Strategic Edge Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits™ – Golden Hour Edition

LEGACY

INTERVIEWS WE PROFILE 18 CEOS

spotlight on Change Makers

© FELICIA FORD & CO.®

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

2

YOU BRING THE VISION,

OPERATIONS STRATEGY

MARKETING SALES

WE BRING THE SPOTLIGHT.

/momentumicon.com

ICONIC

A P P L Y F O R T H E M O M E N T U M I C O N ™ G R A N T G R A N T C L O S E S D E C E M B E R 1 5 , 2 0 2 4

ON THE COVER FRED CADOSHIA PAGE

54

CONTENTS 14

WHEN A BLACK MAN RETURNS TO THE LAND Restoring land, community, and food sovereignty through regenerative farming with Thelonius Cook.

16

30

THE POWER OF CODE + COMMUNITY

Empowering Black women to reclaim confidence through image and purpose alignment with Shahidah Rahman.

Tech education, mentorship, and digital equity with Desiah Barnett.

WHEN L EADERS RETHINK HOW THEY LEAD Leadership through narrative intelligence, fostering equity, trust, and transformative change with Christina Blacken.

21

WEARING YOUR POWER

KACIE LUADERS CREATED A SEAT AT THE TABLE Empowering indie artists amplifying creativity, innovation, and sustainable careers with Kacie Lauders.

19

29

32

A GOLDEN HOUR FOR CHANGE Global change lighting a way for women and girls with Desange Kuenihira.

WHY YOUR TEAM’S PERFORMANCE IS TIED TO YOUR LEADERSHIP Rethinking high-performance and teams with Dee Ntšala.

27

HELPING ONE BILLION ENTREPRENEURS FIND THEIR VOICE Failure meets growth through storytelling and intentional action with Terryl Humphrey.

35

PROTECT YOUR GENIUS Protect Creators and Brands by simplifying intellectual property and contract law with Casey Handy-Smith.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

36

BARTER ECONOMY REVOLUTION

38

FLOW LIKE WATER

41

48

Black entrepreneurship is revolutionized by enabling cash-free growth through innovative bartering systems with Nicole Murphy.

Harmonizing creativity, structure, and authenticity to create brand partnerships with Kemuel Browne.

THE SPEDUCATED ADVANTAGE Reshaping special education by empowering educators and parents to support all students with Diana Williams.

50

THE KEPT WIFE STRATEGIST

64

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

66

REIMAGINING RECOVERY + THE SPA EXPERIENCE

THE RISE OF ROSE GOLD RESERVE Redefining luxury, blending craftsmanship, and cultural representation in cigars with Omar McGee.

Social work and systems to redefine community health and wellness approaches with Lenora Johnson..

Nurturing oncology patients with specialized skincare with Christina Watson.

DEEPEN YOUR EXPERIENCE Access all the links and resources from this issue with one scan!

Relationships, support, abundance, and intentional partnerships for Black women with D’Ionna Washington.

68

JADE’S SHADE Natural Glam and inclusivity in beauty with Jade ParksDixon.

CONTRIBUTORS Famira M. Green - 23 Lydia Killos, PhD - 42 Adrienne Randle -72 Michelle Jackson - 77

Editorial Features by Felicia Ford

7

Editor-in-Chief Felicia A. Ford CONTRIBUTORS

Adrienne Randle Famira Green Lydia Killos, PhD Michelle Jackson

BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Felicia F., CEO + Chief Creative Officer Famira G., Ops Manager + Chief Content Officer Desarae B., Advertising + Media Strategist Ricki T., Media Content Strategist

LAUNCH TEAM

Twanetta Weaver Shantana Cooper

Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford is a production of Felicia Ford & Co.® in collaboration with Full Circle Management & Consulting for editing @feliciafordandco | press@feliciafordandco.com Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits™ is published by Felicia Ford & Co. ® www.feliciafordandco.com Felicia Ford & Co. Felicia Ford & Co.® is a strategy group trusted by pioneering brands across the U.S.—from main streets to town centers and everywhere in between. We zero in on growth that goes beyond the surface, mixing strategic operations with creative media to shift how you work and how the world experiences your impact.

“And the Lord answered me, and said, write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that reads it.” Habakkuk 2:2 WHERE THERE IS A LINE WITH TEXT - THERE IS A LINK. AS YOU READ PAGES 8 AND BEYOND, CLICK THE LINKS TO ACCESS MORE INFORMATION.

Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits™ is published annually by Felicia Ford& Co.®. Editorial mailing office: 110 Coliseum Crossing, #5538, Hampton, VA 23666. © 2024 Felicia Ford & Co.®. Felicia Ford & Co.® is a registered trademark of Thrive Space Global, LLC. registered in the U.S. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER . Feature photos provided individually by each featured guest. All photos not taken by Felicia Ford & Co.® are sourced from the public domain or believed to be readily available online in the public domain and readily available on the Internet (published according to the U.S. Copyright Fair Use Act, title 17, U.S. Code). Felicia Ford & Co. ® reserves the right to remove, replace, or move any images or content without prior announcement. AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER. This magazine may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links at no additional cost to you. ADVERTISEMENT DISCLAIMER. Please note: The brands featured on ad pages are selected as Preferred Picks by Felicia Ford & Co.® and do not represent paid sponsorships or advertisements. These choices reflect our commitment to align with brands who embody inclusivity and positive impact. Privacy Policy/Terms/Disclosures or visit feliciafordandco.com/privacy-policy. For support email support@feliciafordandco.com. Photo Credits: Page 9 Houzlook . com from @pexels, Page 12 TONL Imagery @tonlimagery, Page 15 eclipse_images from @gettysignature, Page 28 cottonbro from @pexels, Page 34 cottonbro from @pexels, Page 52 egon69 by @gettyimages, Page 59 Terje Sollie from @pexels, Page 63 luba by @gettysignature, Page 75 Rich Legg by @gettysignature, Page 80 AtlasStudio from @gettysignature, Page 89 @cgistudio, Page 95 Skyler Ewing from @pexels, Page 98 @shcherban.

SHOP CRATE & BARREL

EDITOR’S NOTE There are two times each day when the sun

Within these pages, you’ll find:

shifts our perspective, allowing us to see and

Architects of Community

experience the world differently. These

Forces of Impact

moments, often captured in photographs, call us

Creators of Culture

to feel, reflect, and act. They remind us of the

Systems of Power

extraordinariness we can immerse ourselves in

Curators of Renewal

when we pay attention.

Your Move, Movement Makers

This edition of Strategic Edge takes inspiration

Each section includes descriptions and

from those moments, centering on the visionary

narratives from leaders who embody the

work of Black-owned, Black-led, and Black-

essence of innovation, strategy, and purpose.

founded brands. As someone with experience spanning nonprofits, academia, the arts, and the

To complement these stories, we’ve curated

C-suite, I’ve had a front-row seat to the

tools and resources to support your work as a

importance of leadership that shapes

business owner or nonprofit leader. You’ll also

communities and economies.

find insights from contributors who bring clarity and expertise to the challenges we face today.

Last July, I sat at my dining room table,

This collection is designed with care and respect

reviewing data about nonprofits serving Black

for the leaders and communities it serves.

children and families. The numbers painted a familiar picture-one rooted in service to those

This is your moment to pause and reflect—not

most impacted by systemic inequities. But they

just on what these stories mean but on what

also highlighted something else: leaders and

you can do. The opportunities we seize today

visionaries who weren’t just responding to

will shape the future we create tomorrow.

challenges but actively building solutions. I felt a

Thank you for being part of this journey and for

deep pull to shift the focus. Instead of putting

sharing in this season of GOLDEN HOUR.

out fires, it was time to spark conversations with the Change Makers who are leading the way.

This issue reflects that realization. It brings together stories from across the country,

Felicia Ford FELICIA FORD Editor-in-Chief Strategic Edge | @friendscallmefe

sharing the work of those who saw gaps as invitations to create, to lead, and to build. Each story is designed to spark reflection—on what’s possible and what you can do.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

SAVE THE DATE FEBRUARY 25

20 25

IMPACT INNOVATORS WITH FELICIA FORD

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

ARCHITECTS OF COMMUNITY Architects of Community hold us together.

They see how the policies, ideas and connections give room for others to thrive.

They carry a quiet wisdom, make space for curiosity, and somehow, help the rest of us see what’s possible when we come together in community.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

13

When A Black Man Returns to the Land For Thelonius Cook, farming is a journey of restoration—of the land, his community, and a legacy of resilience. At Mighty Thunder Cloud Edible Forest, a seven-acre farm in Birdsnest, Virginia, Thelonius blends traditional agricultural wisdom with regenerative practices to rebuild soil health and reconnect people to the origins of their food.

Initially, Thelonius didn’t set out to create a farm with far-reaching impact. His goal was simple: grow enough food to feed himself and share with family and friends. But inheriting the land awakened a sense of responsibility. “You start to realize how big of a responsibility caring for land is,” he says. Over time, that realization grew into a mission for education, food equity, and environmental renewal.

The practices at Mighty Thunder Cloud are deeply rooted in tradition. “Regenerative farming isn’t a buzzword,” Thelonious explains. “It reflects Indigenous methods—practices that respect the seasons, rebuild soil health, and nurture ecosystems over time.” From turnips and collard greens to okra and winter squash, his crops sustain both the land and the communities he serves.

His work extends beyond his fields. As a founding member of the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus,

THELONIUS ALSO RAISES AWARENESS ABOUT... ...the broader challenges Black farmers face, from systemic barriers to undervalued food pricing. “We’ve lost the value of food in our society,” he notes. “Mass production has made it cheap, but regenerative farming requires intention. It’s about supporting human health, rebuilding ecosystems, and creating a food system that sustains life in every sense.”

Thelonious’s commitment is evident in his vision for the future through subscription boxes launching this spring

Thelonius collaborates with other Black farmers to share resources, knowledge, and labor. “When you meet another Black farmer, there’s an immediate connection,” he reflects. “We’ve created a network where we can lean on each other, whether it’s building a fence or exchanging seeds. It’s not just about farming—it’s about collective growth and support.”

Want to hear more about Thelonius Cook’s journey and the transformative work of Mighty Thunder Cloud Edible Forest? Tune into Episode 42 airing Tuesday, December 24, 2024, of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford for an in-depth conversation on the future of farming, food sovereignty, and community resilience.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

14

15

” . f f Indie Creator Kacie u t s Luaders Created a l l i Seat at the Table: A .“ ..ch Spotify Original

Kacie Luaders, an Atlanta-based arts advocate and creator, is redefining how we celebrate and support independent artists. As the founder of Could Be Pretty Cool, Kacie is building a platform that amplifies the stories of indie creators through transformative experiences, innovative collaborations, and impactful storytelling. With a background in music recording technology and sound design, Kacie combines technical expertise with an unwavering passion for the arts, making her a visionary in the creative community.

Her journey began during a time of immense challenge.

Graduating in the midst of the Great Recession, Kacie faced the stark reality of building a career in the arts with limited resources. She recalls those early days of struggle with vivid detail: “I was living with roommates, trying to make half a pack of ramen last, and wondering how to survive as an indie artist. Those experiences shaped my vision for Could Be Pretty Cool. I didn’t want other creators to have to endure that ‘starving artist’ phase.”

That vision has evolved into a movement. Kacie’s work is rooted in empowering indie creators, helping them bypass traditional gatekeepers while building sustainable careers. Her company produces unique content and experiences designed to elevate underrepresented voices, championing artists who might otherwise remain unseen.

