Brand Building: She's breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated construction industry.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Monique Strong. President of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Association of Black Women in Construction (NABWIC). Here's a breakdown of the key highlights and takeaways: 🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Breaking Barriers in Construction Monique Strong is a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated and white-dominated industry. She leads NABWIC’s Atlanta chapter, advocating for leadership, equity, and professional development for Black women in construction. 2. What “Construction” Really Means Construction isn’t just hard hats and manual labor—it includes: General contracting Project management Estimating Safety coordination Architecture and engineering Business ownership and development 3. Legacy and Inspiration Monique’s passion for construction was inspired by her grandfathers and her grandmother, who helped build the home she grew up in. Her journey includes a degree in engineering from Clark Atlanta University and further training in construction management. 4. Challenges and Triumphs Faced skepticism from family and industry peers. Overcame stereotypes and isolation as a young Black woman in construction. Emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and embracing your identity as a woman in the field. 5. The Power of Mentorship and Community NABWIC provides a supportive network for women at all stages of their construction careers. Weekly calls, mentorship, and shared resources help members grow and succeed. 6. Why Diversity in Construction Matters Diversity reflects the makeup of the country and brings innovation and detail-oriented excellence to the field. Inclusion in leadership and contracting opportunities is essential for equity and community development. 💬 Notable Quotes “You don’t have to be hard. You just have to be hungry.” “We are the unicorns people are looking for.” “I like to take something that’s nothing and make it something.” 🎯 Advice for Women in Construction Get involved with a community like NABWIC that supports your growth. Seek mentorship from women at all stages—beginning, middle, and end of their careers. Embrace your uniqueness and use it to lead and innovate. #SHMS #STRAW #BEST #AMISupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 Tammi 27min
Making A Difference: Empowering women and girls through STEM educational opportunities.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Maxine Cain. Founder of STEM Atlanta Women, joins Money Making Conversations Masterclass to discuss her mission to increase diversity in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. She shares insights on how her organization bridges gaps for Black and Brown women in underserved communities and creates career pathways. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Origins of STEM Atlanta Women Founded in 2016, the organization was inspired by Maxine’s challenges as an HR leader in a Fortune 500 company, where recruiting women of color into innovation roles was difficult. She recognized a lack of representation and cultural barriers that discouraged women from entering STEM careers. Her background in corporate event planning and business development helped her secure sponsorships for STEM-focused initiatives. Summerhill Community Hub The organization operates out of a two-story loft space in Summerhill, Atlanta, a historically underserved community. Summerhill lacked essential resources, including a bank and grocery store, for over 60 years. Partnered with Carter Development, which helped provide space for STEM education and community programming. STEM Education & Outreach Works closely with local schools, including King Middle School, Carver Early College, Maynard Jackson High School, and Georgia State University. Runs programs designed to introduce young girls to STEM careers, helping them build confidence and skills early. Annual STEM Events STEMinist Ball celebrates young women excelling in STEM fields by awarding crystal trophies, certificates, and graduation cords at a black-tie event. STEM in the City is an afterschool program that exposes students to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drone technology, and flavor science with Coca-Cola. Collaborated with Usher’s New Look Foundation and IBM to introduce artificial intelligence concepts to students. College & Workforce Development Partners with Clark Atlanta University and Emory University to provide certification programs in business intelligence and emerging technology. Works with major corporations to create career pathways for Black talent. Helps underserved individuals gain industry-recognized certifications for high-paying tech jobs. Vision & Impact Maxine started STEM Atlanta Women to create opportunities for young women who lacked access to STEM education. She emphasizes mentorship, representation, and hands-on learning to help future leaders navigate STEM careers. 📘 Resources & Contact InformationDr. Maxine Cain’s work is accessible through:🔗 Website: STEM Atlanta Women🔗 Social Media: @STEMAtlantaWomen #BEST #STRAW #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 Tammi 26min
