Headlined Guests
Headlined Guests that have appeared on BBS Radio TV
Jack Evans was first elected to the Council of the District of Columbia in a 1991 special election and re-elected in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. Jack was elected by his colleagues to serve as the Chair Pro Tempore (Vice Chair) of the DC Council in 2001.
Jack's work in DC politics and other organizations included: 1992, 1996 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions, as well as 2004 Howard Dean DC Co-Chair; 1992 and 1996 Bill Clinton's DC Co-Chair; 2008 Hillary Clinton DC Co-Chair; and DC Democratic Party Treasurer (1988-1991).
Jack received an economics degree with honors from the Wharton School in 1975 and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Law in 1978. He began practicing law at the Securities and Exchange Commission in the Division of Enforcement.
Tulsi Bloom is an American-born Jamaican/Puerto-Rican singer-songwriter, violinist, composer, and producer who combines elements of reggae, jazz, funk, soul, classical, kirtan, rock and dance into her work. Tulsi also creates progressive remixes of traditional Sanskrit mantras.
Tulsi is featured on the album, Chanting With Tigers, which went #1 on iTunes for World Music, and on the Grammy®-nominated album, Bhakti Without Borders in the New Age category. Tulsi is dedicated to making music that is a breath of fresh air for the soul and empowers, rejuvenates, and inspires all who hear it.
As a percussionist, Patrick Richey has traveled the globe performing, recording, and collaborating with musicians from India, Morocco, and everywhere in between. As a tabla player, he has accompanied such artists as Abhijit Banerjee and Tarang, AZA, Dave Stringer, Jai Uttal, Kali Ray, Arjun Baba, and C.C. White.
Richey has co-led music, kirtan workshops, yoga, and travel adventures in the Himalayas, Bali, Morocco, the Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, and the United States. He studied tabla under Sri Abhiman Kaushal and Pandit Nandkumar Bhatlouande and received his M.A. in Music from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Neeshad is an Environmentalist, and policy-oriented social change advocate, best known for his work on climate movement, environmental and climate policies in the Middle East. His core area of expertise includes analyzing global environmental and climate politics, Energy Transition, and sustainability issues. An active civil society member and has been a prominent presence at international climate summits especially UN Climate Summit (COP’s) since 2015 on various capacities, including role of youth and NGOs for climate action. He holds a master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering and based in Doha, Qatar.
He was named in the Apolitical’s List of the 100 Most Influential People in Climate Policy in 2019 and 2022 respectively.
Neeshad is currently the Co-founder & Executive Director at the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar, a first registered youth lead non-profit association in the State of Qatar. He is a Board Member at Climate Action Network (CAN) Arab World and CoalitionWILD. UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network (YoU-CAN) and UNEP Youth Regional Facilitator for the Middle East. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at Middle East Institute (MEI) and Agent of Change Fellow with Wilson Center.
His articles and interviews have appeared in Euro News, France24, Al Jazeera, BBC, Washington Post, WEF Agenda, Guardian, Anadolu Agency, Inside Arabia, The Gulf Times, Qatar Tribune, Qatar Today, Peninsula Qatar and others.
Dave Stringer – Producer/Composer/Artist, is a Grammy®-nominated recording artist and producer who has been widely profiled as one of the most innovative artists of the modern Yoga movement. He’s both an inspiring singer and a captivating public speaker, resolving neuroscience, yoga philosophy, and music into a participatory theatrical experience.
Stringer’s sound invokes the transcendent mysticism of traditional Indian instruments with the exuberant, groove-oriented sensibility of American gospel and the ringing harmonies of Appalachia. He is featured in the documentary films Mantra: Sounds Into Silence and The Power of Mantra and has toured extensively, leading concerts, workshops, and retreats worldwide.
Mantra Americana II Overview
Grammy®-nominated Madi Das and Dave Stringer, are the artist-producers behind Mantra Americana.
