Join our hosts Leah and Tiara, along with their esteemed guests, Michelle Barron from Dress for Success Buffalo and Latisha Randle from Say Yes Buffalo, for a thought-provoking discussion on empowerment and overcoming challenges.

In this episode, you'll discover:

- Leah's personal journey with Buffalo Future, her career aspirations, and the importance she places on both educational goals and spiritual growth.

- Insightful conversations with Michelle Barron and Latisha Randle on their work to support women's self-sufficiency and youths in foster care.

- Strategies for effective networking and professional advancement, focusing on preparation, research, and follow-up.

- The role of mentorship, the power of a supportive network, and facing setbacks as pathways to growth emphasized by our hosts and guests.

In this empowering episode, we honor Women's History Month by spotlighting the contributions of influential women in the community. Our hosts, Leah and Tiara Parker, join guests Stephanie Peete and Dymone Barnwell to delve into various topics impacting today's society.

- Celebrating influential women’s impact on our lives, with nods to historical figures and personal role models like mothers and public figures.

- Exploring the double-edged sword of social media’s influence on young women, its pressures, and its inspirational potential.

- A candid discussion on the additional challenges black women face in professional settings and the importance of fair compensation and opportunity navigation.

- Introducing guest insights from Stephanie Peete of Say Yes, Buffalo, and Dymone Barnwell of the Black Mental Health Response Team, focusing on community upliftment and mental health initiatives.

- Reflections on individual definitions of success, navigating societal pressures, and the importance of aligning personal and career goals with one's values and well-being.

In this episode hosts Leah and Jamall are joined by guest Shai Fears to discuss the impact of arts and cultural programs in the community. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by young individuals and the significance of transparency and encouragement in their development.

They also get to sit down with Alexandria, from the Buffalo Futures Youth Council and discuss the upcoming Black Love Poetry Slam!

- Importance of setting realistic goals and staying true to oneself

- Uncovering gifts and talents, and pushing towards passions

- Emphasis on transparency and encouragement for youth facing challenges

- Role of pastors in the black community

- Upcoming "Black Love Poetry Slam" event and its significance

Join us on this inspiring journey of poetry and empowerment in our latest Buffalo Futures Podcast featuring Marquis Burton, also known as the poet Ten Thousand. Discover how poetry can be a tool for change and personal growth.

- Witness how Marquis Burton's life experiences shaped his poetic voice and hear his compelling advice for aspiring poets.

- Learn about the competitive world of poetry slams and how poets prepare for these heart-pounding events.

- Hear Tiara Parker's moving story of triumph as a young mother, her growth through Buffalo Futures, and her dedication to the youth of Buffalo.

- Explore how Buffalo Futures uses poetry and community support to challenge the status quo and create a resilient black community in Buffalo.

- Enjoy a spontaneous spoken word performance by Marquis Burton, showcasing the raw emotion and talent that poetry can channel.

In this episode of Buffalo Futures Podcast, the conversation delves into the importance of youth support, personal growth, and the impact of giving back.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The significance of programs like Buffalo Futures in providing opportunities for youth outside of their household influences.

2. The importance of involving parents, teachers, and trusted advisors in guiding youth towards available resources.

3. The need for better support for youth from donors, emphasizing personal interaction and involvement.

4. The mission of helping disconnected youth be connected, including providing support for mental health, jobs, and pathways.

5. The significance of representation and diversity in professional settings and creating leadership opportunities for young people of color.