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.
Fitness Expert Vanessa Bogenholm’s, New Book, It’s Your Body
Vanessa Bogenholm lives and works her truth every day, both in her own life and with each and every client. Some days she would still rather be the unmotivated, overweight ten-year-old sitting on the couch eating candy, but she can’t be. She can’t because she wants better for herself and because she wants to show her clients—and you—that with a little belief and a shift in attitude, you don’t have to be stuck in a body that makes you uncomfortable.
Vanessa has watched clients make that choice with astounding results. She has seen people lose more than one hundred pounds—and keep that weight off. She has seen middle-aged men stop needing medications they expected to take for the rest of their lives. She has even seen people in wheelchairs get up and walk again. Her new book, It’s Your Body: Move It, Love It, Live shares powerful client stories that will truly inspire.
FWM: What is it like to run four companies?
It’s busy!! I think any entrepreneur is always looking how to grow their companies and how to not just benefit themselves, but give better opportunities to their employees and clients. I feel it is very sad that we have become a society that doesn’t value and take care of our bodies, some people don’t even know where to start. We run from our homes to our jobs, we don’t eat well, rarely have time for exercise or self-care let alone get good sleep. I have this need to show people how diet and exercise can make their lives better and all of my companies are about that, helping people find love and fitness of their bodies.
My Train with V, my San Jose location is my main location where I see clients one on one as a personal trainer and takes up the majority of my time.
Fitness 23 Las Vegas is a boxing/kickboxing group exercise gym that I purchased during the pandemic to grow my businesses. I go there every 10 days or so for a couple of days and manage all the rest on my computer remotely and talk to the employees many times during the day.
My Fitness 23 company is my video and book company where I try to help people who I can’t see in person.
Exercise in the Streets is my non-profit, which started as doing exercise classes, literally in the streets in impoverished neighborhoods, and run clinics in youth detentions centers. When covid happened, we pivoted to providing exercise bags with running shoes, sweatshirts, exercise equipment such as a basketball, and toiletries to foster children in Santa Clara and Clark Counties.
My drive comes from never wanting to be still. My parents were lazy and unmotivated in all aspects of their lives. I grew up wanting to be different. I also am willing to fail. Sometimes my businesses work, and sometimes things fall apart. It is just business and I try to move forward and keep at it.
FWM: Share your background in fitness.
I was extremely overweight, not athletic, and sad as a child. A couple of months before my 13th birthday, I began running to get fit before high school started. That started a life change for me that continued my whole life.
I had been a quasi-famous organic farmer back in the 90s and early 2000s. That all fell apart due to a couple of bad weather years and a relationship break up that almost brought me to the bottom. Don’t ever lose your companies and your marriage in the same 6 months, it’s brutal!!
For a few years I worked as a Sommelier (Hey if you are ever going to lose everything, might as well drink for a living) then in food sales. Food sales for me was the worst!!! I hated my job, like what kind of fitness person, I was very fit and a very high-level tennis player, wants to be an expert in 47 different kinds of french fries and selling 20 kinds of cheap frying oil?? So, poof I work up one morning and just quit. No job prospects and no way to support myself and no plan.
As I was looking to see what my next career would be, I got a job coaching tennis then helping a friend’s sister lose weight. That started my journey to the companies I have now. I didn’t have a plan it just fell into place
FWM: Tell us about Train with V. What will people notice when working with you?
I work one-on-one or in small groups, like couples, or families, or 2 or 3 friends together. The training we do is structured for the client. Some need to lose weight, some need greater mobility, some want to run their first marathons. No two trainings are the same because none of my clients are the same. I need to find the motivator with everyone. I ask personal questions until I find it. Do you want to be able to play with your grandchildren? Are you in constant pain? Do you want to look hot in that little black dress at the company dinner? Do you want to be strong? Whatever ’that’ is, I need to find it and we structure the diet and exercise to achieve those goals.
All the stories of clients in the book come from these sessions with clients. All of the names have been changed to protect the client’s privacy but I share the stories of people getting out of wheelchairs, losing 100lb., getting over depression through exercise, etc. I want these stories to help motivate everyone to move their bodies.
I have a very full schedule because most clients who start with me never leave. They may go down to just one workout a week, but over 80% of my clients have been with me for 2 or more years. So I always have just very few openings and I am expensive since I work one on one by the hour.
That is why I started the online videos and wrote the book. I want to help more people.
I don’t need my clients to tell everyone what they are doing. I need them though to really try- Try to eat better, try to move, and not give up on themselves easily. This is a personal and private promise to themselves to trust that they can be the person they want to be.
FWM: You work with corporations. Tell us about your programs.
I only work with corporations who are fitness related and have products that I use personally. On an average week, 10 or so companies contact me and want me to be an ambassador for them. I try the products if I am interested and feel my clients would benefit, then I am willing to be an ambassador.
Zensah makes amazing compression socks and we have worked together for years and i wear their products every day. I suggest them to all my clients who use their knee braces, bras, and socks. Such a great company.
