For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Sala Spencer, a proud mother to a teenager and a toddler. She is a Registered Nurse, Certified Birth Doula, parent-child educator, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding educator. She is in her last semester at Erikson Institute and will be adding certified infant mental health specialist to her portfolio. She has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and an associate's degree in nursing. Currently, she is a certified birth doula and program manager for doula programming for over 10 years. She has participated in over 200 humbling births. She also serves on the board of directors for the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) for over 15 years. KOCO is the oldest black lead, grassroots community organization focusing on organizing, leadership, and service. She has participated in youth development programming since the age of 14 with KOCO. She has developed a mentorship program for girls called Outstanding Young Achievers (OYA) and she is the co-founder of the Msaada Center for Community Transformation, which focuses on changing the health disparities in black communities resulting in improving the health outcomes and quality of life for black people. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates Too! Guest: Sala Spencer (@thisistherealmebutrflysala) Host: Bianca Cotton (@biancancotton) Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Diana a Chicago native born and raised in the Humboldt Park community, single mother to one child. Diana started in workforce development 15 yrs. ago as a Receptionist for a non-profit faith-based re-entry center on the west side of Chicago. Quickly moving around the organization and increasing her skill set transitioned over time into a Workforce Connection Center manager and has had the privilege of personal and professional growth for the last 9yrs. at the same NPO in Chicago. Diana values the opportunity to not only develop her skills but also nurture and support the growth of others. In her current role as Director of Youth Engagement, she collaborates closely with the organization to develop, implement, and execute employment and training programs for youth and young adults. Additionally, she actively seeks partnerships with organizations whose mission and purpose align with supporting underserved youth in the communities they serve. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Yvonne has been in the development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over 20 years, and has an extensive working knowledge of Chicago’s religious, philanthropic, and cultural art communities

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Yvonne has been in the development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over 20 years, and has an extensive working knowledge of Chicago’s religious, philanthropic, and cultural art communities.

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Lakesha Spight, an Aurora University graduate, with two master's degrees in business and social work. Lakesha has been a social worker for many years and is known by her co-workers as very caring while also being firm. She cares deeply for her students and will do almost anything to help them succeed. Lakesha shares with our host Bianca Cotton about parents knowing their rights and advocacy. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com

For the Premiere Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Lakesha Spight, an Aurora University graduate, with two master's degrees in business and social work. Lakesha has been a social worker for many years and is known by her co-workers as very caring while also being firm. She cares deeply for her students and will do almost anything to help them succeed. Lakesha shares with our host Bianca Cotton about her journey to being a teen mom and the impact of entering mothering at the tender age of 16. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com

In this episode, Bianca and Ursula discuss Ursula's experience with falling in love as a teen and the unexpected loss of her first love.