In My Shoes Stories from Women of Color

May is the month for me ya'll! It's my birthday, mother's day, and it's also Mental Health and Foster Care Awareness Month. All of this is of course, near and dear to my heart. Find out what being a foster mama meant to me and what I've learned as the mama of a child (now an adult) living with a mental health disorder AND the four things about Mental Health Awareness Month that I hope you can remember year round. PLUS how you can help me celebrate my milestone birthdayMore great advice on mental health from a former guest and mental health advocate Natasha Pierre.

It's a term you hear a lot these days, but what exactly does it mean? Many describe micro aggressions as subtle or unintentional acts of racism? But are they unintentional? And does calling it subtle make it any better or any less hurtful? And when is a micro aggression just an incident of flat out racism?Maureen Greene-James of MGJ Speaks is an inclusion champion with great insight into what micro aggressions are, what they aren't and what to do when you experience it.

Catching up on what's been going on with me and with my baby girl as we honor Autism Awareness Month. It's been a minute since a solo episode. Wait until I tell you what happened to me not to mention my baby girl and how it's related to her Autism diagnosis. As an African American mom of an adult on the spectrum the journey has been winding and sometimes full of potholes, be we are making it and there's no road I'd rather be on. Find out why and the advice I give to new moms on this Autism journey.

In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month I wanted you to meet my girls! During the pandemic, we agreed to become an accountability team, helping each other as we grow our business, but what happened over a very short time became so much more than that! This episode will dispel the myth about women unwilling to support each other. Find out how we met, how we formed an unbreakable bond, what we think of the stereotype AND why we think it's so important for women to support each other. Check out our shops and support our women, black-owned business. Keep Prominent BoutiquePriceless Dreams Major Minor Works In My Shoes One Unique Buy

It started when Elizabeth Leiba was falsely arrested for a pack of batteries she had actually paid for. When she opened up about her experience it resonated and her social media BLEW UP! As she began talking to other Black women she realized empowerment for Black women, learning to love themselves as they are, and understanding the only path to true happiness is showing up as YOU, natural hair and all! Find out why Elizabeth says she let go of "Angela" and what happened the night before her book release. And check out her first episode with IMS Today and why she decided to share her story and experience.

J'Aaron Merchant, Chief Creative Officer for Black Paper Party talks about how the company began, what happened when she and her two co-founders saw a lack of representation in the holiday retail space, and how she's learning to embrace and celebrate her wins as a freelance illustrator and creator of the characters and illustrations for the new company. Find out more about Black Paper Party:https://www.blackpaperparty.comInstagram: @blackpaperparty

I have finally recorded it FAM! This episode I've been teasing for sometime. Find out what really went down with my baby girl and the day she came home with a referral accusing her of destroying school property. Such powerful language and emotional wording. And when I tell you what she actually did! You won't believe it. On this quick episode I tell you why it's so important that we pay attention to the words used to describe our children and their behavior in the classroom. Ya'll know, I believe in the power of words!

No music, no intro, just me!I could not let 2022 ride off into the sunset without saying hello to you all! I am excited about next year and continuing this podcast journey with all of you. I took a little break, but I've still been busy. This is a quick catch up. Tomorrow I'll go live on FB to share my word for 2023. Do you have your word, your mantra for the new year? There is still time to work on it.Be sure to follow me on Facebook; Instagram and I am even trying to get my TikTok game going!

I recorded this just before Hurricane Ian but before I could post, Ian hit and we were without power for a few days! So I am releasing on World Mental Health Day instead of a little earlier the way I planned. As the mom of a special needs child I know how important it is to take care of your own mental health if you want to be there for others.I hope this resonates with you. Happy World Mental Health Day!

