S1E17 -Vision in Action: Empowering the Blind Community with Victoria Hillard of BPN

S1E19 -Celebrating Rena: Strength, Success, and a Birthday Vibe

Join us for a special birthday weekend episode of The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena as we shine the spotlight on our queen, Rena. She opens up about her incredible career journey—sharing the obstacles she’s faced and the victories she’s claimed as a blind woman determined to thrive. This laid-back, music-filled conversation is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and real talk about overcoming challenges and discovering your next career move. Come celebrate Rena’s brilliance with us, and don’t forget to send her some love! Drop a shout-out on our Facebook page or email your birthday wishes to keep the celebration going. Press play, get inspired, and vibe with us as we honor the unstoppable Rena. Face book: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727] You tube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr [https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr] Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com Text or voice mail: 682-730-2001 Join our shades of pride book club https://chat.whatsapp.com/DQdpCwCtbcg2iiPmAAhl6Q [https://chat.whatsapp.com/DQdpCwCtbcg2iiPmAAhl6Q] Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride] Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co [https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co] This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com]. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.

S1E18 -Touchdowns, Travel, and Technology: Spotlight on the Laurel Wheeler Foundation

In this final August installment of Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena , we are joined by the wonderful and amazing Laurel Wheeler , founder of the Laurel Wheeler Foundation . Laurel shares her journey from her love of football and traveling the world, to her deep passion for giving back to the blind and visually impaired community. The Laurel Wheeler Foundation , founded in 2017 , exists to provide international relief for the blind and visually impaired through the gift of technology, training, and other resources. Laurel has traveled to places like Russia, Finland, and many other countries to ensure others have access to life-changing technology such as Braille displays, white canes, and training. The foundation is also expanding locally, making a difference right here in our own community. In this episode, we chat about: • Laurel’s love for college and NFL football (don’t miss the fun bet between Vic and Laurel on the Texas Red River Showdown!) • Her passion for traveling, both for business and leisure • Favorite fall vibes—including her go-to drink, the pumpkin spice latte • How the foundation is growing globally and locally • Ways you can get involved: donating unused assistive technology, volunteering, or spreading the word The Laurel Wheeler Foundation is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to empower the blind and visually impaired through technology and community support. If you or someone you know could use their services, or if you’re looking for a way to contribute, information will be provided below. We also want to hear from you! Comment on any platform or follow us on Facebook—let us know what football team you’re cheering for this season, whether college or NFL. Between Vic, Laurel, and Rena (our cheerleader extraordinaire), we’ve got all the football energy you need this fall! Learn more about the Laurel Wheeler Foundation: • Website: Laurel Wheeler Foundation on Facebook • X (Twitter): @LaurelWFndn You’re in for a treat—tune in now to be inspired, laugh with us, and maybe even get hungry for a pumpkin spice latte! You will also find information about the DFW virtual Lions Club, which Laurel is the president of as well. Website: www.laurelwheelerfoundation.org [http://www.laurelwheelerfoundation.org] Email: laurelwheelerfoundation@gmail.com DFW Virtual Blind and Person with Disabilities Lions Club.   https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576355351659 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576355351659] To follow the shades of pride with Vic and Rena podcast go to Https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 [Https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727] Email shadesofpridepod@gmail.com YouTube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr [https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr] Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride] Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co [https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co] This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com]. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.

S1E17 -Vision in Action: Empowering the Blind Community with Victoria Hillard of BPN

Welcome to August!In this powerful and enlightening episode, Vic and Rena sit down with Victoria Hillard , the Executive Director of Blind Professional Network (BPN) , as part of our August spotlight on nonprofit organizations making a difference in our communities. Since its founding in 2019, Blind Professional Network has grown from a small support group of 40 to a thriving network serving over 500 blind and visually impaired professionals . Victoria shares her personal journey and the organization’s mission to break barriers and build professional success . Listeners will learn how BPN provides: 🔹 JAWS training for accessible technology 🔹 Mentorship and internship programs 🔹 Career readiness support —even for those not reentering the workforce 🔹 A welcoming, empowering space for growth and skill-building Victoria also teases BPN’s first-ever four-day conference , coming in 2026 , and shares how the community can get involved as volunteers or become a member— for free! Also, all listeners should notice that all of the services that they offer at BPN are free to you as long as you sign up to become a member for free. Want to connect or support the Blind Professional Network? 📞 Phone: 800-699-8238 📧 Email: info@BlindProNet.org 🌐 Website: www.BlindProNet.org [http://www.BlindProNet.org] Here, you can join BPN, explore their programs, access BVI resources, and follow their latest updates.  Stay Connected with Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 🌈 We’re more than a podcast — we’re a home for LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and the blind & visually impaired community. 📱 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001 🎧 Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review — and stay tuned for more nonprofit spotlights throughout August! Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride] Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co [https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co] This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com]. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.

