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Costume Designer extraordinaire & Cool Soror of Alpha Kappa Alpha Raiyonda Vereen joins the show as our latest special guest. Tune in as she shares her beginnings in the fashion & entertainment industry to now working with some of the biggest stars. After graduating from Howard University and navigating her way through the fashion and entertainment industry, Raiyonda discovered an entry into the industry in 2002. In 2007, Raiyonda transitioned from styling into costuming & shopping for tv & film. Raiyonda worked as a Buyer and Set Costumer for TV shows & movies such as Single Ladies, Greenleaf, Sundays Best, Ride Along, Hunger Games II, The Bobby Brown Series, and Hidden Figures to name a few. She has been the Assistant Costume Designer for TV shows and movies such as Best Of Enemies, Nobodyʼs Fool, A Fall From Grace, Madeaʼs Family Funeral, The Have & Have Nots and the list goes on. From this experience, Raiyonda applied all that she learned, which eventually carried her into the position as a Costume Designer. Raiyonda is currently the head of the Costume Department for Tyler Perryʼs shows The Oval, Ruthless, Assisted Living and All The Queen’s Men.   Follow Raiyonda on IG @raiyonda Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Alisha L. Gordon is an awarded teacher, faith leader, and social strategist whose work intersects social advocacy and culture. The FIRST EVER GUEST on the show in 2016, this Cool Soror of DST is the founder and Executive Director of The Current Project, a nonprofit organization, committed to closing the social and economic gaps for Black single mothers, utilizing the intersection of strategic programming and policy to lengthen the runway for thriving. Under her leadership, the organization has emerged as a leader in bridging the stories and needs of Black single mothers across the country, galvanizing support from corporate and foundations like Pink Cornrows, The Wayfarer Foundation, The New York Liberty, Invested Faith, and City Fund. In its inaugural year, the organization raised over $175,000 for its programming initiatives. A native of Decatur, Georgia, Alisha earned her Bachelor of English from Spelman College and a Masters of Divinity from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Alisha was awarded Emory University’s distinguished Top 40 Under 40 in 2019 and most recently appointed to the alumni board of the Candler School of Theology. You can follow Alisha at @dstarwriter59 on IG. Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

From his years as an R&B performer, to being an advocate for adoption, Willie Moore, Jr. spills it all out in this "Cool Bruh" episode.  This nationally syndicated radio host and motivational speaker discusses the day he found out he was adopted at 7-years-old and burying the "why" until recently.  He also speaks candidly about fatherhood and dealing with divorce in the public.  After years of his life's "Perfected Performance" he has found who he really is and what his purpose is in this life.  Get prepared as lots of "quotable" gems are dropped during this funny and eye-opening discussion.  Follow Willie at @williemoorejrlive Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

On this week’s Cricket Wireless episode of the Cool Soror Show, our host, Rashan Ali, sits down with two amazing guests. First up is the SWAC commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland who talks about the impact of HBCUs and the power of The Southwestern Athletic Conference. Afterwards she is joined with Grammy nominated, awarding winning R&B artist Sunshine Anderson who tells us how her hit song, "Heard it All Before" years ago continues to make room for her. Tune into the episode to learn how these two powerhouses are making room & making impact in college sports & the music industry. Follow The SWAC on IG @theswac Follow Sunshine Anderson on IG @iamsunshineanderson Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Legendary Comedian, Actor, Author, Television Host and Award-winning radio host of the top-rated, nationally syndicated show, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show & Cool Bruh Rickey Smiley is here as a special guest on the Cool Soror podcast. A member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Rickey talks family, his love of cooking, overcoming tragedy & longevity in his career. You can listen to this funny man blasting through your radio waves every day on The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, which is syndicated to more than 60 cities across the country including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Miami, New Orleans, Orlando, Portland, OR, Seattle and St Louis.     Rickey Smiley is bringing non stop laughter & lots of gems in the episode.   Follow Rickey Smiley on IG  @RickeySmileyOfficial  Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cool-soror-with-rashan-ali/id1131366548

Cool Bruh, Pastor, Visionary, Civil rights activist & Community organizer Jamal Bryant is here as a special guest on the Cool Soror podcast.   A member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Bryant talks his journey from G.E.D to Ph.D., leadership, relationships & the power of purpose.   His ministry has become an incubator for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and the like. In December 2018, Dr. Bryant was appointed the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia.    Pastor Jamal Bryant is a leader on fire & is showing no signs of slowing down! Tune in to catch the aha moments, behind the scenes stories & laughter.   Follow Pastor Jamal Bryant on IG @jamalhbryant   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Keshia Knight Pulliam joins the Cool Soror Podcast today! A Cool Soror rocking the red and white, this actress, producer, wife, mother, sister and friend to many has truly been in our hearts since the 1980’s. Her beautiful smile and extraordinary talent continue to make room for her. From acting to directing and producing, she has truly embodied each gift God has given to her. Her solid upbringing allowed her to experience the life she’d always dreamed of as a child, which led her to Spelman College where she entrenched herself into the full college experience. With several projects under her belt and many more to come, Keshia’s life and career are soaring. You’ll enjoy learning about the real Keshia. She holds nothing back!   Follow Keshia on Instagram @keshiaknightpulliam   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

On this week’s Cricket Wireless episode of the Cool Soror Show, our host, Rashan Ali, sits down with Tiffany Greene and Jen Price live from the Florida Blue Football Classic between Florida A&M University and Bethune Cookman University.  Arguably one of the most popular HBCU Classics, these schools represent a fierce rivalry  in college football. Both Tiffany and Jen represent Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. via the Beta Alpha and Gamma Tau chapters (FAMU and BCU respectively).  Both are history makers.   Tiffany is the first Black woman to become a play-by-play announcer for the worldwide leader in sports, ESPN.  Jen, a graduate of both FAMU and BCU, is the first woman to create, found and host a Craft Beer Conference with her signature brand and movement, Crafted For Action.  These women are simply stellar! Follow Tiffany Green at @tiffanygreene34 on IG and Jen Price at @craftedforaction on IG as well. Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today’s Cool Soror episode features Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, Medical Physician, & star of the hit show “Married to Medicine” on Bravo TV. A member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Contessa shares her biggest influences growing up & why she decided to get into reality television.   Hang on to your seats because in this episode Dr. Contessa breaks down how television saved her marriage & kept her family together. She’s giving us the goods on the importance of putting in the work in order to get positive results in areas that matters to us most. With such an electrifying personality it’s apparent why Dr. Contessa is lighting up television screens across the nation.   Follow Dr. Contessa at @drcontessa on IG.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Grammy award winning singer / songwriter and producer Nicci Gilbert kicks off the new season of the COOL SOROR SHOW! An honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho, she along with her Brownstone group members were recently welcomed into the sorority just ahead of their CENTENNIAL. In this episode, Nicci discussed the critical necessity of owning your Intellectual Property. She openly discusses the rise and eventual fall of her hit show “R&B Divas.” Never one to shy away from her truth, Nicci faces an ongoing battle with the executives behind the popular show, P Valley. She lays it all on the line. You will leave ready to take back what is rightfully yours. Follow Nicci at @niccigilbert on IG.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

This special edition of the COOL SOROR SHOW is being presented by the American Red Cross. We are happy to have Tiffany Taylor of the American Red Cross as well as Rasheeda Liberty, International President of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and Chair of the Council of Presidents of the National PanHellenic Council join us to talk about the importance of their partnership.    With over 2.5 million members in the NPHC, the quest to encourage more chapters and organizations as a whole to host blood drives in the Black Community is at the forefront of their mission.    Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf   For more information on this unique partnership and how we can come together to save lives please log onto JOINEDBYBLOOD.ORG #rashanali #sgrho #americanredcross

We are elated to welcome to the show, COOL PEOPLE - “GRIFF”-comedian and co-host of “Get Up Mornings with Erica Campbell.” He and our host, Rashan Ali, are lifelong friends who spent five years growing and cultivating their bond on The A-Team Morning Show on Radio One Atlanta’s HOT 107.9.  As the Cricket Wireless tour continues, this conversation explores their unique relationship and how Rashan helped him in a critical moment in his life. The backdrop of the Cotton Bowl where Grambling State University took on Prairie View A&M in the State Fair Classic, fittingly served as the perfect setting for both of their love for college football and the HBCU Culture. Follow “GRIFF” at @2trillion on IG!   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

