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 Welcome to Season 3 of my Purposely Driven Podcast. I am so excited to be back with you all in the new year. I thoroughly enjoyed having all of our guests last year and I have some very special guests to share with you this season as well. Before I do that, I thought I'd kick season three off a little differently. My sweet husband will be guest hosting this episode as I reveal a little bit of my story. Tune in, you don't want to miss it.   

Jawaskie is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. He is trained in Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and TeleMental Health by the Telehealth Certification Institute. 

Jawaskie is a native of New Iberia, LA. Upon graduation from high school, he went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Immediately after, he was accepted into graduate school at Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, where he completed his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. 

During this time is where Jawaskie found his passion for working with adolescents and young adults. Jawaskie interned for over 700+ hours with the Youth Opportunity Center in Lafayette, LA. This position focused on facilitating both juvenile and adult Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups and changing offender behavior groups. This position also created opportunities for extensive experiences with teen and young adults within the court system. 

Jawaskie also worked for the 15th Judicial District Juvenile Drug Court Program in Lafayette, LA. From this experience he was able to learn more about diversion programs for teenagers and how they create opportunities for second chances for the youth. In addition, this position created exposure to gain insight into adolescent addiction and substance use. 

Upon leaving the 15th Judicial District Court, Jawaskie would then join the 16th Judicial District Family Service Division where instruments and assessments such as the JIFF, Savory, and Maysi-2 were used to provide various services for struggling families with truancy and early childhood behavioral issues. 

Wanting to gain more insight into family counseling, Jawaskie would then go on to work as a Functional Family Therapist (FFT) for three years. While working as an FFT therapist, Jawaskie was able to provide outpatient counseling services across the Acadiana area. This evidence base model focuses on learning family behavioral patterns involving the adolescent, demonstrating how those behaviors are relational to the household and providing possible solutions to interrupting those behaviors. 

To continue in diversifying his skill set, Jawaskie began working as a Licensed Mental Health Professional with Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) services. Jawaskie provided individual counseling and other clinical services to clients enrolled in ACT. This population of clients meet the requirements of need for High Intensity Outpatient services; and all are diagnosed with at least one of four psychiatric diagnosis; major depressive disorders, schizophrenia, schizo-affective, and/or bipolar disorder. Client ages ranged from early to middle adulthood. 

Jawaskie is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Chi Sigma Iota (a professional academic honor society for counselors), a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association, 2022 Acadiana Top 20 Under 40 Honoree, 2022 Iberia Parish Top 20 Under 40 Honoree and a graduate of Leadership Iberia Class of XXII. 

Rayvin is one who believes in her family's lineage of praying

and healing. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, she was

influenced by her Creole culture. Since the age of 12, Rayvin was always busy with a brand now and sometimes old, enterprising endeavor. She's an author and also does freelance photography. She's dipped and dabbed in almost any and everything. She's even a certified doula, (one live birth under the belt, not too bad).

She became a certified ICTC Full Circle Doula in 2012. In learning of naturopathic methods, she fell in love with the taste and body of tea.

Her favorite tea was a breast milk tea which kept her going on to breastfeed her two babies for a total of 4 years. There was never a fascination with any tea in particular until January of 2020, when her husband and her kids, as well as herself, fell sick with severe cold-like symptoms.

With what was the only thing that alleviated the symptoms (after 30 long days of the worst cold she'd ever experience), Rayvin developed the premiered product of Blackbird Botanica, Brave's Brewed Manglier Tea. Her family's remedy.

"To live 100 years ago, is to live for 100 years."

Dr. Marquia Whitehead is an award-winning professor, DEIAB strategist, life and career coach, professional writer, and entrepreneur who possesses a Doctorate in Education, specifically Educational Leadership. Additionally, she received a Graduate Certification in Professional Writing. Starting her career at Louisiana State University as an English Professor, she previously served as an Assistant Director of Multicultural Recruitment and an Assistant Director of Retention & Strategic Initiatives. She also served as the Director of Education at Blue Cliff College. Currently, she is the owner of Dr. Kia Consulting, DEI Sensitivity Reviewer, Project Based Writer, Contract Professional Development Instructor, Instructional Coach & Facilitator, Adjunct English and Research Professor at several colleges and universities, and College Advisor. Dr. Whitehead’s doctoral research entitled African American Women in Leadership in Higher Education and the Glass Ceiling has won awards and been presented at several conferences. She is also the creator of a book club – Catch That Read! Her passion and research consist of all aspects of education; diversity, equity, and inclusion; people of color and literacy; disenfranchised communities; retention for marginalized groups; diversity and inclusion; and women’s empowerment and leadership. She is also currently a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana and member of Leadership Lafayette’s Class XXXV. Collectively, Dr. Whitehead has over ten years of experience in education. Personally, Dr. Whitehead enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and overall enjoying every aspect of life.

