Shows
She Achieved with Albine Bennett#29: Katina O'Neal - Motivate with KOKatina O’Neal is happily married to her wonderful husband, Mario O’Neal, for 26 years. They are blessed with three children and two beautiful grandchildren. With over 25 years of experience in Healthcare Revenue Cycle Management, she was honored as Employee of the Year at the largest rural hospital in the Southern Region. Katina has trained employees on the CARES principles (compassion, accountability, respect, expectation, and smile), emphasizing the mission and vision of their organization. Additionally, she served on the Press Ganey Survey team and was a WW (formerly Weight Watchers) Wellness Coach for over 10 years.Currently, Katina is a...
2024-07-0453 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#28: Suzy Bowman - Junior AchievementAs a life-long Mississippian, Suzy Bowman has stepped into leadership roles in her state that have helped revitalize K-12 education in the work she has done as one of the founding members of the Career Coach Program in Mississippi. Taking her knowledge from that initiative, she moved into the next phase of her career as an Ecosystem Workforce Coordinator in North Mississippi as one of the regional team members of the newly created State Office of Workforce Development known as Accelerate MS. Having her regional efforts noticed for grassroots programming, Suzy was approached with the opportunity to lead the...
2024-06-2026 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#27: Cerritos Johnson - Real Estate AgentCerritos Johnson, a native of Shannon, Mississippi, is happily married to Marco Johnson, celebrating 11 years together. Their family is a source of immense pride, including two wonderful children: Santavious Foster, aged 27, and Kortlyn Wells, who is 18.Cerritos embarked on her educational journey at Shannon High School before pursuing further studies at ICC, where she earned her Associates degree. Continuing her quest for knowledge, she attended The University of Mississippi, achieving both a Bachelor's in Secondary Education and a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language. Later, she furthered her education at Arkansas State University...
2024-06-0647 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#26: Melinda Marsalis - Kudzu 104.9 & The Shark 102.3Melinda Pitner Marsalis was born and raised in Northeast Mississippi. She is a Corinth High School Graduate with a BSE in Math from Delta State University and a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Mississippi. After a thirty year career in education, Marsalis retired and went into business with husband, Chris. Together they own JC Media LLC which includes Kudzu 104.9 and The Shark 102.3 FM radio stations. Melinda has two fabulous adult children, two awesome children-in-law and four grandchildren aged 12, 10, 2 and newborn who all live in Oxford, MS. Connect with Albine:Instagram: sheachievedpodcastFac...
2024-05-2341 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#25: Melony Armstrong - Naturally Speaking SalonEveryday, Melony Armstrong demonstrates what a leader is. Thousands of low-income families are housed, clothed and fed not because she sought out government assistance for them, rather, She is responsible for breaking down regulatory walls that prohibited anyone from practicing hair braiding without a cosmetology license in her state of MS. Now, in the state of Mississippi alone over 7,000 women are now registered hair braiders and first time business owners. Her Salon, Naturally Speaking, is the first licensed hair braiding salon in the state of MS. She has traveled across the nation and abroad telling her story.
2024-05-092h 17She Achieved with Albine Bennett#24: Letisha Jackson - Jackson Insurance GroupLetisha Jackson is the CEO of Jackson Insurance Group as well as a Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Woman on a Mission. Letisha knows what it’s like to go from fighting for a $1 Cheeseburger to producing a successful insurance business and experiencing great success.Fast forward to now, Letisha is one of the most influential women in the insurance industry. She has won countless awards (Influential Women, Top 40 under 40, Top Insurance Agency, Top Producer, Jim Ingram Leadership, and MORE), proving that success do not have to inherit money from anyone to get a head start. As a m...
2024-04-2534 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#23: Annette TomlinsonAnnette "Nettie" Tomlinson is a multi-talented individual with a passion for empowering others. A gifted writer, speaker, and local photographer, Nettie's creative spirit shines through her various endeavors. In addition to her creative pursuits, she also excels in the realm of business, having achieved the esteemed title of SuperStar Director with Scentsy, a testament to her dedication and leadership skills.Driven by her passion for helping others succeed, Nettie finds fulfillment in her role as an Independent Consultant, where she guides and supports individuals on their journey towards achieving their goals.Prior to...
2024-04-111h 11She Achieved with Albine Bennett#22: Staci Bevill - Lee County Court JudgeJudge Staci Shumpert Bevill is the esteemed incumbent of Lee County Court, Post 1, bringing over two decades of legal expertise to the bench since her election in 2019. Her tenure as judge is marked by a steadfast commitment to the youth court division, a role that earned her the distinction of being Lee County's inaugural full-time youth court judge. Collaborating closely with her dedicated team, Judge Bevill has propelled Lee County Youth Court to prominence as a benchmark institution, particularly lauded for its efficacy in cases involving abuse and neglect, setting a standard for court family defense teams....
