How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 19 ratingsThe podcast that dives deep into the unique journeys of some of the dopest entrepreneurs, business leaders and personalities I know!
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Episodes
From Media Mogul to Wellness Advocate: The Necole Journey
January 08, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 87.1 MBSummary: Necole Kane is the visionary force behind Necole Bitchie, xo Necole, and the new wellness brand, My Happy Flo. She started her career in entertainment news and celebrity gossip, eventually launching Necole Bitchie, which became the go-to black-focused celebrity website. After the success of Necole Bitchie, she rebranded to xo Necole, focusing on empowering black women with content on mental health, relationships, and more. In 2017, Will Packer acquired xo Necole. Necole has now lau...
Sitting Down with Christina Rice: The Passion and Purpose Behind OMNoire
December 18, 2023 13:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MBIn the episode, Christina Rice, the founder of OMNoire, shares her inspiring journey from a career in public relations to building a platform that redefines wellness and community for black women and women of color. She discusses her transition from PR to launching her own agency and the challenges she faced along the way. Christina also talks about the moment she discovered her passion for yoga and how it led her to create Omniwar. She shares her vision for the future of the brand and the i...
Excellence Unleashed: The Extraordinary Journey of Michelle Gainey in Event Planning
December 04, 2023 15:30 - 44 minutes - 103 MBIn this captivating podcast episode, join me as I delve into the extraordinary journey of Michelle Ganey, the brilliant mind behind Lamiga Events. From aspiring lawyer to event planning entrepreneur, Michelle's story is one of following your passion and embracing unconventional career paths. Get ready to be inspired by her insights on building a thriving business, finding a balance between work and family, and creating impactful event designs. Don't miss this empowering conversation on how t...
Embracing Magic and Diversity: Kamilah Forbes' Journey in the Theater Industry
September 18, 2023 12:00 - 37 minutes - 29.7 MBIn this captivating episode of How I Got Here, join host Dreena Whitfield as she sits down with Kamilah Forbes, the extraordinary executive producer of the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. Prepare to be inspired as Kamilah takes us on a journey from her early days as a theater kid to her current role at the Apollo. Discover how Kamilah's passion for both medicine and acting led her on a unique path, ultimately solidifying her love for the theater. From participating in makeshift Star Wars p...
Unconventional Paths to Success: Inspiring Journey of Define Bold Fitness CEO
September 04, 2023 05:00 - 26 minutes - 61.3 MBIn the latest episode of the How I Got Here podcast, host Dreena Whitfield sits down with Dayna Bolden, CEO of Define Bold Fitness, to discuss her inspiring journey from a Division One basketball player to a successful fitness entrepreneur. Dayna's story emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and embracing unexpected paths to success. The episode also delves into the rise of influencer careers and the challenges faced along the way. Dayna takes the opportunity to promote her fi...
Corporate to Creative: The Inspirational Journey of Interior Design Entrepreneur, Rasheeda Gray
August 24, 2023 14:00 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBWelcome to the latest episode of "How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield," where we delve deep into the inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. In this captivating installment, we explore the fascinating journey of none other than Rasheeda Gray, an extraordinary entrepreneur and interior design maven. In this episode, Rasheeda sits down with Dreena to discuss her path to becoming an entrepreneur and the unexpected twists and turns alon...
Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: Unleashing the Potential of Community Support with Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon
August 07, 2023 14:30 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBWelcome to another inspiring episode of "How I Got Here" with Dreena Whitfield! In this captivating podcast episode, we delve into the importance of community support for black businesses and entrepreneurs and the urgent need for a shift in consciousness within the black community. Join us as Dreena Whitfield sits down with the remarkable Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, the visionary CEO of the Village Market. Dr. Hallmon's social enterprise not only supports black businesses but also promotes cultur...
Breaking the Chains of Definition: Felecia Hatcher's Journey to Success
July 24, 2023 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBWelcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Felicia Hatcher, CEO of Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and co-founder of Black Tech Week conference. Hatcher shares her story of overcoming the challenges of being a C student in high school and how scholarships changed her perspective on education. Her experience led her to author the C Students Guide to Scholarships and start her own educational consulting business, te...
Mimi Brown's Journey in Media and Entertainment: From Alaska to Hollywood and Beyond
July 10, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutes - 35.8 MBJoin me, Dreena Whitfield, on the latest episode of How I Got Here as I sit down with Mimi Brown, a journalist, TV personality, and show producer, to discuss her journey in the media and entertainment industry, and her upcoming projects. In this episode, Mimi shares her experience growing up as the only black girl in her classes in Alaska and her journey from being an assistant to Omarosa to becoming a red carpet reporter for Us Weekly and eventually landing a job at Fox LA. We emphasize the...
Empowering Entrepreneurs: Insights on Funding, Storytelling, and Self-Care from Femly Founder Arion Long
June 26, 2023 13:00 - 49 minutes - 39.3 MBWelcome to the latest episode of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield! This week, we dive into the crucial topic of managing work and personal life, setting boundaries, and the importance of balance when it comes to managing time and mission. Our guest, the self-proclaimed Chief Estrogen Officer and founder of high-tech feminine care company, Feminine, Arion Long, shares her inspiring journey of success and the importance of setting boundaries. In this episode, you'll get a unique perspecti...
Unleashing the Power of Diversity in PR: Inside the Journey of PR Girl Manifesto Founder, Fatou Barry
June 12, 2023 14:00 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBWelcome to How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield. In today's episode, we explore the journey of Fatou Barry, founder of the PR Girl Manifesto and co-founder of Hold the Press. Barry's mission is to create a safe space for communications professionals, especially young black women struggling with staying in the PR industry. She believes in the importance of representation and diversity in the field, and her advocacy group, Hold the Press, is committed to improving just that. Barry's story is ...
From Finance to Influencer Marketing: Shannae's Trailblazing Journey
May 29, 2023 17:00 - 48 minutes - 38.6 MBJoin Dreena Whitfield in an engaging interview with Shanae Ingleton Smith, a trailblazing media entrepreneur. Shanae shares her journey from dreaming big in Calgary to starting her own agency in Toronto. She turned her blog into a booming business, mastering marketing, advertising, and social media. After maternity leave, she fearlessly launched her own company, Kensington Gray. Get inspired by Shanae's finance-to-success story and her captivating insights on entrepreneurship. Tune in now! ...
How Google, God and $500 made this Supermom into a viral money maker! (with Trina Smalls)
May 15, 2023 10:02 - 40 minutes - 32.5 MBWe’re kicking off season three of How I Got Here with Dreena Whitfield with Trina Small, founder, and CEO of Supermom Culture. Trina dreamed up the idea for Supermom Culture when clothing brands didn’t speak to moms of all kinds — single, divorced, of all ages and abilities. So her brand celebrates the moms who get it all done, even when sh*t hits the fan. When she got a call from Good Morning America to appear on the show and sell 10,000 units, she was still producing each shirt from the ...
Are Internships the BEST Gateway to a Career in Entertainment? (with Shelby Larkin-Reid)
June 21, 2022 17:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Shelby Larkin-Reid, an Emmy-nominated television producer and entertainment executive with over 20 years of production experience in non-scripted content. Shelby is also the Director of Global Partnership Development at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Starting as a high school intern at her local CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN, Shelby grew to become an associate producer by the age of 23. After realizing that majoring and working in econ...
Are Internships the BEST Gateway to a Career in Entertainment? (with Shelby Larkin-Reid)
June 21, 2022 16:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Shelby Larkin-Reid, an Emmy-nominated television producer and entertainment executive with over 20 years of production experience in non-scripted content. Shelby is also the Director of Global Partnership Development at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Starting as a high school intern at her local CBS affiliate in Nashville, TN, Shelby grew to become an associate producer by the age of 23. After realizing that majoring and working in econ...
The Keys Building a Successful Career in the Communications Industry (with Sandra Lajoie)
June 10, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MBHave you ever thought of buying a one way ticket to follow your dreams? Just like today’s guest, that could be the move that launches your career to new heights! In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Sandra Lajoie, the Vice President of Communications at NBC, Bravo, and Oxygen. If you love reality TV shows, Sandra is most likely the powerhouse behind your all-time favorites. As an immigrant from Port Au Prince, Haiti, who grew up in New York and Massachusetts, Sandra sheds lig...
Powerful Lessons from a WOC in Political Communications (with Stephanie L. Young)
May 13, 2022 13:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBWhat is it like to work alongside President Obama in The White House, you ask? Tune in to find out! In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Stephanie L. Young, a Social Impact Strategist and Executive Director of When We All Vote, a non-partisan voting initiative created by Michelle Obama. Stephanie is on a mission is to change the culture of voting and to increase participation in each and every election to close the race and age gaps among voters. From The White House to NBC U...
Powerful Lessons from a WOC in Political Communications (with Stephanie L. Young)
May 13, 2022 12:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBWhat is it like to work alongside President Obama in The White House, you ask? Tune in to find out! In this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Stephanie L. Young, a Social Impact Strategist and Executive Director of When We All Vote, a non-partisan voting initiative created by Michelle Obama. Stephanie is on a mission is to change the culture of voting and to increase participation in each and every election to close the race and age gaps among voters. From The White House to NBC U...