In 2019, Kacie’s talent and tenacity led her to Spotify’s Sound Up accelerator, where she launched the Spotify Original podcast, You Heard Me Right. Her groundbreaking work earned her a spot on Podcast Magazine’s “40 Under 40 in Podcasting” list—a recognition that shifted her perspective on her work. “I thought, ‘How did they even find me?’ It was humbling, but it also validated the intentionality behind what we do. Even in niche spaces, authenticity resonates.”

16

An Industry First The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point in Kacie’s career. Laid off from her full-time job, she channeled her energy into Could Be Pretty Cool, adapting to remote collaboration and producing meaningful content during a tumultuous time. “It was a whirlwind,” she reflects.

“I had to build a team, navigate remote production, and keep going during a period of racial reckoning and political unrest. It was challenging, but it also brought clarity to our mission.”

Today, Kacie’s work extends beyond podcasting.

She’s diving into nonprofit and educational initiatives, creating opportunities for indie artists to connect with policymakers, funders, and advocates. Her ability to bridge these worlds ensures that creators—whether they’re academic researchers, small business owners, or local performers—gain access to the support they need to thrive.

Looking ahead, Kacie is merging her passion for the arts with emerging technology. She’s currently developing a digital platform powered by AI to connect creators with opportunities, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the creator economy. “The arts world isn’t static,” she says.

“It’s constantly evolving, and we need to meet those changes with innovation and intention.”

Kacie’s ultimate goal is to contribute to the academic study of the creator economy, ensuring that future generations understand the transformative power of creativity. “I want to illuminate pathways for creators, especially those Curious to hear more about Kacie’s vision and how from underserved communities,” she shares. “The she’s redefining the creative landscape? Catch the full

What’s Next?

arts can be a vital force for change, and it’s time we treat it as such.”

conversation on Impact Innovators, Episode 54 airing 03/11/25, where she discusses her journey, shares her knowledge, and the future of indie artistry.

Connect with Kacie https://couldbeprettycool.com/

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

17

ThriveCart

BLACK FRIDAY EXCLUSIVE: THRIVECART’S COMPLETE BUSINESS SUITE—SAVE BIG GET THRIVE CART

LEADERS WHO EXPAND THEIR NARRATIVES ARE MORE LIKELY TO INNOVATE AND CREATE MEANINGFUL CHANGE.”

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LEADERS RETHINK HOW THEY LEAD? What if the real key to transformative leadership lies not in more strategy sessions or lengthy emails, but in the stories we tell? Christina Blacken, founder of The New Quo, has spent her career proving that the way we narrate experiences shapes the way we lead. With over 14,000 leaders trained across industries, she is redefining leadership by introducing narrative intelligence: the art of using stories to shift beliefs, build trust, and foster equitable, lasting change.

For Christina, this mission is deeply personal. Growing up in Utah as an “extreme minority” racially, politically, and religiously, she saw how the stories people inherited and repeated reinforced stereotypes, created biases, and shaped behaviors. Her experiences sparked a lifelong journey to reclaim her own narrative and help others do the same.

“When you pause to question the assumptions behind the stories we tell, it opens a doorway to deeper connection and collaboration,” Christina explains. Her work blends neuroscience, equity principles, and humor to create a framework of awareness, attunement, and action. Leaders learn to uncover the stories driving their beliefs, attune to diverse perspectives, and build shared narratives for progress.

The impact of her approach is remarkable. Christina recalls helping a university team struggling with division. By guiding members to share stories about their early leadership experiences, she facilitated a shift from distrust to empathy.

As team members began to see one another’s humanity, collaboration replaced conflict, and their workplace culture transformed.

Beyond individual teams, Christina’s work addresses broader cultural narratives about power and leadership. She challenges myths about what a “real” leader looks like and how success is defined. These deep-seated assumptions, often unexamined, perpetuate inequity and limit innovation.

Her use of humor is just as intentional. “Great leaders know how to connect through storytelling, and humor is one of the most effective ways to build trust and attention,” Christina says. Whether she’s working with corporations, universities, or nonprofits, her approachable yet transformative style makes her message resonate.

Christina’s interview on Impact Innovators Podcast Episode 44, Airing January 14, 2025, takes these ideas further. She explores how narrative intelligence can create inclusive cultures, why story rituals are essential in leadership, and how leaders can challenge the assumptions holding their teams back.

To learn more about Christina’s groundbreaking work, visit The New Quo. And don’t miss her full interview on Impact Innovators Podcast—it’s a conversation that will inspire you to reimagine the way you lead and connect.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

19

GROW YOUR BUSINESS ONE LEAD AT A TIME

Get high-converting landing pages, a complete suite of conversion tools, and the latest collaborative tech to help you and your team create memorable marketing campaigns.

READY TO MAKE YOUR LANDING PAGES MOVE?

GRAB LEADPAGES

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

20

Why Your Team’s Performance Is Tied to Your Leadership (And Why Most People Get It Wrong) “Leadership isn’t about power—it’s about one team, one mission.”

In a world where high performance often feels like a sprint toward burnout, Dee Ntšala, founder of Nova Conxulting, offers a refreshing alternative: purposedriven leadership. Dee specializes in helping leaders refine their strategies, align their work with meaningful goals, and create cultures where success thrives without sacrificing well-being.

Drawing from her roots in South Africa and nearly two decades in the U.S., Dee’s global perspective shapes her innovative approach to leadership and organizational development.

Dee’s methodology is as practical as it is transformative, integrating neuroscience, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging (DIEB) principles, and wellness practices.

Her work goes beyond addressing surface-level metrics, targeting the root cause of many organizational challenges—leadership.

“Most performance issues start at the top,” she shares. Leaders are often promoted for technical skills rather than their ability to lead, creating gaps that affect the entire team. Dee’s programs bridge those gaps, equipping leaders with emotional intelligence, selfawareness, and the tools to foster collaboration and trust.

Dee also challenges the rigid corporate norms that stifle individuality and innovation.

“People do their best work when they don’t have to constantly selfmanage to fit in,” she says.

Authenticity and adaptability are at the heart of her leadership philosophy, encouraging leaders to embrace change, prioritize reinforcement, and integrate new habits for lasting cultural shifts.

One of her most compelling insights is her view on maintaining high performance: knowing when to pivot.

“If you’ve mastered your role and it no longer challenges you, it’s time to explore what’s next,” Dee advises.

Whether that means advancing, shifting laterally, or intentionally choosing to coast at a sustainable pace, she emphasizes the importance of aligning work with energy and purpose.

Dee’s conversation on ”Leadership Isn't About You: Dee Ntšala on What High Achievers Get Wrong About Teams” dives even deeper into these ideas. From addressing leadership blind spots to adopting energy-based time management, she offers actionable insights for those ready to redefine what leadership and success look like.

To learn more about Dee’s transformative work, visit Nova Conxulting and connect with her on LinkedIn. For the full story behind her leadership philosophy, tune in to Episode 56, Airing 3/25/25 on Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

Moments that define a generation demand intentional action. For purpose-driven leaders, the “golden hour” is an invitation where preparation, alignment, and decisive action converge to set the course for legacy building and change.

This movement encourages us to embrace relational living and collective action, strengthening both individual visions and the communities they touch.

Multiply Your Impact Through The Ecosystem Effect

By Famira M. Green

From the beginning of time to today, Black ecosystems have consistently shown us how unity offers community, makes life worth living, and drives systemic change. Leaders gathered in sacred spaces—around dining room tables, by riverbanks, in sanctuaries, and today, in digital rooms and Threads—to lay out plans, share resources, and align communities. Together, they laid out plans, shared resources, and rallied the people necessary to move from vision to strategy. These spaces birthed movements, they birthed access, and change. These convenings demonstrate that leadership flourishes in networks that are deeply rooted in trust, shared values, and commitment.

The Ecosystem Effect (ECO), a framework I developed, builds on these principles, guiding leaders to forge intentional connections, transform their impact, and create networks that evolve with purpose. Through engagement, collaboration, and optimization, ECO helps leaders connect their legacy to actionable strategies.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

22

Modern leaders can draw from these strategies by creating inclusive spaces that reflect the diversity and values of the people they aim to serve. For instance, a community foundation working to increase educational equity launched a series of listening sessions, inviting parents, students, and educators to co-design their initiatives. This intentional effort as an invitation represents a commitment to shared purpose and mutual accountability that built a sense of belonging, ensuring the work reflected the community’s needs and voice.

ENGAGEMENT Every thriving ecosystem begins with trust.

Leadership that connects and inspires grows from environments where people feel seen, valued, and aligned with a shared vision. Often viewed in today’s context as a stressful task of cranking out information with the hopes of getting likes, comments, or attendance, consider reframing engagement as the art of co-creating a shared mission, an invitation to align with others with shared values and goals to spark a movement.

Reflect on the organizing strategies of the 1960s, where the work of engagement often began in everyday spaces. Leaders like Ella Baker understood that the strength of a movement came from the collective ownership of its people. Around tables and in pews, they built trust and inspired confidence, ensuring that every voice had a role.

Messages traveled through neighborhoods by word of mouth, linking communities with clarity and purpose. Engagement meant listening—truly listening—to the needs of a community and ensuring their voices shaped every decision. From Sunday sermons that called congregations to action to handwritten flyers distributed across neighborhoods, engagement was intentional and deeply personal.

As Maya Angelou reminds us, “When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” Engagement at its best is reciprocal, creating systems where every participant strengthens the ecosystem.

COLLABORATION Collaboration builds momentum by uniting complementary strengths under a shared purpose. These partnerships create outcomes that carry the weight of collective commitment and shared vision.

In the civil rights era, collaboration emerged from everyday places. Kitchen tables became command centers where neighbors organized carpools, collected resources, and strategized for the months-long Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Leaders connected their networks and talents, creating a self-sustaining system that carried the movement forward with unwavering resolve.

Plans didn’t remain abstract; carpools were organized, communication networks were built, and resources were shared to ensure no one was left behind. It wasn’t a centralized effort but a symphony of actions, each part vital to the whole.

Today, the same spirit of collaboration drives innovation in Black philanthropy, where leaders are forging partnerships that reimagine what collective wealth can achieve. Imagine an HBCU partnering with Black-owned tech firms to expand access to digital literacy programs for underserved students. These collaborations

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

23

bridge the gap between education and opportunity, creating pathways that didn’t exist before.

Collaboration succeeds when there is mutual respect, clarity of roles, and accountability. It is not merely shared work; it’s shared responsibility, ensuring that outcomes are rooted in trust and aligned with collective goals.

OPTIMIZATION An ecosystem’s success depends on its ability to grow and adapt. Optimization is the continuous process of reflecting, refining, and ensuring that the work stays responsive to the needs of those it serves. Leaders who prioritize optimization create systems that are as dynamic as the communities they impact.

During the Freedom Summer of the 1960s, the Freedom Schools demonstrated the power of iterative growth. Originally designed to educate Black students about their history and civil rights, the program evolved rapidly to include literacy, civic engagement, and leadership training as the movement’s needs expanded. This ability to adapt without losing focus allowed the schools to serve as both educational and organizational hubs.

In a contemporary context, consider a Black music label using its platform to share social justice messages.

By regularly evaluating its reach, audience engagement, and cultural relevance, it shifts its strategy to align with current movements, ensuring its influence remains impactful. Optimization is not about maintaining what exists; it’s about continuously building toward what’s needed next.

Angela Davis reminds us that “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world—and you have to do it all the time.” This ethos underpins optimization, ensuring that ecosystems evolve with intention and urgency.

GOLDEN HOUR: A CALL TO ACTION FOR TODAY’S LEADERS The Golden Hour is a movement. It invites you to draw from the strength of relational living, collective work, and to create networks that will carry us forward. It’s a revival of the standard of “First, Best, Only,” encouraging us to set benchmarks in our own cities, digital spaces, and industries.

