Brown Women In Media Brunch
#brownwomeninmedia2016
Brown Women In Media Brunch
This year were hosting workshops!
- All attendees will receive free headshots
- Resume review
- Networking
- Celebrity Swag Pannel / Brunch Awards and more!
Honorees and location will be announced shortyl
Brown Women In Media Brunch
Saturday, Nov 5, 2016, 11:00 AM
Host: Makeba Green
Born on the 27th day of August in 1994, Makeba Green began taking pictures at the age of five. As a child, Makeba was always told that she wouldn’t make it in life and was discouraged by many people as she was growing up. Although Makeba was berated by negative people, she didn’t let that discourage her. Instead, those same people motivated her to be the young entrepreneur that she is today. With the support of family and friends, Makeba pursued her dream to open her own photography business along with her other dream to become a lawyer. Makeba is a college student at Montclair State University majoring in Communication and Media.
Her inspiration came not only from friends and family but from the various programs she attended throughout her childhood and adolescent years. These positive outlets showed her that her dream of becoming a business owner at a young age wasn’t as farfetched as many people believed it to be. Makeba also relied on the history of her people as sign of encouragement. Through reading and becoming familiar with her history, she realized that the trials and tribulations she faced weren’t issues that she endured alone but were issues she shared collectively with her people. This inspired Makeba to never give up on her dreams, no matter how outlandish they may sound to some people. She had the chance to show the world a little bit about how much she does and how much she gives back by being a guest on Channel 12 News, The Positive Controversy TV Show, being featured in several newspapers from Local Talk, The Star Ledger, The Montclarion Times, and Brick City Live just to name a few. Makeba has written two books titled Successful Leader of New Jersey, Entrepreneurship: The Best Job in the World and she is releasing her latest book entitled Confessions of a Young Black Girl. She has her own TV show which is airing this spring called, “Urban Youth United, co-host with Ronnie Brumant. Makeba is the Youth Chairperson for the NAACP East Orange & Maplewood Branch, Global Shaper, Bank Mobile Ambassador, Global Shaper, along with her newest title as Miss New Jersey for the Miss Black Ambassador Pageant. Makeba launched a new program for young girls titled “Girls on the Rise Mentoring Program” which has a core focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, empowerment, leadership & development, health & wellness and political action. Makeba’s nonprofit organization gives out scholarships to high school seniors every year.
She has an upcoming tour to speak to young people all over the world. Makeba has hosted over one hundred successful community events including conferences, galas, networking events, etc. She has received over one hundred awards for her dedication and commitment to the community. She teaches entrepreneurship, photography, leadership and videography classes to students throughout the United States. She feels that her business is like a relationship; in order to make it work you have to commit every day to your goals and when the road gets tough you can never give up on your business. Quitting is the easiest thing to do, but Makeba has proved she doesn’t want the easy way out of life; she would rather have a challenge.
Panelist : Selena Hill ( Associate Digital Editor at Black Enterprise, Radio Host and TV Correspondent)
Selena Hill is an award-winning, multi-media journalist with a passion for social justice and women empowerment. She currently works as the Associate Digital Editor for Black Enterprise magazine.
Infusing her love for journalism and social reform, Selena created “Let Your Voice Be Heard! Radio" as a platform to inform, educate and empower others about current events, politics and social issues from a Millennial perspective. The award-winning talk show broadcasts on WHCR 90.3 FM "The Voice of Harlem" and is streamed online at www.LYVBH.com every Sunday from 11 am - 1 pm ET.
On the show, Selena has booked and/or interviewed speakers like Sen. Cory Booker, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Russell Simmons and former MSNBC host Toure.
Selena also works as a TV reporter, assistant producer and the social media manager for “What's Eating Harlem” on PBS local affliate NYC Life. On the show, she books and interviews prominent entrepreneurs, philanthropist and movers-and-shakers in Harlem.
Selena has worked as a Special Election Coverage Reporter covering the 2012 presidential election and current events at Russell Simmons' GlobalGrind.com. In addition, she freelanced for the New York Amsterdam News, one of the nation’s longest running historically Black newspapers, and has worked at NV (New Vision in business) Magazine, where she's landed on-camera interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, Angela Simmons and Big Sean.
In September 2016, Selena was honored with The New York Association of Black Journalists Awards for Best Blog Commentary.
Panelist: Shurida Lundi( Social Media Manager)
Graduate of Hofstra University with a B.A. In Public Relations, just a young woman wanting to break into the entertainment world and be a great publicist but also enjoyed music journalism. Writing on multiple blogs to expand my horizons as well as interning at Epic Records and Hot 97, music is where my heart is but I won't stop there. I'm open to trying anything and I think that's what PR is about, the ability to change and adapt and want to learn different things, techniques etc. Only 23 years old and I know I have the whole world ahead of me and I will make it by any means necessary.
Workshop Presenter : Rochelle Turner
Rochelle Turner, Marketing and Audience Development Manager, Black Enterprise
Rochelle is the Marketing and Audience Development Manager for Black Enterprise. She is responsible for the marketing and promotion of Black Enterprise events including the Women of Power Summit, the Entrepreneurs Summit, Golf and Tennis Challenge, and most recently the Black Enterprise TechConneXt Summit. In addition, her role includes managing partner relationships as well as engaging and increasing the Black Enterprise audience.
