
SpeakUP! International Inc.
SpeakUP! International Inc. is your go-to podcast for inspiring stories, insightful interviews, and educational content that empowers listeners. Join us as we delve into diverse topics with a focus on uplifting black and brown voices, promoting creativity, and fostering personal and professional growth.
Episodes
154 episodes
Connecting with Divine Intelligence: Ellen Edmondson's Spiritual Awaking.
Have you ever sensed there's more to reality than what meets the eye? Ellen Edmondson's extraordinary journey from logical federal executive to spiritual messenger began with profound loss—her mother's passing just months before...
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54:35

Paulina O'Kieffe-Anthony>> Finding Your Voice: From Spoken Word to Community Empowerment
Step into the vibrant world of arts advocacy with award-winning curator, educator, and spoken word poet Paulina O'Keefe-Anthony. From her first nervous performance at age 18 to becoming a powerful voice championing equity in the...
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58:04

Elise Harding-Davis: "We Have a History That's Left Out, That Makes History Incomplete."
The threads of African-Canadian history weave a story of resistance, resilience, and remarkable achievement that spans centuries—yet these vital narratives remain largely untold in mainstream historical accounts. Elise Harding-Davis...
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55:58

Breaking Barriers: A Conversation with Rohan Thompson, Dufferin County's Director of People and Equity
What happens when personal experience with discrimination fuels a lifelong commitment to equity work? Mr. Rohan Thompson, Director of People and Equity for the County of Dufferin, takes us on his remarkable journey from youth wo...
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54:05

Queen D. Michele - Discovering Your Roots: How Ancestry, Travel, and Self-Awareness Shape Healing
What would you do if you discovered your teacher's pension wouldn't be enough to sustain you after retirement? For Queen D Michelle, the answer came in a life-changing decision to leave Atlanta behind and start fresh in Mexico's Lake Chapala re...
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54:35

Beyond the Margins: Tina Garnett's Journey Through Systemic Barriers
"We are not what the system has told us we are," declares Tina Garnett, a powerful voice in the fight against systemic oppression. As a seventh-generation Black Canadian descended from Charlotte and James Handy, Garnett brings t...
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53:14

Amita Sharma and Nourishdoc: Empowering Women Through Perimenopause and Beyond
Half of a woman's life is spent in perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause—yet these critical transitions remain under-researched, underfunded, and shrouded in unnecessary taboo. That's what drove Amita Sharma, after suffer...
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48:02

Moy Fung: Embracing Radical Empathy in Entrepreneurship and Empowering Women to Overcome Business Barriers
What if embracing radical empathy could transform not just your life, but the lives of those around you? Join us as we explore this profound concept with the remarkable Moy Fong, an award-winning entrepreneur whose journey of le...
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1:04:42

Micah Elechi: Bridging Opportunities for African Youth with AfriLink and Redefining Tech Innovation Through Courage and Vision
Visionary entrepreneur Micah Elechi takes us on a transformative journey from his early days as a graphic designer in Nigeria to becoming a leading force in tech innovation with Macklemore Solutions . Hear how Mi...
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46:47

Nicole Osbourne-James Creating Safe Spaces for Women in Comedy
Nicole Osbourne-James, a renowned free thinker and accidental stand-up comedian, reveals her fascinating journey from the spoken word poetry scene of the 1990s to the dynamic world of comedy. Unpacking how her evolution as a you...
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54:47

Charlene Thomas: Crafting Compelling Young Adult Narratives and Navigating the Publishing World with Perseverance and Passion
Uncover the magic behind young adult fiction with acclaimed author Charlene Thomas on this episode of SpeakUP! International. From her childhood days of weaving tales in scribbled notebooks to becoming an award-winning writer, C...
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56:20

Dr. Asanee Brogan: Embracing Ancestral Wisdom and Decolonizing African Spirituality for Modern Life
Discover the profound world of African spirituality with our captivating guest, Dr. Asanee Brogan, as she embarks on a journey of cultural and spiritual transformation. Dr. Brogan, a spiritualist and life coach, shares how she shifted her focus...
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1:04:13

