S3 QOAR Episode 11 A Year Offline, A Lifetime of Lessons

In this final episode of the season I sit down with my big sis, Dina and catch y'all up on why I have been away from the podcast for a year!! And Reflect On The Past Year!  So come roll with us!

 Description of Image: Black background On the left is an African American female with a white off the shoulder shirt in a wheelchair. Then Queens On A Roll in Gray Letters with a purple outline with a crown on the Q. The word Roll looks like a wheelchair and the word podcast in Gray Letters with a purple outline in all four corners

Transcript

SPEAKERS

latavia , Valerie, Latavia & Dina, Dina, 

Valerie  00:00

(Instrumental Music) You gotta Dstackz Beat  Yeah I gotta Dstackz Beat (Instrumental Music) Listen to the beat y'all (Instrumental Music) Come on, Dstackz, bring it in. (Instrumental Music & Singing) Heyyyyy, Heyyy, Heyy, Hey Wooo Queens On A Roll, Woohoo Queen On A Roll Powerful Queen On A Roll, Beautiful 

Valerie  01:31

(Instrumental Music & Singing) Queens, Queens, Queens on a roll, we're moving, we're grooving, we're jamming, we're slamming. Queens on a roll, we're moving, we're grooving, we're jamming, we're slamming Queens, Queens, Queens on a roll. She's educating and inspiring everyone that has challenges. Queens, Queens, Queens on a roll. She's educating and inspiring everyone and having fun she's Queens On A Roll. Wooo Queens On A Roll. OOO Who Queen On A Roll. Powerful Queens On A Roll. Beautiful Queen On A Roll. Come Roll With Us, OO Who Come Roll with Us. Wooo Queen On

Valerie  02:17

A Roll, Wooo Who Queen On A Roll. Ooo Queens, Queens, Queens & Bells Chiming

Latavia & Dina  02:26

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Queens On A Roll. This is your Queen On A Roll, Latavia, and today I have my sister Dina here with me today. Dina: Hello. Latavia: How are you doing? Dina: Fantastic. Latavia: So today, since I've been away for a year, I cannot believe I have been away for a year, guys, I brought Dina on with me so that we could reflect over this past year because 2026, is coming in. Dina: Wohoo & Laughing Latavia:  Yes, (Cheering Sound Effect) before we get into today's episode, (it's time for Roll call. Sound Effect) I want to say thank you to Mrs. Shante Usman for always supporting Queens On A Roll, even though it's been on a long hiatus. I thank you so so much for your support and your continued support. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. (Cheering Sound Effect)

Latavia & Dina  03:32

All right, let's roll! (Instrumental Music)

Latavia & Dina  03:49

So let's reflect on this past year. Dina, you wanna start us off?

Dina  03:53

Yeah, 2025 has been a busy year. I mean, I like to say for myself, but you, it's been hard getting a hold of you. So what's something from the past year that you are proud of?

latavia   04:04

So you guys know that I was doing advocacy work beforehand. That's why I took a long, long break from the podcast previously, because I was doing a lot of advocacy work around Medicaid parity. And if you don't remember, just go back to my episode that was like 1980s and 2025 prices episode, but it was about Medicaid not having enough reimbursement for durable medical equipment industry, and so I was doing a lot of advocacy work around there, trying to get the bill that we had in our state legislator passed. And when I realized the old school way of like going to your legislators and saying, we need this bill passed. And they're saying, Well, you're not a constituent of mine, so I don't necessarily need to sit down with you. I then decided to go out for Ms. Wheelchair New York State, 2025. Dina: Can I get a hand clap? (Laughing) 

latavia   04:55

 Yes, Yes, you can and I won for our State title. So after you win for the state title, you gotta apply for the national competition, which is in Grand Rapids, Michigan. And so it was 19 women, including myself, within the 19 and we went on to nationals in Grand Rapids, and I became the first Ms. Wheelchair America, 2026, in New York. Dina: Wooo! & Laughing Latavia: Yeah, It's been a busy year, but also fun, so I get to take my platform nationally now, so that's what I've been doing while I was away.

Dina  05:33

So it sounds like you've accomplished a lot of goals. Umm. Can you tell us one thing,

Latavia & Dina  05:39

one thing that I accomplished this year, let's see. Let's see, it's passing the Medicaid parity bill through the Senate and the Assembly, and I have a lot so I would also say winning Ms. Wheelchair America, because I got to break that glass ceiling for New York and bring it home. (Glass Shattering Sound Effect)

Dina  05:56

Very good. And so was that a scary process for you?

Latavia & Dina  06:00

it wasn't scary because I was already doing the work prior. Everything kind of fell in motion for me, and I believe in God, so God set that timing just right for me, right? And so I was already equipped with the skills that you needed. So it wasn't scary. Was it nerve wracking? Yeah, it was. There was one point in the competition I was like, Oh, I don't think I'm bringing this home after the second interview.

