King Crush Thursday - The Interviews

EP 160 DR DALE CALDWELL

Dr. Dale G. Caldwell is the President of Centenary University in Hackettstown, New Jersey. He is the 15th President of the University and the first African American in that role. Dale is the Pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey, the author of eight books and for the last four years in a row has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Higher Education in New Jersey. He graduated from Princeton University, received an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Doctorate from Seton Hall University. Dale also completed the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government program and the Rutgers Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance program. He has been the President of three public school boards and was named the 2009 New Jersey School Board Member of the Year. His professional experience includes being the CEO of Strategic Influence LLC, a Senior Manager with Deloitte Consulting, the Executive Director of the Newark Alliance and the Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW VIDEO HERE

EP 79 JONATHAN PINKETT

JONATHAN PINKETT  - His own words: 
“I was born in Philadelphia Pa in 1949. I grew up in South Philadelphia a few blocks from the Philadelphia College of Art. After studying filmmaking at the Philadelphia College of Art, I moved to New York
to study drawing and painting at an Atelier led by master painters Jacob Collins and Colleen Barry. My technique is an indirect painting practice that is influenced by the Florentine school and the Dutch Golden age (13th-16th centuries). Until recently, the techniques of the old masters had almost completely evaporated from contemporary art. My work is an effort to preserve those techniques. 
Figurative Painting has the ability to communicate in great depth, detail, and sophistication the most powerful moments in life. As figurative painter. My focus is not so much the subject as it is the light that illuminates the person depicted. Light is a language that describes form. As I painter I am translating that light and form to the canvas as a visual language. This language enables me to accomplish my primary goal, which is to communicate my love of nature.  I completed three month Residency at The Barnes Foundation in 2019.”
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO INTERVIEW HERE

EP 78 IQUAIL SHAEED

Dr. Iquail Shaheed - Hailed in reviews as "a perfect example of his generation of male dancers... Technically superb and artistically infallible," Dr. Iquail Shaheed is a Philadelphia-based artist, activist and the executive artistic director of DANCE IQUAIL! through which he creates new works and programs that centers on Blackness, Justice and Joy. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Ballet Performance from the University of the Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Purchase College – SUNY and In 2022, He became the first Black male to earn a PhD in dance at Texas Woman's University.
Iquail has worked with internationally acclaimed companies such as Philadanco, Compagnie Thor (in Brussels), Sean Curran Company, Ronald K Brown/ Evidence, and the Fred Benjamin Dance Company. He has also appeared in various Broadway productions including The Lion King, Hot Feet and SuperFly. As an educator, Iquail preserves the Horton Technique by serving on faculty at The Ailey School, NAISDA Dance College in Australia, and is the second Black man to receive tenure and promoted to associate professor at Goucher College in their 137-year-history. 
Among his many honors are grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, Andrew W Mellon Foundation, New England foundation for the Arts, MAP Fund, National Performance Network, the Philadelphia Dance Award - “The Rocky,” and the Marion D. Cuyjet Award. 
Mr. Shaheed received his training as a scholarship student at many prestigious schools including the Philadelphia Dance Company - PhilaDANCO, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, The Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance, Paul Taylor School, The Juilliard School and Pennsylvania Ballet, among many others. He proudly serves on the board of directors for the International Association of Blacks in Dance, where he was the elected board treasurer, and is a board member with Dance USA and the Stockton Bartol Rush Foundation.
CHECK OUT INTERVIEW VIDEO HERE

EP 77 JIM TURNER

Jim Turner has long been a catalyst for change in the state of Pennsylvania, with the City of Chester as his home base.  
 Jim is the President and CEO of Dunamis Marketing, a full-service marketing and consulting firm that specializes in mass media production and placement, strategic planning, event execution, corporate community partnership programs, and ethnic marketing. His portfolio of clients has included: Chester Water Authority, Inner City Broadcasting, Kraft Foods, Mobil Oil, Principal, Mercy, Diamond State, and Coventry Health Plans, Eastern University, University of PA, and Widener Universities, multiple municipalities, the Reach Gospel Radio Network, local television network,  and many faith based and non-profit organizations regarding media strategies. 
 