The Power of the Pack lies in its ability to create momentum. Like a choir harmonizing or a marching band in perfect formation, ecosystems succeed when individual contributions align with a shared vision. Together, these networks inspire progress that reaches far beyond their origins.

Connect with Famira on Instagram @iamfamira

What relationships can you strengthen? What opportunities can you create? The Ecosystem Effect provides the framework, but the action begins with your choices.

The real question isn’t whether you can multiply your impact. It’s whether you’re ready to embrace the ecosystem that’ll help you make it happen.

24

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality....

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.

REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

25

FORCES OF IMPACT Forces of impact move through life with quiet power. Their pasts are heavy, but you’d never know it—their presence lifts you. Their work goes beyond numbers, saving lives and sparking hope in everyone they touch. They shift you, so you see the world and yourself a little differently.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

26

“If you’re going to dream, why not dream big?”

- Terryl Humphrey

Terryl Humphrey knows the power of storytelling and intentional action. As the host of nearly 900 episodes of Failure is Knowledge, Terryl has built a platform where entrepreneurs and changemakers examine their journeys, unearth lessons, and create a ripple effect of inspiration.

Raised by a single mother who earned nine academic degrees while raising three sons, Terryl grew up immersed in resilience. “My mom didn’t have the option to give up—she had three boys depending on her,” he shared. Her example shaped his own approach to life, carrying him through the discipline of the Marine Corps and into the entrepreneurial space, where he began transforming challenges into opportunities.

The podcast, Failure is Knowledge, began as a deeply personal project during a difficult period in his life.

After his divorce, Terryl turned to video creation as a way to process his experiences and connect with others. “I thought I was the only one going through it, but then I realized so many others were facing the same struggles,” he said. That shift in perspective became the foundation of his mission: to foster growth and connection through storytelling.

His current project, Starting with a Dream, documents his journey to go from zero to $100,000 in 90 days. “This is showing what can happen when you have faith in your vision and take the steps to make it real,” he reflected. And while this ambitious goal is inspiring on its own, Terryl isn’t stopping there. His next phase? Documenting his journey from $100,000 to $1 billion.

But what truly sets Terryl apart is his ability to explore the unspoken—the moments of vulnerability, self-reflection, and discovery that shape the building blocks of this kind of ambition. In our conversation, he revealed a profound realization about failure and how it can become the foundation for success. You won’t want to miss the raw truth he shared about why Failure is Knowledge, and how he turned it all around.

To uncover the full depth of Terryl’s story, the lessons he’s learned from his nearly 900 episodes, and the unexpected challenges he faced while documenting his journey, listen to Episode #52, airing 2/28/25 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford. Find out how his experiences continue to shape his vision for the future and how you can connect with him for more.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

27

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

28

In a world where Black women face unique pressures to navigate societal expectations and perceptions, Shahida Rahman is leading the charge to help them reclaim their confidence and image.

As the CEO of IAS Image Consulting, Shahida combines her nearly decade-long experience as a model, confidence coach, and image consultant to empower women in both personal and professional spheres. Her mission goes beyond fashion into aligning presence with purpose and showing women how to let their confidence shine.

Shahida’s journey into image consulting started unknowingly during her time as a plus-size model.

Driven by a lack of representation in the industry, she embraced her body and skin tone, becoming an inspiration to others simply by walking the runway. “I didn’t know I was empowering other women,” she shares, reflecting on her early days of building confidence for herself and others. Over time, her passion for helping women transform their self-image evolved into a calling, culminating in the founding of her consulting business in 2020.

At the heart of Shahida’s work is her dedication to Black women who often feel unseen or unprepared due to a lack of guidance. She highlights how systemic barriers and cultural shifts have eroded a sense of pride in appearance.

“We’ve never been taught how to carry ourselves,” she explains, pointing to generational gaps in self-care and image awareness. Her consulting approach, which she calls “image development,” helps women recognize their beauty, understand the power of first impressions, and unlock their full potential.

Shahida’s work isn’t limited to appearances. She emphasizes that image consulting involves everything from communication skills to tackling insecurities. Her goal is to help clients feel seen, heard, and confident in every setting, whether it’s a boardroom or a social gathering. “When you feel good, you look good, and it makes you want to do good,” she says. Shahida shares powerful examples of transformation, such as helping a young woman improve her self-image by making small changes, like shaping her eyebrows and enhancing her natural beauty.

Looking ahead, Shahida is pivoting toward group professional development days to reach more women at once. These events, set to launch in 2025, will blend workshops on style, body shapes, and professional etiquette with actionable strategies to elevate personal and workplace presence. She also continues to engage with younger audiences through her I Rock Confidence program, teaching teen girls the importance of self-presentation and self-worth.

But what sparked Shahida’s fearless drive to redefine how Black women show up in the world?

And what life lessons shaped her approach to empowering women of all ages?

To hear the full story, tune into Episode #55, Airing 3/18/25 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford. Connect with Shahida and explore her work further at https://Iasimageconsulting.com.

THE POWER OF CODE + COMMUNITY For many, the journey to success begins with opportunity. For Desiah Barnett, the founder of CoraHack and lead instructor at The Knowledge House, it started with resilience, faith, and a relentless drive to transform her own story.

From navigating the foster care system to leading programs that empower underrepresented youth through tech education, Desiah is redefining what it means to break cycles of poverty and build pathways to success. “I always knew God was preparing me for something huge,” she reflects.

“Be passionate about what you love, and use tech skills to innovate the industry you’re in.”

That belief, paired with an unwavering commitment to purpose, has shaped every step of her journey.

CoraHack, a tech education initiative named in honor of her grandmother, focuses on equipping youth with critical skills in software engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and data science. Desiah’s programs go beyond technical training by offering mentorship, community support, and a roadmap to meaningful careers. In just 30 days after launching her business, she landed a government contract with Mount Vernon’s Youth Bureau—a testament to her strategic thinking and ability to turn vision into impact.

Her journey from temporary housing to running digital equity programs is a powerful story of innovation, resilience, and faith.

From fostering mentorship connections to organizing hackathons, Desiah is bridging the digital divide and inspiring a new generation of leaders in tech.

Curious about how Desiah is reshaping lives and industries? In Episode 47 Airing 2/4/25, she discusses the transformative power of tech, the role of mentorship, and the importance of following intuitive “downloads” to fulfill your purpose.

Catch the full conversation on Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford. Stay connected with Desiah at CoraHack.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

30

Former All Rise and Luke Cage star Simone Missick cast opposite David Oyelowo in APPLE TV+’S Government Cheese.

COMING SOON ON APPLE TV+

This realization ignited her passion to give back, leading her to create Undefeated, a platform that empowers women and youth in Uganda through education and entrepreneurship.

“I was called a ‘meaningless girl,’ like I don’t have meaning.”

From the ruins of a war-torn childhood to leading a movement for the women and children the world left behind, Desange Kuenhira is UnDEfeated. As the founder of Undefeated, a nonprofit transforming lives in Uganda, she has taken her own story of struggle and resilience to inspire a new generation of changemakers.

Born in Congo and raised in Uganda, Desange’s journey has been anything but easy. Growing up surrounded by single mothers who faced constant barriers, she witnessed firsthand the struggles of women whose dreams were stifled by poverty and societal expectations. “I was called a ‘meaningless girl,’ only valued for the dowry I could bring,” she recalls. “But it took just one person to believe in me. That belief changed everything.”

The mission behind Undefeated is deeply personal for Desange. After moving to the U.S. as a teenager and excelling in school, she realized the stark contrast between her new life and the realities of those she left behind. “I was blessed with opportunities—food, education, a roof over my head,” she says. “I couldn’t just forget where I came from.”

What began as a small initiative to help a few women has grown into a movement. By offering business training and mentorship, Undefeated equips single mothers and young people with the tools they need to create sustainable livelihoods.

“We don’t just teach business skills,” Desange explains. “We also challenge them to rethink their circumstances. It’s about showing them that their challenges can become opportunities.” Through a month-long training program conducted in local languages, participants not only learn the basics of business but also engage in deep conversations about breaking cycles of poverty and envisioning a brighter future.

Desange’s approach is holistic. She believes in meeting people where they are, whether it’s mentoring women to start businesses or helping children stay in school. “These kids just need someone to hold their hand,” she shares. “The moment they know someone believes in them, they thrive.” Her nonprofit’s innovative partnerships, such as working with Ugandan safaris to sponsor children’s education, are redefining what it means to give back.

But what truly drives Desange? What lessons from her own life shaped her approach to leadership and giving back? And how does she balance the weight of her work with the vision for what’s to come?

To hear the full story, tune into Episode #38, airing 12/3/24 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford. Discover the moments that changed Desange’s life, the strategies behind Undefeated’s success, and how you can join their mission to rewrite what’s possible for Uganda’s women and youth.

Connect with Desange at Speak unDEfeated.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

32

SYSTEMS OF POWER The people who energize the structures for Change Makers to thrive. They know which rules to challenge, which to reshape, and how to help others navigate systems to disrupt stagnation and ignite transformation.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

33

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

34

PROTECT YOUR GENIUS Entrepreneurship is as much about safeguarding your work as it is about creating it, and Casey Handy-Smith knows this better than most. As the founder and managing attorney of C. Handy Law, Casey is a trusted advocate for creators, entrepreneurs, and online brands, specializing in intellectual property (IP) and contracts. With over a decade of experience, she has represented sevenand eight-figure brands, negotiated deals with giants like Meta and Coca-Cola, and pioneered accessible legal resources through her template shop, Boss Contract Society, and membership program, The Contract Collective.

Casey’s passion for IP stems from her love of creativity and her curiosity about how creators can monetize their talents. “These are the intangible things—the ideas you initially have— but then create in some sort of tangible form,” she explains. From podcasts to course materials, IP is the backbone of modern entrepreneurship. Casey equips her clients to protect their work through actionable steps, such as copyright notices and trademark registration.

“Put people on notice that your business owns this content so there’s no confusion if someone gets a little too inspired,” she advises.

For Casey, a strong legal foundation starts with contracts. “People get amnesia,” she says with a laugh, describing how formal agreements set expectations and safeguard business relationships. Whether it’s outlining deliverables or limiting usage rights in brand partnerships, Casey’s

meticulous approach ensures her clients avoid costly mistakes. “You want to make sure you’re not overextending what’s being given away,” she warns, recounting a client who unknowingly allowed a brand to reuse her content in a national print ad campaign.

In addition to her one-on-one services, Casey is innovating through her membership program. By partnering with an AI company, she has created a tool that allows members to review contracts as though she were doing it for them.

“It’s been a game-changer,” she shares. “AI helps us work smarter, not harder, while still protecting what matters most.”

Her journey hasn’t been linear. From classically trained pianist to music business enthusiast, Casey’s early curiosity about how artists could

sustain their craft financially led her to law school. Today, she balances her thriving practice with a commitment to family and scalable business models that empower more creators. “Put your work out there,” she encourages. “Don’t be afraid to do it. There are resources to help you protect your dreams and your legacy.”

To learn more about Casey’s approach to IP and contract law, and how she’s leveraging AI to reshape the legal landscape for creators, tune into Episode 53 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford, airing March 4, 2025.

You’ll walk away ready to protect what you’ve built—and inspired to dream even bigger.

Connect with Casey at https://chandylaw.com

35

BARTER ECONOMY REVOLUTION Nicole Murphy, founder and CEO of Barter Black, is reshaping how Black entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

Launched during the pandemic, Barter Black addresses one of the most pressing challenges for small business owners: maintaining cash flow while scaling.

Through a modern twist on bartering, Murphy’s platform allows members to exchange goods and services using "barter bucks"—a trade credit system—rather than traditional currency.