JoHanna Elaine Babineaux-Zeno 

Born and raised on the north side of Lafayette, Louisiana. Graduate of Northside High School & South Louisiana Community College. JoHanna is not only a leader at heart, but leads in a community which her roots were established. 

JoHanna is A Proud Wife to the Amazing Terrance Zeno and Grateful Mother to 3 Beautiful Daughters (Shania, Amiya & Cadence Elaine) as well A Fur Mommie of 2. She is an Entrepreneur, Small Business Owner, Author & A servant at heart. Building and Lifting others is her heart posture and desire. 

She is the owner of the Locally Known Juice Business “En’Juice Me Inc” which is an all natural cold pressed fresh juice company. With recently completing the program Accelerate Northside, JoHanna has been able to expand and grow her business to new heights. JoHanna’s ultimate goals are to teach others the different benefits of juicing and how we are as strong as what we put inside our bodies. Getting people to enjoy a healthy beverage while bringing a smile to their faces. 

She is also the Co-Owner of The Business “Handz On Services” that specializes in Floor Installment, customized Showers and Backsplashes. As well as the Founder and Host of the Podcast Un•Comfor•Table that believes in the Phase “In Order for you To Heal, you must talk about it”. There’re  so many different hats that she wears, but hosting events with her family and friends is by far her favorite. Beside a good Brunch with her girls and the enjoyment of doing life with others. 

This Is The Girl who is known as Joh! 

As a Lafayette native and real estate professional, Gerren recognizes and values the trust his clients place in him and strives every day to exceed their expectations. A member of Robbie Breaux & Team since 2018, Gerren works with individuals and investors who are interested in buying or selling property. 

Prior to entering real estate, Gerren served in the United States Navy. These experiences instilled the discipline it takes to build strong habits. His business has grown successfully and consistently thanks to repeat transactions of happy clients and their introductions to friends, family and neighbors.
 

Outside of real estate, Gerren takes pride in giving back to the community and serves as a youth basketball coach for Cajun Sports Association. He also serves as a Board Member of The Family Connection, Inc., an organization that provides individuals aging out of the foster care system with the resources necessary to be successful.

Dr. Enola Pillard is CEO of Ashanti Enterprises. A trailblazing woman of God  - a forerunner - her core values and beliefs have granted her access to the wisdom that there are no limits and no boundaries in a life lived by faith. With diligence, persistence, and determination she has demonstrated that each of us can be brave, courageous, and unstoppable - soaring like eagles. She knows that reaching for the stars and never giving up will lead to success.

Dr. Pillard has been a passionate hairstylist of 29 years. Through continued education in her industry she not only became a licensed Cosmetology Instructor, but also obtained her Bachelor, Master and Doctoral degrees in Cosmetology. Furthermore, she pursued additional course work to become a Certified Trichologist, as well as a Holistic Hair Practitioner. Through her journey she also attended numerous summits, hair shows, bootcamps, conferences, as well as a mentorship academy to stay updated on the latest trends. Dr. Pillard has obtained numerous certifications through extensive training in order to provide the best service possible.

Commitment to her divine purpose has led Dr. Enola Pillard to also become a life coach, educational mentor, and motivational speaker. She has been featured in various magazines, on numerous talk shows, podcasts, tv shows, and as a guest speaker at graduations, conferences and author book tours. As an educator she is also imparting her knowledge and skills to upcoming barbers and stylists as a member of the staff of a local college in her hometown.

