the 3rd Lap podcast guests: Season 1

Charles is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and creative that is focus on steady evolving his craft and himself. Charles has experience as an educator, producer, and multimedia content editor, and is now co-founder, and President of The Library NJ, a legal marijuana dispensary.

Follow him on IG @p.o.t._librarynj 

Yaw, aka Yaw Geez, is a rapper/poet who is based in New York City (Harlem). While he always had a passion for rap music, it was in college where he honed his skill as an artist by performing at Open Mics and Talent shows in Upstate New York. After receiving his degree, he went on to work at ESPN in a multitude of roles including Production, Programming and Video Editing.  

While at ESPN, he was the writer and performer of the spoken word series on SUNDAY NFL COUNTDOWN called “The Journey” Over the last 8 years his work has been featured on major platforms that include Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, TNT and ESPN The Undefeated.   

He released his most recent album entitled “Back to the Bassment” in October 2020, which is available on all digital streaming platforms.

Follow him on Twitter and IG @YawGeezMusic

Jasmine is a dynamic leader and consultant who uses her insight and experiences to support the professional success of underrepresented communities. Jasmine founded a career consultancy (JasmineOmo.com), where she strategically coaches job seekers on how to highlight their strengths and apply with confidence. 

She is Nigerian-American, is from Minneapolis, MN, and lives each day by the words of Dr. Maya Angelou, "When you learn, teach. When you get, give." 

Follow her on LinkedIn @JasmineOmo and FB @JasmineOmo.com

LaTasha Started her career with children and education in 2006 with EducationWorks. While there she served as an after-school leader and OST Site director. Ever committed to service she completed two years of AmeriCorps during her 8 year tenure. After completing her B.S in Early Childhood Education she transitioned to start her teaching career at Mastery Charter Schools before landing at KIPP. 

After serving as a Liberty Teaching fellow, Lead Teacher, and KIPP Family Association Liaison at KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy, LaTasha Joined KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy as an Assistant Principal. 

Stone, as she is fondly called, continues her quest to become a content expert and student of the profession. She has attained her M. Ed in Early Childhood Education from Chestnut Hill College as well as her M. Ed from the illustrious Lincoln University. Although she has accomplished many things she is most proud of her title as Mom. Her only child Christopher is starting high school September 2021 and she is excited for this new and exciting time. 

Follow her on IG @ap_stoney and _stoney_t

Steve is a entrepreneur and mental health advocate that is all about making an impact in the communities where he serves. He is a role model and is always looking at ways to stay on the cutting edge of technology and customer engagement.

Through his businesses Jackson-Cor and All In, Steve is making sure that he leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and advocacy that other aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs can learn from. 

Follow him on IG @ _JacksonCor on FB @ Steven Jackson

Tevin is a Personal Trainer and Cerebral Palsy advocate that has created a significant following on social media. Tevin uses his own personal experiences to help shed light on Cerebral Palsy, and to serve as a motivation for everyone. He founded the Strong Man LLC in 2015, and has been working diligently to get his brand the exposure it deserves. Reach out to Tevin today to set up a consultation or to begin your workout journey!

Follow him on IG @buster_the_strongman, on YouTube @Tevin Cherry, and on LinkedIn @Tevin Cherry

Dijonée is a motivated scholar-advocate working in education, research and public policy, and community-based programming. Broadly, her work deals with issues of inequality, especially that which contributes to disparities in the justice system. Overall, her goal is to improve the health and well-being of our most socially neglected communities, and to do so with sustainability in mind.

Much of her work focuses on the experiences of young people, as she believes that when youth are made to thrive, communities thrive. She has developed and implemented youth programming for disengaged adolescents. She has instructed race and justice courses and political efficacy workshops for young people from ages 14 to 24. 

Follow her on Twitter and IG @Dijonee__(two underscores)

Vlad is former State's Attorney and is currently a lawyer and man of faith. Vlad believes wholeheartedly in advocating for the rights of victims and has dedicated his life's work to ensuring that all people have access to the legal help they need. Vlad is a father, husband, and leader amongst his friends and family. He's forged friendships from his days a linebacker in high school, and makes sure his friends and family get the support they need and is always there to help any way that he can.

Samuel is a Brooklyn, NY native who moved to Los Angeles in 2016. Sam founded the Black Real Estate Dialogue in 2019 while hanging out with Digital Design Director, Joshua Foster. When Sam proposed the idea of a podcast to Joshua, he simply said "Do It.” The rest was history! In the future, he plans to develop an extensive real estate portfolio and continue to inspire others through the Black Real Estate Dialogue Podcast.

Follow him on IG @blackrealestatedialogue

Taj is a former college athlete turned Career Coach, Podcaster, and author. Taj advocates for the transition of athletes from their playing career into a "life after sports", where they can find meaning and power in their new career. Taj also works with aspiring authors via Self Publish N 30 Days to help them achieve their dreams of being published

Follow him on IG @tajdashaun

Born at Sinai and raised in northeast Baltimore, Reggie has dedicated his life to transforming systems and fighting for equity. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Reggie began his career as a 6th and 7th grade science and social studies teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools (A.C.C.E. Middle / High School) through Teach For America. He led his students to great results by implementing data driven instruction. 

