Lifestyle Contributor Anji

---

 Corey Lakins is a faith-driven leader, entrepreneur, and advocate whose journey through adversity shaped a life of purpose and impact. After navigating profound personal challenges as a mother and caregiver, Corey founded AIMED Human Services to support individuals and families with dignity and compassion. She is the creator of the upcoming documentary The Ascension of Corey Lakins and host of the podcast Glow Your Influence, where she amplifies stories of resilient women leading with integrity. Corey’s work centers on faith, alignment, and helping others transform pain into purpose.

ONE ONE ONE WITH COREY LAKINS-A COMPASSIONATE LEADER USING HER BUSINESS AND CREATIVE SKILLS TO UPLIFT FAMILIES

• How has your faith shaped both your family’s journey and your work, and how has it helped you overcome major obstacles?
  • Faith has been the anchor for both my family and my work. While obstacles weren’t absent from our journey, it taught me that it didn’t mean I couldn’t move past them. They kept me grounded and aware that we needed to keep our faith strong and unified. I faced many obstacles and uphill battles. I didn’t always have the answers. Frankly, I didn’t always know how I would survive, I just knew my faith was my soft landing place and it kept me grounded and with hope. I didn’t always feel God during my hard days, but I always knew he was present with us because the word remained hidden in my heart. Earnest prayer is what kept my family strong! I understood the power of prayer. It built my faith in my darkest moments. Praying through uncertainty and without visualization, was one of the most powerful examples of faith! My faith was shaped during this time because it was the truest example of faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrew 11:1). This scripture was the only thing I knew because I had nothing else to carry me through my pain but hope.
  • Faith has shaped my work in a profound way. I understand that my journey led to my work. My purpose is rooted in the work I do every day. There isn’t a day that I take for granted because I understand my tears, pain and perseverance led to my work. It is a reminder that when we remain steadfast in pursuit of what God has called us to, one day we will meet our purpose. We can’t see it in the moment of pain but our faith shall guide us to our destiny. My work humbles me! I realize that if I didn’t survive, my work wouldn’t be happening. I wouldn’t be serving families and their loved ones. I wouldn’t be rescuing those who no one wants to care for. I understand that it’s not just the individuals I serve but the employees as well. My heart for healing and restoration expands beyond our participants, to our employees as well. When I was deep in my brokenness and pain, I needed a tender heart to care for my wellbeing. I’m reminded that my purpose is bigger than success. 
• What was it like growing up in Pittsburgh, and how have you navigated the city to build and grow your business?
  • I didn’t have the perfect childhood growing up. My parents divorced when I was two-years old. My mother was left to raise me and my siblings on her own. I watched her struggle to provide for my family. My memories were of a happy young girl with dreams. I always felt different and didn’t fit in with my peers until I was in high school. High school is where I met my first best friend. 
  • This is an interesting question for me. I don’t think my entrepreneurial path was typical. I spent years pouring into the goals and dreams of others. I don’t consider that a bad thing. I always knew that my skills and talent would eventually create a pathway for my own success. I was always connected to others in a way that kept my name before people. I was always good at networking because my father taught me at a young age. I was always mature and reliable at a young age. I always had the gift and ability to create, build and strategize. I recall being called one who could fix any broken program and grow it into something successful. I was always viewed as business smart and savvy. Every positive word spoken to me, I hid in my heart because I knew it would manifest some day! Once I started my business, the most important thing to me was to create a name and reputation for myself. I wanted to be the “GO TO” business for my industry. So, it was important for me to build relationships with high level people. I understood that growth was about good reputation, quality of services and effectiveness. These became AIMED core values and remain today. 
• AIMED Human Services is deeply personal to you. As the founder, what are your goals, and how do you hope to honor your son’s memory through this work?