Cheryl Polk: Transforming Career Potentials with Authenticity, Mentorship, and Balance
Cheryl Polk, a holistic career coach from Nashville, Tennessee, joins us on SpeakUP! International, bringing her inspiring journey from corporate accountant to career coach and certified resume writer. Cheryl's story is a testam...
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48:53

Kason Morris: Redefining Career Success and Navigating the Future of Work with Life-Work Synergy
What if you could craft a career that aligns seamlessly with your life’s mission and values? Join us in our conversation with Kason Morris, a trailblazer in the Future of Work Skills Strategy and the creative mind behind "Life Work Revolutionar...
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1:03:17
Phil Vassell Championing Black Canadian Artists Through Archiving
Phil Vassell, a renowned figure with over 25 years of journalism experience, shares his remarkable story of transitioning from a career rooted in media to one focused on preserving cultural history through archiving. From his ea...
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59:33

Michelle Anne Johnson: From Stage to Boardroom and Beyond - A Journey of Leadership, Authenticity, and Self-Discovery
Michelle Anne Johnson joins us to share her captivating journey from a young actress, charming audiences with her George Jefferson impersonations, to a powerhouse in corporate leadership. Her story is a fascinating blend of determination, passi...
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51:54

Rianna Raymond-Williams: Exploring Identity and Intimacy in Black Women's Health Advocacy
WARNING! There is sensitive or potentially distressing content, as we are talking about intimate partner violence, abuse and harm.Ever wondered how cultural identity shapes healthcare experiences for Black Carib...
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45:46

Michelle Forde: Journey to Equity and Authentic Leadership
Michelle Forde, an inspiring educator and communication specialist from Toronto, joins us to share her remarkable journey into the world of education and equity. From her formative years in London, Ontario to influential mentors...
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54:14

Mentorship and Ubuntu: Building Inclusive Spaces with Rochelle Ramathe
Rochelle Ramathe takes us on an inspiring journey from academic challenges to the triumph of earning a master's degree, sharing her story of resilience and empowerment. Raised in environments where her identity was often overloo...
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48:33

Titilope Sonuga's Artistic Exploration of Blackness, Womanhood, and Spirituality
Discover the captivating journey of Titilope Sonuga, an acclaimed international poet and playwright, who shares the remarkable story of her transition from civil engineering to a celebrated career in the literary arts. Journey with us as we unc...
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48:28

Carol Kabaale: Embracing Transformation and Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Strategic Digital Marketing
Imagine breaking free from the constraints of a corporate career to find the balance and fulfillment you’ve always craved. Carol Kabaale, a pioneering entrepreneur and Meta Certified Ads Strategist, shares her riveting journey from the precipic...
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53:46

Karen Carter's Global Perspective on Culture and Growth
Karen Carter, a true pioneer in the Canadian arts and culture scene, joins us to share her remarkable 25-year journey. Through her roles at B.A.N.D., Heritage Toronto, and more, Karen has transformed cultural landscapes, all whi...
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1:02:10

Navigating Change and Embracing Diversity in Leadership with Jonathan McRoy
Discover the powerful journey of Dr. Jonathan McRoy, whose remarkable path from the Air Force to civilian leadership offers invaluable lessons for anyone navigating major life transitions. In our conversation, Dr. McRoy sh...
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46:45

Lee Jones-Imhotep: Transforming Education Through Innovation, Empowerment, and Community Engagement
What drives an educator to transform the landscape of professional development through an anti-oppressive lens? Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of Mr. Lee Jones-Imhotep, a renowned adult educator from Canada who has ...
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46:58

Michelle Joseph: Embracing Authenticity and Celebrating Black Canadian Narratives Through Storytelling and Podcasting
Michelle Joseph's journey is nothing short of inspiring! Her transition from a reserved youth to a dynamic storyteller is a testament to the power of courage and authenticity. In this episode, we unravel Michelle's evolution as ...
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48:47
