Jenny Huang is an award-winning concert pianist, brand marketer, DEI leader, and public speaker. She has been recognized as one of the most “Inspiring Women” by Campaign US. With a trailblazing career in marketing and communications, Jenny has worked extensively with Fortune 500 clients. She currently leads brand marketing and communications at Energy BBDO while also serving as the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle. Throughout her career, Jenny has distinguished herself through her unique combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and empathy.
FWM: Share your background.
Thank you for having me! My name is Jenny Huang. For the past decade, I dedicated countless hours to mastering the piano and performing internationally as a concert pianist. Music has been and will always be my passion, teaching me discipline, creativity, and emotional connection with audiences.
However, my journey as a successful chess player in my earlier years sparked a desire for business in my heart and honed my exceptional analytical skills. In the past few years, I made the transition into the marketing world and discovered that, like music, it’s about creating meaningful connections and evoking emotions. Brand marketing became the perfect platform for me to express creativity and strategic thinking.
With a background in music and a strong desire to innovate and connect with people, I bring a unique perspective to the marketing industry. I believe that the intersection of art and marketing allows me to deliver impactful campaigns. Additionally, I feel fortunate to have found a different stage to share my stories as a public speaker, connecting with and inspiring others along the way.
FWM: What excites you the most about advertising?
The aspect of advertising that excites me the most is the combination of creativity and strategy, the opportunity to tell compelling stories and create experiences that resonate with people. Through creative campaigns, we have the ability to shape perceptions, change behaviors, and even make a positive impact on society. It’s truly amazing to see how an idea can come to life and capture the hearts and minds of consumers.
At Energy BBDO, we strive to push the boundaries of creativity and create work that stands out. Whether it’s through breakthrough cultural activations, compelling content, or immersive brand experiences, our goal is to connect with people on a deeper level, leave a lasting impression, and generate business impact for our clients.
FWM: You are one of the best brand marketers in the business. Share a few of your successful campaigns with Energy BBDO.
I’ve worked on several successful and meaningful campaigns during my time at Energy BBDO. I am always driven by making authentic connections with target consumers, and creating a positive impact on the world by leveraging my superpower: strategic thinking, creativity, and empathy. With a background in different countries and languages, I understand diverse consumer identities and craft resonating campaigns.
One campaign that stands out is our collaboration with Kerrygold Butter, addressing the desire of millennial parents to involve their children in the kitchen. We designed an immersive experience called The Magical Pantry, seamlessly integrating kid-friendly recipes into children’s stories. With unique character customization, nearly 40 specially designed recipes, and 4 original fables, the Magical Pantry brings a multitude of recipe-story combinations to life.
Another notable campaign was our work with Bayer’s Claritin, combating botanical sexism in pollen reduction through the DiversiTree Project. We launched a campaign to counter decades-old practices of planting excessive male trees, which release pollen and cause allergies. By educating people about the importance of planting female trees that absorb pollen and promoting diverse tree planting and hosting female tree-planting events, we aim to reduce pollen levels. Without female trees to absorb it, pollen spreads widely and triggers allergies.
There are many more campaigns I am proud to be part of, such as work for Extra Gum, The General Insurance, Bayer Asprin, Sodastream, and Brown-Forman. You can learn more at my website.
FWM: As the Global Culture Lead for Asian Leaders Circle ERG with the Omnicom Group, what are your goals?
As the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle, my primary goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for Asian professionals within the Omnicom Group. We provide growth opportunities, mentorship, and networking to help them excel in their careers.
One of our key objectives is to promote diversity and representation within the industry. I believe that diverse perspectives lead to more innovative and impactful work. By advocating for greater inclusion of Asian talent, I hope to break down barriers and ensure that their voices are heard and valued in the workplace.
Additionally, I strive to create initiatives that celebrate Asian culture and heritage by bridging my background and expertise in art and music. By organizing cultural celebrations, art shows, music salons, workshops, panels, and educational programs, we foster a sense of pride and belonging among our Asian employees, while also raising awareness and understanding among the broader Omnicom network.
FWM: How have you broken boundaries?
I moved from China to the US at the age of 17 by myself, becoming the first person from my hometown to be admitted to top music schools in the US. After a decade as a concert pianist, I transitioned to the advertising/marketing/media industry, constantly breaking boundaries and challenging conventional thinking.
Most recently, I blend creativity and music expertise into corporate and client-centric work, championing diverse thinking and representation for a more inclusive and equitable work environment and advertising industry. As a brand marketer, I push the limits of advertising/marketing by embracing emerging technologies and cultural shifts, delivering innovative and impactful campaigns for our clients. As the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle, I have worked to break down barriers and advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for people from underrepresented communities to succeed and thrive.
FWM: You were recognized as one of the most “Inspiring Women” by Campaign US. What inspires you?
I find inspiration in many different aspects of life.
Firstly, the people around me – my team, friends, and even strangers I just met. Their uniqueness and collaboration inspire innovation and growth.
Secondly, the power of creativity and compelling storytelling. Marketing and communications offer opportunities to inspire and uplift people, spark conversations, and bring positive change.
Lastly, diversity and representation’s transformative power drive me to advocate for change and create opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Have you ever met someone that somewhat does it all? That’s Lady T’Mil Curtis for sure! She is a well-rounded expert in the areas of marketing, coaching, ministry, public speaking, event production, promotion, and the list goes on.
