Close Up Radio
Close Up Radio with veteran award-winning broadcast TV and radio hosts/media personalities Jim Masters and Doug Llewelyn is an exciting, informative, entertaini
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Part 1: Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Freelance Brand Consultant Naomi Arndt
Newfield, NY - Naomi Arndt, a freelance brand consultant with a unique blend of academic rigor and lived experience, is bringing a fresh, people-centered approach to organizational development, employee engagement, and brand strategy. Drawing on a vibrant career that bridges higher education, HR, curriculum development, and research, Naomi’s consulting work has become a resource for organizations looking to both inspire loyalty and create practical solutions for everyday challenges.In 2023, Naomi took on a pivotal role as a research assistant in the PRODIG Scholar Program at Empire State University. This initiative supports master’s and doctoral students from underrepresented backgrounds, preparing them for future roles as faculty members at colleges and universities nationwide. Naomi’s participation in this program highlighted her commitment to inclusive leadership and her ability to thrive in demanding environments, balancing a full doctoral course load, practical research, and home life, all while mentoring and learning from accomplished educators such as Dr. Sehwan Kim.During her tenure with the PRODIG Scholar Program, Naomi’s research uncovered a simple yet often overlooked truth: employees desire authentic recognition from their employers. Payment alone is not enough to foster satisfaction or loyalty. The research found that when managers take a genuine interest in the well-being and milestones of their staff, whether academic achievements or family events, workplace morale rises, and turnover falls. Naomi’s ability to gather candid feedback from employees rather than just management provided actionable insights, reinforcing the value of holistic employee engagement.Naomi’s path to consulting is rooted in resilience and a deeply held belief in treating everyone with dignity, regardless of background or circumstance. Raised in a multicultural community within a family who emphasized respect, education, and service, Naomi’s journey includes overcoming personal and academic setbacks while supporting her family through crises. Her educational background includes studies at Cornell University, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration designed for professionals eager to solve real-world problems.“Every person brings a unique story and set of challenges to the workplace,” Naomi explains. “Organizations that recognize and celebrate those stories see greater loyalty and productivity. My mission is to help businesses and institutions tap into that potential by offering practical, empathetic solutions.”Naomi’s consulting practice is as dynamic as her career. A typical day can involve anything from homeschooling her son to advising organizations on personnel issues, reviewing advertising strategies, developing curriculum for workforce training, or conducting research interviews. Her remote work capabilities enable her to serve clients across the United States and internationally, relying on digital communication to provide timely, thoughtful support.Her personal story is one of grit and purpose. Naomi has navigated life-changing challenges, including overcoming academic dismissal, caring for family members during crises, and returning to graduate school after years away, graduating with honors and delivering a commencement address with a 4.0 GPA in her final semester. She credits her achievements to faith, persistence, and the support of friends, mentors, and her community.Naomi is especially interested in economic equity. She advocates for creating more opportunities for underserved populations, such as part-time jobs and project-based assistant roles that provide real experience and income. Her vision includes leveraging small steps, like increasing survey opportunities and flexible work arrangements, to helping close the opportunity gap for those often left out of traditional employment pipelines.Colleagues and clients describe Naomi as a straight shooter with a warm heart. She is known for her collaborative spirit, her refusal to cut ethical corners, and her ability to connect authentically with people from all walks of life. Whether she’s analyzing a company’s internal communications, helping a brand find its voice, or mentoring future scholars, Naomi’s focus remains on practical results and meaningful relationships.In a landscape where many organizations are looking to offer remote work, diversity, and employee well-being as competitive advantages, Naomi Arndt’s expertise stands out as relevant and timely. She offers clients a mix of candid insights, creative problem-solving, and a relentless commitment to fairness. As she continues her doctoral studies and expands her consulting practice, Naomi is proving that you can build a rewarding career and help others thrive—no matter where you start or what obstacles you face.For more information about Naomi Arndt, please visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-arndt-636a3425/
Close Up Radio Spotlights Concert Pianist and Professor of Music Charles H. Pettaway of Lincoln University
