inspiration

The Blacklist’s Laura Sohn

Laura Sohn

Actress Laura Sohn broke onto television screens as Agent Alina Park on NBC’s mega hit The Blacklist with James Spader. Her other credits include NCIS and God Friended Me.

Like many of us, Laura has a jam packed schedule—especially being in the entertainment industry which is known to have many, many long hours. Self care and really anything else usually has to take a backseat.

Regardless of what your profession is or where you are—the need to have a job and really the demands of everyday life make it extremely hard to slow down and think about the life you want to carve out for yourself. It’s a universal struggle.

So, you may be surprised to hear that Laura recently stepped back wrapping up a thrilling run on a hugely successful show so she can take a break. This is even tougher to do being that minority roles in entertainment are still very hard to come by.

Today, you can learn more about this talented actress, the values she shows up for and the responsibility she has as an Asian American and how she’s working to open doors.

Laura also shares what she’s doing to prioritize her self care, how she’s using her voice to help others and how you can do it too.

Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurastellasohn/

Yvonne Chapman Returns 2: Exceeding Expectations

Yvonne Chapman

Photo credit: Richie Lubaton

Yvonne Chapman gives a pitch perfect performance as the sophisticated, lethal and complicated assassin Zhilan on CW’s hit Kung Fu. Yvonne hits every beat whether it be during intricate fight sequences nailing the choreography with very step and strike or quietly grounding more tender, heartbreaking scenes that make her character nuanced, redeemable and has audiences rooting for her character.

We got to meet this talented actress on her first appearance Reppin 4.4: Yvonne Chapman where we learned about her personal background, also her first career in Corporate Finance, the sexism she had to face, to the fear and expectations she had to overcome before her leap into entertainment to the importance of community. We went deep and learned about this remarkable talent. We continue our conversation here, she shares even more important insights and lessons learned. And you will learn even more about who she is and what makes up her integrity and character.

Yvonne’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/yvonne__chapman

Yvonne’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ypchapman/?hl=en

Reppin 4.10: Georgina Pazcoguin

Georgina Paczoguin

Georgina Paczoguin

The world of ballet is one of sophistication, beauty and high class culture. This is all true but it’s also complicated and the same social issues and inequities that exist in the “everyday” also lives in this elite world. Georgina Pazcoguin is the FIRST Asian-American female soloist at New York City Ballet (her father is Filipino and her mother is Italian). She’s also the author of Swan Dive: The Making Of A Rogue Ballerina where she takes you beyond the stage. Her memoir where she openly shares her love for dance is also where she risks all to expose and fight everything from racism to sexism.

What has she experienced to step up and publicly voice her position and beliefs? Why is she putting her career on the line? What is it costing her?

Meet this firebrand now on Reppin. And see how’s she fighting with grace and integrity to ensure that the art of ballet lives on for future generations and that it is world that is more inclusive and equal.

Georgina’s website: https://georginapazcoguin.com/

Georgina’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/GPazcoguin

Georgina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgina_pazcoguin/?hl=en

Swan Dive: The Making Of A Rogue Ballerina: https://www.amazon.com/Untitled-Holt-Author-Revealed-Fall/dp/1250244307/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14KMY3Q178B1H&dchild=1&keywords=swan+dive&qid=1633808398&sprefix=small+hat%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1

Reppin 4.3: Kimberly McCullough

Kimberly McCullough

Kimberly McCullough

Kimberly McCullough is an incredible talent. She started working at 5 years old appearing in movies like Breakin’2: Electric Boogaloo to Bugsy with Warren Beatty, and has an impressive list of television credits that include The Shield, Firefly, Joan Of Arcadia, All My Children. She’s best known as Robin Scorpio the daughter of super spies Robert Scorpio played by Tristan Rogers and Anna Devane played by Finola Hughes on General Hospital. She originated this role at 7 years old and playing this character on an off through the years into adulthood. And she’s won 2 daytime Emmys for her portrayal.

Now, she’s evolved into an incredible Producer/Director for shows like High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Fuller House, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Carol’s Second Act to The Conners.

She’s grown up in front of audiences and you may THINK you know her. On Reppin she shares what she’s learned throughout her career, challenges she’s overcome and what she’s doing to advocate for others. Meet this incredible woman.

Kimberly’s Twitter:https://twitter.com/whitewatercrew

Kimberly’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimmeabreak/







Reppin 3.12: Angela Yee

Angela Yee

Angela Yee

Angela Yee is best known as one of the hosts of the nationally syndicated show The Breakfast Club. She is the only female voice on the show which has been the number one radio program in “The Source” Power 30 issue for 5 years in a row. The NYS Broadcasters Association awarded “The Breakfast Club” the 2014 OUTSTANDING ON-AIR BROADCAST PERSONALITY OR TEAM award, and in 2017 the Breakfast Club was awarded the iHeartRadio Urban Personality of the Year Award.

Listeners can hear “Angela Yee’s Rumor Report,” her advice segment “Ask Yee,” and current events with “Front Page News.”  True to her personality, Angela has also continued to expand her brand with her popular podcast “Angela Yee’s Lip Service” and in 2019 she organized the first nationwide tour for “Lip Service Live” with Live Nation

When she’s not in front of the mic or hosting, Angela is also an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. She’s involved with numerous organizations that support everything from health, literacy to groups that promote diversity and inclusion. All of her efforts are varied—but have one thing in common—empathy and to build communities and people up.

