Join host Brittany Sharpton in an inspiring conversation with Amanda Edwards, an attorney, dynamic leader, and Houston mayoral candidate, as they delve into the remarkable journey of overcoming setbacks and finding resilience in the face of adversity. From her early days as a successful municipal law attorney to her current pursuit of becoming the next mayor of Houston, TX, Amanda shares her insights, strategies, and personal experiences that have shaped her into the thoughtful and resilient leader she is today. In this episode, you'll discover: The transformative power of embracing challenges and setbacks How to cultivate a resilient mindset in the face of adversity Amanda's personal journey of bouncing back from unexpected obstacles Strategies for harnessing setbacks as opportunities for growth and success Tune in to this captivating episode of Britt Happens and learn from Amanda Edwards' wisdom and resilience as she paves the way for a brighter future. Connect with us on social media: Instagram: @britthappenspod Website: britthappens.com Facebook: /britthappenspodcast

"We cannot always build the future for our families, but we can build our families for the future" After a stellar 20-year career of groundbreaking accomplishments as a lawyer and 6 years of making philanthropic investments at the second largest foundation in the U.S., the Ford Foundation, my guest, Thomasina Williams realized her personal passion and professional mission to help others avoid the loss of wealth and fracturing of relationships that befell her family. Thomasina facilitates and coaches business-owning individuals and families to build stronger relationships and make better decisions, so their families flourish and businesses thrive across generations.  She was the very first consultant in the nation hired by Wells Fargo Private Bank to go in-house and play a leadership role in building a new internal group to support its ultra-high net worth clients in navigating the family side of wealth. Thomasina earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School. She is a longtime student of Bowen Family Systems Theory, a Certified Resilient Leadership Coach, and a Conversational Intelligence Coach. Thomasina holds certificates in Advanced Family Business Advising and Family Wealth Advising from the Family Firm Institute. She is also a member of the Purposeful Planning Institute, where she serves on its Advisory Board; the Galliard Family Business Advisor Institute, where she serves on its Board; the Independent Trustee Alliance; and The Florida Bar. Additionally, Thomasina serves on the Advisory Board of Enterprising Women magazine and the Advisory Council of the Women Business Collaborative, and is a member of the Inner Circle of How Women Lead. Host: Brittany Sharpton

“Let’s invest in Black kids who pursue STEM the way we do Black kids on the football field.” Outstanding discussion with proud New Orleans native, highly sought-after motivational speaker, successful entrepreneur, and internationally acclaimed STEM advocate and educator Dr. Calvin Mackie! Dr. Mackie, a former tenured Tulane Engineering professor (the FIRST Black tenured professor at the School of Engineering might I add!), founded STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Since 2014, STEM NOLA has engaged over 50,000+ students – mostly under-served low-income students – in hands-on STEM project-based learning. Dr. Calvin Mackie is an award-winning mentor, inventor, author, former engineering professor, internationally renowned speaker, and successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of STEM NOLA, a non-profit organization created to expose, His message and life’s mission continues to transcend race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and time. Dr. Mackie founded STEM NOLA as a non-profit organization to expose, inspire and engage communities in learning about opportunities in STEM. Their award-winning programs provide activities, events and virtual learning to under served communities. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization specialized in hosting events and bringing STEM experiences to urban neighborhoods. Over the past eight years, STEM NOLA, which is now an affiliate of STEM Global Action, has engaged more than 70,000 students, 17,000 families and 2,150 schools across the U.S. and in five other countries. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Dr. Mackie graduated from high school with low test scores requiring him to take special remedial classes at Morehouse College. In 1990, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Morehouse College with a B.S. degree, as a member of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society. Simultaneously, he was awarded a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech, where he subsequently earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering in 1996. Host: Brittany Sharpton

