In this special live episode recorded at D9 in Trenton, Liz and Kere sit down with former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State, Tahesha L. Way, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, public service, resilience, sisterhood, and the power of collective action.
Tahesha shares how a life-changing health crisis shaped her commitment to public service, the lessons she learned from her parents' example of service, and what it means to be "the first" while ensuring you're not the last. She also discusses the role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement, balancing family and leadership, and why showing yourself grace is one of the most important leadership skills of all.
Plus, stay tuned for a hilarious New Jersey-themed edition of Boss It or Toss It featuring Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll, Turnpike vs. Parkway, and more!
Whether you're navigating corporate spaces, public service, or community leadership, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical takeaways.
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 Welcome to the first-ever live taping of Just Us with Liz & Kere at D9 in Trenton
2:17 What is D9 in Trenton and why it matters
3:49 The origin story behind D9 in Trenton
5:02 The 2026 advocacy agenda: voting rights, housing justice & healthcare transparency
6:27 Introducing former Lt. Governor Tahesha Way
9:00 Tahesha's journey into public service
10:03 Lessons learned from parents who served their communities
11:35 Surviving a cerebral hemorrhage at age 19
13:20 How that experience led her to law school and public service
14:24 The power of Divine Nine sisterhood and brotherhood
15:25 Why she chose Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
18:31 Being the "first" and making sure you're not the last
22:03 Creating opportunities and access for others
22:52 The future role of the Divine Nine in civic engagement and politics
27:06 Balancing leadership, family, marriage, and self-care
29:20 The importance of showing yourself grace
29:50 Tahesha's unexpected self-care routine
31:36 What's next for Tahesha Way?
33:20 Why sponsorship matters in career growth
34:21 Boss It or Toss It: Leadership & Power Moves Edition
39:40 Turnpike vs. Parkway
40:42 Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll
41:13 Giants vs. Jets vs. Eagles
42:26 Final leadership advice and call to action
45:08 Closing remarks