JaLisha is Thread Capital’s director of lending and client support. She leads Thread Capital’s loan origination, coaching, connections, and customer service efforts, with the goal of executing Thread Capital’s mission of strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding access to capital for small businesses in North Carolina. She is a Durham native and enjoys filling unclaimed time with traveling, pretending to exercise on social media, and binge-watching TV with Garrett and two dogs, Jim Bean and Dacarius.

Darlene works as a Business Solutions Officer for the Carolina Small Business Development fund, a community development financial institution (CDFI) providing technical assistance and funding to small businesses across the state. Prior to joining CSBDF, her career has included working with Self-Help and the NC Rural Economic Development Center, also CDFIs within NC. With a penchant for small business Darlene pursued her own entrepreneurial dream by owning and operating an Edible Arrangements franchise for 12 years with locations in the Durham and Raleigh markets. Prior to joining CSBDF, she served as an Adjunct Professor with Durham Technical Community College and North Carolina Central University. Darlene has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from SUNY Old Westbury, and as a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship recipient, Darlene obtained a Master of Science Degree in Urban Policy Analysis and Management from the New School of Social Research in New York. She is currently a doctoral student at UNC Charlotte - Belk School of Business where she is pursuing a degree in business administration. Her research interests include exploring the resiliency of women-led organizations in the wake of the digital age.

LaShon Harley, the Lead Igniter of LAH Company shares how she received the title. She helps individuals find their unique value proposition and leads them towards their goals. The conversation focuses on the power of intentional words and leaving a mark on the world. The podcast aims to provide resources and interviews to support the community and promote mental wealth.

Meet our guest CEO NIKKI! Erika “Nikki” Shorty, Owner of HER Life Coaching, LLC! I’m a mother of 2 daughters, wife, HBCU graduate, Certified Life Coach, Certified Career Coach, and Certified Holistic Life Coach. It is her highest honor to present to you a coaching agency that was built from love, endless life lessons, hope, tears and a dash of faith. She's had to learn so much about herself and the journey that she's been on. This business is a living, breathing manifestation that is a vessel for me to give all the hard lessons away. Nikki is proud to coach the brightest and most hard working clients on this earth and she extends the invitation to you all to join the HLC family. As a triple certified Life Coach, she teaches people how to bring their vision boards to life. She also teaches people how to win with resources within their grasp to lead healthier and more intentional lives. Find Out More About Erika at www.herlifecoaching.com

Efunsade Osundara is a creative at her core. She is a woman-owned award-winning design company whose mission is to create JOY through our art + creativity of handmade cards, journals, mixed media art, stationery + invitations, and all things made with beautiful and funky paper. This company was started to honor my oldest sister, Iya Ayotola Bolade, who transitioned in 2019. Ayotala was an early childhood educator who struggled with mental health issues, yet she decided to live her life full of joy and laughter. She loved being around family and friends and meeting strangers who became life-long friends. Her infectious laugh helped others forget about their problems while bringing them light, love, and happiness during their darkest moments. Open your mailbox to joy. Find out more about Efunsade at https://www.ayodara.com.

Give it to the People Live is a visual and audio podcast which provides our listeners with an opportunity to meet and greet BIPOC and Women entrepreneurs and business owners, partners, and service providers. Each episode features a great conversation and insight into intriguing businesses, programs, and organizations focused on building a Growth Mindset and Mental Wealth.

Sasha Giles is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 12 years of professional experience in various behavioral health settings, including: behavioral health hospitals, outpatient counseling agencies, medical offices, community agencies and academia. Ms. Giles has worked with colleagues to publish a research review exploring the protective factors that support the reduction of depression and anxiety amongst African American youth. Currently, Ms. Giles is working as an independent counselor at Journeys Counseling Center, LLC, with an emphasis around dismantling the negative stigma of mental health within communities of color. Give it to the People Live is a visual and audio podcast which provides our listeners with an opportunity to meet and greet BIPOC and Women entrepreneurs and business owners, partners, and service providers. Each episode features a great conversation and insight into intriguing businesses, programs, and organizations focused on building a Growth Mindset and Mental Wealth.

On this episode of Give it to the People LIVE host Chisa Pennix-Brown, MBA has a fun conversation with Teneka Steed, PhD regarding Customer Surveys and how they can be used to grow your business. Give it to the People Live is a visual and audio podcast which provides our listeners with an opportunity to meet and greet BIPOC and Women entrepreneurs and business owners, partners, and service providers. Each episode features a great conversation and insight into intriguing businesses, programs, and organizations focused on building a Growth Mindset and Mental Wealth. Dr. Steed is the CEO and Founder of the Willene Agency. Dr. Steed is Research Data Scientist that has worked in various industries from education to health providing her expertise in scientific research, statistical analysis and program evaluation. With over 10 years of experience in applied research, Dr. Steed and her team continues to provide data driven solutions for clients in excellence, proficiency and integrity. Find out more about her at https://www.willeneagency.com.

Mental Health Professional Tracey Moore joins us a conversation about her journey in mental health. Tracey Moore has a passion for working with dating, engaged or married couples in identifying their relationship strengths, while gaining a better understanding of underlying dynamics needed to support growth. As an Ordained Minister, MSG Tracey Moore (Retired) provides spiritual guidance to Individuals, Couples, Families and groups in various settings. Learn more about her podcast athttps://www.podbean.com/justmetherapy. Give it to the People Live is a visual and audio podcast which provides our listeners with an opportunity to meet and greet BIPOC and Women entrepreneurs and business owners, partners, and service providers. Each episode features a great conversation and insight into intriguing businesses, programs, and organizations focused on building a Growth Mindset and Mental Wealth.

Vince and Sheba Brown are educators at heart. Their story of how they started APlus Test Prep is one that encourages the pursuit of better for parents, teachers, students, and adults seeking higher education. Their motto is Scores Open Doors. Learning how to pass standardized tests to improve your chances of getting into college or getting a higher paying is job is what they do. Tune in and leave a comment or a review after you listen. Find out more about their business at www.aplushigherscores.com. Give it to the People Live is a visual and audio podcast which provides our listeners with an opportunity to meet and greet BIPOC and Women entrepreneurs and business owners, partners, and service providers. Each episode features a great conversation and insight into intriguing businesses, programs, and organizations focused on building a Growth Mindset and Mental Wealth.