  • My goals are to continue to provide quality services that reach the most vulnerable. Expansion is never my goal but services that reach more individuals in need is always my goal. If I can continue to rescue individuals from despair who are turned away from other providers, my goal(s) are accomplished. 
  • I hope to honor my son's memory by creating a legacy that lives beyond his existence.
• Tell us about your upcoming documentary, The Ascension of Corey Lakins. What challenges did you face, and what message do you hope audiences take away?
  • The documentary came to light during my time of prayer. While praying, the Lord’s voice instructed me to tell my “raw” and “unscripted” story. If I were to help women in their journey, I must be prepared to be transparent. After that, I had heard from multiple people confirming that I would host a Podcast. The podcast (Glow Your Influence) would be a platform for women to tell their story and how it paved the way for future success as a business woman, a professional and one who has impacted their community. The Ascension of Corey Lakins, is about the rise from adversity and pain. A woman whose story of pain, depression and darkness birthed her purpose and led to the development of a successful business. 
  • The challenges faced were a young single mother fighting for the survival of her special needs son and her own sanity. A young mother who lived an isolated life from shame, guilt and the embarrassment of my son's behavior and impulsive disorder. He was unable to be around other children or adults for fear he would lash out and harm them. He would lunge, grab, bite, hit others. He would destroy our home. My self esteem was destroyed because my thoughts haunted me, daily. I felt alone and abandoned most of my son's childhood. The day came when darkness began to fade away and the rise of the sunshine came into existence. Corey began her ascension into a life of happiness and purpose after meeting her husband.
  • The message I hope my audience receives is faith and hope are the key to our survival. If we remain steadfast, pray and not faint in the moment, we will live to see the promise of our purpose. Purpose from pain!
• As a woman breaking through glass ceilings, what key advice or messages do you have—especially for Black women pursuing entrepreneurial goals?
  • To achieve multimillion-dollar success, cultivate a millionaire mindset and establish a strong foundation and blueprint for your business. Develop a clear plan that meets a specific market need, identifying your niche to stand out from your competition. Operate with a spirit of excellence and avoid a "mom and pop" mindset to management. Market your business as a large business; this strategy will attract a corresponding level of success.
• Who were the mentors and supporters who helped you along the way, and how did building relationships in Pittsburgh contribute to your success?
  • My mentor was Dr. Walter Smith, the former Director of Children Youth and Families. My father was a mentor, he taught me the importance of politics in business and community. He role modeled how to establish and manage a business. I built community relationships along the way by being an active stakeholder in my younger years. However, I lost that community connection as I became busy establishing and growing my businesses. I have recently found a new desire to re-establish those community connections as part of my personal desire to reach and touch more women in a more personal way. I believe that authentic connections are important for both business and helping others grow in influence and purpose. My purpose is greater than success, it’s creating a space to help others obtain success and personal clarity. 
• Faith is a recurring theme throughout your life’s work. Why is it so central to who you are and what you do?
  • My core belief system is deeply connected to my faith. As a Christian Woman of Faith, I adhere to a set of Christian beliefs that influence every aspect of my life, including my business management and decision-making. By integrating my faith and belief system into my daily professional life, I become a better leader and person, leading with both integrity and clear intention. My identity as a Christian woman is inseparable from my role as a business leader. My ultimate purpose is to expand the Kingdom of God through my work, striving for healing, restoration, and wholeness in everything I undertake. For me, faith represents love, hope, and trust in God. It is central to who I am.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COREY LAKINS AND HER PROJECTS CLICK HERE:

