Starlett Quarles, Founder and CEO of the Minority Renewable Energy Project of California, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for an insightful and empowering conversation on the future of clean energy—and why Black communities must be part of it now.

As California moves toward its goal of 100% clean energy, this episode explores what that transition really means on the ground—from rising utility costs and power outages to the growing demand for solar energy, EV infrastructure, and sustainable solutions. Starlett shares how her journey from real estate and marketing into renewable energy was driven by real-life experiences, including high energy bills and gaps in EV charging access in her own community.

This conversation goes beyond awareness and dives into opportunity. From homeowners cutting utility costs with solar panels to entrepreneurs building businesses around EV charging and energy solutions, the green economy is positioned as a pathway to wealth creation, workforce development, and long-term sustainability.

Starlett also introduces her “urban sustainability model,” which focuses on awareness, access, application, and adoption—breaking down how communities can fully participate in and benefit from this emerging industry. She highlights the importance of education, representation, and early entry into the space before barriers increase.

The episode also touches on larger systemic issues, including gentrification, economic leakage, and the importance of ownership—particularly in leveraging assets like homes, churches, and community spaces to generate both income and impact.

Ultimately, this discussion reframes clean energy as more than an environmental issue—it’s an economic opportunity, a workforce solution, and a chance to build generational wealth in a rapidly evolving industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How California’s clean energy transition impacts everyday communities
• The financial and lifestyle benefits of solar energy and EV adoption
• Career pathways and business opportunities in the green economy
• The importance of education and access in renewable energy spaces
• How communities can leverage assets for sustainable income and growth
• Why now is the time to enter the clean energy industry

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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Brett Byers, CEO of The Byers Group, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for an inside look at executive recruiting and the evolving landscape of leadership hiring.

This episode explores the high-stakes world behind executive search—where organizations rely on specialized firms to identify leaders who can guide strategy, shape culture, and drive transformation. From C-suite placements to director-level roles, Byers breaks down how executive recruiting really works and why it’s far more than just filling a position—it’s solving a complex talent puzzle.

Drawing from nearly two decades of experience, Byers shares how organizations often misdiagnose their hiring needs, overlook internal culture dynamics, and struggle to properly assess leadership talent. She explains how executive search firms bring an external, objective lens—helping companies uncover deeper organizational gaps while identifying candidates with proven track records of transformation and impact.

The conversation also highlights what separates leadership-ready candidates from the rest. At the executive level, success is defined by results—clear, measurable achievements, the ability to lead change, and strong storytelling around past performance. Byers emphasizes that reputation, relationships, and demonstrated outcomes are key differentiators in competitive hiring processes.

Beyond hiring, the episode dives into broader workforce trends shaping the future of leadership. With five generations now active in the workforce, organizations must navigate shifting expectations, communication styles, and the growing influence of technology. From remote work challenges to the rise of AI-generated resumes, Byers discusses how both companies and candidates must adapt to remain competitive.

The discussion also underscores the importance of long-term talent development—highlighting how coaching, mentorship, and strategic hiring decisions are essential for building sustainable leadership pipelines. For emerging professionals, the message is clear: career growth requires patience, performance, and the ability to continuously prove value.

Framed through both a business and human lens, this episode offers practical insight into how leadership is identified, developed, and sustained in today’s rapidly changing workforce.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How executive recruiting works and why it’s a strategic business function
• Common mistakes organizations make when hiring leadership talent
• What sets executive-level candidates apart in competitive searches
• Salary ranges, timelines, and expectations in executive search
• The impact of a multi-generational workforce on leadership and culture
• How AI and evolving workforce trends are changing hiring practices

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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Kimberly Watson, Interim Director of Community and Continuing Education at El Camino College and President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Los Angeles Chapter (NCBWLA), joins us for a powerful Women’s History Month conversation on leadership, legacy, and impact.

With more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit advocacy, educational program management, and grant-funded initiatives totaling over $4 million, Watson has built a career centered on empowering marginalized youth and advancing opportunities for Black women through strategic leadership and community partnerships.

In this episode, we highlight the partnership between NCBWLA and the Black Business Association’s Salute to Black Women Business Conference & Awards, where NCBWLA will facilitate both:

• The Youth Forum — in partnership with the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute and the Holly J. Mitchell Girls Empowerment Leadership Institute, a 9-month academy designed to equip young Black girls with leadership skills, confidence, and networks rooted in cultural pride.

• The Women’s Leadership Summit — themed:
“At the Table and Behind the Policy: Black Women Leading Human Resources with Power, Integrity, and Impact.”

We discuss:
• How Black women in HR shape policy and culture beyond compliance
• Sustaining career pathways and advancement opportunities
• Leadership fatigue and navigating emotional labor
• Investing in the next generation through structured mentorship
• Why partnerships between organizations like the BBA and NCBWLA matter now more than ever

This conversation anchors Women’s History Month and aligns with this year’s Salute theme:
Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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Alysia Bell, President and CEO of UNITE-LA, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris for a timely and critical conversation at the intersection of workforce development, economic mobility, and federal policy.

