The Back to Me Podcast

In our final episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Dr. Markeith Royster, Delta Chapter member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. shares why it is essential to let go of the Imposter Syndrome. This Norfolk State University graduate co-created a course titled, “From Impossible to I’m Possible: An Analysis of The Imposter Syndrome Phenomenon” to encourage students to use the natural values they possess to combat systems built against them. Through social justice trainings, instructing student development courses and counseling students, Dr. Royster is able to combine his passion for access and retention as Community Director in Student Affairs in UCLA’s Residential Life Department. Dr. Royster completed his Ed.D. in Educational Psychology at the University of Southern California. He received his M.Ed. in Education Curriculum and Instruction at Averett University and his Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics at Norfolk State University. After witnessing the disconnect between secondary education and access to higher education, Dr. Royster developed a number of college access programs to assist in the transition from high school to higher education. His goal is to ensure that students are able to understand, appreciate, and value their authentic selves while achieving their goals. To learn more about Dr. Royster’s work, go to his IG @markeith.royster or email him at [email protected].

In this episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Dr. April Clay, Pi Zeta Zeta Chapter member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. discusses racial injustice as a global concern. This Chapman University graduate and CEO of Clay Counseling Solutions, Inc., shares how the pandemics of COVID-19 and racial injustice are affecting youth and their families. While this college professor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist acknowledges the personal resiliency of young people under quarantine, she also acknowledges the suicidal increases as a result of these pandemics. Dr. Clay explains the physiological and psychological effects of racial battle fatigue and encourages us all to recognize how our medical wellness is tied to our racialized experiences. Dr. Clay completed her Doctorate in Education with an emphasis on Educational Justice at University of Redlands. She received both her MA in Clinical Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Chapman University. As CEO and Founder of Clay Counseling Solutions, Inc., her organization serves schools, corporations, individuals and families. She is also an Adjunct Professor in the Dept. of School Counseling and School Psychology at Azusa Pacific University. As a professional researcher, Dr. Clay completed a project on the early impact of California’s Local Control Funding Formula on African American children with a team out of California State University, San Bernardino. To learn more about Dr. Clay and her organization’s free resources, visit her website at ClayCounselingSolutions.com.

In today’s episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Kendrick Jones, Alpha Upsilon Chapter member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. speaks candidly as both a student and a professor about racial bias in education. This California State University Dominguez Hills graduate discusses the challenges of being a Black Doctoral Scholar in pursuit of his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration and Policy. He also speaks of the joy and optimism he receives from teaching his students about social justice revolutions and the relevancy of past events in history. Kendrick is currently District Representative for California State Senator Steven Bradford and he encourages you to make sure your voice is heard at the polls this November. Kendrick is currently in pursuit of his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration and Policy at Pepperdine University. He received both his MA in Education and his Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Socio/Psychological Behaviors at California State University Dominguez Hills. Kendrick is extremely hopeful for future generations and his determination to succeed at whatever he does despite the obstacles he encounters is inspirational. To learn more about Kendrick, go to his IG @kendrickjonesofficial.

In this episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Ella Turenne, Pasadena Alumnae Chapter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. explores the special relationship we have with our hair. This Stony Brook University graduate is currently focusing on Black feminist theory and media culture in her Ph.D. Program in Visual Studies at UC Irvine. Ella is an artist and entrepreneur who had a love/hate relationship with her hair like many of us. In her one woman show titled, “Love, Locs and Liberation,” she discusses how society’s view of our hair affects us emotionally. Listen to how she learned to love and manage her natural hair. Ella completed her MA in Media Studies at New School University and her MSW at Boston University. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Stony Brook University. Ella’s one woman show, “Love, Locs & Liberation” was a winner of the Hollywood Fringe Festival Scholarship and an Encore Producer Award. It has been a selection of the Downtown Urban Arts Festival, the United Solo Festival and the Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival. She is also a trainer for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program and is Digital Coordinator for the Activists Studio West Project. To learn more about Ella’s work, go to her IG @blackwomyn or visit her website at EllaTurenne.com.

In today’s episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Dereck Faulkner, Gamma Epsilon Chapter member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. shares the value of giving back and the power of mentorship in our communities. As the son of two military officers, he developed gratitude and respect for the men and women of the military at a young age. This former NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles and Founder of The Athletes for Vets Foundation persevered as a successful student athlete and graduate of Hampton University. With aspirations to succeed as a business man and professional athlete, Dereck understood the value of seeking mentors on campus and he encourages you to actively do the same. Dereck completed his MBA degree in Marketing and Non-Profit Management at George Washington University School of Business and his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at Hampton University. As the visionary behind The Athletes for Vets Foundation, Dereck’s goal is to unite, support, advocate and help the heroes who defend our nation’s freedom. He also owns E8 Management, a diversified business consultant agency in sports, entertainment and technology with ventures integrating music, film, television and philanthropy. To learn more about Dereck’s non-profit and for-profit businesses, go to his IG @athletesforvets and @e8management or visit his website at AthletesforVets.org.