From the inner city of Chicago, born and raised, she is cultured and comes fashioned with impressive knowledge and education about a variety of things. She attended an Episcopalian Grammar School that started cultivating her entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. Being a fast learner and always loving a challenge, she graduated early at age 16 with a 3.5 GPA after dropping out her senior year. “School was boring, and I couldn’t express my creativity like I wanted, so I dropped out. But that was even more boring, so enrolling in an accelerated session proved to be the spark I needed to finish.”
Basically, you bring me what you’ve created, and I help navigate how that creation goes from concept to launch.
Be it in ministry or the mainstream marketplace, Lady T’Mil uses her dominant spiritual gifts of administration and teaching to propel individuals to higher levels in their respective arenas. On top of all the hands-on work that she does in these arenas, she’s also a marketing strategist, author, content creator, digital distribution specialist, public speaker, blogger, and a virtual operations trainer. Her writings provoke people to not only think, but to think at a higher level and from a fresher perspective, while her intellect ignites conversations that are significant and memorable.
She just launched her latest venture, The Ministry GPS, created to help churches, leaders and non-profits better navigate the virtual space. With so many areas and fields of interest under her belt, she enjoys coaching off the radar. Her ability to counsel and encourage clients is uncanny because she does it without you knowing what she’s doing. And she’s a unique coach because she’s able to combine her expertise along with her experience that helps Entrepreneurs, ARTrepreneurs and creatives reach their goals.
FWM: You are known as a well-rounded expert in marketing, coaching, ministry, and public speaking. Share your background.
There are so many facets to me, and it comes from my mom actually. She encouraged me to not just be good at one thing but to be good at being T’Mil. This means every gift that I’ve been blessed with is valuable. Every talent and skill I have is worth using. I’m a church baby, if you will, so, ministry is my foundation and I’m grateful I’ve learned how to marry it with the secular side of who I am.
FWM: Tell us about The Itsladytmil Agency and how you are helping entrepreneurs, ARTrepreneurs and Creatives.
The Itsladytmil Agency started as an answer. So many are gifted and talented but lack administration and/or accountability. I help to bring strategy to life in a comprehensive way that doesn’t make people feel like their creativity is being hindered when handling the business side of things. Basically, you bring me what you’ve created, and I help navigate how that creation goes from concept to launch.
FWM: How have you utilized your spiritual gifts of administration and teaching to propel individuals to higher levels?
I’m a bottom-line kind of person so I always want to know what your end goal and or purpose is. I then help organize and create strategies that someone can follow to achieve said goals. When it comes to teaching, that’s my first love. I enjoy expanding and edifying minds to see beyond what’s in front of them. I’m of the mind that when people leave my presence, they should be impacted for the better.
FWM: What has God taught you?
One thing I needed to understand was that as we try to find God, He is actively looking to find us. If you can’t find God, start to worship and He will find you. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith; we must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Another key thing God taught me was every blessing and His favor is attached to who He created me to be. Being my authentic self; even when I’m unsure yet I trust Him, can and has opened so many doors for me. Lastly, I will highlight He has taught me the importance of community. He never created us to be an island of one so finding your tribe if you will and being intentionally about building relationships is success to me.
FWM: At the heart of every endeavor is your desire to serve and see people win! Explain.
I believe in servanthood. I think that’s one of the greatest ways we can show God in the earth. Using my gifts and callings to serve others is what yields success in my eys. So, it’s not about the “thank you” even though that’s good lol it’s more so sowing good seeds through my actions that keeps me going.
Rave Reviews from clients:
Lady T’Mil Curtis is a serial, gifted, and accomplished entrepreneur. A mentor to creatives, she is passionate about galvanizing others to operate at their highest level. She possesses an uncanny wealth of knowledge, providing you with advice and counsel that produces tangible results. Lady T’Mil has motivated me to keep moving forward even when the odds seem stacked against you. I highly recommend her services. If you are looking to take your business, ministry, brand, or creative endeavor to the next level, Lady T’Mil is the one for you.
Tia W. Cooke Cooke Consulting & Creations Brand Strategist
Lady T’Mil is an EXCEPTIONAL woman who is very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of her industry, and is a PIT BULL who continually breaks down barriers and barricades! Watching her continually shows me that if you do your part, God will take care of the rest! I remember when I was at one of the lowest points in my life, T’Mil gathered all of her friends to send videos to me which created an all out FB concert and I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT! Knowing that she bounced back from sickness and is now thriving let’s me know that my time isn’t complete and that I’m just at the beginning. I love T’Mil and I count it an honor to know such a woman.
Fulks Worship Leader/Indie Artist
FWM: Tell us about your latest venture, The Ministry GPS and how you are changing the world.
The Ministry GPS was birthed at the beginning of the pandemic. I’ve been doing virtual/digital operations since 2015 so, the pivot for me was easy. I took that knowledge along with my years in ministry and started helping pastors, churches and person ministries leverage or create their digital presence. I’ve always said the virtual space wasn’t going anywhere and now more than ever, it’s necessary.
FWM: Please share your upcoming projects.
The biggest is accepting the position of General Manager with VGNBae Music Group out of Houston, Texas. One of my goals is expanding the label and studio into television and film projects. Also looking into new collaborations that will cross various genres of music. I’m also getting back into management but with a more focused clientele than before. I have a heart for musicians and producers so working with them to help ensure their business acumen and administration is top tier like their creativity.
Photo Credit: Joshua Simmons
T’Mil and Vgnbae co-founders Dominique Side and Anthony Hall.
What will people notice when working with you?
I’m real. I don’t work with anyone or on any project I don’t believe in. So, you get 100% of T’Mil. I’m a provoker; I’m going to push you outside of your comfort zone into greater. I’m an encourager; I will motivate you until times get better. And I am the solution; If you work with me on any level, you’ll have the tools needed to navigate you towards the success your life/business/ministry deserves.
