The conversation explores the systemic phenomenon of weathering—the cellular erosion caused by toxic stress—and BWHI’s mission to move toward "pleasure" to ease this impact. A major focus of the discussion is the evolving narrative around menopause, highlighting how women are reclaiming their power during this transition.

In this episode, we dive into her groundbreaking Madam Ambassador Program. Launched in partnership with area chapters of The Links, Incorporated, this transformative program equips young women with the diplomatic, leadership, and branding skills necessary to reach senior international ranks. We explore why her mission is critical for the future of global diplomacy.

Key Highlights:

The Fight Against Human Trafficking: Learn how the Loudoun County Links have addressed local exploitation since before their chartering. Through the National Trends and Services Uplifting Restoration program, they provide survivors with essential "Restore" pillar services, including professional wardrobes, financial aid, and scholarships for industry certifications.

Expert Insight: We are joined by Esther Daniel, Executive Director of Reset180. A former engineer turned human rights lawyer with experience at the International Justice Mission, Esther discusses her trauma-informed approach to disrupting cycles of abuse.

HBCU Excellence: We highlight the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). As the only public HBCU in the nation’s capital, UDC serves as a vital engine for urban sustainability and a launching pad for leaders in government and policy.

Links & Resources:

Reset180: Learn more about survivor restoration and advocacy. https://reset180.com/

The University of the District of Columbia: Exploring the "beacon" of the HBCU ecosystem. https://www.udc.edu/

HBCUs are more than institutions of higher education — they are incubators of Black excellence, innovation, and leadership. They were created out of necessity, but they continue to thrive out of purpose.

Even today, HBCUs represent just 3% of colleges and universities, yet they produce:

    •    Nearly 20% of all Black college graduates,

    •    50% of Black doctors and lawyers,

    •    40% of Black engineers,

    •    And some of the most influential voices in education, science, business, and culture.

HBCUs remain essential because they provide access, belonging, and opportunity. They level the playing field by giving students the resources, mentorship, and culturally centered support that many PWIs simply can’t replicate.

The article also noted that the news media should  help fellow Americans understand the history that Black women bring to the ballot box when they vote. Our stories need to recognize that there is a profound sense of intergenerational solidarity and civic duty amongst Black women, fostered through the passing down of history from the civil rights era, shared everyday experiences, conversations, and a sense of collective responsibility.

One organization which promotes Black women’s civic engagement is the Black Women's Roundtable, an initiative of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation.

The Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) serves as the coalition’s intergenerational leadership development, mentoring, empowerment and power building arm for Black women and girls. The BWR is at the forefront of championing justice and equitable public policies that center racial, economic and gender justice to promote health and wellness, economic security & prosperity, education and global empowerment as key elements of success. 

Our host, Krysta Jones, currently serves as one of the conveners of BWR Virginia, along with Lavern Chatman, and she is joined by Tameka Ramsey, a convener of BWR Michigan, and the founding director for the Michigan Coalition on Black Civic Participation and LaWana Brown, a co convener for the BWR Maryland. This conversation focuses on the impact BWR is making and how one can get involved.

Researching African American ancestors, whether freed or formerly enslaved, can be time consuming, yet fortunately, more resources are coming online as records get digitized to help you build your family tree.

In this episode we speak with Viola Baskerville, Suzanne Walker, and Shamele Jordan.

Viola Baskerville is a Richmond, Virginia native; however, she traces her paternal ancestry to several families with deep roots in both Buckingham and Cumberland Counties in Virginia. She has traced her maternal lines to King William County, Virginia and Sevier County, Arkansas. 

Shamele Jordan is a professional genealogist, producer, writer, and lecturer. Her biographical highlights include: award winning TV producer of Genealogy Quick Start, and researcher for the PBS series Oprah’s Roots: African American Lives I and II. She is the former president of the African American Genealogy Group in Philadelphia.

Suzanne Walker is president of the Arlington VA chapter of the Links Incorporated and is a Family History Enthusiast.

She has been curious about her family history for a very long time, and is focusing on research on her great grandmother being an enslaved person in Virginia. She promotes Black people honoring and knowing our history and believes it is a legacy worth preserving.

According to Condor Ferries, 64% of travelers worldwide are female, while only 36% are male. The company estimated that $125 billion would be spent by women on travel in 2023.

The average U.S. traveler is a 47-year-old woman. Some 75% of those who take cultural, adventure or nature trips are women. Despite possible dangers, 86% of women state that they are not afraid to travel. And whether women travel with their partners, their families, friends, solo or in groups, 80% of all travel decisions are made by women.

In this episode, our host Krysta Jones speaks with Nickie Martin and Melandee Jones Canady about their experiences traveling.