His work in Chester started with helping to develop the Chester Microenterprise Partnership (CMP)
a collaborative initiative of Pennsylvania Weed and Seed, city of Chester and Philadelphia Development Partnership. Under Jim’s leadership, CMP provided capital, business skills training, technical assistance and related services to entrepreneurial start-ups and established, expanding businesses.  Through its Business Skills Training Program, a collaborative effort with support from Widener University, CMP trained 280 people and assisted more than 540 people to fine-tune their business acumen, helping Chester based business ventures access more than $500,000 in working capital in his 3-year tenure. 
 As the former director of Economic Development for the Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA); he brought his vast experience and talents to bear in helping to shape the new economic direction of the city of Chester. Jim was responsible for the development of:
  The Advantage Chester Vendor Program 
  Small Business Development Program 
  Marketing and outreach campaigns for the city of Chester 
 “Make the First City Your First Choice.” 
  Created the Annual Riverfront Ramble that averaged over 10,000 attendees yearly for 11 yrs.
  Oversaw the Keystone Opportunity Zone Program 
Chester’s representative for the creation of the Keystone Innovation Zone
Assist in the creation of a Workforce strategy for the city of Chester - Chester Workforce Development Center (CWDC) emerged as the source for information on jobs and training opportunities for Chester residents in the city.  The center has assisted over 6,000 residents in job preparation through various partners.  
During his tenure at CEDA there was over $1.7 billion dollars in restoration to the city of Chester. Jim continues to help local businesses through the Wideners Small Business Development Center, Chester Business Association, Freedmen Art Alliance, and New Day Chester.
Jim greatest joy is being a part of the ministry team at New Life Ministries International. He has had the honor of traveling extensively around the world with late Apostle Dr. Joyce E. Scott including Malaysia, Singapore, West Africa, South Africa, Liberia, Caribbean Islands, Israel, and throughout the continental United States. The ministry is currently working on major projects for the restoration of Haiti, South Africa, and Liberia building schools, churches, and orphanages. 
 
Jim currently serves the community through a variety of organizations:
Council of Trustees for Cheyney University
Chairman of The United Way of Delaware County
Chairman Boys and Girl Club of Chester
Vice Chairman Chester Business Association
Regional Board - United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey 
Board Member of:
Black Business Leaders Coalition
Chester County Economic Development Council
Chester Community Improvement Project
Entrepreneur Works formerly Chester Micro Enterprise Partnership
Freeman Art Alliance
Lincoln University Business Incubator
PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency Justice Advisory Board
President’s Advisory Board of Widener University
Pennsylvania Re Entry Council Attorney General Office
Widener Partnership Charter School (founding member)
Previous Appointments
Commissioner – PA Commission on Crime and Delinquency 10 years
Chairman – Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce
Board Member – Delaware County Chamber of Commerce
Chairman – Targeted Community Revitalization & Crime Prevention
In 2010 Jim was honored through Widener University to be inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Chapter 214.   Jim is an ordained minister at New Life Ministries International and is married to his partner in time Deborah, together they have a blended family of 3 children.
CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW VIDEO HERE

EP 76 MELLO DIXON

Mello Dixon “I have always been a HUGE fan of sports and the stories behind the athletes. I wanted to figure out a way to bring the history of the story to light. I came up with a concept to develop Wearable Art. I was able through very hard work and dedication to bring to life the images that I was so amazed by. 
 
I dedicated 3 years from 2008 to 2011 to Mastering my craft. I call it Kanye’ing it where I spent those 3 years in a studio in Upstate New York and just worked and created day after day Night after Night. 
 
Now truly 20 years into the art world I have been able to create timeless pieces of art that people can now wear and show off their own creativity. All of my pieces no matter how similar they appear are all one of a kind which gives full appreciation to the piece as art is supposed to do.”
CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW VIDEO HERE