For more information or to contact Lady T’Mil, please visit www.itsladytmil.agency Social Media – Facebook: T’Mil Curtis, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse & Wisdom: @itsladytmil
About VGNBae Music Group
VGNBae Music Group is a multi-genre label and the brainchild of two multi-talented creatives, Anthony Hall, and Dominique Side. With artists in gospel, pop, Latin and jazz who have seen billboard and radio success, their projects have industry appeal and has placed them on some of the hottest digital platform playlists like New Gospel Friday on Spotify, Hot Latin Tracks on Pandora, and major holiday playlists with the second release from The Collective; A VGNBAE Christmas.
Cover Girl Lisa Edelstein is an American actress and playwright. Edelstein is known for playing Dr. Lisa Cuddy on the Fox medical drama series House. Between 2014 and 2018, she starred as Abby McCarthy in the Bravo series Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.
BEHIND THE WOMAN
FWM: You are known all over the world. People often confuse what we do with who we are. What is it that really makes you a formidable woman?
LE: I don’t think there is a woman in my business that hasn’t had to overcome an enormous amount of rejection and pressure and dismissive or abusive treatment. That includes me. And that, alone, makes one formidable. No matter what business a person is in, following one’s dreams is terrifying to most. Knowing what you want and going for it despite a million things that could or should work against you, that makes a woman formidable and I am that woman, too, to be sure. I am not, however, the ex-head of Princeton Plainsboro Hospital, nor am I a divorcee who writes inspirational books. I’m not an ex-hooker, I’m not a trans-woman, and I’m not the drug-addled daughter of a powerful agent, but I tend to get credit for all these things when I’m out and about, which is pretty hilarious. And maybe that makes me formidable as well.
My mind is always wanting to tell stories, even when I’m not working, and it doesn’t take a day off.
Formidable Woman Cover Girl Lisa Edelstein
FWM: People tend to see the glory but rarely know the story. Tell us about some of your pains and challenges along the way to landing your toughest roles.
LE: Any of the roles you have seen me play I landed after not getting roles that meant the world to me. It’s between the jobs that people don’t realize are the most difficult and challenging times in any creative artist’s life. For every role, there were five that didn’t happen. So the question is the wrong one, landing jobs is the victory lap. Waiting for those jobs, believing in yourself in the downtimes, insisting on having a place in this world – that is where the real glory lies.
FWM: In your industry, what do you feel has been the hardest hurdle to jump? How has it shaped you, if at all?
LE: Learning to be patient, to wait for the right job, to believe in yourself enough that it’s worth waiting for – those are some serious life skills one needs to develop. My mind is always wanting to tell stories, even when I’m not working, and it doesn’t take a day off. I’ve found that it’s deeply important to stay creative – whether it’s acting, writing, directing or even drawing, so that my brain doesn’t, metaphorically speaking, eat itself.
Knowing what you want and going for it despite a million things that could or should work against you, that makes a woman formidable and I am that woman, too, to be sure.
Photo credit: FOX
FWM: You are successful and wear many hats. What is your advice on balancing personal life and Hollywood?
LE: “Hollywood” is just an idea. This is my job, which I love enormously and am so grateful for. This is my family, who I also love and am grateful for. These are my friends, people I work with, or my husband works with, or that we met out in the world and enjoy. There is no separation between personal life and “Hollywood.”
FWM: What can women looking to enter your field work on now to prepare for the landscape?
LE: People should just work on themselves, on finding their own voice. This business relishes unique voices and ideas. In fact, that’s all one really has to offer, beyond an excellent work ethic, and it’s incredibly valuable. There is no one else like you, no one can bring what you bring, no one else has your brain. Learning to honor your own imagination is the best ticket you have into the world of entertainment.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 10: Lisa Edelstein and Michael Douglas attend the Los Angeles Premiere of ‘The Kominsky Method ‘ at AFI Fest at The Roosevelt Hotel on November 10, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Netflix)
FWM: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
LE: I miss traveling so much! I want to go back to Japan, we promised our youngest who had a zoom bar-mitzvah during Covid, that in exchange for all that work we’d take him back there. He’s been obsessed with Japanese culture since we took him when he was 9. And my dad, who will be 85 this summer, would like to go back, too. He was stationed there in the early 60’s, my brother was born there on the base. So, it would be wonderful to take my parents along, too. And I want to go back to Thailand with my husband. I went alone the first time, and want to share it with him. I want to see New Zealand and Australia, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Chile, England, Scotland, Ireland, Amsterdam, Norway….I have such wonderful memories in BC, I want to be in those beautiful forests again. There are seriously very few places I don’t want to go, so the list will get too long for this article. If I haven’t mentioned a place already, just assume I want to go there, too.
Learning to honor your own imagination is the best ticket you have into the world of entertainment.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 08: Alan Arkin and Lisa Edelstein speak onstage at the Netflix “The Kominsky Method” FYSEE Event at Raleigh Studios on June 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
FWM: What has been your favorite role and why?
LE: I’ve had a lot of favorite roles. It was my favorite role to be on Seinfeld, it jump-started me in the business in LA and was particularly exciting to be on. It was my favorite role to be on Relativity, telling a meaningful story about an LGBTQ+ woman and getting to break barriers with the first ever lesbian make-out scene permitted on network TV. It was my favorite job to be on the West Wing, working with such talent both on and off the screen. And then House, of course, a life-changing experience to be on a show that was such a massive success and so smartly written. And to play my beloved Abby McCarthy on Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce – that was a dream come true. To be the lead of a well written dramady, to get to act my face off and wear such gorgeous clothes, to work a solid 14-hours a day for five seasons. I was in absolute heaven. And since then, working with Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas – that’s just an arm pincher (meaning I have to pinch my arm to remind myself it’s true.)
