Being bilingual, Randi Cohen has the advantage to be able to volunteer in countries where spanish is the native language, such as the Dominican Republic and Haiti. She has been volunteering for years, helping with the current crisis that is faced along the border between the two countries. Although the Dominican economy depends on Haitian labor, and unemployment is relatively low, Dominican citizens of Haitian descent with valid documents have been being deported out of the Dominican Republic for many years, despite government claims. This began under the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. The “Dominicanization” of border areas became a national campaign and the massacre of thousands of Haitians living on Dominican soil was ordered. The denationalization affected over 200,000 Dominicans of Haitian descent and this number continues to grow with the frequent violation of civil rights among Haitians.

It has been about a century since the American occupation helped draw the border dividing Hispaniola, and the United States government is still committed to fortifying it and fighting counter terrorism. It has given $44 million in military assistance to the Dominicans since 2010. Even with this help and the help from volunteers like Randi Cohen, there is a clear divide between the two countries that is visible by just driving along the border. The Dominican side described as greener with houses grouped into settlements, featuring a school and businesses, along with a military post. While the Haitian side, houses were made of mud or crude wooden boards thrown together. Their living conditions are often described as uninhabitable. 

Aside from her volunteer work along the Haitian and Dominican border, she has taught a two-day training course in two major cities of Spain which they have grown from. Randi Cohen is a licensed mental health therapist, LPCC-S that has worked with individuals and couples for more than two decades. She earned a PhD and an MA in foreign language education and teacher training, and an MS in clinical counseling. She is also a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals IACP and the Central Ohio Academy of Collaborative Divorce Professionals COACDP. For more information on Randi Cohen and her inspirational story, visit www.randicohen.com

Billy Staples was born and raised in Phillipsburg, New Jersey and graduated from Phillipsburg Catholic High School.  During his childhood, Billy had the privilege of spending time in the Phillies, Mets and Yankees clubhouses.

After graduating Kappa Delta Phi from East Stroudsburg University in 1993, Billy developed a unique style of teaching English that helped win him several awards, including 1998-2000 nominations for Disney’s National Teacher of the Year. 

Through the support of Chicken Soup for the Soul author Jack Canfield, Staples and Rich Herschlag signed a book deal for Before the Glory.  Billy spent the next 12 years on the road promoting education and reading.

Building on the success of Before the Glory, Billy, Linny Fowler, and Judy Tierney founded the scholarship group B.E.S.T.  The program has provided financial support and mentoring to over 70 college students and encouraged them to return to their communities to give back.

Most people have goals in life that consist of being successful, or to buy a house by the beach. There are many paths someone can take to reach their goals. Today, Tasha Uliano, from Sahl Communication, Inc.  speaks on the importance of keeping an open mind to get where you want to go in life, and to be happy with your choices.

Tasha Uliano graduated with a B.A. in communications, journalism and public relations along with a minor of political science in December of 2017 from Shippensburg University. She was the first in her family to graduate from a university. She values her independence and determination as well as what the world has to offer. She finds joy in seeking out different worldviews and seeing new places. This is one of the many things she learned while studying international politics throughout Europe. She is also very passionate about politics, NATO and writing. Tasha is extremely open-minded while she continues on her journey of creating her own story. She said, “You never know where an opportunity might lead you.”

During her podcast interview, she mentions that stepping outside of your comfort zone is one of the most uncomfortable things to do, but one of the most important steps on the road to success and finding out who you are.

To see some of Tasha’s projects go to https://tlcu095.wixsite.com/tashauliano