TalkBack w/Dreena: How to Handle Disappointments During Your Career Journey
April 12, 2022 14:00 - 8 minutes - 5.77 MBIn this TalkBack, Dreena talks about her experiences with disappointments along her career journey and how she got through, past and over them. Dreena is transparent about where she still struggles and provides tips how to survive disappointments on the road to success. Link to full episode: https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1560203/9401011-glowing-up-from-fox-news-to-black-love-with-codie-elaine.mp3?download=true About the Host: Dreena Whitfield has a proven ability to create t...
TalkBack w/Dreena: Why You Need to Prioritize Yourself Just as Much as Your Clients
March 15, 2022 06:00 - 11 minutes - 7.72 MBIn this TalkBack, Dreena talks candidly about the importance of setting boundaries and consistently prioritizing your own self-care, especially if you’re in the public relations industry. What are some little things that you can do to keep you centered and present in your daily life and stay aligned with your mission? Tune in to learn Dreena’s tips and insights! “You’re juggling a lot of projects, you’re managing multiple things at once and I’m sure your self-care is shot, but you have to ...
The Radical Activist and CEO That Helped Turn Georgia Blue (with Nse Ufot)
March 08, 2022 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Nsé Ufot, an activist, community organizer, and CEO of The New Georgia Project, a voter support and legal action nonprofit organizationthat’s registering and engaging voters across Georgia. Listen in to gain insight into Nsé’s world and how she has evolved from behavioral researcher at Zoo Atlanta to a CEO handpicked byStacey Abrams. You’ll learn how Oprah paid for Nsé’s college tuition, what it felt like to turn Georgia blue, and how Th...
Growing a Business While Working in Corporate America (with Yolanda Williams)
March 01, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 51.8 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Yolanda Williams, CEO and Co-founder of the natural skincare line, Cream Blends, and Owner and Chief Content Officer of DISTINCT Life Creative Agency. Yolanda is killin’ the game as an entrepreneur, mother, fitness influencer, and creative director, so let’s learn how she got here. Ever since she was a little girl, Yolanda has been painting a colorful vision for her future. From dreaming of being a writer and hosting poetry open mic nights ...
Fighting for Abolition, Healing with Art, and Starting the Black Lives Matter Movement (with Patrisse Khan-Cullors)
February 22, 2022 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes artist, freedom fighter, New York Times best-selling author, co-founder of Black Lives Matter and founder of Dignity and Power Now, Patrisse Khan-Cullors! Listen in as she divulges what made her become an activist, how she’s dealt with backlash from non-supporters, and what inspired her to further pursue art and writing after years of front-line activism. Patrisse has been defiant since DAY 1. She’s always wanted to change the lives of her ...
Turning Your Passion Into a Money-Making Empire (with Melissa Chanel)
February 08, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Melissa Chanel, lifestyle blogger, content creator, sneaker connoisseur, and Founder and Creator of Kicks and Fros, a kick community for Black and brown women. On top of all that, she’s also the Head of Global Community & Communications at Cantu. Listen in as Melissa shares about her love of sneakers and the steps she took to establish herself as a Black female influencer in the sneaker, fashion, and lifestyle space. Melissa highlights the ...
Thriving as a Creative Powerhouse for Good (with Eunique Jones Gibson)
February 01, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Eunique Jones Gibson, innovator, creator, culture leader, and founder of Because of Them We Can, Culture Tags, and Culture Brands. Listen in as Eunique sheds light on her journey to becoming a social activist, entrepreneur, and creative powerhouse for good. After leaving the corporate marketing world and experiencing a life-altering car accident, Eunique became very intentional with her life and the purpose she has: hustling to amplify the ...
Glowing Up from Fox News to Black Love (with Codie Elaine)
January 25, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 41.9 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Codie Elaine, the TV and film producer known for directing Black Love, a docuseries showcasing the beauty of love in black couples. Codie gives insight for aspiring producers and filmmakers into how to create momentum in the film industry and how to get picked up by a production company without giving up creative ownership or direction. She also speaks on what it’s been like to produce content with her husband, Tommy Oliver, while raising a ...
Staying Current, Pivoting Your Business, & Championing Black Women’s Health (with Jewel Bush)
January 18, 2022 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes jewel bush, award-winning journalist, communications strategist, and subject matter expert with GirlTrek, the largest public health non-profit for African American women and girls in the United States. Through GirlTrek, jewel is inspiring black women to walk in their neighborhoods for radical self-care and healing. Pursuing her interests in writing, journalism, and storytelling, jewel has become the “Clarence Avant” of public relations and...