I LOVE Tabitha Brown, did I say I LOVE HER?! So, when a comment on Twitter called her choice to refuse to be anything less than what God made her to be was call arrogant by another Black Woman, Auntie Tab let her know it isn't arrogance, it's freedom. You know I had to weigh in! Why would her choice be called arrogant, and why would one Black woman attach that label to another Black woman for such a personal choice?Why does it sometimes feel as though it's tough for us to support each other and the choices we make?I would love to know what you think! Hit me up and let me know: [email protected]. And be sure to take my challenge, promote and support a woman of color this week, no judgement, just pure love! I will start! Check out my girl Ginain Grayes and her new podcast: Cook the Garden - https://cookprayslay.com/podcast

I'm BAAAAACCCCKKK!!! After some much needed time off from the mic, I am ready to share what I've learned, the changes I've made and what I discovered about myself. These Five words made all the difference. Maybe this will help you too!

Meet Carolyn Doelling who refused to allow society to make her feel invisible after retirement. She decided to add a bit of color to her wardrobe and embrace her natural hair, as her own visual protest. The results, a blossoming modeling career at 70 and the chance to use her platform to help other women see that retirement isn't the end - it's really the beginning.

It's an update from Natalie Wilson with The Black and Missing Foundation. Find out what tips she has for making sure our children are safe online. And help me honor them, this month is 14 years of service helping us find us. Wear something orange this weekend (that's their color) and tag them on Instagram @blackandmissingfdn and tell them THANK YOU for their dedication and commitment to our missing. Visit their website to learn more and find out how you can help.

May is my month ya'll! It's Mother's Day, its' my Birthday and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I just could not help but start the month talking about why May means so much to me.Find out what's going on with my girl, what I've learned about balance when it comes to dealing with her life and protecting my own mental health. There is one thing I believe is VERY important (maybe two) to remember during mental health awareness month. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! This year my birthday is on the "eve" of next year's milestone birthday and it's a time that I am learning more about what I want this next chapter in my life to look like, including committing more time to the non-profit my sisters and I started several years ago but had to put on the back burner for a while. I'd love for you to celebrate with me and donate to SEW (only if you want to) DONATE TO MY BIRTHDAY FUNDRAISER

It's Autism Awareness Month and we are talking to Tiffany Hutchinson, a mom with a son on the spectrum. She talks about the rough road getting to a diagnosis, how she felt when she finally had answers and what she thinks are some of the misconceptions many have about children with autism.The experience led her to use her love of writing to write about the experience and from there, she started her blog, A Mama Bear and Her Cub: https://amamabearandhercub.com/author/amamabearandhercub/April is Autism Awareness Month and I can't wait for you to listen to this discussion. Moms of color have a story to tell about raising children with autism and this story is inspirational, relatable and real ya'll, so let's get into it!

March is National Endometriosis Month and I just could not let the month pass without talking about it. I've talked about the fibroids, but guess what, I had endometriosis too. We need to talk about it more so here goes - more on this part of my journey! Check me out, and click below for a few resources with more information. What is EndometriosisBlack Women and Endometriosis The Sisterhood Project

In the book We Are Not Like Them, two friends, one White and one Black tell the story from their separate perspective when a tragic event involving the shooting of an unarmed Black teenager changes their lives forever. They must face the issue of race head on and talk about uncomfortable feelings and stereotypes around race. Authors Christine Pride and Jo Piazza tell a powerful story and find that in order to tell this fictional but emotional and relevant story, they had to be open and honest about race with each other.Check out what they had to say, and then, if you haven't read the book, buy a hard copy or the audiobook TODAY!

I'm BAAAAAACK! it's my surgery update, what I wish I had done differently and the DRAMA after the surgery in recovery. It was a rocky start but thank God I made It! And, guess what ya'll! It's my two-year podcast anniversary! PLUS a quick preview of wha's coming up In My Shoes and with our non-profit Sisters Empowering Women.

It's me and my boo ya'll! We are telling our love story for Valentine's Day. Find out what happened when he realized I was just a Freshman, and years later, when we were just about to date and then he moved away.And the day I found out he was getting married!! You will have to listen to find out what happened there!It's Valentine's Day and we are celebrating love on In My Shoes.