Robin Roberts is co-anchor of ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Under her leadership, the broadcast has won four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program and the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

Roberts has been honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame as well as the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, and named one of Glamour’s Women of the Year. She was voted the “Most Trusted Person on Television” by a Reader’s Digest poll in 2013.

Roberts founded her own production company, Rock'n Robin Productions, which creates original broadcast and digital programming for ABC and other networks, ranging from informational shows and documentaries, to live special events.

Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007, and five years later, she was diagnosed with MDS. Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant; her sister Sally-Ann was a perfect match. Her story triggered an outpouring of support from across the nation. She joined forces with Be the Match to inform the public about the need for more donors, and since her diagnosis, the bone marrow registry has seen a tremendous increase.

Her battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the country, including The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Roberts was also honored with a George Foster Peabody Award and Gracie Award. Additionally, Roberts was recognized with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s in July 2013 for the strength and courage she has displayed throughout her life and career.

Roberts was named co-anchor of “Good Moring America” in May 2005. She began contributing to the morning program in June 1995, and prior to that, she was a contributor to ESPN as a host on “SportsCenter” and contributing to “NFL PrimeTime.” Roberts has worked in broadcasting for more than 30 years.

Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She was a standout performer on the women’s basketball team, ending her career as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and rebounder. In 2012, Roberts was named an inductee to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Roberts is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and her memoir, “Everybody’s Got Something,” in which she tells the story of her battle against a life-threatening illness, learning life’s hardest lessons, and her inspiring return to the GMA anchor desk.

Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City. Follow Robin on Twitter: @RobinRoberts.

The 11th restaurant in the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group portfolio.

Pittsburgh, PA [September 9, 2024] We are excited to announce the grand opening of Golden Gai, an Izakaya-inspired restaurant in the vibrant Bakery Square, on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024. Golden Gai offers a unique culinary journey that blends the rich traditions of Japanese dining with a modern twist. The carefully curated menu features a variety of small plates, sushi, signature cocktails, and an extensive sake selection.

At the helm is Executive Chef Michael Taylor, a master of Japanese cuisine renowned for his innovative approach to flavor and presentation. With a background honed at the esteemed Gi-Jin, Chef Taylor brings his passion for culinary excellence to every dish, infusing each bite with creativity and precision.

Reservations are now available via Open Table, offering guests the chance to secure their spot ahead of time. The restaurant provides full-service indoor dining, where patrons can enjoy a warm and inviting atmosphere and a menu inspired by a traditional Japanese Izakaya.

Hours of operation will be: 

Tuesday-Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 5 PM – 10 PM

About Golden Gai:

Golden Gai is an Izakaya-inspired restaurant located in Bakery Square, PA. With a focus on traditional Japanese small plates, sushi, signature cocktails, and a diverse selection of sake, Golden Gai is committed to offering an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. For more information, visit goldengaipgh.com or follow us on Instagram and Facebook, @goldengaipgh.

About Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group:

Established in 2011, the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group is owned and operated by Chef and Pittsburgh-native, Richard DeShantz. The doors of the group’s flagship restaurant, Meat & Potatoes, opened in 2011. With additional locations in Downtown to follow- täkō, Butcher and the Rye, Gi-Jin, and Sally Ann’s. Expanding outside of the immediate Downtown area, the group opened Coop de Ville in the Strip District, Poulet Belu in Lawrenceville, Fish nor Fowl in Garfield/ East Liberty, and Tako Torta in Bakery Square. 

---------------------

While there will not be a dedicated press day, we warmly invite everyone to make a reservation online via Open Table and experience Golden Gai for themselves. Chef Taylor will be available on a limited basis for comment while he facilitates his transition from Gi-Jin to Golden Gai. 

Radio talk show host Bev Smith was born March 4, 1943 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Smith is the eldest of six children born to Isabel and John Sloan. She was raised in the Homewood neighborhood of Pennsylvania, and graduated from Westinghouse High School. In 1961, Smith entered beautician school, to raise money for college, and a year later enrolled in Clark’s Business School. In 1963, she took classes at Robert Morris Junior College.

Bev Smith began her television and radio career in 1971 when she was named Pittsburgh’s first African-American Consumer Affairs Investigative Reporter for WPXI Television. In 1975, she was named News and Public Affairs Director for Sheridan Broadcasting and hosted a lively talk show on Sheridan's flagship station, WAMO. Since then, Bev Smith has taken her “fire brand” style of talk shows to KDKA and WTAE Radio in Pittsburgh, WNWS in Miami, WKIS in Orlando and WRC in Washington DC. Bev also worked at Black Entertainment Television for over thirteen years, as the host of the popular national television talk show "Our Voices." 

Bev hosted "The Bev Smith Show" heard on the American Urban Radio Networks, where she was fondly known as "The Queen of Late Night Talk." She has hosted the show since 1998, and at one time was the only African American woman radio talk show host who has a nationally syndicated show in the country. 

Never afraid to tackle issues, she has lived with the homeless, walked the streets investigating prostitutes, raised money for babies with AIDS and talked with inmates on death row. She has interviewed personalities such as Bill Cosby, Vice President Al Gore, Jesse Jackson, Maxine Waters, Al Sharpton and a host of guests, many of whom she now refers to as her “special 20 friends. ”The Bev Smith Show" offers a "Unique Community Connection," African-Americans know and trust her to deliver critical information and entertainment news.

