Uplift: Her interview explores her vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To highlight Keanna Sanders’ entrepreneurial journey from fashion merchandising to founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center, a network of childcare facilities in Maryland. The interview explores her motivations, challenges, and vision for empowering families and communities through early childhood education. 🧭 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Inspiration & Passion for Children Keanna’s love for children began at age 13, helping her grandmother care for infants and toddlers. Quote: “I was always around children… babysitting cousins, neighbors, and helping my grandmother with single moms’ kids.” 2. Education & Certifications Studied Fashion Merchandising at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Fashion Institute of Technology. Earned childcare certifications (e.g., 45-hour and 90-hour credentials) to qualify as a teacher in Maryland. Quote: “I went and got my certifications in childcare so I could make a little extra money.” 3. Entrepreneurial Drive Keanna always knew she wanted to be her own boss, even before understanding what entrepreneurship meant. Quote: “I didn’t want to work a 9 to 5. I wanted to travel and make my own schedule.” 4. Serial Entrepreneurship Owned a car dealership called Trendy Motors before launching Sandbridge. Used profits from car sales and a bank loan to fund her childcare business. Quote: “I sold my first car and said, ‘I’m going to start a car business.’ That success helped me launch Sandbridge.” 5. Founding Sandbridge Early Learning Center The name “Sandbridge” combines her last name (Sanders) with the concept of “bridging the gap” between parents and children. Quote: “Sandbridge means bridging the gap between parents and kids.” 6. Curriculum & Learning Philosophy Uses Frog Street Curriculum for infants to age 5. Employs certified public school teachers through grants to prepare children for elementary school. Quote: “We want children to be ready for school. We teach through themes, tummy time, reading, and physical activities.” 7. Family Engagement & Community Impact Hosts family nights, festivals, and educational field trips. Offers financial support, discounts, and free meals to families in need. Quote: “We go above and beyond… sometimes I waive fees or help with scholarship applications.” 8. Franchise Vision & Branding Plans to franchise Sandbridge nationally with consistent branding across locations. Quote: “I want every Sandbridge to look the same—like Chick-fil-A or Walgreens.” 9. Overcoming Bias & Embracing Identity Initially hid her ownership due to fear of bias but later embraced her identity and impact. Quote: “You didn’t work this hard not to be recognized. People deserve to know who you are.” 10. Faith, Risk-Taking & Advice Attributes her success to faith, persistence, and taking risks. Quote: “Out of ten no’s, you’ll get one yes. Be consistent, be persistent, and lean on God.” 📍 Current Status Operates six locations in Maryland: three full sites and three before/after care programs. Serves nearly 400 children. Actively working on franchising the business. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Financial Tip: His financial book teaches principles like self-control, patience, and hope
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Gerron Duhon. Purpose of the Interview The conversation aimed to: Highlight the importance of financial literacy for young adults. Share Jerron Duhon’s personal journey from Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Yale University and into holistic financial planning. Promote his book “The Purpose of Paper”, which focuses on building generational wealth and breaking harmful financial habits. Key Takeaways Personal Journey & Identity Shift Jerron used football as a “meal ticket” to escape his hometown, but a concussion ended his athletic career, causing an identity crisis. He pivoted toward financial education and wealth creation, emphasizing long-term planning. Misconceptions About Wealth Many young adults believe wealth comes quickly through gambling, sports betting, or flashy investments. Social media fuels the desire to display wealth rather than build wealth, leading to poor financial decisions. Financial Habits & Framework Jerron introduced his AIMS framework: Awareness: Know your current financial state. Intention: Set clear goals and reverse-engineer steps. Mindset Change: Focus on future self, not old habits. Systems: Automate savings and investments to reduce reliance on willpower. Faith and Finance Connection Principles like self-control, patience, and hope—fruits of the spirit—are essential for financial discipline. “Faith without works is dead” applies to money: belief must be paired with action. Generational Wealth Gerron stresses taking ownership of your financial future rather than leaving the burden to your children. Investing should be strategic and long-term, not like playing the lottery. Practical Advice Start small but consistent (e.g., $150/month). Use modern tools like Robinhood for stock investing. Shift from being a consumer to an owner (invest in companies you use). Notable Quotes “Football was my meal ticket… but I realized I didn’t dream far enough.” “We connect our financial decisions to display wealth instead of to build wealth.” “Faith without works is dead—just like in finances.” “Are you going to be the one that changes your generation, or will you leave that pressure on your children?” “Good advice is timeless.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Second Chance: He focuses on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Blayther Sabbat. Purpose of the Interview The interview aims to: Showcase Blayther Sabbat’s mission through his nonprofit Pillars of Success, which empowers returning citizens and at-risk youth. Discuss strategies for reducing recidivism and creating pathways to success via mentorship, financial literacy, and career development. Inspire individuals and communities to take action toward social impact and economic empowerment. Key Takeaways Background and Motivation First-generation Haitian-American from Washington, D.C. Athletic background (DeMatha Catholic High School football) instilled discipline and leadership. Personal experiences with family and community challenges inspired his commitment to mentorship and reentry programs. Pillars of Success A 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing wraparound services: Mentorship Financial literacy Life and work skills Career