“We’re spending too much time trying to learn everything ourselves. That’s not how businesses are built or sustained,” Murphy emphasizes. Her platform removes the isolation and financial strain often felt by solopreneurs, creating an ecosystem where skills and expertise flow freely within the community. Entrepreneurs can trade branding, web development, copywriting, and more, saving cash while accessing the tools they need to grow.

36

Barter Black wasn’t always structured this way.

Initially, the platform required direct exchanges, which limited its potential. “I realized that while people wanted to help, they needed flexibility in how they received value,” she recalls. This insight, discovered through customer interviews, led to the introduction of barter bucks. Now, members can earn credits for their services and spend them on what they truly need—completely redefining the bartering process.

Beyond transactions, Barter Black is rooted in community. Murphy envisions a network where Black entrepreneurs thrive together, drawing inspiration from historic Black Wall Street and the collaborative spirit that powered the civil rights movement. “We’ve always had the talent and the drive; now it’s about building systems that help us scale without burning out,” she explains. Her mission is clear: to help entrepreneurs hire, grow, and create generational change without sacrificing financial stability.

“I want grant organizations to say, ‘We can’t give you funding, but we’ve partnered with Barter Black to provide you resources.’”

Murphy’s ambitions include positioning Barter Black as a competitor to major freelancer platforms, all while staying true to its mission of community-driven growth.

But what sparked this passion for systemic change? And how does Nicole balance scaling Barter Black while staying deeply connected to its community?

Listen to her full story on Episode #49 (airing 2/18/25) of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford.

Connect with Nicole Murphy at Barter Black by visiting https://barterblack.io/.

Looking ahead, Nicole is focused on forging partnerships with organizations that provide grants and resources for Black entrepreneurs.

She dreams of a day when funding rejections come with solutions:

We’ve got to stop acting like solopreneurs. Trying to be the ‘everything officer’ isn’t how you build a thriving business.”

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

37

Kemuel Browne doesn’t just talk about branding; he lives it through every choice, every strategy, and every rhythm.

A creative powerhouse from St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kemuel draws from over 20 years of experience as a musician, strategist, and leader. At the heart of his work is a philosophy as fluid as his musical roots: “Flow like water, but the best water is structured.”

Roots of Rhythm and Structure Raised by a father who balanced entrepreneurship and music with precision, and a mother who shaped minds as an educator, Kemuel absorbed lessons that blended creativity and discipline. His classical training on the piano evolved into leading bands, where he honed the art of orchestrating not just sound, but people—a skill that now underpins his unique approach to branding.

From Music to Messaging Kemuel’s transition from music to branding was neither linear nor traditional. He explains, “At the time, I thought it was mutually exclusive to music. I didn’t even realize at first that what people were asking me for—how to visually sequence something, or strategize an idea—was all connected to my creative side.”

That realization came during the pandemic when Kemuel reflected on his journey. “I really sat down and asked, ‘What is it I’m providing?

What is it that people are seeking from me?

And how do I kind of categorize that?’”

The Currency of Trust Kemuel emphasizes that the foundation of any meaningful partnership is trust.

“Partnerships should be about collaboration, not codependency,” he shares.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

38

His approach to strategic branding rests on this principle, ensuring that every collaboration aligns with a brand’s identity and values.

“You can’t build something sustainable if you don’t know who you are, what you do, and why you do it,” he says. By focusing on these essentials, Kemuel helps his clients avoid the costly missteps of mismatched collaborations and foster sustainable alliances.

The Structure Behind the Flow Clarity alone isn’t enough; structure is just as vital. As Kemuel puts it, “Flow like water, but the best water is structured.” This belief reflects his holistic approach to branding: balance fluidity with a system that moves everything forward.

His clients don’t just walk away with a strategy—they leave with a framework designed to match their unique rhythm and goals. Kemuel notes, “There’s no way that you can just freestyle your way through life without ever structuring something. Flow is great, but it needs direction.”

Branding with Authenticity and Alignment For those navigating branding in today’s fast-moving world, Kemuel offers an approach grounded in communication, culture, and adaptability. He stresses the importance of authenticity, saying, “If you lie to yourself, you’ll end up putting yourself in a corner of a partnership that you might have to back your way out of.”

His work is deeply connected to his roots. “Growing up in the Virgin Islands, I saw talent everywhere,” he recalls. “Per capita, we’re punching way above our weight in every field you can think of. That environment taught me the value of authenticity and staying grounded.”

The Questions Leaders Must Answer What happens when authenticity meets the demands of scaling a brand? How does culture shift, and how do leaders ensure it remains intact while growing? And what does it mean to truly partner—not just for visibility or clout, but for lasting impact?

Get answers to these questions and more in Episode #51 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford airing on 2/26/25. Hear Kemuel share more on branding, partnerships, and leadership. Connect with Kemuel directly at https://sociatap.com/Flyyoungintellectual. You don’t want to miss this conversation.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

39

CLEAN, EASY, TIME SAVING

TYPEFORM

Typeform is a great tool in our nonprofit because it allows me to collect and analyze our outcomes. This helps me to measure our impact. It’s also been helpful in supporting nonprofit leaders with processing applications, registration forms, client feedback surveys and more.

While I do sometimes use Google forms, or Honeybook, I like that Typeform allows adding photos and videos, includes logic to segment questions and answers, and if using integrations of other applications, I can do so much more.

Gather user experience feedback

Create applications and forms

Find out how you’re doing. Create a feedback survey to share with your clients or your team.

Save time. Create applications, registrations and more with a Typeform.

Embed it, share a QR code, or a link.

Create client or team centric quizzes

Create a booking form

Consider using Typeform to create a branded quiz, survey, signup form or more for your organization.

If you’re a speaker, caterer, DJ, vocalist, or other business/nonprofit that relies on people requesting you, Typeform combined with Calendly is a great option to consider.

GET TYPEFORM

40

THE SPEDUCATED ADVANTAGE:

How do you empower educators to meet the diverse needs of their students when traditional methods fall short? For Diana Williams, founder of The Speducated Leader, it begins with seeing the whole child and creating school systems that rise to meet their challenges.

TRANSFORMING SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Diana’s journey into special education leadership was born of necessity and purpose.

As co-founder of an elementary charter school in Brooklyn, she saw firsthand the gaps in how schools addressed the needs of students with disabilities. “Special education is a program of services and supports that an individual might receive to help them access and succeed in the academic setting,” Diana explains.

What sets Diana apart is her focus on both the visible and invisible needs of children. “There’s the invisible and the visible things that we’re carrying around with us,” Diana says, reflecting on how trauma-informed care plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive environment for all students.

Her work goes beyond compliance. “I tell parents all the time, even if you give consent on day one and 10 days later you decide you don’t want to go forward with the process anymore, that’s okay. You can revoke consent,” she shares.

For Diana, equipping parents with the knowledge to advocate for their children is just as important as empowering educators.

Her work with educators centers on addressing behavioral challenges, supporting students holistically, and extending grace to everyone involved. “Extend grace to children that are still trying to figure out their bodies and what’s going on inside. Extend grace to teachers that are trying their best but don’t know what else to do.”

Curious about how Diana developed her innovative Speducated Leadership Framework and what’s next for her groundbreaking work?

Catch the full story on Episode #45 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford, airing on January 21, 2025, to hear Diana share her strategies for creating real change in special education.

Connect with Diana online at thespeducatedleader.com or on Instagram at @thespeducatedleader.

41

DATA DRIVEN STRATEGIES

BY LYDIA KILLOS, PHD My favorite sweatshirt reads “I miss My work and personal interest center on education Barack.” It’s true; I do. You have my research and policy aimed at improving outcomes for apologies for being overly familiar, children and families. I have dedicated my career to President Obama. You were a star in the White House for many reasons, not building research-partner practices, believing that these least of which was your focus on collaborations will create the most positive and lasting evidence-based practices to drive impact on student outcomes. By developing our educational and social service students’ strengths, we can drive meaningful change decisions in this country. throughout the world.

Many education leaders designing student-facing learning opportunities genuinely believe their programs, tools, or products will help students learn and thrive.

Similarly, many teachers lean into conventional wisdom to guide their educational decisions for the students in our homes and communities. But I wonder: where is the evidence supporting meaningful impact? Research shows that decisions based solely on conventional wisdom are often misguided. We can’t simply wish for better outcomes for our children; we need clear evidence that our educational programs can support the positive results we aim to achieve. Embracing this need for evidence in program selection requires a culture change.

In 2015, during President Obama’s administration, Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) introduced the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), designed to update and replace the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). ESSA shifted federal accountability requirements for closing educational achievement gaps to the states. It formally defined four levels of program evidence based on research design and practice.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

42

This means that programs claiming to impact student outcomes must demonstrate effectiveness through results. The top three levels require findings of statistically significant effects on improving student or other relevant outcomes, while the fourth level accommodates promising ideas that have yet to establish a strong evidence base.

It seems natural, doesn’t it? If we are spending millions of taxpayer dollars on an education program, we want to know it will work—just as we want to know that an antacid will soothe an upset stomach or that toothpaste will both whiten our teeth and keep our breath fresh.

The same understanding of clear outcomes applies as we’re considering products and programs with much further-reaching, generational impacts.

Thanks to President Obama and Senator Alexander, the call for evidence-based and data-driven strategies has gained momentum across various sectors of research.

This shift is widely regarded as a positive advancement.

Leveraging data can drive powerful transformations, improve decision-making, foster transparency, and create tailored solutions for diverse populations.

In today's heated political and social landscape, the success of our children remains a common interest amid divisive messaging. While many voices on both sides of the educational reform debate describe the status quo as a disaster, this sentiment can create a sense of hopelessness about our ability to make progress.

Such a mindset may further disservice our nation’s children by deterring philanthropic investments.

Funders seek to support initiatives that drive student advancement and success for all.

One of the most powerful aspects of data-driven strategies is their ability to uncover systemic inequities that might otherwise go unnoticed. By analyzing data—both for overarching trends and through disaggregation—we can reveal disparities in access, outcomes, and treatment among students based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors. For instance, data can illuminate the ways some student groups experience lower graduation rates, disproportionate out-of-school suspensions, or higher rates of chronic absenteeism.

Data-driven strategies enable the creation of targeted interventions that address specific needs and challenges within school communities. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all (but none particularly well) design solution, educational organizations can use data to understand the unique circumstances and barriers faced by different groups, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable interventions.

Strategically utilizing data can significantly advance equity by informing policy decisions, identifying disparities, and directing resources to underserved communities. Key ways data can promote equity include: Identifying Disparities: Data analysis can uncover systemic inequities in educational outcomes, allowing stakeholders to address specific needs.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

43

To ensure data-driven strategies advance equity rather than reinforce harmful systems, it’s crucial to engage diverse student, family and community shareholders throughout the data collection process, prioritize ethical data practices such as including shareholder voice in surveys and in data interpretation, and remain adaptable to the needs of schools and communities. This is particularly true in regards to the timeliness of analysis and engagement of shareholders in determining outcomes and next steps drawn from the analysis.

Informed Decision-Making: Policymakers can prioritize interventions that have the most significant impact on underserved groups, ensuring resources are allocated where they’re needed most.

Monitoring Progress: Regular data collection and analysis help track the effectiveness of equity initiatives, enabling adjustments and additional accountability as needed.

Community Engagement: Data can facilitate discussions with communities, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and needs are met, particularly those of underrepresented groups.

A crucial component of data-driven strategy is the use of complex analytical tools, such as predictive analytics. These tools can help policymakers and leaders anticipate and mitigate potential inequities before they arise. For example, predictive models can identify students at risk of dropping out, allowing schools to provide targeted support before these students fall behind. In this way, data serves as an early warning system, equipping decision-makers with the insights necessary to address emerging inequities before they become entrenched problems.

