GrownTalks

The episode kicks off with the introduction of the new season and the featured mentors, Gavril and Heather Olson. The mentors share their inspiring journey into mentoring and the impact of the Growth Initiative program. They discuss the importance of mentorship and the misconceptions surrounding networking, emphasizing the value of organic connections and the role of professors in building profess...

In this episode of Grown Talks , we sit down with GIFs from the Growth Initiative program to hear about their journey so far. The GIFs introduce themselves, share their hopes and dreams, and reflect on what it felt like to be accepted into the program. They talk about their expectations versus the reality of Growth, what they’ve learned, and how the experience has helped them better understand the...

The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment. Takeaways...

This episode is a pause. Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it. We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community. This recap is abo...

In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program. Yes M.I.S.S Inc We...

Summary In this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice the...

In this episode of Grown Talks, Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, managing director at Duncan Channon. They discuss the realities of the advertising industry, including the importance of resilience, networking, and teamwork. Kumi shares her journey in advertising, the misconceptions surrounding the industry, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in...

Hey grown folks In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker . Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change. We get into his journey, the c...

Hey grown folks In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker . Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change. We get into his journey, the c...

Meet your co-hosts Ninoska Lugo, Pam Holguin Plasencia and Dane Tewari as they share their journeys through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Sharing how the program helped them navigate in the advertising world, and what it’s like to give back. This episode is filled with cool vibes, real stories, and plenty of inspiration!