Special Guests
Flo Rida is one of today’s most vibrant and recognizable superstars, a true international icon and history-making hip-hop hero. Since bursting out of the gate over a decade ago with the RIAA 7x platinum certified hit, “Low (Feat. T-Pain)” – which spent 10consecutive weeks atop the Billboard “Hot 100” – the Miami-based rapper has unleashed an undeniably amazing string of record-breaking, multi platinum certified singles, including the worldwide #1 favorite, “Right Round (Feat. Ke$ha)” (5x platinum), “In The Ayer (Feat. will.i.am)” (2x platinum), “Club Can’t Handle Me (Feat. David Guetta),” (3x platinum), “Good Feeling” (4x platinum), “Wild Ones (Feat. Sia)” (2x platinum), “Whistle” (2x platinum), “My House” (3x Platinum) and “I Cry” (2x platinum). In addition, Flo has made myriad guest appearances on such blockbuster tracks as David Guetta’s platinum certified “Where Them Girls At (Feat. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj),”Olly Murs’ platinum certified “Troublemaker (Feat. Flo Rida),” and Taio Cruz’ planetary chart-topper, “Hangover (Feat. Flo Rida).” All told, Flo Rida has sold well over 100 million singles worldwide. Grammy nominated, Flo has made numerous television appearances including “The Final Four,” “BCS National Championship Game,” “Showtime at the Apollo,” “BET Hip Hop Awards,” “Wendy Williams,” “Ellen” “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America.”
Born Tramar Dillard, in Miami Gardens, Florida, “Flo Rida” is more than just an international recording artist. He is a philanthropist that founded the Big Dreams for Kids Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to instilling honesty, loyalty, integrity, sportsmanship, along with creating a commitment to youth athletes through the FYFL (Florida Youth Football League) serving over 10,000 kids, Strong Arm Elite Track Club, Future Leaders, and The FYFL Cheerleaders.
Sybil Wilkes has been an important listener resource for over two decades. Known as “The Voice of Reason” on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, she delivered news, information and entertainment with honesty, accessibility, and integrity, earning the trust of her nationwide audience. After the Tom Joyner Morning show ended, Wilkes created YoSy Media. YoSy Media is a full-service multi-media news and information platform developed specifically to Inform and Empower the African American community. Lead by the highly respected and revered Sybil Wilkes, YoSy Media is poised to become the information destination for Black people.
Establishing a news division for Urban One, Wilkes served as both Executive Director and Talent, providing content across multiple platforms for the network. In a climate often crowded with bias, hidden agendas and “spin,” Sybil provides a clear and concise break down of pertinent news developments, getting to the heart of the issues that matter most to listeners. What Sybil brings to news programming is an entertaining yet no nonsense approach to news reporting that cuts through the clutter of media muck and gets down to the important issues of the communities she serves and shares with her audience. She provides insight, intelligent dialogue, detailed analysis, cultural perspective, and historical context to issues. As an avid reader, she created “Sybil’s Book Club,” which features African American authors at live events and offers an opportunity for book lovers to meet and engage with their favorite writers. When you want to know the truth, when you want it broken down, when you want to know what’s really going on, when you want to be informed and entertained…tune in to “Sybil Wilkes: What You Need To Know.”
“Sybil is the voice of our community; we are so proud to get our information from her.”
- Barack Obama at the 2016 White House Christmas Party.
This native Chicagoan began her radio career in 1985 as a production assistant with WKQX-FM, Chicago. She eventually went on to news management and reporting jobs at WINK-AM/FM, Fort Myers, Florida; WRCC-FM, Cape Coral, Florida; and WCKZ-FM, Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1989 Wilkes joined WGCI-AM/FM, Chicago, as a talk show host. In 1990 she became a reporter for Chicago's Shadow Traffic Network. While with Shadow, Wilkes delivered morning and afternoon drive traffic updates and worked as one of Tom Joyner's WGCI-FM sidekicks. A noted news and political journalist, Wilkes has landed major interviews with some of today’s top newsmakers including joining Former President Barack Obama and Senator John Edwards on the campaign trail for exclusive one-on-one interviews as well as a candid interview with Former President Bill Clinton.
Being a celebrated radio personality and journalist, Sybil has received several accolades including The President’s Award from the NAACP Image Awards, and an honorary Doctorate Degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC. Wilkes has also served as a national ambassador for the Susan G. Komen Circle of Promise Campaign.
A graduate of Northwestern University, she received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication Studies. Wilkes lives by the biblical saying handed down by her parents, “To whom much is given, much is required.” When not using her “Big A Words” on the show, Sybil has an interest in politics, photography, and sports. Wilkes resides in Dallas, Texas.
