Black Gems Dive In Podcast

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In Podcast, Kua and Kendra dive deep into a controversial bill signed by the Alabama governor banning state funding for DEI programs in schools and public colleges. The hosts then discuss the world of women's basketball and a recent game between Iowa and LSU, where players like Angel Reese faced scrutiny and unfair labeling in the media. Lastly, Kua and Kendr...

Join us in Ep. 42 of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, where host Ekua sits down with Sheldon Anderson, CEO of Public Flower Co. Dive into a candid discussion on entrepreneurship, social justice, and the intricacies of the cannabis industry. - Sheldon Anderson shares his experience opening a black-owned cannabis dispensary in Buffalo, navigating legal hurdles and emphasizing community representation...

In this episode, join Kendra and Kua as we dive into the latest hot topic: the University of Florida's controversial decision to eliminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion positions following a new state rule. We explore the rapid shifts occurring within DEI initiatives and Kendra's announcement of her new career path amidst these changes. Tune in as we wrap up with a thought-provoking...

In this episode of the "Black Gems Dive In Podcast," we dive into the inspiring story of our co-host, Kua, as she shares her journey of leaving her full-time job to pursue entrepreneurship. Join us as we explore the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that led Kua to take the leap into building her own business. From overcoming fears to embracing new opportunities, Kua's story is a testam...

Join hosts Kua and Kendra as they make their return to the "Black Gems Dive In Podcast." In this highly-anticipated episode, the dynamic duo dives deep into the critical topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) facing unprecedented challenges and the recent setbacks in affirmative action policies.

On this episode, Kua and Kendra discuss how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are under attack in many states. The pair discussed the Oscar Winners of 2023, how international talent dominated the Oscar’s, and is #OscarsSoWhite still relevant? 

On this episode, Kua and Kendra welcome, Stephanie Peete, Director of Workforce Development for Say Yes Buffalo, and Co-founder of Second Chapter Bookstore, a Black-owned small business operated in Buffalo, NY. The pair discussed how Resenteeism is the latest trend plaguing workers, and dives into ways that organizations like Say Yes Buffalo are creating career pathway programs for high school gra...

On this episode, Kua and Kendra share some exciting news. The pair discuss 5 DEI trends to retire in 2023 in order for organizations to be intentional about how to execute DEI. Lastly, the duo shares their “gem of the day”.

On this episode, Kua and Kendra welcome Dr. Barbara Seals-Nevergold, Founder of the Uncrowned Queens Institute and former president of the Buffalo School Board. They discuss the hot topic of the week, “Smithsonian Committee of WNY Women Making History”. The pair reviews Dr. Seals-Nevergold’s article, “East Presbyterian Church: The Forgotten Congregation”, a piece that dives into three churches tha...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discus the hot topic of the week “10 Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home”. The pair welcome Malkijah Griffiths and Sonya Tareke from Team Real Talk, Inc. to discuss their DEI application and process. They also discus generational point of views in the workplace and how generations can mend bridges to work together. Lastly, they share their “gem of the day.

On this episode, Kua and Kendra catch up and talk about this season of growth and gratitude. The pair discuss Kendra’s contribution to her new book release, “The Six Figure Athlete” and how with hard work, manifesting the life you want can be assessable. Lastly, the duo shares their “gem of the day”. To pre-oder a copy of Kendra's new book The Six-Figure Athlete: Convert Your Skills Into Cash:...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week “Adidas Ends Partnership with Kanye West at a Considerable Cost”. The pair also discusses the fear of cancel culture and how it is driving employers off social media, sometimes hindering DEI efforts. Lastly, they share their “gem of the day”. 

On this week’s episode, Kua discusses the hot topic of the week “Changes in leadership of Buffalo nonprofit organizations”. She welcomes Durgham Alyasiri and Leah Daniel who shared their role in the design of the “LOC Step Platform,” an online community designed by BIPOC Leaders for BIPOC Leaders in WNY. The pair also share their “gem of the day”. 

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss their experience at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at the Buffalo Bills vs LA Rams game. The pair welcome Christian Johnson, CEO of Beautiful Brains Consulting Company, which provide business technology solutions through a full lifecycle of services ranging from business analysis and IT consulting to cloud hosting. Christian sheds light on the Invest Wel...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades.” In a historic and far-reaching decision, the U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade , declaring that the constitutional right to abortion, no longer exists. The pair welcome Shannon Bryant, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at...

Welcome to Season 4! On the first episode back, Kendra welcomed Chantele Thompson, City of Buffalo Chief Diversity Officer. Thompson shares how she prepared for this position through her previous roles and responsibilities within the diversity, equity and inclusion field. She also discusses assuming the role immediately after May 14, 2022, the day the mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, a...

In collaboration with the Buffalo Museum of Science and Delaware North, Black Gems Dive In hosted a live podcast featuring Dr. Russell Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum.  Reflecting on the tragic events of May 14 in Buffalo, New York where ten innocent lives were taken, the group discussed urgent topics of civil and human rights and the pursuit of social justice through the...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Senate panel tied 11-11 on Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination, forcing an extra vote on her way to being confirmed to the Supreme Court”. The pair welcome Kristin Braye, Manager of DEI at Brooklyn Sports Entertainment (BSE) Global. Kristin shares information on BSE Global’s Supplier Diversity Program and Nets United Gam...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the “grooming gap” and what “looking the part” costs women. They each get personal on how their own appearance has evolved over time and how they’ve embraced their own unique styles in the workplace. The pair also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra welcome former NFL players and community leaders; Derek Brim and Adam Redden, to discuss the hot topic of the week, “Why a 20 year effort by the NFL hasn’t led to more minorities in coaching jobs”. The group also discuss the “Rooney Rule” and the culture of the NFL. Derek and Adam also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Biden Promises to Nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court”. The pair also discuss the privilege of who is ‘deemed qualified’ and the past history of Supreme Court nominations. The pair also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Biden Won’t Extend Student Loan Relief And Confirms Student Loan Payments Restart February 1”. The pair welcome Leah Daniel, Founder of Fostering Greatness, a grassroots organization that assists transitioning foster care alumni of color from ages 16 to 35 with life skills, housing stability, education, and career advanceme...

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “U.S. added to list of ‘backsliding' democracies for first time”. They welcome April Baskin, the youngest person to serve and be elected as Chair of the Erie County Legislature. The group discusses her “Pathway Forward” legislation package and her approach to leading through the lens of equity, gender, race and a younger...

Welcome to Season 3! This week, Kua and Kendra kick off season 3 after taking the summer off. They catch up and discuss what they’ve been up to and what to look forward to in the new season.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday, now what?” The pair welcomes Vincent Clark, Director of Gift Planning at Stony Brook University. The group discuses Juneteenth, the need for the progression of cooperative economics and the power of the collective dollar. Lastly, Vince shares his gem of the day.