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.
Award-Winning Actress, Model and Doctor, Janel Tanna
Photography: Udo Spreitzenbarth Stylist: Violetta Malakhova Makeup: Virginia Martin for Angelo David Hair: Billy Dee Williams for Angelo David
FWM: You are known as the “Rising Queen of Indie.” What inspired you to act?
I was born an Actor. I always got a thrill of jumping into a character and discovering what happened to them through creation, the intricacies of their lives, and feeling their reactions. Growing up, myself and my dear next door neighbors would create short films. I always loved being the protagonist. Keep in mind, I was not yet trained. Acting was always a what if as I ventured towards one of my other passions, namely the sciences and taking care of people. I just knew I could have gone down that path as I had contemplated it before going full force to medical school. During my time training initially in neurosurgery, I started to attend community theater when my day off and class would link up. We mostly performed monologues and discussed acting. I was always intrigued by how certain actors developed their characters, and although not bound by one technique, I found that I really identified with and understood actors who used the method. Through fate, I found myself stuck in NYC. I put together an application for the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute and was accepted a day after my interview. It felt like home there honestly, and finally was living out my what if dream. Acting is one of the top ways I feel most alive honestly. Most excited and able to channel my expressions. From there I wanted to understand Meisner as well, so I started classes with Jim Brill at the Neighborhood Playhouse. Some of my happiest memories in acting to date was going to method classes Monday and Wednesday and Meisner Tuesday and Thursday. I felt good immersing myself as I did feel I had a lot of lost time to make up for. I still do. Acting allows one to live out many different exciting realities and experiences using what is in your mind along with creation and imagination. Those are some of the things that inspire me honestly. Also, I hope to make people feel the truth of what I am feeling, and what the story is. Often, art in this country gets a little downplayed in my opinion as career choices compared to more let’s say, straightforward professions (not that anything is really straightforward, but maybe the better word is stable, stable in terms of income, set hours, set trajectories etc… although given what we have seen with COVID is anything really ever fully stable? Off-topic but back to the question), but remember listening to a friend speak at a film festival describe how people make decisions on going into different professions based on what they see on screen. Screen or theater is really a way, in my opinion, to give people a taste of what something would be like that they may not have directly experienced. To move them. Although for me, I do always feel there is some way, even if smaller, we can find in parallel with anyone. Art and acting makes life more fascinating for me. It’s all about the truth, discovering it and feeling it gives me a rush and satisfaction. Yet I still have so much more to develop and learn.
FWM: Tell us about your award-winning film, “Sienna’s Choice.”
Sienna’s Choice was the first film I created and produced. It was a passion project in that I had an idea to bring a concept to life, played around with it for a little bit, and then tried to figure out what I would need to make it happen. I can honestly say the team and connections made through that project were such a gift. Sienna’s Choice can be looked at several different ways, but ultimately it is a film about life. What life really means, and how we fight for it. Also, how one chooses to honor it. It looks at the ethics and decision-making surrounding the end of life care. It looks at the quality of life while dealing with a potentially terminal illness (without giving too much away). It follows a young woman’s unfortunate mental and physical decline she grapples with when dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis. It mostly looks at it through the eyes of the character, Siennas, but also from the point of view of her loved ones and the medical team. Initially, I had this concept and brainstormed, eventually putting pen to paper. I was able to recruit a few friends I made along the way that had written screenplays in the past, Azucena and Elisa and we made a really great team. Such special moments creating that piece, I won’t ever forget it. I also wanted it to be told through a female lens, that was important to me. I sought out through several recommendations Linda Palmer. I was enticed by her reputation and her amazing work, in particular Our Father. It took some persistence as she likes to put it, and eventually she agreed and put her foot down, “let’s set a date.” I also had a lot of both moral and production support from my roommate at the time, and fellow producer Gaby. She really helped push me. As an actress, I knew I wanted to create something very deep and layered, with nonverbal intensity as well. I feel I was able to challenge myself as an actress and producer. Initially, I wanted to make Sienna’s Choice to get a piece of art out, but also to establish myself as a filmmaker because I had plans for a bigger scale feature film. That said, we actually ended up using a fairly rough cut with an usual time (56 minutes) but ended up gratefully being well received at several festivals both in the United States and internationally. Wow, just thinking back now during COVID, what amazing memories we all created. That’s one thing to learn from all this even better is to cherish each special memory that much more. Off topic, but that said, Sienna’s Choice will be available soon on several streaming platforms including amazon so stay tuned. It is an interesting thing, during creation I was very new to filmmaking. I didn’t make it with the intention of distribution and there are of course many things I would do a little different in terms of acting or production and post. It gets a little tricky I think, as people will compare your film to very big budget films which can be difficult. However, this is a story that needs to be told and I am happy for everyone to get it out there. Everyone, cast and crew did a fantastic job and I could not be more pleased with all of their work, talents, and friendships. Sienna’s Choice got a lot of feedback at various festivals, and people would approach us in various ways it affected them. To be able to move someone or make them feel, that means a lot. I won’t reveal their personal stories they shared but know it touched me, and it was very different ways the story reached them.