Dresher, PA - If classical music is a conversation through the centuries, then the hands of Charles H. Pettaway, full Professor of Music at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, speak with fluency, passion, and a deep sense of discovery. From his earliest days coaxing sound from a stubbornly locked upright piano at his grandmother’s house, through asthma attacks, exhilarating debuts, and international competition victories, Pettaway’s journey is as multi-faceted, polished, and enduring as the diamond he likens it to.Decades after his first piano lessons at age six, Pettaway continues to practice daily, clocking three hours or more at the keys, not simply to prepare for concerts, but out of an abiding love for music. “Things that used to bother me before don’t bother me now,” Pettaway reflects, “because I’ve sort of mastered them, but it’s taken me all this time to get to that point. I always liken it to a diamond in the rough, and how to become a diamond, it goes through intense pressure.” His analogy rings true not only for musicianship, but for life itself, as family, setbacks, and triumphs have all found their voice in his music.Growing up among musicians, Pettaway’s path seemed both inevitable and unique. His grandmother, a church musician, and supportive family recognized his early affinity for the piano. When health challenges kept him from sports, music became both sanctuary and pursuit. While local teachers recognized his promise, it was Clement Petrillo at the Philadelphia Musical Academy who truly shaped his artistry. “He was my mentor and my friend, and my Italian father away from home,” admits Pettaway. Petrillo instilled a devotion to rhythm, precision, and soul, as well as techniques that still guide Pettaway’s hands.“He was a stickler for rhythm,” recalls Pettaway, who credits Petrillo’s insistence on discipline and musicality for his early wins in competitions and his eventual scholarship. These lessons carried Pettaway to the world stage, including a coveted fellowship at Tanglewood, a debut with Fullerton Hall, Chicago Art Institute, and a life-changing summer at France’s celebrated Fontainebleau, studying with none other than Nadia Boulanger. An international icon, Boulanger recognized Pettaway’s “God-given talent,” setting the stage for his triumph at the Robert Casadesus Piano Competition, a victory that opened the doors to Carnegie Hall and a debut with the Toulouse Capitole Orchestra.Through it all, Pettaway’s philosophy remains rooted in honesty and humility. He never expects accolades; he focuses instead on the work, the process, and the audiences he serves. “My mother would always say, ‘he who wills can,’” Pettaway shares, echoing the drive that also propelled his brother to become a professor and physician.Pettaway’s discography demonstrates his curiosity and commitment to inclusion. His latest album, Charles Pettaway Performs the Music of African American Composers, showcases works historically overlooked, including pieces by Lincoln University’s own Dr. John Dangerfield Cooper. Sponsored by a university grant, the album is not just a musical achievement but a statement about representation and legacy.In the classroom, Pettaway’s lessons stretch further than the practice room. His research into erased histories and hidden figures, such as Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, “the Black Mozart,” reshapes students’ understanding of the classical tradition. “I’m always researching something new,” he says. “For example, what would change if we acknowledge African roots in education and discovery?” Pettaway challenges both students and colleagues to question the received wisdom, to read, to think critically, and to see music as a truly global language.Surprisingly pragmatic about technology, Pettaway embraces computers and YouTube as teaching tools, but remains clear about the irreplaceable value of live performance and personal connection. “There’s no spiritual content in AI-generated music,” he notes. “I need to sit down and touch keys and try to convey my feelings… I need the blood, sweat, and tears.”Asked about his legacy, Pettaway hopes to be remembered for his hard-won mastery and his belief in music’s cultural and historical significance. Whether performing with the Philadelphia Orchestra or introducing students to the ancient civilization of Kemet (now Egypt) and its overlooked influence on Western music, Pettaway’s work is an invitation to deeper knowledge and broader understanding.But perhaps the core of Pettaway’s message is resilience: personal, artistic, and communal. “Human achievement has never been the exclusive property of one race. We’ve got to realize that. We’re all in this together. So we’ve got to be human.”From the concert hall to the classroom, Charles H. Pettaway remains a living link in the chain of musical history by sharing, questioning, and inspiring each new generation to discover both the rigor and the joy of music.For more information about Charles H. Pettaway, please visit https://www.lincoln.edu/directory/faculty-and-staff/charles-h-pettaway-jr.html/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-pettaway-36256b41/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=earLvlAm53g/, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2fyWz_-RXY&t=1s/.
