The HBCU Nation Radio Show

Dr. Bonnie Simpson Mason is a nationally recognized educator, innovator, author, and speaker. She is a Clinical Professor of Surgery at Creighton University, an alumna of the Kellog School of Management of Northwestern University, Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery and the inaugural Medical Director of Inclusive Excellence for the American College of Surgeons, the largest professional organization of surgeons in the world. Throughout her career, she has developed groundbreaking DEI educational programs, worked to increase diversity in medicine, and prepared thousands of aspiring orthopedic surgeons for successful careers. Read More: https://www.hbcunation.org/post/mr-gerald-hector-welcomes-dr-bonnie-simpson-mason-to-it-s-easy-son

Charles J. Gibbs, Ed.D. became President of Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) on July 1, 2024. With a distinguished 25-year career in higher education, Dr. Gibbs has led numerous institutions to growth and success. Prior to MCNY, he was CEO of 100 Black Men of America, the nation's largest African American male mentoring organization. He also served as President of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium, where he worked to expand opportunities for Black students in health, social justice, arts, agriculture, and technology. Dr. Gibbs has held key leadership positions at Clark Atlanta University, Miles College, and Howard University, focusing on policy, accreditation, and strategic development. Known for his hands-on approach, Dr. Gibbs has made significant strides in fundraising, enrollment, and community engagement, all while maintaining a strong commitment to student success. A triple alumnus of Howard University; Ed.D., 2020, M.Ed., Education Administration and Policy, 2004 and Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing, 1991, he is a visionary leader dedicated to transforming education and inspiring future generations.

Delphia L. Howze serves as the CEO and Founder of D. Howze Solutions, LLC, a consultancy specializing in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), and as the Chief Inclusion Officer for a large scale national laboratory. With over two decades of experience, she is recognized as a forward-thinking leader in Human Resources and D&I, adept at helping organizations harness human capital and diversity to cultivate inclusive environments. Known as the Inclusion Strategist, Delphia's expertise lies in developing and implementing HR and D&I strategies, facilitating talent development through training, mentorship, and leadership coaching, managing Affirmative Action Plans, and delivering impactful keynote presentations. As a thought leader in the field, Delphia is often sought after for her insights and expertise on diversity and inclusion matters. She has served on panels, contributed to publications, and spoken at conferences and events, inspiring others to embrace inclusion as a strategic imperative. In her capacity as an HR and D&I leader, Delphia collaborates with senior executives, key stakeholders, and HR professionals to craft, refine, and implement HR and D&I strategic initiatives aligned with the organization's objectives. Throughout her professional journey, Delphia has honed her expertise as an executive leader, HR practitioner, and D&I advocate through a progression of roles across diverse industries including retail, banking, energy, transportation, logistics, consulting, and higher education. She contributed as a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Expertise Panel for the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and held the position of President for SHRM of Tompkins County, NY. Delphia consistently demonstrates her dedication to advancing HR and D&I initiatives by actively participating as a board member and trustee for various organizations. Additionally, she engages with college students as an Adjunct Instructor, imparting knowledge in HR, D&I, and business principles. Delphia earned her BA from the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an MBA from Point Park University and a Project Management certification from Villanova University. Currently, she is working towards a doctoral degree and maintains a SHRM-CP certification. Additionally, she has emerged as a new author with her new book, "Including You! Leading Inclusion From Where You Are." With her unwavering commitment to valuing diversity and activating inclusion, Delphia is dedicated to driving meaningful change and creating inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Dale Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of Magna Vista Partners, a leadership advisory firm helping leaders think through business strategy, board issues, corporate governance and human capital. He serves as a trusted advisor to CEOs and leaders. Formerly CEO of The Diversified Search Group and previously Vice Chair of Heidrick & Struggles, Jones focused on finding and attracting CEO and board-level talent for clients seeking authentic leadership — and capacity to lead. He is particularly adept at identifying those with heartfelt desire to serve others combined with “competencies in context” that are often difficult to find. Dale is a current corporate board member for Rollins, Inc. (NYSE: ROL), Trilith Film Studios — one of the largest purpose-built movie studios in North America — Chick-fil-A, and Outset Medical. In the past, he has served on corporate boards for Northwestern Mutual Corp., Hughes Supply, and Kohl’s Corporation. He additionally serves other not-for-profit roles with Morehouse College (emeritus trustee), The Special Olympics (current), the Andrew Young Foundation (current) and the Salvation Army’s national advisory board. He’s frequently quoted in the media and contributes regularly as a speaker/instructor at Georgetown University. Since reimagining his calling, Dale has focused his time and energy cultivating the next generation of leaders through public speaking, board service and philanthropy. Dale and his wife Yolanda make their home in both Atlanta Georgia and Washington DC. They have two adult children attending graduate schools in Providence R.I. and NYC.

