Fostering Solutions

Black Immigrant Women Pursuing their Passions

Dr. Foster’s guests on this episode of Fostering Solutions are Karen Wharton and Dr. Saran Nurse. Karen is a political organizer based in Brooklyn. She’s currently the Democracy Coalition Coordinator for Citizen Action of New York & Public Policy and Education Fund, supporting the implementation of public campaign finance in the state of New York and the development of a BIPOC-centered democracy. The goal is to make democracy more inclusive and representative. Previously, she was the Brooklyn Education Organizer for Rank the Vote NYC (2021), the Field Director on Sandy Nurse for NYC Council (2020), the Assistant Field Director on Jason Salmon for NYS Senate (2020); and the Volunteer Coordinator on Art Chang for NYC Mary (2021). In addition, Karen was a member of the campaign team that successfully advocated for the passage of ranked choice voting in the November 2019 municipal election. Karen comes to political organizing after working for many years as a Systems Engineer. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Telecommunications. An immigrant from Guyana. Karen’s activism in her community is varied and vibrant. Karen is a member of the Canarsie Lions Club. She served on the 2016 Symposium Sub-Committee of the organizers of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary Celebrations that organized The National Symposium Series held during Guyana’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in Georgetown and New York. She is a Founding Member of the Queen’s-based Guyana-Jamaica Friendship Association. As President of The Queen’s College of Guyana Alumni Association (NY), Inc. (2016-2018), Karen was instrumental in the growth and development of the organization’s student-facing programs, such as the annual summer math institute and the annual student conferences that brought alumni and students together for learning. She also instituted a cultural component to the organization’s outreach through programs that celebrated and promoted Guyanese heritage artists, authors, and filmmakers. And Karen championed diversity, equity, and inclusion schoolwide as a Packer Collegiate Institute’s Parent Association Board Member (2011-2016). In her spare time, Karen leads a Brooklyn book club that focuses on female authors and writings that center women. Close to twenty years ago, Dr. Saran Nurse became an entrepreneur. Propelled by a lifetime passion – and much to the consternation of her family – she relinquished a corporate career, cashed out her 401K, and sold her apartment to open her first pet care services store. Despite challenges, she grew Kiki’s Pet Spa & Boutique into a successful business with multiple locations. In the process, she became convinced of a calling to combine her experience in entrepreneurship, and interest in public service, with my academic ambitions – to share her expertise through research and published work, and to explore and develop new policies and theories. To this end, Saran entered the Public and Urban Policy doctoral program at The Milano School of International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy at The New School. Within four years, she defended - with distinction - her dissertation Still Standing: An Analytic Autoethnographic Case Study Examining Resilience, Business Survival And Other Entrepreneurial Outcomes of Black Small Business Owners Under Conditions Of Gentrification. She is now now an Equity in Action Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow at Kean University. She has taught a variety of business courses including Entrepreneurship, Social Entrepreneurship, Business Ethics, Managing in Times of Crisis, Marketing Management, and Gender and Sexuality in Marketing. Saran earned her Bachelor’s degree (Cum Laude) in Marketing and International Business from Florida International University, and Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University. She enjoys working out, cooking, travelling, and writing.

Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier: Leading in the Legal Profession

Attorney Olubunmi “Bunmi” Kusimo-Frazier is Dr. Foster’s guest on this episode of Fostering Solution. Bunmi was born and raised in Charleston, West Virginia. A magna cum laude graduate of Florida A& M University, Bunmi also holds a juris doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law, in Lexington, Virginia. After law school graduation, Bunmi returned to Charleston to work as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and as a criminal defense lawyer for a private firm.  

 

As a criminal defense attorney, Bunmi represented numerous clients in federal, state, and municipal courts, and was named one of the "Top 40 under 40" by the National Trial Lawyers Association. She also worked as a Deputy Counsel for the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Bunmi currently works as the Director of Magistrate Court Services the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, where she manages over several hundred employees, and the operations of the fifty-five magistrate courts in the State of West Virginia.  

 

Bunmi served on the WVU Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Faculty, in Fall and Spring of 2021, presenting a course on magistrate courts. She currently serves as a Commissioner on the WV Juvenile Justice Commission; and is a member of the State of West Virginia’s Traffic Records Coordinating Committee. Bunmi is also the co-Chair of the Minority Lawyer’s Committee of the West Virginia State Bar.  

