A fresh and innovative podcast continuing conversations started on diversity, highlighting black footwear industry leaders, and providing resources on how to navigate the footwear industry as POC. Join hosts Dion Walcott, LaShae Boone-McCray, and some amazing guests for Blacklights insights!
Episodes
Season 3 dives deep into the world of creativity and culture, exploring the intersections of music, fashion, and community. Proudly sponsored by Adidas.
S1E2: Felecia Hatcher
CEO of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and Co-founder of @blacktechweek and The Center for Black Innovation, Felecia Hatcher also consults for major brands such as Amazon, Google, and more on inclusive innovation. (10/31/2024)
S3E1: Kari Faux
Tune in as Kari Faux talks about her upbringing, how her southern roots influence her music, and how she’s creating her own lane and identity in the industry. Listen as she shares her journey, insights on the music industry, and finding your unique taste choice. (10/24/2024)
special eps 2: Host LaShae Boone-McCray
From her humble beginnings to becoming a powerful voice in the footwear industry, Lashae shares the highs and lows of her career, her passion for diversity and inclusion, and how she found her place in an industry that's constantly evolving. (9/12/2024)
special eps 1: Host Dion Walcott
Dion is the Founder of MARTK’D and Director of Partnerships at PLC Detroit, but his journey extends far beyond his titles. Join us as we dive into his personal story and uncover the many gems he's gathered throughout his career. (9/5/2024)
S2E6: Ruth Carter
Back to back Oscar winner Ruth "The Truth" Carter shares the realities of what it takes to become great not only as a globally recognized costume designer but as a black woman in a leadership position. (5/16/2024)
S2E5: June Ambrose
Recognized for styling some of Hip Hop's greatest talents, June Ambrose shares her POV on hard work, mentorship, and building others to lead in their individual greatness—a reminder that we are all unique and should use our own AI, or "Authentic Intelligence". (4/18/2024)
S2E4: Sydney James
Detroit legend, visual artist, and muralist Sydney G. James brings inspiration, empowerment, and invaluable insights – tackling mentorship, code-switching as a professional, black women in society, being paid for your passion, and more. Gems on Gems on Gems! (2/29/2024)
S2E3: Alexander John
On Designer/Creative Director Alexander John's work with Puma, Roc Nation, New Balance and more, plus his creative process, overcoming challenges, and the importance of creatives organizing and executing as a business. (2/1/2024)
S2E2: Bill Jordan
Former DBI President Bill Jordan on the historical launch of Jems by Pensole, the first and only Black-owned factory in the USA. Hear how the factory came to life, the impact it hopes to have on black designers, and the future of footwear. (12/18/2023)
S2E1: Music Fuels Culture
Karim Wazani, Kelley Walton, Byron Merritt, and our hosts Dion Walcott and LaShae Boone-McCray explore & discuss the intersection between music, art, sneakers and design. (12/4/2023)
S1E3: Sharifa Murdock
Sharifa Murdock, Chief Impact Officer at KITH and CEO of ENVSN sits down with us to discuss breaking through conditions, cultures, and conflicts in the creative industry. (5/25/2023)
S1E2: David Ballin
This episode blacklights how to navigate corporate America while being Black. David Ballin, Sr. Creative Strategist at Puma, takes us through his unconventional pathway to show and prove excellence in any space. (4/28/2023)
S1E1: Portia Blunt
In this episode, we find out what a true Blacklight is with Reebok's VP of Apparel, Portia Blunt. Listen in as we hear her journey and how she continues to navigate the footwear space. (3/23/2023)
BLACKLIGHTS Hosts
Dion Walcott, Director of Partnerships & Engagement, Pensole
Director of Partnerships for Pensole Lewis College and the founder of MARTK'D is a highly sought-after speaker, strategist, and curator who has used his passion for sneakers to create a notable career in business. Dion’s first break came when he was chosen as the Director of Programs and Partnerships for North America’s first-ever sneaker exhibit at The Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. Although he has achieved success building collaborations with global brands, Dion always leads with a "Doing Well and Good at the same time" approach highlighting the importance of working to provide access and opportunities to communities that support any respective business.
Lashae Boone-McCray, Director of Strategic Accounts, RG Barry
LaShae is an executive business leader, specialized in wholesale distribution and brand partnerships within the footwear industry. An unstoppable force, this mother of two grew her professional range from retail store management at ALDO to strategic account management within shoe, department store and mass channels of distribution, significantly contributing to high grossing annual sales. From the show-me state of Missouri, LaShae continues to show up for marginalized groups as the founder and head of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion council at RG Barry. In addition to her work at RG Barry, LaShae partners with the FDRA as an advisory board member of the Black Footwear Forum, proudly representing Columbus, OH. Recognizing opportunities and pushing through challenges with a smile to achieve global brand growth through an equity lens is her specialty and what is admired most from her leadership team, colleagues, and partners.