How much do you know about community foundations and the impact they are making in your community? In this episode we speak with Jennifer Owens, President and CEO of the Arlington Community Foundation, and Heather Peeler, President and CEO of ACT Alexandria, about these longstanding resources and change agents in our community. 

In this episode we speak with Glyda Carr, president, CEO and co-founder of Higher Heights for America, and at the center of the national movement to grow Black women’s political power from the voting booth to elected office. and Rebekah Caruthers, Vice President at Fair Vote, who has managed or consulted on campaigns, voter projects, and with candidates in over two dozen states including presidential and down ballot races in battleground states.

If you want to get involved with the process. One way you can do that is by becoming a delegate at a political party convention. Its best to reach out to your state party to get specifics on the process, as each state is different. 

I don’t think we take the time to define, what success looks like for DEI, and acknowledge practically and realistically what we discuss in our conversation as the backlash that history tells us we can expect, and how we emerge from this current backlash with a stronger movement and a stronger society. 

In this conversation with Joi Chaney, founder of principal of J.O.I. Strategies, and Jessica Paige, social scientist with the RAND Corporation, two Harvard graduates, we hear their perspectives on what DEI means, how Black women can succeed despite the challenges, and what’s next for the future of DEI post Claudine Gay’s resignation.

- Allyson Felix, Olympic Track & Field Champion

We have all heard the stats-the maternal death rates for Black women - regardless of socio economic status are 2-3 times that of white women. The 2022 documentary Aftershock directed and produced by Paula Eiselt and Tonya Lewis Lee. I- was a heart wrenching accounting of how maternal mortality strikes black families and what is being done to solve the crisis. 

For one, birth workers, doulas, and midwives are associated with improved maternal outcomes. 

Additionally, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, introduced by The Black Maternal Health Caucus and reintroduced in the 118th Congress in May 2023, is a comprehensive legislative initiative aimed at eliminating preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and health disparities in the U.S. 

In this conversation, host Krysta Jones speaks with Mallory Mpare, with the March of Dimes, to talk more about this critical issue and what we can do. 

Aftershock | Documentary Film (aftershockdocumentary.com)

This conversation with Dr. Lisa Loury Lomas, Eastern Area Director of The Links, Incorporated, on Black women's mental health, is a "must listen". Lisa has worked in the field of psychology for 30 years and is an expert in human relations and development, with a specialty in mood disorders, trauma, grief, DEI, life adjustment disorders and couples. 

Women are at least twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression as men. And, compared to our Caucasian counterparts, African American women are only half as likely to seek help.

No matter what you are going through, remember that it's "OK, to not be 'OK'". 

For more than a century, historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have produced a significant portion of the nation’s doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, and political and religious leaders. Listen in on this conversation among members of The Arlington (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated as they share their experiences, why they feel HBCUs are so important, and what they hope for the future of HBCUs. With so many forces trying to tear our students and communities down, it makes us proud to support the institutions which are doing everything they can to hold our communities up. 

Attacks on Black history in our schools have become more common. Despite the ostensible desire for corporations, universities, organizations and other institutions to embrace diversity after the George Floyd murder, what many thought was too good to be true, may truly be a fad. Additional questions have arisen like how artificial intelligence can be discriminatory, how are our communities, philanthropy and workplaces adapting to demands of inclusivity and belonging. How do we measure our progress, and when will be know if we are indeed a diverse, equitable and inclusive society?

In this episode we speak with Samia Byrd, Chief Race and Equity Officer, Deputy County Manager for Arlington County and Diane Britt Smith, actor and model, about their experiences and thoughts about how we are embracing DEI today.

While dueling perspectives on parent rights, censorship and violations of 1st amendment rights are dominating conversations today, in this episode we chat with Tracie Hall, the first Black female Executive Director of the American Library Association, to discuss what communities can do to preserve a love and respect for reading and literacy and how we can celebrate books. She also shares with us our own bit of library history in Alexandria, VA.

Paula HJ Cholmondeley, a seasoned corporate director who has served on 10 public company boards shares her wisdom about the nuts and bolts of serving on a corporate board, and what you need to do to put yourself in the position to get that board seat. 

As we think about eliminating health disparities, a part of that is making sure we are empowered as individuals to be advocates for ourselves. While we work on changing policies, we also have to make sure we are educated about our bodies, our minds, and our daily habits. Listen in to this conversation with Sandra Jenkins Clark, a certified yoga instructor and Dr. Nicholette Martin, a health and wellness coach and author, and former National Director, Health and Human Services for The Links, Incorporated - to give you some tips on the benefits of yoga, some commonly asked nutrition questions, and the importance of self-care.