Workplace Diversity

Thank you for tuning in to season eight: "Why is respect in the workplace necessary and important?" See you again in Season 9!  Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang: Don't forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don't miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it.  Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our...

Today's guest is Helana Myatt Taylor is a native of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is a historically black college university graduate, twice removed, completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore, earning a dual bachelor's degree in humanity, ecology, slash concentration and dietetics, with a minor in Chemistry and rehabilitation services.  Helana is adventurous. She...

Kimberly Collins is a dedicated educator, wife and mother of three boys from Houston, Texas. She's a graduate of Prairie View A&M University with 17 years of experience in the field of education as a reading teacher. She is passionate about helping young readers. Kimberly founded the Take The Spotlight Foundation in 2023 to provide mentorship and guidance to young people in Houston and the surroun...

Debra S. Weatherspoon is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She relocated to Houston, Texas after Katrina. She is a graduate of Delhi University and HBCU. Debra graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting. She also graduated from Florida Institute of Technology with an MBA. She retired as senior auditor of the Department of Defense. After 35 years of service, Debra was VP of membership...

Melanie Pondant has over 32 years of experience in education as a teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction; and middle school principal at a STEAM Academy in Texas. She has also worked closely with district-level instructional specialists and campus-level administration, playing a pivotal role in turning around campuses to meet state accou...

Dr. Danita Bailey-Samples holds a baccalaureate degree from Fisk University, an M.A. degree from George Peabody College for Teachers (currently Vanderbilt-Peabody University), and a Ph. D. in Educational Administration from The University Of Texas at Austin. She has served in various roles with numerous public and private entities. These include teacher in Dayton, Ohio, and Houston, Texas, Departm...

Charles Johnson is currently a director of customer and agent experience at an insurance company. He is responsible for ensuring that agents, stations, and workstations, provide them with the most effective and efficient technology in the marketplace. His corporate experiences also include several years at NCR and AT&T. Charles is also a retired colonel of the US Army.  He held several leadership...

Stephanie Booker is from Alton, Illinois, and is a licensed professional counselor who works at a school as a counselor. Stephanie received her Bachelor's of Arts from Greenville University, Greenville, Illinois, Masters in Education, and a Masters of Arts in Counseling from Missouri Baptist University, St Louis, Missouri. Currently pursuing her doctoral degree from Liberty University, Stephanie h...

Ralphaletta Hall is married and is the mother of two children. She is originally from Miami, Florida, and has been living in Houston for 12 years. Ralphaletta graduated from Florida Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science degree in varying exceptionalities. Additionally, she holds a Master of Science degree in reading and learning disabilities from the University of Miami. She has 24 years...

Daniel Bennett is a dedicated leader with over ten years of experience in finance, currently managing the Central Austin branch at WaFd Bank. Originally from Mossville, Louisiana, Daniel holds a BS in management and an MBA, embodying a commitment to continuous learning and growth. In addition to his financial expertise, Daniel is a visionary advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. He chairs...

With 33 years of financial services, Erica Courtenay-Mann began her career at the first Chicago bank and later had the privilege of working for the first electronic Options Exchange in America during her time on Wall Street. She later contributed her expertise to the national health services in the United Kingdom. Her diverse experiences include banking, accounting, nonprofit, work, social capital...

Respect in the workplace is necessary and important because it promotes a positive work culture, it builds trust between employees and management. It's a win-win for employees and employers Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang: Don't forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don't miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it.  Follow our show on Facebook and...

Thanks for listening to season 7 of Workplace Diversity, adapting to diversity in the workplace. See you again in Season 8!  Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang: Don't forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don't miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it.  Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and to engage with our pod...

Julius Dawson is a native of Texas. He is a graduate of Kashmere High School. Julius attended the University of Houston before being drafted into the United States Army. He worked as a corporate business salesman for Southwestern Bell and AT&T for 27 years. Julius has a small cattle ranch in Lee County, Texas.   In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Julius Dawson discuss: Planning with the objective i...

Eric Jones obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Huston-Tillotson University. He subsequently obtained his Master of Arts degree from Austin Graduate School of Theology. Eric currently is Vice President of Operations for Austin Area Urban League, a nonprofit organization. He has held this position for nine years.    In this episode Dr. Gaye Lang and Eric Jones discuss: Inter...

Tavier holds a bachelor's degree in Speech Communication from Stephen F. Austin State University. She possesses a postgraduate qualification in Educational Administration. She is currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She serves as the principal of Lion's Light Academy, which is a home school. Tavier has accumulated three decades of experience in the field of education,...

Sergeant Major Donald Cleveland is a native of Houston, Texas, and is a graduate of the University of North Texas. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science degree. Sergeant Major Cleveland retired from the military with 33 years of service. Sergeant Major. Cleveland has trained and mentored over 100 Soldiers throughout his military career. Sergeant Major Cleveland has been awarded numerous...

Bretticca Moody is a native of Denmark, South Carolina. Growing up in the rural south, she was introduced to disparities at a young age, which has fueled her passion for access and equity especially for underrepresented populations. Bretticca has over a decade of professional experience in higher education and politics and is currently completing her dissertation in the leadership studies Ph. D. p...

Dr. Norma J. Baker is an educational consultant, author, former adjunct assistant professor, and leadership coach. She is the founder and chief executive officer of Baker and Associates, an educational consulting firm. She uses her expertise in the educational arena to coach administrative leaders to attain student academic success. Dr. Baker has also worked with several textbook companies in edit...

Theon Wilson is a graduate of St. Mary's Academy High School in New Orleans. She received her undergraduate degree from Newcomb College of Tulane University. Additionally, she received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Tulane University School of Law. Theon is a member of several boards. She served as the board chair of New Orleans Legal Assistance Corporation, the Housing Authority of New Orleans,...

Dr. Blakey began her career in education in Southern Oregon teaching fourth, seventh, and eighth grades. She became an administrator and worked as a Junior High Vice Principal, Elementary Principal, and Curriculum Coordinator at the district level as the District Director for teaching and learning and an Interim Assistant Superintendent position. Amy had the opportunity to consult as an executive...

Iiona Virgin is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She has a Master's Degree in Social Work from Baylor University, a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, and an Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. One of her goals as a therapist is to come alongside and be with the individuals she works with. Iiona wants them to know that she is on the journey with them. She approaches their time toget...

Kimberly is a licensed social worker with 16 years of experience in nonprofit and government. With her belief and commitment to community organizing, change management, and systems development, she is a member of the National Association of Social Workers. She is a founding member and former chair of the Texas Chapter's Race, Equity, Accountability, and Leadership Committee. She has made a commitm...

When we adapt, we make something more suitable or become suitable. We also change so that we fit a new or specific situation. Our podcast this season will share ways how we can adapt to workplace diversity.  Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang: Don't forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don't miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it.  Follow our sho...

Thanks for listening to season 6 of Workplace Diversity. Stay tuned for season 7, where we'll be discussing Managing the Dynamics of Differences. Connect with Dr. Gaye Lang: Don't forget to subscribe to the show, so that you don't miss a single episode; and please leave a rating and review. I would greatly appreciate it.  Follow our show on Facebook and check out our Website for more details and t...