The new music expands on the sound they crafted for the first album, combining modal melodies derived from Indian ragas with the chord structures and ecstatic harmonies of American Gospel and Bluegrass. From swinging Bhangra tabla grooves to the twang of Appalachia, the sound of the band Mantra Americana can memorably be described as Roots & Ragas, Nashville meets Namasté, Country & Eastern.
Highlights include guest performances from music legends Greg Leisz, Dean Parks, and Mitchel Foreman on dobro, mandolin, pedal steel, accordion, piano and Hammond organ. The lead vocals evoke an alternative version of Johnny Cash if he grew up in an ashram. The ringing harmonies of the backing vocal quartet (Tulsi Bloom, Allie Stringer, Justin Michael Williams and Dave Stringer) recall the Laurel Canyon sound of the ‘70s. Tabla player Patrick Richey studied in India but was raised in Tennessee.
Mantra Americana is all at once profoundly devotional and playfully irreverent. It’s made of motifs that are borrowed and repurposed, but it’s also a wholly original work of art. It manages to be both blasphemous and orthodox, thoroughly modern and still grounded in tradition. It’s a tree with Indian roots growing in American soil, bearing fragrant fruit that tastes both familiar and exotic.
My guest Addison Ames is an awakened teacher, speaker, channel, healer, thought leader, and business consultant & executive coach. He has gone through the awakening of self and today addresses a range of topics from a multidimensional perspective. Addison is known as a full-body channel for Metatron, a high-dimensional being specialized in spiritual development for Earth and humanity. In his work, Addison shares high knowledge and wisdom that can help people through life’s situations, changes, challenges, and opportunities. He helps people heal, awaken, know, and grow, and understand the world around them. He is a certified Reiki Grand Master, Reiki Crystal Master, Crystal Specialist, Animal Reiki Master, Quantum Healer, and Archangelic Healer. He is currently based in the United States, where he travels frequently, and works with clients internationally.
Author
Peter J. de Silva
Having held C-level positions at TD Ameritrade, Scottrade, UMB Financial Corporation, and Fidelity Investments, Peter de Silva had an insider’s view on the financial and leadership crisis that shook our country. That life experience, along with Peter’s work as a Harvard University Senior Fellow, board member, and his lifelong struggle with a debilitating disease, make him a unique voice—one you don’t want to miss.
Website: https://peterjdesilva.com/, Peter de Silva
Peter de Silva is a nationally recognized and highly accomplished financial industry executive. He is an experienced chairman, CEO, president, executive committee member, and public and private company director. is also a trustee for national non-profit organizations and national charitable foundations. de Silva is also a former Harvard University Senior Fellow - Advanced Leadership Initiative.
de Silva has more than 30 years of experience in the financial sector of banking, institutional asset management and servicing, and wealth management. de Silva's experience also includes retirement, retail and institutional brokerage, trading, healthcare financial services and corporate services. He is recognized for his ability to drive outsized results by creating a compelling vision, building the strategy, aligning resources and executing the plan. de Silva shows strong executive leadership and possesses board credentials while being a highly engaged servant leader who is committed to developing talent and effective organizations.
de Silva possesses board-related experience in strategy, audit and risk management. Currently on the boards of Edelman Financial Engines, Prosper Marketplace, Inc., Infosel, IRALOGIX, Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company, the Robert W. Plaster Charitable Foundation, MRI Global, the CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF), the UMASS Dartmouth Foundation and the Commonwealth Corporation. He is happily married and is the proud father of two wonderful daughters.
RÉSUMÉ
10 Battle-Tested Life and Leadership Principles to Accelerate Your Growth and Open Your Eyes to New Ways of Conquering Problems ???? In Taking Stock, the reader follows Peter de Silva through his thirty-five-year personal and professional leadership journey as he develops from an aspiring leader to a nationally respected financial services industry leader. de Silva had a seat at the table with trailblazing leaders and industry icons during some of the most tumultuous events in recent financial history, including the 2008 financial crisis, a rapidly consolidating industry, and a global pandemic. An unexpected series of corporate buyouts forced de Silva to re-examine his role as a business and social impact leader.