However, if data-driven strategies are not implemented thoughtfully, they can perpetuate harmful systems—such as bias in data collection and misinterpretation of data. Data should represent the demographics of the students, families, or teachers impacted by programs or outcomes. When data is collected merely for convenience or to reinforce existing inequities, it can lead to misguided policies that fail to positively influence the school environment.

As we reflect on the path forward for education reform, many of us embrace the promise that datadriven strategies hold for transforming our schools and communities. By fostering a culture of evidencebased decision-making, we can illuminate the challenges our students face and target supports and interventions to create more equitable educational experiences. With intentionality, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical practices, we can harness the power of data to create tailored interventions that uplift all students, particularly those historically marginalized or overlooked completely.

Let us remain hopeful and united in our vision for a future where every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. With lessons learned from the past and the data and community-supported evidence, we have the tools to turn these aspirations into reality. Together, we can build an educational landscape that honors the promise of every child and empowers them to shape a better world for many generations.

Connect with Lydia Killos

Scan the QR code to access all the links from this issue of Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits™.

Prefer digital?

All the links are here in one easy-to-access spot.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

45

CREATORS OF CULTURE Carrying a unique energy, and faced by trials that have refined them, Creators of Culture move through the world setting standards others unconsciously follow. Their refusal to confirm unsettles the mainstream, doubly confusing them because their deeply compassionate selves exist to create for humanity. They are the pulse.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

46

47

The Rise of Rose Gold Reserve: Building a Brand Celebrities Trust

L

Luxury Redefined Through Vision and Determination

For many, luxury is a label.

For serial entrepreneur Omar McGee, founder of Rose Gold Reserve, it’s a mindset, a way of life, rooted in authenticity, vision, and representation.

Omar reflects on his journey, noting, “You can’t win if you’re scared to take the shot. It’s not about arrogance; it’s about knowing you’ve done the work.”

Rose Gold Reserve was born from a meticulous three-year collaboration with master blender Christian Eiroa.

Together, they crafted a product that pairs the rarest tobaccos with masterful techniques, creating cigars celebrated by tastemakers and aficionados alike. While cigars are the centerpiece,

Omar emphasizes that the brand’s scope is far greater: “There’s one side of the cigar world with all the money and no swag, and another with all the swag but no money. I wanted to bring them together.”

From Vision to Mastery Omar’s story begins long before Rose Gold Reserve.

At Howard University, he discovered his passion for creating spaces that merge excellence with purpose.

Later, he founded Executive Prep Academy of Finance in Los Angeles, a school dedicated to sending underrepresented students to college.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

48

“We put over 500 kids into four-year programs,” he recalls, reflecting on the impact of the academy. Yet systemic challenges forced him to close the school, leading Omar to redirect his focus to the luxury market—a world he had long admired.

“I was addicted to the luxury lifestyle even as a kid,” he shares. “You see a fridge with an ice machine, color TV, and you realize you want more. I knew, however I was going to get it, I was going to get it.” With Rose Gold Reserve, he’s done more than achieve success; he’s created a brand that elevates Black excellence in a space that’s historically lacked diversity.

As he transitioned from running a cigar lounge to creating a premium brand, Omar quickly recognized the limitations of traditional business models. Reflecting on his earlier ventures, he shares, “I realized really quickly that there’s a ceiling to a cigar lounge. You can only monetize it as much as the customer base that walks through the door.” This realization spurred his ambition to scale beyond local opportunities.

Beyond the Brand Omar doesn’t just sell cigars; he crafts experiences. His products reflect precision, artistry, and an understanding of what his clientele values most. Through strategic partnerships like his collaboration with Christian Eiroa, Omar has positioned Rose Gold Reserve as one of the fastest-growing brands in the industry.

“You have to listen and learn,” Omar explains, highlighting the importance of working with experts. “At the end of the day, I decide what I want to bring to the world, but you need partners who understand the game.”

Collaboration is key, but so is authenticity. Reflecting on what sets his brand apart, Omar says, “My audio matches my video. It’s authentic. It’s real. The credibility is there.”

The Mindset Behind the Masterpiece Omar’s approach to entrepreneurship is both pragmatic and fearless. “I don’t think about losing—it’s not even an option,” he states. For him, success is a matter of preparation and faith. His philosophy, rooted in belief and action, informs every decision he makes. “You can’t just say you believe,” he explains.

“You have to take steps that show you trust the process.”

He applies the same philosophy to his growing empire, with plans for new product lines and strategic expansions. Each decision is intentional, reflecting his deep respect for the craft and the communities he represents.

A Legacy in Progress “Rose Gold Reserve is more than a brand,” Omar says. “It’s about representing Black culture the way it’s supposed to be represented.”

Through storytelling, innovation, and a commitment to quality, he’s creating a legacy that resonates far beyond cigars.

What’s next for Omar and Rose Gold Reserve? How does he plan to elevate not only his brand but the culture it represents?

Catch the Full Story Catch the full story on Episode #46 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford, airing on January 28, 2025, to hear Omar’s plans for the future and his advice for thriving in competitive spaces.

Stay connected with Rose Gold Reserve at www.therosegoldreserve.com and on Instagram @therosegoldreserve.

49

THE KEPT WIFE STRATEGIST: For D’Ionna Washington , the Kept Wife Strategist, relationships are the foundation of success—both for individuals and within Black communities. Through her focus on strategic femininity and Power Partnership, she is inspiring women to rethink what it means to be supported, sustained, and valued in their relationships.

D’Ionna’s personal story is as bold as her mission. After a challenging first marriage, she moved from Virginia to Dallas with little more than her faith and determination. “It’s funny what can happen for you when you have clarity of mind and no distractions,” she says.

50

POWER, PROVISION, AND PARTNERSHIP In Dallas, she focused on becoming her best self, not for anyone else but as an act of self-respect and intention.

Just three months later, she met her husband, a Power Partner who encouraged her to transition from her corporate career into full-time coaching. “I made a list of what I wanted in a partner, put it away, and focused on me. He showed up,” she explains.

Through her coaching and programs, D’Ionna teaches women how to release societal narratives of resilience and struggle. She believes that women deserve relationships where they are supported emotionally, financially, and spiritually. “Black women are often told we have to help men or build together, but there are plenty of high-earning Black men who want to provide.

We’re the key to unlocking their potential, and they’re the key to ease and abundance in our lives.”

Her approach, rooted in personal accountability and intentionality, also touches on broader societal concerns.

“Financial stress in relationships undermines everything else—emotional connection, decision-making, even health,” she says. As a coach, she helps women create lives where financial strain is not the center of their relationships. “When money is off the table, you can focus on the real issues.”

D’Ionna’s work also opens a critical conversation about the dynamics of being a single business owner versus a married one.

She highlights the emotional and financial stressors that disproportionately impact Black women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and other high-pressure roles. “We’re conditioned to overwork and over-sacrifice, but when you have a Power Partner, everything changes. You’re free to focus on your creativity, your purpose, and your health without carrying all the weight alone.”

Curious about how strategic femininity and Power Partnership can transform your life? Tune in to Episode #48 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford, airing February 11, 2025, where D’Ionna shares how women can embrace their divine femininity, create harmonious relationships, and step into a life of ease and success.

Connect with D’Ionna at destinationdionna.com or follow her on YouTube for weekly coaching and conversations about love, provision, and living the kept wife life.

51

52

My brand is about community, unifying and empowering the perceived oppressed, weak, and underprivileged. But are they? Or has life just beat them down, and it led to depression, mental illness, hopelessness, and bondage that ultimately trapped them within themselves, feeling there's no way out? The truth is there is Greatness in each of us, no matter how grim the situation or circumstance may seem. With the right support system and change in frequency, we can all be free to live our truth and inspire others to live theirs.

Our current situation does not determine nor dictate our final destination, so my brand and movement are all about helping others shift their mindset and make that paradigm shift by empowering them to embrace their uniqueness and turn their circumstance into a CHANCE, a new leash on life with unlimited possibilities. That starts with self-love and knowing and understanding their power.

This brand is a CHANGE AGENT for the world! After living abroad in the Asian Pacific for 5 years, I developed a deeper understanding of what breaks the spirit and kills the soul: PEOPLE! Some of us were born into trauma, and some of us were thrown into it later in life. Leaving us to seek love, acceptance, and validation from EVERYONE except ourselves and GOD. Once I found myself and realized we are all perfectly imperfect, I was able to free myself from the bondage of who people said I would be or NEVER be. And my logo exemplifies that perfectly. My initials FC represent the Fred Cadoshia brand and are formed in the shape of an imperfect diamond because I, like you, am a diamond in the rough who has gifts to share with the world through music, poetic word, art, and fashion. No matter our race, religion, ethnicity, or gender, when we look up, we all see the same sky, and we all want the same things: peace, love, and happiness. My mission is to help you find it.

53

FEATURE

FRED CADOSHIA

PERFECTLY IMPERFECT Fred Cadoshia doesn't believe in fitting in. He doesn't think you should, either.

As the founder of Perfectly Imperfect, Fred has spent his life doing something most people avoid: looking directly at the cracks, the flaws, and the chaos of life—and seeing something extraordinary. "I've always been drawn to the overlooked," Fred explains. "We live in this world where people who don't fit a certain bracket are isolated.

CEO AND FOUNDER PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

They're misunderstood. And we walk past them like they don't exist. But it could just as easily be you."

His story will move you.

His words will challenge you.

His work will change you.

54

Fred's story begins in spaces where most of us are uncomfortable—jails, shelters, and the shadows of society.

"I started working in the jails back in the mid-90s.

I believed in rehabilitation when the system didn't," he recalls. "I didn't judge anyone. I went in there to do my job, but I saw that people looked forward to me being there. They saw that I believed in them, and that belief sparked something. I saw people come out and introduce me to their families, people who had made mistakes but were good at their core."

That experience planted a seed. "I realized I had the power to inspire," Fred says. "I saw beautiful things happen just from showing up and believing in people. That's where it started."

"It represents me and my father," he shares. "He recently passed, and this is a way of honoring him. The diamond symbolizes coming into yourself and understanding your purpose. It's about shining through, even when life tries to bury you."

Fred describes the deeper motivation behind the brand: "The name, logo, and tagline came from being in places where you've been deceived, betrayed, lied on, and start asking yourself why.

So you channel the energy of the adversities, pain, scars, and trauma into the brand. It stimulates unity, strength, and people of the same perceived ailments."

Through Perfectly Imperfect, Fred has created a space where self-expression and self-acceptance go hand in hand.

Fred's approach to fashion goes beyond A MOVEMENT ROOTED IN TRUTH aesthetics into capturing emotion and identity. His curated looks tell a story, Fred's work is built on one core truth: blending colors, textures, and styles you are enough. Whether speaking to that celebrate individuality and reflect an audience, styling and assembling his mood. "It's more than just wearing pieces, or writing music, Fred reminds something," Fred says. "It's about what people that their imperfections are the pieces say about how you're feeling part of their power. "Nobody's in that moment. It could be bold and perfect. We all have flaws, things vibrant, or it could be quiet and simple. we're trying to overcome. But that Either way, it's valid." doesn't take away our meaning," he explains. "Perfectly Imperfect is about MULTIFACETED EMPOWERMENT recognizing who you are, flaws and all, Fred's work spans music, poetry, and and evolving from there." motivational speaking. Each expression allows him to connect with people on a The brand's logo—a diamond in the deeper level. rough—reflects Fred's journey.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

55

Music lets you feel the rhythm of life," he says. "It's not just for the dance floor —it's for when you're working out, driving, or just needing inspiration. It moves you."

But Fred's work goes beyond creating.

It's about cultivating community. "This is a community of people who don't feel like they have a voice," Fred says.