FWM: In just 4 or 5-years you’ve won or been nominated for 26 acting awards. What is it about characters that resonates with audiences? Which role was the most challenging and why?
I think the truth resonates with audiences and making them feel. Whether it is pain, joy, they love you or hate you. If you strike some sort of cord. I have been told I am very raw and open once in character, I will be honest I don’t hold back letting go and really feeling things. Some people say they are afraid or don’t like to go too deep whatever that exactly means to them. I welcome it and it gives me a thrill and it gives me my joy of acting. There is no right or wrong, but I find that is what works for me. I would say the most challenging role has been Sienna. It was intense, draining, difficult, and painful but extremely rewarding.
FWM: You graced the cover of Maxim in 2019, as well as being named to Maxim’s Hottest 100 women in the world. You were also on the cover of Resident Magazine last year and featured in several other entertainment and fashion publications. What did you enjoy most about this time?
2018 as well as 2019 was meaningful for many reasons. I remember making a sort of vision board in my mind in early 2018, certain things I wanted to accomplish or happen in my life in the near future. It really was a remarkable experience to be on the cover of Maxim and named to the HOT 100. I manifest certain things in my mind, daydream, and then work to make it happen. Shooting with Gilles and the team at Maxim was such a wonderful artistic moment. Gilles really is an artistic genius when envisioning and creating moments. We went with a film noir theme since I am an actor. Everyone on set was kind, fun, talented, and professional. Being named to the hot 100 was the icing on the cake and really a dream come true. I met so many wonderful people along the way and was a treat to attend the part in Miami. I got to meet some of the girls and fellow models some of which I still keep in touch with today. A true moment, like did that really happen, was seeing myself on a Billboard in Vegas while co-hosting Maxim’s big game weekend Vegas with Machine Gun Kelly. I was in my Uber from the airport and we were driving along the highway when I saw it and started saying to my driver, oh wow that’s me! That’s too funny. He was like “what that’s you?!” He was so kind, he got off the highway and looped back around so we could take pictures and videos. Shooting with Udo and the team for Resident was also remarkable. He is really exceptional and captures the best moments in someone. I look forward to working with him again, and in fact the cover photo for this wonderful publication is done by him as well.
FWM: In the dramatic short, “Intervention,” a woman faces depression and opioid addiction head on, encountering an unlikely source of help. How did you prepare for your role?
Like any role, I use a combination of things, not one specific thing. I feel inside what I need or what will work, to find the truth. Sometimes it is just intuitive, and some moments require more preparation. I am grateful to be trained in Method and Meisner and honestly, I use both as well as unique tweaks to get where I need to be. Really it comes down to immediate parallels I find in the character that I start creating a thinking being, I mesh my life with theirs. I create life moments and experiences that finally bring me to a state that I really feel them. I also do research depending on the role, which adds to what I pull from or my energy. In this case, I spent time with someone who suffered from addiction. I also (without giving things away) spent time with a few people suffering from certain mental illness. When I spend time with research, I go very deep into their mind. I like to feel and imagine everything they might have. I have been really lucky and forever grateful to those who allowed me in to better explore and create the work. I have so much more work to do of course and am still learning. I was also very lucky that Julia Silverman, who played my mom in Sienna’s Choice and plays my mom in Intervention, was the producer who created the idea of Intervention for a project and felt I was the woman to become Amy. Linda was also the Director, and Deon the writer.
FWM: How has your life allowed you to draw parallels with your characters?
I think everyone has unique experiences that make them who they are. I use both real experiences and imagination, meaning what would have happened in my life to get to where they are? I think I have experienced being around life, death, poverty, wealth, a very wide range of ways of life. I always feel an ability to find myself somehow in a character or even a patient, which makes empathy one of my better suits.
FWM: You have walked several seasons of Couture Fashion Week NYC, Paris, and NIFW. What do you enjoy most about fashion?