When Zykeisha Destin began to experience back pain, stomach aches and low iron, she began a year long journey of doctor's visits, blood transfusions and medical professionals who could only guess at the cause as one test after another failed to reveal the cause. And then one day the answer - colon cancer. It was something no doctor thought to test for since she was in her early thirties and had already given birth to two children. Now with Stage 4 colon cancer, she was fighting for her life, determined to be there to raise her two little ones, even as her marriage began to fall a part. This is a story of one Black woman's struggle, perseverance and determination even against the odds. Follow Zykeisha on instagram

REWIND! In this REWIND episode, Egypt Sherrod talks about what she thinks our community needs to do to bring awareness to the thousands of people of color who go missing every year.Find out what she tells her daughters, what she decided to do last year to make sure she can defend her family and why she thinks more predators believe they can get away with it in broad daylight.Watch her powerful message: Follow Egypt on Instagram at: EgyptSherrodDid you know: January Is Sex Trafficking Awareness Month? Take the time to learn more and find out what you can do to keep your loved ones safe.

Happy New Year! It's our first episode of 2022. It's just me on the mic, reflecting on 2021 and the surprised beginning of 2022... surgery. Find out what issue I've been dealing with for years that has finally come to a need for another surgery, what I wish I had known when I was younger and what I regret not advocating for earlier. Then, a quick update on my word for 2022 and my upcoming vision board party. Join our FB group for IMS updates, photos and information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/654482065359468/Find out more about the Sheinelle Jones documentary: Stories We Tell: The Fertility Secret https://www.today.com/video/today-s-sheinelle-jones-shares-inside-look-at-new-documentary-on-infertility-128980549818

Sabrina Tshiamalenge has always loved to cook. A teacher by day she always loved trying new recipes as a hobby and of course, loved cooking for her family in the evenings and on weekends. But one day, a series of events led her to believe God was talking to that inner voice, the one that always wanted to try cooking as more than a hobby but was doubtful that anyone would take notice.Then one day, she made a menu to post on social media, but couldn't bring herself to post it. With a little help from her husband, the menu made it to social media and the rest... she will tell you all about it. Hear how she conquered fear and self doubt and what it has meant to her community, her family and her confidence in herself. Follow Sabrina on social media:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1241633506195625/?ref=share

This is the story of Elizabeth Leiba, who still lives with the shame of an arrest that wasn't her fault during her days as a student at the University of Florida. After a local drug store accused her of theft, (for a pack of batteries she had purchased) the store refused to admit wrongdoing and for years, she didn't talk about it, until the death of George Floyd and the outpouring of support for Kyle Rittenhouse, a teen charged with killing two men during the protests in Kenosha, triggered a need to respond, and wonder how so many can support a young who has admitted to taking two lives, yet try to ruin the life and reputation of a young girl all those years earlier over a pack of batteries.It's a powerful story.Follow Elizabeth on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethleiba

When Zariyah reposted the simple sentence about the hate dark-skinned girls must endure her mother knew right away that she needed to check in with her daughter. As the darkest member of her family, Zariyah often deals with the insensitive comments about the color of her skin - often from people of her own race. But the 17-year-old said she refuses to let the comments dim her light and her mother says she will always remind her that her melanin is poppin.Find out more about Zariyah, her mom and their beautiful transracial family: https://www.facebook.com/raisingcultures/

I can't believe it is December! It's been a while since it's just been me on the mic. I figured it was time for an update on my girl and a look back at 2021. So, it's just me this time. Find out what's going on with my girl, how I am planning to push myself out of my comfort zone in 2022, my take on parenting young adults and how I have found gratitude in the don't haves. It's my thoughts on 2021 and my look ahead for 2022. Join our FB community: We are a community of women of color, supporting one another, proud of our melanin, our journey and ready to use our voice. Donate to our non-profit, Sisters Empowering Women, Inc. and help us provide gratitude and "free-write" journals to girls of color as we teach them the value of words, communication and finding their voice.

Tonight is Thanksgiving and I am so thankful for the opportunity adoption afforded me. It gave me the chance to grow my family and become the mommy God wanted me to be with the two babies He gave me. I am also thankful for the chance adoption has given my baby sister. She adopted a beautiful baby girl 8 months ago. Today you get to meet her! She has A LOT to say and you can see some of it on our Facebook page. You can follow my suga' mama (Charli) on Instagram: @charlisays2021And follow In My Shoes on Instagram: @ n_my_shoes - Facebook: @NMyShoes2Don't forget there is still time to help us reach our goal for Giving Tuesday!