FWM’s Queen of Real Estate Issue (May/June print) Real Estate mogul and Covergirl Egypt Sherrod who is making serious boss moves in the real estate arena, an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Photo Credit: Mike Eaton
The name Egypt Sherrod speaks volumes. Speaker, author, radio personality, television host, philanthropist, wife, mother and Real Estate mogul. She is truly a Renaissance Woman. Known as the host of HGTV’s Property Virgins and Flipping Virgins, Egypt has come into our homes with her vibrant personality. It is her goal to inspire women and influence them to create the life they love. Egypt has shown us that our lives are only limited by our imaginations.
FWM: Egypt, I am so excited about this interview. Introduce yourself and your business?
ES: I am Egypt Sherrod, Mother, Wife, Real Estate Broker, Business Owner, TV & Radio Personality, Author and Speaker.
FWM: What first drew your interest to the real estate industry?
ES: I grew up with uncles who were in the real estate business, brokers, agents, investors. So it has been embedded in me from an early age that real estate was the foundation of wealth. My goal was never to work in real estate though. As a matter of fact, when I graduated from college, I majored in communications. That led me to a career in radio for almost two decades. But at some point, in my twenties a light bulb went off.
Once I started earning money from my radio career, I knew I had to invest it somewhere smart. Again, real estate was embedded in my brain. So, I started my real estate career as an investor, which eventually led me to becoming a licensed agent. Ultimately, I got bit by the real estate bug and became a broker, making real estate my full-time career.
FWM: As a woman in real estate, what do you feel has been the hardest obstacle to overcome?
ES: At this point in my career the main hurdle is balancing and juggling clients. I always want my clients to have an incredible personalized service experience, so I put alot of pressure on myself. Early in my career, the hurdle was just about digesting all the information, laws, rules, contracts etc. But once you have that under your belt, the hurdles become more about daily management of your business.
FWM: As a real estate mogul, author, television personality, wife and mother you wear many hats. What is your advice on balancing family and business?
ES: To be truthful, I am still figuring it out myself. LOLOL…. I have a new baby, Harper Skye, who is 3 months old. So, this will be a new lesson in balancing for me. Having a great support system, requiring my partner to be accountable as well, asking for help, and taking mental health breaks when needed, are all a part of successfully balancing my life.
Photo Credit: Mike Eaton
FWM: Please tell us about the Egypt Cares Family Foundation.
ES: It is a non-profit I founded 9 years ago to help bridge socio economical gaps in the community I serve. So, we provide free financial bootcamps, educating families on wealth building and management, credit restoration, and home ownership. We also provide fun programs for the kids. I love it!
It has been embedded in me from an early age that real estate was the foundation of wealth
FWM: What tools and/or strategic partnerships have you put in place to help women? And the community?
ES: This ties back to my non-profit. The reason I founded the organization is because I wanted to have an organization that directly addressed the needs of women and men in our community on a grassroots level. So many times we donate our money or our time to organizations, but we don’t know for sure if those funds ever trickle down to the people we intend to help. This was my way of ensuring I was making a profound difference and would leave a legacy.
FWM: What is next in the life of Egypt Sherrod?
ES: Well right now I am taking time to enjoy my new baby. I think it’s important to stop and smell the roses, and take inventory of how far we’ve come. So that is what I am doing at the moment, just taking time to refresh and renew. I do expect to have my 2nd book out at after first quarter of 2020 though, and I am traveling often and headlining at wealth and women’s empowerment conferences nationally. So, I will be coming to a city near you soon.
FWM: How can people connect to you outside of this interview?
ES: You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @EgyptSherrod
Cover Photo Credit: Mike Eaton Print Available for order on June 30
Niya Brown Matthews is a force to be reckoned with. She is a certified life coach, author, motivational speaker and so much more. It is her purpose in life to empower women through transparency and authenticity. Her “Soul Food Sessions with Niya” allow women to reconnect mind, body and soul. Let’s meet Niya.
FW: Good Morning Niya. I am so excited about this interview! Introduce yourself and your business?
NBM: I am a certified life coach, author, motivational speaker, mother, wife, two-time breast cancer survivor, Ambassador for Ford’s Warriors in Pink and have retired from 20 years in real estate to begin Chapter 2 of my life which is Women’s Empowerment.
FW: Tell me about Soul Food Sessions with Niya.
NBM: Soul Food Sessions with Niya is a women’s empowerment organization that’s geared around motivating and inspiring them to become better versions of themselves-mind, body and soul. Most of the time, we as women, career women, mothers and corporate executives are always on the go doing everything for everybody. I am concerned about our centering part, which is neglected. I wanted to design a platform to pour back into the women who are everything to everybody. Women’s empowerment is the core of who I am. I wanted to create something that was God led. God is my foundation.
FW: How do you handle stress in your business?
NBM: I am a praying woman and I do know the order of my household: God, family and then success. My prayer life is on 10. I learned to shut out all the ways of the world. I listen to inspirational music. I shut down for an hour every morning: prayer, music, worship mode and I read the Word.
Read more of this dynamic interview with Niya in our March print issue!