ProSource Fit does exercise equipment for at-home use and I use all their stuff in both my gym locations. If the workout gear can hold up for years in commercial gyms, it is a great quality to have in your homes and why I recommend them for home use equipment.
KT-tape is by far the best tape for your feet, knees, and shoulders. I have tried every other brand out there and there is no comparison and because I have Haglund’s Deformity on my feet, I tape my feet every day.
The supplement market is huge and I am so distrusting of this market. I am very careful what I put in my body. When the Rhelief Tame Your Pain company contacted me, I was doubtful. This is a drink mix to control inflammation, so important to me as a runner. Inflammation is so damaging to all my tendons and ligaments with the long mileage I put in. I was shocked at this natural product that works so well and I use it every day I run. So you get the picture, all the companies I work with, I use their products daily.
FWM: You say, “Let’s start a new relationship with food.” What does it mean to have a “relationship” with food? What does an ideal relationship look like?
Why do we as humans eat? We eat because our bodies need fuel and nutrients to survive and live. Plain and simple. But food has turning into so much more in our society now. Our holidays are centered around the food we eat. It’s your birthday, we have cake, it’s Thanksgiving we have turkey, let’s go out for drinks, it’s Christmas let’s have ham, hey why don’t you come over on Sunday for a BBQ? I am sad so I drank a bottle of wine and ate a whole box of donuts. Sugar to our brains helps us close down those sad feelings. So how do we get back to using food to better our bodies instead of hurting our bodies? Just take a few seconds and think before we eat, will what I am eating help me do the things I want to do tomorrow? Will I feel sick if all I eat is all of this cake? Learn to listen to your body when it asks for protein or fruit. How is your digestion? What do I need to eat to make it pain and problem-free? Can I adjust my diet to achieve these goals and still enjoy food?
FWM: One of your clients said, “Vanessa is a strong communicator who is very good at bringing people together. However her problem-solving skills is what sets her apart from the rest in the field.” Can you provide examples?
The most important thing I do with clients is to help them find the motivation for why they want to get fit. Once I find that I have direction and then have to figure out how to do things with them they will enjoy. Some people like to work out with others so I put people together to run, golf, or sail or whatever, just so they can be with other people doing healthy activities that bring positive good feelings. I encourage families to exercise together and cook together.
FWM: Recess TV works with 1,000’s of top instructors. Tell us more.
Especially after the pandemic hit, many personal trainers went online to do workout classes and offer exercise instruction videos. I had already been moving in this direction even before the pandemic doing zoom workouts with people who weren’t in my locations and doing exercise videos on YouTube and Vimeo. Recess just make a great easy to use platform for me as a trainer to offer group classes. I offer group classes at a very affordable rate once or twice a week.
FWM: Fitness 23 Run Club is on the fast track. What does it offer?
Strava is an app and website where endurance athletes keep track of their workouts. We have 209 people currently in the run club and we connect online then see each other in person at races all over the world. It was so cool to be at a 1/2 marathon race in San Diego a month ago, when someone came up to me and said “Hey I am in your Run Club” We just feel like we are then all one working on improving our lives. it is free to join on Strava or on Facebook and you can buy a shirt if you would like to also that I sell at cost. It’s just so we can all encourage each other no matter what speed or distance you are going.
FWM: Who has inspired you the most? Share a few client success stories.
Wow, there has been so many. First is Jack whom the book is dedicated to and the only real name I use in the book. Jack was the first client I got out of a wheelchair and walking. He was so grouchy when we met and the last thing he wanted to do was exercises and get up. He wanted to sit in his wheelchair, watch Fox news and be angry. But I got him up, walking and laughing. Amazing. He will always be such an inspiration to me about being willing to change.
The first woman I ever worked with lost over 100lb. She hated me, hated working out, and hated her body. But she never gave up and kept at it, trusting that this was going to work when so many other times, she had failed at losing weight. She is now married with two lovely children. I cry every time I see her.
I have a boy that I started working with when he was 14 and just starting to run. He had never been athletic but through hard work and many miles, he is on a full-ride scholarship for running at a major university. Getting to see him run in a college track meet was incredible. I feel honored to be part of his journey.
FWM: Tell us about your new book, “It’s Your Body, Move It, Love It, Live.”
I had always been a writer of some sort in my life through my many careers. I had written a fiction book before and now wanted to write an inspirational book for people who just don’t know what to do as they start their fitness journeys. I was a reader as a child and when I started my own fitness journey in 1980. Back then there were only books about famous athletes not about fat unmotivated kids like me. I wanted to write that book, the one that would have helped me all those years ago. I wanted to show what kind of people come to me for help; people that are having mobility issues, arthritis sufferers, need to lose 100 lb., on prescription medicines for lifestyle choices, suffering from depression etc, I wanted to show people that anyone can get fit and love their bodies, not just athletes and pretty people like we see on social media. I wanted to show the reality of going on a journey to becoming fit and out of pain. I wanted to show regular people they too can get the bodies they love and deserve free of pain.