Smith is especially passionate and devoted to educating the public about literacy, she has worked with a number of organizations focused on improving literacy in the nation, including "Reading is Fundamental" and "Head Start." Frequently on "The Bev Smith Show" Bev chats with a number of experts, educators and guests to find solutions to help improve literacy in America. Additionally, Bev has been honored for her work fighting AIDS, The Black Aids Institute has awarded her on numerous occasions for her contributions to educate the public about this disease.

Over the years, Bev has received nearly 300 awards, citations and trophies for her contributions in radio and television. Among them the 1990 Radio Air Crystal Award for her live radio town meeting, “Children Killing Children Over Drugs.” Mayors from Pittsburgh, PA; Jacksonville, NC; Cincinnati and Columbus, OH have declared special Bev Smith Days. For the past four years, Bev Smith has been selected by Talkers Magazine as one of the “Talkers 250, Featuring the Heavy Hundred” – and is recognized nationally as one of the most important radio talk show hosts in America

.

CATCHING UP WITH PITTSBURGH'S OWN MS. BEV LIVING HER LIFE AT 80 LIKE IT IS GOLDEN

PUM: MS. BEV WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE YOU LEFT PITTSBURGH IN 2017. 

BEV: I have been taking care of my 101 year old mom, in October 2017 I left radio and moved to Harrisburg, PA to join my siblings to help out with the care of my mom so she would not have to move into a nursing home. In terms of my broadcast and journalism career, every Wednesday I host a show with Reverend Joe Williams, of the Mount Airy, United Fellowship Church located in Philadelphia. Rev. Joe Williams, is the last surviving member of the iconic Gospel group, The Dixie Hummingbirds. During COVID a lot of folks stopped going to church, so ministers started to buy toll free phone lines so people could call in and listen to church. Rev. Joe called me about two years ago to be a guest on his show, and later I became an interviewer. You know interviewing is what I do best. I am also working on writing two books. On the show we discuss everything, recently we tackled the question “Do Black people really want to be free?” I donate my time to be a part of this show because I so missed having a voice. I like the fact that we are free to discuss anything we want and not be censored by white ownership. We have open phone lines and this is a great way the churches can get to the public and have a captive audience. 

PUM: MS. BEV YOU JUST TURNED 80, ON MARCH 4, WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU?

MS. BEV: My family is the most important thing to me. My daughter, granddaughter, my mama, mama Sloan, to be able to take care of my mom is very cathartic. This has been the best way that I have been able to deal with anger and get rid of it, to see pure love and get rid of pain of people who have hurt me in the past, this is true mercy of God and how God is forgiven. Every situation God has healed me, I just had a surgery where I fractured a bone under my eye after falling, and God has healed me, there’s no lost of sight or bruising, God has healed me. 

PUM: TAKING CARE OF YOUR 101 YEAR OLD MOM YOU HAVE LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT HOW WE TREAT OUR ELDERLY IN THIS COUNTRY. 

MS. Bev: I moved to Harrisburg in 2017, when I got off the air as the host of a radio show in Pittsburgh. What I learned is the fact that caretakers do not get enough credit for their hard work. I am working on the aging project because of the way we treat our elderly in this country is horrendous. Other countries honor their elderly, but here we as black people turn them away, and we need to do better when it comes to our elderly. 

I have learned through everything to trust God, if you decide to quit it is over. It is not over for me, I still want to be involved in my community, God blessed me to be able to use my voice on this show, which has been wonderfully received with our audience. We have good guests, and there is not the pressure of having white management scrutinizing and criticizing. I know something about being a Black woman working in this industry where they want to pay you less than your white counterparts and not open up opportunities for you.  

PUM: THE RADIO AND TELEVISION INDUSTRY HAS CHANGED GREATLY SINCE YOUR DAYS OF REPORTING AND HOSTNG TOP NATIONAL SHOWS. 

Ms. Bev: I don’t feel the pressure I use to have working in the radio and television business. I am humbled from my experience. Our business was about stardom, how do you keep it, you are only as good as your last show. The show I am hosting now once a week, has humbled me, it is not about stardom now, every minute, hour, day, month and year I hold on to and thank God for the opportunity to connect with my community. In this business you can be very busy chasing stardom, I was dedicated to getting information that could change black people’s lives. I didn’t announce that I was gone from my long radio and television career, because the industry left me. It has humbled me, and as a result I  am satisfied with a freeing spirit. If you don’t watch it the industry makes you competitive, creates enemies especially if you don't fall into line.   

