Cool Soror with Rashan Ali

Pivotal Moments with Dr. William A. Cooper

Dr. William A. Cooper is a “Cool Bruh” of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.  Today, on the 105th Founders Day (November 17, 1911), we thought it was appropriate to feature one of their prominent members.  Recorded right after the election results, Dr. Coop mentions moving on despite our country’s leadership.

Affectionately called, “Coop,” this renowned heart surgeon is the founding Medical Director of Cardiovascular Surgery at WellStar Health Systems in Marietta, Georgia.  After losing his mother when he was 14-years-old to pancreatic cancer, he knew that we wanted to do something to fix it (6:26).  A year later, he began to vocalize his dream of becoming a doctor to his teacher, who immediately told him what he COULD NOT do.  He used it as motivation to keep going (8:30).

Dr. Cooper has found solace in meditation, which gives him his true center to be able to handle his very demanding schedule (16:30). 

Part of the demand of his journey has led him to be at the forefront of eradicating heart disease and bringing more awareness to its detriment (27:00).  He also talks about the disparities in heart disease between women and men and across color lines (32:15).

“Coop” is now the author of “Heart Attack - Truth. Tragedy. Triump” - a book he wanted to write to let readers know that there are people behind the statistics.  As one of 8 children, he has witnessed the death of many of his siblings: two to heart attacks, one to diabetes and one to AIDS.  He shares those stories and the perils other people who have faced similar tragedies, knowing that there is triumph in the end (36:30). 

Doc also discusses “The 30 Day Challenge” (49:00).

He explains simple ways to drop pounds in 30 days.

Dr. Cooper shares so many “pivotal moments” that have molded him into the man, husband, father and doctor he is today.  Without them, the pivotal moment to hear his profound story would not exist.

Social Media Handles: @DrCoopMD on Twitter, Instagram & FaceBook

Website: www.DrCoopMD.com

Life Interrupted with Jaquitta Williams

Today’s episode takes us into the life of veteran journalist JaQuitta Williams who is Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

This faith-filled woman has the type of self-assurance that people dream of achieving.  It came after a trial that she never saw coming.

Starting her career off running the teleprompter (4:30), she dreamed of landing a local reporter / anchor job alongside television veteran, Monica (Kaufman) Pearson on WSB (Atlanta). 

Her drive and ambition led her to the chance opportunity to be in the “double box” with her.  She was able to check that off the list (5:26).

Her life was interrupted in 2007 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer (7:00). 

Being vulnerable, she willingly shared her road to recovery with her WSB viewers.  She later realized that giving herself permission to share with others left her empty and depressed.  In the abyss of this moment, she realized she longer wanted to live for other people. 

JaQuitta started to grasp life with a tighter grip (13:30).

Her relationship with God is beautifully profound.  She goes into detail about unbelievable experiences with God that have allowed her faith to remain steadfast, when most people would have given up. 

She continues to share her journalistic brilliance on shows like For My Man, Snapped, Snapped Killer Couples, Fatal Attraction and Justice By Any Means (27:30) .  She keeps moving forward, Cancer Free, one single day at a time.  JaQuitta says, “Every day when I open my eyes, I realize it’s another opportunity to fulfill God’s purpose for my life.”  She is walking through it, uninterrupted.

Instagram: @jaquittaw 

Five Days In with Tiffini Gatlin

Tiffini Gatlin, a Cool Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. joins the podcast today and her jaw-dropping story will have you wanting to stand up and cheer for her to get the win. 

This CEO of Latched and Hooked has lived a whole lot of life in a short period of time.  Her journey to having her own beauty company comes with many stops and revelations along the way. 

Kicking off her career as a bank executive, she realized she was basically running her own company by managing her bank (10:15).

During the latter part of her 10 year career, she felt something tugging at her heart.  She knew her life was bigger than banking.  She stepped away to start her own concierge service and online magazine (12:00). 

Tiffini had some success in her businesses, but a chance partnership with an associate would bend her in ways she could have never anticipated. 

She named this wildly successful hair company, was a co-founder and her name was on the patent as well.  But things started to go awry when she refused to take out another joint loan.  Tiffini's refusal led her business partner to lock her out of their joint accounts and shut down the key card to their warehouse (28:00).

A court case ensues and so does jail time (33:10). 

Tiffini’s unsuspecting journey will make you understand the true meaning of the spirit and the flesh and how they constantly battle. 

But as Tiffini says so vehemently “I’m human.” 

That statement resonates with each of us because no matter how spiritual we are, we all understand that feeling.

@theatlgo2girl
@latchednhooked
www.theatlgotogirl.com
www.latchedandhooked.com

No Off Switch with Tiwaworks

Today's Cool Soror episode features "Cool Bruh" and man of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.. Tiwa Aganga-Williams (better known as Tiwaworks).  As the President and CEO of the Atlanta Greek Picnic Weekend and Tiwaworks International and Real Estate, this British born Nigerian has truly lived and been around the world.

His parents asked him if he wanted to come to the states to attend school, just before his senior year in high school.  He took them up on their offer and therein molded this ambitious entrepreneur who has no "off-switch (8:31).

