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.
S3E6: Tandra Williams
Dive deep into the incredible journey of Chandra Williams, co-owner of Puffer Reds, legendary Detroit music and fashion destination. A remarkable story of her entrepreneurship, resilience, and cultural innovation, tracing the evolution of her business from a small record store to a vibrant cultural hub. (1/2/2025)
S3E5: Anya Ayoung-Chee
Fashion designer and social advocate Anya Ayoung-Chee shares her journey from a childhood in Trinidad to her career as a fashion designer, including her initiatives to empower women and support entrepreneurs in the Caribbean, showing how creativity drives community impact. (12/12/2024)
S3E4: Jessica Smith & Deannelys Corcino
Jessica Smith and Deannelys Corcino share SEED's mission to cultivate diverse talent in sport and fashion design, addressing their innovative approach to talent pipeline challenges and creating opportunities for women of color in the design world. (12/5/2024)
S3E3: Shake James
Tune in as we tap in with the Milwaukee legend Eric Shake James and get the backstory to some of his iconic and career defining moments. (11/21/2024)
S3E2: Felecia Hatcher
CEO of Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Opportunity Fund and Co-founder of @blacktechweek and The Center for Black Innovation, Felecia Hatcher consults for major brands such as Amazon and Google on inclusive innovation. (10/31/2024)
S3E1: Kari Faux
Kari Faux talks about her upbringing, how her southern roots influence her music, and her journey creating her own lane and identity in the industry. Hear her insights on the music industry and finding your unique taste choice. (10/24/2024)
special eps: LaShae Boone-McCray
From humble beginnings to becoming a powerful voice in the footwear industry, Blacklights host Lashae shares career highs and lows, her passion for diversity and inclusion, and finding her place in a constantly evolving industry. (9/12/2024)
special eps: Dion Walcott
Dion is the Founder of MARTK’D and Director of Partnerships at PLC Detroit, but his journey extends far beyond his titles. Hear this Blacklights host's personal story and uncover the many gems he's gathered through his career. (9/5/2024)
Past Seasons
S2E6: Ruth Carter
Back to back Oscar winner Ruth "The Truth" Carter shares the realities of what it takes to become great. (5/16/2024)
S2E5: June Ambrose
Styling some of Hip Hop's greatest talents, June Ambrose shares her POV on hard work, mentorship, and building others to lead. (4/18/2024)
S2E4: Sydney James
Detroit legend, visual artist, and muralist Sydney G. James brings inspiration, empowerment, and invaluable insights. (2/29/2024)
S2E3: Alexander John
On Designer/Creative Director Alexander John's work with Puma, Roc Nation, New Balance and more. (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. (12/18/2023)
S2E1: Music Fuels Culture
Karim Wazani, Kelley Walton, Byron Merritt, Dion Walcott, and LaShae Boone-McCray explore & discuss music, art, sneakers and design. (12/4/2023)
S1E3: Sharifa Murdock
Sharifa Murdock, Chief Impact Officer at KITH and CEO of ENVSN discusses breaking through conditions, cultures, and conflicts in the creative industry. (5/25/2023)
S1E2: David Ballin
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
Listen in as we hear about the journey of Reebok's VP of Apparel, Portia Blunt, 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.