"There's so much negativity in the world, so many low frequencies, and I want people to understand that their identity, their voice, their truth—it all matters."

Fred urgently discusses the dangers of losing identity in the face of life's challenges. "When people are battered and bruised by life, the first thing stripped away is their sense of who they are," he says. Perfectly Imperfect is about reclaiming that. It's about telling people: You have a voice. You have something special to share. Don't let the world take that from you."

WHY IT MATTERS Fred's mission is deeply personal. "I've been an advocate for the homeless for a long time," he says. "I know people don't always see the full picture.

57

Fred's mission is deeply personal. "I've been an advocate for the homeless for a long time," he says. "I know people don't always see the full picture. We judge what we see on the surface, but we don't know their story. It could just as easily be us. One paycheck, one decision, one loss, and everything can change."

He also addresses the stigma around trauma and mental health. "We wear masks every day, hiding our pain, our trauma,"he says. "But the truth is, there's strength in being vulnerable, in being who you really are. That's what I want people to understand."

But I knew I couldn't do it in basic ways.

I had to reach deeper, to connect stronger."

WHAT’S NEXT Fred has big plans for 2025. Tune in to Episode #43 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford, airing January 7, 2025, where you can hear more about Fred Cadoshia’s giving circle, community projects, and the upcoming release of his music and film projects. Connect with Fred Cadoshia.

Fred's vision isn't limited to the present.

"As I matured, I saw the temperature of the world, and it felt like everything was becoming so negative," Fred reflects. "I moved differently, not to fit in but to express who I really was. My father played a big part in this—he always wanted us to be the best version of ourselves. That's when it hit me: I'm ready. I want to share with the world, to help heal the world.

DON'T LET ANYONE PUT YOU IN A BOX.

Fred Cadoshia, CEO and Founder Perfectly Imperfect

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

58

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

A RAW CONVERSATION ON BRAND VOICE, PRECISION, AND PURPOSE

BY FELICIA FORD Sometimes, there’s a duality between the excitement of who you’re becoming and the fear of what that means. There’s the space between having a vision and putting it together— questioning if it’s too much or too little—and realizing what you have to sacrifice to live it. It’s not always easy to tell if you’re just executing for the sake of execution or searching for validation. Or maybe it’s just about having the right to feel joy because you’ve created something—no matter what it costs.

Do you ever turn it off? Creativity can push you to the limits, like your body’s chemistry working overtime. But do limits even exist? And when you’re in that creative space, do you need other people there? Sure, sharing it can elevate the experience, but sometimes it’s just about allowing things to take shape without needing an audience.

But here’s the thing: The world operates with these external markers of success. And it gets frustrating. I am personally not seeking fame. I don’t need validation from people who don’t know me. My idea of success is time freedom— being able to create beautiful things that speak to those they were meant for. Yet, a part of me hopes that this journey will also lead to the kind of wealth that decreases suffering for others for generations to come.

And that’s where things get tricky. I’ve been known to lock in with a version of focus that can appear isolating. What makes me and Felicia Ford & Co.® stand out is our subtle, precise, and disruptive resolve to finish and to finish well what we start.

Sometimes sameness brings a dread and a roboticism. Reading or listening to words I likely have also been guilty of using like “amplify” or “elevate.” These words could describe anyone.

They are beginning to feel cheap, like the kind of language people use when they don’t know who they are yet. That’s not who we are.

Why we’re here is clear: Good trouble.

Disruption that serves a purpose. Work that changes lives by the leaders, counselors, therapists, nonprofits, pastors, and entrepreneurs who make a difference every day.

They aren’t waiting for someone to hand them opportunities. They’re already doing the work.

They don’t need noise. They need focus and precision.

So no, we don’t quietly position ourselves as anything. There’s no room for limiting beliefs about outshining others. That’s not the energy we bring. Our work has to be visible, because it’s what people cling to when they’re overwhelmed, afraid, and when they’re celebrating the best moments of their lives and full of joy.

Our work doesn’t look or sound like the templates everyone else uses. What we do is more precise, more strategic where we tap into the human experience. You bring the

vision. We bring the spotlight. The spotlight, the reach, the access where we place work where it belongs so it can reach the people who need it.

Our work is disruptive, but only because it has to be. We show up exactly where it matters.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

60

And honestly, I want the messaging I use to feel just like our conversation did at the start—fluid, human, intentional. Not transactional or templated. I want to communicate in a way that reflects exactly who we are: precise, impactful, and unapologetic. No parallelism, no fluff. Just real, meaningful work that lands where it needs to.

What’s in you is meant to disrupt—not in chaos, but in purpose. You don’t need permission to create. You don’t need to follow the rules that tell you how your work should look, sound, or feel.

Subcultures thrive because someone dared to say, “There’s another way.” And maybe that’s the lesson here.

Being a Creator of Culture isn’t about fitting into what already exists. It’s about shaping what’s next, even if it feels messy and uncertain.

What you create doesn’t have to follow the blueprint, and it certainly doesn’t have to be mainstream to matter. There’s beauty in stepping outside the frame, in making space for the voices, ideas, and visions that don’t just complement the status quo—they challenge it.

This is your call to move boldly into what’s yours to create. The world doesn’t need more echoes. It needs you to bring the full force of who you are, unapologetically, to the forefront. Your vision, your precision, your disruption—it’s all part of the story only you can tell. Your work is a declaration. It’s a disruption. And most of all, it’s a gift.

DISRUPTIVE STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

61

CURATORS OF RENEWAL The people who are deeply empathetic and steady enough to hold space for others’ fragility without breaking themselves. They offer invitations for healing, prioritizing being over doing, both individually and in community. They lead by example, offering space, guidance and the courage to walk with you through your most vulnerable moments.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

62

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

63

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK The Cousins You Don’t Want at the Party!

Redefining mental health and building psychologically safe communities that heal, empower, and thrive.

In Portland, Oregon, Lenora Johnson is changing how communities approach health and human services with a lens that blends social work, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence. With over 18 years in the field, Lenora’s career has been defined by a commitment to understanding the full scope of trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression—not just as individual experiences but as interconnected forces that shape lives.

Lenora explains. Her nuanced

“When anxiety shows up, grief isn’t far behind. You might think you’re just dealing with one thing, but they travel together like cousins you didn’t invite to the party,”

at a coroner’s office following

approach focuses on addressing these elements at their smallest scale, fostering solutions that are both sustainable and compassionate.

Lenora’s journey began in Detroit, where health was often sacrificed for productivity, particularly in the auto industry. Initially aiming for a career in engineering, her life took a pivotal turn after she participated in a forensic science program. During an internship Hurricane Katrina, Lenora experienced a transformative realization:

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

64

“I thought I wanted to help people at the end of their stories, but I realized I wanted to be a part of telling their stories before it was too late.”

This clarity fueled her transition into social work, where she developed a framework for understanding trauma and grief across all life stages. From a child losing a favorite teacher to an adult grieving a career change, Lenora sees these experiences as part of a continuum.

“Trauma is a scale,” she explains. “It starts with something small—like a child’s pacifier being taken away— and grows from there. Grief and trauma are universal, even if they look different for everyone.”

Her work with children in Cincinnati schools deepened her understanding of systemic gaps, particularly in mental health care for Black children. “I saw so many Black kids on medication that didn’t address the root cause of their struggles,” she recalls. “That’s when I started looking at how trauma manifests differently in different populations, especially in children navigating violence, poverty, or instability.”

Beyond individual care, Lenora has made significant strides in workplace wellness. She emphasizes the importance of creating psychologically safe environments, where employees can bring their full selves to work without fear of judgment .

“If we invest in our teams, they’ll invest in the mission,” Lenora says. “It’s not just about productivity—it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.”

Looking ahead, Lenora is expanding her work to include wellness retreats designed to merge self-care with professional development. Her upcoming series, Pour with a Purpose: A Cup of Self-Care, will provide leaders and solopreneurs with tools to rejuvenate while fostering meaningful connections. With activities like yoga tailored to diverse body types, these retreats aim to be inclusive spaces where healing and learning coexist. “ T r a u ma i s a s c a l e , a n d grief has both high and l o w s t i mu l i . We a r e always collectively going through grief.”

But how does Lenora balance the weight of systemic change with her personal commitment to community wellness? And what lessons has she learned that could reshape how organizations support their teams?

Listen to Lenora Johnson’s full story on Episode #39 of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford , airing December 10, 2024.

Connect with Lenora at https://lcnwellness.com.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

65

A Nurse’s Vision: REIMAGINING RECOVERY + THE SPA EXPERIENCE In Huntsville, Alabama, Christina Watson has created a sanctuary for healing and self-care through her business, LaZooz Skincare. With over two decades of nursing experience and her more recent role as a licensed esthetician, Christina brings a unique blend of medical expertise and compassionate care to a community often overlooked: oncology patients and their caregivers. At LaZooz, Christina provides specialized skincare designed to address the challenges of cancer treatments while nurturing the soul.

The inspiration for LaZooz Skincare came during Christina’s time as a chemotherapy nurse. She vividly recalls the words of one patient who confided, “Everybody’s so afraid to touch me.” For Christina, this was more than a passing comment—it was a revelation about the power of touch and the deep emotional needs of those facing cancer. “Once you have it, everywhere you go, you’re reminded of the diagnosis,” she

“You can’t just use any products—it takes hours of

shared. “I wanted to create a space where

research to ensure they’re safe.”

people could feel supported and nurtured, and forget about cancer for a little while.”

Beyond her oncology-focused treatments, Christina advocates for holistic wellness and educating her

Christina’s commitment to oncology

clients about the importance of intentional skincare.

skincare is rooted in extensive research

“It’s the things that you put onto your skin that are

and training, including certification from

just as important as what you eat,” she says. Her

the Oncology Spa Solutions School. She

dedication extends to creating her own products,

emphasizes the importance of using non-

such as the LaZooz Body Scrub, originally developed

toxic, carefully curated products tailored

for her husband’s struggles with folliculitis. “Now,

to the unique needs of her clients. “Cancer

it’s become a client favorite,” she added, highlighting

patients are often photosensitive and have

its versatility and benefits for both cancer and non-

heightened skin sensitivities,” she

cancer patients.

explained.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

66

Christina’s work isn’t just about skincare—it’s about fostering connection, wellness, and community.

“When you walk into my spa, I want you to feel better when you leave,” she shared. “Taking care of ourselves sets off a domino effect—when we feel good, we treat others better, and that ripple creates a kinder, more supportive community.”

Curious about Christina’s approach to combining science, compassion, and skincare? Tune into Episode 40 (airing 12/17/24) of Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford for an inspiring conversation— and discover how LaZooz Skincare is helping clients reclaim their confidence, one treatment at a time.

JADE’S SHADE: The Make-Up Artist Not Here to Play by the Rules The beauty industry has often overlooked the needs and experiences of Black women, leaving a gap in representation and inclusivity. Jade DixonParks, founder of Jade Paints Makeup Artistry, has built her brand by addressing these challenges head-on. Through her artistry and intentional approach, Jade creates a space where clients feel truly seen and celebrated.

“Representation matters,” Jade emphasizes. “Black and Brown women should never receive subpar service due to a lack of knowledge or skill.”

Her journey, from Pasadena, California, to Fort Worth, Texas, was both a relocation and a creative transformation.

68

FROM CALIFORNIA TO COLLABORATION

Jade’s move to Fort Worth marked a turning point. “They say here in Texas, ‘Don’t California my Texas,’” she recalls. “Eight years ago, natural glam wasn’t trending like it is now. I wasn’t sure I’d fit in, but I believed it was where God was calling me.”

She found a community with a spirit of collaboration that stood in stark contrast to Los Angeles. “LA has that grind mentality—every man for himself. Fort Worth feels like family, and that’s allowed me to grow as an artist and a person,” Jade shares.