2024-03-281h 04She Achieved with Albine Bennett#21: Allison Smith - War On AutismAllison Smith, originally from Belmont and currently residing in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, has led a remarkable journey of personal and professional growth. Her roots trace back to Belmont High School, where she graduated with honors, and Northeast Mississippi Community College, earning a Radiology Technology Degree. Furthering her education at the Cardiac and Vascular Institute of Ultrasound in Mobile, AL, Allison dedicated 8 years to the field of cardiac and vascular ultrasound.Not only did Allison excel in her career, but she also embarked on an entrepreneurial path by founding Center Stage dance studio in Belmont. Her leadership...
2024-03-1445 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#20: Gabrielle Cooper - MSmadeGabrielle Cooper, a Tupelo native, is a distinguished graduate from the University of Mississippi with degrees in Broadcast Journalism and Spanish. With a remarkable career, Gabrielle has held the position of VP at Renasant Bank in Private Banking, showcasing her expertise and dedication.Beyond her professional achievements, Gabrielle is deeply involved in community service. She has served on various boards, including Good Samaritan Health Services, Kiwanis Club, GumTree Museum of Art, and is an active member of organizations such as DAR, Mutual Culture Club, Hoe & Hope Garden Club, and Orchard Church.Gabrielle’s commitment to ph...
2024-02-2942 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#19: Barbara Fleishhacker - The Main AttractionBarbara's journey began at Tupelo High School in 1978, bursting with excitement for the college experience that awaited her. The allure of the University of Alabama proved irresistible, marking the start of a vibrant chapter filled with youthful exuberance. Although she took a detour from Ole Miss in her senior year, Barbara's adventurous spirit led her to the enchanting streets of San Francisco. Here, she found herself at I. Magnin, a posh department store, where she immersed herself in the world of Hermes and couture gowns, captivated by the intersection of design and pop culture.Life in San...
2024-02-1531 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#18: Becky Weatherford - Talbot HouseBecky Weatherford stands as the driving force behind a transformative initiative in Tupelo, Mississippi, as the Founding Executive Director of Talbot House Sober Living for Women, Talbot House Lawndale, Talbot House Bakery & Café, and Talbot House Production Kitchen. However, her journey toward this impactful role is marked by not just professional dedication, but a deeply personal connection to the realm of addiction and recovery.Before committing her full-time efforts to Talbot House, Becky's path was shaped by a profound commitment to aiding others in their journey to recovery. As a Certified Peer Support Specialist with Lifecore Addiction S...
2024-02-0145 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#17: Juanita Floyd - CREATE FoundationJuanita Gambrell Floyd is currently employed by CREATE Foundation as Senior Vice-President of Finance and Administration. Her responsibilities include managing all financial aspects of the operation of the Foundation and the oversight of assets. She has been employed with the Foundation for over 38 years. On her 20th Anniversary with CREATE, the Foundation established the Bernice Gambrell Endowment Fund in the amount of $10,000 in honor of her mother and her 20 years of employment.She is active in community affairs and serves on several Boards. In February 2020, she was extended the recognition of the Mississippi Senate for her career, insp...
2024-01-181h 01She Achieved with Albine Bennett#16: Amanda Hayden - Cafe 212Amanda has spent the majority of her life in Tupelo, except for a brief period residing overseas in London. Her profound affection for her hometown is undeniable, with Tupelo's close-knit and supportive community holding a special place in her heart.As the owner and operator of Cafe 212 in downtown Tupelo, alongside her husband, Jason, Amanda is on the verge of celebrating 18 years of business success and 20 years of a strong and enduring marriage. Their combined dedication to both their cafe and each other is truly remarkable.Beyond their thriving...
2024-01-0433 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#15: Paula Jones - Call Me PMcPaula Jones, the creative force behind CallMePMc.com, wears many hats in her culinary journey. As the owner, recipe developer, creator, and photographer, she established Call Me PMc in 2012, propelled by her impressive victory in the MS Magazine Recipe Contest. Her website, Call Me PMc, is a culinary haven that offers a wealth of resources for those seeking straightforward recipes and time-saving strategies to whip up nutritious and delectable family meals.Hailing from the South, Paula carries a deep understanding of the profound connections formed around the dinner table. Her mission is clear: she wants you to...
