he served as Vice President of Grassroots Advocacy and Political Action Development. Under Wheeler’s leadership and management of Florida’s largest federation of businesses, associations, and local chambers of commerce – encompassing more than 139,000 grassroots members – the Chamber worked aggressively and effectively to represent the interests of business in Florida Florida Ports Council

Doug Wheeler serves as the President and CEO of the Florida Ports Council (FPC), a nonprofit corporation that serves as the professional association for Florida’s 15 public deepwater seaports and their management. The FPC provides leadership, advocacy and information on seaport-related issues before the Legislative and Executive Branches of State and Federal Government. Wheeler has more than 20 years of governmental affairs and association leadership at both the state and federal levels where he previously held positions with the Associated Builders and Contractors, and more recently, the Florida Chamber of Commerce where he served as Vice President of Grassroots Advocacy and Political Action Development. Under Wheeler’s leadership and management of Florida’s largest federation of businesses, associations, and local chambers of commerce – encompassing more than 139,000 grassroots members – the Chamber worked aggressively and effectively to represent the interests of business in Florida Florida Ports Council

NABWIC TALKS WITH LUNCHEON WOMAN IN SPOTLIGHT,  AISHA ECCLESTON, DIRECTOR, NATL CONTAINER ACCTS,  JAXPORT (JACKSONVILLE PORT AUTHORITY) Aisha Eccleston serves as JAXPORT’s Director, National Container Accounts, responsible for developing new and existing container cargo business with accounts throughout the United States. She has been with JAXPORT for more than a decade, serving in business development roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she served as the port’s primary liaison with area freight forwarders and customs brokers to grow existing business and attract new business opportunities. In 2017, Aisha was named one of the Jacksonville Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, recognizing the area’s most successful young business leaders. She is active in Northeast Florida’s maritime community and is immediate past president of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), Jacksonville Chapter. Aisha holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Edward Waters C

Rosa’ Rountree's vast experience in the financial and customer service industries spans over 30 years while holding the positions of Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, IT and Project Manager for various entities. Specifically, Rosa has more than 25 years of solid experience in tolling systems implementation, operation and maintenance. She also has proven business acumen for resolving issues, sustaining business viability, managing cost structures, maximizing employee productivity, and delivering high-level quality results. Currently, she is President and CEO of Egis Products, Inc. In the toll industry, she is a leader. Rosa has been a project sponsor, toll system integrator and operations consultant, working with 20+ toll agencies across the United States and Canada. She has deep experience in managing start-up implementation projects and ongoing initiatives. Rosa has also served the industry through the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) as a member of the Board of Directo

To explain how small business, women contractors, and minority businesses can take advantage of the second round of PPP, "NABWIC Talks" with BBIF's Regional Director, Ms. Caleena Shirley. Ms. Shirley will provide easy-to-understand insights into how businesses can be successful in obtaining a first or second round of PPP funding.  The U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Treasury Department, has re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal to PPP-eligible lenders with $1 billion or less in assets for First and Second Draw applications. The portal will fully open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 to all participating PPP lenders to submit First and Second Draw loan applications to SBA. Earlier in the week, SBA granted dedicated PPP access to Community Financial Institutions (CFIs) which include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), Certified Development Companies (CDCs), and Microloan Intermediaries as part of the

Special Guests: Danielle St. Luce is BBIF Florida’s Regional Director for the South Florida market. As head of the South Florida office, she works with small businesses to provide loan capital and business development training. Danielle knows that business owners not only need passion for what they do, but they also need support to expand their capacity, network and access capital—all keys to building a strong business. Danielle holds a Bachelor’s in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Caleena Shirley is BBIF Florida’s Regional Director for the North Florida market.  She has years of experience working with local governments, providing guidance in the areas of specialized affordable housing program initiatives, residential construction project management and housing development funding. She has served as the housing property administrator and, prior to that, as operations manager for the City of Jacksonville’s Housing and Community Development Division. Shirley also worked as a planner f

NABWIC TALKS WITH SHANIA FAIR,CEO OF BUSY BIZ BRANDING Branding Images, Social Media and Web Design for Coaches, Speakers and Experts. contact: info@busybizbranding.com Phone: 305.910.7458 ____________________________________________________  A special thanks to our advertising sponsors.  Visit their websites to learn more about these organizations: Ann McNeill:  https://www.annmcneill.com/ JPerryandAssociates: www.jperryandassociates.com Pepsico/FritoLay:  https://www.pepsico.com/ NABWIC's Mission: NABWIC was founded to increase the national awareness of Black Women in the construction industry.  Our charge is to:      * Advocate for Black women-owned construction businesses for contract        opportunities.      * Create strategic environments that support educational,         entrepreneurial, professional and social network connections.      * Train the next generation of Black women and minorities in the         construction industry NABWIC.ORG Follow us at:  h

With your host Jada Williams

Stacy Blakley is a professional licensed civil engineer and is the founder and owner of Douglas Consulting Group. With 22 plus years of experience in civil site design and transportation engineering,  her experience includes building client relationships, managing and designing residential, commercial, airport, and government projects. In April 2020, Stacy launched her own small business as owner and founder of Douglas Consulting Group in Atlanta, Georgia. A mother of four, Stacy is involved with several boards and active in her local community as well as the NABWIC organization.  She was appointed by Fulton County Commissioners to serve South Fulton as a Marta Board of Director.    She also serves as President of the Atlanta NABWIC Chapter and can be reached at atlantachapter@gmail.com  Stacy Blakley, PE | Douglas Consulting Group, Civil Engineering Solutions  | www.douglasconsultinggroup.net  |404-626-1650 (c)  "404-654-3633 (o) ___________________  A special thanks to our advertising sponsors.  Visit

