Leaders In The Spotlight

Leadership: Never under estimate where you are now with guest Wendy Gladney

Season 6 Episode 11
Wendy Gladney is The Purpose Partner. She serves as a Coach, Life Strategist, Consultant, Author, and Speaker. A multi-faceted businesswoman with close to thirty years of experience, Wendy is the founder Season of Greatness (SOG); Personal Services Plus Consulting (PSP); and the nonprofit, Forgiving for Living, Inc. (FFL).
As a Coach, Consultant and Strategist, Wendy has worked with individuals, community-based organizations, small businesses, and corporations across America. Wendy believes in helping others reach their full potential while providing exceptional service. ​
Wendy received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a graduate of both The Protocol School of Washington, certified and licensed to teach International Protocol, Etiquette, and Intercultural Understanding; and Antioch University Coaching Tools Program, where she received a certification in coaching through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).
Wendy takes her personal and professional life experiences and shares how to turn stumbling blocks into steppingstones to achieve the life you desire, also known as your, “Season of Greatness.”
As a writer, Wendy is a weekly columnist for both the Los Angeles Sentinel and the Inland Valley News and has authored two books: “The Preacher’s Daughter: A Memory” and “Forgiveness: Change Your Life Forever.” Her subject matter frequently revolves around the themes of forgiveness and healing. ​​
Wendy is a mother, grandmother, and wife. She is committed to her faith, family, and community.  She believes everyone has the power to make a difference and lives by her motto: “Healing Without Hate:  it’s a Choice, it’s a Lifestyle, Pass it on!”  
Guest: Wendy Gladney
www.wendygladney.com
www.forgivingforliving.org.
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose
https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
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https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
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Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Leadership: Seeing what the needs are and doing them with guest Imhotep Coleman

S06E10
Imhotep Coleman is the founder of Urban Scholar Film Academy, a Saturday affinity program serving high school youth in Inglewood, CA. The Ready to Rise award–winning initiative is dedicated to empowering young filmmakers by sharing the communal and collaborative process of storytelling. Through intentional pipelines, content creation, and community building, Urban Scholar Film Academy fosters creativity with purpose and love. Learn more at www.urbanscholarfilmacademy.org.
Imhotep is also a proud member of the Film Production Faculty at West Los Angeles College and a 2024 Alex Trebek Television Academy Legacy Fellow. His commitment to education and mentorship extends beyond the classroom: he and his wife, Alexis, co-founded Urban Scholar Academy, an award-winning academic enrichment and tutoring center. Their work has been recognized nationally, including honors as Super Bowl LVI Legacy Champions, 2023 WWE WrestleMania Community Champions, and Golden Globe Foundation Community Champions.
A veteran member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), Imhotep has served as an Assistant Director on acclaimed projects such as 9-1-1 (FOX), Scandal, and Project X, among many others. Originally from Kansas City, Imhotep is a graduate of Howard University’s Television & Film Department. For the past twenty years, he has proudly called Inglewood, CA home. He is married to his hometown and college sweetheart, the phenomenal Alexis Coleman, and together they are raising two dynamic sons, Jalen and Malachi.
Guest: Imhotep Coleman
https://urbanscholarfilmacademy.org/
Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Leadership: Optimism is Imperative with guest Craig Shimahara

S06 E09
Craig Shimahara is the founder and CEO of Shimahara Visual, a full service creative agency specializing in property marketing and architectural visualization, with studios in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston.
Craig is a Presidential Award Recipient of the AIA Los Angeles chapter, a winner of Gensler’s Watanabe Award for excellence in visual communication, and garnered best original screenplay honors at the Montreal Cinefest for his 2015 feature film, Masterless. Partnering with his wife, Lorraine, he is currently co-producing the non-profit, social justice documentary Architecture of Hope, which showcases international solutions to homelessness and is narrated by Angela Bassett.
He holds a Masters degree in architecture from UCLA and lives in Santa Monica with Lorraine and their teenage children.
Guest: Craig Shimahara
shimaharavisual.com
LA • NY • BOS
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Taking outside limits out the equation With Dawnn Lewis

