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At the Be a Ball Podcast Live Event Join us as we uncover the paths of two innovative creatives, Christian Johnson and Caden Gadjigo who have turned their passions into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Christian reveals her evolution from crafting greeting cards to becoming a business co-founder of ABC Black Iconic Figures, driven by a thirst for autonomy and a deep commitment to education. Meanwhile, Columbus Northland high school senior Caden shares how a simple sketch set him on a journey to fashion entrepreneurship and creation of his Creatively Guided Attire clothing brand . Together, they offer a wealth of insight and inspiration for anyone on a similar entrepreneurial quest.

In this engaging episode, we also discover how Christian's initiative, ABC Black Iconic Figures, born from the challenges of 2020, aims to empower black and brown students through representation and diverse role models. We explore the vital role of business connections and mentorship in shaping careers, as Christian and Caden recount their experiences with organizations like MBK and Columbus Fashion Alliance. Through their stories, listeners will find valuable lessons on the importance of authenticity, hard work, and perseverance in building a lasting legacy in the creative design world.

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Gene Smith, a Division I athletic director for nearly 40 years was a trailblazer for Black college administrators. In 1986 when he earned his first athletic director job, he was one of two Black Division I-A athletic directors. Through his diversity and inclusion efforts, Smith has played a big role in administrators from underrepresented groups earning athletic director jobs themselves.

Gene Smith’s true legacy can be seen in his diverse pipeline around the country including, Patrick Chun became the first Asian American AD at a Power 5 school when Washington State hired him in 2018; Martin Jarmond spent three years as Boston College’s AD before heading to UCLA in 2020. BenJay spent a stint as Hawaii’s AD for two years and is now the CFO for the Big West Conference; Heather Lyke was hired as Pittsburgh’s AD in 2017, Diana Sabau hired as Utah State’s next AD and TJ Shelton was hired as Case Western Reserve’s AD in 2022.

Gene Smith a true door opener for Black College Administrators at the Power 5 Level and throughout all of college athletics.

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Kristen Jones Miller's entrepreneurial journey is both inspiring and transformative. Driven by a personal frustration with the lack of suitable nude lip colors for darker skin tones, Kristen co-founded Minted Cosmetics with Amanda Johnson, turning a light bulb moment into a multi-million dollar success. Their story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience, as well as the vital role of community support. Kristen shares how her faith and the encouragement from Second Baptist Church empowered her to pursue her dreams. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the intersection of entrepreneurship and legacy-building, especially in the context of addressing the needs of underrepresented communities.

We also tackle the challenging landscape Black founders face in securing venture capital, with Kristen detailing her journey and the strategies she employed to overcome these odds. After pitching to 70-80 investors before receiving an initial $50,000 investment, Kristen emphasizes the importance of persistence, market demand, and mentorship. She also highlights the influence mentors like Coach Tim Brown and others have had on her journey. Transitioning into her role as a full-time professor at The Ohio State University, Kristen explores her passion for teaching and her unique philosophy, prioritizing class participation and critical thinking over traditional exams, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs setting out to create their vision for the future.

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BAB Podcast Black History Month Episode. Judge Yvette McGee Brown. Judge Brown was the first African American woman elected to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in 1992, and in January 2011, she became the first African American woman to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Judge Brown graduated from Columbus City Schools and attended Ohio University with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, followed by her Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She has honorary degrees from Urbana University, Ohio Dominican University, and Wilberforce University.
Judge Brown has three children and two grandchildren. She is married to Tony Brown, a retired educator.

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Pastor Keith Bradley, Heirs Christian Center Church in Charlotte, North Carolina is a dynamic leader with a compelling story, joins us to uncover the profound intersection of faith and purpose. From his early days in Newark, New Jersey, where he navigated the challenges of foster care and his mother's mental health struggles, to becoming a beacon of spiritual guidance for athletes at Ohio State University, Pastor Bradley's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how his passion for sports and personal resilience fueled his commitment to ministry, shaping the lives of countless individuals and families in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Hear firsthand about the pivotal moments that transformed Pastor Bradley's life, notably his work in juvenile corrections, which ignited a lifelong dedication to serving youth through faith. His extraordinary story takes us through his commitment to celibacy until marriage and distancing from secular influences, leading to impactful ministry on college campuses through Inside Stuff Campus Ministry. Through these initiatives, Pastor Bradley highlights the power of mentorship and spiritual growth, demonstrating how they cultivate personal and community development.