In today’s episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Dr. Parris Carter, Xi Tau Chapter member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. shares some of the ways he and his staff offer virtual mental health support to their students on and off campus during this COVID-19 pandemic. As the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs at Howard University, Dr. Carter prioritizes the importance of staying emotionally and physically fit by sharing some of his personal self-care habits. Through wellness checks, violence prevention programs and virtual group sessions, this Wright State University graduate encourages you to also seek these services on your campus. Dr. Carter completed his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education at Union Institute & University and his M.Ed. at Wright State University, where he also received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. With over 20 years of progressive Higher Education administrative experience, Dr. Carter knows how to identify the needs of his students to help develop programming and community partnerships that will impact their lives both academically and socially on and off campus. To learn more about Dr. Carter’s work and the programming available in the Student Affairs Department, visit the website at StudentAffairs.Howard.edu.

In this episode of our limited series, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” Dr. Jessica Jackson, Alpha Phi Chapter member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. discusses how you can overcome the stigma of being a strong Black woman in society and on campus. As a Licensed Psychologist who heals through culturally responsive evidence-based treatments, Dr. Jackson explores the differences between systemic racism against Black men and personal racism against Black women. This North Carolina A&T State University graduate reminds us to unapologetically protect ourselves and speak up to our counterparts for their support and protection. Dr. Jackson completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at New Mexico State University and her MA in Education and Human Development at George Washington University. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at North Carolina A&T State University, she developed a passion for advocacy in the field of counseling psychology. At her clinical practice in Houston, TX, she delivers culturally responsive evidence-based treatments to clients with a wide range of emotional, behavioral and adjustment problems. She also offers local and national workshops and webinars. To learn more about Dr. Jackson’s work and her “Therapy Thursdays”, go to her IG @dr_jlauren or her website at DrJLauren.com.

For our first limited series titled, “How Sororities and Fraternities Support Mental Health Awareness,” we begin with the first organization of the Divine 9. Marcus Johnson, Beta Chapter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. offers you a way to diversify your talent and go D.E.E.P.E.R. with his proven life plan model. In this episode, he shares how he started his businesses, FLO Brands and FLO Wine (For the Love Of…) while juggling the responsibility of being a loving companion to his partner and nurturing father to his young daughter, Chase. As this Howard University graduate defines the D.E.E.P.E.R. model he created to help him manifest his dreams, I encourage you to listen closely and apply some of his practices in your life. Marcus completed his Juris Doctorate degree and MBA in Corporate/Entertainment Law and Business at Georgetown University. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from Howard University. As an independent Billboard-ranked, internationally acclaimed jazz keyboardist and NAACP Image Award nominee, Marcus manages to handle all the demands of being the powerful business owner of both FLO Brands and FLO wine. He is also the Amazon Best-Selling author of “FLO…For the Love Of” and continues to draw people to his events with his life affirming messages and entertaining experiences. Marcus recently released his CD titled, “BALLADS…In My Voice” and he is expanding his support of the physical, mental and spiritual health of his audiences. To learn more about Marcus’ work and events, connect with him on IG @marcusjohnson360 or visit his website at MarcusJohnson360.com.

The murder of George Floyd caused everybody to stop and see up close and personal just how unjust America’s law enforcement can be. Licensed Spiritual Practioner, Rev. Arlene Hylton of the Agape International Spiritual Center reminds us in this episode of the importance of all cultures and religions coming together. In this heartfelt conversation, Rev. Arlene implores us to live a responsive life through the power of meditation. Learn how her vegan lifestyle offers additional mental clarity in fearful times. If you’ve ever considered creating your own silent retreat at home or in your dorm, Rev. Arlene will walk you through this process and discusses the value of setting personal intentions that lead to a life of gratitude. Rev. Arlene is a Spiritual Teacher who seeks to assist individuals in remembering their Spiritual Potential through prayer, meditation and the embodiment of spiritual principles. She leads four ministries at the Agape International Spiritual Center and delights in assisting youth and adults in realizing their God given attributes through her workshops, lectures and one-on-one consultations. She created a multi-dimensional workshop titled, “I’m Keeping True” that focuses on fasting, prayer and intention setting to support individual transformation. To learn more about Rev. Arlene and her popular workshops, connect with her on IG @revarlene1 and visit her website at RevArlene.com.

From community college to an Ivy League institution, this Cornell University graduate shares the benefits of pursuing higher education at a community college that can lead to a career you love. Talent Acquisition Expert, Rahsaan Diaz knows firsthand how easy it is to get distracted and lose focus by hanging out with the wrong crowd. In this episode, we discuss how he was able to overcome his challenges with the support of administrators on campus that helped him develop strong discipline to support the academic strengths he already had. Majoring in Industrial Labor Relations, Rahsaan was exposed to many internship opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship, as well as internships to secure future employment and walks us through the process of building relationships with faculty, administrators and potential employers. Rahsaan completed his Bachelor of Science degree at Cornell University. He also attended Columbia University and is currently the Manager and Talent Advisor at Healthfirst in New York, NY. He previously served as Talent Acquisition Manager at Elsevier Talent Network. To learn more about Rahsaan and how he can help you in your job pursuit, connect with him on LinkedIn or via email at [email protected].

For more information on COVID-19 resources, visit https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/COVID-19-Information-and-Resources and https://www.unitedway.org/

The Back to Me Project Podcast: College and Beyond is a weekly podcast hosted and executive produced by Yoli Tamu. Each week in the thirty-minute show, Yoli seamlessly shares enlightening, engaging, and entertaining conversations that feature monthly themes and a wide array of special guests from all social classes and professions discussing mental health and career planning for college freshmen and graduates.