Special Guest, the legendary, Mr. Herman Bulls, joins our Host, Mr. Gerald Hector on #ItsEasySon! "Herman Bulls is Vice Chairman, Americas, as well as an International Director and the founder of JLL’s highly acclaimed Public Institutions Division, which specializes in delivering comprehensive real estate solutions to federal, state and local governments, nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions. Mr. Bulls works with the firm’s largest public and corporate clients to devise and implement integrated real estate strategies to lower occupancy costs and increase productivity. During over 35 years at JLL, Mr. Bulls has worked in the areas of development, investment management, asset management, facilities operations and business development/retention. He provides thought leadership and strategic guidance to senior level executives. Mr. Bulls has served as an expert witness on real estate matters in court and testified before Congressional committees on real estate issues. Mr. Bulls co-founded and served as President and CEO of Bulls Capital Partners, a multi-family financing company. Additionally, he founded Bulls Advisory Group, LCC, a management and real estate advisory firm. Prior to joining JLL, Mr. Bulls completed almost 12 years of active-duty service with the United States Army. His last active-duty assignments were working in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Financial Management at the Pentagon and as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at West Point. He has completed the Army’s Airborne, Ranger and Command and General Staff College courses and served overseas in the Republic of Korea. He retired as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2008. Mr. Bulls received a BS degree in engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an MBA in finance from Harvard Business School. Mr. Bulls serves on several public, private and not for profit boards. He is Chairman of Fluence Energy (NASDAQ: FLNC) and Vice Chairman of USAA. He is Vice Chairman of the West Point Association of Graduates and serves on the Department of Defense Policy Board. He also serves on the boards of Host Hotels (NASDAQ: HST), Comfort Systems, USA (NYSE: FIX) Collegis Education, the American Red Cross National Board of Governors, the Real Estate Advisory Committee for New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. He is director emeritus of the Military Bowl, a NCAA sanctioned football bowl game played in the nation’s capital each December. Mr. Bulls former board service includes Tyco International, Exelis, Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, American Campus Communities, and Rasmussen, Inc. Mr. Bulls has received various awards including: 2023 Alabama Business Hall of Fame Award 2022 Marriott School of Business Brigham Young University International Executive of the Year 2020 Executive Leadership Council Achievement Award 2020 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Directors in Corporate America 2018 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Black Directors in Corporate America 2017 USAA National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Top 100 2017 USAA National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Fellow 2015 Morgan State University Apex Award 2009 Washington Business Journal Minority Business Leader Award 2008 Global Real Estate Diversity Conference Trail Blazer Award 2007 Commercial Real Estate News & Commercial Property News National Minority Leader of the Year 2007 African American Real Estate Professionals (AAREP) Passing the Torch Award courtesy of https://www.us.jll.com/en/people/herman-bulls

Special Guest, the legendary, Dr. Johnetta Cole, joins our Host, Mr. Gerald Hector on #ItsEasySon! Dr. Cole's bio can be read here : https://www.neh.gov/award/johnnetta-b-cole

Gerald Hector welcomes the legendary, Mr. Lincoln Phillips to #ItsEasySon Bio Credit: Walts Legacy https://waltslegacy.com/lifetime-achievement-award/lincoln-phillips

Former Two Time Presidential Appointee Author, Exceptional, Being the Exceptional to the Rule Head of Strategy & Managing Partner, Capital Global Leader Group Executive In Residence Mercer University Stetson-Hatcher School of Business Professor, Morehouse College "Professionally, I have either lead or worked for financial institutions and served or advised during four U.S. presidential administrations leading efforts in the economic development, housing and small business sectors. My book, Exceptional: Being the Exception to the Rule, encourages leaders to discover their passion, walk in their purpose and realize their potential as they chart their own path to success. In 2019, I was appointed to serve on the Biden-Harris Agency Transition Team. That same year, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp invited me to return to my appointment as chairman of the Fort McPherson Local Redevelopment Authority, and, in 2020, he appointed me to serve on the Georgia Economic Development Board. As a proud alumnus of Morehouse College, I was honored to be invited to serve on the Morehouse College Department of Business & Economics Board of Advisors. Additionally, I contribute time as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees to Morris Brown College. In addition to being a graduate of Morehouse College, I also hold a masters degree from Clark Atlanta University (MPA), and obtained a Grant Writing certificate from Emory University’s - Osher Life Long Learning Institute."