As Los Angeles navigates increasing immigration enforcement, this episode unpacks how these policies are not just political—they are deeply economic decisions with real, local consequences. From restaurants and grocery stores to logistics, construction, hospitality, and childcare, workforce participation is being disrupted in real time—impacting supply chains, business continuity, and regional stability.

Drawing from on-the-ground insights and recent business data, Alysia Bell shares how fear-driven workforce withdrawal is creating ripple effects across industries. Small businesses are facing reduced foot traffic, labor shortages, and declining revenue—highlighting how workforce instability directly weakens economic infrastructure.

The conversation also explores the role of organizations like UNITE-LA in bridging education, workforce readiness, and economic systems. With a focus on equitable economic mobility, Bell outlines how long-term solutions must go beyond job placement and instead build sustainable systems that support participation—from childcare and transportation to policy reform.

Framed through an economic lens rather than a partisan one, this discussion challenges business leaders and policymakers to recognize that a stable workforce is essential to a competitive economy—especially as Los Angeles prepares for major global events and future growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why immigration policy is being framed as an economic issue, not a political one
• How workforce instability is impacting small businesses and supply chains
• The connection between workforce participation and economic competitiveness
• Real-world impacts on industries like food service, logistics, and childcare
• The role of UNITE-LA in advancing equitable economic mobility
• What business leaders can do to engage in workforce policy conversations

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support the work of the Black Business Association at bbala.org.

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Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss the insights behind the organization’s highly anticipated 2026 Economic Forecast.

As one of the most comprehensive economic outlooks for the region, the forecast provides a critical look at the trends shaping Los Angeles’ economic future. From housing affordability and workforce dynamics to global competitiveness and industry growth, Cheung shares how these factors influence the region’s ability to attract investment, support innovation, and sustain long-term prosperity.

Drawing from LAEDC’s data-driven analysis, the conversation explores how economic indicators translate into real-world impact for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities across Los Angeles County. Cheung also highlights the importance of strategic planning and collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the region remains competitive in an increasingly complex global economy.

For business leaders and policymakers alike, understanding these economic signals is key to navigating uncertainty and positioning Los Angeles for growth in the years ahead.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Key insights from the LAEDC 2026 Economic Forecast
• The biggest opportunities and challenges facing the Los Angeles economy
• How housing affordability impacts workforce and regional growth
• What global competitiveness means for Los Angeles businesses
• Why economic forecasting is critical for strategic planning and policy decisions

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support the work of the Black Business Association at bbala.org.

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Dr. Michèle G. Turner, Associate Vice President for Business Opportunity at the University of Southern California, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss how small businesses can strengthen their competitive edge in today’s increasingly complex economy.

As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms industries, the conversation explores what it means for entrepreneurs who must now think strategically about infrastructure, data, and long-term planning. Drawing on her experience in technology and enterprise strategy, Dr. Turner explains why AI is not simply a trend but an inflection point for how businesses compete, grow, and deliver value.

The episode also highlights the role of anchor institutions like USC in expanding economic opportunity for local communities. Through programs, partnerships, and initiatives such as the USC Access Small Business Summit, the university is helping entrepreneurs build the skills, networks, and operational strength needed to compete at scale.

From leadership development and business accelerators to supply chain partnerships and market positioning, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs navigating growth in an AI-powered economy.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why artificial intelligence is a new inflection point for small business strategy
• The role of competitive advantage in building resilient companies
• How anchor institutions like USC can expand economic opportunity for local businesses
• Common mistakes small businesses make when planning for growth
• What entrepreneurs can gain from the USC Access Small Business Summit

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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Narida Robertson, aerospace engineer and senior program leader, joins The Bloc Power Hour to explore advancing opportunity in today’s emerging industries and what it means to lead at the intersection of innovation and impact. With more than three decades of experience in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, Narida reflects on the legacy of Black pioneers in STEM and shares insights from her recognition as a 2025 BEYA Modern-Day Technology Leader.

As we celebrate Black History Month and look ahead to Women’s History Month, this conversation examines representation, workforce development, and the policies shaping the future of engineering and technology. From trends in aerospace and digital engineering to the importance of sustained investment in STEM education, Narida offers a forward-looking perspective on innovation, leadership, and expanding access to opportunity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The legacy of Black innovators in STEM and aerospace

• Women’s leadership in technical and high-growth industries

• Federal and state investment in STEM workforce development

• Emerging trends in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and digital engineering

• Why representation in STEM is both strategic and essential

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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Samara Ashley, CEO of The Strategic Advocacy Group and lead manager of the LA is Open campaign, joins The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris to discuss how Los Angeles is rebuilding after the 2025 wildfires. Together, they explore what recovery really looks like for small businesses, workers, and communities across the region.

In this episode, we unpack:

• How the LA Is Open campaign began
• The economic impact of the wildfires on local businesses
• Why confidence and participation are critical to recovery
• How residents can actively support LA’s comeback
• What comes next as Los Angeles prepares for major global events

Recovery is more than rebuilding structures—it’s restoring economic momentum and collective confidence.

If you value conversations that move insight into impact, support this work at bbala.org.

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