development and housing support Focus on empowering returning citizens and at-risk youth to reintegrate successfully into society. Challenges and Misconceptions Common stigma: People assume returning citizens are “bad individuals.” Reality: Many are in survival mode and lack resources, not character. Success requires personal accountability and willingness to change. Impact and Measurement Success is defined as progress, even small steps like consistent routines or positive mindset. Emphasis on action: “The difference between success and failure is taking action.” Affordable Housing Advocacy Sabbat worked at D.C. Housing Authority for 8 years, rising from clerical assistant to certified housing inspector. Purchased property at age 26, faced conflict-of-interest issues, and resigned to pursue real estate and community impact full-time. Career Development and Partnerships Promotes trades (plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, IT) as sustainable career paths. Partnerships with Google for digital literacy tools and scholarships. Collaborates with local universities and organizations for training and job placement. Financial Literacy Learned through personal experience buying property on a $35K salary. Advocates understanding credit, banking, and responsible money management. Call to Action Support through donations, mentorship, volunteering, and spreading awareness. Website: www.pillarsofsuccess202.com Notable Quotes On stigma:“People judge returning citizens as bad individuals without knowing their story. Many are just in survival mode.” On success:“Progress—any form of it—is success. The difference between success and failure is taking action.” On leadership:“We don’t succeed unless they succeed.” On financial literacy:“It’s not about how much you make—it’s about what you do with it.” On courage:“I walk by faith. Fearless. Failure and fear are the same—you learn from mistakes.” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Perseverance: She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, now runs a multi-million dollar law firm.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Attorney Tessie D. Edwards. A family and criminal law attorney based in Atlanta, Georgia. Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and themes from the episode: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Early Life & Adversity Tessie Edwards grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, teen pregnancy, and systemic injustice. She became a mother at 16, dropped out of high school, and had her second child by 18. Despite these challenges, she never lost sight of her dream to become a lawyer. 2. Turning Point A pivotal moment came when someone told her that her daughter looked like her. That realization sparked a deep desire to become someone her daughter could look up to. 3. Relentless Pursuit of Education Earned her GED, then an associate degree to qualify for military service. After a brief stint in the military (cut short due to pregnancy and miscarriage), she pursued higher education. Graduated from Indiana University with five children and went on to law school with her then-husband. 4. Professional Success Now runs a multi-million dollar law firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Has handled over 2,000 criminal cases and is deeply committed to serving families in crisis. Her firm has been serving the Atlanta community for over 15 years. 5. Support System Credits her success to a strong support network: her husband (who co-runs the firm), her children, her brother, and her team. Emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. 6. Advice & Motivation Be clear about your goals and stay focused. Don’t wait for the “right time”—start now. Believe in your dream even when others don’t. Use adversity as fuel for your ambition. 💬 Memorable Quotes “I feel thankful but not satisfied.” “My life was so divinely chosen… I was just given a dream and the courage to go after it.” “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Brand Building: Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities and highlights the economic power of Black travelers.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Lawrence Phillips. Purpose of the Interview To showcase Lawrence Phillips’ entrepreneurial journey from engineering to founding Green Book Global, a travel review platform for Black travelers. To highlight the significance of Black Ambition, an initiative by Pharrell Williams supporting Black and Brown entrepreneurs. To inspire listeners about resilience, innovation, and the importance of culturally inclusive travel resources. Key Takeaways Background & Career Shift Phillips studied Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and worked at Accenture in IT consulting for nearly a decade. Despite career success, he felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue his passion for travel, leading to the creation of Green Book Global. Travel Experience Traveled to 30+ countries across all seven continents, including Antarctica, in less than a year. Realized the need for a platform addressing “traveling while Black” concerns—safety, cultural acceptance, and inclusivity. Green Book Global Inspired by the historical Green Book (1936–1966), which guided Black travelers during segregation. Offers city-level Black-friendly scores, road trip planners, and Black-owned restaurant recommendations. Over 150,000 app downloads in 2025; partnered with Expedia; strong social media presence. Black Ambition Program Phillips applied three times before reaching semifinals, emphasizing persistence. Program provided funding opportunities and a transformative Evoke Wellness experience. His personal “why” statement:“I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” Impact & Vision Advocates systemic change by partnering with destinations to improve inclusivity. Highlights the economic power of Black travelers (over $140 billion annually). Encourages Black travelers to explore global opportunities beyond U.S. racial constraints. Notable Quotes “You can be successful and still not be happy.” — On leaving a lucrative career for passion. “I’m a protective and innovative steward of Black restoration and healing.” — His guiding principle. “There’s riches in niches.” — On unapologetically focusing on Black travelers. “Just because somebody said no doesn’t mean they said no to you—they said no at that time.” — On persistence in entrepreneurship. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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