George Williams is one of the most iconic figures in the history of collegiate athletics. The legendary coach built a track and field powerhouse at Saint Augustine's University and kept it in the limelight during his illustrious 44-year coaching career. The Falcons and Lady Falcons captured an astounding 39 NCAA Division II national titles, which places Williams among the Mount Everest of coaches. He ranks third all- time among coaches for most championships in NCAA history, regardless of division. That puts him well ahead of other notable coaches such as Roy Williams, Mike Krzyzewski, Nick Saban, Bobby Knight and the late John Wooden. In addition to winning 39 national crowns, the Falcons and Lady Falcons combined for 33 national runner-up finishes and a mind-boggling 282 individual national crowns. The Falcons and Lady Falcons also excelled in the classroom. His scholarship student-athletes had an astonishing 95 percent graduation rate. It's Easy Son: Life Lessons on Your Journey to Your Promise airs on HBCUiRadio (bit.ly/HBCUiRadio) and HBCU Smart TV ( HBCUSmartTV.com/watch-live) on Wednesday evenings at 8pm ET & #SmartSundays at 3pm ET.

Coach Lorne Donaldson is currently the Head Coach of Jamaica's Reggae Girlz. The Girlz recently competed in the Women's World Cup and exceeded their expectations by making it to the Round of 16 for the first time. They did so by coming out of one of the toughest groupings in the first round. That accomplishment was the first not only for the island of Jamaica, but also for Caribbean countries. He assumed the role of Head Coach two weeks prior to the qualifying stage of the competition. An accomplished football player in his own right, he has been a part of the Reggae Girlz drive to become a global powerhouse in football for several years. He was a member of the coaching staff that saw the Reggae Girlz qualify and compete in their first World Cup in 2019. He has been one of the Reggae Girlz most ardent supporters and responded to the call when fellow coach and friend Hugh Menzies asked him to assist him and daughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, Cedella Marley, to revive a fledging women's program on the island. To say that he met his goal is an understatement. His skill, acumen and focus despite all the challenges is admirable and an inspiration to young coaches who are trying to shape a coaching career. A talented three sport athlete from a young age, it was his love for football that allowed for his career and passion for the game to be piqued. Not only did he play football in high school at the illustrious Kingston College for boys, but he took his talents to college and then to the professional ranks in the United States. After several setbacks and disappointments he settled into coaching, and the rest is history. One thing that is interesting in his background are the many stops he made along the way to realize his current role as one of the more exciting football teams in the world. A former coach of the Colorado Foxes, and having stints with several other clubs, he has focused his time and energy on developing youth players. It is that desire to see youth football blossom and grow in his native land of Jamaica that drives him forward. He has shaped and fashioned the careers of so many young football players and coaches, but more importantly he has given numerous young stars their first opportunities to play at the highest levels of the sport. He is a huge advocate for the true student athlete experience paving the way for scholarship opportunities for his players to gain entrance into some of the most prestigious universities in the United States that have football programs. His life journey thus far is one of impact and significance. It is one that shows that perseverance and staying true to our dreams do make a difference. His next objective is to see the Reggae Girlz to next year's Olympics and we are all watching to see how this talented team continues to grow and develop football in both Jamaica and the world.