This supportive environment strengthened Jade’s commitment to serving her clients with care and precision, an approach that stands out in an industry often fraught with competition.

LISTENING AND LEARNING Jade is deeply attuned to her clients’ needs. “A lot of makeup artists don’t consult with their clients. They assume they know better, but nobody knows their face better than they do,” she explains.

One experience that stands out was with a mature client attending a gala. “She wanted a charcoal smoky eye with a red lip. It pushed me as an artist because I had never done that look on someone with her features,” Jade recalls. “But when she saw herself, her reaction reminded me why I do this work.”

Her Story

Her dedication extends to fostering trust with clients who may feel hesitant due to past experiences.

“There’s often a mistrust among deeper-complexioned clients because of bad experiences. They’re unsure if you can handle their skin tone,” she says. Jade’s commitment to diversity and understanding builds the confidence her clients need.

FILLING INDUSTRY GAPS

Jade openly critiques the beauty industry’s failure to prioritize inclusivity. “As a woman of color, it’s expected that we serve a diverse clientele. But non-Black counterparts aren’t held to that same standard,” she says.

She notes the lack of representation for deeper skin tones in portfolios from major names in the industry. “It’s important to showcase everyone. I’ve worked with clients of all backgrounds—Indian brides, Pacific Islanders, multicultural bridal parties—and I’m proud of that.”

Jade also recognizes the need to challenge assumptions within the industry. “Deeper-complexioned clients have approached appointments with skepticism, wondering if I can work with their skin tone,” she shares. “That pushes me to expand my skills and prove that no client should ever feel overlooked.”

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

69

SHARING THE LESSONS Jade’s experiences as a self-taught makeup artist inspired her to create tools for others entering the field. Her ebook, 10 Practical Steps for Beauty Professionals, offers actionable advice for aspiring artists and service-based providers.

“I didn’t register my business until years after starting because I didn’t know any better,” she explains. “My goal with this ebook is to help others avoid the mistakes I made. This is about equipping people with the tools they need to succeed.”

The ebook reflects Jade’s holistic approach to building a sustainable business. From refining technical skills to delivering exceptional customer service, it’s a guide informed by her own journey of trial and error.

LEADING WITH CARE Jade views her work as an opportunity to uplift and empower. “When women sit in my chair, they’re in a vulnerable state,” she says. “My goal is to make them feel beautiful, confident, and valued.”

Her artistry challenges traditional beauty standards, bringing inclusivity and care to every client she serves.

What’s next for Jade and Jade Paints Makeup Artistry? With plans to expand her ebook’s reach and continue breaking barriers in representation, she’s poised to influence the industry in meaningful ways.

To hear more about Jade’s journey, her creative philosophy, and her vision for the future, tune into Episode 42 of Impact Innovators, Airing December 31, 2024.

Connect with Jade at jadepaints.com

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

70

71 OKMA SHOP THE BO

R K B Y C O R IN

E M A R IE

PRESERVE YOUR PURPOSE: SHINING BRIGHT WITHOUT LOSING YOURSELF

By Adrienne Randle In Matthew 5:15, Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world and that we shouldn’t dim our light or hide it in the darkness. Being the vibrant Black Woman I am, I took this personally and live that word daily. When I decided as a 21-yearold college student that I wanted to be a business owner, I knew that I had something within me that needed to be seen by the world. The only problem was that I was a naturally humble person. I don’t care to be the center of attention or talk about myself too much in rooms full of people.

Yet, I had many special gifts and learned skills that I wanted to use for the greater good not only to improve my own quality of life but for my, our, Black Community and generations to come. Over the years, I’ve learned to embrace being a light that shines bright in my community while still having a private life and not having to be the face of a movement.

For most of us, entrepreneurship starts as a hustle. You’re working until the sun comes up on ideas, products, pitches and systems. You use your free time to learn new skill sets that can help enhance your business. You find problems and then you fix them. You go through this cycle until you reach burnout. What if I told you that you can still shine bright in this world without losing yourself?

I am a designer, an artist, a visionary, a mentor, and a leader among Black entrepreneurs and women in business.

While I wear many hats, I have mastered the art of not exhausting or losing myself to a world that enjoys taking more than

72

it gives. I have discovered a happy medium where my purpose not only shines bright but illuminates other’s paths and careers.

In 2021, I was the founder of a community of Black Artists and Designers where I mentored over 35 creatives from around the world. I was beginning my brand partnership with Target, selling thousands of journals for my business, Addie Rawr . After praying and fasting, I put into place new practices that would change how I would show up in my community forever.

I stopped working on the go. I was the friend who took her laptop on vacation. I wanted to make sure I was always available to those who needed to talk business. Thankfully prioritizing my mental health taught me that it was okay to not be available 24/7. So I saved to purchase a desktop computer and let go of my laptop. This forced me to create a schedule of when I would be at my desk and share those office hours with all my clients and customers. It’s scary, I know but if you’ve built a transparent relationship with those who support your business, they’ll respect your schedule.

I created a line of detachment with my cell phone. I am a millennial so having a phone in my hand at all times was just the norm. My phone was my journal, my radio, and where I handled many business conversations. I would have anxiety attacks if I wasn’t answering customer emails as soon as I got the notifications. I had to change that immediately. This now looks like not having my work email signed in on my phone, having a screen time limit for social media apps, and deleting certain apps from my phone during peak seasons. I’ve allowed myself to slow down and surprisingly, the world

nor my business revenue didn’t stop like we may think will happen.

I stop subjecting myself to hustle culture. I analyzed my business data to see where I could take breaks, what products I could remove, and how I could increase my revenue while decreasing my workload. The world will bully you into hustling your life away. If you’re not monetizing every hobby, then the world will say that you’re not doing entrepreneurship right. I asked myself, what if it doesn’t have to be that way? For 8 years, I was predominately a product-based business with over 200 listings in my online shop. Now my business is only open a few months out of the year while I focus on other less stressful but lucrative client work. I have 10 solid products and they sell just as frequently as before.

Were these changes easy? Not at all, but I knew to show up as my best self for my business, my future family, and the community of Black Women and Men who rely on my talent, I had to make a shift.

This pivot now provides me the clarity to do more work for Black Businesses and help other entrepreneurs start their businesses. I may not be as real-time connected to the world as most business owners my age, but my light is still shining. My presence is still felt from my website to all the collaborative projects I work on behind the scenes. My physical health is the best it’s ever been and life just feels comfortable.

Now, my question is, are you ready to make some strategic changes to preserve your purpose while prioritizing yourself?

I had to make a shift.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

73

“I had to examine, in my dreams as well as in my immune-function tests, the devastating effects of overextension. Overextending myself is not stretching myself. I had to accept how difficult it is to monitor the difference. Necessary for me as cutting down on sugar. Crucial.

Physically. Psychically. Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is selfpreservation, and that is an act of political warfare.”

—Audre Lorde, poet, feminist, activist

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

74

SHOP CB2 GOLD ORB STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

75

YOUR MOVE, MOVEMENT MAKERS Permission Granted. Believe in your own power again. If you’ve acquiesced to the quicksand of your day-to-day bombarded by time wasters and energy sucks having lost your focus, one single act can shift you back into motion.

Borrow my belief, the hope of others. Feed your mind, spirit, heart, even in small ways until that light burns steady again.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

76

MONEY MOVES

Turning Homeownership into Financial Freedom: Homeownership creates opportunities to build equity, turning a place to live into a foundation for financial growth and new possibilities.

By Michelle Jackson A Real-Life Story of Building Equity In 2020, a young couple, Jasmine and Marcus, both in their late twenties, made a bold decision that would set the foundation for their financial future: they purchased their first home. At the time, the market was competitive, but they were determined to invest in their future rather than continuing to rent. With a little research and the right guidance, they found a four-bedroom home in a growing neighborhood. They purchased the property for $275,000, locking in a historically low interest rate that made their monthly payments manageable.

Fast forward to today, Jasmine and Marcus are preparing to sell their home in the winter of 2025, just five years after moving in. Thanks to consistent home maintenance, strategic updates, and the natural appreciation of their property, their home is now valued at $400,000. After accounting for their remaining mortgage balance and closing costs, they are set to walk away with over $100,000 in equity.

How Did They Do It? Buying Smart from the Start: Jasmine and Marcus didn’t just buy the first home they liked; they took the time to choose a property in a neighborhood with strong growth potential. They prioritized areas with good schools, increasing development, and rising home values.

The Power of Equity Growth: Every mortgage payment they made over the years chipped away at their principal balance, steadily increasing their ownership stake in the home.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

77

Meanwhile, the real estate market in their area appreciated, boosting the overall value of the property. This combination of factors created a substantial equity cushion.

Strategic Improvements: Without overextending their budget, Jasmine and Marcus invested in small but impactful updates, such as upgrading the kitchen appliances and landscaping the front yard.

These enhancements increased the home’s curb appeal and overall value.

Long-Term Vision: They approached homeownership with a long-term mindset, viewing their property not just as a place to live but as a financial stepping stone.

This perspective kept them focused on maintaining the property and leveraging it as a tool for future opportunities.

What’s Next Marcus?

for

Jasmine

and

With over $100,000 in equity, Jasmine and Marcus are excited to reinvest in their dreams.

They plan to use a portion of the proceeds as a down payment on their next home, which will better accommodate their growing family. The remaining funds will help them start a small business Marcus has been dreaming of and bolster their emergency savings.

Their story is a testament to the power of homeownership as a tool for financial freedom.

What started as a leap of faith in their twenties has turned into a wealth-building strategy that sets the stage for the life they envision.

If you’re debating whether homeownership is the right move, Jasmine and Marcus’s experience is proof that real estate can be a cornerstone of financial security and opportunity. By taking deliberate steps and thinking long-term, they turned a simple home purchase journey.

into

a

powerful

wealth-building

You could be next! What’s stopping you from taking the first step toward creating your own equity story?

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

78

79

MEDIA.FELICIAFORDANDCO.COM

80

BLACK PHILANTHROPY

GIVING IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY IT NEVER LEFT US

By Felicia Ford

Philanthropy isn’t new to the Black community. Across generations and geographies, from rural communities to urban centers, our culture has been steeped in care, reciprocity, and collective well-being. Giving has always been woven into our lives, whether through mutual aid, supporting neighbors, or the community-driven work of institutions like the Black church. For me, this tradition is personal. With roots in Creole, Native, and West Indian cultures, I’ve experienced firsthand how giving and community care are inherent to who we are.

Modern philanthropy—whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or strategic leadership—is a continuation of these long-held practices.

While some may engage in philanthropy for career growth or access to new opportunities, many of us participate simply because it’s in our nature to give back.

This conversation explores the layers of Black philanthropy, acknowledging both the opportunities and the challenges that come with it.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

81

Giving matters in how we connect, show up for each other and how we shape a future we believe in.

PHILANTHROPY AS A CULTURAL LEGACY In conversations about philanthropy, there’s often a suggestion that certain communities need to “reclaim” or “gain access” to these spaces. But from my perspective, philanthropy has always been with us—it never went anywhere. Mutual aid, acts of service, and giving are deeply ingrained in our history, long before formal philanthropic institutions emerged.

The Black church, for example, has long been a hub for community support, fundraising, and leadership development. In rural areas and within Creole and West Indian traditions, the ethos of giving is passed down as part of daily life. These practices reflect more than charity; they represent a philosophy of care, shared responsibility, and collective advancement.

For those balancing careers, family, and community responsibilities, it can feel overwhelming to add more.

Skepticism of Institutions: Some people are cautious about engaging with organizations that don’t seem to align with the community values they hold dear. Institutions haven’t always respected Black voices or operated with transparency, making it difficult to trust their intentions.