Upon graduation, Tiwa's parents made the decision for him to attend Georgia Southwestern State University, because they knew what was best for the oldest of their three sons !11:34).  Ultimately, his parents' decision would turn out to be one of the most amazing experiences in his life (13:53).

Tiwa takes us on a ride delving into so many topics including the relationships between African people and Black / African-American people. (18:10): feeling at home in the motherland (19:32); the lineup of the Atlanta Greek Picnic (41:00) and encouraging others to become entrepreneurs (42:35).

Tiwa has the type of cultural experiences that some people dream of.  From thousands of people converging on the city of Atlanta for his annual picnic, to awarding start-ups thousands of dollars in a pitch competition, he has continued to push the boundaries.  

Tiwa's story makes us take a closer look at believing there is something in each of us that is entrepreneurial.  We just have to believe that it truly lives there.

www.atlantagreekpicnic.com

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram - @tiwaworks

I Believe In Marriage with Robin May

The Cool Soror Podcast is extremely honored to have Alpha Kappa Alpha member, licensed therapist & marriage counselor Robin May on today's episode. 

Whether you are married, single, divorced or in a relationship this episode offers invaluable information to live by.

Robin discusses why she started her "I Believe In Marriage" movement after her fiancé (now her husband) broke off their first engagement. 

She rode the wave of anger, resentment, acceptance and forgiveness during their separation. She was however, able to see that this time was ordained by God and gave her perspective on who and what should be priority in her life (6:05). 

A quote on Robin's blog states:

"When you are not intentional about nurturing your relationship, it will begin to suffer from unintentional neglect."  
She talks about this quote in length (13:40).  She also reveals her key levels of intimacy outside of physical touch in relationships.  In committed relationships, many of us suffer from approaching or living in the "roommate" zone.  She teaches us how to avoid and come out of those particular patches in our marriages (17:20)

As the wife of a politician (Dekalb CEO Lee May), Robin goes deeply into who she needed to be during a very tumultuous time in his tenure (24:45).  Being his wife, she says that she simply needed to be a "place for him to lay his head." 

There are so many jewels in the episode, including finding resiliency (38:49) and the five reasons why your or your spouse are frustrated in your marriage (41:40).  

This episode is essentially a counseling session for you and your significant other, free of charge.  

You will be changed or at least your mind will be piqued just enough for you to consider change.  

Robin May has something unique with this movement.  

She truly believes in marriage and after listening to her speak, many of you will too.

References:

www.ibelieveinmarriage.com

www.friendswithvision.com

Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, & Instagram: RobinMayOnline

Exit Date Set with LaToya Wilson

Alpha Kappa Alpha Cool Soror, LaToya Wilson, taught herself how to cook after marrying her now ex-husband when she was in college.  

In between classes to study to be a nurse, she would binge watch Food Network chefs.  She would then put a twist on recipes that she liked.  

This  Alabama native would call her mother and grandmother to get meal ideas over the phone (2:45).  Before long, she realized that this desire that she had inside of her was no longer a task, it was her purpose.

She created "Saucepans and Stilettos" after one of her friends forwarded her a similar idea she had seen online.  

LaToya says it's not about the actual shoes, but that everything feels and possibly tastes better with a pair of heels on.  

The "Saucepans and Stilettos Experience" allows women to gather at their homes with friends and learn to "create meals to make him think of you."  This experience, along with the stiletto stories from the events, has become life-changing for so many of her clients (13:50).  

An only child to a teen mother, she realized early what sacrifice looked like and is doing that same thing for her own children.  

She witnessed her mother defy the odds of societal statistics and become a nurse.  LaToya credits her own strength on the strength she gained from her mother and grandmother.  

She knows what it looks like to be selfless and to be in tuned with God's voice (22:40).  

LaToya Wilson coins herself as "Southern with a little bit of Country!"  She knows that there is greatness in her concept because she has experienced it and seen others benefit from her obedience. 

However, she knows she will not see the magnitude of the dream, until the exit date has been met.

Website: www.saucepansandstilettos.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/cooknstilettos

Instagram: www.instagram.com/saucepansandstilettos

FB: www.facebook.com/SaucepansAndStilettos

Hustle Is Inherent with Monica Coleman

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority's own Monica Coleman, CEO of M320 Consulting, joins the Cool Soror Podcast today.  

This brand strategist and marketing expert from New York City got the bug for executing events during her college days at Hampton University. 

She knew her path would be different when she curated the red carpet for the 70th anniversary of the Apollo Theater (2:25). Even thought this was big, she new there was something else.

With no job, clothes and a television, she made the move to Atlanta.  

It took her less than a year to establish herself as a true visionary after landing a corporate job.  

Believing that one can be entrepreneurial in a corporate environment, she continued to hone her skills until the time was right to launch M320 Consulting (5:35). 

Monica knew the time was right, when she asked one of her constituents if he would partner with her company. He immediately obliged (8:15).

Monica says that certain things come natural to her because she sees things from start to finish (13:02).  

She believes in loyalty, integrity and fairness when working with such clients as Lexus, Home Depot, Pepsico and FunkFest just to name a few (19:14).