Making Boss Moves
A GREAT DAY IN HOLLYWOOD
As the interview ensued for this 3.5 octave, soprano, alto AND tenor vocalist, actor and activist, Antonique Smith was in her home state of East Orange, New Jersey preparing to speak and sing at The Confluence Gala, where corporate leaders who are in the 1% of the wealthy, gathered to hear about climate change; environmental justice, clean energy alternatives and health solutions for residents impacted by high rates of heart disease, asthma and cancer caused by neighborhood oil-drilling, corporate dumping and power plant emissions.
Smith is not some wild-child, tree-hugger in the pejorative sense. Known as the impassioned voice of the climate change movement, this Grammy-nominated vocal powerhouse is using her talents to speak for the voiceless and to chart her own path to success in film and TV, and the only way she knows how to execute it is to keep the process and delivery 100% R E A L.
SHE’S THE ONE
Most famous for her role in the 2009 hip/hop and R&B love story, Notorious, as the beloved lead female role of Faith Evans, Smith nabbed that role with a deep knowing that it was hers to begin with and a fighting determination to prove to the director and producer that she was thee perfect talent to portray Evans with grit, and sex appeal and to deliver a believable performance, where loyal fans and viewers who were holding a microscopic lense to her performance would embrace and herald her work with rave reviews.
RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Before crowdfunding became wildly popular, in 2012 Antonique became the first African-American soloist to raise $50K, in 30 days, using Kickstarter to finance her EP project, Love is Everything. As if raising this type of capital in such a short amount of time wasn’t enough of a boss move, her single, Hold Up Wait a Minute (Woo-Woo), went on to receive a Grammy nom.
Read the rest of the interview in our print issue here.
March, designated as National Women’s History Month since 1987, invites us to celebrate the incredible achievements of women worldwide. In the spirit of recognizing remarkable women, we delve into the inspiring story of Keisha Saunders-Waldron, a highly accomplished Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, mental health advocate, and founder of Confidential Confessions Counseling Services. Featured on renowned platforms such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Essence’s Girls United, Keisha’s expertise in counseling and holistic approaches has left an indelible mark on the mental health landscape. As a licensed professional counselor supervisor, she empowers individuals and families to enhance their quality of life. Keisha’s academic journey is marked by a Master’s degree in Science and Service Agency Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
A Conversation with Keisha: Nurturing Passions, Advocating for Mental Health
Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor?
Keisha: Believe it or not, my journey began in my early years, with the animated shenanigans of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. There was this one comical episode where Bugs played the therapist and oddly enough, that hilarious episode stuck with me, becoming one of my earliest memories that sparked a tiny flame of intrigue. As I marched through the halls of academia, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, I stumbled upon an extraordinary psychology teacher. I found myself captivated, eventually deciding to pursue a degree in psychology. Little did I know, this choice would set the stage for an incredible journey. The mental health field welcomed me with open arms, from the beginning. It was a fascinating and eye-opening experience, delving into the intricacies and sometimes labyrinthine politics of this realm.
One thing became crystal clear during this time, the services and support available were not always easily understood, especially in marginalized communities. This realization fueled a fire within me. It lit up my path, urging me to delve deeper into education, to become a voice for those whose voices often went unheard. And here I am today, wearing the badge of a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with pride. Now, my mission has expanded — I’m helping mold the next generation of counselors. I guide and mentor graduate students, honing their skills and nurturing their passion.
Together, we’re working to fill the voids within our field, ensuring that more compassionate, skilled counselors emerge to serve and uplift our communities. Every day is a chance to inspire, learn, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.
You’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including R&B artists, NFL players, and corporate executives. What unique challenges do high-profile clients often face when seeking counseling, and how do you address them
Keisha: One of the foremost concerns high-profile clients bring to counseling is the need for absolute confidentiality. They rightfully worry about breaches of their privacy, which can have significant repercussions for their careers and personal lives. Maintaining confidentiality and trust is paramount. Additionally, managing their public image, balancing work-life demands, and coping with high levels of stress are common issues. To address these challenges, I prioritize confidentiality, offering secure and discreet counseling environments, and tailor my approach to their specific needs, recognizing the unique pressures they face.
Techniques such as stress management, time management, and communication skills are often incorporated to help them navigate their unique circumstances effectively. In these moments, we are helping them recognize these stressors and validate their humanness while cultivating a safe space for them to just “be”.
When it comes to romantic relationships, feeling safe and secure is paramount for women. Safety plays a crucial role in establishing trust, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction within a relationship. While each individual’s definition of safety may vary, certain universal factors contribute to creating a secure space with male partners. Understanding these safety measures can empower women to navigate their relationships with confidence and clarity.
Require Communication Open and honest communication serves as the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Feeling safe with a partner often begins with the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and concerns without the fear of judgment or reprisal. Men who actively listen, validate emotions, and engage in constructive dialogue foster an environment where women feel heard and understood. Effective communication promotes transparency, builds trust, and helps partners navigate challenges collaboratively. Not having this safety to communicate is a red flag.
Look for Respect Mutual respect is another non-negotiable. Having this mutual respect for each other forms the foundation of any successful relationship. Women feel safe in the presence of men who demonstrate respect for their boundaries, opinions, and autonomy. Respectful behavior includes honoring personal space, acknowledging individual differences, and valuing each other’s perspectives. When women feel respected by their partners, they are more likely to feel secure, valued, and appreciated in the relationship.
Expect Consistency Another safety factor is consistency. Consistency in both words and actions is essential for cultivating a sense of safety in a relationship. Women are more likely to feel secure with men who demonstrate reliability, honesty, and follow-through in their commitments. Predictable behavior and a stable emotional environment contribute to a sense of security and trust. Inconsistent or erratic behavior can trigger feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, undermining a woman’s sense of safety within the relationship.
