• S2 Ep2 Awele Ideal - An abused child, now a lawyer Championing Human Rights!
    Oct 5 2022

    In this conversation, we explore the tenacity of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness in terms of self-growth and impact through the life and story of Awele Ideal.

    #Changemaker Awele Ideal was physically and mentally abused as a child. Locked up for days without food or water. She endured many hardships but was determined to succeed despite the odds again. At the age of 10, she set her intention to prioritise her education.

    She shares how she focused her intentions and how she coped. Awele's story of forgiveness is incredible..... Her Full Name - AWELECHUKWUKAUMEMMA  IDEALLA ELUAKA (Nee  EKEUGBAH) AWELECHUKWUKAUMEMMA means God's divine favor is greater than human strength.

    IDEALLA….. A person that is regarded as perfect, ideal, unique, peculiar, and real.

    Awele's words - "Your life is what you make of it"

    AWELE IDEAL Esq. is an Asaba-based Legal Practitioner,  human and Child Rights Advocate, Chartered Arbitrator, and Mediator who battled many childhood odds to carve a niche for herself in the legal profession. 

    She was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in 2011, on completion of the Nigerian Law School. 

    Awele Ideal holds an LLM from the University of Benin, an LLB from the Delta State University, and a Diploma in Accounting from the same university.

    She currently leads a thriving legal practice as the Principal Partner in Chambers of Ideal Chambers, Asaba, Delta State. She is perfecting skills she learned in her years of tutelage at the Delta State Ministry of Justice as Counsel in the Civil Litigation Department and pupillage in the law firms Chike Onyemenam SAN, and George-Ann Chambers, also in Asaba.  

    Her vibrant courtroom advocacy and litigation successes find expression in the several civil and criminal cases she has won. She is a first choice for handling many International Federation of Women Lawyers, (FIDA) pro bono cases for indigent persons, especially oppressed women and Children.

    Following the death of a Benue youngster, Ochanya Elizabeth Ogbanje from sexual violence, Awele singlehandedly organized a rally in Asaba to condemn sexual violence against women and children in November 2018. She founded Ideal Child Foundation in 2019 to pursue similar goals. She was recently made a member of the Delta State Child Rights Implementation Committee. 

    “I am grateful for being blessed with generous mentors and I have experienced exciting and rewarding private legal practice covering vast aspects of Nigerian Law, including Land Law and Property Management, Commercial Law and Intellectual Property as well as Criminal Law since I began my law firm in 2015,” Awele enthused about her legal career so far. 

    An honest go-getter, Awele is self-motivated and sometimes uncomfortably blunt. A ready volunteer. She is the Secretary of the Ladies Section of the Ibori Golf and Country Club, Asaba, and a mother of three beautiful girls.

    Awele’s personal story should be an inspiration to challenge young people that there is enormous strength in never surrendering.

    She is the founder of the Ideal Child Foundation, supporting children in Nigeria. 

    Connect and follow Awele: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/awele-ide... Facebook -  Awele Ideal Instagram - Awele Ideal Twitter - Awele_Ideal1

    Love and light

    Ed Dudley & Charmaine Soobramoney #iamthechangeandfree #weareconnected #ubuntuconnected #AweleChukwukaumemma #WomanInLaw #Motherhood

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • S1 Ep 15 Christi Wigle - Are you MAD - (Making A Difference)?
    Aug 31 2022

    According to #Changemaker Christi Wigle investing in others is one of the greatest investments we will ever make. Making a difference is what fuels Christi, the CEO, and Co-founder of United Against Slavery. She has worked on the frontlines of anti-human trafficking work for 13 years, serving in leadership and survivor advocacy for sex and labor trafficking survivors. Drawing upon two decades of business and product development experience, she created an innovative methodology to perform comprehensive frontline research and data collection, using a Collaborative Research Model. Christi co-founded United Against Slavery in 2014 as a research organization to identify and document the challenges faced by more than 20 stakeholder groups here in the United States and around the globe and to help confirm what is and isn’t working in counter-trafficking work.

    Christi developed the National Outreach Survey, a tool designed to collect and disseminate comprehensive frontline data on all types of human trafficking to inform research, programming, evaluation, and other functions of the counter-trafficking community. The UAS team has worked with more than 50 professionals from 22 countries to identify challenges and recommendations from the frontlines, which has helped inform the survey questions on the NOS.