Janet L. Williams is the Vice President for Finance and Administration / CFO for Elon University. She has over thirty years of professional experience in higher education and industry. Williams is a strategic leader who has extensive experience as a chief financial officer and manager of complex operations. Prior to her leadership at Elon University, Williams was vice president for financial services at Wake Forest University. Prior to Wake Forest, Williams served at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, where she was interim vice president for finance and administration / CFO. Williams began her work in higher education by serving at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, where she was a finance and administrative director in the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Science. Prior to her work in higher education, Williams served in business and industry in New York and Texas. She held several senior-level positions with Lockheed Martin Corporation, Owego, NY; Corning, Inc.,Corning, NY; and with Kraft Foods, Inc., based in Garland, TX and Campbell, NY. She began her career as a staff auditor with the Ernst and Young CPA firm in Dallas, TX. Williams grew up in San Antonio, TX. Her father was a pastor and civil servant, and mother a postpartum nurse. Williams became the first in her immediate family to attend college when she enrolled in the University of Texas (Austin), where she earned her BBA in accounting. She then went on to earn an MBA degree from the University of North Texas. Williams is a member of the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA). Among her commitments to serving her community, Williams is a member of the board of Habitat for Humanity in Forsyth County, NC, campus representative for American Council on Education (ACE) Women’s Network and is appointed by the NC Governor to the NC State Education Assistance Authority (NCSEAA) board. In addition, she is part of a dual career marriage and has been married to her husband, Paul, for 28 years. They are the proud parents of a college senior. It's Easy Son airs on Wednesdays (8pm) and can be viewed on HBCU Smart TV , LinkedIn (@TheHBCUNation) and heard on HBCUiRadio and Soundcloud

HAROLD MILLS is the CEO of VMD Ventures focused on investing in entrepreneurs in a variety of technology and service industries. Mills is also former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZeroChaos,a leading global workforce management company. Mills is attributed with building ZeroChaos from inception to a multi-billion-dollar company with operations in over 56 countries. Prior to ZeroChaos, Mr. Mills held various executive positions in general management and corporate development with leading solutions companies, including, HR technology companies and telecom companies, including AT&T. Mills began his career holding several management positions at GE as a member of one of its fast-track management programs. He serves on the boards of Guidewell/Florida Blue, Nemours Children’s Hospital, Conversus, a Stepstone Company, Orlando Economic Partnership and LIFT Orlando, among others. He is a former director with\Visit Orlando, the Florida Council of 100, Florida A&M University, and past board chair for the Jacksonville Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Florida Citrus Sports. A Henry Crown Fellow and member of the Aspen Institute, Mr. Mills has been honored with many awards including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year; the Peter Yessne Industry Innovator of the Year; HRO Association’s Thought Leader of the Year; Orlando’s Entrepreneur of the Year, and many others. He has been featured in many industry and trade magazines, business journals and other business and trade outlets. Mr. Mills earned a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He resides in Orlando with his wife and three children. It's Easy Son airs on Wednesdays and can be viewed on HBCU Smart TV , LinkedIn (@TheHBCUNation)

Jamaican, Alia Atkinson is a four {5} time Olympian and a myth buster. She is the first person of color to achieve a Swimming World Title! Alia’s indomitable spirit – After the 2012 Olympics Games, Alia felt that she had more to offer the sport of swimming and continued her training at the SOFLO Swim Club with Coach Christopher Anderson Jr. During the next four years she broke the Commonwealth Games record, won her first World Championship Title, tied and broke world records several times along with making history as the 1 st person of colour {regardless of gender} to hold a World Record. She will tell you emphatically that this would not have been possible without her supportive sponsors, coaches and family. In 2016 Alia made her 2 nd consecutive Olympic final as well as defended her World Championship Title and tied her previous world record {another rarity} Alia went on to creating WATABOUND, her way of giving back to not only her community, but all athletes including minorities in the sport that may have a difficult path ahead of them as she did. Doing swim clinics and still swimming, Alia went on to break the 50 short course meter breaststroke world record twice in 2016 and 2018. After her fifth Olympics Alia looked back on her career and realized she did everything she wanted to do in the sport and was content in retiring at the age of 33. In addition to her successful swimming career, Alia who graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology as well as a minor in English, writes children’s short stories and is looking forward to them being published as well as her autobiography that deals with her obstacles and challenges throughout her long career and personal tips for young athletes. Alia sits on the World Aquatic Bureau and holds the Chair for the Athlete Committee She is also the Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and donates to the Jamaica Kidney Kids foundation. Alia was awarded the order of distinction from the Governor General of Jamaica, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the West Indies. Now focusing solely on swim clinics through her foundation AAN, WATABOUND is taking new strides to changing the sport of swimming through her experiences and building confidence of one swimmer at a time. Alia Atkinson OD, LLC