Angela has received a WEEN Mission Award, the Shirley Chisholm Woman of Distinction Award, the Vice-Chancellor’s Achievement Award for the American Foundation for the University of the West Indies (AFUWI), a Gracie Award for National Radio Host/Personality, a Gracie Award for her Lip Service podcast, a Spirit of Detroit Award, the Airblazer Award from the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group and Talentmasters Morning Show Bootcamp….to name a few.

What shapes this unstoppable woman? What’s it take to be the solo female voice on a hugely popular show? Where does this drive and commitment to community come from? Find out now. Meet this inspiring, incredible woman-right here on Reppin.

Angela’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/angelayee?s=20

Angela’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelayee/?hl=en

Angela’s Non Profit Well Read: http://wellread.org/

Angela’s Juices For Life: http://juicesforlife.nyc/

Reppin 3.1: Nathalie Kelley

Nathalie Kelley

Nathalie Kelley

Nathalie Kelley, a Peruvian born actress known for her leading roles from the mega movie Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, Vampire Diaries, Dynasty, UnREAL, Body Of Proof and Baker And The Beauty has a powerful discussion on REPPIN! She shares what devastated her, the awakening she had experienced, what she’s learned, how it’s changed her life and all the ways she’s giving back. Nathalie breaks down her project Ritual Community-how it’s set up to represent and serve underrepresented groups, honor ancient traditions and lineages and help enrich your life. This is an insightful and inspiring conversation with a talented actress and fierce activist who is out in front to preserve our earth, heritage and ultimately, make an impact on this world.

Nathalie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/natkelley

Nathalie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natkelley/

Ritual Community: https://ritualcommunity.mn.co/

Reppin Season 2 Premiere: Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd

Michelle Hurd is an extraordinarily talented actress with an impressive list of credits that includes Law and Order SVU, Daredevil, Blindspot, Hawaii Five-O, Gossip Girl, ER, 90210 to Younger -just to name a FEW! And currently you can find her starring on the hit Star Trek: Picard as Raffi Musiker!

Michelle shares personal stories that impacted her and shaped how she views the world. She talks about the challenges she faced professionally and personally and why she is a fierce advocate for equality and justice for all.

This is a very insightful, powerful and intimate conversation—and one you don’t want to miss. Meet this amazing actress and you’ll find out she’s even more incredible in real life.

Michelle’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsMichelleHurd

Reppin 1.8: Danny Pino

Danny Pino

Danny Pino

You’ve seen him as Detective Nick Amaro on NBC’s Law and Order SVU, he’s been on Cold Case, Brain Dead, Gone, Scandal, The Shield and his credits go on and on. Currently, he plays cartel boss Miguel Galindo on FX’s hit Mayans M.C. Danny Pino comes to Reppin and gets personal. He shares some powerful experiences, you’ll gain insight on what and who has inspired him, how he carries all of those lessons with him and how he hopes to pay it forward. Get to know the man behind all of these amazing performances.

Danny’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDannyPino

Danny’s Instgram: https://www.instagram.com/eldannypino/?hl=en

Reppin 1.6: Benjamin Melzer

Benjamin Melzer

Benjamin Melzer

Meet Benjamin Melzer, a model based in Germany. On Instagram, along with 114k followers, you’ll see his fantastic portfolio, work out regimen and his washboard abs. What you don’t see is the inner turmoil he experienced. Born Yvonne Melzer, Benjamin says “I was a boy for as long as I can think.” Struggling for years with never feeling like he was in the right body and never having any sense of inner comfort or peace. But at 23 yrs old, he took the steps towards gender reassignment. After many painful surgeries he became Benjamin. Listen to his journey, how he went from feeling scared and alone to becoming the first transgender model on the cover of Men’s Health Magazine in Germany, see how he’s making a difference and if he’s been able to find peace.

Benjamin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjaminryanmelzer/?hl=en

Reppin 1.5: Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons

Tiffany Persons

Representation in Hollywood is seeing some dramatic changes in the last several years and our next guest is someone who is working to ensuring that we continue that movement. Tiffany Persons is a prominent casting director in Hollywood with clients like Apple, Google to Nike. She’s also the Founder and Executive Director of a highly respected non profit organization called Shine On in Sierra Leone-an organization that provides educational programs, food to wellness for children. Tiffany shares some of her experiences as a casting director, how some of her personal experiences has shaped her and her work. See how she’s using her personal experiences and platform to transform children’s lives. You’ll be blown away by her work, dedication and heart.

Shine On: http://shineonsierraleone.org/

Reppin 1.4: Mahdis Keshavarz

Mahdis Keshavarz

Mahdis Keshavarz

A leader in the PR world and founder of The Make Agency, Mahdis Keshavarz has built an incredible firm with prestigious clients that include the United Nations, BBC, MTV and UNICEF to name a few. Mahdis shares her personal experiences, challenges she’s had to overcome and some defining moments that ultimately empowered her. Mahdis also built a sister company called Polite Society -where you can purchase beautiful gifts and every purchase dedicates a portion of their sales towards human rights causes. You’ll also hear about her personal humanitarian efforts that will leave you absolutely inspired.

The Make Agency: https://www.themakeagency.com/

Polite Society: https://www.sopolite.com/

Reppin Premiere with Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas

Angie Thomas

Reppin Premiere: Angie Thomas

Her award-winning, acclaimed debut novel, The Hate U Give, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture from Fox 2000, starring Amandla Stenberg and directed by George Tillman, Jr and her second novel, On the Come Up also on the NYT best seller’s list comes by to kick off the premiere episode of Reppin.

Angie’s Website: https://angiethomas.com/

Angie’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/angiecthomas