Monica says, "Most of the barriers that are stopping you from moving forward are completely imaginary.  You are your biggest obstacle."

She has learned to overcome herself and become used to the taste of winning.

www.m320consultinggroup.com

Twitter @monica320
Instagram  @monica320

Make Me Hear You with Carla Morrison

Carla Morrison graces Cool Soror with her regal presence on this week's episode. 

The publicist, author, entrepreneur, journalist, Connecticut native and member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. takes us through the inner workings of her non-profit organization and Public Relations firm.  

Carla founded Sisters of Today & Tomorrow in 2008 and is a direct result of community programs her PR Company, Chit Chat Communications, has produced since 2003.

The organization is reputable across America for its sincere need to help women and children. (3:23)  

The company has produced over 30 community programs, promoting higher education, entrepreneurship, self-esteem, health & fitness and personal development, impacting over 5,000 youth and adults. Sisters of Today & Tomorrow has received favorable media exposure nationwide.

The non-profit walk is not an easy one and Carla discusses how she was close to giving up on that dream. (9:28)

A chance opportunity at Yale University gave her the purpose she needed to keep the vision moving forward (11:44). 

As the CEO of Chit Chat communications, Carla sheds light on her innate desire to work with Magic Johnson and how it ame to fruition (30:00).  This sports and entertainment PR firm has given her the opportunity to partner with professional athletes, musicians and global brands.

Carla Morrison's daily prayer is, "Lord, order my steps.  Make me hear you and obey you."  She has done just that and the results of her obedience continues to allow her to thrive.

Twitter: @carlamorrison
Instagram: @carlamorrison
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Sisters-of-Today-Tomorrow-357394781724/

From Courtrooms To Cakes with Dawn Belisle

Delights by Dawn founder Dawn Belisle is our guest for this week’s Cool Soror episode. 

She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - West Palm Beach Alumni Chapter. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Attorney Dawn Belisle is a Criminal Defense Lawyer by profession and a delightful, creative cupcake lady by passion. 

She practiced law for over two decades. While she had a very successful career in this space, her passion was pulling her to take a leap of faith. 

Dawn put her prestigious law career on hold and let God take the wheel. She found herself starting her life anew and enjoying more than ever, baking alcohol infused cupcakes.  

Now holding two kiosks at the Georgia Dome, Dawn is a testament that sometimes resets in life are necessary to find yourself and feel the happiness yearned for.

This 35-minute podcast touches on Dawn’s life and experiences and hear about:

• How the cupcake project goes as far back to her childhood and why despite such inclinations, she still pursued Political Science, then Law (3:14).
  
• How her career as a lawyer started (4:54), bloomed (6:25) and slowly dissipated (8:01, 12:32).
  
• The set of events that led to leaving the law practice (31:40) and her advice to anyone who might be interested in re-paving the paths of their lives (13:18).
  
• How she landed the gig at Georgia Dome (15:50) and how Keith Olbermann, Twitter and Facebook worked together into marketing her cupcake kiosk (18:02, 18:59).
  
•  Her bestselling infused cupcake flavors (22:30) and her dreams and visions on expanding Delights by Dawn (19:30, 21:48).
  
• The narrative behind joining Delta Sigma Theta (26:49), who influenced her (27:17) and her motivations to become a Delta (29:03).
  

 

To get in touch with Dawn and Delights by Dawn:

http://delightsbydawn.com/

https://www.facebook.com/delightsbydawn/

https://www.instagram.com/delightsbydawn/

Warm, Fuzzy and Funky with Kesha Denise

Kesha Denise is the one-womanpowerhouse behind Funky Flair Boutique in Marietta, GA, and is the week’sfeatured Cool Soror. She pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1997 atCalifornia State University Northridge.

Born and raised in Inglewood, CA,Kesha grew up surrounded by fashion with a seamstress for a grandmother, and astylish mother. She is the quintessential California girl who is laid back,chill, and loves the beautiful weather, beaches and diversity of the state.

In 2006 however, after feelingburnt out of LA, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia.

In her first few years inAtlanta, she worked for Dermalogica. After an interesting turn of events, she came up with a master plan andfinally launched the Funky Flair Boutique in November of 2012.

Listen to this half-hour podcastto learn more about Kesha Denise:

• How the Funky Flair Boutique ideastarted (3:00), the master plan and the financial route she took to set up thestore (7:02) and why she chose Marietta as the location (8:28).
• How the business operates, withher as the one-woman-team in charge of everything from merchandising, marketingand even utility; her preference to keep it this way as opposed to gettingemployees (10:28); Funky Flair’s online presence and e-commerce (19:09); andthe processes involved in merchandising (20:35).
• Her vision for Funky Flair'sgrowth and brand recall (11:49); the struggles she goes through and the supportteam that motivates her in spite of the hurdles (9:34)
• Why she chose Alpha Kappa Alpha(16:00).

“Being an entrepreneur is a giftand a curse. I’ve worked harder for myself than I’ve ever worked for anycompany, but the joy in it is that it’s mine. On days when no money is moving,I’m still ok. I can sit in this building and look around, [sic] everythingthat’s in here is me. Nobody can take that from me. And that’s priceless” –Kesha Denise