Tune in for an entertaining and enlightening discussion with New York State Senator, Kevin S. Parker, Chairman of the Energy and Telecommunications Committee. Senator Parker discusses his political experience, leadership, and vision for New York City as well as his inspiration for pursuing public service and the related challenges to serving in the public spotlight. Parker represents the 21st senate district which consists of many diverse communities including Flatbush, East Flatbush, Flatlands, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. A product of the New York City Public School system, Senator Parker attended P.S. 193, Andries Hudde I.S. 240, and Midwood High School. Elected to the New York State Senate in 2002, Senator Parker’s professional background reflects a wide range of public service and an unwavering commitment to a better New York. As the Special Assistant to former New York State Comptroller H. Carl McCall, Senator Parker managed intergovernmental relations in New York City, and was the liaison between the Comptroller; city, state, and federal elected officials. Before taking office, Senator Parker was a New York City Urban Fellow and also served as Special Assistant to former Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger; Legislative Aide to former New York City Councilmember Una Clarke, and Special Assistant to Assemblyman Nick Perry. As Project Manager with the New York State Urban Development Corporation, Senator Parker financed minority and women owned businesses and promoted community business redevelopment. For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Exclusion and discrimination against Haitian refugees has been a constant factor across both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of this discrimination in policy stems from a distinction in international law and there is very strong evidence that anti-Blackness plays a critical role in marking Haitian immigrants as persona non grata. Refugees, who claim that they are fleeing political oppression, have significant legal rights. Economic migrants, who are seeking a better life for themselves and their children, do not. In practice, it is hard to be sure who is fleeing political oppression and who is not. This gives governments significant leeway to discriminate against people they don’t want to admit. The U.S. government has consistently categorized Haitians as “economic refugees,” claiming they left their home country for better job prospects, not to escape political persecution. These discrepancies have allowed U.S. governments, from the Carter administration onward, to come up with legal and practical means to disregard Haitian asylum claims International indifference towards Haitian suffering, discrimination, and human misery will continue as long as Americans continue to emphasize TEMPORARY outrage while remaining in a pattern of repeated ignorance and convenient amnesia. For more updates and other episodes, visit www.britthappens.com and follow Britt Happens podcast host, Brittany Sharpton at @BrittanySharpton on Instagram and Facebook and @BrittSharpton on Twitter

Tune in for a really fun discussion with political strategist and analyst, Shermichael Singleton. We talk #NickiMinaj and her COVID comments, AOC and the #MetGala, and who's album is better: #Drake or #Kanye! You don't want to miss this! Shermichael Singleton is a Political Strategist, Analyst and contributor to the Boston Globe. He has worked on three presidential election campaigns. He’s been a CNN political commentator and now regularly provides commentary on MSNBC. Following the 2016 election, he was the youngest-ever Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) deputy chief of staff, supporting Secretary Ben Carson. He was removed from his HUD position after penning an op-ed critical of President Trump’s characterization of Black voters. Follow me at @brittanysharpton

Tune in to hear from Lewis H. Williams III, Houston-based Travel Entrepreneur, Influencer, Founder of the very popular blog 'Travel Is The New Club', and one of THE most free spirited, entertaining, YOLO-esque people I know!  Lewis, who quit his job as a top salesperson at a major international communications firm, will travel literally at the drop of a hat. His unique perspective on life and rebellion against social constructs coupled with his yellow pimp shades, brown liquor, and love for his beloved cat, Atlanta, makes him the life of the global fiesta! Follow me at @brittanysharpton Follow Lewis at @ihustlenation

Tune in to hear from Atlanta Councilman, Andre Dickens! Dickens is running a strong campaign in his Mayoral bid to replace the City of Atlanta's current Mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms. We discuss his vision for Atlanta's future development; as well as technology, transportation, safety, and security for citizens. Andre, who spearheaded the efforts to create ATL's first ever Department of Transportation, believes efficiency and effectiveness are key to a high quality of life. Outside of his civic and public life, Andre Dickens is a father, Chief Development Officer for TechBridge, enjoys taking online piano lessons, and loves his chihuahua! Host: Brittany Sharpton