Maria is an ICU nurse who was on the frontlines of COVID from the very beginning. She shares her experience and what it meant for her family. Find out what she says was the hardest part for her and the way the NFL showed its gratitude to her for caring for our veterans.And don't forget we are working on our donation challenge for Giving Tuesday to support our non-profit, Sisters Empowering Women, Inc. - Here's the link for you to DONATE TODAY! We've almost reached or goal: https://bit.ly/IMSDONATEFollow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NMyShoes2/

On this Veterans Day we pause to remember Vanessa Guillen. A beautiful soldier serving a Ford Hood Texas who mysteriously went missing. The military didn't have many answers for her family, but they wouldn't give up and refused to accept the military's stance that she simply walked off base. Now a little more than a year after her death, her family works to make sure she is never forgotten and that she did not die in vein. in this REWIND episode we talk to Vanessa's sister Mayra talks about her sister and the family's fight for justice for Vanessa. Follow In My Shoes:https://www.facebook.com/NMyShoes2/https://www.instagram.com/n_my_shoes/https://twitter.com/inmyshoes8/https://www.linkedin.com/company/inmyshoesDonate to our nonprofit with our FB Giving Tuesday Challenge:https://bit.ly/IMSGIVINGTUES

It’s a rewind episode with me and my hubby talking about our adoption journey in honor of National Adoption Awareness Month. Find out how he felt when I told him I didn’t think I would get pregnant easily and what he thinks helped him to be open to adoption. AND don’t forget November is the month of giving and you can help us make Thanksgiving and Christmas bright for girls and women in need of a little pick me up. We are working with families in our area who need Thanksgiving meals and gifts for Christmas. You can visit our website to donate OR, purchase from our shop and all proceeds go to the non-profit. Visit our website: www.inmyshoestoday.com

Sandy Boisrond is an attorney, advocate and auntie. She is a part of the village and support system for her nephew who is on the autism spectrum. As an attorney she helps families with estate planning and making sure they have the right things in place in order to future plan for the needs of a special needs loved one Find out what she thinks is one of the biggest mistakes families make, how her role as auntie to an autistic nephew has impacted the way she practices law and what she thinks we need to do as a society to better support those with special needs. AND be sure to listen until the end and find out about a generous offer Sandy is making to IMS listeners. http://www.thespectrumlawfirm.com/PLUS: It's the holiday season and we are preparing to support several families for Thanksgiving. You can help us provide meals for girls in high school and their families who have fallen on hard times and need support and a good Thanksgiving meal. Donate today. All donations are tax deductible: https://bit.ly/IMSDONATE

Listen to this rewind episode in honor of Disability Employment Awareness Month.Andrea Dalzell (The Seated Nurse on the 'Gram) talks about the struggles of proving she can do her job with her wheels just as effectively as any other nurse. Listen to her story and find out what happened when Good Morning America honored her as a front line hero and worked with a Foundation to gift her with ONE MILLION DOLLARS! Follow her on Instagram: https://instagram.com/theseatednurse?igshid=rlc5b23wodlf

It's a member of my tribe Tam! Talking about the day she found out she had breast cancer and her yearlong journey fighting the disease. She is open, honest, candid, and inspirational. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I am so glad that my girl had the courage to step into the light and share her story. Find out why she was alone when she found out, what she had to do about the new job she was about to start, and the advice she gives to any brave woman just about to start her cancer journey.

Best-selling author Minda Harts talks about her journey to healing and her new book Right Within - How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace. Listen to her talk about how her finger nail polish led to daily racial aggression and the courage she found to insist on the respect and treatment she deserved. Her new book is out NOW! Find it wherever you guy your books and learn more about Minda as an author, podcaster, speaker and advocate for women of color. Check her out and connect with her on social media:https://www.mindaharts.comhttps://www.mindaharts.com/rightwithin

As the possibility of a booster seems to be becoming a reality, Dr. JAM, an infectious disease pharmacist, breaks down the myths, what we can expect for the future (masks or no masks) and what she's sees in the ICU as more and more COVID patients are admitted. Find out where she thinks we can get the best information about the vaccine and why she says getting emergency use authorization is a lot harder than you might think.

