The Back to Me Podcast

We’re back from Spring Break and we hope you had some time to rest! Financial Literacy Month is here and our ‘Money Masterclass’ series of well-sought after financial educators and professionals are going to make you want to share them with all of your friends! This series opens with Patricia Kelly, University of California, Santa Cruz Lecturer, Speaker, and Financial Literacy Advocate, who is also the mastermind behind the popular course, COWL52 Personal Finance and Investing that is now available throughout the University of California system. From initially 30 students to now over 1,000 students enrolled, this former Wall Street Analyst shares the five pillars of finance and offers great tips from her course on how to start implementing them in your financial plan today. Don’t miss the free financial templates and resources she offers as well. ⁠ Ms. Kelly completed her MBA at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2019, prior to the pandemic, she received a grant from the Office of the President of the University of California to produce an online version for UC Systemwide. The course now reaches 1,000 students per term throughout the UC System. Ms. Kelly's professional career was spent in the financial industry, beginning as an investment banking analyst on Wall Street in the 1980s, to a partnership at a Palo Alto-based investment management firm responsible for managing $2.5 billion for institutional clients, including the Vanguard Equity Income Fund. She was a past President of the Harvard Business School Association of Northern California and is on the Harvard Business School Alumni Board. She also serves on the investment committee of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County. To learn more about Ms. Kelly and her work, visit her website at PatKelly.Sites.UCSC.edu or connect with her on LinkedIn.

Our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series for Women’s History Month closes powerfully with the return of Dr. Theresa Price, CEO and Founder of The National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) - home of the renowned Black College Expo and Latino College Expo. This beloved community trailblazer shares her philosophy and secrets to living and investing in a spiritually filled life. She believes being smart is not enough, but being overprepared and well-rounded can ensure you thrive in a world not designed for everyone’s success. Find out how you can thrive with NCRF’s holistic wraparound services, student-athlete programs, financial literacy, and transfer portal tips that have unlocked over $200 million in scholarships for students just like you! College scholarships are waiting and Dr. Price urges all “creatives” to apply now! Dr. Price completed her Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast/Journalism with a minor in Speech Communications at California State University, Long Beach. In 2016, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Virginia University of Lynchburg. After noticing a surge in high school dropout rates, primarily among the underserved and underrepresented students, she was determined to make a difference. Since NCRF's inception, this Compton native’s organization has secured and distributed more than $5 billion in scholarships & grants and has helped over 700,000 students (over two-thirds first generation students) get into college, hosting over 300 College Expos produced by NCRF. In addition to The Black College Expo™, a fifteen-city U.S. tour, NCRF also offers the Latino College Expo™, and the Students Think S.T.E.A.M. Expo. In 2022, Dr. Price worked with HBCU presidents to launch a dual enrollment program for high school students to get college credits. To donate, support and learn more about Dr. Price and her work, connect with her on IG @ncrfoundation and @blackcollegeexpo or visit her website at NCRFoundation.org.

Our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series for Women's History Month continues with Dr. Khalilah Doss, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Strategic Enrollment Management at California State University, Fullerton. This first-generation Jamaican track scholar became an educational trailblazer who simply wanted to “be who I needed.” Dr. Doss shares why seeing the humanity in students—as someone’s children—guides every decision she makes. She models heart-led leadership and relationship-building with a deep commitment to ensuring students never feel like a bother—only seen, valued, and supported. Find out why asking for help, admitting “I don’t know,” and understanding that seeking support is actually a strength, not a weakness. ⁠ Dr. Doss completed her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and she received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics, Finance and Marketing at McKendree University. She has been in the field of student affairs for over 20 years and most recently served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). In this capacity, Dr. Doss had oversight for a portfolio of units that are germane to the successful transition, support, and engagement of the students who call MTSU home. Throughout her career, Dr. Doss has been successful in developing and executing innovative programs that are rooted in diversity and inclusion; and has been known to foster a culture of evidence-based decision making, that is tied to community and campus wide partnerships on the campuses she has served. To learn more about Dr. Doss, connect with her via email at [email protected] or visit her at Fullerton.edu.

