Someone You Need To Know with Rashanah Baldwin

In Part 1 of this inspiring interview, we sit down with international real estate strategist and powerhouse Makeda Smith, CEO of Savvy Chicks in Real Estate®. Makeda shares how she started as a local realtor and expanded her empire into global markets—from Ghana and Dubai to the Dominican Republic.

We talk about women in leadership, building community through real estate, and helping Americans embrace nomadic living while investing ...

In Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Johnny Mullins, we delve into the specifics of development, particularly for Black and Brown changemakers poised to transform their neighborhoods.

This episode covers:

• How to navigate permits, politics, and public meetings

• Why the right team can make or break your project

• Understanding market-rate, below-market, and affordable housing

• The critical difference between affordable housing and affor...

As founder of Baldwin Media Group, I’m proud to partner with the Southland Development Authority to promote the ACHIEVE Summit—a powerful three-day experience designed for leaders, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers shaping the economic future of Chicago’s South Suburbs.

This is a major opportunity for developers and business leaders in our region! The ACHIEVE Summit 2025, hosted by the Southland Development ...

What does it take to shift the narrative of development in Black neighborhoods?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Johnny L. Mullins—architect, developer, and founder of JM3 Design & Development—to discuss his bold, healing-centered approach to building. We cover:

• His first project in Bronzeville and how it ignited his mission

• The role of design in community empowerment

• Mentorship for rising Black developers

• Balancing luxury and...

In this episode of Someone You Need to Know, Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority (SDA), shares his journey from mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley to national policy work with Senator Cory Booker on Opportunity Zones to reshaping economic development and housing in Chicago’s Southland.

We talk:

• • Why SDA is changing the game in housing and business development
  • What it takes to reimagine investment and opp...

In this powerful episode of Someone You Need to Know, host Rashanah Baldwin interviews Anthony E. Simpkins, President and CEO of NHS Chicago, about the future of affordable housing and community development in Chicago.

We explore:
• His career journey from law and public service to nonprofit leadership
• How NHS is using its CDFI status to create real change
• Why homeownership remains a critical wealth-building tool
• How policy, polit...

In this powerful interview, Rashanah Baldwin sits down with Bonita Harrison, CEO of Sunshine Management and Managing Broker/Owner of KBM Realty, to talk about how she's using real estate as a tool for economic empowerment and transformation.

Bonita shares her journey into real estate, her mission to create quality, affordable housing, and her commitment to revitalizing communities without displacing residents. Through homeownership ...

In this special Fair Housing Month episode, I sit down with Willie “J.R.” Fleming, the Chairman of the Anti-Eviction Campaign, to discuss housing as a fundamental human right and what it takes to protect that right—from the South Side of Chicago to Capitol Hill.

We explore:

• J.R.’s powerful journey into housing activism and community organizing.

• The mission of the Anti-Eviction Campaign and its national impact

• Public housing demolit...

In honor of Fair Housing Month, join me, Rashanah Baldwin, as I interview Cassandra "Ms. Cass" Sneed — Principal Broker of the Aspire Group powered by EXIT Strategy Realty. 🏡✨

Ms. Cass is more than a REALTOR® — she’s a connector, educator, and powerful advocate for community growth. In this episode, she shares her journey in real estate, her passion for serving diverse communities across Chicago and the suburbs, and the i...

In this week's episode, Rashanah revisits a conversation from 2020 when COVID was just beginning to spread throughout the U.S., she chats with Corey Mays, a retired NFL linebacker turned angel investor and motivational speaker about life after professional football, business strategies for entrepreneurs, small business owners to stay connected, and business tips for how entrepreneurs can pivot during COVID-19. Corey Mays is an ange...

In this episode of Someone You Need to Know, Rashanah reflects on the memories and life of Harold Lee Rush.

Harold Lee Rush was a radio personality, Chicago legend, and historian who passed away on Jan 1. 2022

Harold was my mentor, teacher, and trusted advisor. He saw appreciation for my work and mission to change the negative narrative about Englewood into a positive one when I was only blogging about the Good In Englewood and shari...

In this episode, Rashanah chats with Danielle Perry who serves as the Cannabis Regulation Oversight Officer (CROO) for Illinois. They explore the challenges of the Illinois Cannabis industry, the licensing process, how many minorities have been granted licenses, and the new policies implemented to make improvements in the process ensuring that the social equity component addresses the communities impacted by "The War On Drugs" and ...

In this week's episode, Rashanah revisits Spring 2020 when Cornavirus was fairly new to the United States and each state was handling mandates differently and many industries were forced to adapt. In May of (2020) Rashanah chatted with international film director, producer, and writer Mark Harris on what the new normal will become for the film industry as the world deals with the pandemic of COVID-19.

Mark Harris is the owner of 155...

Rashanah revisits a conversation with Oren Jacobson, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Director of Men4Choice. Men4Choice organizes male allies in the fight for reproductive freedom in support of the leaders of this movement – which are the women and individuals impacted by the anti-abortion movement’s constant and growing attacks.

In this present time of November 2021, the supreme court is considering cases regarding states like Texas...

In this week’s episode, Rashanah revisits a conversation with Ted Williams, III who explains why the then 2020 presidential election is more important than any other U.S. election. A year later and it seems our democracy is still up for grabs.

It’s now October 24, 2021, and the Democrat-led Freedom to Vote Act has failed to pass Congress as the bill was filibustered by Republicans. The bill is aimed at strengthening voting rights a...

In this recent episode of “Someone You Need To Know”, Rashanah chatted with Emmy Award-winning veteran journalist Harry Porterfield. Porterfield is a well-respected journalist, attorney, violinist, and retired WBBM-TV anchor who has worked in broadcast since 1955. Porterfield shares how the award-winning TV series “Someone You Should Know” came into fruition.

Porterfield shares how the award-winning TV series “Someone You Should Kn...

Rashanah revisits her conversation with Kanesha Baynard, who is a professional and personal certified life coach, educator, facilitator, blogger, crafter, and inner wellness author featured on the Dr. Oz Show.

There is no shock that COVID-19 has impacted everyone's mindset and mental health, affected business, impacted relationships, and, most importantly, relationships with self.

Kanesha teaches her clients the importance of self-...

In this week’s episode of “Someone You Need To Know”, Rashanah discusses the Black agenda for the Biden/Harris Administration, economic empowerment, political engagement, and social activism with Dr. Barbara Ransby, Historian, UIC Professor, Activist, and Author.

For years Dr. Ransby has been doing notable work not just nationally but internationally around social justice. “She was apart of the anti-Apartheid/ Free South Africa mov...

In this week's episode of #SomeoneYouNeedToKnow, Rashanah revisits the conversation from the Summer of 2020 with Menia K. Johnson, Assistant Vice President of Lending at Renovo Financial. As the economy became unstable due to COVID-19, questions and concerns arose around community development, finances, and real estate investing.

In this episode,  Menia shares financial tips and best practices for real estate investors looking...