Ultimately, he became a Harvard University Advanced Leadership Initiative Senior Fellow, tackling intractable social problems. He also came to terms with his Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a debilitating neurological disease that he kept private for decades. Today, de Silva is a powerful advocate for CMT, and his story helps readers find purpose in life's third chapter. Inside the book, de Silva shares his ten essential life and leadership principles shaped from his time as a leadership practitioner.
A noted executive, community leader, father, and husband, de Silva's experience in leading through crisis, uncertainty, and disruption shaped his worldview and his leadership approach. Taking Stock is the transformative tale of how one principled leader came to understand that vulnerability is a core component of leadership strength. Leaders from all walks of life and at all stages of their journey will benefit from his insights and perspectives. About the Author Having held C-level positions at TD Ameritrade, Scottrade, UMB Financial Corporation, and Fidelity Investments, Peter de Silva has an insider's view on the financial and leadership crisis that shook our country.
That life experience-along with Peter's work as a Harvard University Senior Fellow; board member to private companies and nonprofit organizations; and his lifelong struggle with a debilitating disease-gives him a unique perspective, one you don't want to miss.
One of the principal lessons of the financial crises is the importance of accountability. Bailouts allow people and companies to escape the consequences of bad practices, but a system without accountability will not work in the long run. Americans love sports, and accountability is an essential part of any sport.
The key lessons for investors from the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) are that: there is always a cycle; while each cycle is different, markets are pushed to extremes of valuation and sentiment; high returns come with higher risk; be skeptical of financial engineering or hard-to-understand products; avoid too much ..
Reginald Parker, Ph.D., MBA
Green Power Ventures
Founder & General Partner
T: 919-943-3438 E:rparker@greenpower.ventures
Optimal Technology Corporation
Founder, President & CEO
T: 678-348-6781 E:rparker@getoptimaltech.com
Dr. Reginald Parker is Founder and Green Power Ventures, a project development and investment management fund aimed at accelerating climate resiliency and renewable energy at HBCUs, faith-based organizations, multi-family facilities, and EV deserts. He is also the Founder and CEO of Optimal Technology Corporation, an award-winning, venture-backed platform that helps intelligently lower the cost of electricity for small and medium sized building owners by up to 70%.
Dr. Parker has more than 25 years of experience in project development and technology design and management. He has developed over 15 clean energy and manufacturing technologies, commercialized material and renewable energy technologies, developed and implemented successful business plans, and optimized manufacturing processes and products. He has commercialized over $60 million in new products and optimized technology for a $600 million business unit while at Rohm and Hass (now Dow). Dr. Parker served as a consultant on a successful B2C implementation strategy for a major airline and worked on a growth plan for a large municipality while at BCG.
Dr. Parker developed a nanobiocomposite which can be used as a semiconductor, solar material, conductive paste, and a structural enhancer. Dr. Parker developed two associated manufacturing process which can be used on a wide class of nanomaterials.
A former university professor at Morehouse, FAMU, FSU, and UND for 8 years, Dr. Parker has distinguished himself as a thought leader in business, engineering, and commercialization.
Dr. Parker graduated one Ph.D. and four MS students, managed a 14-person research group, was a co-PI on a $2.5 million IDIQ research contract with the Army Research Laboratory, and received several awards for his work as an academician. He was a GEM Fellow, NASA Fellow, NCEA Fellow, Kodak Fellow, Beta Gamma Sigma Inductee, Delores Auzenne Fellow, GA Tech Tower Awardee, GA Tech PPA Fellow, Moot Corp Fellow, MIT’s Karl Taylor Compton Awardee, MIT’s William L. Stewart Awardee, Mobil Scholar, a 3M Scholar, and Who's Who Worldwide.
Dr. Parker has written several papers in Journals and conferences on materials and modeling. He has held executive positions including CEO and President for 510nano, Chairman of 510DC, Manager for 510REPP One, CTO for Nanotailor Inc., a Board Member for Mathematical Modeling Inc., Consultant at BCG, Sr. Research Engineer at Rohm and Haas, and. President of BITS LLC.