Women’s History Month continues with our ‘Women Leading with Heart’ series! In this week’s episode, we spotlight an emerging change-maker in education, the Assistant Director of the First Gen Scholars Program at Jackson State University, Ms. Shandell Lewis. She is a first-generation college graduate, former counselor, and passionate advocate for Mississippi education that is bridging K-12 and higher ed to empower the next generation. Drawn to Jackson State’s standalone first-gen program, she brought her K-12 lens to fill critical gaps—modeling transparent engagement rooted in her own first-gen journey and counseling expertise. Find out how she builds student agency by showing how “love is in the details” when recognizing the family sacrifice to attend college. Her approach helps students and families choose schools that match their ambitions, proving one woman’s calling can transform lives across generations. Shandell completed her M.Ed. in Counselor Education at the University of Mississippi and received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi. She is known as a light-giver, community servant, and temperature changer in education. As a proud first-generation graduate herself, her work is deeply personal and rooted in expanding access, support, and opportunity for students navigating college for the first time. A proud Southern belle from Vicksburg, Mississippi, she served as a licensed school counselor for four years before transitioning into higher education at Mississippi State University, where she began her career in Higher Education. Shandell is also the Founder and Owner of A Touch of Magnolia Fragrance Company, a southern luxury fragrance brand inspired by scent memory and her Mississippi roots. She is also a proud active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. To learn more about Shandell, connect with her on IG @ATouchofMagnolia or email her at [email protected].

To wrap up our Love Series, “Rooted in Love”, we dive into agape love—selfless, unconditional care for others with LaMar-Octavious L. Scott, Vice President of Student Affairs at LeMoyne-Owen College. As a leader at the fifth oldest HBCU, Mr. Scott shares his journey from early ministry roots to helping students develop unapologetic critical thinking and global cultural understanding. Spirituality is weaved into campus life through weekly schoolwide spiritual pauses rooted in liberation theology, prayer, and relational depth that welcomes tough questions like “How does this campus connect to your spirit and your personal goals?” Mr. Scott reminds us that you’re never alone in pursuing your purpose. So tap into your innate power, and choose college based on your why—not your parents’. Mr. Scott completed his Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, and he received his Bachelor of Arts in General Studies at Alcorn State University. He is a strategic higher education leader specializing in Enrollment Management and Student Affairs transformation. His academic foundation informs his holistic leadership philosophy—one that blends access, belonging, accountability, and spiritual grounding into institutional practice. Beyond higher education, Mr. Scott serves as CYYA Pastor at Berean Missionary Baptist Church, where he mentors and develops young adults in faith and leadership. His commitment to service extends through his membership in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., initiated in March 2016. To learn more about Mr. Scott and his work, connect with him on IG @_sirscott6_ or email him at [email protected], and visit FutureMagician.loc.edu.

As we continue our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, this week’s episode explores the power of conviction and community love with Marita Asamoah, a first-generation Political Science major at Coppin State University. Born in the Bronx and raised partly in Ghana, Marita brings a global perspective to student leadership as Vice President of the NAACP and Chief Justice of Coppin’s SGA Executive Board. Dedicated to creating change where she sees injustice, she pours her energy into building bridges between students, faculty, and the broader community. Rooted in love for her people and her purpose, Marita reminds us that community love means using knowledge, empathy, and action to lift others—and that while it may be a privilege to be ignorant, Black students cannot afford to be.⁠ Marita is a Junior Political Science major at Coppin State University with a passion for Black civic engagement, community organizing, and social justice. Originally from Ghana, she brings a global lens to her leadership on and off campus, serving as the National Council of Negro Women Chair for Social Justice and as an Army ROTC National Guard cadet. Her interests span policy research, community development, and legislative affairs, all rooted in her mission to create equitable opportunities for others. To learn more about Marita and her work, connect with her on IG @ritaaricch or LinkedIn.⁠