NABWIC brings back a popular show with LaShun Clark, CEO, InDigo Strategic Management, Inc. NABWIC Talks with LaShun Clark, CEO, InDigo Strategic Management, Inc.  A Texas transplant, LaShun Clark has called Memphis, Tennessee home for the past 20+ years.  Ms. Clark is an entrepreneur who is a Certified Administrative Professional, Leader, Teacher & Consultant. With over 20 years of experience in Legal, Sales, Marketing and Management, LaShun Clark's career began in 1996, wherein she worked for some prestigious law firms, such as The Cochran Firm, Nahon, Saharvoich & Trotz & the United States Attorney's Office, etc. She has an extensive 10+ years background in real estate which was the catalyst to her entrepreneurial career.   As the founder of InDigo Strategic Management, Inc. Ms. Clark's vision & mission is to evolve the way small minority companies do business by providing innovative ideas and strategies that will help Develop & Grow Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Business

In this episode of NABWIC Talks, Hosts Jada Williams and Ersula Odom will take our listeners to the Global Black Women's Chamber of Commerce's "State of Black Women's Summit.  During the Summit, our President and Founder Ann McNeil, and NABWIC President Kimle Nailer were included  in a panel discussion of New and Emerging Markets for Women.  The Summit also included panelists Brenda Campbell and Natalie Jenkins as they explored where black women are present and absent in new and emerging markets.  

. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook Game and World Changer - Founder and CEO/Chair of the First GLOBAL BLACK WOMEN’S CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GBWCC), Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook is a Third Generation woman business owner. Appointed by the President of United States of America, Barack Obama, and nominated by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook was the first African-American female  and faith leader to hold the position of the U.S. Ambassador At-Large for International Religious Freedom. Ambassador Johnson Cook was the lead for Religious Freedom for more than 100 diplomatic engagements where global faith leaders and women were brought to the table. She served as the Faith Advisor to two U.S. Presidents, three Cabinet members, political and celebrity leaders.  President Bill Clinton appointed her as the only faith advisor to the historic “President’s Initiative on Race”. She became famous for the standing room only Lunch Hour of Power, and Wonderful Wall Street Wednesdays, televised m

NABWIC TALKS WITH DAVID J. CLARK, SVP OPERATIONS, BROWARD HEALTH WITH HOSTS JADA WILLIAMS AND ERSULA ODOM David is an experienced healthcare operations manager with extensive experience in successfully managing portfolios, programs, corporate non-clinical service departments and projects in both the public and private sector. David leverages his business and technical skills in developing strategic projects by building successfully cohesive teams that deliver results. He ensures strategies, process improvements, departmental integration, and projects meet their objectives and deliverables and are met with appropriate communication and stakeholder management. Experience spanning over 18 years spearheads the daily operations of multiple construction projects with a capital budget from various funding sources totaling an excess of $3B dollars. The scopes of work span the 48 divisions of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) code. Accountable for managing the multiple phases of the construction

NABWIC Talks with LaShun Clark, CEO, InDigo Strategic Management, Inc.  A Texas transplant, LaShun Clark has called Memphis, Tennessee home for the past 20+ years.  Ms. Clark is an entrepreneur who is a Certified Administrative Professional, Leader, Teacher & Consultant. With over 20 years of experience in Legal, Sales, Marketing and Management, LaShun Clark's career began in 1996, wherein she worked for some prestigious law firms, such as The Cochran Firm, Nahon, Saharvoich & Trotz & the United States Attorney's Office, etc. She has an extensive 10+ years background in real estate which was the catalyst to her entrepreneurial career.   As the founder of InDigo Strategic Management, Inc. Ms. Clark's vision & mission is to evolve the way small minority companies do business by providing innovative ideas and strategies that will help Develop & Grow Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses through our business, marketing, digital, and contract management services. Email: LaShun@ndgostr

Join us on NABWIC Talks Radio as NABWIC Talks with Arnice Lamb Manager, Supplier Diversity, The Walt Disney Company Sponsored by:  PepsiCo, Ann McNeill and Jperry and Associates Today's show features NABWIC member Jennifer Todd as she introduces NABWIC's Billion Dollar Luncheon in Entertainment Centers' "Woman in the Spotlight." This will be followed by a pre-recorded session of an interview with Disney's Supplier Diversity Manager and Woman in the Spotlight, Ms. Arnice Lamb.   Mrs. Arnice Lamb is a manager of Supplier Diversity and supports the enterprise construction and professional services categories, as well as the Walt Disney Parks Resorts segment. She has been with the Company since February of 1991. Prior to joining Disney, Mrs. Lamb held a number of managerial positions with organizations such as Shiley, Inc., a division of Pfizer Inc.; Medtronic Cardiopulmonary, a division of Medtronic, Inc.; and Bard Cardiopulmonary, a division of C.R. Bard, Inc.   For several years, Mrs. Lamb has