Dr. Parker earned three degrees in Engineering and one in Business Administration:
1. BS in Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1992)
2. PhD in Chemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2000)
3. MBA in Finance, Florida State University (2000)
2022
Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia Energy Expo Keynote Speaker Colorado Solutions Tour Speaker Sustainability Magazine Highlight
2021
Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders Montgomery TechLab Green for All Business Council Founding Member Thirty Black Founders in the US to Watch in 2021 Top 40 Innovative Technology Companies in Georgia Game Changing Founder of Color
2020
Google Black Founder Fund Google Atlanta Founder Academy Microsoft for Startups Airtable for Startups Digital Ocean Hatch MIT Black Graduating Class Keynote Speaker
2019
JV 100MW solar project Big Launch 2nd place Make In LA Hardware Bootcamp Cohort Winner of Clean and Smart Grid at CA Climate Cup Backstage Capital Accelerator, Founders Gym
2018
Google for Startups (GfS) Demo Day Winner First Flight Itineraries Speaker Agora Partnership, Mentor Capital Network
2017
IEEE Power Africa 2017 Keynote Speaker
2016
Bob Wright Symposium Invited Speaker Ocean Exchange Finalist CED TVC & Big Launch Semifinalist
2006-2015
PIS/ Sold 40 kW of solar in Deerfield, MA PIS 121 kW of solar power in Los Gatos, CA US Pat. 8333949 50 Most Important African Americans In Technology US Pat. App 13019021 US Pat. App 12800449 Invented hybrid solar energy technology Invented a low concentrated PV technology Invented nano-structuring technology Invented nano-particle deposition technology US Pat. App 11607018, US Pat. App 11633605,
Ending Energy Poverty,
Reginald Parker, PhD, MBA
Optimal Technology Corporation, Founder
Naomi Carmona-Morshead, International Speaker,
Naomi Carmona-Morshead, International SpeakeAdventure Mountain Climber, Founder for The Brave Heart Shift shares about: "Creating a Heart Legacy."
Naomi is a charismatic, people-loving, Inspirational Speaker and founder of The Brave Heart Shift and passionately saving children with heart procedures. Converting from non-athlete to mountain climber, I climbed 8 mountains in 8 months summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, in Africa, and summited at 19,341’. Her work globally has saved 239 little hearts so far and inspires so many each year with her stories of how she overcame physical, mental and emotional obstacles becoming a best-selling author and adventure climber. She is truly Limitless!
Today Naomi is strong & courageous, challenging women to 'climb every mountain' using her Brave Heart Lifestyle. Her "Grandma's on a Mission" encourages women to create their own Adventures in Life. Her motivation comes from her transparent, heart-warming stories, she talks about losing her voice, always climbing to the stars, and how she is encouraging each one of us to live life to the full and create our heart’s legacy…
Learn more about Naomi and her work here:
Facebook: https://facebook.com/PositiveLivingInspiration/
Instagram: PositiveLivingInspiration https://www.instagram.com/positivelivinginspiration/
LinkedIn: Naomi Carmona-Morshead https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-carmona-morshead-5b29237/
WEBSITE: www.theBraveHeartShift.com
Dr. Matthew Lederman is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician & CNVC Certified Trainer of Nonviolent Communication. He is particularly passionate about integrating mind-body health treatment and applying the power of connection to help treat chronic disease.
Touted as doctors of the future by Dean Ornish, MD and with their work supported by many experts including Sanjay Gupta, MD, Dr Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman combined conventional Western medicine, Chinese medicine, Nutrition & Lifestyle medicine, Nonviolent Communication, Polyvagal Theory, and Trauma-Informed, Somatic Principles & Pain Reprocessing to create their groundbreaking health paradigm. They have been successful corporate leaders, starred in the life-changing documentary Forks over Knives, lectured for eCornell, served as adjunct medical school professors and corporate medical advisors, and are NY Times bestselling authors.