Previously, Rochelle worked at such notable companies as Haymarket Media as the Marketing Manager for SC Magazine, Morgan Stanley as an Event Planning Coordinator, and as an Assistant Account Executive for Universal McCann. She graduated with a Masters Degree from Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland. Currently, Rochelle resides in Harlem and is an active member of and minister at The Rock Church.
Workshop Presenter: Shakira M Johnson ( Introduction to PR)
Shakira M. Johnson is the Founder & President of Johnson PR & Events (JPR), an award winning strategic communication and event management company. She is a creative thinker who enjoys innovation and producing results. Her specialty is producing engaging event experiences, activations and campaigns that build relationships, raise funds, and create brand loyalty and exposure. She has worked with politicians, professional athletes, celebrities, corporations, small business and non profit organizations. Her campaigns have generated hundreds of millions of media impressions, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and been covered by national and international news including CNN, BBC, Life Magazine, Associated Press, and The NY Times. She is also the founder of The OMG Tea Party, an empowerment organization for women and girls.
As an adjunct professor and workshop facilitator her courses include; Public Speaking, PR 101, Event Management, Media Training, Mass Media and Society, Student Success, and Career Readiness.
Shakira holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Communication from Rutgers University and Certificate in Event Planning Management, both completed with highest honors. In her downtime she loves to travel, experience new things and spend time with her family and friends.
Featured Author: Nerrissa Jenkins
“Success is measured not so much by the position one has reached in life as by the obstacles he has had to overcome while trying to succeed” Booker T. Washington. New Yorker Nerrissa Jenkins believed this quote to be true. This Life Empowerment Specialist, Social Worker, Author, Actress, Spoken Word Artist, Life Coach and Philanthropist she is one who can get through any storm.
Her journey began in 2001 when she landed her first “real” social work job at a company called Praxis Housing Initiatives (servicing individuals living with HIV). Starting out as a Housing Specialist Clerk, not even six months promoted to a Housing Specialist and within the year, working as the Assistant Director all the while achieving her Bachelors of Art in Psychology. New Yorker Nerrissa Jenkins is a goal-oriented person. She set her goals and then checks them off her list. Spending five years with Praxis Housing Initiatives she was looking for a career, she joined the Police Academy for four months and soon realizing that was not the job for her. Nerrissa was all about servicing the people in any way she could. She became the founder of an organization called “Sassy but Classy” (SBC). SBC consisted of seven females who promoted education to keep the youth off the streets by providing safe haven events. All the while providing focus groups offering small stipends, scholarship giveaways, tutoring and mentoring services, feeding the homeless, hosting coat drives, put together a huge talent show, hosted a women’s health fair for Salem Church in Harlem and created two calendars “Black progressive men” and “We love our community” amongst various other collaborating things.
New Yorker Nerrissa Jenkins was informed about an opportunity to work for Human Resource Administration (HRA) in division HIV/AIDS Service Administration (HASA). She quickly took the necessary measures and landed the position. Serving for HASA for 15 months and then promoted to a Supervisor for the Office of Child Support. Her determination for more grew rapidly. Nerrissa applied and was awarded the Mayor’s Graduate Scholarship from the City of New York to attend Fordham University and was put in the union paper for her accomplishment. In 2011 Nerrissa marched down the aisles of Avery Fisher Hall to accept her Masters of Social Work (MSW) and she was chosen for the Ann Walsh award for the student who has a commitment to promoting community participation in working toward social change.
Much of Nerrissa’s success comes from her adversity to overcome life experiences and her motivation towards an aspiring future. In March of 2014 she has self -published her first book titled “Mysterious Me” which is a book of poems based off of reality, you will laugh, you might cry but chapter 2 will for sure have you aroused. She appeared on CBS2 in 2014 for a Cancer awareness special surrounded by her book and a piece dedicated to her dear friend Joy, a breast cancer survivor. Nerrissa has released her second book titled “Live, Love & Confidence, A guide to building self-esteem in girls and young women.” She also offer her very own workshops tailored towards your population in conjunction with the book. For the last three years Nerrissa has volunteered to speak to children for career day in various schools ranging from elementary to high school and was asked to come back to be the Key Note Speaker for a 5th grade Graduation June 2015 in CS 133. This year 2016 she was the Key Note Speaker for P.S 242 and University Neighborhood Middle School. Also, she was a Motivational Speaker for several private events. Nerrissa also manage her 9 year old daughter fashion line launched in 2015 “Ryan’s Flowers” which consist of shirts, bags, handcrafted headbands made from Ryan’s old clothing and stationary.
For New Yorker Nerrissa Jenkins, life is a never-ending story and she tends to give it all she got. She is one woman that conquered all but has failed none.
website link: https://www.amazon.com/Mysterious-Me-Nerrissa-Jenkins/dp/0615938973
Featured Author: Tatiana Etienne
Tatiana Vilbrun-Etienne specializes in convincing others to love themselves. A Brooklyn native, she moved to New Jersey in her teens. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management and is one-month shy of earning a master’s degree in educational technology with a specialization in digital teaching and learning.
A high school Marketing, Business Law, Entrepreneurship, and career technology teacher, Vilbrun-Etienne is supervisor of the Career Technology Education and Visual and Performing Arts Department. She is also a motivational speaker for teens and women and is in the process of founding Love Yourself Enough (LYE), a cultivating consulting company meant to convince others of their own self-worth. The companies mission is to assist in individual growth and human consciousness.
website link: https://www.amazon.com/BrookLyn-HARD-Love-Yourself-Enough-ebook/dp/B01FN1YJXE
Featured Author: Nanette Buchanan
Nanette M. Buchanan was born, raised and educated in Newark, New Jersey after graduating from Arts High School in Newark she attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. It was then that she first set her pen to pad, written expressions of her love for poetry. Nanette is currently an employee of the State of New Jersey as a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections. She is a proud mother, wife, and grandmother, now residing in Somerset, New Jersey.
