A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Educational Conversations with Scholars in Mind. "Our mission is to empower and uplift scholars pursuing higher education at HBCUs, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities needed for a successful future. Through mentorship, scholarship programs, and community engagement, we strive to create a pathway to excellence, fostering academic achievement, leadership development, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Together, we are building a brighter future for young scholars, strengthening the legacy of HBCUs, and fueling positive change in our communities."
A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Green Days And Golden Paths
Some stories don’t unfold—they accelerate. From the buzz of Wilberforce’s music halls to the bright lights of 550 Madison Avenue, we trace how a sister’s blueprint, a fearless ask, and the quiet grind of craft turned campus life into a creative career. Our guest, Shava—songwriter, artist, producer, and proud Flint native—opens up about the unique alchemy of HBCU culture: choir discipline that builds stamina, student media that hones voice, and professors who raise the bar until excellence feels normal.
We walk through the moments that matter. Gospel Choir gave room to improvise; University Choir demanded precision and presence. That mix of freedom and rigor prepared her to seize opportunity when Sony’s HR leader stepped on campus. With support from the co‑op program, she landed in New York, learned the language of catalogs, copyright, and trademarks, and saw how legacy marketing protects and amplifies artists. Back home, she poured those lessons into education—mic’ing up students, producing stories, and turning classrooms into studios where young voices learn to lead.
The creative arc continues with “Through Me,” a faith-rooted project that carries both testimony and technique. She also shares the evolution of She Hope Publishing, an intentional shift toward optimism, ownership, and legal clarity for independent creators. If you’re hungry for practical steps—how to pitch internships, protect your work, balance service with studio time—this conversation delivers strategies you can use today. And if you needed a push, here it is: exhaust every possibility, because time moves whether you act or not.
If this story sparked something in you, subscribe, share it with a friend who needs momentum, and leave a review with one step you’ll take this week. Your voice helps others find the show—and your action might start your next chapter.
Welcome to a Better Chance for Youth television show with your host, Monique Robinson, where we highlight, celebrate, and recognize students from all over the country who are doing great things in the classroom, community, and athletics. Every student deserves an opportunity. An opportunity for hope in a future. So let's celebrate our students, the next generation of teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders. Join us on another incredible segment of a Better Chance for Youth Show with your host, Monique Robinson.
SPEAKER_04:Welcome, welcome, and welcome. Now look, guys, uh, I got the green on, so yeah, you know, it's one of those days where we have another episode of Look at What Wilbur Force did. So we have a guest today. Now, surprisingly, I had her sister on here before, and I didn't even know she had a sister. How about that? Now, before we get started with our guests, um, I'd like to thank everyone who donated to us for Giving Tuesday. But if you check out, you know, periodically throughout the show, I will drop the link just in case you missed us on Giving Tuesday, because you know, you can give to us, and your donation is totally tax deductible. Why? Because we are a total 501c3 nonprofit organization, public charity. So that means uh yes, I have a full-time job, but I also love your donations because it helps us for events like the one we have coming up on December 14th. Like, check this out, y'all. Uh Roma. We have um HBC Unite at the Wonder Chamber. Okay. What that will be is the Wonder Chamber. I need to quit pushing buttons. The Wonder Chamber is a selfie museum. So come take your holiday pictures, drop your toy don't off. And if you can't make it, I will give you the givea fly link and you can come support us then. So I just gotta get that out the way. Now we do have several several people who plan on attending, and you know, we do have an HBCU. If you are in this area, we will have a group photo done. So wear your gear. You know, I'm either might go to group before, you know, HBCU. Haven't really totally figured that out yet, but we encourage everyone to come at the wonder chamber uh between four, is it four and eight or yeah, four p.m. to eight p.m. Now last time I went, a time was had, but yes, bring your smiles, a fully charged uh device that you can take pictures on, and a smile. So after this commercial, I will bring on my guest for the day. Now, like I said, she is power-packed and a will before some lung. And you know, you're gonna be amazed by this one after this.
