Talking Cities with Matt Enstice And Friends Matt Enstice

Welcome to this week's episode of Talking Cities!
Join us as Juweria Dahir, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at BNMC, engages in a captivating conversation with Raquel Calhoun, the CEO and owner of Calhouncustomcreations LLC Bakery and Event Boutique.
Raquel Calhoun leads a registered NYS Home Based Bakery in Western New York, specializing in crafting beautiful, tasty, and trendy custom cakes, cookies, and desserts. Her business isn't just about providing sweet treats; it's about adding an extra spark to life's special moments.
Beyond baking, Raquel and her team are on a mission to spread the joy of celebrating life's milestones. They actively support local small businesses, emerging entrepreneurs, and Buffalo's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Calhouncustomcreations is more than just a bakery—it's a hub for cultural creatives to learn, grow, and celebrate their successes together.
Join us as we delve into Raquel's journey, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her dedication to building a thriving community. Get ready for an inspiring conversation that will leave you craving both sweet treats and entrepreneurial empowerment. Welcome to Talking Cities!
To learn more about Talking Cities Podcast visit www.BNMC.org 
 

Join us on this week's episode as Juweria Dahir, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at BNMC, sits down with Shantelle Patton, the visionary behind That Brown Bag Minority Business Directory in Buffalo, NY.
Shantelle Patton is a true champion for minority-owned businesses, exemplifying dedication and passion in her mission to uplift marginalized entrepreneurs. In 2018, she took her advocacy a step further by creating Buffalo's renowned Minority Business Directory, affectionately known as 'That Brown Bag.' As the driving force behind this initiative, Shantelle has tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between minority business owners and essential resources, empowering them to thrive in their respective industries.
Through 'That Brown Bag,' Shantelle has not only provided a vital resource for consumers eager to support Black-owned businesses but has also catalyzed increased visibility and recognition for these enterprises across Western New York.
Tune in as we delve into Shantelle Patton's inspiring journey and her invaluable contributions to the local business community. Welcome to Talking Cities!
To learn more about Talking Cities Podcast visit www.BNMC.org 

Welcome to this week's episode of Talking Cities, where innovation and entrepreneurship take center stage! Join our host, Juweria Dahir, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at BNMC, engages in a captivating conversation with Mariam Sadawi, the dynamic founder of Hint Juice & Smoothie Bar.
In this inspiring episode, we delve into Mariam's incredible journey, starting as a first-year MBA student with a vision rooted in personal health challenges. Mariam's commitment to health and wellness shines through in the story of Hint Juice & Smoothie Bar, showcasing unparalleled resilience and entrepreneurial prowess. 
Notably, Mariam's achievements have reached new heights, earning her a well-deserved feature in Buffalo Business First among the prestigious 'Inno 5 Under 25.' This recognition highlights her significant impact as one of the young entrepreneurs shaping the future.
Educationally, Mariam brings a wealth of knowledge, having graduated from the University at Buffalo with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, concentrating in Entrepreneurship. Her life path, marked by extraordinary resilience, unfolds from being born in Iraq to seeking refuge in the United States in 2011, escaping a civil war in Syria.
Join us as we uncover Mariam's remarkable story, exploring the intersection of education, entrepreneurship, and personal resilience. Welcome to Talking Cities, where extraordinary journeys inspire and innovative minds converge. Tune in now to gain insights from Mariam Sadawi!
 
To learn more about Talking Cities Podcast visit www.BNMC.org 



 
 



 









 

On this week episodes the BNMC Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Juweria Dahir sits with Jillian Hanesworth Founder of Literary Freedom LLC and Former Poet Laureate of Buffalo NY
 
Jillian Hanesworth, founder of Literary Freedom LLC, is making waves in the literary world for her Emmy-nominated collaboration with the Buffalo Bills on the “Choose Love: Buffalo Bills Honor East Buffalo” video. An IC Success Business Accelerator Alum, Hanesworth is dedicated to expanding literary access to communities of color and historically excluded communities.
Her business Literary Freedom LLC was established by Hanesworth in 2021 with the aim of providing educational tools and empowering individuals to use the arts to share their stories and uplift their experiences. Recognizing the pivotal role that poetry, music, visual art, dance, and traditional storytelling have played in sharing Black stories, Literary Freedom strives to uphold these traditions.
 
Let’s listen in as we learn more about Jillian Hanesworth, welcome to Talking Cities

On this week episodes the BNMC Director of Inclusion & Community Initiatives, Kyria Stephens sits with Trina Burruss the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County President and CEO.
 Trina Burruss brings to the role a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, along with over 30 years of serving in community and volunteer leadership roles. During her banking career, Burruss led community initiatives that developed relationships with nonprofits and invested millions of dollars in philanthropic support into helping community members build the financial well-being they need to thrive. Her efforts led to, among other things, the opening of a new Northwest branch office in East Buffalo, launching new community financial wellness initiatives and shepherding internal and external practices to advance diversity, equity and inclusion.
 
Burruss’s professional and personal accomplishments led United Way to invite her to serve on its Strategic Planning Task Force in 2019 and afforded her an opportunity to help shape the organization’s future direction. From there, she served on the Board of Directors until she saw an opportunity to align her leadership skills and passion for the community and pursued the Chief Operating Officer role at United Way, which she assumed in July of 2021.
 
Let’s listen in as we learn more about Trina Burruss, welcome to Talking Cities.

On this week's episode the BNMC Director of Inclusion & Community Initiatives, Kyria Stephens sits with David Rust Chief Executive Officer and founding Executive Director of Say Yes Buffalo.  
 
Since accepting the post almost eight years ago, he has steadily built a coalition of staff and partners focused on fulfilling one of the most significant community renewal efforts undertaken in the region’s history. Through the promise of a free-tuition scholarship program, Say Yes Buffalo scholars are eligible to attend more than 150 private and public institutions, including Harvard, Columbia, Notre Dame, Northwestern, and the University at Buffalo, as well as many two-year community colleges, trade schools, and certificate programs. In addition,
Mr. Rust has recruited and then empowered a dedicated and talented staff and built a coalition of public- and public-sector partners. Under his leadership, Say Yes Buffalo has grown into an economic development engine and a best-in-class non-profit organization that serves as a national educational partnership model. 
 
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