Part 2: Close Up Radio Features Professor Emerita Dr. Cynthia Darche Park, PhD of the Institute For Transformative Education at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - Dr. Cynthia Darche Park, Professor Emerita at San Diego State University and Director of the Institute for Transformative Education, is inspiring a fresh perspective on education that connects personal history, cultural identity, and hands-on experience. Drawing from her lifelong journey as an educator that began as a teenager in the Girl Scouts, Dr. Park’s work and the Institute’s initiatives are reshaping the way educators and students approach teaching, learning, and self-development.Growing up surrounded by educators, Dr. Park first discovered her gift for teaching at the age of 14 while leading younger Girl Scouts in song. “I was just able to stand up, teach them, and help them have fun,” she recalls. She attributes her early confidence to watching her mother, an educator, and learning intuitively from family experiences. These formative moments helped her realize that many essential teaching skills are not innate for everyone and that effective guidance, as well as positive interaction, can be learned.This understanding lies at the core of the Institute for Transformative Education at SDSU. The Institute is dedicated to guiding students and educators not just to improve skill sets, but also to re-imagine their own potential and influence. Dr. Park differentiates between continuous improvement (getting incrementally better at a skill) and the deeper change that happens when a person shifts how they see themselves and interact with the world. Her approach is as much about personal growth as it is about professional progress.A critical turning point in Dr. Park’s career came when, after taking on three major educational grants simultaneously, she recognized the need for outside support. “I was really in over my head. That’s when I realized the importance of reflection and rethinking how I worked with others,” she shares. This led her to a long-term relationship with a consultant, illustrating her belief that real change rarely happens in isolation. Dr. Park emphasizes the value of identifying mentors, consultants, and sponsors who can provide the honest feedback and cultural insight necessary for meaningful professional and personal development.The Institute’s unique approach integrates academic coursework with real-world service learning, particularly in underrepresented communities. “What we’re teaching is not just content; it’s collaboration, reflection, and the ability to connect classroom knowledge to community service,” Dr. Park explains. Students at SDSU engage in service-learning courses that require them to work hands-on in local schools, connecting theory to practice. These experiences are intentionally structured, with reflection exercises helping students draw connections between their actions and their growth as individuals.Dr. Park’s research also highlights the importance of developing a personal voice, especially for women and students from historically marginalized backgrounds. At the Institute, students are encouraged to explore who they are and what they want, rather than simply responding to external expectations. Through projects like “Voices from the Third Space,” students write autoethnographies (personal narratives that explore their cultural backgrounds and educational journeys). “Many women I’ve worked with struggle to articulate what they want for themselves. Our programs help them find that voice, which is a liberating experience,” Dr. Park notes.The Institute actively addresses the differences between transactional and deeper learning environments. Dr. Park critiques traditional teaching methods that rely solely on lectures or checklists. “If you want people to learn, you have to engage as most people don’t really know how to listen,” she says. Service-learning at SDSU is designed to be collaborative and interactive, moving away from passive learning towards active participation and group reflection.In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, Dr. Park argues that the biggest challenge is cultivating better educators prepared to guide holistic student development. “You have to have really good teachers, and there aren’t enough out there,” she emphasizes. She advocates for teacher preparation that goes beyond technical skills to include reflection, critical thinking, and the ability to facilitate meaningful discussion and growth among students.The Institute’s work bridges disciplines, drawing connections between science, the humanities, and the arts. Dr. Park is a strong advocate for integrating creative disciplines into STEM education, emphasizing that science is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about embracing change and creativity. She recounts supporting colleagues who successfully combined scientific and artistic perspectives, helping students and teachers alike discover new dimensions of learning.Looking ahead, Dr. Park and the Institute continue to develop models for authentic service-learning and research that encourage students to reflect, collaborate, and