Sybil is the distributor and editor of the daily newsletter, What You Need To Know. She can currently be heard delivering news updates daily on The DL Hughley Show as well as Radio One stations across the country. She is the news commentator for The Erica Campbell Show, Willie Moore Jr. and Darlene McCoy shows. She is on YouTube and Facebook Live Monday through Thursdays from 6:00pm until 7:00pm (CST). It’s Sybil can be heard on SIRIUS XM HUR VOICES on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays. For more information go to www.SybilWilkes.com.
Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston, where she holds the Huffington Foundation Endowed Chair at the Graduate College of Social Work. She also holds the position of visiting professor in management at the University of Texas at Austin McCombs School of Business.
Brené has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. She is the author of six #1 New York Times best sellers and is the host of two award-winning podcasts, Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead.
Brené’s books have been translated into more than 30 languages, and her titles include Atlas of the Heart, Dare to Lead, Braving the Wilderness, Rising Strong, Daring Greatly, and The Gifts of Imperfection. With Tarana Burke, she co-edited the best-selling anthology You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience.
Brené’s TED talk on the Power of Vulnerability is one of the top five most-viewed TED talks in the world, with over 60 million views. Brené is the first researcher to have a filmed lecture on Netflix, and in March 2022, she launched a new show on HBO Max that focuses on her latest book, Atlas of the Heart.
Brené spends most of her time working in organizations around the world, helping develop braver leaders and more-courageous cultures.
She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband, Steve. They have two children, Ellen and Charlie, and a weird Bichon named Lucy.
Shawn Achor is the NYTimes bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential. Shawn graduated magna cum laude from Harvard and earned a Masters from Harvard Divinity School in Christian and Buddhist ethics.
After spending 12 years at Harvard, Shawn traveled to 50 countries studying how to create an interconnected approach to potential and happiness. He has now worked with over a third of the Fortune 100 companies, and at places like NASA, the NFL, and the Pentagon. Shawn has battle-tested his research in high challenge environments from working with all the public schools in Flint Michigan, to six battalions of Marines at Camp Pendleton, to government leaders at Camp David, to students in a shantytown in Soweto South Africa, to hospitals in the wake of a mass shooting in Orlando and the Boston bombing.
In every place Shawn has found the optimism can be increased through mindset and behavioral change, and that by creating an interconnected approach to happiness and success, we shine brighter together. Shawn’s research made the cover of Harvard Business Review, his TED talk is one of the most popular of all time with over 20 million views, and his lecture airing on PBS has been seen by millions.
President and CEO, BBBS of America
As the President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Artis Stevens takes the helm of the organization at one of the most critical moments for our nation’s youth. Artis grew up the youngest in a large family with modest resources but rich in positive relationships that inspired his potential. The son and grandson of preachers, he often shares, rather than going into ministry, his calling for the past 25 years has focused on youth development and empowering young people.
As the first Black CEO in BBBSA’s 100+ year history, he is inspired by the many leaders who blazed a trail before him and sees this historic announcement as fuel for more barriers to be broken. His hard work and drive led him to become an award-winning non-profit marketing leader with a passion for building purpose-driven brands, boards, and teams. He brings unique experience having led large-scale teams, affiliate systems and transformational outcomes across nationwide youth programs, fundraising, marketing, and initiatives focusing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Highly skilled in developing innovative marketing and fundraising strategies at the grassroots and national levels, Artis has produced compelling purpose and cause-marketing partnerships with more than 50 iconic and global brands generating hundreds of millions in revenue and media to support kids.
A proven visionary leader, his experience in marketing strategy, partnership and celebrity engagement, digital transformation and board management provides a diverse mix of expertise positioning Artis as a sought-after speaker on revitalizing nonprofit brands, infusing brand culture, and converting marketing to engagement.
Before joining Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Artis served as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for National 4-H Council, leading the national marketing and communications efforts driving the organization's positioning, brand strategy, marketing campaigns, communications, digital presence, consumer insights, and affiliate marketing. His leadership doubled fundraising for 4-H and led to the recruitment of one million alumni. He was named American Marketing Association Foundation's (AMAF) 2018 National Nonprofit Marketer of the Year, the highest honor bestowed to nonprofit marketing professionals, for his leadership in revitalizing 4-H's 100-year-old brand image. Prior to 4-H, he served as National Vice President, Marketing, Strategy & Operation.
Sway Calloway, an icon of hip-hop culture and a pivotal part of MTV, has been a staple within music news for two decades. Already a vanguard radio personality, record producer, and hiphop artist, Sway joined the MTV News team in 2000 and has been front and center for some of music’s biggest moments.
