Influential Woman · Journalism and Podcasting
Asia Monai Womack
Producer, Monai Got Something To Say
Durham, NC 27707
Her Story
About Asia
I am Asia Monai Womack. I am from Sanford, North Carolina: the BIG 919, not the little one. Big Capricorn! I was born on January 9, 2004.
My parents are Sedric Womack and Ebonye McLean. I am a first-generation college graduate from a single-parent household. I have four sisters: Alanah (bonus sister), India (second-oldest), Tanesia (third-oldest), and Brooklyn (youngest). Alanah is a graduate of UNC Pembroke, India is a sophomore at North Carolina Central University, Tanesia is pursuing Business Administration at her community college in Baltimore, and Brooklyn is a rising seventh grader.
Before my teenage years, my greatest influences were my family. My mother raised three young ladies independently in one household and showed me what resilience looks like. My grandmother, Amanda, symbolized hard work and always took care of her responsibilities. My grandmother, Sandra, symbolized caregiving. My grandfather, Randy, was a major male figure in my sisters' and my life. He always held us accountable and taught us how to be respectful at home and in public. My godparents, Meredith and Darius, became foundational influences because they were the earliest example I ever had of a functioning household, and they loved my sisters and me as if we were their own.
As I entered my teenage years, my influences expanded. My father became one of my greatest inspirations because he represents provision. He provided for his children, became an entrepreneur, and became a homeowner. That made me proud, not because of the material things, but because it showed me that generational wealth & ownership in our community is possible, and that became my goal.
Malcolm X is a foundational influence for the historian in me. Malcolm also represents authenticity because he was unapologetically real. He went from being a pimp and gambler to becoming one of the nation's most notable voices for civil rights and human rights. Watching the biopic starring Denzel Washington, watching documentaries, and listening to his speeches taught me to never stay silent when it comes to my rights. Malcolm taught me to be bold in my beautiful Black skin. He taught me to never be afraid to be me and never be afraid to love me. Cardi B influenced me to stay authentic, no matter what level of life you're in, just be yourself. She made it by simply being herself, and that is a lifelong lesson I will always carry with me. The events of 2020 further shaped who I am today. The losses of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others are the reason I am "woke" today. The riots, killings, and propaganda revealed to me that this country is still very divided, and someone has to be a voice of reason... Monai. That year influenced me to use my voice and my mind for my people.
Today, my greatest motivation is God. God influences me to become more Christ-like every day. I am nothing without my faith. The years 2023 and 2024 represent my sophomore years in college and some of the hardest years of my life. I fought and won two court cases. I fought and beat the odds of almost being thrown out of my illustrious university. I fought and overcame mental strongholds such as depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, self-hatred, and unforgiveness. God gave me the strength and endurance to fight back.
Podcasting became part of my life because I had to tell the world what 2023 did to me, how it changed me, and how that year marked the beginning of God transforming me. In 2025, I launched my independent podcast, Monai Got Something To Say, to share my testimony while creating a platform for others to share theirs. Through conversations centered on Faith-Esteem, financial literacy, college readiness, African American history, African Diaspora history, current events, and maturity, I strive to educate, encourage, and empower my community.
I believe in what I call "Redeeming Media." My solution is to redeem the African Diaspora's rightful place in history through mass media. If mass media can be used to suppress our truth, it can also be used to tell our truth. Historians and scholars should create media platforms that integrate what we learn in classrooms about the African Diaspora into public media. This can be done through oral history, radio, podcasting, social media, and streaming platforms. Retelling the testimonies of the past through our own lens will help foster an interest in history for current and future generations. This is something I am actively working toward. Through The Living Record, I implement Redeeming Media by conversing with guests about the African Diaspora, preserving the stories of those who came before us, and reeducating the miseducated masses with the "truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
I hope people remember me for putting "Truth & Service" into action. I hope people remember me for being authentic, honest, resourceful, loving, patient, and kind. My aspiration is to become a history professor at my alma mater, where I can continue teaching, mentoring, preserving history, and inspiring future generations. Whether through the classroom or through media, my life's mission is the same: to tell our stories, preserve our history, and ensure that the truth is never forgotten.
Throughout my journey, I have been blessed to receive honors that remind me my work has purpose. In 2024, I was crowned Miss C.A. Jones as part of the C.A. Jones History Club. In 2022, I received the Highest GPA of a Freshman in the History Department award for the Fall 2022 semester. In athletics, I was a member of the Lee Christian Girls' Varsity Basketball Team from 2019-2021, becoming part of the first women's team to bring a conference championship to the school. 2021-2022, I played on Southern Lee High School's Women's Varsity Basketball Team, where I earned All-Conference and Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Asia
01What do you attribute your success to?