 

Bunmi is married to Stuart Frazier, and they have one daughter, Naomi. She is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Omicron Omega Chapter, and the Charleston-Institute (WV) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

 

Morgan Rhea Beals: Succeeding in Business in Appalachia

Morgan Rhea Beals is Dr. Foster’s guest on this episode of Fostering Solutions. Morgan and her husband Michael started Morgan Rhea, an American-made luxury leather brand, in 2015. Morgan always knew she wanted to be in the fashion industry. Coloring and designing outfits were her favorite past time. Her mother, Kathi, would take her along on her work trips. Kathi was an account executive for Elizabeth Arden. Morgan was always around fashion and drew inspiration from her grandmothers and aunts. 

Morgan is a graduate of Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, where she earned her Associate in Fashion Merchandising degree. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Accessory Design at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in 2014. 

While at SCAD, Morgan was selected to meet with industry leaders, including Zac Posen and Alexander Wang. She learned from professionals how to perfect the art of making accessories. Upon graduation, Morgan won an international award for Best Student-Made Handbag at the International Handbag Designer Awards for her “Ronald Briefcase” from her Silently Speaking Gratitude Collection. She also made a pair of shoes for singer John Legend. As an apprentice at the Coach headquarters in New York City, Morgan learned even more sophisticated leather-crafting techniques at the 78-year-old luxury goods company. 

After completing her time in New York City, Morgan returned to her Appalachian roots and started her family-owned business in Charleston, West Virginia. Morgan Rhea continues to work with celebrity clientele while growing internationally.

5 Christian Self-Care Principles for Life Balance

In celebration of Women’s History Month 2022, I first shared this message at my home church, Ferguson Memorial Baptist. As we live through these COVID years, the need for self-care has become increasingly important. Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s well-being and happiness, especially during periods of stress. Self-care is not selfish. Self-care is not indulgent. Self-care is necessary for us to cope in the midst of chaos. Jesus practiced self-care. He not only cared for others, but he took care of himself, physically, mentally, and spiritually. If Jesus practiced self-care, so should we!

Errol Randle: Law Enforcement and Community Building

Errol Randle is Dr. Foster’s guest on this episode of Fostering Solutions. A retired 25-year veteran of the Charleston (WV) Police Department, Errol is a thoughtful, passionate leader who loves his community and believes in second chances. 

While with the Charleston PD, Errol served as Strategic Planning Officer, FBI Gang Task Force Officer, Street Crimes Unit Detective, and Patrol Officer. As Strategic Planning Officer, he was tasked with developing and implementing 21st Century community policing strategies, developing innovative re-entry partnerships, and developing neighborhood revitalization efforts. Errol currently serves as the Community Outreach Specialist for the State of West Virginia’s Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety and the Department of Education. Additionally, he volunteers with re-entry organizations in the area.

Errol is a loving father to his daughter, Kennedy, a cheerleader at Hurricane High School.

Mavery Davis: A Unique CPA Working to Increase Access to Wealth

Mavery Davis is Dr. Foster’s guest on this episode of Fostering Solutions. Born in Los Angeles, California, Mavery moved to West Virginia on a football scholarship. Although his scholarship did not fully materialize, Mavery remained in West Virginia, completed his degree, and had a career filled with ups and downs, as he candidly shares. Mavery is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), breaking the chains of poverty and creating wealth. He is a CPA by day, serving as Director of Lending for New Economy Works WV/Seed Commons, and a community organizer, a motivator, and the Financial Literacy Bootcamp (FLBC) founder by night. Through the FLBC, he teaches youth the psychology of money and financial basics. Through these efforts, he plants the seeds of collective, community wealth, and abundance. 

 

Mavery earned the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs Trail Blazer-Pioneer Award (2020). In addition to his professional accountant certification, Mavery also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with a concentration in Accounting from West Virginia State University (WVSU) and a Master's of Science Degree with a concentration in Public Accounting from Strayer University. Additionally, Mavery is an adjunct professor of Accounting at WVSU, a guest teacher at Makeshop Design Lab, a National Society of Black Certified Public Accountants (NSBCPA) Board member, and a collaborator in All Things Workshops! 