Love in college can feel like the biggest story of your life, but what if it’s actually the classroom where you learn who you are? In this week’s episode of our ‘Rooted in Love’ series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu takes you back to her years at Howard University to share real experiences with dating, music, and self‑discovery on and off campus, from supper‑club stages to difficult conversations and hard breakups. Through honest reflections on intimacy, expectations, jealousy, and the difference between healthy love and distracting love, she unpacks five key lessons and turns them into practical questions and steps you can apply right now. If you’re a college freshman or young adult navigating dating, this episode will help you protect your heart, honor your purpose, and remember you never have to disappear in order to be loved. Yoli completed her M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching at National University, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has fused her thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship with 25 years as a resolute educator/motivator, podcast host, speaker, author, and recording artist. In August 2020, Yoil created The Back to Me Podcast: College and Beyond-a weekly podcast that she also hosts and serves as Executive Producer. In her weekly thirty-minute shows, Yoli seamlessly shares enlightening, engaging, and entertaining conversations that feature monthly themes and a wide array of special guests from different social classes and professions. Her arsenal of talents also includes developing a professional career as a songwriter/singer, live performer, independently publishing a book as an author, and working as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coach. To learn more about Yoli’s college journey, check out her self-published book, “Back to Me: A Devotional Walk for the College Freshman Woman” and visit our website at TheBacktoMePodcast.com.

For our annual ‘Love Series: Rooted in Love’ kickoff, we explore the power of self-love with Dr. D’Wan Carpenter, a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and founder of DJC Medical Group. Blending evidence-based lifestyle medicine with faith, Dr. Dee shares how balance, preparation, and spiritual grounding can help prevent and even reverse chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity. Through her seven wellness pillars, one including spirituality, she guides us toward sustainable habits, from mindful meal prep to measurable health goals. Find out about her community initiatives and how you can explore lifestyle medicine as a career. Dr. Dee reminds us that true healing begins when we love ourselves enough to nurture our whole being. Dr. D’Wan (affectionately called Dr. Dee) earned her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine (formerly UMDNJ-SOM). She completed her internship at Northside Hospital in Saint Petersburg, FL and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency at Oakwood Hospital/Wayne State University in Taylor, MI. With over a decade in practice, her experiences in all healthcare arenas took her full circle to the understanding and appreciation that food is our first medicine. Dr. Dee has added the practice of lifestyle medicine into her practice helping patients embrace whole food plant predominant lifestyles, focus on the roots of health including sleep, stress reduction, healthy social connections, and reducing risky habits. She is known for helping patients understand the most complex aspects of their medical care and the most heart-warming bedside manner. Interested in Lifestyle Medicine as a career? Visit ACLM at LifestyleMedicine.com.To learn more about Dr. Dee and her practice, visit her website at DrDwanCarpenter.com and connect with her on IG @drdwancarpenter.

We’re wrapping up our “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series with a powerful conversation on turning vision into real opportunities for students. Dr. William Syms, Vice President of Student Services, Enrollment Management and Equity Initiatives at West Los Angeles College (WLAC), shares how his journey has shaped his passion for advocacy and college access. He unpacks a bold Vision 2030 plan for students and explains how guaranteed admission in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) helps remove application barriers and why helping students find their identity at WLAC is central to building authentic relationships for their future. Discover how to connect your dreams to real pathways, as this episode invites you to “say yes” to your next step at WLAC. Spring classes begin February 9th! Dr. Syms completed his Doctorate of Education in Urban Education and Leadership at University of Southern California (USC). A political and community organizer from Altadena California, he began his career as a 16 year old President of the Pasadena City College chapter of the NAACP where he worked to educate young people about leveraging their economic power while pursuing education. His activism continued at Clark Atlanta University where he worked with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the NAACP to champion restorative justice legislation throughout the southeast region. After college, Dr. Syms refined his organizing skills as a Congressional Field Representative for former Congressman Adam Schiff, where he managed federal issues in the areas of science, technology and entertainment. Following his time with congress, he returned to work with the NAACP as a youth organizer, and served on the National Campaigns team for Amnesty International. To learn more about Dr. Syms and his work, visit WLAC.edu, email him at [email protected], or connect with him on LinkedIn.

