The 13th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball Dr. Patrick Oates, Senior Vice President at EMSCO Scientific Inc., and Richard Lee Snow, Regional Development Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region at UNCF, join me to discuss the upcoming 13th Annual UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball—a premier fundraising event aiming to raise $1 million to support Philadelphia-area students in their pursuit of higher education.
📅 Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
📍 Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, 1200 Filbert Street
⏰ Time: 6 PM - 10 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
🔗 More Info: UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball
📞 Contact: Carolyn Starling Love – (215) 925-9044 | carolyn.starling-love@uncf.org
📲 Follow & Support:
Instagram: @uncf_philly
Facebook: UNCF Delaware Valley  

Spirit: A New Docuseries Premiering on Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity Next, I’m joined by Matt Howley, award-winning director, producer, and partner at The WorkShop Content Studios, to discuss Spirit—a compelling new docuseries following the inspiring journey of the George Washington High School cheer team in Philadelphia. Produced in partnership with Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media, The WorkShop Content Studios, and FreshFly, Spirit highlights resilience, teamwork, and breaking barriers.
📅 Premiere Date: February 27, 2025
📺 Where to Watch:

• Comcast’s Black Experience on Xfinity (Channel 1622)
• Xfinity X1, Flex, and Xumo Stream Box
• Xumo Play (a free ad-supported streaming TV app)

📲 Follow for Updates:
🔗 Comcast’s Official Announcement
🐦 Twitter (X): @Comcast, @BlackExperience
📷 Instagram: @BlackExperienceOnXfinity
To support the team, visit: George Washington High School Cheer Team  

UPenn Upward Bound: Preparing First-Generation Students for College
Finally, I speak with a group of highly motivated students from UPenn’s Upward Bound program, which provides afterschool and summer college prep for students at Sayre, Overbrook, West Philadelphia, and Parkway West High Schools. We’re also joined by:

• Joann Gonzalez-Generals, Director of UPenn’s Upward Bound Program
• Macy Smith, Associate Director of UPenn’s Upward Bound Program
• Pamela Edwards, Executive Director of VPSE, Office of the Vice Provost at the University of Pennsylvania

🔗 Learn more: UPenn Upward Bound    

For 35 years, The Beech Companies and the Alston-Beech Foundation have supported North Philadelphia nonprofits, funding housing, education, mentorship, and essential services. Under Dr. Kenneth Scott’s leadership, Beech has awarded 500+ grants and leveraged $2 billion in community reinvestment funds. As funding challenges grow, Beech remains a vital resource for the city’s most vulnerable. Today, we speak with Dr. Kenneth Scott, President & CEO, about Beech’s impact, its role in supporting nonprofits, and the future of community funding.
🔗 Learn more

Breaking Free: Addressing Tobacco Use in the LGBT+ Community
While tobacco use has declined in many populations, some groups—like the LGBT+ community—continue to be disproportionately affected due to targeted advertising and misleading campaigns by the tobacco industry. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking. We discuss their campaign, "If I Can Quit Smoking, So Can You," as well as an influencer-driven initiative designed to support LGBT+ individuals on their journey to quitting.
💡 Did you know? People who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good! 🔗 Resources:
📸 Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
🌐 Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org


Living Without Limits: A Conversation with Dominque Howse
When I sat down for a Zoom call with Dominque Howse, I was surprised to learn she was joining us from London. As it turns out, she has built a life that takes her across the globe. Her journey is a testament to resilience in the face of tragedy, bold adventurousness, and the powerful lesson that embracing the present moment can unlock a life without limits.
🌍 Follow Dominque’s Journey:
📸 Instagram: @FreedomAhora
📘 Facebook: Dominque Howse
💼 LinkedIn: Dominque Howse
✨ Inspired by "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
📖 Learn more: EckhartTolle.com  

Breaking Free: Addressing Tobacco Use in the LGBT+ Community
While tobacco use has declined in many populations, some groups—like the LGBT+ community—continue to be disproportionately affected due to targeted advertising and misleading campaigns by the tobacco industry. I speak with Ryan Coffman, Tobacco Policy and Control Program Manager at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about effective strategies to quit smoking. We discuss their campaign, "If I Can Quit Smoking, So Can You," as well as an influencer-driven initiative designed to support LGBT+ individuals on their journey to quitting.
💡 Did you know? People who call 1-800-QUIT-NOW are up to four times more likely to quit for good!
🔗 Resources:
📸 Instagram: @P00h0lpublichealth
🌐 Website: www.gethealthyphilly.org


Living Without Limits: A Conversation with Dominque Howse
When I sat down for a Zoom call with Dominque Howse, I was surprised to learn she was joining us from London. As it turns out, she has built a life that takes her across the globe. Her journey is a testament to resilience in the face of tragedy, bold adventurousness, and the powerful lesson that embracing the present moment can unlock a life without limits.
🌍 Follow Dominque’s Journey:
📸 Instagram: @FreedomAhora
📘 Facebook: Dominque Howse
💼 LinkedIn: Dominque Howse
✨ Inspired by "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
📖 Learn more: EckhartTolle.com    