grow. Their approach equips students not just for academic success, but for lifelong self-discovery and adaptability. As Dr. Park sums it up: “Listen to your intuition. Very often, what you’ve suffered can educate you more than your accolades.”About the Institute for Transformative Education at SDSU:The Institute is dedicated to connecting academic learning with hands-on community experience, supporting students and educators to develop both professional expertise and deep personal insight. Programs include service-learning courses, research on student narratives, and support for underrepresented groups in education and health sciences.For more information about Cynthia Darche Park, PhD and the Institute For Transformative Education at San Diego University, please visit https://ite.sdsu.edu/directory/cynthia-park-ite/ and https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/528463/cynthia-darche-park-phd-presented-with-the-albert-nelson-marquis-lifetime-achievement-award-by-marquis-whos-who/
Part 1: Close Up Radio Spotlights Topnotch Social Worker Doris Iheagwam
Brooklyn, NY - Doris Iheagwam (pronounced He-ah-gwam) is a noteworthy woman, not just because of her work history but also her personal story and ethics. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CUNY College in Brooklyn, where she was first exposed to the social work field and realized it was the perfect calling for someone with her love of family and helpful nature. She went on to earn an MSW at New York University and take additional courses in Human Behavior and Social Policy at Fordham University. She has pursued specialized training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at the University of South Carolina. Doris is recognized as an asset to parents, families and other professionals, and conducts workshops in numerous educational and community settings.Doris has been recognized for excellence and achievement by media (like Who’s Who), the American Red Cross Transitional Housing Program, and others. Most recently, she was named by this radio station as one of their Empowering Women in America.“My values stem from my family. As a young girl they took me to church and enrolled me, my brother, and my sister in Holy Innocence Catholic School. This instilled values in me-- like service, compassion, and the worth of human life. It helped me set the direction for my career. I even went to a special high school for the helping professions.”For one still fairly young, Doris has compiled an impressive family activities and casework history in programs from The Stanley S Isaacs Beacon Center, Jewish Board of Family and Child Services, The American Red Cross, The NY Foster Care System, the New York City Board of Education, where social workers help students and their families, and Platinum Community Care.Doris has conducted preventive services and family counseling, worked with disabled people, and served as a school-based parent liaison. She had a record 141 students when she was a social worker in a temporary housing program! Doris also ran programs for families from other countries, helping them find asylum, secure work permits, and apply for higher education. When she began her career, she did not think about working with such populations, but quickly realized this was another group she could help.“I fought hard for every achievement. I tell people never lose hope. Just stay focused on where you want to be. We all experience challenges at some point in time but still stay determined. If you have hope and drive, you can achieve any goal you set.”That advice is as helpful to other professional women, the dreamers and doers, as well as the students and teachers under her counsel. We salute Doris as a compassionate social worker dedicated to providing essential services that help people overcome challenges, navigate community resources, and find support for a better future. Her unwavering commitment to assist vulnerable populations and advocate for their rights makes her a human services star.For more information about Doris and her multi-layered career visit her profile on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/diheagwam/
Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Dedicated Surgeon and Bicycle Accident Survivor Dr. Sharona Ross of the Annual International Women in Surgery Career Symposium
Tampa, FL - The world of surgery is changing, and Dr. Sharona Ross is at the center of that evolution. As the founder of the upcoming Women in Surgery Career Symposium in Clearwater, FL, Dr. Ross is working hard to rewrite the narrative for women in Surgery, especially for those considering or building their careers in Surgery.The 16th Annual International Women in Surgery Career Symposium will be held February 6 and 7, 2026 in beautiful Clearwater, Florida. This nationally and internationally celebrated event brings together women from the farthest corners of Surgery, from pre-med, medical students, surgical residents and fellows to established attending surgeons and now, for the first time, also includes advanced practice providers such as physician assistants and ARNPs.More than 50 percent of today’s