S06E08
Dr. Dawnn Lewis, a multitalented and multifaceted individual: President & CEO of Morning Jewel Inc. – a multi-platform production company in the areas of film, television, animation, music/music publishing & experiential events.
She is also the Founder & CEO of the A New Day Foundation – a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, that provides financial & programmatic support to underprivileged youth and grassroots community based nonprofit organizations.
In 2019, Dawnn received an Honorary Doctorate in the Humanities for her more than 40 years of unwavering service and support to underserved youth and communities across the county and abroad. She is a: Trumpet Award, Grammy Award-winning singer, multiple NAACP Image Award, BMI & ASCAP Award-winning songwriter, film, television & stage actor, a Series TV creator/producer and an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2021.
Guest: Dr. Dawnn Lewis
https://anewdayfoundation.net
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits
Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here:
https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Living on faith as a entrepreneur

Season 6 Episode 7
Emmanuel J. Waters Co-Founder and CEO Old Hillside Bourbon Company is an experienced contracts consultant in Silicon Valley. He started his career working for the Department of Defense and has over 12 years of experience in both commercial and government contracts.
Upon leaving the federal service, he opened up his own LLC and currently serves as a contracts subject matter expert for universities such as Stanford, University of California, Berkeley, and several tech companies.
One thing most do not know about Emmanuel is he is the son of a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and spent his high school years living in Japan and Germany. Emmanuel has visited over 32 foreign countries and visits a new one every year. Emmanuel currently resides in San Jose, California where he enjoys traveling the world with his wife and daughters. Emmanuel holds an M.B.A. from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Guest: Emmanuel J. Waters
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-waters-4740989a
https://www.oldhillsidebourboncompany.com/our-founders?srsltid=AfmBOoreOOjrTDrThj2Gevnudot5rQd-OGPsM-5GbOM-Zi6IAQo9ar26
 
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Leadership: Reframing discomfort in entrepreneurship with Guest Marsha Smith

Season 6 Episode 6
Marsha Smith is the founder and CEO of Minibop, a company transforming early childhood education through the power of music. With a background in music management from Berklee College of Music and years of experience as both a performer and educator, Marsha’s journey has been shaped by the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in the industry.
Navigating a space where creative arts in early education are often overlooked, she built Minibop to bridge the gap—giving young children access to high-quality, developmentally rich music experiences while also empowering early childhood educators with the tools and training to confidently integrate music into their classrooms. As an entrepreneur and mother, Marsha has had to balance ambition with caregiving, advocate for her vision in rooms where she was often the only woman, and carve out a space where music is seen as essential, not optional.
Through Minibop, she is not only reshaping early education but also paving the way for other women to lead with creativity, confidence, and impact. Her work is a testament to the power of persistence, passion, and purpose—showing that when women amplify their voices, entire industries change for the better.
Guest: Marsha Smith
https://minibopmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/minibopmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@UCFE781NvvrE02rn6uv2o72A
https://www.tiktok.com/@minibopmusic
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose
https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Build your confidenceBe the full package with guest Ashley Lania

S06 EP05
Ashley Lania is the visionary CEO of BossyByNature Design Studio, where she empowers feel-good, women-led brands to thrive through strategic design, digital marketing, and purpose-driven storytelling.
From Fortune 500 companies to community-rooted nonprofits and celebrity-backed brands, her portfolio includes impactful collaborations with icons like Tabitha Brown, Simone I. Smith, Mary J. Blige, and more.
A proud advocate for women and diverse creators, Ashley is especially passionate about amplifying women-owned brands—helping names like Donna’s Recipe, Born to Roam and Simone I. Smith rise with confidence and clarity.
BossyByNature’s Top Services Include:
🌟 Social Media Management
🌟 Social Media Strategy
🌟 Email Marketing
🌟 Creative Direction
🌟 Graphic Design
🌟 Brand Consultation & More
Whether she’s designing, strategizing, or empowering the next generation of women entrepreneurs, Ashley leads with heart, hustle, and a mission to make every brand feel seen.
Guest: Ashley Lania
https://www.bossybynature.co/
https://www.instagram.com/bossybynatureco/
https://www.tiktok.com/@UCi2ntL-Ndhl8EEeXFs3qMnA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bossybynature-design-studio/
 