EP 159 CHAD FEGGINS

 Chad Feggins - Recent Morehouse College graduate and future AmeriCorps City Year Philadelphia participant, Chad Feggins is dedicated to making a lasting impact in the fields of wellness and community service. With a passion for health, fitness, and community empowerment, Chad is on a mission to inspire others to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Graduating from Morehouse College, a prestigious institution known for producing leaders and change-makers, Chad has honed a unique blend of skills and knowledge that position him as a visionary in the wellness industry. His academic journey was marked by a commitment to excellence, leadership, and a desire to make a positive difference in the world. Throughout his time at Morehouse, he developed a strong foundation in business, health sciences, and community engagement, which now fuels his entrepreneurial spirit.
In his pursuit of creating a healthier world, Chad is currently building a wellness company called "PhillyFitFormula." This venture aims to provide innovative health solutions and comprehensive wellness programs tailored to meet the needs of individuals from all walks of life. "PhillyFitFormula" is not just a business; it's a movement towards holistic health, incorporating fitness, nutrition, mental well-being, and community support. Through this company, Chad seeks to empower people to take control of their health and achieve their fitness goals.
As part of his commitment to giving back to the community, Chad  began his journey with AmeriCorps City Year Philadelphia in August 2024. City Year is a national service organization dedicated to helping students and schools succeed. In this role, he will be working as a mentor and tutor, providing critical support to students in under-resourced schools. This opportunity allows him to combine his passion for education, mentorship, and community service, furthering his mission to make a meaningful impact.
Chad is not only an entrepreneur and a dedicated public servant but also a lifelong learner and advocate for continuous personal growth. He believes in the power of education and self-improvement as tools for achieving one's dreams and making a difference in the world. His journey is a testament to the importance of perseverance, dedication, and a heart committed to service.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Chad is an avid fitness enthusiast who practices what he preaches. He enjoys various forms of physical activity, including running, weightlifting, and yoga, and believes that a balanced and active lifestyle is key to overall well-being. His personal fitness journey fuels his drive to help others achieve their own health and wellness goals.
Through his work with "PhillyFitFormula" and AmeriCorps City Year, Chad aims to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. He envisions a world where wellness is accessible to all, where communities are empowered, and where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
As Chad embarks on this exciting new chapter in his life, he remains committed to his core values of integrity, compassion, and excellence. He is ready to tackle new challenges, embrace opportunities for growth, and continue making a positive impact in the lives of those around him. Whether through his entrepreneurial ventures, community service, or personal interactions, Chad is dedicated to creating a better, healthier, and more equitable world for all.
 
See the Video Interview HERE

158 DR DONTAE RYAN

EPISODE 158 A native of Baltimore, Maryland and a graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Dr. Dontae L. Ryan @drdryan1979 @LearnWithRyan received his baccalaureate degree in Electrical Engineering and Doctorate in Engineering from Morgan State University in 2001 and 2012, respectively.
Dr. Ryan has over 20 years of professional experience in Radio Frequency Engineering currently serving as the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of The Ryan Institute, LLC; an Education and Technology Consulting Firm that he co-founded with his wife Antoynica Ryan in 2012. He has given several technical presentations regarding adaptable power amplifiers and anti-jam technologies at various technical conferences such as Government Microcircuit Applications & Critical Technology Conference, (GOMACTech), Asilomar Conference on Signals, Systems, and Computers, and the Joint Navigation Conference (JNC).
Through The Ryan Institute, LLC, Dr. Ryan & his wife have worked with several Baltimore City Public Schools to provide enrichment programming to their respective students. One-on-One tutoring, Pop-Up Brainery cultural enrichment program, Spring Break Academy for Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Enrichment, Step 101 team building, and standardize test preparatory are all programs that students of Baltimore City and surrounding counties have participated with The Ryan Institute, LLC. Recently being selected as a direct partner with the Baltimore City Public School’s Office of Family Engagement and Office of Teaching and Learning, The Ryan Institute is dedicated to its continuous service to the students of Baltimore and beyond. The Ryan Institute, LLC’s mission of “Preparing Scholars for Global Competition” through character education, athletics, and the arts to stabilize communities remains the center of its program and curriculum development.
Dr. Ryan is a brother of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and is an active member of the Beta Alpha Lambda Chapter. He lives in Baltimore City with his wife Antoynica, their son Dontae II and daughter Kailyn.
See the Video Interview HERE

EP 157 EMILE E HOLLAND

EPISODE 157 Emile E. Holland is a 23 years old  west Philadelphia Native. Emile is a proud product of the Philadelphia public school system. Emile the son of a Temple Owl began his journey at Temple in the spring of 2019. Entering into Temple as a political science major, Emile quickly realized his zeal for the field of Africology, more specifically education under the discipline of Africology. Growing up with a mother as an educator there was always a heavy importance placed on education. And more importantly in the power that being a young g black educated man held. Being a devoted Christian community, involvement and engagement were at the forefront of Emiles life. Always having a passion for community engagement especially on the part of those in the minority. It was only fitting for Emile to join the ranks of the notable men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as a spring 22 initiate of the Pi Rho Mania chapter seated here at the temple. During his time here on campus as a Brother of Alpha, Emile served two terms on NPHC Eboard as Secretary and Vice-president. As well as serving in various rolls for his chapter and district levels. Come this fall Emile will be beginning his teaching career here in the school district of Philadelphia and will be starting a Master of Education in k-4 with a certification in k-12 special education. And Emile lives by the saying “simply showing up is half the battle”.
See the Video Interview HERE