"If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you." Had a super fun and informative discussion with City of Miami Commissioner, Jeffrey Watson! We discussed sustainable economic development , market rate, workforce, and affordable housing , bolstering tech in Miami, STEM, and more! Miami native Jeffrey Watson is a passionate leader on a mission to foster economic inclusion, build capacity, and elevate community status for enhanced outcomes and quality of life. He has over 30 years’ experience in finance, development and urban economic development. His National public career includes serving as Interim Assistant and Deputy Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs in the White House for President William Jefferson Clinton. In addition, Mr. Watson served as a Director of the Presidential Transition team and in various states as a State Field Director; and ultimately, the Deputy National Field Director of the Clinton/Gore Presidential campaign. Host: Brittany Sharpton

“Creativity is thinking new things. Innovation is doing new things. If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” Tune in to hear Miami-born attorney, small business owner, mother, and District 8 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins discuss the future of digital currency, plans for transportation advancements in Miami-Dade, sustainable economic development, the challenges of balancing beauty and brains, and more! How Will Cryptocurrency Transform The Future of Business Forever? If you haven’t quite yet warmed up to the idea of cryptocurrency, you are certainly not alone. Only about 15% of Americans currently own some form of digital currency like Bitcoin or Ethereum. And a large portion of these investors bought in the past two years. Regardless of your investment stance, however, there is a strong possibility that cryptocurrency will be impacting you and the future of business transactions. The daughter of Jamaican immigrants who came to the United States in search of better opportunities, she was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital and spent part of her early years living in what is now a Section 8 housing complex called Milton Manors. Commissioner Cohen Higgins knows the importance of a quality education and is a proud product of our Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she graduated at the top of her class and earned a scholarship to the University of Florida. She became the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to attend law school at Florida State University. After completing her education, she joined prestigious national law firm, before branching off on her own to start her own firm, dedicated to serving small businesses and individuals in our community. She is proud to call South Dade home with her husband, two young children, and their two dogs. #BrittHappens #MiamiDadeCounty #BrittanySharpton #DanielleCohenHiggins Host: Brittany Sharpton

"A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is—it is what consumers tell each other it is." Contrary to popular belief, the cannabis industry is not over-saturated , there are plenty of opportunities to participate, and you don't need to consume the plant to jump in the business! Tune in to hear Paul Saunders, brand strategist, investor, and co-founder of Mezz, discuss how he successfully builds brands, thriving in the budding (pun intended) cannabis industry (and why it's just the tip of the iceberg!), how he told his Caribbean parents he was entering the weed business, and much more! As the co-founder of Mezz Brands, Paul Saunders secured funding to help elevate the cannabis community and culture, by providing consumers with a safe and effective way to enjoy products. Mezz Brands originated in one of the largest legal cannabis distribution states, Colorado, in Denver specifically. Since its launch, Mezz has sold more than 100,000 units across over 100 U.S. dispensaries. Whether for wellness, or recreational purposes, Paul and his team have worked diligently to remove the stigma of cannabis use, by creating the Mezz Lifestyle. The Mezz lifestyle enhances your consumption experience through art, music, tech, fashion and cultural moments. Paul continues to lead cannabis culture in a cutting-edge movement that provides people with the opportunity to learn and understand cannabis products, consumption, and its benefits. #Mezz #MezzLife #BrittHappens #BrittanySharpton #PaulSaunders #Brooklyn #Art Host: Brittany Sharpton

