<![CDATA[GrownTalks]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 14:15:44 GMTFri, 27 Mar 2026 05:19:57 GMT60GrownTalksHosted by G.R.O.W.T.H. alumni, this podcast takes you inside the G.R.O.W.T.H. (Giving Real Opportunity With Talent &amp; Heart) Initiative, a program founded by Keni Thacker of 100 Roses From Concrete. Launched in March 2020, this ten-week program empowers multicultural college students to gain real-world advertising and marketing experience. Hear firsthand stories from alumni, mentors, and participants as they share how they tackled branding challenges for non-profits, built community, and adapted to a changing world. If you're passionate about diversity, creativity, and mentorship, this is the episodicGrownTalksgrown@100rosesfromconcrete.comno<![CDATA[Season 2 EP 2 We rise anyway]]>The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment.

Takeaways

  • DEI rollbacks impact workplace culture and create mental health strain
  • Real change requires structural protection and sustained investment

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and White Paper Overview
  • 09:24 Creating Real Change and Progress
]]>ea28607f-8e0c-4db8-8fbc-3d045f23970aFri, 27 Mar 2026 05:45:11 GMT<p>The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>DEI rollbacks impact workplace culture and create mental health strain</li><li>Real change requires structural protection and sustained investment</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and White Paper Overview</li><li>09:24 Creating Real Change and Progress</li></ul>no00:17:0722Season 2 EP 2 We rise anywaybonus<![CDATA[Episode 2 Part 2: Meet our founder Keni Thacker]]>Hey grown folks

In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.

We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.

Tap in and get inspired.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Episode-2-Part-2-Meet-our-founder-Keni-Thacker-e32lpseca202a1b-f4c9-43c6-a1f3-d2a2293beb1bSat, 10 May 2025 21:04:26 GMT<p>Hey grown folks </p><p>In this 2 part episode, we sit down with <strong>Keni Thacker</strong>. Founder of <strong>100 Roses From Concrete</strong> and creator of <strong>The Growth Initiative. </strong>He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.</p><p>We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on <strong>The Growth Initiative</strong> and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.</p><p>Tap in and get inspired.</p> no00:44:501Episode 2 Part 2: Meet our founder Keni Thackerfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Navigating Growth: Alumni Reflections]]>Summary


In this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice they would give to new participants, and how Growth aligns with their values of making a positive impact. They shared their thoughts on networking and the importance of building connections in their professional journeys.



]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Episode-3-Navigating-Growth-Alumni-Reflections-e372kki6d1c1e6f-d3e4-40dc-ac5b-10ab56aa8ea2Wed, 20 Aug 2025 01:29:37 GMT<p>Summary</p><p><br /></p><p>In this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice they would give to new participants, and how Growth aligns with their values of making a positive impact. They shared their thoughts on networking and the importance of building connections in their professional journeys.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> no00:43:4513Episode 3: Navigating Growth: Alumni Reflectionsfull<![CDATA[Keni Thacker take over: Meet Kumi Croom]]>In this episode of Grown Talks, Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, managing director at Duncan Channon. They discuss the realities of the advertising industry, including the importance of resilience, networking, and teamwork. Kumi shares her journey in advertising, the misconceptions surrounding the industry, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the field and the value of building authentic connections.


Takeaways

  • Stay resilient and curious in your career.
  • The advertising industry can be a grind.
  • Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.
  • Networking is essential for career growth.
  • The industry is smaller than you think.
  • Reputation matters in a close-knit industry.
  • Be mindful of your social media presence.
  • Team dynamics can make or break your experience.
  • Mentorship is about sharing knowledge and experiences.
  • Family provides comfort and joy amidst work pressures.




]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Keni-Thacker-take-over-Meet-Kumi-Croom-e33vleg2dbb2490-4cc0-4198-afb4-44f7a64d46deMon, 09 Jun 2025 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Grown Talks, Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, managing director at Duncan Channon. They discuss the realities of the advertising industry, including the importance of resilience, networking, and teamwork. Kumi shares her journey in advertising, the misconceptions surrounding the industry, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the field and the value of building authentic connections.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Stay resilient and curious in your career.</li><li>The advertising industry can be a grind.</li><li>Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.</li><li>Networking is essential for career growth.</li><li>The industry is smaller than you think.</li><li>Reputation matters in a close-knit industry.</li><li>Be mindful of your social media presence.</li><li>Team dynamics can make or break your experience.</li><li>Mentorship is about sharing knowledge and experiences.</li><li>Family provides comfort and joy amidst work pressures.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p> no00:26:361Keni Thacker take over: Meet Kumi Croombonus<![CDATA[Episode 1: Let's talk about G.R.O.W.T.H]]>Meet your co-hosts Ninoska Lugo, Pam Holguin Plasencia and Dane Tewari as they share their journeys through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Sharing how the program helped them navigate in the advertising world, and what it’s like to give back. This episode is filled with cool vibes, real stories, and plenty of inspiration!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Episode-1-Lets-talk-about-G-R-O-W-T-H-e2tlovpf2bd6736-7b57-40fe-98f3-3ca0b9e889d5Sat, 18 Jan 2025 19:33:19 GMT<p>Meet your co-hosts Ninoska Lugo, Pam Holguin Plasencia and Dane Tewari as they share their journeys through the G.R.O.W.T.H. Initiative. Sharing how the program helped them navigate in the advertising world, and what it’s like to give back. This episode is filled with cool vibes, real stories, and plenty of inspiration!</p> no00:33:4111Episode 1: Let's talk about G.R.O.W.T.Hfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Meet our founder Keni Thacker]]>Hey grown folks

In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.

We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.

Tap in and get inspired.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Episode-2-Meet-our-founder-Keni-Thacker-e31mvljf8fa5e55-cdd2-4761-9f28-9ed469cd009fFri, 18 Apr 2025 16:10:07 GMT<p>Hey grown folks </p><p>In this 2 part episode, we sit down with <strong>Keni Thacker</strong>. Founder of <strong>100 Roses From Concrete</strong> and creator of <strong>The Growth Initiative. </strong>He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.</p><p>We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on <strong>The Growth Initiative</strong> and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.</p><p>Tap in and get inspired.</p> no00:45:4612Episode 2: Meet our founder Keni Thackerfull<![CDATA[Season 2 EP 1 Reflections ]]>This episode is a pause.

Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.

We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.

This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.

Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Season-2-EP-1-Reflections-e3e05hd908dd9aa-4abf-4e8a-ade2-4341dd7500eaWed, 21 Jan 2026 18:46:21 GMT<p>This episode is a pause.</p><p>Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.</p><p>We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.</p><p>This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.</p><p>Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.</p> no00:41:2821Season 2 EP 1 Reflections full<![CDATA[Episode 4: Meet Shanita Perdomo founder of Yes M.I.S.S INC]]>In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program.

Yes M.I.S.S Inc

Website: https://www.yesmissinc.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/


100 Roses from Concrete

Website: https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/growntalks2/episodes/Episode-4-Meet-Shanita-Perdomo-founder-of-Yes-M-I-S-S-INC-e38vsove147c7a4-8f39-4c39-b059-ec428411f0d2Thu, 02 Oct 2025 01:19:20 GMT<p>In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program. </p><p><strong>Yes M.I.S.S Inc</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.yesmissinc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.yesmissinc.org/</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/</a></p><p>Linkedin: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/</a></p><p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/</a></p><p><br /></p><p><strong>100 Roses from Concrete</strong></p><p>Website: <a href="https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/</a></p><p>IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en</a></p> no01:11:5814Episode 4: Meet Shanita Perdomo founder of Yes M.I.S.S INCfull