SPEAKER_03:Are you interested in attending a historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert. I'm president and founder of the College Black College. Our application allows students to apply to over 50 historically black colleges and universities at the same time, but only 200. HBCU grads have been some of the most renowned individuals in their respective fields, physical and addition to that, our faculty and staff are truly committed to your success, and they have the vested interest in saying that. That coupled with the academic rigor and the fact that you've staffed lifelong relationships, but just some of the many benefits of your attendance and historically black college. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College app, visit our website, commonblackcollege app.com to apply now. Thank you and get educated.
SPEAKER_04:Welcome back, welcome back. I told y'all after our quick break and my um you know ability to just push buttons too fast. So I'm sorry, you know, I'm in one of those moves today. I'm just pushing buttons, and everything is happening. So welcome to the show. Tell us who you are and where you're from.
SPEAKER_05:Hello, my name is Shava. I am a songwriter, um, an artist, um, musician, producer, and I'm from Michigan, Flint, Michigan. Awesome songs. Okay.
SPEAKER_04:I missed that area a little bit. Let me see the a little bit. Well, that is so cool. So um, how did you get to Whoople Force?
SPEAKER_05:Hey, I got there because my sister was there. So it was like um it was like a given. Um, I had a high school counselor and like everybody else, but my sister was like, I don't know, when you have like an older sister, like a big sister, they just kind of leave little droplings and you just kind of like they leave the blueprint, you know. So I just felt like it was gonna be like easy for me because she was there and it was like I was I knew I wanted to go to school, I knew I wanted to go to the HBCU, and my sister had already laid the blueprint, so that's how I end up going.
SPEAKER_04:Yeah, that's awesome.
SPEAKER_05:So you you went because your sister went. That's kind of cool. Were y'all there at the same time? No, actually, she had graduated like before I graduated, but she still lived like an hour away, and so my freshman year, like I was never really on campus like that. Like, I was always there, yeah, like hanging with her friends and like just kind of getting schooled, like just getting the game from like the upperclassmen or the graduates.
SPEAKER_04:You had a preview before you got there, so that's yes, yes.
SPEAKER_05:So my experience was a little different because I was like, I just kind of knew what to look out for, you know, how to stay focused. So yeah, wow.
SPEAKER_04:See, I wish I I had that insight. Mine is a little different though, because my parents graduated from what before, so okay, yeah. So it was kind of different, but I wish I had a sibling that you know I wasn't don't get me wrong. I had siblings. Um, I had siblings through the choir. Okay, we'll say it that way. Exactly. Like that's pretty cool for you. So what did you do while you was at Whipple Force?
SPEAKER_05:Um, while I was there, I was a mass time major. Wow, and so I was also in choir, um, gospel choir mainly. Um, I did a couple of events with the university choir. Um, they were like way, they were super disciplined. So I like gospel choir a little bit more, but um the university choir was like the top-notch like choir that you wanted to be a part of, like you just had to have the schedule for it. So I did choir, um choir, I would hang out like in the music dorm. I mean in the music building all the time with like other musicians and producers, and just I just stayed around the music, like in the events.
SPEAKER_04:So oh wow, that's pretty cool. Now, you know, you didn't you know it struck my heart because I was in the university choir. Now you said we disciplined, what you mean by that?
SPEAKER_05:Like, um, I mean that's it's a good thing because it's like I remember um going to university choir and they were like, he's gonna make you, he's gonna make you sing, you gotta do a solo. Like, I think I personally I was a little intimidated because university choir was singing at in Egypt at the White House, like on the today show. Um come on, like I was like, I wasn't ready for that. I was overstimulated by University Choir, but Gospel Choir was like, you come in, you can kind of come in late a little bit, you lay back, you can freestyle, you know. So that's how it was. But I like I did travel with them. We went to um New York one time and they had like took us to Sylvia's uh restaurant. Um I met Rochelle Pharrell. Um, like we sang backup for her, like it was like an experience, but it was like the university choir, right though. Yes, yes. I got invited, like they they invited me to go with them to sing, and that alone that was enough for me. I was like, okay, I can put this on my resume, like you know, so it came with those perks now.