Her pad to pen accomplishments include three volumes of poetry; Thoughts, Thoughts & Reflections, and Quiet Times; five yet to be published children stories as well as several unpublished novels. Nanette’s first published work and debut novel was “Family Secrets….Lies & Alibis”. Since then the publication of the sequel, “A Different Kind of Love” and the release of her first volume of poetry, “Thoughts” an e-book release, hit the market. In October of 2009, Nanette’s first murder mystery, “Bruised Love” her third novel was released, followed by “Skeletons Beyond The Closed Door” which released in August of 2010. The start of the summer in 2011, “Gossip Line” made its debut and in 2012 she added “Bonded Betrayal” to her list of outstanding novels. Returning to her first love, poetry, Nanette has completed her first collaborated work published by Bravin Publishing. Word Play II brings together the works of thirteen authors and twelve dynamic topics. Scattered Pieces found a place as Nanette’s seventh novel providing an inspirational story of survival. Her eighth novel The Stranger Within, written in 2015, tells a story that touches the trauma and aftermath of abuse. Her latest work and ninth novel released in 2016. The Perfect Side Piece, is the first book in her “Damien Tyson, Cold Case Series”. It marks the beginning of another journey, writing a dramatic series.
When asked what genre’ best describes her novels, she teasingly answers, “Reality Fiction”. Her preferred genre’ is romantic fiction, but readers will attest they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist. It is her goal to become a successful author without limits, writing and producing plays that feature her poems as well as adaptations of her novels on the “big screen”. This diverse author is available for interviews, chats, signings, and speaking engagements. She welcomes all to visit her website www.ipendesigns.net or contact her via email ipendesigns@gmail.com
Panelist: Jameer Pond
From a young age, Jameer knew the importance of message of; who hears it, how they hear it, when they hear it and how they feel when its heard. Maybe it was the mean streets of Brooklyn, which helped to hone the tongues of rap messengers Jay Z, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. And gave birth to the sight messengers Spike Lee and Basquiat. And put humor-flavored truth in the mouth of Chris Rock. Or maybe from his grandmother, whose catch phrase was a staccato delivered "do you hear me?"
Nonetheless, Pond's ability to capture message and convey it began with his performing standup comedy at the age of 14 and has since found its niche in television and webcasting and radio.
To date, his life work experience includes communications projects for and Def Jam, Black Entertainment Television (BET) and is currently working at Emmis Communications, which houses the legendary New York radio stations, WBLS and Hot 97 as a Digital Producer and Online Host. He has also hosted/covered events for both stations throughout the tri-state and is building his hosting reel.
With his wide variety and accolades and experience, Jameer continues to remains humbled by his success. "I love making people happy! That is the greatest joy and satisfaction that I get. I thank God for that ability everyday!" - Jameer Pond
Panelist: Shantell Huggins
Shantell Huggins, Associate Producer, is an intermediate to film and television and lover of everything in between. Shantell graduated from Montclair State University, with a Bachelor of Arts, studying Broadcast Journalism and Leadership through Civic Engagement. She currently serves as the Associate Producer on ITVS/PBS film, Hazing. Shantell was the Assistant Producer on CNN’s Official Sundance Selection film, Fresh Dressed (2015), and an Associate Producer/Coordinator on several national commercial campaigns: Geico, New Jersey Lottery, Arm & Hammer, Makers TV, Sparkle and Vanity Fair. Shantell will continue her creative journey, as her impetus is creating insightful content and cultivating true relationships, with tomorrow’s visionaries.
Earlier this year, Shantell launched her startup hair and beauty tech company, ManeGuru.com, and has entered into a widely untapped career path for WOC. She combines her new passion for tech, her love of hair and beauty and utilizes her first love - producing, to create great content and problem solve.
Shantell ultimate goal is to help women find serenity and confidence in their purpose
Panelist : Amira Onibudo( Assignment Editor at News 12 )
Amira is dedicated to inspiring young professionals to become the best version of themselves. She hosts and leads events that empower students to become fearless leaders in their communities and become inspired to follow their dreams. Amira believes that through dedication, faith, and mental fortitude anything is possible.
Panelist: Nyasia Cooper( Junior Licensing Manager for NY Yankees)
Nyasha Cooper is currently a junior licensing manager for the New York Yankees. She studied at Shaw University and New York University, receiving degrees in Journalism and Sports Business she is anxious in making a break in the sports industry. She has worked at NFL.COM and well as NBC Sports. Nyasha has experience in radio, television and production. She is working on a blog that will launch soon called HerSportsToo.com. Nyasha aims to become a successful black women in a male dominated industry known as sports.
