Enjoyed sharing my story with the young students from Boys Hope Girls Hope. Thanks John for inviting me and keep up the good work.  You guys were a great audience.

So excite and honored to emcee the kickoff ceremony for  the Youth Peace Olympics.  Looking forward to being a part of the program. Congrats Alma and the organizing committee.

I recently attended the Girls at the Table luncheon sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. It's an opportunity to mentor the young girls ages 11 to 17.  It's always good to spend time with them. They are smart and funny and fun to be around. Thanks to Sharon Bethea for inviting me. It was also great to see Jacqui Vines. She served as guest speaker.

Feeling stuck in a deadend job? Having trouble reaching your goals? Want to do something different but don't know what to do?  The Good Job Workshop is for you.  This workshop will teach you how to discover your passions, how to get what you really want and how to develop a step-by-step plan to reach your goals.  It will be held on May 14 from 10 a.m. to noon at the East Baton Rouge Parish Professional Development Center, 3000 North Sherwood Forest Blvd.   The cost is $10 in advance. $15 at the door.  The workshop is based on Author/Journalist Michelle McCalope's new book "That Good Job: A guide to pursuing your passions and following your dreams." (Amazon.com).  The book includes a step by step workbook to help you develop a plan to reach your goals. The book is $20. You can register for the class and the book at $30, but the book is not required to attend the class.  Go to www.michellemccalope.net for more information.

The 4th Annual Baton Rouge Area Association of Black Journalists Scholarship Luncheon was another huge success. CBS' Kurt Davis served as guest speaker and we honored Pioneering Journalists Dr. Jinx Broussard, Photographer James Terry, and Former State Senator Sharon Weston Broome. Thanks to everyone who attended and special thanks to our members for their hard work. 

Miss USA crowned in Baton Rouge

The new Miss USA Olivia Jordan formerly Miss Tulsa was crowned recently at the Baton Rouge River Center during the Miss USA Pageant on July 12. It's the first time Miss Tulsa has won the coveted title. The 51 contestants spent nearly two weeks in the Capital City enjoying our food, culture, and our good ole Southern hospitality. All the ladies said they definitely wanted to come back and visit. The crew enjoyed dinners at Sullivan's  Mestizo's, and Ruffino's as well as tours of the Atchafalaya and other attractions. The ladies were all so gracious and so much fun. I really enjoyed getting to know them. Kudos to the Mayor Kip Holden, Visit Baton Rouge, and the Miss Universe organization for a job well done! I want to see them back next year!

New hotel opens in downtown Baton Rouge

There's a new addition to the downtown landscape.  The Holiday Inn Express hotel recently held its grand opening. Baton Rouge Mayor Kip Holden, other elected officials, and business and community leaders attended. The three-story boutique hotel is located on North Boulevard and St. Ferdinand.  It features 88 rooms, a fitness center, an executive boardroom and meeting room, and a business center. Check it out. It's really nice!

So excited to cover the Miss USA Pageant once again this year and so glad they're back in town. The pageant will be held Sunday July 12 at the Baton Rouge River Center, but the ladies are in town now seeing all the sights. My Scene TV caught up with them at Mestizo's restaurant. Check out my interviews here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWd6beC1lu0

                       LSU Coach lends support to Sickle Cell Foundation

LSU Defensive Coordinator Coach John "Big Chief" Chavis is lending his name to a great cause.  Coach Chavis sponsored a golf tournament at the University Club on May 19. Proceeds will be donated to the Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation.  On Sunday, May 18, Chavis hosted a kick-off party and silent auction at L'Auberge Casino Hotel.  I emceed the party which was attended by Sickle Cell Executive Director Lorri Burgess, Board President Darryl

Robertson, community leaders, and supporters.  I emceed the event for the second consecutive time.  I always enjoy supporting my friend Lorri.

IBM Talent Manager risks life to find authentic self

As you know, I recently wrote a book, "Good Job" about following your dreams and pursuing your passion and not being afraid to take risks. Well, my friend Dima Ghawi, an IBM talent development  manager, is a perfect example of someone who has done just that. She risked her life to leave a pre-arranged marriage and customs to find her authentic self. It's a journey I encourage everyone to take for themselves. Check out her amazing story here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nr62XUtlu0&list=PLsRNoUx8w3rMlIjGzSFEYeJUQENW2u50Q&index=16

Customer Reviews of "Good Job"

When you write a book or create anything else, you never know how people will respond. You hope they see its worth like you do, but you never know. So I'm so thankful for your positive response.  Here are a couple of my first customer reviews. To purchase the book, go to amazon.com or michellemccalope.net.

Customer Reviews                          

By DIMA GHAWI Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: "Good Job": A guide to getting the job and career you really want (Kindle Edition) I enjoyed reading "Good Job" by Michelle McCalope and following her amazing story. The book is filled with wise life lessons, risk taking, and encouragement. It is a great resource for everyone from college graduates to experienced professionals. So many people feel stuck at their jobs and are afraid to take a risk. "Good Job" will help them envision the career possibilities, tackle their fears, and invites them to a different way of thinking.

My favorite quote from this book is: “The great thing about life is it’s your life. You can change it whenever you like”.

I totally recommend "Good Job", it is an easy read and its lessons apply to everyone. "

By Amazon Customer Verified Purchase This Book will definitely give you the push and motivation you need to go forward and step into something greater!!!