SPEAKER_04:It's you know, I I had friends who was in, you know, shout out to New Voices and Praise. I did have friends that was in that, but you know, we were we were separate, we were we're separate. It was, you know, Wilberforce University choir new voices and praise, but you know, I see they're trying to like make it the same, and I'm like, no, it's not the same. It's not it's not, it's not, but I love them though, they had some amazing singers. Um, I you know, of course, grew up religious background, but you know, I also you know went to performing arts, so I get it. You know, university choir is not for the faint at heart. If you in any school, you're gonna work university choir, and and they challenge me. So I I think that was the first choir in my musical experience that I've ever been in where everybody is a soloist.
SPEAKER_05:Exactly.
SPEAKER_04:Never in my life have I experienced anything like that because it was like I've that's always you know been what I was a soloist. And then I look in there and I'm like, God, this man just pointed people when they sing, so yeah, it was rough. But you had a different director than you know, you didn't have jaws.
SPEAKER_05:So I heard, but I heard about like you like his name, like rang throughout the campus, and that's what that was the that was the deal breaker for me because that's who they talked about, and that's how that was the level of like professionalism you had to be ready for when you stepped in that in that building. Because and I have to be honest, like I was not, I was the first year, like you know, and I had to get used to like my classes, and they were like, you gotta put this over your major. Like, I was like, I can't, I just don't know how to do it. But but but it I definitely have like all of my friends of my inner circle were there, so I have I you know I was in the I was in the winner's circle still, so that's it's a we'll see you had a surrounding circle, but I will tell anybody that's watching this and you contemplating music or any type of thing that represents the campus, you gotta be disciplined and you gotta have time management.
SPEAKER_04:Um I learned all of that. I learned all of that in the university choir because we when we were there, I we had practice, I think Monday, Monday and Thursday, I believe was at six o'clock because usually that Friday we was pulling out to go tour or go um sing somewhere, and then um any other time it was at four. And you know, I apologize every time I'm on here to my classmates because I had a this problem and I just was not gonna let Jaws get the last word. I know I had a pass. I grew up, but so anybody in that, yeah, you know, you yeah, so I allegedly learned how to cook in my dorm room and and things like that because I was gonna miss meal anyway because I'm arguing with Jaws. But I learned to, you know, fight with this instead of this. So yeah, I grew. I grew up, but you got to. So if there, you know, after this commercial, we gotta take a quick commercial break and pray I push the right buttons because I've been on one today, pushing everything wrong. But after this commercial break, when we come back, I want you to tell me like if it's that one professor at Wilberforce that you could just be like, Look, I want to send you a thank you letter because you have helped me grow and glow. So after this commercial break, when we come back, I want you to answer that for us. Now, pray I pushed the right button.
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SPEAKER_04:Welcome back, welcome back. I'm sitting here with my friend. You know, I went to school with her sister, which I didn't, you know, like I said earlier, I didn't know that she had a sister. That's amazing how you learn something about people every day. But um it's your time to shine, little sister. So if you could thank a professor or somebody that impacted you while you were at, you know, I learned to say this because I'm around a whole bunch of HBCU grads, and this is how they say their names. So I'm gonna start saying Wilberforce like that. When you were at the Wilberforce University, what professor would that be?
SPEAKER_05:Um, at when well, first of all, when I was at the Wilberforce University, a professor that really um cultivated me, like my professionalism, my skill level, I would have to say Dr. Dr. Tani Moore, because she challenged me um to just go above and beyond, like to not be mediocre in my writing, um, in anything that I set out to do. I would say even though I was a mass com major, I was heavily like into the entertainment industry, into music, and she just gave me a full, like a well-rounded just perspective of how to be successful in every area. So I definitely would have to give her like all of her flowers. Dr. Um Mrs. Wingard, Dr. Wingard, um, she challenged me as a writer. Like, I thought I had it all together entering um college, going into advanced English lit, and she got me all the way together as a writer. So those two professors, hands down, like they set the bar really high.
