In this inspiring episode of Tracey’s Keepin It Real, Tracey sits down with Marisa C. Williams, the newly appointed and trailblazing CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys. Marisa brings a wealth of nonprofit and leadership experience to the role, having previously led transformative work at North Hills Affordable Housing and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. She steps into this leadership role with a bold vision to advance the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character — championing initiatives that expand access, equity, and opportunity for youth across Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and beyond. Tune in as Marisa shares her journey, her passion for empowering the next generation of changemakers, and her commitment to reimagining what leadership can look like in communities today.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

As Minnesota marks 40 years of officially recognizing the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, this episode of Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real explores what that legacy means today and where the work of equity must continue.

Host Tracey Williams-Dillard sits down with Ashley Oolman for a thoughtful conversation on justice, unity, and shared responsibility across Minnesota. The discussion is part of One Dream One Minnesota: Echoes of Unity, a week-long statewide observance honoring four decades of Minnesota’s MLK holiday.

Together, they reflect on how equity work shows up in education, workforce access, and civic life, and why accountability and community voice remain essential. The episode also highlights Echoes of Unity, a special commemorative edition from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder documenting the history, impact, and future of Minnesota’s MLK legacy.

This conversation reminds us that the MLK holiday is not just a moment of remembrance, but an ongoing call to action that lives far beyond one day.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on culture, leadership, and real community impact.

📖 Learn more about One Dream One Minnesota and Echoes of Unity at spokesman-recorder.com

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021

In this episode, we cut through the confusion and barriers surrounding funding—because too many entrepreneurs are still being shut out of the capital they need to grow. From grants and loans to investors, CDFIs, and community funders, the team breaks down what the funding landscape actually looks like and what funders are truly looking for.

A key focus of the conversation is documentation readiness—the stories, numbers, and financial clarity every entrepreneur needs before applying for any type of capital. The episode offers practical steps for auditing your finances, understanding your funding gaps, and building a “funding-ready” checklist that positions you for approval instead of rejection.

We also confront the harder truths:
Why accessing loans, grants, or lines of credit remains difficult, how predatory practices show up, and the systemic barriers that keep many business owners—especially BIPOC entrepreneurs—from traditional bank funding.

This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap, spotlighting local resources and success stories that prove entrepreneurs can secure capital when they’re equipped with the right preparation and strategy.

Executive Producer/ CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard

MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021