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Excited to welcome Dr. Steve Gallon III, Vice-Chair and elected District 1 School Board Member for the Miami-Dade County Schools (M-DCPS) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, the 4th largest school district in the nation. Tune in to hear how he rose from the streets of 1980s Liberty City to impactful community servant, lifelong educator, and successful entrepreneur. We discuss bridging the achievement gap, what makes M-DCPS so unique, how Dr. Gallon successfully manages to stay true to himself in a cut throat and highly critical political area, what's on his current reading list, and much more! Dr. Gallon is a lifelong educator who served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and high school principal, district administrator, and Superintendent of Schools. He started his career as a classroom teacher. He has taught at the elementary, middle, and senior high school levels. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in English Education from Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida and became the first of his six siblings to graduate from college. Dr. Gallon earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision, both from Florida International University in Miami, Florida. He also participated in postdoctoral leadership institutes on School Reform and Management at Harvard and Stanford Universities. Dr. Steve Gallon III rose through the ranks as a professional educator and over the next 25 years, distinguished himself in the field of education, specifically in the area of supporting improved teaching, learning, and leadership in urban educational settings. He became an assistant principal and was later appointed principal of Holmes Elementary. In his third year, after marked improvements in student outcomes and community involvement, the school was removed from the State of Florida’s List of Critically Low Schools. He then became principal of Miami Northwestern Senior High School, where he would serve for seven years – earning the third longest tenure in the school’s 60-year history. On November 8, 2016, Dr. Gallon was decisively elected as the Miami-Dade County Public Schools District 1 School Board Member. In 2020 Dr. Gallon was re-elected unopposed to another 4 year term. In April 2021, he w

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.” Excited to welcome back, Crystal Wagar, the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Miami Shores Village! During her first visit on #BrittHappens in 2019 (listen HERE), Mayor Wagar had recently began her term. Fast forward to mid-way through 2021, and we had a colorful and honest discussion about the challenges of running a city through a pandemic while also being a mom, the historic #GeorgeFloyd movement in the Shores, new projects and #economicdevelopment in her city, white allies to combat racism, and much more! Equally humble as she is hilarious, Crystal, who hails from Des Moines, Iowa, is a devoted mother of 2 beautiful girls, wife to the former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Kirk Wagar, a most hospitable friend, attorney, public servant, and has a Rolodex more impressive than Simone Biles’ triple double. In the private sector, Crystal worked at two prominent South Florida law firms prior to opening her own boutique advocacy firm, the Connor Group Miami. Incredibly intelligent, accomplished, poised, and hella fun, what’s most admirable about Crystal (in my opinion), is her spirit of authenticity and staying true to who she is in.

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." When Dave Salvant, Co-Founder & President of Squire Technologies, and Songe LaRon founded tech startup Squire in 2016, they wanted to help barbershops achieve greater success by streamlining operations. What they didn’t anticipate was a global pandemic hitting a few years after launching that would immobilize their customer-base for months on end. Now, after seeing their net revenue drop to “zero” in March 2020 when barbershops across the country were forced to close, the Black-owned tech company has tripled its valuation from $85 million to $250 million with the help of investors in its latest round of funding. A backend management tool, the Squire app allows barbershop owners to manage bookings, implement loyalty programs, offer a menu of services and accept contactless and cashless payments, a feature which is extremely popular in the current coronavirus climate. The company makes a profit by charging a monthly fee for its services, which ranges from $30 to $250 per month based on the barbershop’s size and needs. Dave Salvant is the Co-Founder & President of Squire Technologies. Squire Technologies is Y Combinator back company that focuses on providing software systems to barbershops. Prior to starting Squire, Dave worked at AXA, where he assisted in the launch and sales strategy of various financial products that has now amassed over $9 billion in sales. Dave was a consortium fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Business school and is a graduate of the University at Albany. Host: Brittany Sharpton