SPEAKER_04:Now you know we gotta we gotta rewind that back. You said Dr. Mora. You had Dr. Moora. I definitely had Dr. Mora, yes. I love Dr. Mora to life. I don't say to death, but I love her to life. Let me tell you a story about Dr.
unknown:Mora.
SPEAKER_04:My freshman year, this true story, allegedly. I say allegedly because I don't want my students to, you know, do as I say, not as I do. But Dr. Mora, I had this bright idea in careers and humanities. I was just trying to get it done. Like, you know, back then we didn't have computers in our dorm room yet. And we didn't have laptops and you know, recording to my age. But I wrote this paper for careers and humanities in pencil. And I just knew she was, you know, I put my heart into that paper. She politely, you know, oh, this is a wonderful paper, but you know you need to turn it back in. And and you know, she politely gave me a grade. I ain't gonna say the grade, but we all know what that paper was in. But I really, really love the lessons that she taught. That's why I was like, Dr. Mora. She's she's a sweetheart. I really, really and a good supporter too. So that's great. It's great.
SPEAKER_05:She took us to the um, she took us to the millions more movement in DC. And she just like she just helped us like just become like just don't take note, you know, just don't take no.
SPEAKER_04:That's that's her. So she had the same uh you had her and I had her, and we didn't we experienced the same thing, so we can't make this up. But that's she was a gift that I wish I would have appreciated more when I was on campus.
SPEAKER_05:Yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_04:I was like, oh my gosh, she's so mean, you know, she's so tough, she raised this bar so high. But now I look back at it, and that's the same level of expectation that I set for the scholars I deal with. So, you know, okay. Amen. So you was a communication major, yes. So were you in the school paper?
SPEAKER_05:Like, did you run the mirror? I definitely wrote for the mirror, and I'm not even like I still have some of my old mirror, and I'm like, what was I talking about? Like they were like issues that we were, you know, that was like popular at the time, and I was like, this is so terrible, but you know, it was an experience. I think we the new mirror, we were like trying to be the shade room at the time because it was like we it was like our gear was like on the brink of the whole social media like revolution, like we were at the forefront of it, so everything was about like what's going on, what's happening. So we had to keep up with everything going on like nationally, and we would put in a paper.
SPEAKER_04:Yeah, that's pretty cool. Like, that's you might want to frame them, you know. That's pretty big. I remember when I was there, I believe uh it was one of our choir mates, uh Lester Holmes. He did the mirror, and um it was really good. I I like those student-led newsletters, they need to kind of bring those back.
SPEAKER_05:I don't know if it still exists, but yeah, it definitely was like a it was definitely like uh a good experience.
SPEAKER_04:Yeah, that's awesome. See, yeah, look, I'm learning more stuff now. Yeah, the mirror, yes, that was my thing. Like I used to, you know, you go read the mirror, you know. What was it? My space back then, or was it something we I don't know like I age myself? Oops, oops, oops, that's it was Facebook. I'll give it Facebook. We're gonna say Facebook and Instagram. We're not gonna go age ourselves, not today. You had to be there. If you know, you know. The original Bob just played, but that's so cool. Now, well before us when I was there, we did a co op. Um, did y'all have the co op program when you were there? Um, yes, yes. That's that's like the internships, right? Yes, it's it's similar to that. Um, I believe Mr. Blakely. I don't know if he was there. Like it's funny because I talk to students now, and then I also talk to alum that are a little bit younger than me, and then I deal with my parents. So it's like all these different generations of Wilburfors that everybody has their own experience. That's what makes it a unique and loving place. Now, you did some internships when you were there. You didn't really go into it because see you and your sister, I gotta pull the information out of y'all. And I'm like, they send on gold mines. So tell us about your internship while you were there.