When the Black and Brown go missing, the alerts, media posts and police updates don't happen quickly. There have been countless examples, most recently the story of Grabby Petito. Her story has made the headlines for weeks and while any missing person is a tragedy, where is that level of coverage and concern when people of color go missing? What needs to happen for things to change? Meet, Derrica Wilson and Natalie Wilson, two women who set out to make sure our missing family members get the attention they deserve.

In this powerful episode, Breonna Taylor's mom Tamika Palmer talks about her daughter, the night she was murdered and how she is still fighting for those responsible to be held accountable. Find out what she wants people to know about Breonna, how she found out her daughter was gone, what the police didn't tell her and how she is honoring her memory with the foundation that bears her name.

September 15 - October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month, this is the perfect time to give you another chance to hear this episode. Listen to two members of my tribe talk about how they handle it when someone insists that they refrain from speaking Spanish and tell them that this is America and they should speak English. They talk about how they respond and their opinion on why they believe people think it's OK to make such comments. And we have a special guest that joins us too!

When the pandemic hit, Kyra Peralte needed an outlet to express how this new way of living made her feel. So, she bought a simple black and white composition notebook and began to write. After deciding she wanted to share her thoughts with a stranger and in turn, give them a space to write their own thoughts, she found a woman willing to participate. That one woman led to another, and another and today, dozens of traveling diaries are making their way across the globe with more than 1,000 women writing their thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams, then passing it along for the next woman to do the same. Find out what Kyra thinks of the movement she has started and the community she has built who are all connected by the power of pen and paper. Join the movement: https://www.thetravelingdiarytour.com/

It's me and my tribe ya'll! We are talking about the real meaning of cancel culture and why the majority hates the word woke. Both concepts are steeped in the African American culture and were meant to be a way for us to come together and recognize that we are a force to be reckoned with. Listen to what we have to say, send me a shout out and let me know what you think too! And check out the links below to find out what these concepts were really meant for.The Cancel Culture DebateWhat Woke Really Means

Melissa Toyo had been dreaming about writing a book, but with a family and a full- time job, she could never find the time. Then, the pandemic hit, the world went into lockdown and she suddenly had three extra hours a day that she would normally spend getting to and from work.So she decided to put that time to good use and began the draft of a children's book. After a few ideas she finally found the one that spoke to her and the book Brown is a Beautiful Color was born. Find out why a children's book and what she hopes this book will mean for girls of color everywhere. Brown is a Beautiful Color is out for pre-sale NOW. With an official release is this Saturday-8/14/21.-Pre-order the hardcover or eBook of Brown is a Beautiful Color: https://www.colorinwriting.com/shop* Pre-order your eBook directly on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099314LKK/ref=nodl_?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420

This year's Olympics has been about so much more than the usual medal count. From Sha'carri's disqualification before the games even began, to Simone's brave decision to take a step back and Naomi's return to light the torch and represent Japan in tennis, women of color have certainly been front and center.Take a listen as I talk with two members of my village talk about how we feel about it all. Did Sha'carri deserve a chance to run? Why Simone's decision NOT to compete means more than the two medals she's bringing home, and how Naomi started the important conversation of mental health that helped pave the way for Simone to stand in her truth. Mental health has taken center stage at the games. We definitely have a lot to say. Once you listen, comment back on the IMS Facebook page and tell us what you think.

Marie Rattigan was 13 years old. She was riding the bus home when her cousin was assaulted and the bus driver asked the two girls if they wanted to call the police. They said yes, but Maria asked if she could get off the bus while they waited to tell her mother where they were.One minute, the middle schooler was talking to her mom, the next minute, she was being slammed against a car, frisked, put in handcuffs and hauled away in the back of a police car. Totally confused, Marie refused to agree to a plea deal and opted for a trial.Fast forward nearly 13 years later, her life has come full circle. Find out what happened, hear her story.