We’re back for the new semester, celebrating our 200th episode as we continue the “Honor Your Gifts and Say Yes” series! This week, we honor a trailblazer turning hardships into leadership legacy! We are thrilled to invite back the reigning Miss Coppin State University and graduating Health Science scholar, Catherine Trumata-Addey. Catherine urges students to reach beyond Coppin State and build their own legacies through leadership. Find out why it is important to step out of your comfort zone by developing your public speaking skills, befriending your professors, and building your vocabulary, in order to maintain confidence and show up for yourself and others. Catherine is the 94th Miss Coppin State University and she is currently completing her Health Science major at Coppin State University. As Miss Coppin, she is committed to student wellness, leadership development, and community service, using her platform to create meaningful, student-centered programming that supports both personal and academic success. She has served as an intern with the Alzheimer’s Association and she is currently the NAACP Secretary. In addition, she serves as a Physical Therapy Rehab Aide at Pivot PT and plans to become a Travel Physical Therapist. Through initiatives focused on mental health, health education, and service, Catherine strives to uplift underserved communities and empower students to lead with confidence and purpose. She aspires to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy and continue advocating for equitable access to care while representing Coppin State University with pride, grace, and service. To learn more about Catherine and her work, connect with her on IG @misscoppinstateuniversity, @csuroyalcourt or visit Coppin.edu.

We hope everyone had a restful, peaceful, and joy-filled Thanksgiving! This year has given us all reason to pause, reflect, and identify our own personal calling amidst uncertain times. In this week’s episode, we welcome educator, author, and wellness consultant, Stacey Y. Clark. Stacey shares how she’s helped clients ages 17 to 70 connect their purpose to an authentic life they truly enjoy living. In her book, “Confidence in Full Bloom: A 30-Day Guide to Growing Unshakable Confidence in Uncertain Times”, she unpacks three phases of personal growth—self-worth, self-efficacy, and self-love—to help listeners make the most of their course syllabi and career paths. Discover how intentional living and simple practices can empower you to follow your calling with clarity and confidence. ⁠ Stacey completed her M.Ed. in Digital Learning and Leading at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at California State University, Northridge. She is the creator of the In Full Bloom series, a collection of soulful, research-informed guides that help readers grow their self-worth, strengthen their emotional wellness, and feel grounded during every season of life. Stacey’s work blends neuroscience, design thinking, and soul care, showing readers how everyday practices—breathing, movement, reflection, and intentional choices—can activate the body’s natural calming system, the vagus nerve. Beyond writing, Stacey facilitates wellness retreats, supports professionals in career reinvention, and designs learning experiences that help people thrive through change. Her mission is simple: to help people, especially young adults, build lives rooted in confidence, clarity, and intentional wellness. To learn more about Stacey and her work, visit her website at SYMoorePub.com or connect with her on IG @symoorepub.

Have you ever been misunderstood for simply being outspoken? In the final episode of our “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Director, Producer and LMU MFA candidate, Taja Dominique. Taja shares how she transformed her outspoken spirit into creative projects, mentorship, and by founding her own company, InspiredbyTaja Productions.⁠ Raised by artistic parents and supported by powerful mentors, she has used storytelling, film, and activism to not only uplift Oakland artists and youth in her community, but humanize them and their stories. Discover why knowing yourself, planning ahead, and creating with integrity and courage are essential to owning your strength while empowering others in the process. Taja is currently in her second year as a MFA Candidate for the School of Film and Television Production specializing in Directing at Loyola Marymount University. She also received her Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Studies at San Francisco State University. Taja has a passionate goal to tell authentic stories that pay homage and honorship to Black culture, Black girls and Womanhood under her production company InspiredbyTaja Productions. She has been involved with various creative outlets leading her to the art of filmmaking and her creative style is often defined as humanizing, experimental, poetic, and visually intriguing. To learn more about Taja and her work, visit her website at InspiredbyTaja.com or connect with her on IG @tajanirel.

When was the last time you seriously considered building agency for yourself? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, we’re joined by Dell Ivy, Program Manager for Student Experience at the University of Houston’s CT Bauer College of Business. As a second-generation college graduate, Dell draws from his journey as a TRIO Coordinator and the child of nontraditional college graduates. He highlights the importance of building agency, finding mentors, expressing your voice, and staying intentional inside and outside the classroom. Dell shares practical advice for navigating parental pressures, building reputation after setbacks, and embracing mentorship and autonomy. Find out how he reminds students to stay resilient, seek direction, and not take life too seriously as they shape their own unique path. Dell completed both his M.S. in Higher Education Leadership in Student Affairs and his Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. As a dedicated advocate for student development and mentorship, Dell credits much of his own success and confidence as an undergraduate to the transformative power of student success initiatives. Inspired by those experiences, he is committed to creating and sustaining programs that empower students through mentorship, teamwork, and confidence-building. Guided by these principles, he strives to exceed student expectations and ensure every student has access to meaningful, impactful experiences that foster both personal and professional growth. To learn more about Dell and his work, visit his website at UH.edu or connect with him on LinkedIn.