Navigating the Line Between Altruism and Career-building: There’s often tension between participating for personal fulfillment and using philanthropy as a networking tool or career-building opportunity. Both motivations can exist, but it’s important to engage in ways that feel genuine and not transactional.

Modern philanthropy is an extension of this heritage.

These reservations are valid, but they don’t have

It allows us to engage more formally with

to keep us from participating meaningfully. By

organizations and initiatives while still honoring the

finding spaces that align with our values, we can

traditions we’ve carried all along.

contribute in ways that reflect both who we are

WHY SOME HOLD BACK

and what we care about.

Even though giving is embedded in our culture,

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT

some individuals still hesitate to engage in

The idea that philanthropic spaces are hidden

formal philanthropic spaces. These hesitations aren’t about a lack of access—opportunities are available. Instead, they reflect deeper concerns: Burnout and Overcommitment: Many fear that taking on additional roles, such as serving on boards or leading initiatives, will add too much to their already full lives.

behind gatekeepers is a myth. Opportunities are there for those who want to engage—whether through giving circles, board service, advisory roles, or high-impact initiatives. The real challenge lies in recognizing these opportunities and believing that our presence is valuable and necessary.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

82

For those ready to step into these roles, here are some ways to start: Leverage Existing Networks: Many of the people in your professional and personal circles are already involved in philanthropic work. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or community leaders to explore opportunities.

Join Giving Circles: These collaborative networks allow individuals to pool resources—whether money, time, or expertise—to fund causes they care about. They also provide a space to build community while making an impact.

Create Your Own Opportunities: If you don’t see a space that aligns with your values, build one.

Starting an initiative or organizing a community project can be just as impactful as joining an existing organization.

THE POWER OF INTENTIONAL GIVING Philanthropy offers different rewards for different people. While some may use it to gain access to new networks or professional opportunities, others engage purely for the joy of giving. Both motivations are valid.

People chose to give for a variety of reasons including to build legacy, for personal fulfillment and for the opportunity to influence by serving on a board, and impact by ensuring their voice is represented in decision-making spaces.

PHILANTHROPY AS AN ONGOING LEGACY Modern philanthropy offers us new ways to engage, but at its core, it reflects the same values we’ve upheld for generations: care, reciprocity, and collective advancement.

As Change Makers, we have the opportunity to shape the future by continuing to give intentionally—whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or strategic influence. The work we do today reflects who we are and builds a legacy for those who come after us.

Philanthropy involves giving, but on the deepest level, it’s about creating, showing up, aligning with causes that are personal to you and for the greater good of the community.. And the beauty of it all? We’ve been doing this all along.

Have a charity, initiative or organization you’d like us to highlight? Need inspiration for who you can connect with locally or on a larger scale?

JOIN IN ON THIS CONVERSATION ON BLACK PHILANTHROPY

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

83

BLACK PHILANTHROPY MONTH™

Founded by Dr. Jacqueline Bovier Copeland in 2011 with a global summit, today, Black Philanthropy Month™ (BPM) continues on August 1 each year. Reinforced by yearround initiatives, take the pledge.

Adopt the 10 Global Black Funding Principles and collaborate with the BPM Coalition today.

Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland

10 GLOBAL BLACK FUNDING PRINCIPLES

The Young, Black & Giving Back Institute (YBGB) serves Black-led, Black-benefiting nonprofits and its leaders with a mission to provide capacity building, convenings and funding that uniquely meets their social impact needs.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

84

FLIP THE PAGE Insipriaton for Movement Makers

THE BLACK CHANGE MAKER’S AGENDA

Proximity and community matter.

Shifting your environment, opening doors to new connections, and keeping the momentum going can change everything. It’s the joy of meeting new people, soaking in fresh energy and what comes after: applying what you’ve learned, fostering relationships, and finding a rhythm that truly works for you.

As I’ve been curating this space, one of the things I’ve always loved is witnessing this happen in real time.

Thank you to my social media community for recommending spaces that foster this kind of growth. Below, you'll find a collection of spaces and events recommended by my community to foster connection and growth.

These recommendations are shared with the intention of inspiring you to explore new opportunities.

ACCESS THE LIST

Note: These are recommendations shared by the community.

I haven’t personally attended or endorsed these, but they’re here for you to explore.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

86

SPECIAL THANKS

EVENT RECOMMENDATIONS

@luvvie @Barbie M Lewis @savantmoore @Karen Maria Alston @Anna M. Foster ....and more. See THE LIST Keep the conversation going.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

87

NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29,2024 #NATIVEHERITAGE

88

SHOP CRATE & BARREL

89

NET//WISE NAVIGATOR:THE ART STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS

OF

I created this sheet to help you brainstorm building and deepening connections (left column).

On the right are benchmarks you may aspire to at different intervals. Need help walking through it? Schedule a time to meet with me over a quick chat.

CREATIVES AUTHORS, SPEAKERS, PERFORMERS, ARTISTS + MORE 2025 GOALS Connect + collaborate with other Creatives Bookings per month Use videos on social media Solidify your brand

Podcast interviews per quarter

Prepare an EPK

Videos per month

Network at industry events

Content creation per week

Host your own or partner host events

Connections per week

Work with a booking agent/agency

Follow ups per week

LEADERS NONPROFIT + BUSINESS, 9-5'ERS + MORE SCORE Personal development per quarter SBA Networking per month Minority Business Council Collaborations per year Chamber of Commerce Social cause per three years (or more) Industry conferfence/convention Customer Loyalty Program CHANGE-MAKERS NONPROFIT, SOCIAL JUSTICE, ADVOCATES + MORE KPI Measurements/Outcomes Community Foundation Videos per week Private Foundation Blog posts per month Chamber of Commerce Podcasts per month Local/Regional/National Business Networking events per month Network FOR ALL Ask your attorney/accountant

Social media content creation per week

Ask your mentor

Strategic planning each quarter

Get visible on LinkedIn

Leadership retreat each year

Claim your knowledge panel on Google

Cross industry network twice/year

Ask a complimentary business owner/leader

Local/regional/national blitz Capture client testimonials

LET’S CHAT

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

90

G L I T T E R

&

G O L D

Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried sorrel (hibiscus flowers) 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced 2 cinnamon sticks 4-5 whole cloves 1-2 strips of orange peel 4 cups water 1/2 cup fresh pear purée (optional for fusion) Brown sugar or honey to taste 2 cups sparkling water or champagne (for a celebratory feel) Optional: Splash of rum for an authentic touch Instructions: 1. In a medium pot, bring water to a gentle boil. Add the hibiscus, ginger, and cinnamon sticks. Reduce heat and let it simmer 15–20 minutes.

2. Strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the solids. While still warm, stir in honey or agave until dissolved. Let the hibiscus base cool completely.

3. Once cool, add a tiny pinch of edible gold glitter dust and stir gently.

4. To serve, pour the hibiscus base over ice and top with sparkling water or champagne for bubbles. Garnish with fresh pear or orange slices and a sprig of mint.

Serving Suggestion: Serve in crystal flutes or wide coupe glasses to showcase the drink’s shimmer.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

91

POWER ON THE MOVE DESANGE KUENHIRA - EPISODE | 38 UnDEfeated: When Purpose Has No Borders

LENORA JOHNSON - EPISODE | 39

DEC

03 DEC

The Anatomy of Change – Dissecting Systems, Leadership, and Connection

10

CHRISTINA WATSON - EPISODE | 40

DEC

The Skin We’re In: Christina Watson on Wellness, Connection, and Transforming Care

17

THELONIUS COOK - EPISODE | 41

DEC

Rooted in Knowledge: Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Black Farming

24

JADE PARKS-DIXON EPISODE | 42

DEC

Layers of Power: Jade Parks-Dixon on Natural Glam + Disrupting Beauty Standards

31

FRED CADOSHIA - EPISODE | 43

JAN

Perfectly Imperfect: Diamonds Don’t Ask for Permission

07

CHRISTINA BLACKEN - EPISODE | 44

JAN

The Stories We Tell, the Cultures We Build: The New Quo

14

DIANA WILLIAMS - EPISODE | 45

JAN

SPEDucated and Focused: The Future of Special Education

21

OMAR MCGEE - EPISODE | 46

JAN

The Rose Gold Standard: Omar McGee on Craftsmanship and the Art of Excellence

28

POWER ON THE MOVE DESIAH BARNETT - EPISODE | 47 Tech Equity, Served Bold with a Side of Grit

D’IONNA WASHINGTON - EPISODE | 48

FEB

04 FEB

Feminine Power Perfected: The Kept Wife Strategist

11

NICOLE MURPHY - EPISODE | 49

FEB

Black Wealth, Bartered and Built

KEMUEL BROWNE - EPISODE | 51

18 FEB

Big Brands and Bigger Moves: The Partnership Playbook

26

TERRYL HUMPHREY - EPISODE | 52

FEB

Failure Is Knowledge, and This Veteran Has Receipts

28

CASEY HANDY-SMITH - EPISODE | 53

MAR

Protecting the Vision: Casey Handy-Smith on Contracts, Creatives, and Control

04

KACIE LUADERS EPISODE | 054

MAR

Art, Connection, and Community: The Making of Something Pretty Cool™

11

SHAHIDAH RAHMAN EPISODE | 055

MAR

Style, Strength, and Shattering Ceilings

DEE NTŠALA - EPISODE | 056 Leadership Isn’t About You: What High Achievers Get Wrong About Teams

18 MAR

25

WE

WISH

YOU

A

Merry Christmas STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

94

LUXURY YOU CAN TASTE GET 10% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER

95

Your Go to

FESTIVE TEAM ACTIVITIES SEND HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGES CONSIDER PUTTING TOGETHER A HOLIDAY CARE PACKAGE FOR YOUR TEAM MEMBERS THAT INCLUDES ITEMS LIKE HOT COCOA, CANDLES, AND OTHER SEASONAL TREATS.

ORGANIZE A VOLUNTEER DAY THE HOLIDAYS ARE A GREAT TIME TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. CONSIDER ORGANIZING A VOLUNTEER DAY WHERE YOUR TEAM CAN DONATE THEIR TIME TO A LOCAL CHARITY OR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

HOST A HOLIDAY BAKING COMPETITION EVERYONE LOVES A GOOD BAKING COMPETITION! HAVE YOUR TEAM MEMBERS SUBMIT THEIR BEST HOLIDAY TREAT RECIPES AND THEN HAVE A VIRTUAL TASTE TEST TO DETERMINE THE WINNER.

CREATE A HOLIDAY PLAYLIST MUSIC IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT. HAVE YOUR TEAM MEMBERS SUBMIT THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY SONGS AND THEN CREATE A PLAYLIST THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

96

Solar Charger Butane Torch

Goose Feather Down Comforter

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR BUSINESS FRIENDS

Air Purifier

Limited Edition Libre

Mono BackPack

Shure MV7+ Multiport

97

SHOP CRATE & BARREL

98

SPREAD THE SPARK

Our exclusive National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit is your guide to celebrating, taking action, and creating change.

Download your toolkit now and secure your spot for early access for 2025.

STRATEGIC EDGE X © FELICIA FORD & CO.®

99

LET HONEYBOOK HANDLE THE BUSY WORK. CONTRACTS. PAYMENTS. CLIENT COMMUNICATION. —ALL IN ONE PLACE. DISCOVER HONEYBOOK GET 30% OFF 100

NO NEED TO FLIP A COIN. AT FELICIA FORD & CO.®, YOU GET RESULTS DESIGNED FOR YOUR VISION—NO GUESSWORK, JUST GROWTH.

CHOOSE YOUR PATH

NOW BOOKING LEARN MORE