Charlotte Community Connections

Diversity in the sports hub

Yandrick Paraison- Founder and President of Diversity in Sports Hub is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access, exposure, and opportunity for young adults pursuing careers in the sports industry. Through career forums, mentorship, and strategic partnerships with leagues, teams, and corporations, the organization prepares and connects talent to real pathways across sports business, media, technology, and leadership. Its mission is to build access and develop the next generation of leaders in sports. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Gone Too Soon: The Crisis of Violence Against Women

There are some stories that stop us in our tracks. Stories that force us to confront painful truths about violence against women, domestic abuse, and the devastating consequences of silence. Today’s conversation comes in the wake of unimaginable tragedy—the deaths of Tammy McCollum, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, and Nancy Metayer — women whose lives were taken at the hands of the men they once loved. Their deaths have sparked heartbreak, outrage, and urgent conversations about the epidemic of intimate partner violence affecting women across this country every single day. Now, women in Charlotte and beyond are turning grief into action through MayDay: Women In Distress—a movement and march calling for awareness, accountability, protection, and change. Guests: Melody Gross [https://www.linkedin.com/in/iammelodyco/] - Courageous SHIFT [https://www.instagram.com/courageousshift/] Kristie Puckett - Second Chance Federation [https://www.instagram.com/secondchancefederation/] Natasha Witherspoon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-witherspoon-13b96b58/] - Philanthropic Strategist, Domestic Violence Advocate --- MAYDAY: Women In Distress Wednesday, May 20 11am - 12:30pm Gather at Bank of America Tower 620 S.Tryon Street walk/rally to First Ward Park, Charlotte See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

A Mother's Loss, A Mission Of Love

Some conversations are difficult—but necessary.  Today, we’re talking about loss… the kind that changes you forever. The loss of a child. The loss of a mother. The kind of grief that too many families carry, often in silence.  We’ve just recognized Black Maternal Health Awareness Week here in North Carolina—a time to bring attention to the stark disparities that continue to impact Black mothers and babies at disproportionately higher rates. The reality is that too many families are still experiencing preventable loss.  In the United States, thousands of families experience stillbirth each year. Here in North Carolina, the numbers are especially troubling—with Black infants dying at 3x higher rate than White infants. Behind every statistic is a story. A mother. A family. A life forever changed.  But today is not just about loss—it’s also about love, resilience, and the power of being seen. Guests: Vanessa Sencherey -, Creator of Cupcakes With Compassion [https://www.sweetpavilion.com/cupcakes-with-compassion], after losing her son after carrying him to full-term. Dr. Cynthia Wesley [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcynobgyn/] - Board-certified OB-GYN See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The MENtors of the City

This week on community connection, we are in the community to speak with the MENtors of the City.  We discuss the importance of mentorship, as well as the benefits of having a mentor.  Joining us today we have Brantly Grier- Leap of Faith Consultants, Ahmad  Lanier- Fit Kids For Life and Vice President of The Fatherhood Empowerment Network, and Rufus Lockheart- Owner of The Fatherhood Empowerment Network   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Built, Not Given: Sonja Nichols Story

Success doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through vision, discipline, resilience, and the courage to keep going when the path isn’t clear.  Today on Community Connections, we’re joined by Sonja Nichols [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-p-nichols-33a360a5/]—a philanthropist, entrepreneur, published author, trusted advisor, and a powerful force in Charlotte’s business and nonprofit communities. As President and Owner of The Southern Lion [https://southernlion.com/], she has helped shape organizations, raise millions, and lead with purpose.  But behind the titles is a journey—one built step by step.  In this conversation, we’ll explore not just what she’s accomplished, but how she did it—the mindset, the risks, the challenges, and the lessons that can help anyone striving to build something meaningful.  This is a conversation about success—and what it really takes to achieve it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].