Dina  06:25

So when people think about pageants, what type of a pageant was it exactly?

Latavia & Dina  06:32

So Ms. Wheelchair America is an organization that has been around for 54 years. It highlights empowering women in wheelchairs that do advocacy. (Cartoon Ascending Sound Effect)

Dina  06:45

Many will say that this year has been a tough year trying to figure out how to get a lot of things done. Perhaps for some Can you tell me what are some struggles that you have had to face this year?

Latavia & Dina  06:58

I would say one of my struggles is getting people to support my fundraising efforts from my reign. Ms. Wheelchair America reign, I would say that's a struggle because of the times we're living in now. And so for me, it's hard to even ask people like, Hey, can you donate a few bucks so that I could spread my advocacy around the 50 states, just because I know there is struggle. And then on top of that, you know, asking people to give is just not something that's feasible.

Speaker 1  07:27

So a popular word that I'm hearing is affordability. So do you think that it's just been hard for people to be a little more generous because of that problem? Latavia: Absolutely, absolutely. Dina: So on the flip side, how did you handle things really well this year?

Latavia & Dina  07:43

Oh, I would say I have become a great, great multitasker. Okay, so I have become a great multitasker and just learning how to use every little bit of minutes that I do have to check something off my list of to do's, and then finding time, even if it's five minutes, just take five minutes to relax.

Dina  08:01

Yeah, you're like the Energizer buddy. I laugh all the time with my sister about it. What lessons did you learn this past year?

Latavia & Dina  08:08

I learned that I am way more passionate about advocacy than I thought I would ever be. And I would say that because I've been advocating my whole life. But when you look at it, sometimes when you're young, you look at it from a lens of like, I'm just advocating for things that I need. You don't realize the impact that, that has for other people. So I would say the biggest lesson I learned is that what I'm doing is gonna leave a greater impact on people's lives, and hopefully make that difference, because that's what I'm doing it for, for years to come.

Dina  08:43

So you expanded your scope. Did anything surprise you about how people received you?

Latavia & Dina  08:49

I would say yes and no. I would say yes in terms of I didn't realize how much people really do admire like Ms. Wheelchair America. I didn't realize how much I was gonna really take this title on and really, really want to make a difference and make sure that whatever I'm doing is leaving a legacy behind. And it's not just a reign it's a lasting thing that continues beyond my reign. (Delayed Beat Sound Effect) 

Dina  09:21

Would you say that, that's an epiphany that you had?

Latavia & Dina  09:23

Yeah, I would say that's my aha moment. But I also think my aha moment, like I said before, was just how much that I'm passionate about advocacy and really want to see change for everyone on a lasting scale, that really is a systemic change, not just superficial and on the surface, and we say inclusion, but we don't really show it in the systems that we're in. So for me, that was my epiphany.

Dina  09:49

So what's your favorite standout memory? Latavia:Oh, I would hands

Latavia & Dina  09:53

down, have to say the crowning ceremony when I won. If you watch it back, you will see. That I didn't realize I won initially, honestly, that whole week is going to be something that I'm going to cherish forever, and it's going to be a lifelong, lasting memory.

Dina  10:11

As we close out the year 2025 and start a new year, what is one word that you would use moving forward Latavia: into 2026? Dina: absolutely

Latavia & Dina  10:21

I would say I am hopeful. Dina: One word, Latavia: or maybe excited. Dina: Okay, (Instrumental Music)

Latavia & Dina  10:40

All right, so if you thought you were skating away with no interview questions..Dina: I was definitely going to try (Laughing). Latavia: Oh, that wasn't happening. We are now flipping the script. It is your turn. (Flip the script Sound Effect). Okay, so what is one thing from this past year that you have learned or taken away? 

Dina  11:01

Well, this year, I started two new jobs and became a full time student working on another undergrad degree, and I would say that it's been challenging but doable.

Latavia & Dina  11:13

Okay, you said challenging (Both Laughing) What made it challenging?

Dina  11:23

That was a polite, that was a polite way of saying stressful. (Both Laughing) Latavia: What made it challenging or stressful?

Dina  11:24

So I last was in college in 2001 is when I graduated with a social work degree and returning back after so many years, starting in a field that I was not familiar with, learning new things, learning how to go from in person classes to online classes was very different and new for me.

Latavia & Dina  11:46

Okay, so if people don't know Dina is going to school for speech language pathology, let's give it up for her. (Cheering Sound Effect)

Latavia & Dina  11:57

And that is my field. (Dina laughing) So i'm super excited. What's one thing you learned about speech language pathology that you didn't quite know before going into it?

Dina  12:08

So everything that I thought I knew had to go in the trash when I started school. And one incredible thing is that I did not know that hearing was interconnected with speech. And so just learning all the different parts and how everything is important and plays a role, that's been fascinating for me. Latavia: Woooo!