Panelist : Deja Jones ( Editor-in-chief of Black Girl Magik)
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism & Media Studies from Rutgers University, Deja hit the ground running with internships at Shape Magazine and W Magazine under her belt trying to find her place in the world of media as a writer, but soon learned that it was a cut throat industry that didn’t have a seat for her waiting at the table. Since 2014, she’s worked as a freelancer building her own brand Wanderlust Musings, where she shares inspirational stories of black millennials doing amazing things. She is currently the editor-in-chief of Black Girl Magik, founded by creative director Shydeia Caldwell. She is a digital content writer whose work has been featured on Madame Noire, Saint Heron, Huffington Post Black Voices, and Upscale Magazine. She is the published author of Wanderlust Musings: First Hand Advice for the Girl In Search of Herself where she shares personal stories and advice on building sisterhood, relationships, finding herself spiritually and climbing the career ladder. She is currently writing a teen fiction as well as a paranormal romance. When she isn’t writing, she is also a life skills educator and writing teacher who enjoys empowering teen girls.
Panelist: Maurita Salkey ( Entertainment Journalist )
Panelist: Aamira Garba(Macy's Inc.- Marketing Manager)
Born and raised in Orange, NJ to a single mom and 2 loving and wonderful grandparents. I attended Orange Public school until I attended Kent Place for high school as a NJ SEED. I am a wife to Vanlee Garba, my high school sweetheart, and mom of 2 little princesses, Heaven and Lyric. I've been at Macy's for 9 years with my most recent position being a Manager in Marketing Effectiveness. Previously I was an analyst in the same department, and I spent my first 2 years at Macy's as an Assistant Buyer.
Graduated Cum Laude in 2007 from Temple University, BBA in Marketing from Temple's Fox School of Business
While in school I discovered my love of travel when I had the opportunity to study abroad twice (Tokyo, Japan and Mumbai, India). I also briefly studied Japanese language. Since then I've traveled to beautiful countries such as Kenya and Spain.
I also love volunteering with children. For the past 2 years I enthusiastically participate in Career Day at Jefferson Elementary School in Plainfield where I'm now lovingly known as Ms. Macy's (lol)
I am an alum of the BRAG (Black retail Action Group) retail internship program which helped me jump start my career in Retail.
I am an active member of ColorComm, a fantastic organization for Women of Color in Communications.
I am also an active member of the NJ SEEDS Alumni Alliance
I'm a thrill seeker (just skydived over 13,000 feet!),
I also love event planning. When i'm not planning my own kids parties, I love planning events for friends and co-workers (I am also the Team Building Chair and Founder for Marketing Effectiveness at Macy's) My most recent endeavor was starting my own wine line, LoveLee Wine, a passion project of mine that has been truly exciting!
Out of everything I do or have done, my favorite title has to be Mom. I'm a mom who hopes to lead by example and instill in my little brown girls that they can do and be anything they want in life.
Panelist : Bernice Wooden( C.E.O of Be Nice Productions LLC
For 10 years, Bernice Wooden has been producing video content for fortune 500 corporations such as Proctor & Gamble, Visa, MTV Network, The Publicity Office, Panasonic and GfK. As a result, she’s no stranger to big budget projects that also get big results. Such as when she garnered more than 1 million views for the Visa Goals YouTube campaign in 2009. In 2015, she was summoned to produce segments for the official announcement of Hillary Clinton’s Candidacy.
In fact, she’s been so successful that she has received the Spring 2013 Don Buchwald & Associates Grant, the Best Editor Award from Women Make Movies in 2013, and a Producer Award from the American Diabetes Association.
As an added bonus, she recently picked up the photography bug and she’s currently working on her first self-help book. Her current winter 2016 producing line up includes: producing corporate videos and freelance work.
New ventures include her business Be Nice Productions LLC. and teaching Networking/Empowerment workshops around New York City.
Panelist : Patricia Robinson, per ( Director of Operations for for Emmis Communications New York/Hot 97, WBLS, and WLIB)
Patricia Robinson is a self-motivated, detail-oriented professional with over ten years of experience in Human Resources & Finance. She holds a Masters of Management & Human Resources, as well as a Bachelor’s in Business & Finance, both from the University of Phoenix. She is a licensed Public Notary and Public Notary Real Estate Agent.
Patricia currently holds the title of Director of Operations for for Emmis Communications New York/Hot 97, WBLS, and WLIB. In this role, she is responsible for all Human Resources for the organization, and all building operations. Patricia started with Emmis in 2000 as an Administrative Support & Payroll Clerk and has managed to open doors for herself leading her Senior Executive Position at Hot 97, where she is highly respected by her peers. . She is a well-respected Human Resources professional with the capability to recruit top talent. Throughout her tenure, she has earned the respect and credibility from high profile On Air Talent, and have built incredible relationships with the entire workforce.
As Director of Operations, Patricia manages and has full oversight of the hiring, onboarding and employee relations matters with a very broad and diverse staff. She plays critical role in supporting building facilities management. Her strengths lie in coaching and counseling to all levels of staff, while effectively encouraging a highly productive and thriving work environment. She supports the Senior Vice President/General Manager- Deon Levingston in a robust broadcasting arena of business .
Patricia is an advocate at giving back to the workforce. She is passionate about workforce development programs. She got her first work experience at the age of 14 through the NY DYCD Summer Youth Program. She continues to exhibit an innovative approach to her job by targeting internal programs that benefit the workforce such as wellness fairs, flu shot programs, banking/financial seminars, and many additional relevant learning opportunities. In 2006, she advised the then SVP/GM on the relevance of connecting Emmis with programs that would help to provide real-world experience to individuals who may not have been able to obtain t on their own. Starting with one contractor, Patricia has
grown opportunities to currently working with 15 vendors supporting New York City initiatives such as the Youth Adult Internship Program, a 14-week internship for young adults (ages 16 to 24) from New York City who are unemployed and out of school, the Summer Youth Employment Program, which focuses on career instruction, academic improvement, and social growth, and the NYC Mayor’s Office of People of Disabilities mentorship program, which allows students with disabilities to spend a day on the job with their workplace mentors. Patricia is a strong advocate and participates on panels with the Workforce Partners Training Institute, DYCD, and foster care agency panels.