Mr. Gerald Hector talks with special guest, Coach Hue Menzies on #ItsEasySon. Mr. Hues has over 35+ Years Coaching Experience, has served as the Executive Director of Central Florida Kraze/Krush, 2012 - Present, and has over 600+ college player placements and pro leagues. His accolades also includes coaching the NY/NJ Gotham NWSL-Pro League, in 2022, serving as Head Coach of the Jamaica Women's National Team, 2014-2019, awarded the CONCACAF Coach of the Year in 2018 and Technical Director of Jamaica's Women's National Team, 2015 - 2017. In 2011, he brought ECNL to the state of Florida with Central Florida Kraze/Krush. He currently serves as a US Club Board member, US Black Soccer Coaches Executive Committee, the CONCACAF Study group member, and one of the founders and Directors for the Lonestar Soccer Association in Austin, TX. Coach Menzies is the Director of Coaching for the Warrior Soccer Association in Austin, TX and has over 15 years Olympic Development Coaching experience at the National, State & Regional level. He has won several State titles in various age groups, regional and national finalist USYSA and the former Assistant Coach at the University of Texas Women Soccer.

Tony Jenkins is the Market President for the Central Florida region where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance brand visibility and coordinate employee engagement. Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue’s diversity efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as Director of Diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States, and he spent 18 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in Hospitality Management and Human Resources. Under Tony’s leadership in Central Florida, Florida Blue has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, an Outstanding Diverse Organization and a Corporate Philanthropy honoree. Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando Community. He is the past Chair for United Arts of Central Florida and The Florida Commission on Human Relations. He currently serves on the board of Florida Citrus Sports and he is a Board Trustee at Stetson University. Additionally, Tony is the current Chair for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where he also serves as Chair for their DEI Task Force, engaging Orlando’s business leaders across varied industries. Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida's Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and as CEO of the Year. Most recently, he received the publication’s Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an i4 Business Magazine Business Leader of the Year recipient. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga.

The HBCU Nation Radio Show with Host, Anthony Ray and Special Guest, Kenneth Simpson by TheHBCUNation

Courtesy of NASA Kelvin Manning has served as deputy director of NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida since July 2021. In this capacity, Manning shares responsibility with Kennedy Director Janet Petro in managing the Kennedy team of civil service and contractor employees, determining and implementing center policy, and managing and executing Kennedy missions and agency program responsibilities. Manning served as the center’s associate director for more than a decade. In that capacity, he was responsible for ensuring safe and effective execution of the center’s institutional, technical, and business functions, including establishing strategies and policies to ensure alignment of the Kennedy workforce, facilities, and operations to facilitate agency program and project goals. In 1992, Manning began his career at Kennedy and served in a number of positions within the former Shuttle Processing Directorate, including flow director for space shuttle Atlantis, chief engineer (acting) for shuttle upgrades, vehicle manager for space shuttle Columbia, and NASA test director. Later in the Kennedy Constellation Project Office, Manning was selected as the first division chief for NASA’s Orion spacecraft. More recently, he served on the last three NASA Astronaut Candidate Selection Boards. Born in Fort Meade, Maryland, as an “Army brat,” Manning traveled throughout the U.S. and has resided in Texas, New Jersey, Indiana, Hawaii, Illinois, and Maryland. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in Aberdeen, Maryland, Manning went on to obtain his B.S. from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. In addition, Manning has an M.S. in industrial engineering from the University of Central Florida in Orlando and has completed the Senior Executive Fellows Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. As an Air Force officer, Manning served six years as a space operations analyst, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and NORAD Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. Following his military service and prior to joining NASA, Manning was an engineer with General Electric Aerospace, Military and Data Systems Operations, in Springfield, Virginia, and McDonnell Douglas Space Systems Company in Washington, D.C. Manning has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Meritorious Rank Award, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the astronauts' Silver Snoopy Award, National Black Engineer of the Year Award for Outstanding Technical Achievement in Government, NASA Public Service Award, Department of Defense Joint Service Commendation Medal, and National Eagle Scout Association Outstanding Eagle Scout Award.