The Sweetest Season: Girl Scout Cookies Are Back! I sit down with Amanda Harrity, Director of Product Program for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP), to talk about one of the most exciting times of the year—the return of Girl Scout Cookies! From January 16th through March 9th, Girl Scouts across Eastern Pennsylvania will be selling cookies in-person, door-to-door, at local booths, and online. But this isn’t just about cookies—it’s about empowering young entrepreneurs. Through this program, Girl Scouts develop essential skills like goal setting, money management, and business ethics. Plus, 100% of the proceeds stay local, directly supporting Girl Scout programs and initiatives in our community. Craving your favorite cookies and looking to support a great cause? Let’s dive in!
🔗 Find cookies near you & learn more: gsep.org/cookies
📲 Follow GSEP for updates and inspiration:
📸 Instagram: @girlscoutsepenn
📘 Facebook: GirlScoutsEPenn
▶️ YouTube: GirlScoutsEPenn
💼 LinkedIn: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania  

Today, it’s all about love! 💕 First, if you're looking for a unique and heartfelt Valentine’s Day gift, we’ve got you covered. Members of the Pine Barons Barbershop Chorus join us to share their Singing Valentine’s Program, a special initiative delivering live serenades, chocolates, a rose, and tickets to their Spring Show—all to spread love through music. Representing the newly formed quartet InVersion, we welcome Eric Herr (PR), John Tsigounis (Lead, Logistics Consultant), Patrick Casey (Tenor), Larry Melton (Baritone, Educator), and Gary Holberg (Bass, Auto Mechanic)—bringing over 90 years of barbershop harmony experience. Want to surprise someone with a Singing Valentine? Reserve your spot for February 13, 14, or 15 at www.pinebarons.org or call 856-246-5066.

Then, I’m re-airing a very special interview—one I recorded ten years ago with my husband, Gilberto Gonzalez, before we were married. After 17 years together, we tied the knot five years ago during the COVID pandemic, in front of a small, socially distanced group, with the rest joining via livestream. Funny enough, I didn’t think making it official would change much—but I was wrong. Maybe it’s the weight of the vows or the symbolism of an unbreakable commitment, but as strong as our love was before, it’s even deeper and richer now. Tune in for music, memories, and a whole lot of love! 🎶❤️  

I speak with Dr. Jessica H. Beard, a trauma surgeon, researcher, and advocate for ethical reporting on gun violence. Dr. Beard, an Associate Professor of Surgery at Temple University and Director of Trauma Research, discusses her groundbreaking study on harmful news reporting of community firearm violence (CFV). Her research highlights how media coverage can exacerbate trauma and perpetuate racial disparities. We explore the role of journalism in shaping public perception and how evidence-based reporting can drive meaningful change.
🔗 Learn more: PCGVR | Temple Health | Dr. Beard on BlueSky

First, I’m joined by Nile Blass, a dedicated community organizer and political strategist with a passion for youth engagement and social equity. A Georgetown alumna, Nile has worked at the intersection of grassroots organizing and policy strategy, helping individuals and communities build power through advocacy and relational organizing.As we navigate a pivotal political moment—from ongoing confirmation hearings to executive orders and national events—Nile shares insights on what this time demands from us and how everyday people can engage in effective opposition

.🔗 Follow Nile Blass:

• Bluesky: @backwardriver.bsky.social
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nblass

Today, I’m speaking with Vernon Ray, founder of Shoot Cameras, Not Guns, a movement using photography to inspire and uplift communities. Vernon’s work empowers young people to choose creativity over violence, turning the lens into a tool for change. Let’s dive into his journey and the impact of his mission.
Instagram: @allmoneyshots

Creating Inclusive Spaces for Individuals with Autism
Fostering equity and accessibility means creating environments where everyone feels welcome. At Comcast, this mission has come to life through the development of a sensory-friendly room—designed to support individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities. Christina Wong, Comcast’s Executive Director and Producer of Experiential Content, joins us in studio to share how this initiative was developed in collaboration with partners like the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), The Arc of Philadelphia, and Southpaw Enterprises. Learn more: Comcast Center Campus Accessibility.


Navigating Senior Living with Confidence
Planning for senior living can feel overwhelming, but it’s a vital step toward a secure and fulfilling future. Brian Kersey, Marketing & Sales Director at Foulkeways at Gwynedd—a premier continuing care retirement community rooted in Quaker values—joins us to discuss the importance of life planning, the benefits of senior living communities, and how to make informed decisions for yourself or your loved ones. Discover more: www.foulkeways.org.


Rethinking Food Insecurity: Hunger in Unexpected Places
When you think of food insecurity, Philadelphia often comes to mind—it’s the big city with the highest poverty rate. But hunger exists in places you might not expect, including communities like Narberth and Lower Merion. In this episode, we revisit an insightful conversation with Ben Hearn, Board President of the Narberth Community Food Bank, to discuss the challenges of food insecurity in suburban areas and how the organization is making a difference. Learn more: narberthcommunityfoodbank.org
Follow them: Instagram: @narberth_food_bank | Facebook: Narberth Community Food Bank