Join us for a special birthday weekend episode of The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena as we shine the spotlight on our queen, Rena. She opens up about her incredible career journey—sharing the obstacles she’s faced and the victories she’s claimed as a blind woman determined to thrive.

This laid-back, music-filled conversation is packed with inspiration, practical tips, and real talk about overcoming challenges and discovering your next career move. Come celebrate Rena’s brilliance with us, and don’t forget to send her some love! Drop a shout-out on our Facebook page or email your birthday wishes to keep the celebration going.

Press play, get inspired, and vibe with us as we honor the unstoppable Rena. Face book: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 You tube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com Text or voice mail: 682-730-2001

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In this final August installment of Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena , we are joined by the wonderful and amazing Laurel Wheeler , founder of the Laurel Wheeler Foundation . Laurel shares her journey from her love of football and traveling the world, to her deep passion for giving back to the blind and visually impaired community.

The Laurel Wheeler Foundation , founded in 2017 , exists to provide international relief for the blind and visually impaired through the gift of technology, training, and other resources. Laurel has traveled to places like Russia, Finland, and many other countries to ensure others have access to life-changing technology such as Braille displays, white canes, and training. The foundation is also expanding locally, making a difference right here in our own community.

In this episode, we chat about: • Laurel’s love for college and NFL football (don’t miss the fun bet between Vic and Laurel on the Texas Red River Showdown!) • Her passion for traveling, both for business and leisure • Favorite fall vibes—including her go-to drink, the pumpkin spice latte • How the foundation is growing globally and locally • Ways you can get involved: donating unused assistive technology, volunteering, or spreading the word The Laurel Wheeler Foundation is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to empower the blind and visually impaired through technology and community support. If you or someone you know could use their services, or if you’re looking for a way to contribute, information will be provided below.

We also want to hear from you! Comment on any platform or follow us on Facebook—let us know what football team you’re cheering for this season, whether college or NFL. Between Vic, Laurel, and Rena (our cheerleader extraordinaire), we’ve got all the football energy you need this fall! Learn more about the Laurel Wheeler Foundation: • Website: Laurel Wheeler Foundation on Facebook • X (Twitter): @LaurelWFndn You’re in for a treat—tune in now to be inspired, laugh with us, and maybe even get hungry for a pumpkin spice latte! You will also find information about the DFW virtual Lions Club, which Laurel is the president of as well. Website: www.laurelwheelerfoundation.org Email: laurelwheelerfoundation@gmail.com

DFW Virtual Blind and Person with Disabilities Lions Club.

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Welcome to August!In this powerful and enlightening episode, Vic and Rena sit down with Victoria Hillard , the Executive Director of Blind Professional Network (BPN) , as part of our August spotlight on nonprofit organizations making a difference in our communities.

Since its founding in 2019, Blind Professional Network has grown from a small support group of 40 to a thriving network serving over 500 blind and visually impaired professionals . Victoria shares her personal journey and the organization’s mission to break barriers and build professional success .

Listeners will learn how BPN provides: 🔹 JAWS training for accessible technology 🔹 Mentorship and internship programs 🔹 Career readiness support —even for those not reentering the workforce 🔹 A welcoming, empowering space for growth and skill-building

Victoria also teases BPN’s first-ever four-day conference , coming in 2026 , and shares how the community can get involved as volunteers or become a member— for free! Also, all listeners should notice that all of the services that they offer at BPN are free to you as long as you sign up to become a member for free. Want to connect or support the Blind Professional Network? 📞 Phone: 800-699-8238 📧 Email: info@BlindProNet.org 🌐 Website: www.BlindProNet.org Here, you can join BPN, explore their programs, access BVI resources, and follow their latest updates.  Stay Connected with Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 🌈 We’re more than a podcast — we’re a home for LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and the blind & visually impaired community.

📱 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001

🎧 Be sure to subscribe, share, and leave a review — and stay tuned for more nonprofit spotlights throughout August!

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🎙 Blaque Diamond – A True Visionary We’re closing out the month of July with an unforgettable episode featuring the unstoppable Blaque Diamond !

You do not want to miss this powerful conversation filled with empowerment , encouragement , and the inspiring journey of a woman who has broken barriers and overcome the odds. Blaque Diamond is: – An author – A songwriter – A motivational speaker – A podcast host – And a phenomenal mommy!

She wears many hats—and wears them well .

In this episode, Blaque Diamond shares how she continues to persevere, building a legacy through music, writing, and advocacy. She also drops knowledge for anyone looking to obtain their high school diploma —yes, it’s possible, accessible, and within your reach!

🎙 Get ready to be inspired – Hear about her latest book, Stolen Innocence – Stream her newest album on all major platforms – Discover what exciting projects are coming next

This episode is for every dreamer, every fighter, and everyone who needs to hear: You can do it, too. 🎙 Listen now and share with someone who needs this light! Do not forget to follow her below!

Facebook.com/writerblaquediamond

Facebook.com/BffEmpowermentPodcast

Instagram.com/writerblaquediamond

Instagram.com/bffempowermentpodcast

Tiktok.com/@writerblaquediamond

Youtube.com/@SoulfulSai

Amazon.com/author/blaquediamond

Bffempowermentpodcast.com

Writer Blaque Diamond

Motivational speaker, author, songwriter, poet, and entrepreneur "Dreams were made to achieve, so dream big and achieve bigger! Transform your impossible to I'm possible."