As we wrap up our conversation, we explore the themes of legacy and personal growth through the lens of faith. Pastor Bradley passionately speaks about leaving a "faith file" rich with values and experiences for future generations, urging listeners to embrace their unique identities and purposefully impact the world around them. Uncover how embodying the traits of a 'baller' can propel you toward achieving both personal and spiritual milestones, inspiring you to build a lasting legacy that resonates beyond your lifetime.

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Join us as we explore this remarkable journey with Vince "The Voice" Bailey, whose signature baritone voice paved his way from a book-loving child in Gary, Indiana, to a prominent voiceover artist and entrepreneur. Vince shares stories of his upbringing, influenced by a hardworking father and a supportive community, highlighting the profound impact of family and mentors on his path to success.

Vince takes us through his transition from radio to community-focused endeavors, illustrating the pivotal role his faith and music played in shaping his career choices. Discover the journey from a vibrant radio presence to his impactful work at Comcast Cable and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where mentorship and innovative media practices thrived. Aspiring voiceover artists will find nuggets of wisdom as Vince offers guidance on standing out in a competitive industry, emphasizing the values of humility, perseverance, and passion.

Vince shares the influencers who shaped his life, from family members to respected figures like Mr. Irons and Julius Hollis. Vince reflects on his commitment to helping others reach their potential and the pride he takes in being a father. We wrap up this insightful episode with a look at building a lasting legacy and the importance of using one's influence to inspire future generations. Join us for a celebration of media’s transformative power and the enduring impact of mentorship.

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Join us as we welcome John Parms, the visionary founder and managing officer of Parms & Company, who takes us on a captivating journey through his 40-year business legacy. Growing up as the youngest of eight children in Akron, Ohio, John shares how the unwavering support of his family and community laid the foundation for his success. With anecdotes from his upbringing and insights into the values instilled by his parents and siblings, John illustrates the power of community and familial influence in achieving long-term goals. His story is a testament to the grace, blessings, and resilience that have shaped his path.

Emphasizing the significance of mentoring the next generation, John inspires with his commitment to fostering talent and building a legacy. He believes in going beyond financial success, encouraging young professionals to have a clear vision and plan for their future. The qualities he values in potential employees—initiative, critical thinking, and effective communication—are pivotal in sustaining the legacy he has built. As we reflect on John's impact and aspirations, this episode becomes a source of motivation for anyone looking to use their gifts to make a positive mark on the world.

John’s entrepreneurial journey is rich with lessons on integrity, fairness, and the importance of a strong faith foundation. From his early career aspirations as an architect to becoming a CPA, John underscores the role of hard work and adaptability in navigating his professional life. His transition to business ownership highlights the perseverance required to overcome challenges such as finding employment. Through his narrative, John reveals the ethical framework that guides both his business practices and personal life, rooted in values learned from his family and faith. Tune in to glean insights from a seasoned expert and learn how to chase your dreams with purpose and integrity.

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Bishop Dr. Daryl Sanders shares his transformative journey from growing up in Columbus, Ohio, to becoming a beacon of leadership in both education and ministry. Dr. Sanders reveals how witnessing the success of Black-owned businesses and the support of inspiring educators instilled in him the values of leadership and perseverance. Listen as he uncovers the pivotal role his mother's belief in education played in shaping his and his siblings' paths, leading to a family legacy rich in academic achievement.

Discover the unique success story of Columbus Alternative High School, where Dr. Sanders serves as principal, and learn how a culture of excellence, accountability, and real-world preparation sets students on a path to success. We explore the school's innovative approaches, such as its Wednesday internship programs, and discuss the importance of fostering a supportive community for both students and teachers. Dr. Sanders also shares his insights on servant leadership, offering invaluable advice for aspiring educators and leaders on creating impactful and nurturing environments.

As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, Dr. Sanders emphasizes the critical role of genuine love and passion in ministry. He shares his mission to inspire young ministers to embody Christ's teachings beyond the pulpit, fostering connections and effecting positive change in their communities. Reflecting on his personal journey, Dr. Sanders underscores the importance of leaving a legacy that transcends personal achievements, encouraging young people to embrace their potential and make a difference. Be inspired by his unwavering commitment to education and ministry, and learn how his life lessons can empower future generations.

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