Behind the Woman

Meet Writer, Editor, and Reviewer Linda Lowen whose writing tells the stories of those in the Syracuse community. Learn from Linda how writing is a tool that empowers women to process their experiences and tell their own stories.

Meet Tamica Barnett, Owner and Grill Master at Who Want Smoke BBQ, and the first Black woman to become Lieutenant of the Syracuse Fire Department. See the multitude of ways that Tamica uses what she has accomplished to pour back into the community of Syracuse, NY.

Meet Actress-Activist-Journalist and Edu-tainer, Karin Franklin-King and learn more about how Karin is using art to inspire change in our community.

Meet Jasmine Lightburn, Assistant Manager of Aging Services for New Americans at InterFaith Works of CNY. Learn how Jasmine is providing socialization and community engagement opportunities for senior refugees in order to decrease social isolation.

Meet Pamela Hunter, Assemblymember of New York State's 128th District Assembly. Learn how Assemblymember Hunter continues her family's legacy of service through her work in the Assembly, hear the importance of having people in your life that give you honest feedback, and discover the importance and need for diverse representation in government.

Meet Project Director of Healing Cayuga Monika Salvage and see how life brought her from Austria to Central New York. Learn how Monika has dedicated her work to opioid overdose education, treatment, and prevention. Watch Monika give a demonstration on recognizing an overdose and administering Narcan.

Meet Associate Professor of Government and Public Policy Dr. Jamila Michener. Learn about Jamila's journey to becoming a tenured professor at Cornell University, and how she encourages young people to think critically about race and its intersection with politics.

Meet Nati Torrence, the Program Director at Mercy Works. Learn the importance of empowering our youth, and how Nati provides opportunities for young people in the community with the Passport 2 Vision program.

Meet Emily Darrenbacher, a dedicated mental health advocate. See how Emily took a turn in her life after losing her brother Reed to suicide. Learn about Reed's Warriors and other efforts by Emily to prevent suicide and destigmatize mental health issues.

Meet CEO of The Creator's Lounge Indaria Jones, Serial Entrepreneur Me'Shae Brooks-Rolling, and President of Brackens Financial Solutions Network Vicki Brackens as they discuss their experiences with entrepreneurship.

Meet Author, Speaker, and Leadership Coach Michelle Courtney Berry, and learn how to destress, "Keep Calm in Chaos", and enjoy success.

Meet Watson Williams Elementary School Principal Dr. Cheryl B. Minor, and learn about her journey as she became the first African American principal in the Utica School District.

We celebrate Behind the Woman's third season with performances by Simone Owens, Dani Mitchell, and Karin Franklin-King; a check-in with Jennifer Sanders; and a panel discussion with Rome NAACP chapter President Jackie Nelson, Chief Diversity Officer of Onondaga County Monica Williams, and Chief of Staff for the Syracuse City School District Monique Wright-Williams.