While teaching, he earned a Masters in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Subsequently, he earned his MBA from Duke University and helped reduce healthcare costs and expand access by managing high impact projects as a business consultant for leading health plans and providers. In Annapolis, Reggie will bring his unique perspective to bear, advocating for northeast Baltimore and fighting for progressive change.  

Follow him on IG @reginald.benbow, on FB @BenbowForBaltimore, and on Twitter @ReginaldBenbow

Don is a non-profit professional, and MPA Candidate at UPENN Fels that cares deeply about mentoring and education. He founded DonCares Philadelphia in 2015, which is a community organization of college students of color from Philadelphia who strive to better themselves through community service, education workshops, and who have a desire to give back to their community. Members advocate for youth by pledging to become a mentor and an advocate to inner-city youth and by promoting education through educational workshops in inner-city schools

Follow him on IG @doncaresofphila, FB @Doncaresphila, and on Twitter @doncaresphila

Shanelle is the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Greens Farms Academy, a Pre-K through grade 12 independent school located in Westport, Connecticut. In her role, Shanelle works with students, faculty, administrators, parents and Trustees to provide strategic vision and leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the school community. 

Together with her long-time friend and SJE colleague, Dr. Khyati Joshi, Shanelle founded the Institute for Teaching Diversity and Social Justice – a summer professional development conference for educators interested in building more inclusive and affirming classrooms by increasing their capacity to implement anti-bias curriculum and develop strategies and skills to effectively navigate diversity issues in independent schools.

Follow her on LinkedIn @ Shanelle Henry

Michael has trained thousands of educators from around the world. Through that work, he’s witnessed up-close the positive effect that intentional trainings and continuous leader and teacher support can have on student success.

Skyrocket Educator Training specializes in leader and teacher training in urban districts and turnaround schools. Skyrocket was founded by Michael Sonbert, a former teacher, instructional coach, and director of strategic partnerships with Mastery Charter Schools, the largest turnaround school network in the United States.

Follow him on IG @michael.cary.sonbert and on Twitter @MichaelSonbert

Tim is currently the Clinical Director of Counseling Services at The Ladipo Group and co-host of the Mind Ya Mentals podcast. He has 10+ years of extensive experience in Counseling, Program Development, Process Improvement, Public Relations, and Mental Health. Tim is also a retired NFL player with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills.

Tim is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and owns a private therapy practice in the region. Tim uses a diverse set of therapeutic approaches such as Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-behavior therapy, Dialectical Behavior-Therapy, all to support clients to actualize their whole selves. He has worked in the child welfare and social service industry for over 10 years providing supportive services to youth who experience homelessness and case management.

Follow him on IG @MYMpodcast and on Twitter @Mind_Ya_Mentals

Kevin is a public health professional with over ten years of experience working in the non-profit sector. In 2019, Kevin attained his Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Drexel University. His previous work experience focused on identifying structural barriers marginalized communities faced in achieving positive health outcomes. Kevin helped enact solutions to these problems through case management, community engagement strategies, technical assistance, and other direct service initiatives. Currently, he is employed as a program manager at Drexel University’s Urban Health Collaborative. Kevin is inspired to build community relationships to work with the people to create an equitable society for all, especially for those historically impacted by structural racism.

Follow him on IG @Cliche_Kev

Archye has earned his Masters degree in Public Administration from Temple University (in addition to BA and MA degrees in Music, his first calling) and is working on a PhD in Political Science. Archye has taught at University of the Arts and Temple University, as well as presented at professional and academic conferences throughout the U.S. 

Prior to IDAAY, Archye enjoyed a

distinguished career in music education as the Director of two large civic

institutions, each a model of its kind.

In its almost 30 years years of a proven track record, IDAAY has served over

20,000 youth and their families via a series of educational, cultural, intervention and prevention programs and social services throughout Philadelphia—most notably, the Don’t Fall Down In The Hood program which serves adjudicated youth, ages 14-18, arrested for firearms possession, trafficking narcotics, aggravated assault, and theft. 

Archye believes that all youth are entitled to ambition, and those things

that make ambition possible are no secret; they are obvious. The challenge is not to the youth alone; it is to his family – to his school – to his community – in fact, to the entire culture of his America in all respects. There is an obligation to be met, one not realized, to make the American dream a reality for youth at-risk in the inner city. That is the task that Archye and IDAAY have taken up.

Follow him on IG @idaay_inc

Mishel is a self-proclaimed creative; Little Z and Firefly is her first children's book. She is originally from the Lehigh Valley area and is a 17 year Philadelphian transplant. She currently teaches as an Assistant Adjunct Professor in the College of Education at her Alma Mater, Temple University. 

Her area of expertise is in special education.  Her career's work has focused on supporting the needs of youth, families, and communities that experience high susceptibility to generational trauma. She is a fierce advocate for mental health and self-care. When she’s not writing she loves creating art, cooking, fashion, and her ever-so-happy dog, Charlie.

Follow her on IG @Littlez_firefly