 

Mavery has been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 Black CPA by the NSBCPA (2021) and a Hometown Hero by WV Can't Wait (2022). In his current role, as the Director of Lending for New Economy Works WV, he brings a passion for uplifting people and connecting them to the resources they need along their cooperative business journey.

 

Mavery's essential roles are husband and father.

Black Women Succeeding in Business in Appalachia

Consandra Leonard, Tina Beatty, and Courtney Williams are Black business owners in Charleston, West Virginia. They’re all a part of the Black Women Business Owners Expo held on February 19 and 20 at the Charleston Town Center. In this episode of Fostering Solutions, the ladies candidly share their journeys as business owners, including the challenges they have overcome and lessons learned.

Caring for the Most Vulnerable: A Physician Passionately Pursuing Health Equity

Michelle A. Matthews is a physician, teacher, public speaker, social justice advocate, and jazz vocalist. Through her work in the community, she has become a role model and mentor for young women and an advocate for access to human services, equity in healthcare, and healthy communities. A product of the public education system in Guyana and the United States, Michelle studied chemistry and physical therapy at Howard University. She went on to earn a degree in medicine from Wayne State University and later completed a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics. Michelle subsequently served as chief resident in internal medicine, faculty member, and assistant director. During her years of living in Detroit, Michelle realized her interest in disparity in medicine. After several years of working in traditional roles as a physician, she decided her true calling was increasing access for residents of vulnerable communities, which resulted in her serving as chairperson of the Human Relations Commission. She was instrumental in the re-opening of the pediatric unit of the local hospital to meet the needs of children in the community. As medical director of the Sickle Cell Program for her local Hospital Organization, she re-organized the medical program to facilitate quality care for patients with Sickle Cell disease who sought care within the Hospital system. Currently, Dr. Matthews serves as the Medical Director for the North Carolina Market at Landmark Health- an organization whose focus is on delivering value-based care to elderly high-risk populations. Dr. Matthews is a native of Guyana, South America. She currently lives in North Carolina. Michelle is actively involved in her community through advocacy, policy writing, and narrative change conversations when not practicing her craft. She also makes time to sing in a jazz band, hike, swim, and travel the world.

Keys To Leadership From Attorney Frank Walker II

Award-winning Attorney Frank Walker II is Dr. Foster’s guest on this episode of Fostering Solutions. Born in Institute, West Virginia, Frank received his education in Kanawha County Schools and at West Virginia State University, Marshall University, and West Virginia University, where he earned his law degree. Frank is a sought-after criminal defense attorney in Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia due to his reputation as a fearless defender of the rights afforded to citizens in the Constitution of the United States.

 

Frank currently serves as a Board Member of West Virginia State University Foundation and President of the Pittsburgh Black Lawyers Alliance. He is a member of the National Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, AVVO Top Rated, National Top 40 Under 40 - Criminal Defense Lawyers. Additionally, Frank frequently serves as faculty for Continuing Legal Education courses focusing on state and Federal Criminal Defense matters and teaches at West Virginia University College of Law. 

 

Frank was duly initiated in the Xi Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1999 and is an active member of the Iota Phi Chapter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he serves on the Iota Phi Foundation Board. Frank previously served as a member of the American Inns of Court, Board Member of the Propel Charter Schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is now a member of the American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Pennsylvania Death Penalty Counsel, CJA Panel Attorney for Northern District of West Virginia and the Western District of Pennsylvania, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. 

 

As busy as he is, Frank enjoys quality time with his wife, Jennifer, and teenage daughters and is currently completing the requirements for his Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership Studies from Robert Morris University (expected 2023).

 

Keys to Leadership from Dr. Michelle Easton

Custom MADE Consulting Founder and CEO, Dr. Michelle Easton, has had an extensive career in executive leadership in higher education, most notably having served as Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Charleston in Charleston, West Virginia. 

Senior-level executives in premier organizations seek Dr. Easton’s input on such topics as changing workplace culture, developing cultural relevance, and having productive feedback conversations, to name a few.  Throughout her career as a leader, she discovered a new passion and developed her capacity for change management, facilitation, and coaching. 

Dr. Michelle Easton is a Xavier University of Louisiana graduate and resident of New Orleans, Louisiana. With her family and lifelong friends, she continues to make a difference in her hometown.