Latavia & Dina  12:28

I'm super excited for you now you get to see why I love it so much. So I'm excited for you. What's one goal you accomplished this past year?

Dina  12:37

Well, when I went to school Previously, I had a lot of fun, and I was not really that much concerned with grades, (Dina Chuckling)  just passing and graduating, but I mean, working hard and maintaining a very high GPA, I think I'm at like, 3.5 that was important, because I never knew I could do that.

Latavia & Dina  12:55

Well, that's what I'm talking about. 3.5 Woot Woo! that's good. What was something you were scared of this

Dina  13:02

past year? So because it was a lot of new things that I started this year, everything was scary. So once you move beyond, you know, the first step of actually starting and you just work through it, it became easier. And I adapted well to everything. And so, you know, anyone that started a new job, it's like, okay, there's a lot of things you have to figure out about the job, and then you have to execute and do the best that you can at the job. But I think that I did very well.

Latavia & Dina  13:30

Okay, you said everything was new for you, so how did you get over the nervousness or feeling of being scared for everything being new, and just decided that, hey, I'm gonna dive in and I'm gonna do it anyway. What was the catalyst or the start of like, saying I'm gonna get over that fear of newness and just jump right

Dina  13:51

into sometimes you need someone to push you forward because you're hesitant to make steps. I would say you definitely encourage me in the right direction. But also, it's a good idea to ask questions if you are not sure how to do something. And I normally am in a little shell, and I don't break outside of that shell, but I think this year, I opened up a little bit more, asked for help, guidance, and received it.

Latavia & Dina  14:15

That's awesome. That is awesome. Going with the theme of like, asking for help. Do you think that was your greatest challenge this past year? Or something else was your greatest challenge?

Dina  14:24

I would say that is a great challenge for me, because I usually do not ask for help. I will just try to figure things out on my own, but you will find that people are usually very generous if you do make a step in that direction.

Latavia & Dina  14:39

So how did you let your guard down and say, hey, you know what? I gotta relent and I have to just ask for help.

Dina  14:45

Oh, I wasn't trying to fail no classes and I need a job. So wasn't trying to get fired. That's enough motivation. (Dina Chuckling & Laughing)

Latavia & Dina  14:55

That would be a great motivator for anybody. So I would say that's a great start. How did you handle everything this past year?

Dina  15:04

So I learned how to take deep breaths. Sometimes everything, especially with how the world, has changed a lot this year. I'm not gonna get political, but that has had a huge effect on life in general. And just taking a deep breath, pacing myself and getting a lot of rest. Latavia: Those are some good self care tips. So I'll clap it up for that one. That's some good self care tips. So what is something that made you feel successful? 

Dina  15:32

So first of all, doing well in school, getting A's got maybe one or Two C's here and there, but it's okay. What that did is it taught me that I need to approach studying differently. I might have to go to tutoring, or I might have to do study groups with classmates and connect on that level. So it just helped me to do things differently, to figure out how to succeed. Latavia: So is that something you would say was one of your lessons you learned? Dina: That was definitely a lesson. Latavia: What was another one, 

Dina  16:01

so that even if you're experiencing some stresses or fears, you know, just persevere and, you know, take one step at a time and just keep going.

Latavia & Dina  16:11

I would say that is a good lesson to learn. So what was an epiphany this past year, or your aha moment?

Dina  16:19

Really going back to school later in life, or when you're older, you can do it. And I didn't know if I could do well in speech language pathology, but I'm actually doing quite well,

Latavia & Dina  16:30

yes, and I'm super proud of you. So on that note, what is your favorite standout memory  or moment from this past year?

Dina  16:38

Wow, there has been so many things that occurred. We're at the end of the year, but I would say so this year, I actually was inspired by you, and I did umm a Juneteenth Celebration. I've been trying really hard to just get out, like when you invite me to something, to go out, usually I don't like to go out. So I've had a lot of breakthrough moments throughout the year receiving, you know, A's in school. So I'm very proud

Latavia & Dina  17:06

of that. Wow, you should be. You should be so you feel like you got out of your comfort zone trying out new things.

Dina  17:14

I'm still in that comfort zone, but (Dina Laughing)  I'm willing to take more risk and try things that I would normally... normally wouldn't do. Latavia: What are you hoping for in 2026?

Dina  17:24

I am really hoping to wrap up the undergrad portion of the speech language pathology and begin the, the masters program. Latavia: You heard it here first.