Dr. Brandy Williams is one of the youngest owners of a pharmacist in Houston. She is a graduate of Texas Southern University and has consistently provided support and scholarship efforts for Texas Southern Students. In 2022, Dr. Williams provided over $100,000 in scholarships to minorities that are interested in medicine. This April, she will open her 2nd pharmacist in Houston and provide job opportunities for students.

Travis L. Williams is the Founder & CEO of HBCU All-Stars LLC, a black-owned sports marketing, events, and media company in Atlanta, GA focused on “Advocating, Educating, Exposing, Mentoring, & Investing in Hard-working, Talented, Ambitious Student-Athletes & Brilliant Coaches at Distinguished Historical Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs)” from across the country. Williams founded the company in 2019 and made history by launching the “First Ever HBCU All-Star Game” on Sunday, April 3, 2022 and ancillary experiences and events surrounding the historical endeavor during the Final Four Weekend and NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament in New Orleans. He also launched the inaugural HBCU All-Stars Pro Day Combine prior to the 2022 HBCU ASG. Over half of 2022 HBCU All-Stars Alums were provided professional opportunities within the NBA, G-League, and Internationally. Coach Williams has been the head men’s basketball coach at two outstanding HBCUs, Tennessee State University and Fort Valley State Universities. Through his company HBCU All-Stars LLC, Williams has contributed over $100,000.00 to the four black college conferences (MEAC, SWAC, CIAA, SIAC), numerous HBCUs, elementary, middle and high schools, and non-profit organizations through College Admission Fairs, Legacy Court Dedication, and Kingsley House’ Community Outreach Initiatives. He’s provided real world experiences and internship opportunities to over 150 plus students interested in the sports industry through his company HBCU All-Stars LLC. Most recently, the first ever ATL Has Something to Say HBCU All-Stars Challenge was held at Morehouse College Forbes Arena on Thursday, November 17th – Saturday, November 19th. He has over 23 successful years of playing and coaching on the NCAA Division I & II and high school levels, with eight years at two prestigious HBCU’s, internationally, semi-pro, as well as academic and athletic consulting experience in both public and private colleges & universities, and high school. Over 30 of Williams’ former players made the “All-Conference Academics Team or Dean’s List”. He has coached over 25 All-Conference and Region Players, more than 25 ALL-Tourney Team Players, 4 All-American Team Players, and over 45 of his former players have played professionally in the NBA, G-league, WBA (World Basketball Association) semi-pro, and internationally overseas. Williams established the “Travis L. Williams Foundation” focused on Educating, Empowering, and Mentoring Youth & Families. In memory of his deceased mother Patricia Ann Williams, he founded “Patricia’s Blessed Closet” providing free clothes, shoes, furniture, books, school supplies, financial assistance, and Scholarship Fund for deserving Tift County High School students attending college. He serves as a board member of the FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) and previously served on the Georgia State University Athletics Hall of Fame Committee and Georgia Sports Hall-of-Fame Committee in Macon, GA. He is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Williams was inducted in his alma mater Tift County High School Inaugural Athletics Hall-of-Fame Class. He is a loyal member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and serves as one of the “Impact Church Lead Organizers” for Kappa Scholarship, and Co-Lead for the “New” Student Center. He is married to Nikkya Williams, a HBCU graduate of Bennett College, and the couple celebrated 15 years of marriage on June 9, 2022. They have two outstanding children, a 11 year old daughter named Teagan Loure’Ann Williams (5th Grade) and a nine year old son named Travis (TJ) Jr (4th Grade). His children attend Ron Clark Academy.

Our Host, Anthony Ray, talks with Mrs. Arnika Frazier-Jackson, Director of Panda Cares Student Professional Development Programs, about the upcoming leadership conference and all things Panda Cares! For the past two years, the Panda Cares Scholars Leadership Conference powered by UNCF, has been held virtually. This March, the interactive and innovative 3-day intense leadership training will return in person in Disney Springs Orlando, Florida. Accepting scholars from various majors including Engineering, Computer Science and Public Health, UNCF and The Panda Cares foundation are excited to meet the 2023 Leadership Scholars and aid in their embarkation to the workforce. Scholars will meet and network with leaders in their desired field of interest, take part in on-site interviews, shadow professionals in non-traditional work environments and more. To learn more about the Panda Cares Scholars Program, go to UNCF.org/PandaCares.http://www.uncf.org/PandaCares This episode can be seen on HBCU Smart TV, HBCUiRadio and social media.