Uplift: Born in a small town, now Executive VP over SXSW, Billboard, Rolling Stones, Variety and Dick Clark.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Rainey. He holds a powerful executive role in the media world, shaping the future of iconic brands like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and SXSW. 🏆 Paul Rainey’s Executive Career at Penske Media Corporation (PMC) Current Role Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance at Penske Media Corporation (PMC). Oversees operations and financial strategy for Rolling Stone, Billboard, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Vibe, SXSW, and more. Provides strategic input across PMC’s global media brands and live events, including the Billboard Music Awards, SXSW, and American Music Awards. Key Responsibilities Leads financial decision-making, acquisitions, and operational procedures across PMC’s portfolio. Serves on several boards, including as Audit Committee Chair of Redaptive, Inc. and a Director at SXSW. Background & Education Holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a BBA in Finance and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame. Formerly held leadership roles at General Electric, Global Eagle, and Harris CapRock Communications, managing billion-dollar operations across five continents. 📘 About PMC & Cultural InfluencePMC is a global media powerhouse, reaching over 350 million people monthly. Its brands shape culture through journalism, entertainment, and live events, including SXSW Paul Rainey is a rare blend of creative storyteller and corporate strategist, bridging the worlds of graphic novels and global media leadership. Whether he’s crafting a sci-fi twist in a comic or guiding the future of Billboard and SXSW, his influence is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. Let me know if you’d like a visual timeline of his career or a deeper dive into one of his roles. 🎬📈✨ #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
25 Tammi 23min
Brand Building: She learned high-level cleaning skills in prison & founded Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Robyn Donaldson. Entrepreneur, Mentor, and Founder of Renew Construction Services & STEM Exposure 🔑 Episode Highlights 🔄 From Incarceration to Inspiration Robyn shares her journey from a strict religious upbringing to incarceration due to drug-related activities. Served 5 years in prison, where she earned two associate degrees and developed a passion for learning and leadership. 🧹 Building a Business from the Ground Up Learned high-level cleaning skills in prison and at Hilton during work release. Founded Renew Construction Services, which grew from cleaning trailers to major contracts like: Tampa Convention Center NFL Super Bowl & Kickoff City of Tampa, Moffitt Cancer Center, USF 🏗️ Strategic Growth & Collaboration Became a Home Depot distributor. Uses collaboration to uplift smaller contractors and scale projects. Emphasizes relationship-building and proactive planning over reactive bidding. 👩🏽🔬 STEM Exposure Nonprofit Founded STEM Exposure to introduce Black girls to underrepresented STEM careers. Offers local and global architecture and construction camps. Operates in 10 countries and 4 time zones with a focus on AI, engineering, and design. 🏆 Recognition & Legacy Honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Embraces her past as part of her story, using it to inspire others. Celebrates milestones like putting bills on autopay as symbols of stability and peace. 🌐 Websites STEM Exposure: stemxposure.org (drop the “e” in “exposure”) Renew Construction Services: renewconstructionservices.com #SHMS #BEST #STRAWSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Tammi 28min
Family First: Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Michael Woodward. A natural-born entrepreneur and community leader. 🎙️ Guest Background: Michael Woodward Grew up in Liberty City, Miami, in a low-income housing project known as the "Poke and Bean" projects. Learned early business skills from his grandmother, who was the local "candy lady." Served briefly in the military as a way out of poverty. Became a teen father and took his son with him to college at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Known for his hospitality and work ethic during college—cooked for friends and maintained a welcoming home. 🏠 Entrepreneurial Journey Bought his first duplex at age 20, renovated it, and rented it out. Built a real estate portfolio while working as an educator. Founded Woodward Property Group, a full-service home improvement and property management company. Became one of Lowe’s top contractors through a combination of skill, networking, and mentorship. 📚 Educational Impact Worked as an assistant principal and educator for 20 years. Founded Alpha Educational Consultants, Inc. Took students on college tours, especially to HBCUs, to expose them to higher education opportunities. Ran STEM programs and mentoring initiatives with a 99.9% college placement rate. 💡 Life Lessons & Advice Emphasizes financial literacy: avoid unnecessary spending (e.g., new cars every year). Advocates for education as a path to wealth. Believes in the village mentality—community support and shared success. Encourages young people to choose between college, military, or trade school. #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Tammi 26min
Financial Tip: She understands the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment.
Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Karimah McFarlane. 🎯 Purpose of the Interview To explore Karimah McFarlane’s multifaceted journey—from her corporate leadership roles at Google and Workday to becoming the owner of Buckhead Art & Company—and to inspire others to embrace change, pursue entrepreneurship, and understand the value of art as a tool for wealth-building and cultural empowerment. 🧭 Key Takeaways 1. Corporate Career & Tech Leadership Karimah has 20+ years in Human Resources, specializing in mergers and acquisitions. At Google, she supported AI and Pixel teams as a People Business Partner, despite initially thinking the recruiter’s call was spam. Currently at Workday, she partners with the Chief Revenue Officer to build high-performing sales teams and develop leadership pipelines. 2. Navigating Change & Cultural Shifts Transitioned from the East Coast (DMV area) to the Bay Area, facing cultural adjustments (e.g., lack of familiar foods, hair products). Found support through Delta Sigma Theta sorority and Black Googlers Network. Emphasized the importance of embracing discomfort and new experiences for personal and professional growth. 3. HR as a Strategic Asset HR is more than hiring/firing—it’s about scaling businesses, developing talent, and preventing legal issues. Small businesses often undervalue HR until a crisis occurs. HR should be seen as a strategic partner on leadership teams. 4. Art as Wealth, Culture & Healing Karimah owns Buckhead Art & Company, the only art gallery in Buckhead, Atlanta. Inspired by her exposure to art investment at Google and her role in selecting art for corporate spaces. Advocates for marginalized artists by helping them with branding, IP protection, and business structure. 5. Making Art Accessible The gallery focuses on beginner and mid-level collectors, offering education and approachable experiences. Offers virtual consultations, art fairs, and community events to demystify art buying. Emphasizes the emotional, cultural, and financial value of art. 6. Recognition & Impact Buckhead Art & Company was named Best Art Gallery in Georgia (2023 & 2024). Uses her platform to educate, empower, and elevate artists and collectors alike. Promotes artist development through storytelling, branding, and business mentorship. 💬 Notable Quotes “Empowerment is figuring out what you do best and using your talent to help others.” “Don’t shy away from opportunities that give you insights and experiences.” “HR helps you scale your organization—it’s not just about hiring and firing.” “Art has always been at the forefront of royalty, wealth, and education.” “We specialize in humans. When you walk into our gallery, you are equal.” “You don’t have to win an Oscar to be a great actor. Same with art—you don’t need a traditional path to be successful.” 🔗 Connect with Karimah McFarlane Gallery: Buckhead Art & Company YouTube: Buckhead Art & Company Instagram: @buckheadartandcompany #SHMS #STRAW #BESTSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Tammi 37min
Motivation: From humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire.
Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Derrick "D" Hayes. Founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, about entrepreneurship, generational wealth, and community building. 🔑 Key Themes & Highlights Building Generational Wealth Hayes emphasized the importance of financial literacy and ownership in creating lasting wealth. He shared his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar restaurant empire. Overcoming Challenges & Second Chances Hayes revealed that he once faced legal troubles, but a dismissed case gave him a second chance. He used that opportunity to turn his life around and pursue entrepreneurship. The Story Behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Hayes started his business in a small gas station in Atlanta, eventually expanding into a nationally recognized brand. He credits his grandfather’s cooking lessons for inspiring his passion for food. Community Impact & Business Growth Hayes is committed to giving back to underserved communities, offering mentorship and business opportunities. He discussed how Black entrepreneurs can break barriers in the food industry. 📘 About Derrick HayesDerrick Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur who built Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into a thriving restaurant chain. His story is one of resilience, second chances, and financial empowerment. #AMI #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Support the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24 Tammi 29min
FULL SHOW_ Blaming Steve Harvey, Strawberry Letter_ They Went To See The Place Without Me - 1.23.26
The Steve Harvey Morning Show for Friday, January 23rd, 2026: Steve Harvey's Morning Inspiration | Show Open | Run That Prank Back- "How Much Is In The Account, Pastor?" | Ask The CLO | Entertainment News | New Looks For 2026 with Macy's | Roscoe Wallace | Nephew Tommy's Prank - "Divorce Papers" | Strawberry Letter - "They Went To See The Place Without Me" Pt. 1-2 | Trending: Little Girl Blames Steve Harvey | Social Media Advice | Ready To Love Update | Would You Rather | Steve Harvey's Closing RemarksSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23 Tammi 1h 32min