2023-12-2134 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#14: Chasi Jernigan - Sweat In MascaraOver 8 years ago, Chasi became the very first plus size trainer in Tupelo, MS, along with creating the first body positive workout dance cardio class in North Mississippi. This was way before body positivity hit the scene.Recognized as one of Tupelo's “Top 40 Under 40 Young Leaders, Influential Women, and featured in local publications Mud & Magnolia & Invitation and global platforms such as Target, Nike, and BuzzFeed this purpose has took Chasity all over the world teaching, reaching, and empowering women to workout at any size. This birthed Sweat In Mascara, a platform shouting an incredible message that plus...
2023-12-0739 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#13: Rubye Del Harden - SprintPrint of Tupelo & The Dance Studio of TupeloRubye Del Harden's journey from aspiring high school band director to a multifaceted business owner and entrepreneur is a testament to life's unpredictability. While her initial dream was solely focused on a career in music education, her path took unexpected turns that led her to remarkable accomplishments.After earning her degree in instrumental music education, Rubye Del realized her dream of becoming a high school band director. Yet, her career ventured into diverse territories, including teaching fifth grade, instructing college-level courses in psychology and sociology, and eventually venturing into entrepreneurship.Her entrepreneurial endeavors encompassed owning...
2023-11-231h 00She Achieved with Albine Bennett#12: Kim Caron - The Caron GalleryKim is a Tupelo native and has spent the better part of 30 years collecting and enjoying art. In 2010, Kim started the Caron Gallery, and now she represents over 40 artists of all genres. In 2018, the Mississippi Business Journal named her one of the 50 Leading Women in Business. She is currently Chairman of the Board for the Community Development Foundation in Tupelo. Daily, she endeavors to break down the barriers between visual art and the community around her. In the coming years, she hopes to share more of the talent of our Mississippi artists with the world. Kim is constantly growing...
2023-11-0950 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#11: Lauren McElwain - Cooking as a First LanguageLauren McElwain is a devoted mother of three young children who also serves as a part-time speech language pathologist within the Tupelo Public School District. In addition to her role in education, Lauren is a dedicated fitness instructor with expertise in both yoga and Pilates. She is also the visionary founder and director of 'Cooking as a First Language,' a prominent nonprofit organization located in Tupelo.Lauren's mission through 'Cooking as a First Language' is to foster and strengthen community bonds through the universal language of food. Her work exemplifies a heartfelt dedication to enhancing the...
2023-10-2623 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#10: Roxie Clayton - Vow Fitness & Doniphan Dance ProjectRoxie Thomas Clayton is a dance educator, choreographer and creative. She believes that movement and dance should be accessible to every student who has that creative passion. After receiving her Masters in Dance, Roxie continued to make new discoveries about her craft and started connecting dance with her love of teaching. Roxie has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mississippi in the Theatre Art and Film department for ten years. She is currently building an innovative dance program at Tupelo Middle School where she offers a dance company and two dance classes. Roxie is the artistic d...
2023-10-1255 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#9: Lisa Hawkins - Room to Room FurnitureTupelo native Lisa Hawkins, armed with a Bachelor of Science and a Master's in Nursing from Mississippi University for Women, wears many hats. She owns Room to Room Furniture, previously ran Velveteen Rabbit, and once taught nursing at Itawamba Community College.Her community involvement is equally impressive. Hawkins is the vice chair of the CREATE Foundation and a key figure on the Sanctuary Hospice House and Journal Publishing boards. In addition, she actively volunteers for Eight Days of Hope, United Way, Regional Rehabilitation, and numerous other nonprofits.Hawkins has...
2023-09-2847 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#8: Amanda Koonlaba - Party in the Art RoomAmanda Koonlaba, Ed. S. is a dedicated educator aligning standards and integrating content to meet the needs of the whole child. Amanda was named the Mississippi Elementary Art Educator of the Year and received the Thad Cochran Distinguished Arts Educator Award in 2016. She is the founder and owner of Party in the Art Room, an online resource for art educators, and Amanda Koonlaba Consulting, which allows her to travel to schools to work with teachers and students throughout the country. Amanda has helped teachers and students on 6 continents and in all 50 United States. She was named the Daily Journal's...
2023-09-1347 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#7: Blair Hughes - Park HeightsBlair Hughes is originally from Dallas, TX, but calls Columbus, MS, her home. In the year 2000, she embarked on a new journey by relocating to Tupelo, following a thriving banking career in Washington, DC. Having spent nearly 15 years in the nation's capital, a profound inner calling for a different professional path, as well as a yearning to draw closer to her roots, stirred within her.Contemplating the idea of establishing a restaurant, Blair sought to ensure her readiness and commitment. Her quest led her to culinary school in Memphis, followed by an instrumental role in aiding a...