The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena Podcast 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: The Shades of Pride 📺 YouTube: @shadesofpridewithvicrena Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadesofpridepod?igsh=NDlreWpjcXZhcnF3&utm_source=qr 📞 Phone: 682-730-2001

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In this inspiring and informative episode, we sit down with the incredible Melvin Reynolds , a blind travel agent who turned his story of vision loss into a powerful testimony of resilience and purpose. Melvin opens up about how he lost his vision, how he and his husband travel the world together, and how he’s been on over 32 cruises and counting.

Melvin shares how he helps others book unforgettable cruise experiences and trips, and how his travel agency is accessible and welcoming to everyone. If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a travel agent yourself, he breaks down how you can get started with no upfront fees .

He also drops some great tips for blind travelers—from how to navigate a cruise ship to ways you might be able to save money on those pricey Wi-Fi packages . Whether you’re planning your next vacation or thinking about joining the travel industry, this is a must-listen episode.

We also catch up on our week, including how Vic and Rena supported the ACB Conference by helping at the DFW Virtual Lions table, connecting with amazing people and expanding the network.

📲 Connect with Melvin Reynolds Facebook, Instagram & X: Vacations and Beyond By Melvin 🌍 Website: https://vacationsandbeyondbymelvin.cruisebrothers.com/cb/ 💜 Follow The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📞 Voicemail/Text: 682-730-2001

Tune in, travel smart, and celebrate pride with purpose!

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Welcome back to The Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena ! July is here, and we’re starting the month with power, pride, and purpose. Happy Disability Pride Month to all our listeners! In this episode, we celebrate the strength and beauty of living a limitless life, regardless of disability.

We dive into our week and share some fun Fourth of July traditions, including our annual family casino trip—something especially meaningful to Vic, as it marks the last tradition shared with her father before his passing last year on July 9.

We also share our amazing experience at the American Council of the Blind Convention in downtown Dallas, where we volunteered at the DFW Virtual Lions Club table in partnership with the Laurel Wheeler Foundation. We made some incredible connections and left feeling inspired.

This episode kicks off our Small Business Spotlight Series for July! Rena sits down with Vic for an in-depth interview about her 10-year journey as a successful massage therapist and business owner. Vic opens up about what inspired her, the steps she took to get licensed, the obstacles she’s overcome, and how she built a loyal clientele. She also shares tips, education insights, and her vision for the future of accessible wellness.

Know a small business owner who uses accessible tech and wants to share their story? We’re looking for two guest entrepreneurs to join us this month! Reach out if you’re interested or if you have questions about massage therapy or entrepreneurship.

Want to book a massage with Vic? Whether you’re local or just visiting the DFW area, head to her website: www.majestichealinghandstx.com Don’t miss this heartfelt, empowering episode. Hit play now! Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727 YouTube https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr Email shadesofpridepod@gmail.com To leave a voicemail or shoot us a text for comments, guest appearance, or feedback, you can text or call 682-730-200 one.

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We’re wrapping up our Pride series and celebrating the end of Pride Month in a powerful way—with none other than the amazing advocate for both the LGBTQ+ and blind communities, Chris Walker . Chris is currently the Vice President of the NFB Winchester Chapter of Virginia and will soon step back into the role of President this coming September.

Chris shares his incredible story of resilience, strength, and purpose. In this heartfelt episode, he opens up about: • Losing his vision in just three weeks • Finding life-changing resources and learning how to navigate his new world • Losing two partners and how he continues to carry their love with him • Being adopted and what that journey meant to him • Becoming a voice for change in the blind and LGBTQ+ communities • His love for cooking and creating connection through food • His work as a proud Lion in his local community This episode is a powerful reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you can rise, thrive, and lead with love and purpose. Chris is living proof of that. Be sure to listen all the way through and grab his contact info if you’d like to connect!

Vic and Rena also talk about their exciting week, including a magical experience at The Lion King play in Dallas, where they participated in a special touch tour. They’ll be in Dallas at the ACB Convention representing the DFW Virtual Lions Club —come find them if you’re in town! Connect with Us: 📍 Facebook: Shades of Pride with Vic and Rena 📍 YouTube: Shades of Pride on YouTube 📧 Email: shadesofpridepod@gmail.com 📲 Text or leave us a message: 682-730-2001 Join the Community: 🌈 All VIP Lesbian Women’s Facebook Group: Join here 🦁 Interested in joining our Virtual Lions Club for blind and visually impaired individuals and persons with disabilities? Email us and we’ll get you connected! 📚 Book Club + Women’s WhatsApp Group: Open to all the shades of the rainbow! Reach out and we’ll send you the details.

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It wouldn’t be Pride without celebrating our best friends—the ones who hold us down daily, the ones we can count on, and the ones we talk to before the day even begins.

In this heartwarming and laughter-filled episode, Vic and Rena sit down with their two best friends, Brandi and Andrea. Though they’ve only known each other for three years, the bond feels like a lifetime. These incredible women open up about their lives, friendship, and love. Andrea shares her journey through grad school as she pursues her rehabilitation counseling degree, while Brandi gives insight into her life working in customer service on a military base.

The conversation dives into long-distance love, careers, obstacles, and how they’ve all made their relationships and friendships thrive. You’ll laugh, you might tear up, and you’ll definitely feel the love. This episode is a celebration of connection, sisterhood, and what it means to find your chosen family.

Check out Brandi’s blog: https://withgraceandacane.wordpress.com Follow us on Facebook: [ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575048897727

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: [ https://youtube.com/@shadesofpridewithvicrena?si=U6pNEpgxZ8k1uNHr

Want to leave us a voicemail or text with your thoughts, feedback, topic ideas, or just to say hello—or if you’re interested in being a guest? Call or text us at 682-730-2001

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This podcast is powered by Pinecast. Try Pinecast for free, forever, no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-eb2089 for 40% off for 4 months, and support The shades of pride with Vic & Rena.