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Dr. Alesia Gillison's powerful journey from track champion to educational leader demonstrates how authentic belief transforms lives and systems. Faith anchors Gillison's approach to both personal challenges and professional leadership. Her powerful statement – "You don't have to prove to me that you're worthy; you're worthy because God made you" – captures the unconditional belief that drives her work with students, especially those society has marginalized. As a former state record-holder who anchored relay teams at Dayton Dunbar High School, Dr. Gillison learned early that "no one can outwork me" – a philosophy that became foundational to her approach in education.

Her unconventional path included a broadcasting career as "the mixtress of melody" at WDAO before a substitute teaching assignment revealed her gift for connecting with students. Using her radio personality to motivate middle schoolers, she caught the attention of a principal who promised to hire her if she earned her teaching license. That pivotal moment redirected her life toward educational leadership that would impact thousands of students.

Throughout leadership positions at Columbus City Schools and now as Assistant Superintendent at Pickerington Local Schools, Gillison has consistently challenged the "belief gap" – the false assumption that urban students, English learners, or special education students cannot achieve at the same level as their suburban peers. At Pickerington, she's doubled diversity in College Credit Plus and Advanced Placement courses by removing barriers and actively inviting historically excluded students into rigorous academic opportunities. "If you believe in them, you're going to invite them in," she explains, demonstrating how intention creates access.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gillison orchestrated extraordinary community partnerships, securing laptops for students and establishing 122 learning sites through faith-based organizations where students could access Wi-Fi. This exemplifies her commitment to "braiding" support around students through interconnected home, school, and community relationships.

Listen to this inspiring conversation about representation, belief, and creating educational environments where all students recognize their inherent worth and potential. Subscribe now to hear more stories about building legacies that transform communities.

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Shawn Harper shares his journey from the south side of Columbus to seven seasons in the NFL carries powerful lessons about purpose, perseverance, and spiritual transformation. With remarkable vulnerability, he shares the exact moment his perspective shifted from external validation to internal purpose: "Sometimes, when we lack identity, we tend to want to develop an image. But God didn't call your image, God called your identity." What separates an image from an identity? Former NFL offensive lineman Shawn Harper reveals the transformative wisdom that changed his life after a devastating career injury threatened everything he'd built.

For young people especially, Shawn offers transformative advice about the relationship between present moments and future momentum: "Focus on the moment, and the moment will generate the momentum." This wisdom helps prevent the common regret of sacrificing meaningful present experiences while blindly pursuing future goals.

As owner of American Services and Protection since 2004 and an international motivational speaker, Shawn has mastered the art of turning adversity into opportunity. His refreshing take on failure—viewing it as "tuition" rather than defeat—challenges conventional thinking. "The greatest teacher is life, and sometimes your greatest friend is failure," he explains, noting that even the most successful entrepreneurs typically face multiple bankruptcies before achieving lasting success.

Shawn introduces listeners to the concept of being a "Winologist"—someone who studies the distinctive mindset and habits of winners. Winners, he explains, learn early to be comfortable standing apart from systems designed for conformity: "I am built to change the system. I'm not built for the system."

What legacy will you leave? Shawn answer is refreshingly simple yet profound: "Live, give, and forgive." Join us for this inspiring conversation that will challenge you to build a legacy that transcends your lifetime and impacts generations to come.

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Shelbi Toone, Community Activist, takes us on a remarkable journey through her evolution as an artist, community organizer, and cultural preservationist in Columbus, Ohio. What began with watching her grandparents honor their elders has blossomed into a multifaceted career dedicated to ensuring Black history and community stories aren't lost to time.

Today, as project lead for the Poindexter Village Museum (soon to be Ohio's 59th historical site), Shelbi is creating her most enduring legacy yet – a space that will preserve African American history in Central Ohio for generations to come. Through her inspiring story, we discover that true legacy isn't just about the art created but the platforms built and stories preserved that might otherwise be lost.

Growing up as what she calls an "art jock," Shelbi brought unique strengths to her creative pursuits – the teamwork, discipline, and practice ethic from basketball and track meshed perfectly with her artistic talents. While many know her vibrant murals around Columbus, fewer understand the deeper purpose driving her work: creating space for underrepresented artists while preserving cultural narratives.

After graduating with her master's degree in 2010 amid economic uncertainty, Shelbi took a leap of faith by starting her own creative services business rather than pursuing traditional employment that didn't align with her passion. This bold move not only launched her career but sparked her commitment to building platforms where other artists could thrive. From founding All People Arts gallery on Columbus' South Side to establishing the Walt Neal Mural League, she's consistently created opportunities specifically for Black artists who historically lacked access to public art commissions.

Perhaps most fascinating is the story behind her signature "new peace symbol" and the evolution of her artist name "Peace Shelbi." What began as a personal journey to find peace transformed into a powerful artistic statement that "peace begins with you" – a philosophy she's integrated into virtually every artwork for over a decade.

Want to support Shelbi's work? Visit shel10.com to learn about Columbus' Black history and explore poindextervillagemuseum.org to follow the museum's development.

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Coach Stan Jackson, who has a wealth of experience both playing for Ohio State and now coaching at Westerville North HS, emphasizes that the values learned in sports—that accountability, hard work, and competition—carry over into every aspect of life. Coach Stan Jackson shares his journey through sports, weaving in practical wisdom that every athlete and parent should hear. He openly discusses the pitfalls of "Daddy Ball" and highlights how crucial it is for young athletes to earn their positions through genuine competition.