She served as a 2 Year Parent Teachers Organization at Cambria Heights Academy (2012-2014), where she raised the fundraising capabilities, and shared great insight with parents, students and the teaching faculty. Any opportunity Patricia has to share information with youth and how to uplift and empower others, she readily takes it.
Additionally, Patricia contributes a significant role in Hot 97’s major annual event: Hot 97 Summer Jam. For the past several years, Patricia has worked closely to recruit non-profit organizations to bring in volunteers to assist with the world’s biggest Hip Hop concert, now running for over 20 years. Previous organizations that were involved include City Year, the Veterans Aid Society, and the New York Urban League. Volunteers partner with Hot 97 to help provide services to the public for the day. Patricia recruits the organization, and provides training to over 100 volunteers for the event.
Asides from her career ambitions, Patricia prides herself on her active involvement in her community. Not only does she serve as a Mentor Host for the NYC Mayor’s Office of People of Disabilities mentorship program described above, but she also serves on the Tuesdays Children Annual Program, which helps mentor children who lost loved ones in the horrific 9/11 attacks. Patricia has also partnered with Pencil.org as a Business Professional, lending her workplace expertise to the Village Academy in Far Rockaway, and as a Pencil Fellows host, which provides high school students with paid, full-time, six-week
Panelist: Khalilah Angela Webster ( CEO/Business Consultant, Author, Media Host)
Chantel George ( Yelp)
Chantel George is a Bronx native with Caribbean roots. From a young age she always had an entrepreneurial spirit, in addition to being emerged in the creative arts. Growing up she participated in theatre, working in Off Broadway shows. In boarding school she also played a huge part in the theatrical arts, in boarding school she founded her company Chantel's Creations where she did hair and makeup for notable stars such as Jaslene Gonzalez (America's Top Model), Shontelle (Bahamian R&B artist) and worked with couture line Celestino Couture. She balanced this while being a senior in high school and applying to college. While attending the New York Conservatory for Film and Television she also freelanced as a stage manager working at the Players Theatre and the Frick Festival. Shortly afterward she got her degree at Pace University while working at Yelp and also maintained her role as President of her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated chapter. At Yelp she moved up the ranks from an Account Executive to Sales Manager and now working on an Inbound Team.
Chantel has proven to herself and to others around her that the sky is the limit, follow your dream and never give up.
Honoree: Sabrina Thompson
is a filmmaker, photographer, activist and owner of KUU productions, a Brooklyn-based dynamic media production company specializing in producing campaigns, digital stories and short documentaries for clients such as HBO, BET, Verizon, RocNation Sports and more. In addition, she was hand picked to be a cinematographer for Hillary Rodham Clinton focusing on issues involving Black women during her Presidential campaign.
Nine years ago, she co-founded WEEN (Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network), a NYC based women’s non-profit which currently has 80,000 members. Thompson is a former inner city high school teacher and a former producer for Court Television Network and several Columbia TriStar TV syndicated talk shows.
In 2012, she went on the wildest adventure of a lifetime and appeared on Survivor on CBS where she was the runner-up of the Emmy award-winning program. Currently, she is directing her first TV pilot, a comedy about inner city teachers. When Thompson is not traveling the world filming projects, she speaks with teens around the country about entrepreneurship and how to execute their dreams.
Honoree: Tori Elizabeth
An American born, Caymanian bred wardrobe stylist from Houston, Tx.
Tori is a visionary, who is able to see the beauty in the simplest of things. A true artisan who draws outside of the lines.
She has a passion for bringing awareness to the masses; by merging her conscious and creative sides.
Honoree: Victory Jones
An American born, Jamaican bred recording artist and songwriter from New York.
Victory is a creative powerhouse with a flair for the eccentrics. Unafraid to be disruptive and honest, she is constantly challenging herself and others around her by pushing the boundaries or her art, by being bold and speaking truth.
She sees her art as not only as a means of expression, but as a tool of empowerment and change.
Honoree: Janet Dickerson
Janet Dickerson is an entrepreneur, PR executive, and founder/CEO of Human Impact Solutions, a full-service boutique public relations and strategic communications company. Dickerson began her career in politics, serving as Press Officer for now-U.S. Senator Cory Booker while he was Mayor of Newark, New Jersey. She was also Deputy Press Secretary for Bill Thompson’s 2009 NYC Mayoral campaign against Michael Bloomberg, and Press Secretary for national research and action institute PolicyLink.
Since founding Human Impact Solutions (formerly Pixel Prose Media) in 2010, Dickerson has served as a consultant to non-profits, political campaigns, startups, and small businesses, as well as community/grassroots activists, groups and organizations. Her clients include the Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Blackout for Human Rights, New Yorkers for Responsible Waste Management, Zeitsight Entertainment, New York Correctional Association, Celebrated Activist/Author/Journalist Kevin Powell, and Sankofa.org, the organization founded by legendary actor, entertainer and humanitarian Harry Belafonte. Dickerson is also a consultant on Question Bridge, an award-winning transmedia art project Executive Produced by actor and activist Jesse Williams.
