Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Erica Saunders as she shares her inspiring journey, which took a profound turn in 2017 when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. Her battle with the disease, fueled by her unwavering faith and the support of loved ones, ignited a renewed sense of purpose in her life. In June 2021, Erica became a survivorship specialist for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, where she leads the support group "My Sister's Keeper," designed to empower women of color facing breast cancer. An avid runner and traveler, Erica is also a level one certified run coach and served as the former ambassador for Black Girls Run Delaware, promoting health and wellness in her community. As a board member for I Can Do 26.2, a summer running program for children, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Erica exemplifies a commitment to community service and uplifting others. Above all, she treasures her role as a mother to five children and a grandmother, showcasing her dedication to family. Join Nia and Erica as they discuss her journey of resilience, advocacy, and the importance of community support, as well as her passion for running and encouraging an active lifestyle. This episode is a powerful testament to strength, grace, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. @iam_erica_nicole Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition | Instagram: @debreastcancer | debreastcancer.org I Am My Sister’s Keeper | Instagram: @mskrites | iammsk.org I Can Do 26.2 | Instagram: @icando26point2kids | icando26point2kids.com #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #Fitness #BreastCancerTHRIVER #ICanDo26.2 #AKA #Advocacy #MySistersKeeper #DelawareBreastCancerCoalition #IAmMySistersKeeper

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Dr. Kimberly Rogers, a triple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, and Obesity Medicine, and the owner of RestoreMD Medical and Wellness in Wilmington, DE. Dr. Rogers is passionate about empowering her patients to achieve optimal health through a collaborative and holistic approach to care, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle factors alongside traditional treatment modalities. Originally from Anguilla, Dr. Rogers moved to the U.S. in 2003, earning her Bachelor of Science in Neurophysiology and her medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College. With a notable career that includes awards for outstanding patient care and recognition for her bedside manner, she has dedicated herself to addressing the root causes of illness through a whole-person approach. Join Nia and Dr. Rogers as they discuss her journey from practicing in Richmond, VA, to opening her own practice in Delaware, her insights on lifestyle medicine, and her commitment to educating others about health and wellness through her social media presence. This episode is a compelling exploration of the intersection of medicine and holistic health, and the transformative impact of compassionate care. @restoremdmed | restoremdmed.com #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #RestoreMdMed #LifestyleMedicine #HolisticHealth #Anguilla

✨ EPISODE 34 IS NOW AVAILABLE ✨ In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Dyana Williams, a leading authority on the significance of African American music in global culture. With a celebrated 50-year career in radio, Dyana has become a prominent figure in entertainment and media, recognized as one of the top black radio jockeys and a key advocate for Black music. Her accomplishments include co-founding Black Music Month, earning numerous awards, and serving as a commentator on TV One’s acclaimed series Unsung. Dyana has worked with major radio stations in New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, and has produced events celebrating Black music, such as Wawa Welcome America! As the CEO of Influence Entertainment, she provides media education to artists and celebrities, while also producing cultural events and serving on various boards, including the National Museum of African American Music. Join Nia and Dyana as they discuss her impactful career and dedication to promoting the rich heritage of African American music. 🎧 LISTEN HERE: http://linktr.ee/HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast 🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/arts/music/dyana-williams-hip-hop-media-trainer.html 🔗 Make a donation of membership: https://www.nmaam.org 🔗 Wawa Welcome America: https://july4thphilly.com/ 🔗 https://www.influenceentertainment.com/ #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #DyanaWilliams #CEO #InfluenceEntertainment #BlackMusicMonth #GodmotherOfBlackMusic

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Jazmin Thomas, a dedicated firefighter, mother, and advocate for equitable healthcare. With a strong background in emergency management from her roles at the FDNY and NYC Emergency Management, Jazmin is committed to protecting her community. Currently pursuing a doctorate in public administration, she focuses on climate change equity and advocating for underserved populations. Jazmin’s journey took a transformative turn when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021, reshaping her perspective on healthcare and advocacy. Now, she is passionate about raising awareness of MS in communities of color, where diagnosis rates are on the rise. Through her advocacy, Jazmin champions equitable healthcare access and the need for compassionate, comprehensive care for all. Join Nia and Jazmin as they discuss her inspiring journey, the intersection of emergency management — FEMA — and healthcare advocacy, and her vision for creating meaningful change through nonprofit initiatives. This episode is a powerful reminder of resilience, community service, and the importance of advocating for those who are often overlooked. @_mzjaz #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #JazThomas #BlackFirefighter #MS #PhDLoading #NonprofitLeader #EmergencyManagement

