The Lift Effect

What happens when surviving is no longer enough?For years, Saleema Simmons focused on doing whatever it took to provide for her children and build a better future. From experiencing homelessness as a single mother to becoming a homeowner, entrepreneur, and engaged community advocate, her journey is a powerful reminder that surviving difficult circumstances doesn't have to be where the story ends.In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Saleema for an honest conversation about resilience, motherhood, faith, and the courage it takes to move from simply surviving to intentionally thriving.Saleema shares how access to affordable housing, educational opportunities, community resources, and meaningful relationships helped create a foundation for her family's growth. She also reflects on the challenges that remain, the importance of self-care, and how finding her voice has empowered her to advocate for herself, her children, and her neighbors.Her story is a beautiful reflection of Lift Orlando's belief that when we lift one, we lift all.In this episode:Navigating homelessness and rebuilding stability as a single motherThe journey from affordable housing at Pendana to homeownershipHow community investment creates opportunities for familiesThe importance of educational support and advocating for your childrenMoving beyond survival mode and embracing personal growthBuilding a small business while balancing motherhoodFinding strength through faith, self-care, and communityWhy listening to residents is essential to meaningful neighborhood transformationBecause surviving is an accomplishment, but it doesn't have to be the finish line.The Lift Effect, powered by Lift Orlando, shares the real people, real stories, and real impact behind the work of strengthening the historic neighborhoods surrounding Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.When we lift one, we lift all.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

Can you climb the corporate ladder without losing your identity, your culture, or your connection to community?In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Christopher Brown, Vice President of Small Business Banking, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and community advocate, for an honest conversation about career growth, Black leadership, representation in corporate America, community involvement, entrepreneurship, wealth building, and authentic leadership.Born in Jamaica before moving to New York City and eventually attending the University of Central Florida (UCF), Christopher built a career in banking while navigating professional spaces where he often didn't see many people who looked like him.Instead of believing success required leaving his identity behind, Christopher learned how to make his background, culture, relationships, and commitment to service part of the way he leads.Christopher and Keyania discuss what it means to be Black in corporate America, why diversity and representation matter in boardrooms, how community service can strengthen professional relationships, and why having a seat at the table is only part of the responsibility. Once you're in the room, how do you use your voice to create meaningful impact?They also explore emotional intelligence in the workplace, strategic thinking, career development, networking, mentorship, real estate investing, financial empowerment, confidence, personal growth, and purpose-driven leadership.Christopher shares the mindset that has guided him through his career: control what you can control, continue learning, surround yourself with people who challenge you to grow, trust the evidence of what you've already overcome, and never become so focused on personal success that you forget the people around you.Whether you're a young professional entering corporate America, an entrepreneur building your network, a nonprofit leader, a college student preparing for your career, or someone trying to balance ambition with purpose, this conversation is a reminder:  You don't have to erase yourself to elevate yourself.You can grow without forgetting where you came from.In this episode:→ Staying authentic while climbing the corporate ladder→ Black representation in banking and corporate leadership→ Building confidence in rooms where you may be the only one→ How community service can intersect with professional success→ The importance of diversity in nonprofit leadership and boardrooms→ Emotional intelligence and the future of work→ Strategic thinking for young professionals→ Networking and relationship building→ Entrepreneurship and real estate investing→ Creating wealth with purpose→ Mentorship and giving the next generation a blueprint→ Why service can become part of your definition of successThe Lift Effect, powered by Lift Orlando, shares the real people, real stories, and real impact behind the work of strengthening the historic neighborhoods surrounding Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.When we lift one, we lift all.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

What does real community advocacy look like when no one is watching?In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Tangia Smikle, a longtime resident and community advocate in Orlando’s West Lakes neighborhoods, for an honest conversation about community development, resident engagement, disability advocacy, accessible public spaces, neighborhood revitalization, and the power of consistently showing up.A second-generation resident of the Lake Lorna Doone community, Tangia has spent years advocating for the neighborhood her family has called home since the 1960s. Her involvement with Lift Orlando began during the organization’s earliest community meetings, where residents were invited to imagine what their neighborhood could become.For Tangia, that vision became deeply personal.  Her daughter Mimi, born prematurely and facing significant medical and developmental challenges, needed safe and accessible places to play and exercise. Yet the neighborhood park Tangia had loved as a child no longer provided what families like hers needed. That experience helped fuel Tangia’s advocacy for the transformation of Lake Lorna Doone Park into an inclusive community space where children with different abilities and needs could play safely.Tangia also speaks candidly about the complexities of neighborhood revitalization and nonprofit community development. She and Keyania discuss why resident voices must remain central to community transformation, the importance of recognizing the people whose unpaid advocacy helped create change, concerns about displacement and development, and why meaningful partnerships require honesty and accountability alongside investment.This conversation is a powerful look at grassroots leadership and the often-unseen people behind community transformation in Orlando.In this episode:• Tangia’s history in Orlando’s West Lakes community• The transformation of Lake Lorna Doone Park• Advocacy for children with disabilities and accessible recreation• How Mimi inspired Tangia’s community involvement• The unseen sacrifices behind grassroots advocacy• Resident voices in neighborhood revitalization• The relationship between residents, nonprofits, businesses, and community partners• Why acknowledgment and accountability matter in community development• Concerns about development, land, and preserving neighborhood legacy• How one resident’s advocacy can impact generations of familiesThe Lift Effect, powered by Lift Orlando, shares the real people, real stories, and real impact behind the work of strengthening the historic neighborhoods surrounding Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.When we lift one, we lift all.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