In addition, she is a Co-Founder of #HarlemDemoDay, an NYC startup event geared towards connecting entrepreneurs with industry investors, business resources and potential funding opportunities.
In early 2016, Dickerson was event co-producer and publicist for #JUSTICEFORFLINT, a free benefit event that raised more than $156,000 towards recovery efforts related to the Flint Water Crisis. Prior to that, she served as event producer and publicist on the historic #MLKNOW event held in January 2016 at NYC’s Riverside Church, which was viewed by nearly half-a-million people online, making it a #1 trending topic on Twitter and Facebook.
Most recently, Dickerson spearheaded PR for the inaugural “Many Rivers To Cross” Social Justice Music and Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA, which featured headliners T.I., John Legend, Chris Rock, Jesse Williams, Common, Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, Public Enemy, Estelle, and more.
Dickerson graduated from Temple University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. Born and raised in the New York City-area, she now resides in the New York Tri-State Area with her husband/business partner and their one-year old daughter Zola.
Honoree:Terra Renee
For the past 19 years, Founder and President, of African American Women In Cinema Organization, Inc. (AAWIC), Terra Renee has utilized her strong background in filmmaking to serve as a continuous support for the vibrant work of women. Before she founded AAWIC, Terra studied filmmaking at Tisch School of the Arts (NYU), and film directing at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completion of her studies, Ms. Renee associate produced several independent films including,” Island Alicia”, a feature which was the official selection of the Cannes film festival UN Certain Regard category.
Besides Terra’s film production success, she interned at Universal Pictures and served as a judge for some of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards such as the Emmy Awards, Student Academy Awards-Oscars, New York Film Festival and NATPE. Ms. Renee was featured in Essence Magazine representing the Wal-Mart Voices of Color Film Series. In addition, she was the recipient of the United States Postal Service Hattie McDaniel Stamp award and was 2011 NAACP Woman of the Year Award as well as the 2012 Living Legends Award by the New York Greater Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Renee also received the 2013, “Keeping the Dream” award from the prestigious youth organization, Jump Start and the 2014, “Bridge Builder” award from the United African Coalition.Ms. Renee recently became a Fellow recipient of the United Way and Baruch College “Leadership of the Non-profit Sector” program. She sits on the Executive Board of the UNESCO NYS Chapter and the Board of African Women of Good Governance.
- Recipient of Woman of the Year Award
- Recipient of Living Legends Award
- Ambassadorship from African Women for Good Governance
- Bridge Builder Award from the United African Coalition
Honoree: Suzy Q
What do Marsha Ambrosius, Wyclef Jean, Rockwilder and Bono have in common? They have all been treated to a dose of Vocal Drugs, courtesy of singer/songwriter Suzy Q. Combining the power of Aretha, range of Minnie, soul of Etta , attitude of Chaka and presence of Patti, Suzy Q has the prescription to heal the ailing genre of R&B music.
As a New Jersey native whose family was steeped in music, Quiona “Suzy Q” McCollum was born and bred to incite audiences with her vocal prowess. From her first performance at age 6, Suzy Q knew that the stage was her first love. By 16 she had used her vocals to land pageant crown and contest wins...including the biggest contest of them all. With 5 consecutive wins at The World Famous Apollo Theatre, her passion for the music gained fervor.
Putting her stake in the ground as the future
of R&B music, Suzy Q has worked side by
side with some of the elite. She has graced Wyclef Jean's new album "The Haitian Experience", been featured on U2’s chart toping album Songs of Innocence and deemed by Marsha Ambrosius formerly of (Floetry) one of the best singers she's heard in ages.
While illicit drugs destroy the mind, and prescription drugs treat the body, Suzy Q offers a dose of Vocal Drugs to lift the soul higher with each note, inflection and octave.
Get your prescription at www.ilovesuzyq.com
Honoree: Chelsa Odufu
Chelsea Odufu is Newark, NJ based Filmmaker and Art Activist. Upon graduating from New York University’s esteemed Tisch School of The Arts emerging talent Chelsea Odufu hit the ground running with the creation of her film Ori Inu: In Search of Self which has been featured in Huffington Post ,Indiewire, Saint Heron, Afro Punk and Okay Africa to name a few. Shortly after graduation Chelsea was offered a job by Honoray Oscar Award Winning filmmaker Spike Lee to work on his latest film Chi-Raq and since then has been touring Ivy Leagues leading artistic interactive workshops centered around Identity, Black Representation in film and TV, Afrofuturism and her film Ori Inu: In Search of Self. While at NYU Chelsea worked for well known NYC music video director, model, and DJ Vashtie Kola as well as interned for major companies such as MTV and Nickelodeon and TV shows such as The Rachael Ray Show. Chelsea also worked as a videographer at the Source Magazine where she produced short form content featuring musicians such as Meek Mill, Big Sean, Juicy J, and Chance the Rapper. Chelsea also worked as a Lifestyle and Marketing Representative for Universal Music Group. This rising filmmaker paints a riveting world of magnetic characters and unflinching voyages through womanhood, while artfully unpacking heavy matters like colourism, alcoholism and the stigma of African spirituality. As countless underrepresented people yearn to bid adieu to the days of one-dimensional depictions and offensive tropes – token best friends, caricatures of stereotypes, and dehumanised props – Odufu’s portrayals of the African disaspora are refreshing and very much needed today.