Sway first caught the public’s eye when he and his partner King Tech (Tech) staged breakdancing and rap performances in and around their hometown of Oakland, California. The duo won a local contest with landmark radio station KMEL-FM. The world-famous Wake Up Show is one of the longest hip-hop shows that has been in syndication all over the world. Hip Hop had the opportunity to launch their own mix show recognizing Sway’s instincts for great sound and promising talent. Interscope enlisted him and Tech to produce an album called This or That, featuring artists such as Eminem, KRS-One, and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan.
Sway has been a key correspondent for MTV’s Choose or Lose and Power Of ’12 campaigns for the channel. Since his involvement, he has interviewed various political leaders like Bill Clinton, Republican National Committee Chair Ed Gillespie, Hillary Clinton, Ron Paul, John McCain, and Mitt Romney. He’s also sat down with President Barack Obama six times.
Sway’s other MTV News endeavors have included TRL, the All Eyes series which featured top artists like Kanye West and 50 Cent, MTV News Now: Jay-Z vs. Nas: Beats, Battles & Beef, MTV News Presents: After the Storm, RapFix Live, The Hottest MCs list, and TRL-AM.
In addition, Sway is an integral part of MTV News’ annual live events that include red carpet coverage of the MTV Video Music Awards, MTV European Awards, and Grammys pre-show. Sway serves as an MTV Executive Producer and brings new programming ideas to the station. He’s also a contributing talent to other ViacomCBS channels, MTV2, and VH1 networks. His work continues throughout the nation and community where he has been a part of various panels and discussions hosting and moderating on important issues like Hate Crimes, Racism, and Education.
Sway is the host of SiriusXM’s Shade 45 daily morning show, SWAY IN THE MORNING w/ HEATHER B & TRACY G from 8 am to 12 pm EST. He is also the Chief Navigator for his site, SwaysUniverse.com, that features celebrity interviews, music, entertainment, and health news. Lastly, he is a recent inductee into the Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
DJ Sophia Rocks, a musical prodigy, has been using her ability to mix music and bring joy to her listeners since she was two years old. She has been a professional DJ performing at public events for ten years! A humanitarian and host who began her career at the age of six, she has appeared on CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as in highly regarded publications like DJ Times Magazine and DMC World Magazine. She has been called upon to bring the perfect mixes to acclaimed events and games for the New York Knicks, WNBA All-Star, Usher’s New Look Foundation, NY Rangers, Atlanta Hawks, Baltimore Ravens, and the Met Museum.
A history maker in several capacities, DJ Sophia Rocks became the youngest DJ in history to perform a full mix on Sirius XM Satellite Radio's Sway in the Morning. She is also the youngest DJ recognized to mix on LL Cool J's Rock the Bells station on SiriusXM. DJ Sophia was the DJ for the first-ever Baltimore Ravens Kids Night. She has supported and partnered with the New York Knicks organization since the age of 11, guest DJing at the world famous Madison Square Garden for multiple performances over the last 4 seasons. She supports the youth basketball community and has supported Jr. NBA Her Time to Play events, Jr Knicks and Jr 76ers Basketball Camp sessions. In 2023 she made history as the first female DJ brought in by Def Jam to DJ the SLAM Basketball tournament in Harlem, New York, held at the most famous streetball court in the world, Rucker Park.
In 2020, when the world shut down during COVID Sophia had one of her many breakthrough performances DJing for Erykah Badu's official after-party for Jill Scott Verzuz event. Later that year, Sophia was brought on IG live by DJ D-Nice himself to perform on his platform Club Quarantine, later earning her the name “Club Quarantine Princess” by his loyal fans out of admiration for Sophia. Sophia is also involved in meaningful causes, such as working with Dove and The Crown Act to combat hair discrimination. She received recognition from the Crown Awards, an event honoring outstanding Black women who have made significant community impacts, where she served as the official DJ for the afterparty.
Sophia’s extensive portfolio includes collaborations and performances at private celebrity events. She has performed for artists including Black Thought, Chris Brown, Lil’ Kim, Bow Wow, Meek Mills, Usher, Jamie Foxx and Gabrielle Union.
As a well-rounded scholar and athlete, DJ Sophia Rocks has been a part of the National Junior Honor Society and is a member of her school Track and Field team. She is passionate about perfecting her craft and traveling the world. Sophia is a congenital heart defect survivor, her strength and perseverance shines through in everything she does. Sophia is devoted to bringing people together and changing the world through curating immersive musical experiences.