Life’s challenges are inevitable, but what if you could face them with an invincible spirit? In this episode of the “Owning Your Strength” series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu explores five powerful ways to tap into your inner strength. Whether you’ve felt your inner powerhouse before or not, these practical strategies will help you build confidence and resilience, no matter what comes your way. Tune in to discover how to trust your journey, and remember that ‘this too shall pass’.⁠ ⁠ Yoli completed her M.Ed. in Cross-Cultural Teaching at National University, and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has fused her thirst for creativity and entrepreneurship with 25 years as a resolute educator/motivator, podcast host, speaker, author, and recording artist. In August 2020, Yoil created The Back to Me Podcast: College and Beyond-a weekly podcast that she also hosts and serves as Executive Producer. In her weekly thirty-minute shows, Yoli seamlessly shares enlightening, engaging, and entertaining conversations that feature monthly themes and a wide array of special guests from different social classes and professions. Her arsenal of talents also includes developing a professional career as a songwriter/singer, live performer, independently publishing a book as an author, and working as a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) coach. To learn more about Yoli’s college journey, check out her self-published book, “Back to Me: A Devotional Walk for the College Freshman Woman” and visit our website at TheBacktoMePodcast.com.⁠

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to take inventory of our inner strength as we prepare to navigate societal challenges with resilience and joy! In the first episode of our new series, “Owning Your Strength,” we are joined by Kwynn Townsend Riley, Director of the Office of Black Student Services at Loyola Marymount University. This award-winning poet, author and first-generation graduate shares how overcoming doubt and honoring her inner strength helped her forge an authentic community, nurture Black student pride, and support social justice on campus. Through her own poetry, cultural events and programs like the Umoja Alliance and The Learning Community, Kwyn reminds students they are not invisible and that joy and resilience are acts of resistance. In this dream job, find out how she encourages students to believe in their unique power, and lead by being their best, irreplaceable selves. Kwyn completed her M.S. in College Student Personnel from Western Illinois University, and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. This proud Southside Chicagoan is an interdisciplinary scholar-practitioner and artist. As a Black Queer Feminist, she envisions a world where we all are free. Kwyn is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, BYP100 (Black Youth Project 100), Chicago Scholars Associate Board and serves on the PAN Directorate Board for ACPA (American College Personnel Association). She is a decorated slam poet, author of two books of poetry and an award winning poetry album recipient. Kwyn has been recognized by CBS as a “history-maker” for her social justice work and organizing. She intends to help students, community and others to ignite a brighter world. To learn more about Kwyn and her work, visit her website at Kwynelizabeth.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

This week for our “Ready, Set, Leap” series, our host and founder, Yoli Tamu welcomes the very student who first inspired her to begin serving college students years ago! In this episode, we meet Rwanda Carter, ASW, PPSC, Psychiatric Social Worker for LAUSD’s Black Student Achievement Plan (BSAP). Born in Belize and raised in Watts, Rwanda shares how her parents’ sacrifices inspired her to uplift her community, build belonging, and lead with purpose. She recalls finding her voice through campus organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Summer Engineering Experience for Kids (SEEK)—programs that nurtured her drive to serve others. Now, as a mentor and advocate, Rwanda has come full circle, creating opportunities for high school students to experience growth, community wellness, and college exploration. Her powerful journey proves that when you invest in underserved communities, the results ripple across generations. Rwanda completed both her Master of Social Work and her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at California State University, Fullerton. She is a dedicated social worker committed to uplifting and serving communities with limited access to mental health resources. As the BSAP Psychiatric Social Worker, she promotes mental wellness among historically underserved students through representation, advocacy, and culturally responsive care. Her work centers on reducing stigma, expanding access to mental health services, and empowering Black youth through trauma-informed and identity-affirming interventions. By collaborating with educators, families, and community partners, Rwanda helps create safe, inclusive environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported. Her long-term goal is to influence mental health policy to expand equitable access to care and address systemic barriers impacting marginalized populations. To learn more about Rwanda and her work, visit her at LAUSD.org or connect with her on LinkedIn.