GrownTalks

The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment.TakeawaysDEI rollbacks impact workplace culture and create mental health strainReal change requires structural protection and sustained investmentChapters00:00 Introduction and White Paper Overview09:24 Creating Real Change and Progress

This episode is a pause.Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.

In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program. Yes M.I.S.S IncWebsite: https://www.yesmissinc.org/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/100 Roses from ConcreteWebsite: https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en

SummaryIn this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice they would give to new participants, and how Growth aligns with their values of making a positive impact. They shared their thoughts on networking and the importance of building connections in their professional journeys.

In this episode of Grown Talks, Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, managing director at Duncan Channon. They discuss the realities of the advertising industry, including the importance of resilience, networking, and teamwork. Kumi shares her journey in advertising, the misconceptions surrounding the industry, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the field and the value of building authentic connections.TakeawaysStay resilient and curious in your career.The advertising industry can be a grind.Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.Networking is essential for career growth.The industry is smaller than you think.Reputation matters in a close-knit industry.Be mindful of your social media presence.Team dynamics can make or break your experience.Mentorship is about sharing knowledge and experiences.Family provides comfort and joy amidst work pressures.

Hey grown folks In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.Tap in and get inspired.

Hey grown folks In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.Tap in and get inspired.

Meet your co-hosts Ninoska Lugo, Pam Holguin Plasencia and Dane Tewari as they share their journeys through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Sharing how the program helped them navigate in the advertising world, and what it’s like to give back. This episode is filled with cool vibes, real stories, and plenty of inspiration!