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit" Very excited to usher in Women's History Month with my next guest, Theresa Therilus, Esq., the City of North Miami's very first woman and Haitian-American City Manager!....and maybe Florida's future governor?!?! I first met Theresa at a Black Ivy League event I co-hosted about 6 years ago. She was extremely poised, super sharp, witty, and refreshingly grounded. Just before joining the City, Theresa served as Interim Director of procurement for Santa Clara County in California where she led the county’s $6 billion+ budget Prior to that, she became the youngest-ever Senior County Administration Official for Miami-Dade County, was Florida’s Assistant Attorney General, and also represented professional athletes as an NFL agent. A diverse and impressive resume to say the least! Subscribe and tune in as we discuss Ms. Therilus' interesting career path, building capacity for minority participation in development, Black banking, the legacy she hopes to leave at NoMi, why she eats challenges for breakfast, and much more! #BrittHappens #BlackGirlMagic

"Being underestimated is one of the biggest competitive advantages you can have." There will be haters, doubters, non-believers, and then there will be you...proving them all wrong! My childhood friend, former Miami Northwest Express Track Club teammate , and Olympic medalist Bershawn Jackson aka Batman's personality has always been as big as his talent LOL! Tune in to hear what motivated this track and field super star turned sports agent and founder of his very own track club to block out the noise of naysayers and dominate for *years* in a sport that said he was just too small to succeed  #BrittHappens #GutsOverFear #DontBelieveMeJustWatch Jackson first came to prominence while running for Miami Central High School, where he set the still standing FHSAA (Florida High School) record in the 300 meter hurdles at 36.01 in 2002. He then continued to run at the college level at Saint Augustine's University and set a Division II National Championship Record of 48.50 in the 400 m hurdles in 2004. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bershawn "Batman" Jackson won a bronze medal in the 400 m hurdles. He also has three medals (two gold, one bronze) at the World Championships and one gold medal at the World Indoor Championships.

“Is it cotton candy sweet as gold or cotton candy sweet n’ low??” Straight out of Duval County Jacksonville, FL, Thrill Da Playa has held it down for the Sunshine State ever since the early 90’s as a member of the world renowned 69 Boyz of the coveted Quad City Family. Tune in for this informative and super enlightening conversation with Van Thrill Da Playa, one half of the legendary Miami bass Grammy award winning rap group, the 69 Boyz. In addition to answering my burning questions about lyric confusion, we discuss how he’s navigated the music industry through a global pandemic, reinventing himself as an artist while staying true to who he is as a person, the most challenging part of his career, what being a MILF really means LOL, and much more! Born Van Bryant, Thrill excelled in sports at a very early age. In fact, it was at Flethcer Sr. High School that the name “Thrill” was given to the All Star wide out. After graduation and a brief stint in the U.S. army, Thrill returned to Duval to seriously pursue his musical career. After co-penning and co-producing mage hits for 95 South: Whoot There It Is (5 million sold), Dis-N-Dat: Freak Ma Baby (Gold LP Gold Single), Tootsie Roll, 199Quad (6.5 Million sold), Quad City Djs: Come On Ride Da Train (Platinum), as well as the theme song to the Micheal Jordan Bugs Bunny Classic Space Jam, the theme to Eddie Murphy s Dr. Doolittle, Reah Pearman’s Sunset Park, and countless other soundtracks. 69 Boyz is an American Miami bass and hip hop group originating with Thrill from Jacksonville, Florida and Fast and Slow from Orlando, Florida, United States. The group was initiated Thrill Da Playa with the assistance of producers C.C. Lemonhead and Jay Ski (of Chill Deal, Quad City DJs and 95 South), and consists of rappers Van “Thrill Da Playa” Bryant, Barry “Fast” Wright. The driving force behind one of the South’s leading party rap groups, 69 Boyz, Thrill da Playa spun off a less successful solo career during the late ’90s while still keeping the Boyz going strong. Born Van Bryant, the rapper/producer grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and spent a little time overseas in the Army. Upon returning from Germany, where he had been stationed, Thrill hooked up with producer C.C. Lemonhead, who knew Bryant from his days of high-school football (where the artist originally earned his nickname). Thrill contributed to Lemonhead’s solo album, Bass to Another Level (199

"Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm." Indeed, anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm, but rough seas require creative, transformative leadership...a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor! Most of us want a leader with passion and energy to make things happen; but we also want to know that when crisis hits, our leader will take decisive action in a calm and professional manner. If "Cool, calm, and collected" was a person, you'd be looking at my next very special Britt Happens podcast guest and friend, Mr. Esmond K. Scott, City Manager of North Miami Beach, FL.  Esmond is as hilarious as he is shrewd, worldly, super sharp, and charmingly unassuming. North Miami Beach is the epicenter of Northeast Dade, a hidden gem , and mini paradise within our diverse County.  Located midway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and adjacent to the Golden Glades Interchange where I-95, Florida's Turnpike, and the Palmetto Expressway meet, North Miami Beach is truly at the "Crossroads of South Florida".  A City bursting at the seams to take off and finally gain its own identity and personality, not to be confused with the plethora of other municipalities with similar names.  The central location and easy access has made North Miami Beach one of South Florida's best known regional shopping areas and one of its most popular sites for office users. Tune in as we discuss Mr. Scott's vision, challenges, and plans to further elevate his City to the destination of choice in South Florida!

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.” -Martin Luther King Jr. Tune in for a much-anticipated,  super lively, and enlightening chat with the man behind THE read of 2020! Louisiana activist, Gary Chambers, Jr., became a household name in the advocacy world this past June when a video  of him brilliantly calling out East Baton Rouge School Board Member, Connie Bernard, went viral and shared by the likes of LeBron James, Madonna, and millions of others. That moment at the school board meeting was only one of several instances over the years where Chambers used his voice and media platform to speak truth to power. Gary is also considering jumping in the Congressional race for U.S. Representative Cedric Richmond’s soon-to-be vacated seat—provided he can raise the necessary money through crowdfunding.  As we know, Congress is full of Connies -- both men and women.  And plenty of them are Democrats. Few people are more willing to go to DC to not only calling out and effectively address injustices, but fight for everyday people -- those most often overlooked and left out..."We built this joint for free and we're done begging you to do what's right!" Let's get it!! KEEP PUSHING!

"I am not afraid to speak up and ask questions. I am a spokesperson for the community. I am the block captain." Nancy Dawkins is a force to be reckoned with, a walking legacy who does not take no for an answer, and the wittiest 96-year old I know! She is a community activist, an education advocate (and former educator of 35 years), Liberty City pioneer, and one of my most favorite people! She along with her late husband, Miller Dawkins, who served as a City of Miami Commissioner for years, moved into their Liberty City home over 60 years ago. Since then, Mrs. Dawkins has worked tirelessly to make her community a better place. In 2017, the City of Miami named Northwest 50th St from 12th to 17th avenues as ‘Mrs. Nancy S. Dawkins Way,’ for all of her hard work and dedication to the community. Dawkins grew up in South Florida and graduated from Dillard High School in 1941. She then went to Bethune-Cookman University and graduated with her associate’s degree, then went to Florida A&M University to receive her bachelor’s in home economics and elementary education. She later got her master’s in education from Indiana University in 1962. One of Dawkins’ major accomplishments includes starting the Northwest Chapter of AARP in Miami. “It was important for me because of all the benefits that AARP offered,” Dawkins said. “I was a member of AARP in an integrated group and it was not convenient for me to go to their meetings. [Former County Commissioner] Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler and my husband encouraged me to start one in the neighborhood.” The AARP chapter allows its members to receive benefits for seniors. Dawkins said businesses and politicians come and inform them of what’s going on and benefits they can receive. Dawkins currently speaks to young people and encourages young girls to take up engineering and technology. She’s also an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church. Dawkins has not slowed down. She wants to help anyone that she crosses paths with and the younger generation. “I encourage young people because you are going to be the people to carry the country on while we’re gone and look out for the senior citizens,” Dawkins said. “My motto is to do all I can while I can, and if there is anything I can do to help someone while I pass, my living will not be in vain. I thank the lord for longevity.”