Together they have co-authored 6 books, including The New York Times Bestseller Forks Over Knives Plan, Forks Over Knives Family, and Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole. They co-authored The Whole Foods Diet and The Whole Foods Cookbook with John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market. Most recently they co-authored, “Wellness to Wonderful,” interweaving medical science, psychology, spirituality, and life wisdom to help people achieve lasting health, vibrancy, peace, and joy. They consult for companies such as Whole Foods Market and serve on advisory boards for various organizations.
After 10 years of serving Whole Foods Market as corporate Vice Presidents helping launch their national comprehensive medical & wellness centers, coaching and retreat programs, and integrated hospital and insurance networks, Dr. Pulde and Dr. Lederman moved on to co-found their new venture, WeHeal, which is the culmination of decades of learning and practical experience organized into an easily accessible program that does everything just short of guaranteeing lasting health, joy and satisfaction in your life.
Globally sought-after entertainer and soul singer-songwriter DAVID DAVIS is proving himself worthy of becoming part of Hollywood’s next generation of elite recording artists, songwriters and performers. An “electric energy on stage” as described by the legendary Quincy Jones, Davis creates an unforgettable musical experience for his audience.
Davis’s song, “EVERYTHING IT TOOK TO GET TO YOU,” recorded by Broadway star and Pop Artist Ben Platt, ranked #1 on the New Pop Song Chart, #2 on the Pop Chart, and #5 on the All Song Chart. His debut album, THE LONG & SHORT OF IT was a collection of songs about “the romantic narrative we are sold early on.” Singles from this album were streamed millions of times, and were used over 1.1 billion times on social media.
Davis’ lyricism has proven him to be a dynamic and passionate artist that beautifully captures the essence of difficult, yet worthy feelings of artistic expression. Davis has recorded with many legendary producers such as RedOne (Usher, Lady Gaga, MIKA) to Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, Adele). Additionally, Davis’s voice, arrangements, and productions have been featured on chart-topping records, commercials for major brands and networks such as MTV, VH1 and NBC.
Not one to be satisfied, Davis went on to play to sold-out clubs and festivals, both as the headliner and as support for the likes of Jon Bellion and Dave Barnes. Davis has performed on 700+ stages including the Governor’s Ball for the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, a 73-show residency at Quincy Jones’ club Q’s in Dubai, and various virtual shows singing with stars such as Leona Lewis.
Davis lives in Los Angeles with his Black Lab named Ellie and recently released his sophomore album, MEMORY LANE. The stage is now set for Davis to show the diverse angles of his talent on an even grander scale
Cheryl is the online opinion editor and host of “Bold and Blunt” podcast for The Washington Times, a best-selling author and a frequent media guest for national television and radio. She is the author of several books, the latest titled, “Lockdown: The Socialist Plan to Take Away Your Freedom,” and “Socialists Don’t Sleep: Christians Must Rise or America Will Fall.”
Samantha Horwitz, is a 9/11 First Responder, former United States Secret Service Agent, speaker and author, Sam has become an expert in handling stress and managing PTS. She has spoken nationally to Law Enforcement, Veteran, business, and faith-based communities on how to recognize and combat the effects of PTS, how to minimize the damage stress can cause in the workplace, and how to support those who have PTS.
John Salerno is also a 9/11 first responder, a retired NYPD Detective, and firefighter turned Comedian. John spent most of his life working the rough streets of Brooklyn, where he saw how bad things can get. Since his diagnosis of PTSD, he decided not to allow his condition to stop him from making a difference in others’ lives. John is dedicated to bringing awareness to the suicide epidemic plaguing our first responder community through his work at A Badge of Honor.
A Badge of Honor, is a non-profit that provides PTS awareness and suicide prevention for first responders and veterans.
My guest Sarah R. Adams, is a multidimensional healer. Sarah has experienced seeing abductions and seeing angels who aided her. Her awakened consciousness increased as she got older. She experienced the supernatural and past lives in Egypt & Atlantis. Telepathy, weather abnormalities, feeling others’ emotions, remote viewing, quantum leaping, and time travel are the alternate realities Sarah has experienced. Sarah works with clients around the world in “Intuitive Healing,” to heighten the frequency of the temple and precious bodies we have been given. She has made TV appearances on Gaia TV including Beyond Belief, Buzzsaw and Ancient Civilizations as well as Coast to Coast AM, Vice TV, The Bases Project, co-hosting the Divine Truth Show on Revolution Radio and many others. Sarah Adams continues to be a major force in the world of enlightenment while healing many around the world.