S1E16 -Blaque Diamond: Breaking Barriers, Owning Her Power, and Shining Without Limits

🎙 Blaque Diamond – A True Visionary We’re closing out the month of July with an unforgettable episode featuring the unstoppable Blaque Diamond ! You do not want to miss this powerful conversation filled with empowerment , encouragement , and the inspiring journey of a woman who has broken barriers and overcome the odds. Blaque Diamond is: – An author – A songwriter – A motivational speaker – A podcast host – And a phenomenal mommy! She wears many hats—and wears them well . In this episode, Blaque Diamond shares how she continues to persevere, building a legacy through music, writing, and advocacy. She also drops knowledge for anyone looking to obtain their high school diploma —yes, it’s possible, accessible, and within your reach! 🎙 Get ready to be inspired – Hear about her latest book, Stolen Innocence – Stream her newest album on all major platforms – Discover what exciting projects are coming next This episode is for every dreamer, every fighter, and everyone who needs to hear: You can do it, too. 🎙 Listen now and share with someone who needs this light! Do not forget to follow her below! Facebook.com/writerblaquediamond [http://Facebook.com/writerblaquediamond] Facebook.com/BffEmpowermentPodcast [http://Facebook.com/BffEmpowermentPodcast] Instagram.com/writerblaquediamond [http://Instagram.com/writerblaquediamond] Instagram.com/bffempowermentpodcast [http://Instagram.com/bffempowermentpodcast] Tiktok.com/@writerblaquediamond [http://Tiktok.com/@writerblaquediamond] Youtube.com/@SoulfulSai [http://Youtube.com/@SoulfulSai] Amazon.com/author/blaquediamond [http://Amazon.com/author/blaquediamond] Bffempowermentpodcast.com [http://Bffempowermentpodcast.com] Writer Blaque Diamond Motivational speaker, author, songwriter, poet, and entrepreneur "Dreams were made to achieve, so dream big and achieve bigger! Transform your impossible to I'm possible." The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena Podcast 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: The Shades of Pride 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadesofpridepod?igsh=NDlreWpjcXZhcnF3&utm_source=qr [https://www.instagram.com/shadesofpridepod?igsh=NDlreWpjcXZhcnF3&utm_source=qr] 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001 Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride] Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co [https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co] This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com]. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.

S1E15 -Cruising Through Life Blind: Melvin’s Journey, Travel Tips, and Booking Without Barriers

In this inspiring and informative episode, we sit down with the incredible Melvin Reynolds , a blind travel agent who turned his story of vision loss into a powerful testimony of resilience and purpose. Melvin opens up about how he lost his vision, how he and his husband travel the world together, and how he’s been on over 32 cruises and counting. Melvin shares how he helps others book unforgettable cruise experiences and trips, and how his travel agency is accessible and welcoming to everyone. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a travel agent yourself, he breaks down how you can get started with no upfront fees . He also drops some great tips for blind travelers—from how to navigate a cruise ship to ways you might be able to save money on those pricey Wi-Fi packages . Whether you’re planning your next vacation or thinking about joining the travel industry, this is a must-listen episode. We also catch up on our week, including how Vic and Rena supported the ACB Conference by helping at the DFW Virtual Lions table, connecting with amazing people and expanding the network. 📲 Connect with Melvin Reynolds Facebook, Instagram & X: Vacations and Beyond By Melvin 🌍 Website: https://vacationsandbeyondbymelvin.cruisebrothers.com/cb/ [https://vacationsandbeyondbymelvin.cruisebrothers.com/cb/] 💜 Follow The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727] YouTube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr [https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr] 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Voicemail/Text: 682-730-2001 Tune in, travel smart, and celebrate pride with purpose! Support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride [https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/shades-of-pride] Find out more at https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co [https://shades-of-pride.pinecast.co] This podcast is powered by Pinecast [https://pinecast.com]. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.