Leaders In The Spotlight

Progress over Perfection with Launi King

Season 6 Episode 1
Launi King has been a globally recognized design executive for more than 20 years. As the founder and CEO of Creative Play, King developed a product lab that champions inventors and illuminates Black women-driven innovation. Creative Play develops products that break the loop in everyday problems, crafting efficient and fun solutions that empower people in their daily pursuits. ClaspeesTM, the first product launch, are functional yet stylish collectible accessories that prevent the loss of drawstrings.
King has successfully set the strategic direction and led cross-functional, performance-driven teams in creating global product lines for companies including Warner Bros., Twentieth Century Fox, Mattel, National Geographic, ESPN, and The Walt Disney Company. King has overseen key partnerships with brands such as L’Oréal, Balenciaga, Vans, Levi’s, Krispy Kreme, Ferrero, Blue Apron, Samsung, Sir Kensington, Tic Tac, Off-White, NYX, and many more.
Guest: Launi King
https://www.instagram.com/launik/?hl=en
https://www.linkedin.com/in/launiking/
https://www.creativeplayinc.com/
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, Showing up and Owning The Room with JTasha St.Cyr

Season 5 Episode 11
Ms. J’Tasha St. Cyr, CEO and Founder of Miss Everything Entertainment, a dynamic production company based in Los Angeles. A proud native of the city, J’Tasha is of Creole and Belizean descent.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entertainment Marketing and a minor in International Business from Cal Poly Pomona University. With a background as an international dancer, actor, and model, J’Tasha built an expansive network and gained invaluable insight into the global entertainment industry. These experiences laid the foundation for her successful transition into producing and directing film and television projects.
Since 2019, Miss Everything Entertainment has been a proud partner of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF). In 2020, the company produced the PAFF Institute Panel Series, with J’Tasha personally moderating three of the five engaging and impactful panels.
Guest: Ms. J’Tasha St. Cyr
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6397287/
https://www.instagram.com/jtasha_/?hl=en
https://linktr.ee/MissEverythingEnt
https://www.instagram.com/misseverythingent/?hl=en
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

Silent Leaders inspire Future Leaders with Alison "Ali" Bodager

Season 5 Episode 10
Alison "Ali" Bodager is a passionate advocate for underserved youth and the founder of Jacaranda Rising, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting transition-age adults (18-24) experiencing homelessness or aging out of the foster care system. Born and raised in Ohio, Ali has been committed to helping young people navigate life’s challenges since she was in middle school. As an adult, in 2010, she moved to the Los Angeles area to work at an after-school program in Skid Row, Downtown LA. Following the program's closure, she shifted to a role as a trust and estate paralegal, which provided her with valuable legal training and insight into the nonprofit sector. In 2020, Ali’s work as a Campus Coordinator for a church in Burbank was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, giving her the time and space to further research and develop her vision for Jacaranda Rising. In 2021, Jacaranda Rising was officially launched with the mission to empower young adults facing homelessness and foster care challenges, equipping them with life and job skills, school supplies, and more. In 2024, Jacaranda Rising served over 60 young adults, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Ali’s goal is to continue expanding the nonprofit, doubling the number of young people served each year, and making a lasting impact in their lives.
Guest: Alison "Ali" Bodager
www.jacarandahousing.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: 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