Watch for Empathy and Emotional Support Empathy plays a vital role in creating emotional intimacy and connection between partners. Men who demonstrate empathy by understanding and validating their partner’s emotions contribute to a safe and supportive relationship environment. This may look like providing emotional support during times of distress, offering reassurance, or showing compassion. All of these foster a sense of security and closeness. Women tend to feel safe with men who offer a listening ear, show empathy, and provide comfort in moments of vulnerability.
Monitor Boundaries and Consent Not enough can be said for boundaries. Respecting boundaries and honoring consent are essential aspects of safety in any relationship. Women feel safe with men who prioritize their physical and emotional boundaries, seek consent in all interactions, and prioritize mutual respect in intimate situations. Clear communication about personal boundaries, consent, and mutual agreement on relationship dynamics contribute to a sense of safety, trust, and respect between partners.
In a nutshell, a sense of safety in relationships with men is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects of communication, respect, consistency, empathy, and boundaries. By understanding these safety triggers and advocating for their presence in their relationships, women can cultivate a sense of safety, security, and well-being with their male partners. Building a foundation of trust, respect, and emotional connection greatly enhances the quality of relationships and fosters a nurturing environment where both partners can thrive.
In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Dr. Peggy Roberts, a trailblazing African American doctor who is transforming women’s healthcare in the New York tri-state area. With a profound commitment to addressing the unique needs of women, Dr. Roberts stands as a beacon of hope, empowering countless women whose voices have been overlooked for far too long. Dr. Roberts, a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has dedicated over a decade to providing comprehensive care for women of all ages.
As the Founder and Operator of Trust Women’s Healthcare in the heart of Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant, she has made it her life’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps and provide the highest level of medical care to her patients. Armed with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health, Dr. Roberts is a pioneer in her field. Her expertise spans preventive medicine, high-risk pregnancies, and various gynecological conditions, making her a trusted figure in women’s health. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Roberts has collaborated with Kingsborough Community College to develop a Maternal Health Certificate curriculum, aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare for new mothers.
As an Assistant Clinical Professor at Hofstra University and a proud member of the Board of LIFT-NY, she continues to inspire change and advocate for women’s health on multiple fronts. Join us in honoring Dr. Peggy Roberts during this Black History Month, recognizing her outstanding contributions to healthcare, her dedication to bridging gaps, and her commitment to empowering women across the community.
Marneen Lynne Fields, One of the Most Famous Stuntwomen in the World
In 1985 Marneen Lynne Fields was coined “Hollywood’s Original Fall Girl” and awarded a Fall Girl license plate from famous stunt coordinator J.P. Bill Catching and the Stuntman’s Association. Then, in 2018 she won the Legendary Stunt Woman of the Year from the International Action of Film Festival’s Legendary Stunt Awards in Las Vegas, a lifetime achievement award for my contributions in over 100 films and primetime TV shows as a stunt woman, a stunt actress, and an actress.
You were a child prodigy. Share your backstory.
I was a sickly child born with emphysema and an enlarged heart who wasn’t expected to live to be five years old. I wasn’t allowed to go outside and play with other children because of coughing/choking fits so my mom gave me tons of books to look at and taught me to read. By age nine I had grown into my heart and was an avid reader and student. You could always find me with study books testing myself way beyond my years. I was offered the chance to skip both 2nd and 4th grade, but my dad wouldn’t let me because I would then be ahead of my one-year older brother Bobby. Somehow, in the second grade, I got tested for math skills and they realized that I understood advanced algebra. I got picked up as somewhat of a child prodigy in math and placed in algebra classes with high school age young adults each morning before elementary school. While on my way walking to the high school all I cared to do was climb across the monkey bar rings before making my way to the very serious algebra classes. As a composer today and other pursuits my knowledge and understanding of math has been beneficial to me.
Share a few of your challenges. How did you become Hollywood’s Stunt Woman?
In 1973 I graduated from Royal High School in Simi Valley with honors as one of three women in the United States to receive an athletic scholarship in gymnastics to Utah State University because of my ability to perform some moves on floor exercise and balance beam made famous by Olympic Gold Medalist Olga Korbut. I was the #1, class one, advanced all-around, most valuable gymnast for Utah State from 1973-1976. I was ranked third in the entire state, 3rd on floor exercise, and 5th on the balance beam in intercollegiate national competition. I’d like to also mention that in 1972 I won Most Talented Cheerleader at the Southern California Cheerleader Camp in Santa Barbara, CA. beating out thousands of other teenage cheerleaders. I was already a champion gymnast and award-winning cheerleader before I was discovered in 1976 by famous Hollywood stuntman Paul Stader (Cary Grant’s stunt double), and owner of Paul Stader’s Stunt School. I was home from college and back in Ventura, CA. due to a gymnastics injury and recovering from an ankle reconstruction surgery where a calf’s tendon had been inserted into my right ankle in place of badly torn ligaments. My brother Bobby Fields was invited down to Paul’s stunt school and when he saw the students performing high falls off ladders and catwalks and fight scenes with jump kicks and flips he said, “My sister is perfect for this.” Bobby introduced me to Paul, who recognized the champion athlete in me and took me under his wing. The great Paul Stader discovered me and single-handedly launched my amazing early stunt career in feature films and on prime-time TV shows. I was minoring in theater arts in college so entering the film industry was right in line with my goals to be an actress. I kept my day job as a stunt woman and stunt actress for fifteen years until 1992 because it kept my foot in the door for auditions to land acting roles no matter what size, and like Angelina Jolie perform my own stunts in roles I would land that required me to perform my own stunts.