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

What is for You will not fail with guest Brittany Walker

Season 6 Episode 4
Brittany Walker is a purpose driven leader, social justice advocate, and devoted mother of four whose life’s mission is rooted in transforming adversity into action. As the Founder and CEO of Butterfly’s Haven, she provides dignified housing and holistic supportive services for former foster youth, justice impacted individuals, and families navigating homelessness. Born from her own lived experience surviving domestic violence, homelessness, and the failures of broken systems.
Butterfly’s Haven was created as a soft landing, a safe space for others to unpack trauma and rebuild their lives surrounded by love, empathy, and community. For Brittany, this work is more than service it’s a sacred calling. With deep faith and gratitude, she honors the purpose God placed on her life by helping others rise, heal, and thrive. She needed a hero so she became one.
Guest: Brittany Walker, Butterfly’s Haven CEO
https://butterflyshaven.org/
https://www.instagram.com/butterflys.haven/
https://www.treehouse.community/spaces
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits
Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Look To Your Team for The Next Leaders with Sherika Charity-Junirs.

Season 6 Episode 3
Sherika Charity-Junirs is a powerhouse in financial aid leadership, currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid at Northern Virginia Community College, one of the largest community colleges in the U.S. With 15 years of experience, she’s championed access, equity, and student success across Virginia’s community college system.
Sherika holds a double major in Economics and Sociology from the University of Virginia, earned her MBA in Management from Strayer University, and had completed consequences for a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Old Dominion University. But beyond the credentials, it’s her passion for helping students navigate life’s financial crossroads that truly sets her apart.
While reimagining supports for underrepresented and needy students, Sherikaleads with purpose, perspective, and a deep commitment to transforming lives through education.
Guest: Sherika Charity-Junirs
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/
https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/
Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry

Using your story as a skill with guest Ahneishia Washington

S06EP02
Ahneishia Washington is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who is passionate about seeing individuals, families, and communities get their joy back to thrive in wholeness and peace. Ahneishia grew up in the city of Compton, where she developed her passion for seeing urban communities heal from inner city trauma, and fostered a compassion for mental health and emotional wellness.
Ahneishia obtained her Master's of Science Degree in Counseling- Marriage & Family Therapy from California State University, Long Beach and has been an advocate and change agent in community mental health needs and family restoration since.
Ahneishia is now the "Queen-E-O" of her own virtual private practice, Kingdom Counseling Solutions, where she specializes in providing culturally competent relatable care to clients of color, clients of faith, and clients from urban inner-city backgrounds who have experienced trauma. Affectionately known as the CPT MFT on social media, Ahneishia empowers urban faith-based wellness & mental health education not only with through her therapeutic work in clinical care through individual, couples, family, and group therapy, but also through providing workshops, trainings, speaking engagements, and critical incident & stress debriefing support to corporations, local churches, non-profits, hospitals, schools, and local & virtual events within her community.
Guest: Ahneishia Washington, LMFT
Kids In The Spotlight Production Studio With A Purpose https://kidsinthespotlightproductionstudio.org/
Credits Host - Tige Charity
Subscribe To @Leadersinthespotlight here: https://studio.youtube.com/@Leadersinthespotlight
Follow us here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadersinthespotlight/ https://www.instagram.com/kidsinthespotlight/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leadersinthespotlight_
Facebook: / https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560564615747
Linkedin: / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tige-charity-59614633/ Book: / Not Your 9-to-5 Girl: A dreamer's journey from the corporate jungle to the joy of social entrepreneurship https://www.amazon.com/Not-Your-Girl-corporate-entrepreneurship/dp/0692921656
Executive Producer - Kimberly Sparks
Producer, Editor, Cinematographer and Sound Engineer - Ed Broaddus & Kids in the Spotlight Interns.
Podcast Set: KITS Production Studio with Purpose in Van Nuys, CA
Producer/Media: Jaszmin Kuhner
Graphic Designer: Sonya Deberry