Known as the “Visionary of Our Times,” Vincent Genna is an internationally acclaimed Psychic Therapist, Medium, Spiritual Master, and Author. His dynamic and inspiring radio and television interviews, podcasts, keynote presentations, workshops, classes, and private sessions have transformed thousands of lives worldwide. His teachings blend new and deep-thought-provoking insights with science and ancient wisdom that universally resonate within the soul’s knowing. As a spiritual leader and visionary, Vincent raises consciousness by imparting what others have yet to explore and demonstrate. Diving deep into the human psyche, he enables a quantum leap of understanding to uncover and resolve maladaptive beliefs shielded below the conscious mind that sabotage best-laid dreams and desires. His highly evolved skills, healing presence, and compassionate intent to guide people to live their best lives have made him one of the most sought-after media guest experts and keynote presenters globally. And now Vincent offers his 40 years of spiritual, metaphysical, and psychological insights in his first book, The Secret That’s Holding You Back by G&D Media.
Vincent has spoken at notable organizations such as the Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research Enlightenment, the Institute of Noetic Sciences, The Shift Network, Afterlife Research and Education Inc, and the International Association of Near-Death Studies. Media appearances include Impulsive with Logan Paul, Sex with Emily, The Jason Ellis Show, Jenny McCarthy, Megan McCain Radio, Unity Radio, Hay House Radio, Coast to Coast AM, Gaia TV, Home and Family, World news Tonight, Good Morning America, and other major national ABC, CBS, and NBC television shows. He is also a regular guest on CBS My Carolina, and a beloved speaker at various Unity Centers, Centers for Spiritual Living, Spiritualist Churches, and spiritual centers throughout the country.
Currently, Vincent can be heard hosting his own weekly podcast, called The Genna Effect, on MindBodySpirit.Fm (available on all platforms). Vincent teaches all levels of psychic and mediumship skills, including communicating with animals. Participants with no level of experience to professional practitioners have all gained profound and remarkable skill improvement from his unique techniques and teaching talent. Everyone who experiences a Vincent Genna event goes home enlightened, energized, and empowered—emotionally prepared to unlock and release their passions and purposes, and possessing the key to achieving their life goals and fulfilling their dreams
Gregwah! is a band combining various genres birthed from a deep love for music promoting unity. From meditation journeys to produced pop-folk, blues, reggae & trip-hop tracks, the band led by Gregoire Thiry welcomes musicians from various backgrounds & traditions. Every musical connection is an expression of gratitude, reverence & harmony. In addition to sharing instruments from an array of different cultures, Gregoire is cocreating three education programs.
With his wife, Dawn Geer, he launched Yoga of Elements in 2018 which combines mindfulness, creative expression, movement, environmental education & team building. Secondly, Dawn & Gregoire launched their after-school program “OAK TREE Club” in Topanga Canyon, California to empower & mentor the youth, while giving them a safe space to share their truth. Lastly, he is cofacilitating all-inclusive men’s gatherings with David Neptune called “Four Pillars”. This initiative welcomes all facets of masculinity by bringing men from various origins, beliefs, backgrounds & lifestyles together. Reverence, courage & vulnerability are therefore key foundations. World Peace through music.
Gregoire has an international background in Environmental, Educational and Social Sciences (Master’s degree), while having a strong connection to the natural environment and ancient traditions. His advocacy for nature’s protection took him to different continents and allowed him to remind the younger generations about sustainable actions. Through his travels in South-Africa he got trained to bring mindfulness, meditation and yoga to children (Yoga4Kids). Being a multi-instrumentalist he believes that music has a strong healing and community building potential and is currently co-facilitating events across Los Angeles. Committed to his Kundalini Yoga practice he is involved in Yoga for Youth, as well as Love Activists to teach in underserved communities of the city.
