SpeakUP! International Inc.

What happens when adolescents lose their passion for reading, and how do we bring it back? Dr. Valcine Brown, a veteran educator who recently completed her PhD in education, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative research and classroom practices.

Reading used to be magic. Remember that feeling of getting lost in a book? Too many adolescents don't – they find reading "boring," a sentiment Dr. Brow...

What would happen if we responded to bullies with kindness instead of confrontation? Kim Fraser's groundbreaking approach turns traditional anti-bullying strategies upside down, with remarkable results!

Growing up in the Bronx, Fraser experienced bullying firsthand and once resorted to faking an epileptic seizure to escape her tormentors. Today, as an author, former teacher, and counselor, she's developed a revol...

What does it truly mean to "do the work" in the arts world? Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony  answers this question through her remarkable journey from shaking like a leaf during her first spoken word performance to becoming an award-winning curator and advocate who's secured over a million dollars for arts organizations.

This conversation sparkles with insights about the transformative power of artistic expression....

Have you ever sensed there's more to reality than what meets the eye? Ellen Edmondson's extraordinary journey from logical federal executive to spiritual messenger began with profound loss—her mother's passing just months before her son's birth—triggering questions that would transform her understanding of life's purpose.

Through meditation intended simply to process grief, Ellen unexpectedly disco...

The threads of African-Canadian history weave a story of resistance, resilience, and remarkable achievement that spans centuries—yet these vital narratives remain largely untold in mainstream historical accounts. Elise Harding-Davis changes that through her lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Black Canadian history.

As a seventh-generation Canadian whose family has been in Canada since 1798, Harding-Davis bring...

What happens when personal experience with discrimination fuels a lifelong commitment to equity work? Mr. Rohan Thompson, Director of People and Equity for the County of Dufferin, takes us on his remarkable journey from youth worker to systems change leader.

Rohan reveals how childhood mentors who kept him "on the straight and narrow" inspired his mission to pay it forward. This calling led him through various ro...

What would you do if you discovered your teacher's pension wouldn't be enough to sustain you after retirement? For Queen D Michelle, the answer came in a life-changing decision to leave Atlanta behind and start fresh in Mexico's Lake Chapala region. Her remarkable journey reveals how necessity can become the catalyst for profound personal transformation.

Queen D Michelle's story begins with a practical ...

"We are not what the system has told us we are," declares Tina Garnett, a powerful voice in the fight against systemic oppression. As a seventh-generation Black Canadian descended from Charlotte and James Handy, Garnett brings three decades of experience championing marginalized communities to this profound conversation about resilience, purpose, and transformation.

Garnett's journey through racism began in ...

Half of a woman's life is spent in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—yet these critical transitions remain under-researched, underfunded, and shrouded in unnecessary taboo. That's what drove Amita Sharma, after suffering in silence through her own hormonal journey, to create Nourishdoc: a holistic wellness platform empowering women through these transformative years.

"I was too scared to speak up,...

What if embracing radical empathy could transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you? Join us as we explore this profound concept with the remarkable Moy Fong, an award-winning entrepreneur whose journey of leadership and empathy began at the young age of 19 when she became a mother. Moy shares her inspiring story of resilience, illustrating how her entrepreneurial spirit was born out of the need to secure a bett...

Visionary entrepreneur Micah Elechi takes us on a transformative journey from his early days as a graphic designer in Nigeria to becoming a leading force in tech innovation with Macklemore Solutions . Hear how Micah's determination to overcome employment challenges led him to create AfriLink, a groundbreaking platform empowering African youth by bridging the gap between skilled individuals and job opportunities. His story is a...

Nicole Osbourne-James, a renowned free thinker and accidental stand-up comedian, reveals her fascinating journey from the spoken word poetry scene of the 1990s to the dynamic world of comedy. Unpacking how her evolution as a young mother propelled her into comedy's broader expressive realm, Nicole shares insights into the role of spoken word in activism and community engagement. Her initiatives, like the Black Media Network Co...

Uncover the magic behind young adult fiction with acclaimed author Charlene Thomas on this episode of SpeakUP! International. From her childhood days of weaving tales in scribbled notebooks to becoming an award-winning writer, Charlene offers a heartfelt reading from her latest book, "Streetlight People." Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, imagination, and a strong support system, shedding light on h...

Cheryl Polk, a holistic career coach from Nashville, Tennessee, joins us on SpeakUP! International, bringing her inspiring journey from corporate accountant to career coach and certified resume writer. Cheryl's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and personal growth, offering insights into how she helps  professionals unlock their career potential through personalized resumes. Discover the transformative impact o...

Discover the profound world of African spirituality with our captivating guest, Dr. Asanee Brogan, as she embarks on a journey of cultural and spiritual transformation. Dr. Brogan, a spiritualist and life coach, shares how she shifted her focus from financial education for the African diaspora to embracing the guidance of her ancestors through traditional practices like Haitian Voodoo and Ifa. Navigate through the complexities and ...

What if you could craft a career that aligns seamlessly with your life’s mission and values? Join us in our conversation with Kason Morris, a trailblazer in the Future of Work Skills Strategy and the creative mind behind "Life Work Revolutionary." Kason challenges the conventional ladder of career success, urging a shift towards a dynamic lattice of opportunities where personal well-being and family take precedence over r...

Phil Vassell, a renowned figure with over 25 years of journalism experience, shares his remarkable story of transitioning from a career rooted in media to one focused on preserving cultural history through archiving. From his early days in Jamaica, where his love for media began, to his influential roles at CBC and as the creator of Word magazine, Phil has been a steadfast advocate for Black culture, music, and the arts. This episo...

Michelle Anne Johnson joins us to share her captivating journey from a young actress, charming audiences with her George Jefferson impersonations, to a powerhouse in corporate leadership. Her story is a fascinating blend of determination, passion, and the unexpected twists life offers. Balancing auditions with a rising corporate career, Michelle transitioned from a data entry clerk to assistant vice president in a large insurance c...

WARNING! There is sensitive or potentially distressing content, as we are talking about intimate partner violence, abuse and harm.

Ever wondered how cultural identity shapes healthcare experiences for Black Caribbean women in the UK? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rianna Raymond-Williams, a passionate advocate and researcher in the realm of sexual and reproductive health. As she nears the completion of her P...