One of my early challenges was, I told myself I’d give myself six months for this Hollywood stunt woman career to pan out, if I hadn’t landed my Screen Actors Guild card within six months, I’d return to school and complete my last year of college at USU where I was majoring in health education and minoring in theater arts. Within six months to the day I had landed not only a big stunt doing a backward high fall from the top of a hanging, dangling, slippery rope in a gymnasium onto my back, but also a three lines speaking role on the movie-of-the-week The Spell starring Lee Grant and Helen Hunt. The job enabled me to get my SAG card under the Taft Hartley law that specifies, “No one in the Screen Actors Guild was available to perform the dangerous stunt so I was cast.” Within weeks, thanks to Paul Stader, I was one of the most famous stuntwomen in the world. Wikipedia listing me as one of the most prominent stuntwomen of the 70s and 80s.
My second challenge for the next two years was, I had just had major ankle reconstruction surgery and I had to pretend with all my might that the pain and limitations of that operation didn’t exist as I performed highly dangerous high falls off bridges and out of helicopters, and high jumps to my feet off moving objects like trains, airplanes, and tall buildings. Throughout my stunt career, I became very adept at exercising mind over matter when it came to physical limitations from injuries I had sustained by completely ignoring they existed.
You have over 40-years in the entertainment industry. What have you enjoyed the most?
My ever-evolving career has truly been a wonder to behold, thanks be to God. I suffered a near-fatal car accident and a series of life-threatening abdominal operations thirteen years into my stunt woman career and had to reinvent myself. I was injured so badly in the accident that I never thought I’d get back onto my feet to perform or do anything again. I lived in heights of excruciating pain for twelve years as I fought for my life undergoing operation after operation. I lost my stunt career, my stunt acting career, and the gymnastics talent I had worked decades to achieve. All I had ever wanted to do as a small child was sing so I got serious about doing what I had always wanted to do since I could no longer perform the types of difficult stunts I had become famous for. I went back to school and re-educated myself as a scriptwriter, a singer, a piano player, a pop song composer, and a nonfiction author. I enjoy singing and performing in music videos the most.
What changes have you seen over the years as a professional stunt woman?
I was a pioneering stunt woman in the 70s and 80s. When I did stunts there were no jerk-off cables, my power tumbler legs gave me amplitude. When I was a gymnast there were no springboard mats, I learned to tumble and taught myself backward flip flops on the hard-wood gymnasium floors at school and thick gray wrestler mats. All of my high falls, high jumps, pratfalls, and fight scenes on film were performed going into small mattresses, a pile of blankets, boxes, falling onto breakaway wooden tables, or hitting concrete, dirt, gravel, grass, or sand. One time in my career I got to perform a 3-story high fall off the balcony of a house in Malibu into an airbag for the MOW Death Ray 2000 starring Robert Logan. The first thing I learned when I became a stunt woman was the mats from gymnastics and the stunt school were taken away and I was now expected to fall onto the real hard surface of things like I listed above wearing only a small boy’s padded football girdle and a pair of knee pads and elbow pads. Safety and sexual harassment laws were also just coming on the scene, and today they are exercised to the full extent of the law with committees governing the practices on each production. Many of the mind-blowing stunts you see today are filmed using computer-generated imagery (CGI). In my stunt day flying from a cable like Sally Field did in the Flying Nun was a big deal. All of my stunts that should have had me in a harness and a cable I performed without a cable. For Quincy the “Depth of Beauty” episode shot at night where I played a suicide victim who jumps off the First Interstate Bank building (73 stories high). In my scene, I ran across the roof wearing fluffy toeless half slippers with a little golden heel and a sheer flowing pink negligee and robe. I walked along the ledge in the heels and jumped feet-first off the top of the building without a cable, at the time it was the highest building in downtown Los Angeles. My jump was 20 feet high and had me landing feet-first into boxes in a small electrical area down from the roof. The special effects team wrapped the boxes too tightly that I was supposed to land in and they didn’t collapse when my feet hit them as they were supposed. This caused me to bounce, and I was really frightened as I used all my might to keep myself from bouncing off the roof. My gymnastic experience on trampolines came in handy that evening as I threw myself into a drop seat, my legs flew up and snapped my neck due to the speed of jumping from 20 feet. I walked away with my life and only a whiplash, but I almost went over the edge of that 73 stories that night.
You were the first woman to come from the pure stunt arena to land the large co-starring role in “Hellhole.” What surprised you the most about the transition?
By the time I landed the role of Curry, the insanity victim that received the chemical lobotomy by Mary Woronov in Hellhole in 1985 I had been a serious student of the craft of acting for eight years and had landed about twenty-five smaller acting and stunt acting roles in films, primetime TV shows, and small theater productions in the Los Angeles area, and at Utah State University where I minored in theater arts. I had studied acting extensively with two celebrity acting coaches: Victor French (son-in-law to the great Lee J. Cobb), and co-star on two Emmy winning TV series with Michael Landon, Highway to Heaven, and Little House on the Prairie; and Jeff Corey Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, acting coach to many A-list talents of the day like Paul Newman, Rock Hudson, Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford, Jack Nicholson, and many others. Victor French discovered me as an actress in 1979 and it was that year that I became serious about becoming a famous actress. I was on the brink of reaching this goal in 1988 having been cast by Stanly Kramer to play the sick nun in the burning fire that Dick Van Dyke rescues in The Runner Stumbles, and landing some guest star roles on primetime TV shows like The Scarecrow and Mrs. King “We’re Off to See the Wizard” episode where I play the real artillery Dorothy Bruce Boxleitner’s, girlfriend. My near-fatal car accident derailed my entire career that I loved so much and had worked so hard to have. I barely walked away with my life. However, my love for acting has remained and I’m still acting today. In 2019 I published the 5-star rated, The Illusive Craft of Acting: An Actor’s Preparation Process that’s available from all the major outlets like Amazon in paperback and eBook. The book is geared towards novice actors and directors, and I share my secrets of what Stanislavski and Chekhov, my celebrity acting coaches, and all the directors I’ve worked for on over 100 films, TV shows, web series, and theatrical productions have taught me about acting for the past forty-four years. I’m extremely proud of this short nonfiction book that also showcases nearly fifty photos of me in acting performances with A-list stars throughout my career. I was a professional SAG stunt woman and a stunt actress from 1976 to 1992, I’ve been a professional SAG actress from 1976 to present.