What does generational legacy look like when it becomes community action?In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Imani Brooks, Event Facilities Manager at Lift Orlando and a third-generation resident of Orlando’s historic 32805 community, for a powerful conversation about community development, generational legacy, nonprofit leadership, motherhood, disability advocacy, access to resources, education, and creating opportunities for the next generation.Imani grew up surrounded by community leadership. Her grandfather, Rufus C. Brooks, was an educator, civil rights advocate, NAACP leader, and respected figure in Orlando whose commitment to service left a lasting impact on the community. Today, Imani is continuing that legacy while discovering what it means to build one of her own.But her understanding of access and opportunity became deeply personal after the birth of her son, Xavier.After experiencing serious complications shortly after birth, spending weeks in the NICU, and later receiving a cerebral palsy diagnosis, Xavier’s journey sent Imani into a world of specialists, therapies, education, early childhood resources, and advocacy. Through that experience, she saw firsthand how dramatically a child’s future can be shaped by access to the right resources, support systems, and people.That experience now informs how she approaches her work with Lift Orlando and families throughout the community.In this episode, Keyania and Imani discuss:• Growing up as a third-generation resident of Orlando’s 32805 community• The legacy of educator and civil rights advocate Rufus C. Brooks• Growing up inside a family known for leadership and community service• Finding your own identity while carrying a powerful family legacy• Imani’s experience attending Jones High School• How exposure and access can change a young person’s trajectory• Xavier’s NICU journey and cerebral palsy diagnosis• Navigating healthcare, therapy, education, and disability resources• Why access to resources matters for children with disabilities• The value of mixed-ability classrooms and inclusive education• How community organizations can meet families where they are• Careers in nonprofit and community development work• Burnout, purpose, and wearing multiple hats in nonprofit leadership• Why sustainable community development must impact future generations• What it means to create a legacy that can outlive youImani’s story is a reminder that meaningful community transformation is not simply about programs or buildings. It is about people, access, exposure, relationships, and creating systems that give every family the opportunity to thrive.And sometimes, living in the light of giants means realizing that you are becoming one for the generation behind you.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

What does community banking look like when a financial institution sees a neighborhood as more than a market?In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Shakira Thompson and Dontrell Stills of Axiom Bank to discuss financial literacy, small business funding, access to capital, entrepreneurship, community investment, financial trauma, and the historic legacy of banking in Orlando’s 32805 community.The conversation takes place against an important piece of Central Florida history. Axiom Bank’s Goldwyn Avenue location occupies the same building once home to Washington Shores Savings and Loan, Florida’s first Black-owned financial institution, founded in 1963. The bank was created in response to Black residents and entrepreneurs being denied access to capital, small business financing, and homeownership opportunities.More than 60 years later, access to financial education and capital remains an important part of creating economic opportunity.Shakira and Dontrell explain what it means for a small business to become bankable, why talented entrepreneurs sometimes struggle to secure business funding, and how understanding financial statements, forecasting, banking relationships, and business finances can help entrepreneurs build sustainable companies.Dontrell breaks small business banking down into three simple goals: helping entrepreneurs save money, make money, and gain access to capital.The conversation also gets personal as the group explores generational financial trauma, why conversations about money can feel uncomfortable, and how childhood experiences with finances can continue shaping our behavior as adults until we intentionally begin changing those patterns.You’ll also hear how partnerships between Lift Orlando, Axiom Bank, local organizations, schools, businesses, churches, and community leaders can multiply resources and create opportunities that no organization could create alone.Because community investment isn’t only about dollars. It’s about access. Relationships. Trust. Partnership. Legacy.  And when those resources work together, the entire community becomes stronger.In this episode:• The history of Washington Shores Savings and Loan• The legacy of Florida’s first Black-owned financial institution• Why access to capital still matters in underserved communities• What makes a small business “bankable”• Financial literacy for entrepreneurs• Small business funding and access to capital• The importance of community banking• Breaking generational money trauma• Building trust between banks and residents• Faith, finances, and community relationships• Why partnerships multiply community impact• How organizations can invest beyond financial contributionsIf this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

