Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

Ralph Smithers Jr., journey from northeast Columbus through Mifflin High School and Ohio State University reveals the power of unexpected paths. Despite being a self-described "C student" and late bloomer physically (just 5'3" and 103 pounds in 9th grade), Ralph found his calling through service and relationship-building. Now leading inclusion, belonging and community engagement at Encova Insurance, he demonstrates how cultivating authentic connections creates ripple effects far beyond what we might imagine.

The conversation takes us through Ralph's foundational influences—parents dedicated to public service, a strong church community that anchored his faith, and the life-changing scholarship that allowed him to graduate debt-free and later create the "Bucking the Trends" scholarship for others.

What happens when your name is mentioned in a room you're not in? For Ralph Smithers Jr., this question represents the essence of personal legacy. "I hope that you know if my name is spoken in a place that I'm not at, it'll at minimum bring a smile to someone's face or it'll bring like 'hey, that's someone we can trust,'" he shares in this deeply reflective conversation on building a lasting impact.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Ralph's reflections on legacy-building beyond accolades. His approach to board service intentionally stretches him beyond comfort zones, allowing him to discover new passions while bringing diverse perspectives to each table. "I hope that people would say he saw things in me that I didn't see in myself, and as a result, my life is better," he says, capturing the essence of servant leadership.

Ready to rethink how you're building your own legacy? Join us for this conversation that will challenge you to consider: What will people say when your name is mentioned after you've left the room?

Support the show

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

Angela Pace powerful story weaves through the nurturing community of Columbus's historic Poindexter Village (the "Blackberry Patch") where three generations of women taught her about determination and sacrifice. With candid warmth and infectious humor, she shares how her grandmother and mother instilled in her a love of learning, proper English, and unwavering faith that would become the foundation of her broadcasting career.

One teacher's belief changed everything. When Angela Pace's sixth-grade teacher drove her home and told her mother, "This girl needs to go to college," a new path opened for a young girl from Poindexter Village who had never imagined higher education as part of her future.

The journey wasn't smooth. Angela reveals the heartbreaking challenges she faced – from her mother's death during her high school years to experiencing blatant racism as a young reporter in Newark, where police officials deliberately withheld stories from the "little Black girl with a teeny weeny 'fro." Yet for every obstacle, Angela encountered champions who recognized her talent and created opportunities, including former teachers who literally drove her to Capital University to help her re-enroll after she had to drop out to support her siblings.

Her broadcasting career brought extraordinary experiences – covering Princess Diana's funeral, reporting from the Nagano Olympics, and even meeting Nelson Mandela. But Angela's greatest pride comes from connecting with the Columbus community and inspiring younger journalists who tell her, "I want to be Angela Pace." Now honored as one of Columbus's Top 50 Icons, Angela doesn't see herself as a trailblazer but as "encouragement and maybe hope" for all the other kids from neighborhoods like hers.

What does legacy mean to Angela Pace? It's "doing something that somebody will remember, hopefully for all the right reasons." Listen now to discover how faith, mentorship, and perseverance shaped a broadcasting legend whose grandmother "prayed her through college" and whose story continues to inspire generations.

Support the show

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

As President and CEO of the Ohio Black Expo, Sherri Hamilton brings a fascinating blend of technical expertise and community vision that's reshaping how we think about empowerment. Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

From her early days taking apart electronics as a curious child to her groundbreaking work as a programmer analyst in the Air Force during Desert Storm, Sherri's journey reveals how STEM skills can become powerful tools for community transformation. Enjoy this powerful episode.

The conversation takes us through Sherri's upbringing in Columbus during the 70s and 80s, where a strong "village" of family, church, and community members shaped her values. She candidly shares what it was like being often the only Black woman in technological spaces, and how that experience drives her passion for creating pathways for the next generation through initiatives like youth STEM programs and partnerships with COSI.

What's truly inspiring is how Sherri approaches community building - rejecting competition in favor of collaboration, focusing on amplifying rather than overshadowing others' work. Under her leadership, the Ohio Black Expo has become far more than an annual event; it's a comprehensive platform addressing critical challenges facing Black businesses and providing youth with transformative opportunities.

The wisdom Sherri shares about legacy-building resonates deeply: "When I think about legacy, I think about my parents. Is what I'm doing making them proud? Is what I'm doing walking in God's will? Am I doing things that help people or am I doing things that hurt people?" Her powerful mantra - "The best way to predict your future is to create it" - serves as both challenge and inspiration.

Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

Support the show