medical students are women, yet surgery remains a field often perceived as incompatible with a balanced, fulfilling life. Dr. Ross is on a mission to change that perception. Through years of dedicated effort, she has brought together leaders in surgery, offering real solutions, support, and mentorship so the next generation can truly “have it all” without compromise.A Fresh Perspective on Surgical Careers for WomenWhen Dr. Ross launched the very first Women in Surgery event from her own living room over 15 years ago, she noticed a resounding need for connection and honest discussion. That experiment quickly grew into a movement, drawing participants from 30 states and multiple countries by its second year. Today, attendance routinely sells out, with 700 participants traveling to Florida each year to be part of this close-knit yet far-reaching community.The Women in Surgery Career Symposium is more than a conference. It is a vibrant gathering where ideas are exchanged, and career-defining relationships are forged. “If we don’t actively support women choosing surgery, the shortage of skilled surgeons will only worsen. With over half of medical students now women, we can’t afford to miss out on that talent,” explains Dr. Ross.Participants range from high school STEM students and pre-med undergraduates to medical students, residents, fellows, and attending surgeons. By extending the ladder to those just beginning to climb it, the symposium helps ensure that every aspiring surgeon sees themselves represented at every stage of the journey.Mentorship, Leadership, and Lasting ChangeDr. Ross has seen firsthand how vital mentorship is for women in surgery. In the event’s early days, the prevailing attitude among senior women surgeons was often, “I worked hard for this; why should it be easier for the next generation?” Those attitudes have shifted. Now, attendees are welcomed by almost 50 faculty speakers who know that supporting the next cohort is not just important, but vital.Today’s surgical landscape is also shifting thanks to technological advances. Dr. Ross, a leader in robotic surgery, has personally transitioned complex operations to minimally invasive, robot-assisted platforms since 2012. The field is more inclusive than ever, with robotics making it possible for pregnant surgeons to operate in comfort and with greater precision.“We need the younger generation to see where surgery is going and to know their natural talents are a perfect fit,” emphasizes Dr. Ross. “Women have always multi tasked and managed competing priorities. That is not a liability. It’s exactly what we need in high-stakes surgical teams.” Incorporating advanced technology, artificial intelligence, and new tools, surgery is becoming more accessible and sustainable for everyone.Quality of Life Center StageA groundbreaking addition this year is an increased focus on balancing career and life. With sessions and workshops devoted to wellness and practical strategies for managing family and health alongside surgical ambitions, the symposium tackles head-on the questions so many young women ask: “Can I really do it all?” “Can I be a surgeon and have a family, a life outside the hospital?” Dr. Ross’ answer is “Absolutely, but we have to work together to keep paving a better path.”This year’s event will even include sessions designed specifically for advanced practice providers such as PAs and ARNPs, reflecting their growing role in surgical teams and broadening the community of professionals who can benefit from these resources.A Vibrant Community With a Dash of FunThe Women in Surgery Career Symposium isn’t all lectures and workshops. Some years we manage to have a dynamic atmosphere, including the much-anticipated fashion show celebrating professional femininity and individuality. “When I started out, women were told to fade into the background. Now, I want young women to see that they can bring their whole selves to the field of Surgery, with color and flair,” Dr. Ross shares. Every year the event begins with a lively dance procession led by the planning committee and faculty, setting the tone for a weekend of connection, fun, and inspiration.Join the MovementRegistration is open to pre-medical and medical students, residents, fellows, attending surgeons, Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, and STEM-focused high school students. Sponsorships are available to support attendance.For more event details, scholarship information, and registration info, visit https://women-in-surgery.com/. Additional resources, including interviews and past event highlights, are available on the website.About Dr. Sharona Ross, MDDr. Ross is a pioneer in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, a dedicated mentor, and founder of the Women in Surgery community. Her commitment to advancing women’s roles in surgery continues to inspire new generations to step forward with confidence, skill, and vision.For more information about Sharona Ross, MD, FACS, please visit https://women-in-surgery.com/ and https://finance.yahoo.com/news/inner-circle-acknowledges-sharona-b-194600540.html/
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