THE REALITY CHECK

Realitycheck 9: Highlighting Black Maternal Health Reclaiming Ancestral roots ft Doula Lo

Hey, welcome back to #TheRealitycheck podcast Where we discuss and discover the real life impacts of Realitycheck, life, and growth because we are all just a rose with a few thorns trying to grow. I stepped into birthwork as a Doula in 2019. Becoming a Doula was important to me because I knew my community needed the representation. If you are black and birthing , get you a Doula. Today we welcome a dear friend and great Doula onto the RC platform. This interview will highlight the power of reclaiming our bodies, birthing spaces, and ancestral roots. Let’s welcome the beautiful Doula Lo. Lauryn aka Doula Lo is holistic full spectrum doula, midwife birth assistant, herbalist, placenta specialist. Now relocated to Washington State from Michigan but frequently traveling the US to do community doula work in black maternal health. Lauryn graduated with her bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and pursued her career as behavior health therapist for kids diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She currently mentors teens and adults pursing doula and academic mentoring for BIPOC middle school youth. Her multi-faceted creativity intertwines with her activism work centered through yoga, doula support and her traditional practice of Hoodoo. She is a major health and wellness advocate and lives to curate spaces for the BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ community to come together and heal. She specializes in palm reading, rootwork, yoga-asana(kids, teens, perinatal), meditation, and sound bowl therapy, herbal preparations.

Realitycheck 8: Resilience in HBCU spaces ft. Author Dauna Fergins Hawthorne

As the host of #TheRealitycheck podcast I get to merge my creative ventures into my academic career. For my final presentation I am responsible to interview a Higher Ed professional. I decided to choose this amazing individual because of her enthusiasm and passion for serving within higher educational settings. Episode 8: Highlights Women in Higher Ed spaces Realitycheck: Resilience in HBCU spaces. Welcome our special guest to #TheRealitycheckPodcast A prolific author and speaker, Dana Fergins Hawthorne is the author of 7 Rules of Resilience blending research with real-world strategies to inspire personal and professional growth. She has presented nationally and internationally on personal development, leadership, and resilience, and is widely recognized for her ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. She serves as Honor Provram Director, History Professor, and Education Professor at Wiley University. Beyond academia, Mrs. Fergins Hawthorne is deeply engaged in community leadership through the Junior League of Collin County, Riverbend Rotary, Lupus Foundation Lone Star Chapter, and personal community service, where her work embodies her belief in “service above self.” A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated—an organization rooted in sisterhood, scholarship, and service. Her leadership has been honored with numerous awards, including 2X Teacher of the Year, Louisiana Distinguished Clinician, and Student Choice Faculty of the Year. She has earned multiple degrees that reflect my commitment to education and leadership. I hold a Master’s Degree (M.A.) in History, a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education. Each of these degrees has equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives to excel as an educator, leader, and mentor in both academic and community settings. Support her book and site at http://www.danafergins.com [http://www.danafergins.com]

Realitycheck 7: The Power of Women Writers ft LaTashia Perry

Episode 7: The power of Representation Highlighting women writers When you think of super hero’s , you may think of someone who has been called to help save a life. Those who inspire people and those who help children. I think of those who create safe and creative spaces to imagine and discover the power of self love through representation. Today, I welcome a pioneer that has done just that , our special guest has transformed children literacy with care and genuine kindness . Someone who literally wakes up to make a difference everyday, in not only her children’s lives but ALL children. She has made her mark in the classroom, on bookshelf’s and every heart that gets to experience her loving and giving spirit. Today I get to celebrate CEO , writer , and author LaTashia Perry. Mrs. Perry is a proud Michigan native, wife to her high school sweetheart Mr. Perry , and mother of six brilliant children. She is the bestselling author of the kids Like Mine picture book series, a powerful collection created to celebrate diversity, promote self-love, and provide children with positive representation. Her work has been featured by People Magazine, PBS Kids, Good Morning America, PopSugar, and now TheRealitycheck podcast! Her books have sold over half a million copies, translated into French and Spanish, and expanded into a brand inspired by her own children titles “kids like hers.” Beyond her career, LaTashia is inspiring other women & writers. Showing the purpose of a pen, the patience in the journey, and the power of representation. Outside of her busy career, Mrs. Perry enjoys traveling with her family, Friday family movie nights, and impromptu dance parties at home. Oh , and one time for the hair goals! We all want hair like hers! Let’s welcome the CEO and creator Mrs. LaTishia Perry

Realitycheck 6: The Power of Representation ft Aniecia Browning

The 6th episode will unpack “The power of representation and Highlighting black women in STEM” STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, referring to these academic disciplines and the fields that utilize them in education, research, and careers. Today #TheRealitycheckPodcast surprise guest is an exceptional woman, leader, and Soror of mine. From the first moment I saw her I knew her light was organic and voice was necessary. I have the privilege to interview and highlight a woman who has made great contributions within our beloved Sorority Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the engineering world of STEM. Aniecia Browning is a dynamic and accomplished professional currently working as a Customer Engineer at Applied Materials. A recent graduate of East Texas A&M University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus on Technology Management and is now expanding her expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management. Beyond her engineering career, Aniecia is a dedicated advocate for service and excellence. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, she made a significant impact as the Southwest Regional Representative from 2022 to 2024, along with holding other influential leadership roles. Her tenure was defined by strategic leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy within the organization. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to servant leadership, Aniecia has established a high-profile presence as a woman in engineering, continuously striving to break barriers, inspire others, and drive technological advancements. Her journey exemplifies perseverance, excellence, and the power of representation in STEM.

Realitycheck 5: Building your own brand ft. Malesa Jones

The 5th episode will dive into the RealityCheck of “Building your brand” and the commitment in being your own BOSS. Entrepreneurship comes with many challenges and opportunities and today we will explore TheRealityCheck of both aspects. Meet Our Guest: Malesa Jones A True Beauty & Business Powerhouse A proud Flint, Michigan native, Lisa is a dynamic entrepreneur who wears many hats with grace and grit. As a licensed realtor and esthetician, she brings beauty, confidence, and security into people’s lives. Whether through radiant skin or dream homes. She is the visionary CEO of Estics by Lisa, where she blends passion and professionalism to empower her clients from the inside out. Beyond her business ventures, Lisa is a devoted mother and proud grandmother, known for her glamorous presence, loving spirit, and relentless work ethic. Her journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and deep-rooted purpose. Ms. Jones is my loving aunt and Esti bestie. This is a family affair of love, laughter, reflection, and growth. During this interview we will share conversation through not only building a brand but also keeping your faith through shared grief and life challenges. Get ready to be inspired by a woman who truly does it all with style and grace. This episode is dedicated to my late cousin Determen F. Jones. We all love and miss you. The family is doing well. Keep watching over us. Rest peacefully. #GunViolenceAwareness #GriefSupport