Knowing Your Worth with guest Nicole Bryant

Season 5 Episode 9
Nicole Bryant is the founding Chief Operating Officer of the City of Los Angeles’ Office of Civil Rights. Nicole is at the helm of some of LA’s most impactful initiatives, including the award-winning anti-hate campaign, LA For All, and the recently launched Just Say Hello campaign, in collaboration with the Port of Los Angeles. Nicole also oversees the department’s intellectual property in partnership with the City Attorney’s Office and leads upward mobility programs like LA Medical Day and LA Law Day, giving students direct access to trailblazing professionals. A passionate mentor, Nicole runs an internship program supporting high school, college, and law students—something especially close to her heart, having started her own public service journey as a Student Worker. Before her current role, Nicole climbed the ranks at the County of Los Angeles, ultimately serving as Senior Analyst to the CEO, where she worked to eliminate racial inequities and shape policy for women and girls. She holds both a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate with a concentration in Entrepreneurship and Technology Law. Beyond her government work, Nicole is expanding into film production, focusing on meaningful projects that inform and inspire. She also serves on the board of Oceans and Roads Film Foundation, which introduces underserved families to sailing, aquatic sports, and water safety.
Guest: Nicole Bryant
Instagram @attorney.Nikki
LinkedIn Nicole Bryant, Esq.
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

The Bar is set, are YOU READY with DynastyTaylor

Season 5 Episode 8
Dynasty Taylor, a social worker and native of South Los Angeles, founded Dynasty's United Youth Association (DUYA) in 2014 at just 23 years old during her first year of graduate school at USC. Driven by a passion for social change, she pursued a Master’s in Social Work, equipping herself with the tools to empower underserved youth to rise from poverty to prosperity. In addition to leading DUYA, she writes grants, develops curriculum, and designs program models to support youth development and educational equity. She also serves as a Public Social Services Commissioner for Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s office in District II, advocating for policies that uplift marginalized communities. As a City Scholars Foundation Fellow and proud LAAWPPI alumna, Dynasty’s dedication to social impact has earned recognition from the LA Times, New York Times, and Points of Light.
Guest: Dynasty Taylor www.dynastysyouth.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:
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

Delegating, Being Whole and Collaboration with guest Shelby Williams González

Season 5 Episode 7
Shelby Williams-González President & CEO of Inner-CityArts and has 20 years of experience in the arts education field and 22 years as a professional dancer, Shelby  has a career made up of overlapping networks. Artist, educator, and leader pushing for social change. Shelby has taught dance and performing arts for LAUSD, as well as developed programs for non-profit organizations such as The California Dance Institute, A Place Called Home and the L.A. Opera’s Education Program. As the previous Executive Director of artworxLA, Shelby dedicated her work to creatively educating alternative high school teenagers with sustained arts exposure and immersion. She believes that investing human and financial resources around our young people is necessary for LA’s youth to evolve as unique individuals and flourish as creative adults.
Shelby serves on the Board of Directors for the Arts for Healing and Justice Network, an interdisciplinary collaborative that provides exceptional arts programming in order to build resiliency and wellness, eliminate recidivism, and transform the juvenile justice system. Shelby also serves on the Board of Directors of Suarez Dance Theater and is a member of the Los Angeles' Chapter for the Undoing Racism Collective. She holds a B.A. in Dance and Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley and is a proud native Angelino, mom, wife, and avid shoe shopper!
Guest: Shelby Williams-González
@innercityarts @shelbywillgonz
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

Can't live with quitting, Leaders show up with Ava Walker

Season 5 Episode 6
Founder and CEO of Beyond our Kin (BOK) Ava Walker As a former foster youth and having experienced homelessness as a teen. Writing every day and prayer was her coping mechanisms.
From an early age she had visions of turning her pain into purpose. Finding herself a stable home, becoming an author and screenwriter with the aim of helping and inspiring other foster youth to beat the odds and never lose hope. Ava often states her deeply rooted gratitude for all the positive influences she was provided, from people who believed in her, nurtured, and guided her.
Ava founded Beyond our Kin (BOK) to pursue her aspirations and sense of responsibilities to help foster youth who are sadly often forgotten in our society, and to increase foster care awareness throughout the communities. Her story demonstrates that adversity can be overcome and foster youth can turn their disadvantages into opportunities. It just takes a village beyond our kin.
Guest: Ava Walker
https://www.instagram.com/iamavawalker/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/beyondourkin/?hl=en
https://www.beyondourkin.org/about-us/ @beyondourkin
https://linktr.ee/avawalkeriam
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