The Art of Black Women’s Street Style Photography (With Taylor Baldwin)
April 28, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Taylor Baldwin, a lifestyle photographer based in Philadelphia. Her work has been featured on Essence Magazine and different digital platforms like BET, Refinery29, XOnecole, ASOS, Time magazine, and many others. From switching majors and schools in her junior year of college to starting art school from scratch, Taylor juggled being a student, a mom, and a corporate event planner while still pursuing her love for art photography. She’s here ...
Making an Impact Through Real Estate Investment and Development (with Jessica Myers)
April 21, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Jessica Myers, an entrepreneur, real estate developer and investor, and one of the youngest black hotel owners in the hospitality industry. From dreaming of being a TV news anchor to realizing her passion for real estate, Jessica has always wanted to make an impact on as many people as she can and she’s here to tell you how she’s doing it. Jessica speaks on how her education in journalism and participation in several work experience program...
People-Focused Entrepreneurship: From Nurse to Tech Savvy Businesswoman (with Tanya Sam)
April 15, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Tanya Sam, star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Director of Partnerships at TechSquare Labs, a tech startup hub and venture capital fund, and Founder of The Ambition Fund, an investment company focused on funding businesses founded by women and minority entrepreneurs. Tanya peels back her many layers to shed light on her education in genetics and nursing, her transition into the tech industry, her awe-inspiring philanthropy efforts, and ...
Making It as a Creative in The Entertainment Industry (with Gina Charbonnet)
April 07, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.5 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Gina Charbonnet, an entertainment industry veteran. She’s the founder and owner of GeChar, an entertainment and production agency where she has produced events for ESSENCE, BET, NAACP, National Democratic Committee, Converse, among many others. Listen in as Gina shares her journey in the entertainment industry and especially as the executive producer of the ESSENCE festival’s Empowerment Experience Stage. Gina always imagined herself doing s...
Homemade Success: Building a Disruptive Product Line from Scratch (with Calvin Quallis)
April 01, 2021 02:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Calvin Quallis, Founder and CEO of Scotch Porter, an award-winning male grooming brand that places wellness as a priority for men. Not too long ago, Calvin left a comfortable, yet unfulfilling corporate career to start a small barber shop in his neighborhood, just as his mother had done when he was a kid. Listen in as Calvin shares about the challenges of the entrepreneurial journey that led to the creation of Scotch Porter, including the d...
Racism in Public Health and Medicine & What You Need to Know About the Covid-19 Vaccines (with Dr. Chris Pernell)
March 24, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Dr. Chris Pernell, a dynamic physician leader, health and wellness visionary, and social change agent. She’s a charismatic and leading voice in preventative medicine and public health and is currently working as a senior executive in a hospital in New Jersey. Chris is here to talk about her journey and her mission of educating the black and brown communities about the Covid-19 vaccines. Chris grew up in a New Jersey school that lacked diver...
Fearlessly Building Your Media Empire (with Rhonesha Byng)
March 17, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Rhonesha Byng, a publishing boss, Emmy award-winning journalist, speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Her Agenda. Rhonesha and Her Agenda are incredible resources of inspiration, information, and community for millennial women looking to reach their next level of success, both professionally and personally. Rhonesha reflects on her early passion for journalism, back when she attended press conferences as a teenager, and explains how she came...
Living Life With Purpose & Power (with Jovian Zayne)
March 10, 2021 05:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Jovian Zayne, an International Speaker and Certified Leadership and Professional Development Coach with over a decade of experience. Jovian leads the OnPurpose Movement, a firm committed to helping organizations and individuals to “live and work on purpose” through targeted coaching, public speaking and facilitation experiences. Jovian shares the story of discovering her unique talents and gifts as a teenager, navigating biases as a black h...
The PR Legend Who Pivoted to Health and Wellness (with Dawn Kelly)
March 03, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Dawn Kelly, CEO and Co-Founder of The Nourish Spot Inc., a juice, smoothie, and salad bar that she started with her two children after leaving a 35+ year career in public relations and marketing. Dawn speaks on the importance of building and nurturing meaningful relationships throughout your career, the unforgettable people that influenced her life the most, and how she recently pivoted towards entrepreneurship in the health industry. Dawn ...
From Class President to Flying First Class as Leslie Jones' Makeup Artist (with Lola Okanlowan)
January 13, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBIn this episode of How I Got Here, Dreena welcomes Lola Okanlawon to speak about her journey to becoming a highly sought-after Professional Makeup Artist, from the elevator ride that led to her first celebrity client to the words of wisdom and guidance she has for aspiring makeup artists and people in the beauty industry. Reflecting on her younger years as class president in high school, Lola once aspired to be an attorney. She talks about the transitions she made in her subjects of study ...