On this week’s episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with Founder and Executive Director of Hella Good Deeds, Béty Lê Shackelford to continue our series on women who influence policy. 

Lê Shackelford — a first-generation, Vietnamese American — is originally from the Bay Area in California. After moving to the Kansas City metro a few years ago, she began work with Columbus Park’s Café Cà Phê owner, Jackie Nguyen to work toward Asian hate prevention in Kansas City. Through this, “Hella Good Deeds,” was created as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Throughout this episode, Lê Shackelford shares her journey as well as pivotal people who have inspired her along the way. 

Burnett and Williams additionally discuss happenings within the Missouri State House in Jefferson city — including government finances and what causes or organizations some of these funds are being allocated toward. The co-hosts additionally share information on the upcoming April 8 school board election. Of items mentioned is an informational session and presentation for the school bond ballot measure, which will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, April 2 at the Kansas City Public Library’s North-East branch (6000 Wilson Ave.) in “Meeting Room A.” 

Music used within Women Speak episodes is a song called “Ready to Talk” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group’s lead female vocalist, Makayala Scott. 

Ready to Talk is off of Honeybee’s first studio extended play (EP) record, “Saturn Return,” which was released in March 2024. Honeybee’s latest single “I Wish I knew You Then,” is now available on its streaming platforms. “I wish I Knew You Then” and additionally Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. 

*Disclaimer* Ready to Talk and any future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makalya Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent.