Somewhere In The Middle With Michele Barard

Sharon Mae King, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharonKingWorldWide.com, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Sharon Mae King is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SharonKingWorldWide.com and the author of This is my Introduction from Me to You. Remember Me? She was a professional actress in New York City before moving into public relations with Sain-City Magazine. King is involved in civic and professional organizations, such as the African American Art Museum, and was recognized by the Cambridge Who’s Who Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs as a VIP in the 2011 – 2012 edition. A lifetime member of the International Women’s Leadership Association, King was named Top Female Executive by Successful Women Making a Difference. She also has been featured in several magazines, including Ellements, Diversity New Magazine, and Sain-City. King majored in Legal Studies at Western International University. One of her dreams was to become a Criminal Prosecuting A

Diane Sears, the founder of "In Search of Fatherhood" and Prison Reform Advocate, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Diane A. Sears is the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day, a position she has held since 2009 and the inaugurator of the International Day of Prayer for Men and Boys which is observed in November and launches the United States’ observance of International Men’s Day.     In October 1999, Sears launched IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD®, a quarterly international Fatherhood and Men’s Issues Journal which moderates a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood. The concept for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® was created by Sears’ mentor, the late L.T. Henry, a classically trained jazz musician who briefly performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was a former drummer for internationally acclaimed songstress and film and television actress Ms. Della Reese. L.T. Henry also was and author; a photojournalist; and a sales and success motivation trainer     Mr. Henry envisioned a world in which Men from All Wa

ENCORE PRESENTATION Christian Coach, Author, and Inspirational Speaker Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch helps women change their lives for the better Dr. Kendra Davis-Burch is a 1999 & 2009 graduate of Winston-Salem State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology (1999) & a Master of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling (2009). She is also a 2016 graduate of Apex School of Theology where she earned a Master of Divinity Degree. Kendra earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Biblical Studies at Apex School of Theology May 2017. In 2010, Kendra established K*METAMORPHOSIS, a Christian counseling organization whose vision, mission and philosophy were birthed out of the desire to fill a much-needed treatment gap in the community. The organization’s mission is to utilize a holistic approach to restore fallen humanity. This organization believes that individuals; despite their past are capable of transforming spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. In 2012, Kendra became a pub

Certified Federal Contracts Manager Khalil Memon shares his knowledge of federal contracting to help others get in on this multi-million dollar field Khalil Memon is a Certified Professional Contracts Manager, Certified Federal Contracts Manager, and Certified Commercial Contracts Manager. Khalil has been working as a Managing Director with Dynamic Contracts Consultants, LLC for the last 5 years. Khalil holds a Master’s in Law (LL.M) from Chicago Kent College of Law (Chicago), MBA from KC College of Management (India), LL.B. (law), a BS degree from University of Bombay (India) and is a member of the Bar Council of Maharashtra (India). He has more than 25 years of legal, compliance and procurement experience. He is personally affiliated with the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), US Chamber of Commerce, State Bar of Texas, American Contract Compliance Association (NDIA), American Bar Association (ABA), North American Procurement Council (NAPC), South Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) and World Ch

Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Janae Marie, author of Sleeping with the Enemy Janae Marie began writing at the age of 13 and published her first book at the age of 25. She was awarded a degree in Media Arts at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mi. She later relocated to California where she earned a second in Broadcast Journalism and published two more books by the age of 30.  Janae Marie is the author of four books, Flirting with Temptations, Daddy's Home, Double Take, and Besties. Her upcoming work, Sleeping with the Enemy, is due out in December of 2020. Janae acts as the CEO of JM Publications, which is part of JMP Media Group. She owns Janae's Closet Shop online clothing boutique and is the writer, producer, director, and editor of the short film My Mother Donna.

Financial Advisor Jason Zara joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Jason Zara is a financial advisor with Transamerica/World Financial Group. He is life, health, and securities (Series 6 & 63) licensed and loves working with families to help them find financial independence. He has worked with chambers of commerce for more than five years. He has years of experience in marketing, journalism, and as a small business owner. He has an MBA with a concentration in marketing. He is president of the Fontana Kiwanis Club, the Fontana Chamber of Commerce, and BNI Connect and Thrive (Fontana Chapter). Jason lives in Fontana, California, with his wife, Kris. They have one daughter, Amber.