    Under her leadership, UAS launched two pilot studies, a National Outreach Survey for Flight Attendants in early 2020, and plans to launch the 2021 National Outreach Survey for Transportation, upon receiving the first-ever US Department of Transportation Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award.  She serves on the Transportation Research Board Human Trafficking in Transportation Common Interest Group Steering Committee, the Alliance 8.7 Communications Engagement, and Advocacy Group, and as Co-Chair of the United Against Slavery Judicial Working Group. In addition, Christi serves as a Board Member for multiple non-profit organizations. Christi shares interesting insights and awareness which can help keep us safe.

    This conversation highlights how easily one can be recruited into the trafficking world and illustrated that any of us can be a victim of trafficking. Knowledge, awareness, and advocacy are required to highlight the risk so people can detect the red flags and can avoid being lured into these trafficking situations.   According to Christi, prevention is the best form of anti-trafficking and recommends keeping the doors of communication open with children.  According to Christi, prevention is the best form of anti-trafficking and recommends keeping the doors of communication open with our children. She emphasizes the power of words and subtle questions. She recommends light-heartedness and creating a safe space to share!

    A must-listen for all of us, parents, kids, as this awareness talk can save lives.......... To know more about Christi and her organization: https://www.unitedagainstslavery.org/

    Please note – that this conversation was pre-recorded, references to currency conversions, etc will not be accurate at the date of release.

    Thank you for stopping by Love and light! ED and Charmaine

    #UbuntuConnectED #IamTheChangeAndFree #weareconnected #NOST #CollaborativeTeamwork #GoImpactChange

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • S1 Ep14 Dr. Sandra K. Johnson - A hidden Figure - Inspiring and Influencing Globally
    Aug 18 2022

    #changemaker Dr. Sandra K. Johnson, the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering (high-performance computing).

    An American who was born in Japan and traveled extensively and has visited 22 countries in Africa. Dr. Johnson is high-spirited with a great sense of humor. She shares her journey, insights, and inspiration behind obtaining her Ph.D. She speaks about the "research" of Dr. William Shockley. She illustrates through her journey that the best form of revenge is a success.

    This is a must-listen, there are learnings for all of us. According to Dr. Johnson "You Are the Captain of Your Ship"

    Sandra K. Johnson is the Founder & CEO, of Global Mobile Finance, Inc., a fintech startup company in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. It has developed geeRemit, a relationship-driven remittance mobile app for Africa. She is also the Founder of SKJ Vi-sioneering, LLC, a technology consulting company, a Visiting Scholar at North Carolina A&T State University, and an Independent Director on the Board of Directors for the Regional Management Corporation. She has obtained many firsts in her 30+ year technology career. She had a 26-year IBM career, including serving as the CTO, of IBM Central, East, and West Africa. She is a Master Inventor with over 40 pending and issued patents and over 80 technical publications. Dr. John-son earned B.S. (summa cum laude), M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering, from Southern University, Stanford University, and Rice University, respectively. She is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). She is also an IEEE Fellow and an ACM Distinguished Engineer.

    To know more about Dr. Johnson:

    https://globalmobilefinance.com

    https://www.sandrakjohnson.com

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq0zpHPBq1Y

    Thank you for stopping by Love and light! ED Dudley & Charmaine Soobramoney #UbuntuConnectED #IAmTheChangeAndFree #weareconnected #fintech #startups #blockchain

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • S1 Ep 13 Aladia Mahomed - ”A Woman with a Voice is By Definition a Strong Woman”
    Aug 17 2022

    `A Woman with a Voice is By Definition a Strong Woman' - Aladia Mahomed Aladia is an activist who shares her journey to empower women to find their voices. She was forced to start her business during the Covid pandemic and has since received global recognition as a successful entrepreneur of the year. Aladia calls herself a victor and not a survivor.

    There are insights and lessons for both men and women. Today, the 9th of August 2022, being Women’s Day in South Africa, ED pays a tribute to women across the globe.

    Aladia also runs the Each one Help One campaign to assist women that are going through Gender Based Violence(GBV) and domestic violence. Aladia can be reached on Facebook and Instagram or telephonically at +27 (0) 789124011 T

    hank you for stopping by Love and light!

    ED and Charmaine #UbuntuConnectED

    #IamTheChangeAndFree #weareconnected #StrongerTogether #ChooseLife #UseYourVoice #GBv #womensday #changemaker

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • S1 Ep12 J. Dwayne Garnett - The Love Advocate
    Aug 1 2022

    J. Dwayne Garnett, the multi-talented Love Advocate and founder of Love Is A Parable joined us in the Ubuntu House.

    Dwayne's mission is to help people identify their core values and triggers through their valued-based programs. Knowing who we are is critical to living a fulfilled, meaningful and purpose-driven life. Dwayne takes us on an interesting journey of purpose and self-discovery. The cherry on the top was listening to him sing.