SPEAKER_05:Um, it was definitely through the co-op program. We had um uh Dr. Hardy Brown, he was over our co-op cooperative education program, and so I was like just so eager, like that student who wanted to like just figure out a way to get into the music business. And so we had um my experience was with um with Sony, one of the um directors or the HR directors from Sony came to the campus and I was like an ambassador at the time, and so I got to give him the tour. And so while me and like other students were giving him the tour, I just kind of asked if I could come and work at Sony in New York. And he was like, I'll call you and I'll let you know. We end up following up with him, and I end up going to New York, um, staying with my sister who was in Brooklyn at the time, and I worked in Manhattan at the Sony um headquarters on um 50, 550 Madison Avenue. So that was like the first one, and then that kind of opened doors for other like record labels, um, smaller labels. And so having that experience working um in the marketing department and just in their Sony's legacy department, um, I just kind of gave like I got like a good experience, and I was able to like just kind of learn the music business like behind the scenes, learn about copyright, learn about trademark and just all of the important things that kind of protect you as like a creative.
SPEAKER_04:So wow look at I mean you doing doing it big and see if I wouldn't ask about that internship. So young people, parents, families, right now it's December. It's time to start looking for those internships because you're gonna be going home over the summer if you choose to go home. Now, if you like me, uh when I was in school, you can probably find an internship in another city or state and make it work. She did. So what uh what have you been doing since you have graduated from World Before?
SPEAKER_05:Um, since I've been graduated, I love education. So I've been working in education for like forever. Like I work, I've worked in like several youth programs, youth organizations. Right now I have a unique uh position where I'm doing marketing for an elementary school. And so I get to get with the kids, we get to mic up, we get to do videos, they give presentations, and I get to capture all that footage and I get to uh serve as their media director. So that's my that's my job. Um yeah, so that's what I've been doing, um, you know, to give back and to serve. Um my passion is music, so I'm always creating. Um, I they have to drag me out of the studio because I just love making music, like, and I think working with the youth, it gives me a good balance.
SPEAKER_04:So I like that. That's that's cool. That's really, really cool. So um I heard because you know I do research on everybody to come on here because I just have to know, like, I don't know who I'm talking to. Now, I heard you have like a project or something. Oh yes. You're like, uh uh, she know all my bath to think I'm a researcher.
SPEAKER_05:Yeah. Oh goodness, yeah, I do. I actually do. Like, I feel like it's just it's been a long time coming, and this this project is caught through me. Um it's on my website, it's sheho publishing.com. Um, but yeah, the project is caught through me. It is definitely a testimony. Um, like I said, like I've been doing music like my entire life, writing songs, and I just felt like I finally have something that resonates with me, something that motivates me. Um, and I was able to just kind of put that together, just just um, just thinking about everything that I've like experienced in life, and you know, God just kind of like my faith is just like strengthened because of like being able to write this song. And I'm just trying to like just kind of simplify it, but it really is it's really special to me, and a lot of people have been saying that, you know, it ministered to them. So just coming from a music background and being a songwriter, working in a business and life experiences, like I was able to just you know, just sit down and dig deep and write this project. So I'm definitely um it's definitely on my website. You should check it out. It's called Through Me. Um it's also on all of the streaming platforms as well. So yeah, so yeah, I'm doing my thing with music.
SPEAKER_04:So I love that for you. That's that's really awesome. So it's like a full circle moment for you. Yeah, it is. Now I'm looking at the title of your company. How did you get that title?
SPEAKER_05:You really want to know? Oh Lord.
SPEAKER_04:Uh oh.
