The Influencers' Connection Corner

Beyond Accessibility: Advocacy in Motion

Join Syya and me for a powerful and purpose-driven episode of The Influencers’ Connection Corner. We’re honored to welcome Michelle Colvard, an ambassador of Abilities Expo in Houston, to the show. A native Houstonian, Michelle has been a lifelong advocate and leader in disability inclusion. Her story spans decades of impactful service from serving under multiple mayors on Houston’s city commissions to traveling the country as Ms. Wheelchair America. Her work in health, transportation, urban planning, and inclusive recreation speaks to the kind of changemaker our cities need more of. Join us for a conversation that’s reshaping how we view ability, advocacy, and access and its spotlight on lived experience, systemic change, and what it really means to build accessible futures. If you believe in advocacy through storytelling, if you work in spaces where inclusion should be more than just a checkbox, or if you're simply ready to learn, this episode is for you. For more information on Abilities Expo in Houston at NRG Stadium from August 1-3, 2025, please visit: https://www.abilities.com/houston [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkdTRzZuVVhDZ2xxbDVLMW1hclF6S2ZRX3lnUXxBQ3Jtc0tuSjNjSVhwRDRBQlVmclV5OEx3OTRlZmR1R2RZdC1UdnJMbWhtWVNUZU9nOWx0UGJsTE5KbWxtUVQ1MnhUVHl1Zm1qUS1vajRZMkdtY0VKMXljc19ZMHQwS1ZUdGZTand3dUZ4VFh5V3NZX0JwRTJfaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abilities.com%2Fhouston&v=U1kk2-5r7Dk] Learn more about AECorner Community: https://aecornercommunity.com/ SEE YOU THERE! Transcript

From Play to Purpose: The Power of Robotics in Youth

What happens when curiosity meets coding? When LEGOs aren’t just toys but tools for empowerment? Join me on The Influencers' Connection Corner as I sit down with the inspiring Mrs. Dee Memon, Director of Kids Robotic Academy. This is the place where STEM becomes more than a subject; it becomes a spark. We will talk about how robotics is shaping young minds, why access to STEM is a necessity, and what the next generation of innovators really looks like. If you're a parent, educator, tech lover, or just someone who believes in building futures, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 👉 Tune in and find out how Mrs. Memon is helping kids program their passions, one robot at a time. Raqi 💙🙏🏼

STEM Without Borders: From Coding to Connection, Across Continents

“People don’t find themselves; they create themselves.” Eduardo Galindo I’m beyond excited to welcome Eduardo Galindo to The Influencers’ Connection Corner for a powerful bilingual episode that will take us on a global journey through innovation, education, and purpose. With more than 30 years of experience across five continents, Eduardo is building possibilities. He’s the founder of EGB4 Technologies and the American Association of Robotics and Technology, and the author and editor of over 62 STEM books and programs that have reached more than 100,000 students worldwide. From preschoolers to university students, his mission is simple but bold: make learning science, math, and computer programming both fun and accessible, no matter where you live. We’ll explore how Eduardo has worked with governments, private companies, and academic institutions across the U.S., Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, all while staying grounded in the belief that technology should unite us, not divide us. But what really sets him apart is his vision: he’s not just teaching kids how to code; he’s helping them understand the discipline, teamwork, and creativity that shape their future. This episode will be bilingual (English & Spanish), because that’s how change spreads; through connection, not limitation. We’ll talk about his passion for making robotics and AI fun, the importance of culturally inclusive education, and the future of digital learning. If you’re an educator, tech leader, parent, or student, or just someone who believes in the power of learning, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Bring your questions, tag a friend, and get ready to see what happens when we remove borders from education and replace them with bridges.

Caregivers, Confessions & Cruising Toward Healing

Whether you’re deep in the caregiving journey or love someone who is… you’ll want to tune in to this one. The Influencers' Connection Corner, Syya and I have the honor of closing out Mental Health Awareness Month and Month of the Military Caregiver by sitting down with two powerhouse sisters who are reshaping the caregiving conversation in the most raw, real, and refreshing way: ✨JJ Elliott Hill & Natalie Handy, co-hosts of Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver. From laughter through tears to building massive impact from lived experiences; they’re not holding back. We'll be talking: -The unfiltered truths of caregiving -How sibling dynamics show up in the most unexpected ways -The importance of boundaries AND belly laughs -Collaborations that are opening new doors for caregiver support -And yes… the incredible upcoming Self-Care Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line Caregivers deserve ocean views too. 😁 If you've ever felt unseen, unheard, or just plain exhausted while caring for someone else, this space is for you. Let’s amplify the voices of those who rarely ask for a mic. 📅 Saturday, May 31st, 2025 ⌚ 11:00am EST 📹 LinkedIn Livestream: Set a reminder, bring a friend, grab a tissue, and let’s talk about the care behind caregiving. Raqi 💙💋

Welcome to the Future: Inside Houston’s Most Immersive Event Experience

Imagine a Venue That Bends Reality... What if your next event wasn’t in a space, but beyond it? This Saturday on The Influencer’s Connection Corner, we’re stepping into the future; literally. Joining Syya and me as we welcome two visionary minds: Jay R. Schimpf, CEO of Authenticus & Luxtrium David J. Lopez, CMO and storyteller extraordinaire Together, they’re pulling back the curtain on Luxtrium; Houston’s only immersive venue where technology becomes the architect of imagination. Whether you're dreaming of waves crashing on a digital shoreline, a jungle pulsing with light and sound, or a skyline that pulses to your playlist, Luxtrium is the canvas where your wildest visions become your next event. It’s an experience of what’s possible when technology meets storytelling. Tech is how we choose to build the future we believe in. 🔥 Tag a creative, an innovator, or an event visionary who needs to SEE this. Let’s give visibility to those reimagining the way we gather, celebrate, and experience life. Who would you invite to YOUR event at Luxtrium? Drop their name & dream backdrop in the comments. Let’s dream out loud. Raqi 💙💋 The Influencers’ Connection Corner #innovation #tech #technology #ai #creators #TheInfluencersConnectionCorner #Luxtrium #Authenticus #Houston #linkedin #events #community