    As a youth, Garnett developed an affinity with words. This entanglement of attraction grew from a mere infatuation to an obsession, spawning an incubator of protection, interest, and tranquility from a world of crime, violence, drugs, and immorality. He believes words are phenomenal; with music they become song; with the rhythm they become poetry; collectively or individually they make statements that portray, provoke, and induce life. Most importantly, he believes that words are an outlet and the canvas of positive creative expression.

    He experienced a life inundated with negative stereotypes and unconstructive growth, thus he sought out a means to channel the pessimism he incurred. He found this outlet by performing with Creative Impressions, a performance group of distinction. There, at the age of 14 he became a motivational speaker and poet as well as a singer, dancer, and actor. He believes his entire experience was subscripted with words and largely saved his life! Now, he is ready to share the power of words to save others who have been plagued with negativity, looseness, and cancellations of dreams, hope and/or life.

    His affinity grew from the love of the Spoken Word to that of the Living Word; which led Garnett to obtain his credentials as a licensed and ordained Pastor. In addition to ministry, Garnett has more than 20 years of experience in Higher Education and is committed to motivating and mentoring individuals of all ages to obtain and sustain effective life management skills, as well as provide services for troubled and/or “at-risk” youth. A continuation of this desire led to the creation of Altar and Dwelling Place Inc., a nonprofit that promotes character, Social, Leadership Development, and is the home of the "Love Is A Parable" initiative. This initiative is designed to provide love education, love advocacy, and love wellness, in an attempt to encourage others to perpetuate love through random acts of kindness.

    J. Dwayne is the author of:

    “Ampersands and Commas: Love Is Communicating”,

    “Ephphatha, Love Is A Parable Reflection Manual: Open to Love”,

    "Random Thoughts".

    His motto is “everyone has the ability to experience change in a single thought.”

    Website https://loveisaparable.com/

    Thank you for stopping by: Love and light Ed & Charmaine

    #ubuntuconnected #iamthechangeandfree #weareconnected #loveisaparable #healingforward #truthispetty

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    1 hr
  • S1 Ep10 with Jermaine Stanley - Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Expert
    Jul 20 2022

    #Changemaker Jermaine M. Stanley, CISA, CDPSE Stanley was in the Ubuntu House. He is a Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) expert. Jermaine's mission is to keep the DEI conversation alive as DEI still matters.

     

    https://lnkd.in/dKUz2zhP

     

    Jermaine and the co-hosts shared their personal stories. This affirmed how much work is needed in this space, especially in the USA.

     

    The conversation highlighted the influence of AI in the DEI space, the benefits when DEI is embraced in organizations, the impact of unconscious biases, and the need for safe spaces to encourage and have transparent authentic conversations to influence and drive meaningful DEI outcomes.

     

    The concept of belonging was explored in this conversation.

     

    The concept of code-switching was explained as the need to fit in and belong

     

    Jermaine referenced the movie Coded Bias and recommends the viewing of this movie.

     

    Jermaine is a Cybersecurity, Information Technology (IT), and Risk Advisory leader with more than 25 years of experience working with Financial Services, Technology, Insurance, Non-Profit, and Government organizations. He is a thought leader in the industry, advising clients on complex IT Audit and Cybersecurity matters. In addition to being a member of the One in Tech Foundation Board of Directors, Jermaine also serves as a Board member for the ISACA Greater Washington DC Chapter (GWDC) where he is Vice President. More importantly, Jermaine is a strong technology leader with a reputation for building teams, mentoring, and has a passion for creating Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive (DEI) cultures, who strives to help leaders build, launch and lead initiatives that promote DEI within their organizations. Jermaine holds a Master's degree in Software Engineering, a Bachelor's of Science in Electrical Engineering, CISA and CDPSE certifications, and holds a certification in Overcoming Unconscious Bias.

     

    Jermaine’s website:

    https://lnkd.in/dGAg9PZ7

     

    The Ubuntu Connect-ED mission is to create awareness through storytelling that promotes and encourages self-reflection, awareness, curiosity, and knowledge that drives and promotes positive outcomes.