Black radio has failed us, you to have no gospel shows, we need better news shows. Give me the name of a national talk show host talking to me, as a black woman. White media is back to where they use to be, especially thanks to Donald Trump. Back in our day, if advertisers didn't  spend money with us, we would boycott them. There is no Ebony or Jet, the way it used to be, black newspapers are gone. 

We are just seeing images, black person hosting a show, are they really connecting to US? Are they really for Black people? I am not suggesting that many of the new talent is not doing a good job, but what is the real impact they are having with their black audiences? We are big consumers, we buy more products than any other ethnic group, we need shows like the one I hosted 30 years ago, “Our Voices,” because the information resonates with our communities. I hosted that show on BET and people are still pulling up old tapes for the information and that kind of show really meant something to our communities.  

PUM: OUR BLACK COMMUNITY HAS SOME SERIOUS CHALLENGES, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

MS. BEV: Right now is a golden opportunity to organize politically, but do we want to be free? I am not sure black people are free. We like to buy all the designer labels, shoes with red soles, names on the purses, we are advertising for folks who care less about us and yet we continue to try and mimic white people. We have run away from our communities, we do not have drug stores or grocery stores in our neighborhoods, the doctors have moved out. We don’t live in our communities any more, do we want to be free? We don’t have strong communities where people care like when I was growing up in the Hill district and Homewood, we are still fighting some of the same battles with crime and drugs. We got black police killing us, we don’t have the anger in 2023 to say not in our communities. We need to stand up be counted and Get Involved!

In 2023,  many black people still can’t read, when black folks were taking books out of the library back in the day it made white people feel bad. 

In 1952,  my family left the Hill District and moved to Homewood, this was a different time for black people and their families, we seemed to care about each other.  I don’t  know what happened to Homewood,  I can’t believe young black men and older ones are running through our communities killing babies, killing each other. There is no respect for each other, these are colored folks not black people of African descent or they would have a better appreciation of their history. When you tap into your African American spirit, you can appreciate the history and the fact that our people built this country. Young black kids need to understand their history. I say to our new Black Mayor Ed Gainey in Pittsburgh, pray. He needs the democrats to show their support for him, pray for him and his beautiful wife. You are in a city that cares more for football than these black kids going to bed hungry. Stay on your knees, pray for our first Black mayor, support him. Where is the black family? Back in our day it was not just about your biological family as black people, we understood the importance of representing the family of Africans in America. 

PUM: AS A TRAILBLAZER IN THE RADIO AND TELEVISON BUSINESS WHAT IS YOUR LEGACY?

MS. BEV:  My legacy. I don’t think of it as a legacy. I am reminded of using my voice to get black people out of prison, help them get housing. When Katrina hit, how do we help save a community? Black people living in slave quarters in Mississippi, because the foundations to their houses not constructed right. My goal was to use the eye of the microphone and turn it on. Shine brightly the light on the plight of black people and let America know what is really happening to us. I have been shot at, marching against the Klan, slept with the homeless, but I had special moments to meet important people like the my late mentor Dick Gregory. My experiences have allowed me not to concentrate on the haters but think about all those people who have been kind to me. If there is a legacy I would want it to be one of leaving kindness. Bev Smith was kind to me. Bev Smith donated 3,000 books to a library in Garfield. My legacy would be “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is also known as the "Golden Rule”.

PUM: CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH FOR YOU. 

I think the contributions of black women in America is significant, and more attention needs to be paid to every day hard working black women who are often forgotten. We appreciate the hard work of Harriet Tubman, and she should be celebrated but there are so many hard working women we need to acknowledge. You use to see so many black women in movies and now they are gone, how are they making a living, ask me I know what it is like to not get a phone call when you are black. During my time, as a black advocate, it was hard to make Oprah money. I say this Women's History Month, thanks to all the black women who dared to open up opportunities for others because they were not satisfied with the status quo and they appreciated their blackness every step of the way. 

You can catch Ms. Bev dial in on here Wednesday show hosted with Rev. Joe Williams: 

11AM-12 NOON  Phone:  945-218-0120

ACCESS CODE: 865218 (POUND.)