September is Suicide Awareness Month, and today I am honored to welcome Melani and Lenny Lighter to the podcast. In February 2023, their family was forever changed when their beloved daughter and sister, Lauren, died by suicide. In her memory, and in honor of the millions of lives lost each year, they created LIGHTER, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for mental health.

Currently, they are leading the "Light in the Dark" fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Lauren Lighter Fund. This fund directly supports NAMI Chicago, a local mental health organization, as well as the Douglas Mobile Outreach Program, expanding access to resources and care.

At its heart, LIGHTER is a candle project designed to bring light and comfort into people’s homes while honoring those who have struggled in darkness. Since its launch in August 2023, LIGHTER has raised over $1 million for mental health foundations in both Montreal and Chicago, offering communities not only resources but also awareness, compassion, and hope.

This episode serves as a reminder that we are all fighting battles that are unseen. I hope you find strength in Melani and Lenny’s story, and if you’re able, please consider supporting the Light in the Dark fundraiser with a donation.

Episode Resources:

Lighter Candles

Light in the Dark Fundraiser

Link to purchase:

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FYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration

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Dr. Ishnella Azad, known simply as Ish, is a psychiatrist-turned-real estate mogul who has lived multiple lives in one. From medicine to commercial real estate to data centers, her journey is fueled by a singular mission: to empower everyday people, especially women, with the tools to build generational wealth and lasting freedom.

In this episode, Dr. Azad shares how surviving personal trauma, including a life-altering MRSA infection and amputation, led her to transform her pain into purpose. We talk about trauma, identity, financial literacy, and why she believes economic empowerment is the most powerful form of healing.

Her story is raw, bold, and incredibly inspiring, and her message is clear: no matter what life throws at you, just get up.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Azad's LinkedIn

5Rivers CRE Website

Link to purchase:

FYLPxTracee Badway Merch Collaboration

FYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration

*suggestion is to size up

Download this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure

Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.

To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.

Eddie Pate is a powerhouse in the world of inclusion, diversity, and equity with over 24 years of experience at global giants like Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon. Eddie is also the founder of Eddie Pate Speaking and Consulting and co-authored Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging.

From growing up in a multiracial family as an "Army youth" to experiencing discrimination firsthand, Eddie shares the pivotal moments that fueled his passion for diversity and inclusion. He discusses how his upbringing shaped his understanding of belonging, his journey from aspiring NFL player to leading DE&I initiatives at some of the world’s biggest companies, and the critical importance of making workplaces truly inclusive, not just diverse.

Throughout the conversation, Eddie emphasizes the need for leaders to champion equity through intentional actions and spending their privilege to elevate others. He also unpacks the difference between simply having "a seat at the table" and truly feeling included, exploring how businesses thrive when they prioritize both diversity and belonging.

Episode Highlights:

• Eddie's childhood in a multiracial family and its influence on his passion for DE&I
• His journey from aspiring NFL athlete to diversity leader at Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon
• Why inclusion should always come before diversity and equity in workplace initiatives
• Practical steps leaders can take to create cultures of belonging and fairness
• The power of "spending your privilege" and intentional leadership in driving change
• Eddie's reflections on building equitable organizations and the future of workplace inclusion

Resources Mentioned:

• Eddie Pate Speaking and Consulting
• Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders: A Guide to Building a Culture of Belonging
• Connect with Eddie Pate on LinkedIn

Link to purchase:

FYLPxTracee Badway Merch Collaboration

FYLPxWRDSMTH Merch Collaboration

*suggestion is to size up

Download this episode of For Your Listening Pleasure wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you follow us on Instagram @foryourlisteningpleasure

Click here to listen to the For Your Listening Pleasure Theme Song Playlist on Spotify.

To continue the conversation, feel free to DM me at https://www.instagram.com/foryourlisteningpleasure/ or email me at foryourlisteningpleasure@gmail.com.