He draws on poignant experiences as a player and a father, reflecting on how he juggles responsibilities as a coach while ensuring his children are held to the same standards he expects from his players. Jackson encourages listeners to foster a culture where children understand the significance of hard work and commitment, rather than relying on favoritism. As youth athletes navigate the changing landscape of sports, especially in today’s competitive environment of scholarships and recruitment, he stresses proactive approaches parents should take.

Tune in for insightful stories and advice that provide a blueprint for building character and competence in young athletes. With Coach Jackson's commitment to mentoring, he inspires future generations to become warriors in life and sport. Join us, and if you find value in what you hear, share your thoughts, subscribe and leave a review!

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On this episode, Shirley Rogers-Reece, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience accrued over 34 years in the McDonald's Corporation. Her unique insights into corporate culture, mentorship, and the power of legacy are invaluable. Shirley shares about her remarkable path—from working her way up through the ranks in the U.S. to becoming a pivotal force in expanding McDonald's operations in Indonesia.

Shirley recounts her family's encouragement to pursue bold career opportunities, including her transition to managing multiple restaurants overseas. Hear her touching stories about the lessons learned through her son’s initial struggles with the move and how a simple meal at McDonald's changed everything for him. These anecdotes reflect her belief that success isn't just about business outcomes—it's about nurturing relationships and overcoming adversity as a family.

Throughout the conversation, Shirley emphasizes the importance of developing skills that prepare the next generation for a bright future. She shares practical advice on financial literacy and the significance of building wealth sustainably. Shirley's mantra that "success is a journey always under construction" will resonate with anyone striving for personal growth and community impact.

Listening to her journey not only inspires us to value mentorship and community service but also encourages us to define our legacies through the lives we touch and the support we give each other. Join us in discovering how to balance professional aspirations with personal commitments, all while lifting others as we rise.

Be sure to tune in and share your thoughts! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help spread the wisdom and inspiration from Shirley’s incredible story.

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Black History Icon: Catherine Willis is a member of the Columbus, Ohio Hall of Fame, and her legacy extends far beyond her accomplishments. She co-founded Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (F.A.C.E.) nearly 50 years ago, introducing children to the art and culture of Africa and African Americans. Catherine's passion is to encourage minority students to explore their musical talents. As the founder of Urban Strings, she provides opportunities for young people to develop their skills and love for music. And as Co-Founder of the Helen Jenkins Davis Scholarship Lunch Bunch, she helps make college education a reality for minority students. Catherine’s impact on the community extends far beyond her organizations. She received the prestigious Harrison M. Sayre Award from Columbus Foundation in 2020, recognizing her commitment to empowering African American students in Columbus City Schools.

With a deep-rooted commitment to nurturing young talent, Catherine emphasizes the power of community support, education, and faith in transforming lives. Hear firsthand how her upbringing in a supportive village environment and the lessons learned from her mother, a dedicated teacher, fueled her life's mission to empower underserved children.

Catherine Willis an over 50 year member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. In this episode, learn about the collaborative efforts that have turned these dreams into reality, showcasing the incredible achievements of young talents like Tristan Davis and Red Coltrane Ingram. Catherine's story is a testament to the importance of representation in the arts and the cultural enrichment these initiatives bring to communities.

Celebrate a legacy of service and empowerment as Catherine shares touching anecdotes about former students who have thrived under her mentorship. From a Juilliard graduate making waves in the arts to a plumber inspired by small gestures of kindness, the ripple effect of her work is undeniable. This episode honors her faith-driven journey and the lasting impact of community support, leaving listeners inspired by the profound legacy of empowerment she's built.

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Music Producer, Job Clarkson describes the seven essential mindsets that can lead to a lasting legacy. As a multifaceted artist and the visionary behind the Heart of Job Foundation, Job captivates us with his journey from collaborating with music icons like Ludacris and Rick Ross to founding his own record label, Black Box Entertainment. He shares personal anecdotes that emphasize the importance of making every moment count and reveals how an oversight with TI taught him the value of seizing opportunities. Through an interactive exercise, we reflect on how believing in dreams, leading with passion, and taking accountability can transform our lives and build a sense of community.

We explore the profound impact of passion, accountability, and gratitude on achieving true fulfillment. Job's insights underscore that happiness comes from pursuing what you love, not just chasing financial success. He recounts how honesty in a difficult situation led to a pivotal opportunity and discusses how adversity can be a catalyst for gratitude and resilience. As we wrap up, we're reminded of the importance of recognizing early chances, like becoming a YouTube partner, and acting with intention. Join us in embedding these mindsets into daily life, as we promise they will bring significant positive changes and help in crafting your own lifelong legacy.

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Christian Johnson and Northland High School student Caden Gadjigo share how they turned their passions into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. Christian reveals her evolution from crafting greeting cards to becoming a business co-founder of ABC Black Iconic Figures, driven by a thirst for autonomy and a deep commitment to education. Meanwhile, Columbus Northland high school senior Caden shares how a simple sketch set him on a journey to fashion entrepreneurship and creation of his Creatively Guided Attire clothing brand . Together, they offer a wealth of insight and inspiration for anyone on a similar entrepreneurial quest.

In this engaging episode, we also discover how Christian's initiative, ABC Black Iconic Figures, born from the challenges of 2020, aims to empower black and brown students through representation and diverse role models. We explore the vital role of business connections and mentorship in shaping careers, as Christian and Caden recount their experiences with organizations like MBK and Columbus Fashion Alliance. Through their stories, listeners will find valuable lessons on the importance of authenticity, hard work, and perseverance in building a lasting legacy in the creative design world.

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