For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Sala Spencer, a proud mother to a teenager and a toddler. She is a Registered Nurse, Certified Birth Doula, parent-child educator, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding educator. She is in her last semester at Erikson Institute and will be adding certified infant mental health specialist to her portfolio. She has a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management and an associate's degree in nursing. Currently, she is a certified birth doula and program manager for doula programming for over 10 years. She has participated in over 200 humbling births. She also serves on the board of directors for the Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) for over 15 years. KOCO is the oldest black lead, grassroots community organization focusing on organizing, leadership, and service. She has participated in youth development programming since the age of 14 with KOCO. She has developed a mentorship program for girls called Outstanding Young Achievers (OYA) and she is the co-founder of the Msaada Center for Community Transformation, which focuses on changing the health disparities in black communities resulting in improving the health outcomes and quality of life for black people. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates Too! Guest: Sala Spencer (@thisistherealmebutrflysala) Host: Bianca Cotton (@biancancotton) Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Diana a Chicago native born and raised in the Humboldt Park community, single mother to one child. Diana started in workforce development 15 yrs. ago as a Receptionist for a non-profit faith-based re-entry center on the west side of Chicago. Quickly moving around the organization and increasing her skill set transitioned over time into a Workforce Connection Center manager and has had the privilege of personal and professional growth for the last 9yrs. at the same NPO in Chicago. Diana values the opportunity to not only develop her skills but also nurture and support the growth of others. In her current role as Director of Youth Engagement, she collaborates closely with the organization to develop, implement, and execute employment and training programs for youth and young adults. Additionally, she actively seeks partnerships with organizations whose mission and purpose align with supporting underserved youth in the communities they serve. To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com

For the Next Episode, Season 5 of ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, our host is joined by Sara Brown, Erica Williams, and Brandi P.

With nearly 15 years of High School teaching experience, a passion for building meaningful relationships with students, and a genuine love for people, Sara Brown knows how to connect with a crowd authentically.


Sara is also the loving wife to a wonderful husband and mother of a 3-month-old son and a 26-week stillborn son. She vulnerably shares her life experiences in hopes of encouraging those who have experienced loss and infertility.


Sara has two Master’s degree certifications in Curriculum and Instruction and Principal Administration. When not teaching or supporting her students, she can spend quality time with family and friends.

Brandi is gleefully married to her forever love of almost two decades. Brandi is a statewide trainer for a social service agency who has previously held a variety of roles from working in IT project management, events, and with homeless youth around permanency and life skills. She holds degrees in psychology and Industrial/Organizational Psychology as well as a variety of certificates for programs such as Mental Health First Aid. Brandi likes variety, to laugh, and to dance like no one is watching. Catch her out and about; she just might lead you on an adventure you hadn’t planned on.
While Brandi has no formal online platform around infertility, she has lived experience that has allowed her to participate in projects, contribute to a book (Hold Onto Hope: Stories of Black Women’s Fertility, Faith, and Fight to Become Mothers), facilitate a support group for Fertility for Colored Girls founded by Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, have a two edition write-up with a life coach in O Magazine, and even appeared in a segment on Good Morning America with fellow sisters on the journey. Brandi can remember her mother telling the pediatrician to stop asking her questions and speak to Brandi directly. That was how she learned to medically advocate for herself and it was the foundation for what was to come. Her own lived experience birthed a commitment to support and educate, now focused on infertility.
Erica Williams is a multifaceted powerhouse, seamlessly blending her roles as a business and execution coach, pastor, mom of four, wife, business and tax strategist, speaker, podcast, and conference host. With a passion for guiding individuals toward holistic success, and building healthy relationships Erica's expertise spans across the realms of Christian spiritual development, self-confidence building, personal growth, and business acumen.
Erica brings a wealth of experience to the table. Her strategic insights and practical approach have empowered countless individuals to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and turn their visions into reality. Erica's unique coaching style is rooted in both her professional expertise, Christian faith, and her deep commitment to personal development, ensuring that her clients not only achieve their business and lifestyle goals but also experience growth on a spiritual and emotional level.
To find more information and support ‘Behind the Confident Smile’, please visit: https://cantv.wpengine.com/behind-the-confident-smile/ and https://behindtheconfidentsmile.com

Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates Too!

Guest: Sara Brown (@mrssaradbrown), Erica Williams (@iamjusterica)
Host: Bianca Cotton (@biancancotton)
Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)