FWM: Your bio and an early chapter in your book say you were once an “unmotivated, overweight ten-year-old sitting on the couch eating candy.” What changed?
My family was fat and weren’t hard workers. We are a product of our environments and I just did what everyone in my house did, I ate candy, read, and watched TV. But I wanted to play sports in high school and a very nice coach said to me, “Vanessa, you probably want to get fit before high school starts.” That was it. I wanted to be like Frank Shorter, a very famous Olympic Marathoner so figured I would take up running at the age of 13. My first run was 23 steps. That was it. I cried when I realized that was all I could do and realized I was a fat loser and that is why I didn’t have any friends and no one wanted to hang out with me. But this time I didn’t give up. If I could run 23 steps, why not 24, so I tried to do just one more step. This was the beginning of my fitness journey, just one more step and just a little better than the previous time. And every time I was able to do more with my body, my brain became happier also. Running didn’t just change my body, it also changed my brain.
Any time now when things get going sideways or tough, instead of self-destructive habits like drinking or eating sugary or carbo laden foods, I do a little exercise, lift some weights, take a run, throw my javelins. I always feel better afterwards and the negativity goes away. Life is tough. We just have to adjust our habits to positive ones instead of negative ones.
FWM: Your book is filled with inspirational stories of real people who made tremendous transformations from thirteen-year-old kids to CEO’s. Who inspired you the most?
Gosh, I feel so lucky to see 8-10 clients a day that all inspire me everyday. Just tonight I had a 25-year-old tech guy almost cry when he did his first real push-up, he just looked at me and said, “I couldn’t do that 6 months ago!” I just smiled and said, “Just wait, you will be stronger and have those muscles you always dreamed of, I promise you.” Because that is what he wants, to be muscular and attractive and fit. So that is the direction we are working.
I had a woman in her 70s who tried to commit suicide and because she didn’t have insurance, was stuck in a Medicare facility. It was a nightmare and gross, worse than you could ever imagine. She had obviously failed at committing suicide but had broken her back in a fall off a 3 story barn. She couldn’t walk. She cried and screamed for the first few visits. I was able to help her gain her strength back and learn how to use her body weight to get off the bed and onto a walker. She still wanted to die when I met her. Within 3 months she was up and walking and in 6 months got out of that facility and moved in with friends. She found joy in life when she thought the world was better without her. She was wrong, she had family and friends who loved her and even in my horrible comedy routine, she learned to laugh and look forward to life again. She fell down, she got up again and made life happy, priceless.
I have worked with many successful people. I had one I didn’t put in the book. He had a stroke, and because of his business dealings, he felt that anyone knowing he had a stroke would show weakness and vulnerability and could hurt him financially. I went to his home and worked out with him for 6 days a week for 4 months. The day his left leg moved without him thinking about it was awesome. We were able to rehab him through hard strenuous work and sweat and get him back to where no one knew he had a stroke. Then a couple years later I ran into him at a party and he proudly tells everyone I rehabbed him from a stroke!!! ugh, we laughed. everyone stared at us in shock. He realized loving himself, forgiving himself and learning how to take care of himself was the best lesson. Such a nice man.
FWM: You pose an interesting question in your book: people take such good care of their possessions, so why don’t they take care of their own bodies? In your experience as a personal trainer, what possible answers have you gleaned?
We live in these bodies every day so sometimes we just forget about them. Tomorrow I will eat better and exercise, oh yeah I hurt myself from too much alcohol but I lived, so no big deal. Our brains help us cope and then poof, we stop the self-care for too long or the pain becomes too much and now we are in trouble Our brains only could fool us for awhile and then we are in serious poor health. And the big one, I am not as out of shape as that guy, or as fat as that guy, or whatever, we compare ourselves to others so we feel better. Then one day this self-delusion stops working. Then hopefully the person starts to care about their health and fitness or they will die and be in pain.
FWM: Tell us about the nonprofit Exercise in the Streets and your goals for the upcoming months.
I grew up in poverty and it still is always a draw for me. When ever I go to a new city, I look for the most impoverished areas and just like to hang out there and meet people. About 5 years ago I was in Birmingham Alabama and went to a neighborhood that was considered one of the poorest in the United States. Poverty also brings obesity. I met some very nice people and said hey, how about if I come back and do a free exercise class for the neighborhood on Saturday? One guy said he would bring some music, other people said they would tell the neighbors. I brought some friends, got Whole Foods to donate apples and water, a Big 5 gave me 10 workout mats, and wow. We did an exercise class that was like a neighborhood party. My non-profit was launched and we did this in 5 cities so far. We had to stop because of COVID. Back home in San Jose, I also started taking run clinics into Juvenile Hall. Showing kids how exercise can help them. We had to stop that also but will start that up soon. Because I still wanted the non-profit to do something, I pivoted in 2020 and we put together exercise bags, running shoes, sweatshirts, and sports equipment and give these bags to Foster kids in Santa Clara and Clark counties. I love this and hope we can keep this going and grow to more counties. We take new shoe donations, sports equipment and of course money. I have never asked anyone for money, people have been very generous.