I am so grateful I had the experience of walking the runway for several fashion weeks. What a real treat when I look back. Honestly, I have met some exceptional human beings. From the designers, the other models, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers. It is like its own community of wonderful artistic souls. I really love all of the fashion family, and will never forget them and hope there are more to come. I love seeing the designer’s new visions and line, love the reunions with my photographer and model friends, getting to be a part of everything and the sense of community and creation. Though I am not a full-time model, many of my friends are, and you get to see a lot of the same faces around the world. The same wonderful women I see in New York, I would see in Paris, etc. I also won’t ever forget Paris, walking the shows and spending time around the city with some amazing people. I also like that modeling or doing a shoot honestly gives me some extra fitness motivation. They are mini goals for me, I will get excited and motivated about a shoot and try my best to get some extra workouts in.
FWM: What would be your dream role, what do you feel you bring to it? Also, any dream modeling roles?
Oh, wow there are so many! Some are a secret. I still need to manifest them. One obvious one to me would be Kill Bill Three. I guess getting or two roles where I am at a place in life that I can devote a significant amount of time to them, like some of the acting greats I like are able to. I like to be all encompassing for a role now, and I do the work given I feel I need to, but to have the luxury of let’s say focusing on a role for 6- months. Being able to live and breathe it without having to worry about other work at that time. For modeling, I would love to be in Sports Illustrated. I love what the brand has done over the last few years and feel it is a tribute to diverse women in many aspects.
FWM: You used your medical background to write and create, “Sienna’s Choice. Besides acting and the arts, you also have a medical degree and I believe graduated summa cum laude. During the Coronavirus, how has this experience changed your viewpoint? Do you have any plans for writing another film?
I think anything in one’s life shapes how they see the world and allows for their experiences to be used in their art, at least energetically as that is who one is. Sienna was definitely created in part thanks to my medical background, which came in handy not just for the concept and understanding of medical and scientific knowledge, but also emotionally and cognitively how a person might feel and struggle physically and mentally. I initially went into neurosurgery from medical school, and there I gained extremely valuable and unique true life and death experiences at least through the provider’s eyes. Being an empath, I tend to connect emotionally to how someone is feeling or what they are experiencing from that aspect. For people who see Sienna’s Choice, they will get to understand her disease process and some physical and emotional manifestations. After solely focusing on acting for a block of time which is something I needed to do for both my development as an actor and soul, coming back to medicine to train in psychiatry has also further opened my experiences. I love the brain, not just the anatomy and physiology but also how the brain manifests itself in behavior or thoughts. Behavior and thoughts, and feelings being a combination of inherent biology but also as important is life experiences and trauma one might face, especially at an early age. A lot of characters are created from a dramatic place, and we all have trauma of various degrees. Sometimes through that, I can also get a feel for the creation of characters when I imagine what they might have gone through to become the person either in real life or someone I am reading on the page. Coronavirus has definitely affected us all. It’s a funny thing, in school you learn about pandemics and creations of vaccines, treatment of diseases that once wiped out entire populations. You know it can happen, but somewhere you don’t ever fully think it will, unfortunately, attended a few zoom funerals during this time. It does however really make you think back and appreciate all the little things you can take for granted, such as a tea or drink with friends, going to the museum, taking the train to do whatever, events. I decided I wanted to do at least something small to help with some of the shortages. I collaborated with my dear friend Aya, who started the Off Label. She was making nice scuba masks for the public with proceeds going towards healthcare worker supplies. I came up with an idea to collaborate along with her, and create a double-layered cloth mask with a pocket for the filter for a little extra protection to donate to the various healthcare workers, creating our frontliners fund. She loved it and we got to work, donating the masks to facilities in both Delaware and New York. Sure they are not N95s but they are nice to have especially in the time of shortages where everyone was scrambling. The appreciation from all the nurses and doctors made us appreciate helping even more. Yes, I have two projects I am working on writing. Stay tuned and hopefully, they will be ready sometime in the next two years,
FWM: Share your upcoming projects.
There are two films I have been cast in that will hopefully shoot when and if safe later in the year. I am really looking forward to them. I also have two of my own projects in the works, that I will be producing and acting in, which will hopefully come to fruition in 2021 or 2022. One, in particular, I have had on the back burner for a while, but I always knew I would do. It involves an important social issue that we have made significant gains in but still have a lot of room to grow of course and is still a struggle. As an actor, I will attempt to become just about anyone. I love the chameleon aspect of things. Because to me, they are just very alternate versions that developed differently along the line. When I produce and create, I tend to do films that can have a strong female lens, as well as films with some sort of important ethical or social issue while still being an artistically driven piece. happen now. And then it does.