College scholarships can open doors, but helping students succeed in college takes more than financial aid.In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Lift Orlando College and Career Specialist Thomas Tyler and EmpowerED scholars Olivia Pinder and Jada Anthony to discuss college scholarships, college readiness, student mentorship, career pathways, financial aid, self-advocacy, and preparing students for life after high school.Olivia is entering her senior year at Wake Forest University, while Jada is preparing to begin her freshman year at Florida A&M University (FAMU). Both are graduates of Orlando’s historic Jones High School and recipients of Lift Orlando’s EmpowerED scholarship.Their experiences provide a powerful look at what students actually need before, during, and after the transition to college.Lift Orlando’s EmpowerED program goes beyond awarding scholarship dollars. Eligible scholars can receive up to $10,000 per year in last-dollar support while also gaining access to ongoing mentorship, academic guidance, advocacy, connections, and support navigating the unexpected challenges that can derail even high-achieving students.In this episode:How Lift Orlando’s EmpowerED scholarship worksCollege scholarships and financial aid opportunitiesPreparing high school students for collegeTransitioning from high school to collegeHow mentorship helps college students succeedThe importance of asking for helpLearning to advocate for yourself in collegeFinding community and allies on campusOlivia’s experience attending Wake Forest UniversityJada’s preparation for attending FAMUNavigating an HBCU versus a predominantly white institutionMental and emotional challenges during collegeCareer planning and professional connectionsScholarships for Orlando studentsCollege and career resources for 32805 familiesCareer certifications and alternatives to four-year degreesValencia College opportunities for Jones High School studentsWhy students should begin planning before senior yearTurning scholarship recipients into future mentors and leadersThomas also explains why preparing students for the future means helping them understand that college is not the only pathway to success. Certifications, technical education, workforce development, community college, and four-year universities can all lead to meaningful careers.Most importantly, students shouldn’t have to navigate those decisions alone.Whether it’s helping a scholar connect with an advisor, navigate a difficult semester, find resources on campus, prepare for a career, or simply reminding them that asking for help is a strength, EmpowerED is designed to create a support system that extends far beyond a scholarship check.As Jada shares in the episode: “Don’t always strive for perfection. Strive for progress.”  Because empowerment isn’t simply opening a door.It’s making sure the next generation has the confidence, resources, relationships, and tools to walk through it and eventually build doors for others.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

Mental health, physical wellness, and community support are all connected.In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Demetri Jean-Pierre and Kieron Thompson of Keep Pedaling Foundation, an Orlando nonprofit using cycling and free therapy resources to help change the way communities think about mental health.Keep Pedaling Foundation was created after its founders realized that their weekly bike rides had become more than exercise. They became a space for honest conversations, connection, stress relief, and support.Today, the organization combines community cycling with mental health resources through its Cycle of Support program, which provides eligible participants with at least six weeks of free therapy.Demetri and Kieron discuss the stigma that can still surround therapy, especially in communities where seeking mental health support has historically been misunderstood. Their goal is to help normalize therapy as something proactive, not something reserved only for moments of crisis.In this episode:How cycling can support mental healthWhy therapy should be treated like routine maintenanceHow Keep Pedaling Foundation beganFree therapy through the Cycle of Support programBreaking the stigma around mental healthMental health among Black men and underserved communitiesThe connection between exercise and emotional wellnessBuilding healthier habits across generationsWhy community makes wellness more sustainableStarting a nonprofit without previous nonprofit experienceLearning from setbacks and public challengesThe importance of consistency and delayed gratificationFinding your purpose through community workWhy movement becomes even more important as we ageCreating accessible wellness programs in OrlandoThe conversation also explores what generational wellness really means.When adults learn healthier ways to care for their minds and bodies, those habits can begin to influence their children, families, and communities. Instead of only talking about generational trauma, Demetri, Kieron, and Keyania explore what it looks like to intentionally build a healthier cycle.Keep Pedaling Foundation is proof that wellness doesn’t have to look intimidating. Sometimes it starts with getting on a bike, joining a community, having a conversation, or simply becoming willing to try therapy for the first time.As Demetri and Kieron remind us: therapy works, movement matters, and you don’t have to do either one alone.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