Vicki Cody's journals the selflessness and sacrifices families make for their military members. She also illuminates the roller coaster of stress, loneliness, sleepless nights, humor, joys, and, eventually, resilience that make up her life while her husband is away at war.
When Vicki Cody got married 46 years ago, she also became wedded to the Army. In fact, her marriage has been inseparable from the military. She has spent her adult life supporting her family of soldiers and penned two award-winning books –Army Wife and Fly Safe – that help tell the story of what she and millions of army spouses and parents face when their loved ones go off to serve their country thousands of miles away. An author, speaker, and relentless military family advocate, Vicki is on a mission to help those who support our selfless service members.
Vicki, who also penned a manual for the Association of the United States Army, Your Soldier, Your Army: A Family Guide, that has been distributed to over a half-million families, luckily has always welcomed home her husband, two sons, and daughter-in-law who also has served. But she cautions that not everyone makes it home alive or in one piece, physically or psychologically.
“Families live in fear of the late-night call or knock at the door to deliver bad news,” says Vicki. “I know many friends who have lost sons and daughters to the battlefield. My books provide an authentic, insightful, and heartfelt look at those who are the backbone for our soldiers.”
My guest Kelly Bowker's transformative journey blends her diverse professional background—23 years of nurturing and educating future caregivers in the CNA program—with her innate spiritual calling. In 2022, during her final year of teaching, Kelly embarked on a profound path, channeling her guides, and delving into mediumship, bridging realms to offer solace and connection. Her book "Redefining Faith" captures her evolution from wounded to awakened, a testament to her guides' unwavering support. Now, Kelly shares her insights through one-on-one sessions and group gatherings, both in person and remotely, offering channeled readings, spiritual mentoring, and light language blessings. Contact Kelly at kellybowker7@gmail.com, Facebook at Kelly Nute Bowker or 207-290-7796 to connect. You can explore her books on Amazon, charting a course to self-discovery and embracing life's mysteries. To book a session: https://PresentMomentMagic.as.me/
Major Wright is a retired football player who attended the University of Florida from 2007 to 2009. He led the SEC in fumbles and was named a First-Team Freshman All-American at UF. He was a member of the 2008 National Championship winning team.
He was picked by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2010 NFL draft. He played four years for the Chicago Bears and two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He is currently living in Miami, Florida. ‘Major Pain: Confessions of a Smash-Mouth Safety’ is his first book.
Michael (Mike) Nichols, Interim CEO/President of the Coalition for the Homeless, joined the organization in January of this year. Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Mike moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend law school and eventually served as a Georgia State Representative. He then made his way to Houston in 1981 to serve as General Counsel for the Sysco Corporation.
First, I saw an opportunity to help an extremely important organization (the Coalition) solve one of Houston’s most significant social issues. Second, I saw an opportunity to help improve the government’s approach on the issue of homelessness. The Coalition is in many ways a private/public partnership, and it concerned me that sometimes philanthropy can mask bad government. There is an opportunity to help government and philanthropy work in partnership more effectively. And third, my youngest daughter is a case worker in Seattle, also working in the homeless service system there.
This will actually be my second time working at a nonprofit; I also served as Interim CEO at the Houston Parks Board. Through my career, I have also been able to volunteer for a number of nonprofits. I served as Chairman of the Board of the Houston Food Bank, Chairman of the Board of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, and as an officer of Congregation Beth Israel. I am also currently a board member of the American Jewish Committee.
I would have to say my favorite thing has been the ability to meet the incredible people who are committed to helping our most vulnerable populations. My greatest challenge is understanding a very complex system of homeless solutions, an even more complex system of funding these solutions, and trying to make these systems work as effectively as possible.
I really want to help strengthen the organization’s financial position and its reporting so it can grow to support the number of current and future projects that it’s responsible for leading. I also want to work towards improving relationships with our service providers and our funders. And lastly, I would really like to help our employees and their partners work together as seamlessly as possible.