Dr. Beverly A Browning, author of Grant Writing for Dummies, joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Dr. Beverly A. Browning has been consulting in the areas of grant writing, RFP responses, technical writing, and organizational development for over four decades. Her clients have included Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, small businesses, career, volunteer and combination fire departments; chambers of commerce, faith-based organizations, and units of government including state and federal government agencies; school districts, and colleges; charter schools, social and human service agencies, hospitals, service associations, and Fortune 500 corporations. Dr. Browning has assisted clients and workshop participants throughout the United States in receiving awards of more than $500 million. Dr. Browning is the author of 43 grant-related publications, including six editions (over 1 million books sold) of Grant Writing for Dummies™ (Wiley.com). She is also an international trainer and keynote speaker. In 2015

Author B.G. Howard joins me on Somewhere in the Middle G. Howard was born and raised in the small town of Baxley, GA, where he graduated high school before relocating to Macon, GA. There, he attended College at Mercer University, though circumstance prevented him from completing his collegiate education. He has lived in several cities throughout the eastern part of the United States, before finally relocating to Florida and, eventually, becoming self-employed. Now,, the former business owner resides in Jacksonville, where he suffered an automobile accident several years ago, leaving him classified as "clinically disabled."  He considers the extensive injuries sustained as a blessing in disguise. The incident subsequently opened the opportunity for him to embark upon a new career as an author. A state and national award winner as a newspaper columnist before the accident, B. G. Howard resumed his efforts writing an opinion column for the hometown Baxley News-Banner in September 2015. He also writes philosoph

Nicholas Maze, the author of White Collar Woman, talks with us about becoming an author, the publishing process, and sharing stories that uplift Nicholas Maze started writing at the age of 12. Despite becoming distracted from writing early in life, he later went all in pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing. Maze is the author of the popular book series, White Collar Woman. The book series focuses on a successful young woman named Marla Evans and her adventures as she grows in her career and finds love.

Spiritual Photographer and Author Kaolin K joins me on Somewhere in the Middle Kaolin is originally from Brooklyn, New York, where she raised her two adult children. She worked in politics and the Arts, and in the 90's Kaolin moved to Northampton, Massachusetts. She attended Holyoke Community College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and matriculated in the Opera Department at Smith. Kaolin has performed as a vocalist in a summer series at Damrosch Park. She also has performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City in "Children of Adam," which was produced by the Urban Arts Corps and conducted by Chapman Roberts.  Kaolin is also a spirit photographer and does phone and photo readings. She is writing a photography book with narratives about that work, which will be out later this year. Learn more about that work on http://www.spiritually-speaking.org. Call 413.404.5683 for more information and to schedule an appointment.

Author LaTara Robertson joins me on Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard LaTara Robertson was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was reared by her beloved grandmother, who passed away three weeks before LaTara’s 13th birthday. LaTara is a former model with Casablanca Model Management Talent Agency and is the mother of one son, Romond, who is her inspiration. Robertson first discovered her passion for writing books in elementary school. She spent lots of time with her favorite uncle, Billy Gene Marshall, who is currently serving time in prison for crimes he did not commit. He encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Due to her initial fear of publishing her work, she wrote books but would share them only on social media. She decided to write her first book, The Pain Within, while studying Criminal Justice & Journalism in college.  Last year, Robertson overcame her fear of publishing. She is now self-publishing her books under two brands she has developed, Show Stoppers Presents and

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes bestselling author Rev. Dr. Nicole B. Simpson Reverend Dr. Nicole B. Simpson, CFP®, is a practitioner with over 29 years of experience in the securities industry. On September 11, 2001, her life was drastically altered while working as a financial planner on the 73rd floor of 2 World Trade Center. Simpson was on the 44th floor when Tower 2 was hit during the World Trade Center attacks. Today, Simpson compassionately assists families on how to begin to walk along the road to recovery when faced with a catastrophic, unexpected disaster. She is actively involved in spiritual, emotional, and economic empowerment. A compelling empowerment speaker, television/ radio personality and author, Ms. Simpson travels throughout the United States teaching in a practical and easy to understand manner. Her straightforward approach motivates everyone who hears her message to take action to change their future. Her commitment is to engage people with the thought, “If money w

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard welcomes Diversity and Criminal Justice Reform Advocate Dr. Maxine Bryant  Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ball State University, a Master of Arts Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services Degree from Walden University. All of her degrees have a concentration in Criminal Justice & Corrections. Dr. Bryant has given leadership to two criminal justice agencies. She founded and served as the Program Administrator of the Arete Community Corrections Center, a federal halfway house in Saginaw, Michigan; and she served as the Executive Director for Offender Aid & Restoration of Marion County, an agency providing educational and counseling services to inmates housed in the Marion County Jail and to ex-offenders needing assistance.