Her passion for the beauty and wellness industry – both inward and outward – as well as a heart of compassion for others led her to share her gifts and talents at home and abroad. As a bestselling author of children's books, prayers for entrepreneurs, coaching, devotional, and inspirational books, she shares her struggles and victories, allowing her testimonies to inspire others to be their best selves and to reach their personal goals and dreams. Also, she has participated in Anthology projects such as Cosmo Chronicles, Trailblazers Who Lead, What's Your Superpower, Prayers and Affirmations, and Love Letter To My Daughter to demonstrate her support for the work of amazing peers in her industry.   

Dr Pillard discovered that each success is not final, and each failure is not fatal. We must continue to pursue excellence regardless of the outcome of any given endeavor. What matters is the courage to continue striving, knowing that healthy ambition creates a path, and persistence causes you to continue on your journey to fulfillment of purpose.

Tremika Cleary a native of Franklin but resides in Carencro. She is a mother of 2- a son (25 years old) and a daughter (11 years old). She stewards a company called Defined Resolutions as an Engagement Specialist and Facilitator of Behavioral Change. Their mission is to "Promote the Power of Mindful Practices" via training, coaching, and consulting. She's also been a Professor of Psychology for over five years at South Louisiana Community College and the University of People, a global institution. She has a background in therapeutic practices with over ten years of experience as a Master's level practitioner and clinical supervising.

Her passion is to promote self-awareness through the teachings of Emotional Intelligence, which impacts how we interact and engage personally, professionally, and socially with others. 

Outside work, she loves to volunteer for various causes, especially youth and mental health; spend time with my family, and SLEEP.

Her scripture for this season in her life is Matthew 7:16; "You will know them by their fruits 

  Kiwana T. McClung is an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture & Design and Chief Diversity Officer at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A graduate of Louisiana State University's School of Architecture and Design, Kiwana is nationally recognized for her research and efforts toward increasing diversity within a school of architecture and equitable, inclusive curricula. In her role as Chief Diversity Officer, Kiwana is responsible for fostering diversity among students, faculty, and staff, as well as ensuring that underrepresented groups have equal access to educational opportunities and resources. 

Prior to joining the faculty at UL Lafayette, Kiwana worked as an Architectural Designer for several firms around South Louisiana. Since starting at UL Lafayette in 2013, she has served as the faculty advisor to the UL chapter of NOMAS, the student organization for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), and also chairs several committees at the university including the Diversity Advisory Council and the Graduate Council's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Committee. She was recently recognized by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as their 2021 Eminent Scholar in Leadership and Service, one of the highest honors awarded by UL.

Karen C. Dugas, M.Ed. is the owner of Above the Limit, LLC, a tutoring company that provides tutoring services for students in grades K-12 and an outstanding ACT Prep program that helps students qualify for scholarships. Mrs. Dugas is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College and Louisiana State University Shreveport. She has taught in the public and private school systems for over 20 years. She is the founder of Beyond the Bus Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit chartered to provide free college and career workshops, as well as, free ACT Prep classes for students who are motivated to attend college, but do not have financial access to quality ACT Prep programs. Her most recent endeavor has been AIM High, a homeschool option for families to foster a love of learning through exposure and experiences. Mrs. Dugas loves meeting new people and traveling. She is married to the love of her life Riveny Dugas, Sr. and they have six adult children ages 21-25.

 Shamika Mamou is a real estate professional with experience in lending and notary public closings. Currently, Shamika is a Community Outreach and Loan Officer with Lafayette Community Development Fund, where she assists first-time home buyers with down payment assistance. Additionally, Shamika is an Adjunct Instructor at South Louisiana Community College, where she facilitates notary public exam prep courses. 

Shamika received a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies from Louisiana State University. She’s an MBA candidate in Finance at Louisiana State University at Shreveport, with an expected graduation date of August 2023. Also, Shamika completed ministry school at Ever Increasing Word Training Center. 

With an unwavering passion for service, Shamika utilizes a platform created from her skillfulness in problem-solving, empathy, and integrity to cultivate trusting and respectable connections. As a change agent, she strives to empower others by educating, motivating, and facilitating processes that provide transformative experiences. Shamika serves on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Institute of Acadiana. She is a Junior League of Lafayette member and a school champion for Alice Boucher Elementary through their partnership with Love Our Schools.