In April 2024, RACE TALKS® with host Kimberly Y. Erwin invites two remarkable guests: Macena L. Mason, an accomplished writer who triumphed over epileptic seizures in her youth, and Veronica Williams, M.Ed., an alumna of HBCUs, Howard University and Southern University and A&M College, to engage in an enlightening discussion on the theme, Unleashing Potential: Cultivating Youth Resiliency through Equity in Education and Life.

Get to know our April Guest TALKers!

Macena's inspiring journey from adversity to triumph, as detailed in her autobiographical works, exemplifies the resilience and determination needed to overcome obstacles in education and beyond. As the founder of "I Can Fly, So Can You," she embodies the spirit of empowerment and serves as a beacon of hope for individuals striving for success despite challenges. This author of "Struggle Equals Goals" is better prepared than most to opine on just what is needed to create an environment in which everyone of every ability can fulfill their purpose in life.

Veronica's dedication to educational equity shines through her work as the Founder & Owner of Help Me Pass, LLC. With a mission "to change the way students around the world 'do school,' her commitment to guiding students to academic success reflects her passion for ensuring equitable opportunities for all. With a background in banking and finance, Veronica brings a unique perspective to the discussion, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in education.

Together, alongside host Kimberly, who has empowered youth through her book "A Children’s Book: Ending Racism," Macena and Veronica offer up valuable insights and expertise. This episode of RACE TALKS® promises to be thought-provoking, catering to anyone passionate about empowering minds and advocating for equity for not only our youth, but us all. This show is not to be missed!

"Race Talks," hosted by intercultural communicator and author Kimberly Y. Erwin, provides expertise on the topic of race and ethnicity. With the national conversation in the media over racial inequity, ignorance or indifference is not a proper retreat. Erwin enjoys speaking with people from every walk of life, ethnic make-up, and varied perspectives to better instruct, engage, and inform listeners with positive and constructive conversations on all things race and ethnicity — which is very necessary to break down structural and societal racism. No topic is taboo. Here, listeners engage with the host, other expert guest educators, activists, organizers, and community members as they disseminate their knowledge (ie. varying terminologies, historical realities, and current opportunities for engagement) for a better informed, appreciative, and active local citizenry.

About the Host
An educator, writer, and entrepreneur, Erwin enjoyed her studies as a Hudson High School graduate (attending her senior year at Columbia-Greene Community College) and graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta (noted the #1 Historical Black College and University by "U.S. News") where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Upon receiving a Masters in Science degree from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Intercultural Communication, Erwin ventured into the areas of international administration, multicultural leadership, and various teaching positions within the U.S. and globally.

Upon returning to Hudson Valley, Kimberly started a media company (OneUniversal Media) endeavoring to give voice to members in communities experiencing gross inequities who yearn to create common means of communicating and celebrating their identity while still challenging societal norms. Erwin is a founding member of Africa's Daughters of the Diaspora (ADD), she holds volunteer positions as a Hudson Area Library Trustee, an on-air programmer at WGXC-FM, and with the Hudson City School District (where her children's book was informed).