Latavia & Dina  17:33

So you heard her here first. She's gonna go for a master's. (Cartoon Boing Sound Effect) All right, so we do have a rapid fire question section, do you want me to go first? Or do you want to go first?  Gonna put You on the Hot Seat,  oh, boy, oh boy, oh boy.  Okay. Are you ready? Not really, but let's go. One word to describe this year, one word, exhilarating. Favorite moment from this year, crowning night. Something you're grateful for, I would say something I'm grateful for is my family and friends. Favorite song of the year. Oh, that's hard. There were so many good ones, Bodega, Baddie by Cardi B. 1, thing you're proud of? My advocacy work, one thing you're leaving behind. Oh, that's a good one. Oh, I am leaving behind this chair in 2025 I'm getting a new one. Very good. Coming in 2026 so I'm leaving this chair behind. One boundary. You're keeping saying no, which was really difficult for me this year, cause I always want to help people. But I had to learn to say no. I needed to realize that taking time for myself and resting was also being helpful to people, because if I'm not good and I'm exhausted, then I can't be the best Latavia that I could be saying, No, I am keeping that

Latavia & Dina  18:53

one thing you're excited about. Oh, I really

latavia   18:56

can't answer this question, because I have so many new things on the horizon, and I'm excited for you guys to see them all, so I'm keeping it a secret, but just continue to watch my reign. You will hear from me a little bit more in 2026 I promise. I will try to get more consistent with these episodes, because I know that you guys miss them and I miss doing them as well.

Latavia & Dina  19:17

So finally, one thing you're giving yourself permission to do have fun and enjoy the ride. (Dina Laughing) I knew you were gonna say that.

Latavia & Dina  19:27

All right, it is your turn. Okay? One word to describe this year long. You took too long for that. (Dina Laughing) It was a long year. It was   A long year favorite moment from this year.

Latavia & Dina  19:41

My favorite moment this year was starting school. A lot of emotions, but I was excited something you're grateful for. I'm grateful for the village. You know, it takes a village that's family, friends, ummm whatever resources that's available to you mhm. Favorite song of the year

Latavia & Dina  19:58

gonna be golden in something. Something golden. Are you serious the k pop song?

Latavia & Dina  20:04

Absolutely, one thing you're proud of with everything that goes on in life is easy to be easily distracted, but I'm glad I was able to stay focused and stay on task. Absolutely, one boundary you're keeping well you said saying no, but I always say no. Maybe I can do a flip version and probably say yes, a little bit more.

Latavia & Dina  20:23

Okay, you need to watch that Netflix movie, which one yes day or something like that with Jennifer Garner. Okay, I'll give it a look. One word for the new year, happy. One thing you're excited

Latavia & Dina  20:36

about, oh, I'm excited about completing school so I'm getting closer to where I need to be, and umm I'll be able to wrap it up

Latavia & Dina  20:43

pretty soon. One thing you're giving yourself permission to do.

Latavia & Dina  20:46

Okay, I was very strict about the amount of salt and sugar and drinking more water, but I'm giving myself permission to eat some more snacks this coming year. In moderation. ( Dina Laughing) Oh so your taking everything in moderation stance. (Instrumental Music)

Latavia & Dina  21:15

So you know, I usually end my episodes with a quote of the episode, but I decided that I'm going to leave this up to Dina to figure out what we're doing.

Dina  21:27

Well, I was thinking, I know that you write poetry. Do you have anything that you can share for these times?

latavia   21:33

I do. It's a poem called Mirror, Mirror. So, here we go, Mirror, mirror on the wall when you see your reflection, are you someone who will help the need, or are you all about the greed? Mirror, mirror on the wall. When you see your reflection, will you pick your brother or sister up when they fall or beat them down in the ground so you can stand tall? Mirror, mirror on the wall when you see your reflection, are you nasty, grimy and mean and do things unseen. Or are you kind, loving and forgiving? Mirror, mirror on the wall when you see your reflection, are you a liar, backstabber, or have hate in your heart for others? Or do you love your fellow man? Mirror, mirror on the wall when you see your reflection, will you answer the call to be a better person today than yesterday. Let's remember that we all have mirrors. What do you see when you look in yours? That is beautiful. (Cheering Sound Effect)

Latavia & Dina  22:34

Thank you. I thought it was only right to share it because we are reflecting on our past year, right? And every year, we try to be a better person than we were in our past years. So let's just take that into 2026 right? Be better, excellent. All right, everyone. And on that note, we are rolling out. And as always, you can always listen to Queens On A Roll podcast on Apple, Spotify, anywhere you listen to podcasts. And you can always follow me at Queens On A Roll.podcast on Instagram, Tiktok. And if you want to email me, you can always email me at queensonaroll.podcast@gmail.com, and please, please consider going to support my Patreon account. I thank you all for your support. I know I've been away for a while, but I still appreciate that, you wanna hear episodes from me and Queens On A Roll, and I hope you have a great, prosperous and blessed New Year. And I just want to say thanks for having me today. Oh, you are so welcome as Always. See you Guys soon! Bye, bye (Queens On A Roll Outro Music)