In this inspiring episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Warletta C. Brookins — journalist, educator, and founder of World Changers Prep Academy. Dr. Brookins reflects on her early career as an investigative reporter, where truth-seeking and storytelling shaped her voice and vision. She shares how her passion for impact led her from media into education, rising through the ranks from classroom teacher to Superintendent of Schools in Illinois.

With candor and wisdom, Dr. Brookins discusses leadership, resilience, and the calling that inspired her to found World Changers Prep Academy. Her story is a powerful testament to reinvention, purpose-driven leadership, and the courage to build institutions that empower future generations.

This conversation is a must-listen for women leaders, educators, and anyone navigating the path from career success to legacy-building impact.

In this high-impact episode of the Black Boss Ladies Platform, we sit down with Justerica Angelic, the visionary founder of Justerica Angelic Creative Studio. As a six-figure brand designer and content strategist, Justerica has mastered the art of helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale their brands to attract their dream clientele. Justerica pulls back the curtain on her unique business journey, sharing how she successfully upscaled her business by listening to her customers' needs and evolving her services. She discusses the spiritual foundation of her success, explaining how listening to God and following divine timing has been her ultimate strategy for creating professional freedom. Whether you are a creative entrepreneur looking for branding tips or a business owner seeking to align your faith with your financial goals, this episode offers the roadmap to building a standout brand with authenticity and purpose. Hosts: Tiffany Lee, CEO of Think Black Media Group and Julia Myers

Explore the legendary journey of Michelle Obama, from her South Side Chicago roots to her historic role as the first African American First Lady. We break down her powerful legacy of service, including her landmark initiatives like Let’s Move! and her global advocacy for girls' education. Discover the wisdom behind her best-selling books, Becoming and The Light We Carry, plus an inside look at her latest work, The Look, on the intersection of fashion and confidence. We also dive into her candid and humorous podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, where she shares practical advice for life's everyday challenges. Join the Black Boss Ladies Platform for this deep dive into the life of a global icon who continues to empower women to own their stories.

As the year draws to a close, The Black Boss Ladies Platform Podcast gathers for a powerful retrospective on the journeys that defined our season. From the raw, transformative stories of our guest speakers to the strategic frameworks that move our community forward, this episode is a celebration of Black female excellence.

Learn about Shirley Graham Du Bois, the award-winning author, opera composer, and civil rights activist who shaped Black history. A compelling story for listeners interested in Black women leaders, career transitions, and historical inspiration. Creators: Tiffany Lee, CEO, Think Black Cultural Media Group, thinkblack.us and Julia Myers

00:00 Introduction 00:23 Shirley Graham Dubois: Early Life & Education 01:08 Breaking Barriers in Music and Opera 01:49 Impact in Theater and Advocacy 02:16 Activism, Storytelling, and Books for Youth 02:52 Defying Limits & Embracing Versatility 03:01 A Powerful Love and Political Partnership 03:19 Facing Adversity for Liberation 03:38 A Global Force for Civil Rights 04:03 Challenges, Resilience, and Legacy 04:45 Honors, Achievements & Lasting Influence 05:03 Closing

Dive into the inspiring journey of Talicia Patterson, owner of Jayde Suites and Jayde Beauty Supply, and a true Black Boss Lady of Chicago entrepreneurship! This episode unpacks how Talicia, a wife and mother of four, fearlessly left a secure 7-year career as a CTA rail operator to pursue her childhood passion for braiding.

Talicia shares the pivotal moments in her career, from realizing the strong market demand for her skills (after briefly leaving braiding for higher wages) to rapidly launching two salon suites. Listen in as she reveals the intense challenges of opening a brick-and-mortar business, including the 6-month zoning battle where she paid rent on an empty space while still working from home—a true lesson in resilience and tenacity.

Learn how she successfully expanded her initial bulk supply buying into a thriving beauty supply store, and why she decided to transition the business from online to a physical location in 2024. This interview is a must-listen for anyone interested in Black women entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, scaling service-based businesses, and mastering the art of the career pivot.

Dive into the incredible true story of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the 19th-century Black entrepreneur who became one of the wealthiest women in America during the California Gold Rush. Discover how this financial genius secretly used her massive fortune as a dedicated abolitionist and operative for the Underground Railroad. Learn about her groundbreaking legal fight that successfully desegregated public transit in San Francisco decades before the national Civil Rights Movement. Often called the "Black City Hall," Pleasant's influence made her a powerful Civil Rights pioneer and the original "Black Boss Lady." Don't miss this deep dive into a forgotten icon of African American history and entrepreneurship!

In this dynamic episode of the Black Boss Ladies Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Frankie Shipman-Amuwo, a true powerhouse in Public Health Operations and a leader focused on dismantling systemic barriers.

Dr. Shipman-Amuwo shares her incredible journey, from serving as the Interim Director of Emergency Preparedness for Cook County to her pivotal role as Assistant Commissioner for the COVID Bureau at the Chicago Department of Public Health, where she spearheaded the city's community-based testing operations.

Frankie gets candid about the high-stakes environment of executive leadership, revealing her personal struggle with fear and imposter syndrome while managing massive, life-saving programs. She explains how her DrPH focus on equity, power, and trauma-informed practice fuels her work as a social justice change agent.

Tune in to learn why Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is non-negotiable for adaptive leaders and how Dr. Shipman-Amuwo balances strategic management for vulnerable populations—from Children and Youth Services to Senior Services—with her new role as Senior Director for Community Health. A must-listen for anyone interested in Black women in leadership, public health careers, and leading with courage and compassion.