SPEAKER_05:So I was like in um, I was in Louisiana and I was like, you know, it was like during a time where that song she got it, she got it. Like it was like a a hip hop song. And I was like, dang, I really like that song because I do got it, you know. And um it was the first the the the name of the company was she got it entertainment. And so I was like just trying to come up with, you know, just trying to market that. And then COVID happened and it was like I don't got COVID, like, you know, like I was just thinking, like, I don't got it, like, whatever. But I was like, what else can I say? Like, you know, and I just always been very hopeful and very positive, very inspiring, motivating people around me. And so I was like, I'm just gonna call it She Hope, She Hope Publishing. And I know it sounds weird, but it's it's a believe me, it's a it's a method to it. And the publishing came with me writing songs and wanting to help other artists publish their works. So I was like, I'm going with that. I'm going with it. And I I got the LLC, I copy wrote it, I went through the trademark. So I just kind of just went with that. And it, I mean, I love it. And and then the logo, I love the logo because it kind of is like a hopeful type of symbol. So it's just it's just yeah, it it works and it it feels good.
SPEAKER_04:So yeah, I like that, you know, it would it would never sound, you know, your your vision is your vision, God gave it to you. So it makes sense to you. So I wouldn't worry about what other people think. I just thought it was a creative name. I'm like, wow, how did she come up with that? So that's amazing. I I love that for you. Like, look at you, you got like the whole thing, so you beyond hope, you know. You like she vision right now. So awesome, awesome, awesome. So we gotta take, you know, I have to run these commercials, and I hate it because we've been having like such a good conversation, but uh it's almost time to go. I know time flies when you're having fun, but when we come back after this last commercial break, any final thoughts or any final thing that you want to share with our young people, our listening audience, and people who are watching um right after this, you know. Welcome back. So, look, I'm here. I had a wonderful conversation with my my new little sis here, and you know, before we go, I know she's just gonna give us some inspiring, you know, words of encouragement because she's inspired us through her vision and creativity this whole show. So thank you for coming. I truly, truly appreciate you taking time out your busy schedule to spend with us. But what you got for us?
SPEAKER_05:Thank you so much, Dr. Robinson. It's been awesome, and I'm so glad to have you as my second big sister. Um, so we are, I just want to tell the young people out there two things. One, exhaust every possibility. Exhaust every possibility. If you um need to do something or you want to get somewhere, exhaust every possibility to get it done. The second thing I want to tell you is, you know, whatever it is that you know God placed in your heart, um, whatever your dreams are, and whatever steps you have to take to get to them, do it. You know, do it because time is gonna go by regardless. And you know, if you have to take a class, if you have to start a business, do it because time is gonna go by regardless. And I wouldn't let anything get my way.
SPEAKER_04:Love it, love it, love it. Again, thank you for coming and those powerful words. I'm like, oh, I don't want to follow that. Uh but again, guys, if you are looking or watching the replay, uh, on the bottom of the screen is how you can donate support. We do have a couple of projects, and I hope to see everybody December 14th at the Wonder Chamber. And you know, yes, it's it's called the Wonder Chamber, but it's actually a place, uh family uh place where you can go take pictures, the different scenes. And you know, did I mention we have one of our favorite local DJs, DJ Big Cat from OMG Sounds, we'll be there, so it's gonna be a total vibe. Um, haven't decided. We'll be forced to HBCU, but I hope you are there again. Thank you for watching a Better Chance Television. Um, and also, you know, check out our our little sis, you know, video support the cause. She gave all her information on how you can follow her. And if there's anything I can do on my end, let me know. Till next time.
SPEAKER_02:For inspiration, motivation, and the good news of Jesus Christ. Look no further. The Daily Gospel Network has what you need. With more than 300 ministries from all over the country broadcasting every week, you're sure to get your dose of spirit-filled encouragement from the great programs on the Daily Gospel Network. Catch the Daily Gospel Network on Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, all level devices, and the internet.
SPEAKER_01:Tune in to a better chance for youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network. A television show dedicated to highlighting incredible students on the change the world. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on their journey to what you really deserve. At the Better Chance for Youth Television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Doctor Network. Thanks for watching a Better Chance for Youth Television show with your host Monique Robinson. The television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time, God bless. From your friends on a Better Chance for Youth Television show with your host, Monique Robinson.