Honoree: Elizabeth Oritz
President and CEO of MY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. The top boutique magazine for multicultural readers. Based on New York and distributed around USA and other Latin countries. MY Lifestyle Magazine has being recognized as the main bicultural media outlet where you find information about fashion, health , beauty, entertaintment, and more. Covering exclusives events as Billboards, Latin Grammys, Oscars, Super Bowl.
Ortiz arrived in the U.S. as an immigrant from Colombia and immediately pursued higher education at Hunter College, studying English and Theater. She went on to Baruch College to take on Marketing and media/Communication, and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in International Business Administration.
She has a passion for business, and has been involved in marketing strategies, branding, promotion, events and real estate. Worked as a TV contributor at Acceso total Telemundo 47 New York.
As a fashion lover, she created The Fashion and Design Chamber of Commerce in order to support upcoming designers around the world.
The latest addition to her extensive career is the nomination as The National Director for North, Central and South America for the Miss Heritage International Beauty Pageant in South Africa, in which she opens opportunity to women in modeling, Fashion, beauty pageants, an international platform to showcase their talents.
Honoree:Darcel Laurie
Darcel Laurie is a Journalist and On Air Personality. She got her start as an Extra on the hit show on VH1, Lala’s Full Court Life. From that experience, Darcel knew her life would never be the same. She knew she could not go back to living a so-called “average” life. Darcel knew that that experience was just a glimpse of what life could be.
From there, Darcel started blogging about fashion and beauty until one day she had the bright idea to submit her writing samples to magazines. Lucky Magazine was the first magazine to give her a platform to showcase her talent. Soon after, Darcel was attending New York Fashion Week where she was able to interview huge Designers like Michael Costello, Stevie Boi, etc…
Darcel was officially bit by the bug of the entertainment industry and started to branch out to other platforms, like Sheen Magazine and Industry Rules Magazine where she was able to interview celebrities like Nicole Murphy, Singer/Songwriter Chrisette Michele, Americas Next Top Model Eva Marcille, Bianca Bonnie and Yandy Smith from Love and Hip Hop New York and so much more…
This exposure led Darcel to have an opportunity to volunteer on Chrisette Michele’s Pose and Post Symposium tour. Soon after, she was working On-Air as a TV Personality for Dream Nation TV, where she interviewed celebrities like Singer Tyrese Gibson, Actress Loretta Devine from The Carmichael Show, Principal Ballet Dancer Misty Copeland, Selenis Leyva from Orange is the New Black, Singer Tiffany Evans, and the list goes on and on.
Now Darcel is apart of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists where she continues to hone on her skills and network with Journalists. She is the Founder and CEO of Moguls in Media, where she creates a safe space for Journalists on the rise to learn from those who are established in the industry. Darcel has been seen and/or heard on Fox 29 Philadelphia, Power 99fm, and WDAS105.3 fm. Keep your eyes open, because Darcel is a shooting star, soon she will be publishing her first book!
Honoree: Asha Boston
"Born prematurely, at one pound and two ounces, Asha Boston knows a thing or two about fighting for the things you want in life-- including life itself. Friends and family members would describe her as passionate and fierce changemaker who desires to let her light shine as a mere reflection of God’s glow.
Her work resume includes companies like AMC, BET and most recently Media Information Services. However it is through her journalism and documentary work that she is widely recognized. Asha has a passion for storytelling and has done so via platforms like Her Agenda, Teen Vogue, Madame Noire, VIBE, the NBA.com, Carib News and several others.
Asha currently serves at the President and CEO of Passion Fruit Vineyard Productions where she oversees all pre, post and current production services for documentaries, The Dinner Table and A Time Before Kale. In June, Asha was honored by the White House Council of Women and Girls as a "Nominated Change Maker" at the United State of Women Summit."
Honoree:Tanisha LaVerne Grant
Honoree: Dreena Whitfield
Dreena Whitfield is the principle of WhitPR, a New Jersey based boutique strategic communications firm. Whitfield is the former Press Secretary to Cory Booker during his tenure as Mayor of the City of Newark.
With over a decade of experience, Whitfield has a proven ability to spot opportunities for clients to grown their brand recognition in saturated markets that aligns with their overall objective. Her diver career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate, and political sectors, as well as small businesses throughout the Tri-state area.
Whitfield earned a Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications from Lincoln University and her Masters Degree in Strategic Communications from Seton Hall University. Ebony Magazine listed Whitfield as one of their ten women in their Black Women Rising in Politics feature.
Honoree: Latasha Owens Hobdy
LaTasha Owens Hobdy is a NY City native with over 20 years of experience in brand and creative marketing in entertainment. She currently leads Multi-cultural marketing and branded entertainment at Verizon and is responsible for sponsorship and activation as well as branded partnerships. Throughout her career, she has had responsibility for Marketing, PR, Digital, Social and Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. She has focused on driving continued growth across competitive markets for Verizon (Wireless & Telcom), Bristol Myers-Squibb, Burger King, Essence Magazine, and has led partnerships with multiple Time Inc. properties, NFL, NBA, Disney, DreamWorks, Coca Cola, Universal, Viacom Networks, Univision and TV / Interactive One and more . Also a former editor, LaTasha continues to create in her personal endeavors as a freelance writer and producer.