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani speaks with Hayley Brown Buxton-Punch, the Director of Programs and Partnerships for TOUCH, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance. With a mission to eradicate Black Breast Cancer, Hayley is dedicated to bringing essential TOUCH programming to the communities where Black women live, work, pray, and thrive. Hayley shares her focus on reaching young Black women and her efforts to redefine Black Breast Health through local outreach and national events. Drawing on her teaching background and her deep commitment to supporting individuals throughout their health journeys, she aims to educate, empower, and equip the community to take charge of their own health. Join Nia and Hayley for an enlightening conversation about the importance of community engagement, health education, and the vital role of advocacy in improving health outcomes for Black women. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within the community and the transformative impact of dedicated leaders like Hayley. 🎧 LISTEN HERE: http://linktr.ee/HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast @touchbbca | touchbbca.org @loveofmygurls | touchbbca.org/love-of-my-gurls/ whenwetrial.org touchbbca.org/blesstielove blacktnbcsanctuary.org uniteforher.org/careforher/ #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #TOUCHTheBlackBreastCancerAlliance #TOUCH #LoveOfMyGurls #WhenWeTrial #Blesstie #BlackTNBCSantuary #CareForHer #Partnerships

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Danielle Clardy, a talented Social Media Manager and Podcast Producer from Raleigh, North Carolina. Danielle shares her journey in crafting engaging content strategies across various industries, including technology and healthcare. As the host of The Conversation Series Podcast, she discusses her passion for storytelling and the art of podcast production, from editing to social media promotion. Danielle also highlights her impactful social campaigns for clients and her thriving YouTube channel, where she connects with an audience of over 5,000 subscribers. Join Nia and Danielle for an inspiring conversation on leveraging digital media to amplify voices and foster community connections. - Instagram: @the.conversationseries - YouTube: @conversationserieswithdani7986 #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #TheConversationSeries #SocialMediaManager #PodcastProducer #DigitalMedia

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani engages in a meaningful conversation with Mariah DuBose, a passionate health and wellness advocate. Mariah's journey into preventive health began in 2014 during her tenure at UnitedHealthcare, where she recognized the significant impact of proactive wellness initiatives on individuals and communities. As an executive at Accenture, a leading technology firm, Mariah observed the negative effects of stress, anxiety, and burnout among corporate professionals. In collaboration with organizations such as Exelon, Dupont, AIG, Truist, Wells Fargo, and Jefferson Health, she worked to support employees in adapting to new technologies while also fostering a sense of community and well-being in the workplace. Recognizing the detrimental "always-on" mentality and its impact on mental and physical health, Mariah made a pivotal decision to shift her career focus. Instead of pursuing an MBA, she earned her Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2023, emphasizing mental health and well-being. As the first Collective Well-Being Co-Lead for Accenture’s Northeast division, Mariah developed wellness programming that positively impacted over 10,000 employees. Her initiatives gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest following George Floyd's death, as she implemented programs addressing mental health, fitness, and nutrition. Outside her corporate endeavors, Mariah founded W[heal]thy, a fitness company dedicated to sharing practical and sustainable wellness practices. Her mission focuses on helping individuals improve their well-being by just 1% each day, highlighting the importance of community support in achieving lasting health. Mariah is devoted to enhancing the well-being of both corporate professionals and underserved communities. She champions the belief that wellness should be accessible to everyone, using her expertise, passion, and personal experiences to inspire positive change. Tune in to listen to this inspiring episode: linktr.ee/HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #ShareWhatsOnYourHeart #MariahDuBose #SayingYEStoGodsCalling #SeekToSee #1%

🌟 Join us for an enlightening episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast featuring Dr. Colona Roberts, a trailblazer in education and entrepreneurship! With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Roberts is the CEO and Founder of The Smart Centers of Child Development and Education and teaches at the Penn Graduate School of Education. She also owns Legacy Publishing Company, and is a travel advisor at Intele Travel! 📝 In this episode, we’ll explore: - Dr. Roberts’ journey as an educator and her commitment to providing accessible educational opportunities through partnerships with the University of Pennsylvania. - Her impressive track record in establishing academic schools and childcare facilities, including Sharon Christian Academy and Smart Center Academy. - The entrepreneurial programs she has developed through C. Roberts Consulting, focusing on business development and real estate. - Insights from her wealth-building workshops designed for aspiring business owners, real estate developers, authors and entrepreneurs! Tune in to hear how Dr. Roberts is raising the bar in education and empowering communities! 🎙️💡 To purchase Dr. Colona’s books or book a trip/cruise, contact Dr. Roberts at: drcolonaroberts@gmail.com @dr.colonaroberts @smartcenterphilly | smartcenteracademy.org #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #DrColonaRoberts #Education #Entrepreneurship #ChildDevelopment #RealEstate #CommunityEmpowerment #Author