Diane Sears, United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day, shares why we need prison reform DIANE A. SEARS is the United States Coordinator for International Men’s Day (www.imd-global.org) – a position she has held since 2009; the creator of the International Day of Prayer for Men and Boys which launches the United States’ observance of International Men’s Day; Chair, USA 2012- 2022 International Men’s Day Ten Year Plan Committee; a member of the International Men’s Day Coordination Committee where she represents the United States; Editor of a book on Fatherhood and Men’s Issues – IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® -- TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES (www.xlibris.com); and Managing Editor of a quarterly Fatherhood and Men’s Issues Journal —IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® -- which moderates a Global Dialogue on Fatherhood. The concept for IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD® was created by Sears’ mentor, the late L.T. HENRY, a classically trained jazz musician who briefly performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra and was a former drummer

Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Samuel Woods, author of Imprisonment Samuel Woods is a native of Canton, Ohio, where he was indoctrinated into street life at the age of twelve. Despite a strong desire to turn things around for himself, Sam found himself moving from the juvenile court system to the adult prison system. He currently is incarcerated in Mansfield Correctional Institution serving a 35-years to life sentence for murder. He has been in prison for 6 ½ years. Sam Woods has a beautiful and loving wife, Ashley Woods, and two wonderful children, Samuel Woods, Jr. and Daeshona Miller. It is their love and support that keeps Sam motivated to fight for justice in his case. He wants those who are in a similar situation to continue to never give up the fight for their freedom and encourages them to go to the legal library to learn everything they can about the law. Sam Woods is the author of Imprisonment, which will be out in June 2020. Visit http://booksbytheshelf.org to learn more.

Alan Black shares his journey of surrender to become a Christian author Alan Black grew up in the United Methodist Church. While he proudly embraces his background and personal history within the United Methodist Church, he does not feel that denomination is important. What matters most is the relationship that you have with the Lord. Through the years, if Alan were to describe his relationship with the Lord using one word it would be “transformation” marked by daily growth in his walk with the Lord, and as well continuing to display the fruits of his Spirit. For these times, his attitude and belief are that the world is looking to Christians to see if, in fact, their talk does indeed match their walk. Like all of us, Alan has experienced twists and turns along the road of life. But each step along that road has led him to this point in life to humbly say that he is an author. But being able to say that he is a Christian author is the most important thing of all to him. To everything, there is a time and s

Somewhere in the Middle welcomes Education Consultant Joy Simuel  Joy is an energetic and experienced special education professional with a passion for pushing students to realize their full potential. With over 10 years of experience, she is a dedicated and resourceful educator with a solid commitment to the growth of the whole child. Giving parents the knowledge and confidence they need to advocate for their child. It was during an annual review of IEP (individualized education plans) and re-evaluation meetings that Joy realized parents were signing documents, leaving meetings not feeling heard and overwhelmed. She decided that she would start her own special education consulting business to help parents navigate the special education process. After much prayer Joy resigned from her teaching position on June 13, 2019, from Fairfax County Public Schools and took the leap of faith to start Joy Simuel Consulting LLC. Joy received her bachelor’s degree from Peace College in 2011 where she majored in Child Dev

Kaolin K shares her experience working with white people seeking to foster equality in their lives Kaolin K is originally from Brooklyn, NY, where she raised her two adult children. She worked in politics and the Arts, and in the 90’s Kaolin moved to Northampton, MA, attended Holyoke Community College, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and matriculated in the Opera Department at Smith. Kaolin developed the Talking About Race self-study curriculum, which is designed for white people who want to foster equality in their lives, drawing upon the Kaolin’s classroom experiences teaching a course for college students titled Let’s Talk About Race. Kaolin has also worked in politics organizing marches on Washington, DC for peace and justice, ending US Intervention in Central America, and as the Health Benefits Field Representative for the Local 205 - DC 1707 Welfare Fund in NYC. Deeply invested in social services and education since 1991, Kaolin was also a member of the Anti-Racism Committee in the National

Author and Community Activist DeWandus Johnson Shares His Journey from Prison to Activist DeWandus Johnson Sr. was born and raised on the westside of Chicago, in the Lawndale Community. He fell into street life at an early age and was sent to prison when he was seventeen. Upon his release and while on parole, he left the grimy streets of Chicago and landed in Omaha, Nebraska. Unable to shake his “go get it by any means necessary” attitude, he found himself in prison again. While in Federal prison, he was introduced to one of the legends of the Chicago lifestyle and gained knowledge about other ways to live successfully. This friendship between the two men awakened a new understanding of life for DeWandus, and a new goal was born. Today, DeWandus is the author of several books and has no plans to stop writing. His goal is to give unfiltered testimonies to the people that either don't know or don’t care about the untold truths about ghettos in America. DeWandus’s writing style can be described as alive, vivid,

Somewhere in the Middle with Michele Barard Welcomes Business Mentor Ana Robles Ana Robles is the founder of Life’s Journey to Excellence in Covina, California. She helps business owners, sales professionals & entrepreneurs by providing sales training, create a system and business strategy in both group and one-on-one environments. Ana specializes in working with Small Businesses, Emerging & Established Entrepreneurs, and Independent Contractors.