2023-08-3037 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#6: Katina Davis - Wear It WellKatina Davis, the Founding Director of Wear It Well, is a devoted volunteer who empowers individuals to thrive. With extensive experience and expertise, she brings great value to her role. Her remarkable efforts have garnered prestigious awards and recognition, and she actively utilizes community resources to create positive change. Join us as we explore Katina's inspiring journey of making a meaningful impact and uplifting those in need.To learn more about Wear It Well, visit https://www.wearitwell.org/Connect with Albine:Instagram: sheachievedpodcastFacebook: She Achieved Podcast with Albine...
2023-08-1649 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#5: Becky RollinsFrom science teacher to Chief Volunteer Officer, Becky is larger than life! Listen to her journey as she shares her experience of how she met her husband, being a teacher in Texas, coming to Tupelo, interviewing Steve Harvey, and her toughest year overcoming cancer and loosing her mother. Listen as she gives sound advice on lessons she’s learned on her journey, importance of giving back to the community, and This a story you don’t want to miss!Connect with Albine:Instagram: sheachievedpodcastFacebook: She Achieved Podcast with Albine BennettAlbine...
2023-08-0252 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#4: Heather Tate - Whimsical DestinationsHeather Gausline Tate has been a travel advisor with Whimsical Destinations since 2016. Travel has always been her passion, having explored 36 states and 29 countries and counting. Now she makes it her mission to help her clients have as many adventures as possible. As Mississippi’s first-ever member of the Sandals Royal Chairman club and back-to-back #1 Honeymoon Planner by Mississippi Magazine, Heather has grown her reach from her home in Guntown, Mississippi to now reach clients throughout the US from Coast-to-Coast. Her husband Logan Tate and their two sons London (11) and Christian (6) enjoy exploring the world together, but they also are ve...
2023-07-191h 02She Achieved with Albine Bennett#3: Lynsee Pannell - Citizens StyleLynsee Pannell took an unconventional route to hair dressing as a career. A graduate of The Mississippi School of Math & Science, she was always fascinated by the science behind things. For her, hair is about the transformation, the change and her work is the catalyst. Hear Lynsee’s story of overcoming bad decisions, unplanned pregnancy, criminal charges, and a divorce to becoming a successful hair salon owner. Hear her insights on partnerships, overcoming obstacles, and the importance of knowing how to change your tires! No matter what your aspirations are, this story of achievement is worth a listen!T...
2023-07-0553 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#2: Zell Long - Boys and Girls Clubs of NMSListen to hear the inspiring journey of Trailblazer Zell Long. From her humble beginnings as the first African-American secretary in the budget department of the City of Tupelo, Zell has risen to become the Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi. Throughout her career, she has not only achieved remarkable professional success but also managed to raise eight children.During this captivating session, Zell will delve into her career trajectory, recounting the challenges she faced and the milestones she achieved along the way. Her story is one of perseverance, determination, and breaking barriers...
2023-06-1445 minShe Achieved with Albine Bennett#1: Jeri Carter - Queen's RewardFrom elementary school teacher to owner of Mississippi’s first and only meadery, Jeri Carter has learned a few things. Hear her unique story of how she became an entrepreneur, and her inspiring and motivating lessons on how you, too, can accomplish anything you put your mind to.Check out Queen's Reward: https://queensreward.com/Connect with Albine:Instagram: sheachievedpodcastFacebook: She Achieved Podcast with Albine BennettAlbine's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/albine.bennett/Albine's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albinebennett/Al...
2023-05-301h 00She Achieved with Albine BennettShe Achieved Podcast with Albine Bennett TrailerThis podcast is about conversations with extraordinary women in northeast Mississippi (and beyond) who had the courage to follow their inner calling. Despite the challenges they encountered, whether in business or community, they consistently and relentlessly pursued greatness. Success can take on many forms and looks differently depending on who you ask, but achieving success is something all of us can do! She Achieved is about inspiring you to chaise your dreams and aspirations just like the ladies Ive been interviewing. These amazing women are sharing their stories so you can be empowered to achieve your greatness and become...
2023-05-1101 min
Inside SourceAlbine Bennett: Necessary NetworkingAlbine Bennett, Director of Communications for CREATE Foundation and master networker, talks to Inside Source about making the most of networking opportunities, utilizing connections to help others, and her favorite tip for when you have to attend an event solo.
2019-11-0524 min