The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monique Strong.
President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways:
🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction
Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry.
She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction.
2. What “Construction” Really Means
Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes: General contracting
Project management
Estimating
Safety coordination
Architecture and engineering
Business ownership and development

3. Legacy and Inspiration
Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in.
Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management.
4. Challenges and Triumphs
Faced skepticism from family and industry peers.
Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction.
Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field.
5. The Power of Mentorship and Community
NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers.
Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed.
6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters
Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field.
Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development.
💬 Notable Quotes
“You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.”
“We are the unicorns people are looking for.”
“I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.”
🎯 Advice for Women in Construction
Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth.
Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers.
Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMI
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain.
Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways.
🔑 Key Themes & Highlights
Origins of STEM Atlanta Women
Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult.
She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers.
Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives.

Summerhill Community Hub
The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community.
Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years.
Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming.

STEM Education & Outreach
Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University.
Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early.

Annual STEM Events
STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event.
STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola.
Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students.

College & Workforce Development
Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology.
Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent.
Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs.

Vision & Impact
Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education.
She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers.

📘 Resources & Contact Information
Dr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:
🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women
🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen

#BEST
#STRAW
#SHMS
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Rainey.

He holds a powerful executive role in the media world, shaping the future of iconic brands like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and SXSW.
🏆 Paul Rainey’s Executive Career at Penske Media Corporation (PMC)
Current Role
Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance at Penske Media Corporation (PMC).
Oversees operations and financial strategy for Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Vibe, SXSW, and more.
Provides strategic input across PMC’s global media brands and live events, including the Billboard Music Awards, SXSW, and American Music Awards.
Key Responsibilities
Leads financial decision-making, acquisitions, and operational procedures across PMC’s portfolio.
Serves on several boards, including as Audit Committee Chair of Redaptive, Inc. and a Director at SXSW.
Background & Education
Holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a BBA in Finance and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame.
Formerly held leadership roles at General Electric, Global Eagle, and Harris CapRock Communications, managing billion-dollar operations across five continents.
📘 About PMC & Cultural Influence
PMC is a global media powerhouse, reaching over 350 million people monthly. Its brands shape culture through journalism, entertainment, and live events, including SXSW
Paul Rainey is a rare blend of creative storyteller and corporate strategist, bridging the worlds of graphic novels and global media leadership. Whether he’s crafting a sci-fi twist in a comic or guiding the future of Billboard and SXSW, his influence is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Let me know if you’d like a visual timeline of his career or a deeper dive into one of his roles. 🎬📈✨

#STRAW
#BEST
#SHMS
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robyn Donaldson.
Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure
🔑 Episode Highlights 🔄 From Incarceration to Inspiration
Robyn shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to incarceration due to drug-related activities.
Served 5 years in prison, where she earned two associate degrees and developed a passion for learning and leadership.
🧹 Building a Business from the Ground Up
Learned high-level cleaning skills in prison and at Hilton during work release.
Founded Renew Construction Services, which grew from cleaning trailers to major contracts like: Tampa Convention Center
NFL Super Bowl & Kickoff
City of Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF

🏗️ Strategic Growth & Collaboration
Became a Home Depot distributor.
Uses collaboration to uplift smaller contractors and scale projects.
Emphasizes relationship-building and proactive planning over reactive bidding.
👩🏽‍🔬 STEM Exposure Nonprofit
Founded STEM Exposure to introduce Black girls to underrepresented STEM careers.
Offers local and global architecture and construction camps.
Operates in 10 countries and 4 time zones with a focus on AI, engineering, and design.
🏆 Recognition & Legacy
Honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Embraces her past as part of her story, using it to inspire others.
Celebrates milestones like putting bills on autopay as symbols of stability and peace.
🌐 Websites
STEM Exposure: stemxposure.org (drop the “e” in “exposure”)
Renew Construction Services: renewconstructionservices.com

#SHMS #BEST #STRAW
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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward.
A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader.
🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward
Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects.
Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady."
Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty.
Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU).
Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home.
🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey
Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out.
Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator.
Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company.
Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship.
📚 Educational Impact
Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years.
Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc.
Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities.
Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate.
💡 Life Lessons & Advice
Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year).
Advocates for education as a path to wealth.
Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success.
Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school.
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.