In Episode 2 of the Cool Soror Show in partnership with Cricket Wireless series, Rashan Ali is joined by the multi talented Isaac Keys.   Isaac Keys is a Morehouse College graduate & former pro football player turned actor. He served as a linebacker in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers & also played in the Canadian Football League.   In this episode Rashan & Isaac chat about how his HBCU EXPERIENCE at Morehouse shaped his NFL and ACTING career.   “Power in the Pivot” is about Isaac’s experience of shifting from football to acting & what it’s like to follow your dreams.   You may know Isaac Keys from his role as Diamond on Power Book IV: Force @forcestarz and it’s exciting to have him as a special guest!   Stay Connected:    Isaac Keys Instagram: @isaackeys Twitter: @IsaacKeys   Cool Soror: Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Enjoy Episode 1 of the Cool Soror Show in partnership with Cricket Wireless series. We are joined by two powerhouse women who are making waves in their own right! Our first “Cool Soror” guest is the MEAC Commissioner Sonja Stills. She is a member of the Lambda Eta chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. chartered at Old Dominion University. This Cool Soror is a trailblazer & history maker.  She is the first female commissioner in the MEAC history, as well as the first female commissioner of a Div. I HBCU conference. Sonja Stills is committed to supporting and elevating collegiate student athletes and we are excited to have her as a special guest! Our second “Cool People” feature is Bianca Belair, a professional wrestler & WWE SuperStar. The Knoxville, TN native is currently the WWE Raw Women's Champion, & the 2021 Royal Rumble & WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion. Belair who is a multi sport athlete, is breaking barriers as an African-American female professional wrestler and is inspiring young girls all around the world to follow their dreams. Bianca Belair is featured in three WWE video games and also has her own Mattel action figure. In 2021 she was ranked #1 in the Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s Women’s 150. Tune in as our special guests share unique and inspiring testimonies on why it's important to have a "Will of Champions"!   Stay Connected: Sonja Stills: Instagram: @sostills Bianca Belair: Instagram: @biancabelairwwe Twitter: @BiancaBelairWWE   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today's episode features the amazing Cool Soror Trina Braxton who is an award winning singer, actress, TV personality & entrepreneur. Her first big break in music came in 1992 as a founding member of the R&B group The Braxtons, formed with her sisters. This Braxton Family Values star, wife & mom is sharing: Her lessons learned both professionally & personally How she’s navigating grief through the loss of her ex husband and sister The importance of carving out your own lane Her journey to becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated later in life.   Trina reminds us that it’s not how you start but how you finish with her mantra “All I do is win win win no matter what!”   Get ready to laugh, shed some heartfelt tears and get the behind the scenes of what you may not see on TV.   Catch all these gems they are dropping throughout this powerful conversation between sister friends & former colleagues.   To find out more about Trina, follow her at @trinabraxton1 on Instagram & @TrinaBraxton on Twitter.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today's episode features Danielle "Dani" Canada who is a seasoned entertainment journalist with over a decade of experience. She currently serves as the Managing Editor of BOSSIP.com where she manages staff, conducts interviews, and pens snarky headlines centered around Black and BIPOC news in the celebrity realm. Dani is sharing her experience as a journalist in a highly competitive industry and giving us insight on what it took to rise to the top. She also has some advice for up and coming journalists in the entertainment industry. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Dani reminds us that we "Cannot Skip the Work" on our journey to success. You have to put in the time, effort and sweat in order to make your dreams come true. Don't miss this conversation! To find out more about Dani, follow her at @iamdanicanada on Instagram & Twitter.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today’s episode features former Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the City of Atlanta Charletta Wilson Jacks. Charletta has 30+ years of experience in planning/community development, construction/project management (including the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games) and several architectural and engineering firms. Charletta is an illustrious member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and is a pillar in the Atlanta community. In this episode she shares the importance of tooting your own horn and sharing your story to empower others. "It's All About Owning Your Voice" says Mrs. Wilson-Jacks. Join the conversation as Rashan & Charletta talk navigating leadership and legacy building. To find out more about Charletta, follow her on IG @charlettawilsonjacks.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today’s episode features sports anchor, reporter & host Tenitra Batiste. Tenitra is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and is making big waves in the sports media industry.   Tenitra is currently an In-game Reporter for the Atlanta Hawks & also a Sports Anchor Reporter at  92.9 the Game.   She shares her pivot from the corporate Human Resources sector to thriving as a sideline reporter anchor.   Rashan & Tenitra are talking sports, talking shop and sharing about the power of risking it all for your dream.   To find out more about Tenitra, follow her on IG @tenitrabatiste.   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf

Today’s episode features attorney, author and travel guru, Lisa Bonner ! This Cool Soror rocking the P&G has visited nearly 90 countries as a travel journalist and enthusiast. With over 25 years experience as an IP / Entertainment attorney, Lisa has been behind the “LegaliTEAS” (the title of her newly released book) of seeing some of your favorite shows come to light. In her new book, mentioned above, she breaks down the steps to building a successful business to the average, every day entrepreneur. To find out more about Lisa, follow her on IG @lisabonner. Get a copy of her book on Amazon.com!

This week we get a chance to check in on one of our Cool Bruhs! A return guest, actor and comedian Rod Minger picks up right where he left off. This time, however, he talks about men knowing when they have found “the one,” growing as a YouTube star and embracing life with purpose.   Follow Rod Minger on YouTube and @rod.Minger on IG!   Stay connected at: www.CoolSoror.com   Shop Cool Soror Merch: https://www.shoplhp.com/collections/cool-soror   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @rashanali   Instagram, Facebook, Twitter @coolsoror   Watch on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLj_sI6lEq2DbgVUX2uR_Uk5reKu5o6Ccf