     

    Watch or listen https://lnkd.in/d8xn24_C

     

    Where awareness, desire, knowledge and forgiveness live a kinder world will be. Thank you for journeying with us

     

    Good morning, good day, goodnight world. #BeKind to yourself

     

    Much #Love

    #TheUbuntuFamily

    Edward Dudley & Charmaine Soobramoney

     

    #TheUbuntuWay #WeareconnectED #UbuntuConnectED 

    #IamTheChangeAndFree #Change #respect #humanitymatters #Humanity #togetherwecan #community #care  #servantleaders #Music heals #Leadership #podcast #conversations #vulnerability   #growthmindset #jointhemovement #kindnessmatters #africarising #creativity #mentalhealth  #Kindness   #peace   #Inclusivity #Diversity #unity #words #World #selfconfidence #Selfbelief #couragetogrow #courage #SouthAfrica #USA  #knowledgeshare #socialjustice #cohesion  #diversityequityinclusionstillmatters

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • S1 Ep10 with Josh Perry - Non-negotiables and Mindset Optimization!!
    Jul 12 2022

    #Changemaker Josh Perry the former professional BMX athlete and multiple brain tumor survivor was in the Ubuntu House recently Josh took a chance on his dreams. Upon "making it", a TBI saved his life as it discovered his first brain tumor. Josh takes us on an incredible journey of self-doubt, self-reflection, vulnerability, self-belief and the importance of knowing who we are and what are our non-negotiables. Josh is incredible and highlights so many life lessons. He emphasized the need to be curious and the importance of questioning authority as he was initially misdiagnosed. This conversation is a must-listen as he takes us on an incredible journey of hope and possibilities.

    Josh's journey and life are a testament to the “impossible" being possible.

    These days Josh helps individuals & organizations to optimize their mindset, health and team performance so they can create their IDEAL outcomes free of baggage weighing them down so they experience and achieve their desired success.

    You can access the audio via your favorite podcast platform.

    Website: www.JoshPerrybmx.com

    Thank you for stopping by: Love and light!

    Ed Dudley and Charmaine Soobramoney

    #UbuntuConnected #IAmTheChangeAndFree #WeAreConnectED

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • S1Ep9 with Dr Najja Baptist ”God Protects babies and fools”
    Jun 20 2022

    Ed and Charmaine had an invigorating and insightful conversation with the passionate Dr Baptist.

    #Changemaker Dr Baptist almost did not attend college as a result of the biased actions of the school counsellor who did not believe he was college material. The conversation highlighted how many back men in the USA were denied a college education. The conversation also highlighted the level of inequity in the USA.

    In addition to being an academic, Dr Baptist is a musician, a man on a mission who uses his voice, experience, and research to create awareness around life as a black person in the USA. He expresses his gratitude to his amazingly courageously mum who believed and supported him. He shared his struggle after the passing of his mum.

    Dr. Najja K. Baptist is an assistant professor of political science at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville. He earned his doctorate in political science from Howard University and his work has appeared in numerous journals, such as National Political Science Review; Journal of Race and Ethnicity; Politics, Groups, and Identities; and other outlets. Dr. Baptist’s work is primarily focused on Black politics, social movements, culture, political behavior, public opinion, and mass media in the United States. My project examines how the current president engages with Congress members, specifically southern Congressional Black Caucus women of color. He is also a two-time NSF grant awardee.

    Last Sunday the 19th of June 2022, Juneteenth was celebrated in the USA. It was only last year it was declared a Federal holiday:

    “..President Joe Biden established Juneteenth National Independence Day as a federal holiday when he signed into law a bill passed by both chambers of Congress.

    The Senate approved the bill unanimously; only 14 House Republicans — many representing states that were part of the slave-holding Confederacy in the 19th century — opposed the measure.

    What is this federal holiday, and what is its history? Here's a look:

    What is the history of Juneteenth?

    The celebration started with the freed enslaved people of Galveston, Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the South in 1863, it could not be enforced in many places until after the end of the Civil War in 1865.

    Laura Smalley, freed from a plantation near Bellville, Texas, remembered in a 1941 interview that her former master had gone to fight in the Civil War and came home without telling his slaves what had happened.

    “Old master didn’t tell, you know, they were free,” Smalley said at the time. “I think now they say they worked them, six months after that. Six months. And turn them loose on the 19th of June. That’s why, you know, we celebrate that day.”

    Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger and his troops arrived at Galveston on June 19, 1865, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. That was more than two months after Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant in Virginia.

    Granger delivered General Order No. 3, which said: “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor.”

    The next year, the now-free people started celebrating Juneteenth in Galveston. Its observance has continued around the nation and the world since. Events include concerts, parades, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation.”

    (Source: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/national-international/what-is-juneteenth-the-federal-holidays-history-and-meaning-explained/3274349/)

    Love and light! Ed Dudley and Charmaine Soobramoney #iamthechangeandfree #UbuntuConnectEd #weareconnected

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    1 hr and 7 mins