Continuing to honor Bebe Moore Minority Mental Health Month this is a REWIND episode! This was our conversation last year just before World Mental Health Day:We had a chance for another important talk with Natasha Pierre, Executive Director of NAMI Hillsborough (Tampa). NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the largest grassroots organization focusing on mental health, mental illness and advocacy.She talks about the importance of protecting our peace, acknowledging our feelings during this tough time (pandemic, social unrest, job loss) and being unapologetic about meeting our own needs and self-care.Learn more about the NAMI chapter in your area: https://www.nami.org/HomeFollow Natasha Pierre on social media: https://www.facebook.com/NatashaPierreOfficialAre you caring for someone struggling with a Mental Illness or an "invisible disability"? Join our community today for support and resources: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2365758677086524/?ref=share

This is a solo episode ya'll. You know I had to talk about Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month. As I continue to navigate life for my baby girl (who will turn 20 this month!) and figure out how to balance that with my own life, it got me to thinking... who cares for the caregiver? Listen as I give an update on my beautiful baby girl and give you a few tips on how you can make sure that as you care for others, you don't forget to Take Care of You. Join our community for caregivers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2365758677086524/Then, download our newest product, the Self Care Planner Ebook: https://inmyshoestoday.com/shop/ols/products/self-care-planner-ebook

The reaction to a video a few weeks ago posted by Monique and her feelings on Black women walking around in Bonnets, Blankets and Slippers started a frenzy on social media. So you know my girls and I had to put in our two cents! Check out what we had to say about this "trend" and how people reacted to Monique's take on it. It's me, Amber Conage of Designs By Lynne and Maureen Greene-James of MGJ Speaks!After you listen, check out my girls!Designs By Lynne: https://designsbylynne.comMGJ Speaks!: https://mgjspeaks.com

Shar Phillips has been crafting for more than twenty years. She joined social media groups to meet other crafters and things were going well, until George Floyd was murdered. And a space that was meant to encourage creativity began to become a place to use creativity to make offensive and inappropriate comments about Floyd's death.It was clear it wasn't a safe space for women of color. So Shar started her own group, and a year later, she has more than 50,000 women sharing their crafts and making money, starting actual businesses, in a space that still holds little room for women of color. But Shar and her group Brown and Bougie, are committed to changing that - demanding a voice for the millions women of color spend in the industry.Starting this group has started a revolution and these women have a lot to say. Follow Shar on Clubhouse or Facebook @Brown and Bougie

You have all heard the story. Vanessa Guillen was a vibrant, beautiful 20-year-old soldier who vanished from the Fort Hood Texas Army base. With no real answers from the Army the family began a crusade to find out what happened to Vanessa. Tragically her remains were found on June 30 of last year, killed at the hands of a fellow soldier.Hear her sister Mayra talk about all the family has been through to ensure Vanessa did not die in vain. Currently the family is working to pass legislation in her honor. Call your representatives and urge them to make her bill law.

It's my hubby ya'll! Joining me at the table to talk about being a girl dad and how he handled the news when her diagnoses began pouring in. Sometimes the importance of a dad is overlooked and for Father's Day, I wanted to shine a light on that special relationship between a girl and her dad. So check out my boo! He has some great wisdom to share and he will talk about the difference between being a boy dad and a girl dad (since we have a son too!). And, you'll find out why it was so important to me that he attend school conferences and events for both of our children. It's a Father's Day edition of In My Shoes, because a girl needs her dad! Happy Father's Day!

Meet Brittany Noble, of the Noble Journalist. She was working her way up in TV News, landed an anchor position, then, she had a baby, decided to embrace her natural hair, and everything changed. They wouldn't accommodate her with a place to pump, they took her face off of the promotional billboards while she was pregnant, she wasn't invited to represent the station at events and had her natural hair deemed unprofessional and compared to wearing a baseball cap. Find out what she decided to do about it and how the station responded. Follow Brittany on Instagram: @thenoblejournalist