You are an award-winning pop-blues-soft rock singer. Are there recurring themes to your music?
This is such a fabulous question and one that no one has ever asked me before. Yes, the most recurring theme in my music as an adult contemporary Artist is love with an emphasis on heartbroken love songs, songs about falling in love, inspirational songs, and songs about God. 2020 will see me release two spiritual and Christian themed songs from my highly anticipated A White Dove of Love CD, along with several more of the deep and passionate love songs my fans have come to expect from me. One reviewer of my music calling me the thinking man’s lyricist.
Tell us about your books, “Cartwheels & Halos: The True Marneen Lynne Fields Story” and “Rollin’ with the Punches: An Examination of the Stunt and Acting Careers of Marneen Fields. (40 Years of Surviving Highfalls, Hellholes, and Freddy’s Fingernails). What do you want people to know about Marneen?
Cartwheels & Halos: The True Marneen Lynne Fields Story” is my amazing story of survival. It has a few film and TV features but mainly focuses on how my car accident and the resulting abdominal operations helped me find my true calling within the wake of my childhood dreams of music regardless of the fact that I’m severely hearing impaired. It has a strong theme that when you are on the wrong path in life, God will take drastic actions in your life to make sure you’re on the right one. The book shares my very powerful spiritual and religious awakening where I talk about, when on my last breath after the final abdominal operation in 1999 I was healed by the hand of God.
Rollin’ with the Punches: An Examination of the Stunt and Acting Careers of Marneen Fields is my filmography where I relive in the first person my wonderful experiences on the various films and primetime TV shows I’ve appeared in and all of the sensational A-list actors, directors, and producers I’ve met along the way and worked with.
Thank you for asking this great question Jules. I want people to know that I never gave up no matter what dire circumstances I found myself in. I never let anyone talk me out of living my dreams and striving to reach my goals. I’d like them to know that there is a very powerful, good, and decent force within me. A force that strove to achieve everything with honest hard work, true talent, sheer determination, unbridled inspiration, and a love and excitement about my life. This powerful optimistic perfectionist within myself got me out of bed each day and made me want to train like the greatest champion athletes do regardless of if I was doing gymnastics, stunts, acting, or singing. I was never satisfied with mediocrity within myself, doing just enough to get by. For instance, I wouldn’t do a few walkovers on the balance beam or sing a Barbara Streisand song a couple of times. I had to do thousands upon thousands, and I never tired of the effort it took to make me the best I could be. It’s some kind of inborn positive determination, to prove to myself that I could master whatever task I was up against, competing only with myself, to push myself to become the best I could be with the talent and physical and verbal instrument I’ve had to work with.
With such a diverse background. What is the best piece of advice you can give for young people wanting to break into the entertainment business?
The most sound advice I can give young people wanting to break into the business is each of these disciplines is a craft, and in order to get the upper hand, you need to learn the crafts and then train at those crafts with your entire spirit. Learn from the masters by taking courses. It’s a very hard business, if something doesn’t work out be prepared to reinvent yourself along the way, but always be honest with yourself and others about what you can and can’t do. There is no failure or jealousy when the competition is within yourself and not with others. Spend long hours meditating, setting goals, and creating game plans and strategies for yourself. It’s your life! Always remember, you are number 1.
What is next for you?
I am publishing two books about my life and career are high on my list right now and I’m querying agents and publishers. I’ve become an award-winning scriptwriter and I’m looking forward to selling a couple of the screenplays I’ve written. My mom, Ruby Marie Farris-Fields’ true story, Who’s Gonna Take Care of Me? that chronicles her sudden disappearance and missing for nine years due to a brain lymphoma diagnosed as viral schizophrenia. Ruby lived in shelters battling breast cancer also for nine years not knowing who she was. After nine years she was found by Missing Persons from the original report I filed the week she turned up missing. She was reunited with me. I was able to become her guardian and care for her for thirteen years until her death in 2014. Since Ruby was found, my prayer has been, “Dear God, as you chose me to become a guardian to one, let me become a guardian to millions. Then I will have done the right thing in life.” With the sale of Who’s Gonna Take Care of Me? (Ruby is the co-writer on her script), I hope to cast an Academy award-winning caliber actress to star in the title role of Ruby. My goal is to help the mentally ill who are homeless and their families with her story. I’d love for all of my creative works to help various charities. If it’s meant to be.
Thank you for the wonderful interview Jules. I’m thrilled you’ve chosen my life and career to be featured in Formidable Woman Magazine. Congratulations on your great success as a writer and all of the great publications you’re writing for.
Thank you for the wonderful interview and article Jules Lavalle. I love the photo display you used also.
Sincerely,
Marneen Fields