Starting a business from the ground up with Melanie Mora and Gaby Luco

Season 5 Episode 5
MELANIE MORA| FOUNDER OF GET SWEAT STUDIO,LLC Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA, I’m a proud daughter of two hardworking 2nd generation immigrants who made sure I knew that education and a strong work ethic weren’t optional — they were the foundation.
I was a Business Analyst at a medical insurance company, climbing the corporate ladder, saving up that 401K, living the "comfortable" life. And then, plot twist: the company merges, and poof — my position disappears. Suddenly, the "start-your-own-business" idea wasn’t just a dream anymore. It became real.
I’m now a proud owner of a space where people come to work on both their physical and emotional health (and occasionally, their dance moves if you’ve seen our spin class choreography). It’s not just about the workouts — it's about transformation, community, and, let’s be honest, the sweat. Watching people change their lives in my studio? It’s way more fulfilling than any office desk could ever be.
As I continue this rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, I’m constantly evolving into the boss I’ve always wanted to be — but let’s be real, I don’t know if “boss” is the right word... I’m more like a glorified cheerleader who sometimes forgets to eat lunch. But hey, it’s all part of the fun. My dream? To grow GetSweat, open more locations, and keep raising the bar for cycling classes.
What I’ve learned? Starting a business from scratch is like a never-ending sprint — and if it looks easy from the outside, I must be doing something right. I won’t lie, being a mom, wife, daughter, and sister means sometimes I’m not always “there” for those roles the way I’d like, but when you’ve got a solid team cheering you on? The sky is the limit.
GABY LUCO is Co-Owner of Get Sweat Studio, LLC
Get Sweat Studio
https://www.instagram.com/getsweatstudio
www.getsweatstudio.com
226 N Maclay Ave San Fernando CA 91340
26934 The Old Rd Valencia, CA 91381
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

DELEGATING, Prioritizing & Leadership with Pamela Dixon

Season 5 Episode 4
Pamela Dixon, is a self made entrepreneur and advocate for individuals with special needs. She is the CEO and founder of B-ALL Unlimited LLC. She owns several residential facilities and provides services for individuals with special needs. She employs about 50 employees to serve her individuals. Her background in education and counseling has led to this path of helping this community. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English from UCLA and two Masters Degrees in educational administration and counseling from Cal State University Los Angeles. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
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

Embracing Everything about YOU with Guest: Audra Bryant

Season 5 Episode 3
Audra is a TEDx speaker, empowerment coach, author, and multi-genre artist with a powerful mission: to help individuals acknowledge, embrace, and transform their physical and emotional scars into sources of strength and purpose. Born and raised in Detroit, Audra’s journey of resilience and self-empowerment began at just 18 months old when an accident left her with severe burns across her chest, neck, and shoulder.
For over two decades, Audra sought to erase her scars through surgeries, treatments, and other methods, but nothing succeeded in removing them. Struggling with self-acceptance, she spent years hiding her scars under layers of clothing and within the confines of unfulfilling relationships. At 25, Audra experienced a life-changing revelation: she realized that everyone bears scars, whether visible or hidden, and that these scars could be embraced as symbols of survival and strength.
Recognizing the need for a more personalized approach to empowerment, Audra founded Purpose Fulfilled Inc., a coaching and training company dedicated to helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Through her company, Purpose Fulfilled, Inc., Audra provides one-on-one and group coaching sessions, custom workshops, keynote presentations, and produces a podcast designed to inspire, motivate, and transform lives.
Guest: Audra Bryant
https://audrabryant.com/
TEDxInglewood TALK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOMh1txEkBY
www.PurposeFulfilledInc.com
Book: I've Got Scars, Baby!: How To Embrace Your Scars and Power Your Purpose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DMRJG3X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_28KEZ9872TQ71XHXJ2PK
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