How do community resources become real results for the people who need them most?In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Crystal Hamilton, founder of Go Mom Empowers, for a powerful conversation about community resources, support for young mothers, nonprofit leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and creating pathways to opportunity in Orlando.Crystal’s story began as a young mother attending the University of Central Florida, navigating college with her child while learning firsthand how difficult it could be to find childcare assistance, support systems, and other resources. Instead of allowing those barriers to define her future, Crystal learned how to navigate them and began helping other mothers do the same.That lived experience eventually became Go Mom Empowers, an organization designed to connect ambitious mothers with resources, community, confidence, education, and opportunities that help them move forward.Crystal also shares her experience participating in Lift Orlando’s nonprofit business cohort, where mentorship and nonprofit development resources helped her strengthen her organization and develop programming including the Rise & Thrive cohort and Brews & Breakthroughs.This conversation explores why effective community development requires more than simply creating programs. People need connections, trusted relationships, mentorship, and clear pathways that help turn resources into measurable progress.In this episode:Crystal Hamilton’s journey as a young mother at UCFHow Go Mom Empowers beganWhy access to community resources mattersSupporting young and single mothersBuilding confidence through communityCrystal’s experience with Lift Orlando’s nonprofit cohortThe importance of nonprofit mentorship and capacity buildingDeveloping sustainable nonprofit programsTurning lived experience into community leadershipCreating pathways from opportunity to outcomeWhy collaboration strengthens communitiesPassing leadership to the next generationIf you're interested in Orlando nonprofits, community development, women’s empowerment, nonprofit leadership, single-mother resources, mentorship, social impact, or community-based organizations, this episode offers an inside look at what happens when resources are intentionally connected to the people they were created to serve.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

Youth mentorship and community collaboration can change the trajectory of a child’s life. But creating real opportunities for young people requires more than one organization working alone.In this episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, host Keyania Johnson sits down with Anna Dieuveuil, Director of the Bradley Otis Boys & Girls Club, to explore how youth programs, mentorship, education, family engagement, and community partnerships are helping children in Orlando’s West Lakes community thrive.With 18 years of experience at Boys & Girls Clubs, Anna shares what happens when caring adults consistently show up for young people. From academic support and reading comprehension to STEM education, robotics, performing arts, sports, gardening, and leadership experiences, the Bradley Otis Clubhouse creates opportunities for children to discover their strengths and imagine bigger futures.The conversation also explores the importance of collaboration between Boys & Girls Clubs, Lift Orlando, Orange Center Elementary, families, nonprofits, and other community organizations working together to close opportunity gaps.Anna shares the personal story behind her commitment to youth development, including the heartbreaking loss of two former club members and how the Boys & Girls Club community rallied around young people and families through grief. Their legacy continues to remind her why mentorship, belonging, and showing up matter.In this episode:Why youth mentorship mattersHow Boys & Girls Clubs support children beyond after-school careThe importance of safe spaces for young peopleSTEM, robotics, performing arts, sports, and gardening programsHow community collaboration creates greater opportunitiesWhy trusted adult relationships can shape a child’s futureSupporting families through academic and emotional challengesAnna’s 18-year journey with Boys & Girls ClubsHow grief shaped her purpose in youth developmentThe importance of consistently showing up for childrenHow the Bradley Otis Clubhouse is creating an HBCU-inspired summer experienceNo single organization can provide everything a child needs. But when schools, families, nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders work together, they create a powerful network of support around the next generation.The Lift Effect shares the real people, stories, and collaborations helping strengthen communities throughout Orlando.If this episode inspired you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.

What if the greatest investment we could make in a community starts before a child ever enters kindergarten?In this inspiring episode of The Lift Effect Podcast, Eddy Moratin welcomes Alfreda Clark, Director of the AdventHealth for Children West Lakes Early Learning Center, to discuss why early childhood education is one of the most powerful tools for transforming neighborhoods and creating opportunity for generations to come.Alfreda shares her incredible journey from Detroit to Orlando, her decades of experience in child development and early learning, and how God unexpectedly led her to the West Lakes community—where her experience, passion, and calling came together to help build one of the nation's most innovative early learning centers.Together, Eddy and Alfreda explore the importance of high-quality early education, family support, community partnerships, child development, and why listening to a community is the first step toward lasting change.If you're passionate about early childhood education, child development, nonprofit leadership, community development, education, parenting, faith-driven leadership, or creating stronger neighborhoods, this episode is for you.In this episode:Alfreda Clark's journey into early childhood educationWhy the first 2,000 days of life matter mostBuilding one of America's most innovative early learning centersSupporting families beyond the classroomCommunity partnerships that transform neighborhoodsThe importance of listening before leadingHow to discover your calling through serviceWhy children thrive when communities thriveLessons in servant leadership and neighborhood transformationIf this episode encouraged you, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help spread stories of hope, leadership, and community transformation.Learn more about Lift and the work being done at: liftorlando.org----------------------------------Podcast Produced by Hi Hello Labs: Website: https://www.hihellolabs.com/The Lift Effect is powered by Lift Orlando, where residents, businesses, and community leaders come together to strengthen Orlando's historic neighborhoods.Because every thriving community is built by people who choose to invest in one another.If today's conversation inspired you, we'd love to invite you to be part of the story. Visit www.liftorlando.org to learn more about the mission, explore ways to get involved, and discover how you can help create lasting change.