First and foremost, God. He carried me to where I am today. I attribute my success specifically to His grace, mercy, and my obedience to His will. Without my faith, I would not be the woman I am becoming.
I also attribute my success to my ancestors. They were not afforded the same opportunities that I have today. Everything I do on this earth is not only for me but also to honor them. Their endurance, sacrifices, and resilience paved the way for me to have a greater life. Because of them, I have a responsibility to maximize every opportunity placed before me.
I attribute my success to my family as well. They have been my backbone, raising me to be respectful, caring, and compassionate toward others. They taught me the values that continue to guide me in every space I enter.
Last but certainly not least, I attribute my success to myself. Oftentimes, we wait for the world to give us our flowers, but I choose to give myself mine first. I hand a rose to my younger self, my teenage self, my present self, and even my future self. I know what it took to get here. There were moments when all I had was me and a mirror, encouraging myself to keep persevering. Before the world celebrates me, I will celebrate the strength, resilience, and discipline that God placed within me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from Dr. Brian Robinson: "It's one thing to know how to do a podcast; it's another to do it well."
That advice has stayed with me because it extends far beyond podcasting. It reminds me that simply having the knowledge or ability to do something is not enough. Excellence requires intentionality, preparation, consistency, discipline, and absolutely no procrastination. If I am going to do something, I want to do it well the first time, not rush to meet a deadline or settle for mediocrity. Whether I am teaching history, conducting research, hosting a podcast, or serving my community, I strive not just to do the work but to do it well.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know who you are before the world tries to tell you who you should be. Stay authentic. Your greatest asset is not trying to fit into someone else's mold; it's being yourself. Do not be afraid to use your voice; whether you're in the classroom, conducting research, creating media, or preserving history, your voice matters. There are stories that only you can tell, and there are people who need to hear them. Third, be a student before you become a leader. Read the books. Go to the archives. Ask questions. Learn from your professors, mentors, and elders. Excellence comes from preparation, discipline, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning. There is no room for procrastination if you want your work to have a lasting impact. Lastly, remember that your work is bigger than you. You have a responsibility as a woman, especially Black women; we have the responsibility to preserve our stories, tell the truth, and make history accessible to future generations.
Above all, keep God first. Let your faith guide your calling, let your calling guide your works, and never be afraid to walk boldly in the calling that was designed specifically for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in media and podcasting is monetization, especially during the beginning stages. Building a platform takes time, and it can be difficult to generate income from streams and views while you're still growing your audience. Another challenge is fostering a strong, loyal audience that believes in your mission and consistently engages with your content. Workload is another major challenge, especially if you do not have a team. As an independent creator, you often become the producer, researcher, editor, marketer, social media manager, and host all at once. Wearing multiple hats requires discipline, consistency, and effective time management. Another challenge facing the industry is the evolving conversation surrounding freedom of speech and creative expression. As media continues to shape public opinion, creators must learn how to navigate changing platforms, public scrutiny, and the realities of speaking truth in today's climate.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities are endless. Podcasting and digital media can open doors to clothing brand collaborations, modeling, radio, newscasting, television, streaming platforms, and widespread monetization. The industry also creates countless networking opportunities that can lead to speaking engagements, partnerships, research collaborations, entrepreneurship, and career advancement.
For me, the greatest opportunity is using media to educate. Through my philosophy of "Redeeming Media," I believe podcasting is more than entertainment; it is a vehicle for preserving history, reclaiming the African Diaspora's rightful place in history, and making knowledge accessible to the public. My goal is to use every opportunity not only to build my career but also to leave an educational legacy that will impact generations to come.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are Truth & Service, integrity, and love.
Truth & Service is more than a phrase to me; it is a lifestyle. As a historian, educator, and podcaster, I believe I have a responsibility to seek the truth, preserve the truth, and serve my community by sharing it. Whether I am teaching, conducting research, or creating media, I want my work to educate, uplift, and leave people better than I found them.
Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. I believe your character should remain the same whether people are watching or not. I strive to be honest, accountable, and intentional in both my personal life and my work.
Lastly, I live by the biblical principle that "love is patient and love is kind." To me, that means loving your neighbor in a Christ-like way. It means leading with compassion, extending grace, showing patience, serving others with humility, and treating every person with dignity and respect. I believe that when integrity, truth, service, and love work together, they create a life that honors both God and the people He has called us to serve.
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