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani sits down with Nancy Chamberlain, a distinguished healthcare professional with a remarkable background in both military and civilian service. She served eight years in the Army Nurse Corps, including a pivotal tour during Operations Desert Shield/Storm, achieving the rank of Captain. After her military career, Nancy transitioned to civilian healthcare, where she excelled as a Cardiac Cath/EP Nurse for two decades and later served as Facility Administrator of an Ambulatory Surgical Center and Management Consultant at Emory University Hospital CathLab. Currently, she is pursuing further education in the Nurse Practitioner Program at Purdue University Global. Nancy's journey is also marked by her personal battle with breast cancer, which she proudly refers to as thriving. Join Nia and Nancy as they discuss her inspiring career, the challenges she has overcome, and the resilience that defines her life’s work in healthcare and beyond. This episode is a powerful reminder of dedication, service, and the strength to thrive through adversity. #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #NancyChamberlain #ArmyVet #Nurse #BreastCancerTHRIVER #NursePractitionerLoading

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Darniece Alsop, also known as Leading Lady Dar, the "She Shifter." Darniece is a domestic violence survivor, an author, motivational speaker, certified Christian life coach, mentor, and content creator. She is also the founder of Walk In Them Shoes, LLC, an empowerment firm dedicated to inspiring women to carve their own paths to success. Through workshops, speaking engagements, and specially designed courses, she helps women transform their defeats and struggles into stepping stones for personal development and abundance. Join Nia and Darniece as they discuss her impactful work and mission to empower women to shift their mindsets and embrace their potential. @dar_carter @walkinthemshoes @blackwomanaboutbusiness linktr.ee/LadyDar #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #LadyDar #WalkInThemShoesLLC #BlackWomanAboutBusiness #Author #MotivationalSpeaker #ContentCreator #CertifiedChristianLifeCoach

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast featuring the remarkable Felicia D. Williams. Since graduating from Howard University in 2008, Felicia has dedicated her career to empowering nonprofit organizations across New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. As the founder of HiTouch Enterprises, she has successfully raised over $5 million for nonprofits and has orchestrated more than 300 events, all while championing brand strategy and impactful fundraising. HiTouch also offers HiTouch Luxury Charter Services which specializes in crafting seamless, high-end transportation experiences for life's most memorable moments, such as: wine tours, wedding or special occasions, VIP section at a 76ers game, date night and more! But that’s not all! Felicia is also the visionary behind GyngerTea®, a holistic wellness brand she created after undergoing heart surgery. In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Felicia is a fierce advocate for quality education, equality for women, and equitable access to resources for minorities. With accolades like being named one of Philadelphia’s Most Influential African-Americans under 40 and receiving the Community Leader Award from Billy Penn, Felicia's impact is felt throughout the community. Tune in to hear her story, her advocacy work, her team, how she balances motherhood with her impressive career, and learn about tithing with your time! @HiTouchInc | https://hitouchinc.com/ @HiTouchLuxCharter #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #Felicia #Nonprofit #EventProduction #Wellness #Advocacy #CommunityLeader #GyngerTea #Inspiration #HiTouchLuxuryCharterServices #JourneyOfFaith #TimeTithing

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani sits down with Aysha Ray-Walker, a talented senior airman in the United States Air Force and a multifaceted creator. Since joining active duty in August 2022, Aysha has not only embraced her military role but has also pursued her artistic passions with fervor. From photography and poetry to spoken word and graphic design, Aysha showcases her versatility as a true jack of all trades. Recently, she has ventured into singing and rapping, further expanding her creative horizons. Join Nia and Aysha as they explore her journey of self-expression, the intersection of military life and artistry, and the power of storytelling through creativity. This episode highlights Aysha’s inspiring dedication to living in her purpose and her compelling voice in the creative community. Follow Aysha on Instagram: @_arwalker @_acedthat #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #AyshaRayWalker #Army #FollowingGodsCalling #Creative

In this episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, host Nia Imani welcomes Benzii Diaz, a resilient entrepreneur and advocate. A survivor of sex trafficking, Benzii rebuilt her life, earning a college scholarship and founding a leading personal training business in Philadelphia. She also created a nonprofit that has served nearly 2,000 girls and women, providing resources for trafficking survivors and underserved communities. As a serial entrepreneur, Benzii owns a meal prep company, a juice brand, and a sports rehab business, all reflecting her passion for wellness. Additionally, she is a nationally recognized speaker advocating for systemic change to eradicate sex trafficking. Benzii's mission is to empower individuals to reclaim their strength and create positive community change. Join Nia and Benzii as they discuss her inspiring journey and commitment to uplifting others. @benziidiaz | calendly.com/benziidiaz/30min @bodiedbybenzii | @bodiedblendzandbitez #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #BenziiDiaz #BodiedByBenzii #HumanTrafficiking #Survivor #SerialEntrepreneur #MealPrep #JuiceBrand #SportsRehab #Boxing

Join us for a delightful conversation with Sharon Daniel, the visionary founder of The Gathering Table Co., on our latest episode! 🧀✨ In this episode, Sharon shares her inspiring journey of starting The Gathering Table Co., her rich Indian culture, invaluable lessons from her mother, and her deep love for service and people. She also reveals her creative process behind crafting the perfect charcuterie spread. Whether you're a seasoned host or just looking to impress at your next get-together, you won’t want to miss her insights — and you’ll definitely want to order from The Gathering Table today! Tune in for inspiration on how to make every occasion special with the art of charcuterie! 🍇🥖✨ 🎧 LISTEN HERE: http://linktr.ee/HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast Instagram: @the.gathering.table.co Email: book.thegatheringtable@gmail.com #TheGatheringTable #Charcuterie #Hosting #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #SharonDaniel #MemorableMoments #IndianCulture #TheArtOfServiceToOthers

In this inspiring episode of the Humanitarian Heartbeat Podcast, listeners are introduced to Kim Rhodes, the dynamic co-leader and breast cancer thriver behind the Pink Lemonade Stand Challenge (PLSC). As co-founder, Kim shares her unwavering passion and mission to #BeTheEnd of breast cancer by mobilizing communities to set up pink lemonade stands to support crucial research. This campaign is dedicated not only to raising funds but also to enhancing breast cancer education and spreading awareness about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the foremost private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. Through her heartfelt conversation, Kim aims to inspire listeners to take meaningful action and contribute to a future free from breast cancer. She also calls on listeners for support, as the PLSC has successfully hosted stands in 46 states and is eager to reach all 50! The states still needed are South Dakota, North Dakota, Utah, and Oregon. To learn more about PLSC and join the movement, visit their website at pinklemonadestandchallenge.org and follow them on all social media platforms. #HumanitarianHeartbeatPodcast #PinkLemonadeStandChallenge #BreastCancerResearchFoundation #BeTheEndToCancer #BreastCancerThriver

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Ariel Lajara, Assistant Superintendent at The School District of Philadelphia. A dedicated educator and visionary leader, Ariel shares his insights on shaping the future of education, fostering equity, and empowering the next generation of learners. Learn about his journey in leadership, and the innovative strategies he champions to create lasting impact for ALL students. This conversation is a must-listen for educators, community leaders, and anyone passionate about the power of education to transform lives.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Narda Fields—published author, nonprofit entrepreneur, chef, and the visionary owner of More Than Kale Meal Prep. Narda shares her journey of combining her love for storytelling, eradicating self esteem and culinary expertise to empower communities and advocate for healthier living. Discover how she transforms passion into purpose. Tune in to explore the intersection of food, wellness, and humanitarianism, and be inspired by her vision for creating a world where every meal tells a story of care and connection.

In this episode of Humanitarian Heartbeat, host Nia Imani engages in a profound discussion with Jamil Rivers, a leading advocate for health equity and the founder of The Chrysalis Initiative. Previously diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer, Jamil transformed her personal journey into a mission to address disparities in breast cancer care, particularly among Black women and other marginalized groups. Through The Chrysalis Initiative, she provides patient coaching, educates healthcare providers, and works tirelessly to eliminate barriers to quality care. Join us as we explore Jamil's inspiring story, her advocacy efforts, and the impactful work of The Chrysalis Initiative in transforming breast cancer outcomes for women of color.

In this episode of Humanitarian Heartbeat, host Nia Imani sits down with Shaw Lewis, the visionary owner of Expect Lace and Gild + Olive, two Manayunk-based boutiques dedicated to inclusivity and empowerment. Shaw shares her journey from a 15-year career in retail management and purchasing to launching Expect Lace in 2018, a lingerie store renowned for its commitment to body inclusivity, and personalized fittings. They discuss how Expect Lace provides a safe and welcoming space for women of all shapes and sizes — and how Gild + Olive — her elegant concept shop offering permanent jewelry, custom design, piercing, and fine-line tattooing, complements this mission. Tune in to hear how Shaw's dedication to inclusivity and personalized service is transforming the retail experience and empowering women to embrace their unique beauty.

In this episode of Humanitarian Heartbeat, Nia Imani speaks with Alvin Fields, a renowned artist, educator, and community organizer whose creative vision has inspired change for decades. A graduate of The Philadelphia College of Art with a BFA in Illustration, Alvin has used art as a tool for community building and social advocacy

In this inspiring episode of Humanitarian Heartbeat, Nia Imani sits down with Carly Asare, the visionary founder of Lillian's Lush Organic, a company dedicated to creating high-quality organic products with a heart for sustainability and social impact. Carly shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a purpose-driven brand, and how her passion for wellness and environmental stewardship fuels her mission. Tune in to hear how Lillian's Lush Organic is changing lives while cultivating a more natural, healthier world.