Honoree: Novia Rose
NOVIA ROSE Is an Alumna of SUNY Oswego, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast/Communications. In addition to being the Associate Entertainment Editor for Yandy Smith’s Lifestyle Company, 'Everything Girls Love’, she is also the Social Media Director at a Tech Start-Up called, News Cult, LLC. Novia is also a skilled Social Media Consultant and versed in Project Management
While working in this field continues to brings Novee many blessings, she have developed another passion, which is highlighting working women in the Entertainment Industry! Her ultimate goal with NoveeRose.com is to spotlight all Women In Entertainment, in front of the camera & as well as behind the scenes.
Honoree: Dreena Whitfield
Dreena Whitfield is the principle of WhitPR, a New Jersey based boutique strategic communications firm. Whitfield is the former Press Secretary to Cory Booker during his tenure as Mayor of the City of Newark.
With over a decade of experience, Whitfield has a proven ability to spot opportunities for clients to grown their brand recognition in saturated markets that aligns with their overall objective. Her diver career has led her to spearhead the communications and marketing efforts for leaders in the nonprofit, corporate, and political sectors, as well as small businesses throughout the Tri-state area.
Whitfield earned a Bachelors of Science in Mass Communications from Lincoln University and her Masters Degree in Strategic Communications from Seton Hall University. Ebony Magazine listed Whitfield as one of their ten women in their Black Women Rising in Politics feature.
Honoree: Charreah Jackson
Charreah K. Jackson is an international speaker and the Lifestyle and Relationships Editor for ESSENCE magazine, empowering the brand's audience of 13 million. She authors Notes to Self, a monthly column on self-development that closes each issue. Charreah has been a featured expert on CNN, VH1, NBC and has written for Time and Fortune. She is the creator of #BossBride, a love and career advice site for women and book to be published by St. Martin’s Press.
Charreah is an 11-year survivor of cancer and shares her testimony to encourage others to prioritize health. Charreah has earned a Hearst Award in journalism and interviewed newsmakers from Sarah Jessica Parker to Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
As a certified coach, she provides personal and professional empowerment workshops and keynotes and has served as a professor at her alma mater Howard University and the Disney Dreamers Academy. Charreah is a board member of the Red Pump Project, an international organization committed to fighting the stigma of HIV. The Atlanta-native now lives and loves in New York City.
Honoree: Ayasha Roberson
Ayasha Roberson - Founder and CEO of Urban SociaLites, LLC
Ayasha Jamila Roberson was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. Upon graduating college in 2002, Ayasha moved to central New Jersey and began her career in the mental health field.
In 2010, acting on a creative vision, Ayasha established Urban SociaLites, LLC (USL) an entertainment online magazine that included fashion and lifestyle blogs as well as online shows such as New Music NJ, Jerz Life TV and Jerz Hot Spots. USL became the go-to website where New Jersey residents could find the hottest local music, food, and nightlife.
Always tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, Ayasha expanded her company’s portfolio by offering services such as logo and website design, PR, marketing, and content creation to clients featured on her website.
In 2015, Ayasha expanded the USL brand’s to include an online indie radio station, Indie Live Music Radio (ILMR). ILMR streams today’s hottest emerging indie artist from across the globe. ILMR is a platform for indie artist to have quality exposure and representation whether they are striving to break into mainstream music or expand into broader markets.
Just 6 years after launching her vision of an online magazine, Ayasha has grown Urban SociaLites, LLC into a full-service entertainment digital marketing firm that helps brands grow by fostering innovative strategies through a variety of services such as, public relations, social media marketing, content creation, video production, talent representation, and image consulting. It is Ayasha’s hands-on management style and commitment to excellence have been central to the success of USL.
A true philanthropist with a generous heart, Ayasha was featured in In Jersey Magazine showcasing her dedication to her community and giving back to the people of Monmouth County with programs such as USL Honors, Girl Talk, IMPACT NJ, and Helping USL.
Ayasha currently resides in Northern Jersey and an active member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology with a minor in dance from Stockton University where she was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In 2012 she received her Master of Administrative Science with a concentration in Organizational Development from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In the rare event she is not working, Ayasha enjoys taking jazz, hip-hop, and ballet dance classes.
Honoree: Lee Whetstone
Lee Whetstone is an Entrepreneur, Motivator, and the Founder and CEO of Leading with Lee Magazine (LwL). She graduated with an earned Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from York College, Jamaica, NY in 2008. Ms. Whetstone uplifts, and encourages aspiring young adults and leaders to follow their dreams by providing seminars such as “Finding Your Purpose in Life”, “How to Prepare for a Job Interview” and through her magazine by providing educational and career related resources and tools that will help young adults achieve their goals. Ms. Whetstone always had a passion to help others accomplish and develop their gifts. In January 2015, her magazine collaborated with Funk the Formula Magazine to present an anti-violence youth event called “Creativity Speaks” where aspiring artists such as singers, rappers, authors and poets expressed their views about life and community through their amazing talents. Ms. Whetstone was featured on “The Too Real Show” on PureVibez FM Radio in September 2015 as she spoke about why and how she started LwL Magazine. (Visit www.leadingwithlee.com to view the full video). Her passion for what she does shows in her work and how excited she gets when speaking about it.
From the year 2011 to 2014, Ms. Whetstone served as the Director of Administration for a 501©3 not-for-profit organization called Yadestiny Treasure Chest, Inc. As a board member, she received a certificate for being an Outstanding Administrator in 2012, and was responsible for developing programs for children while also being heavily involved in community outreach. While working two jobs to stay financially afloat in 2013, Lee decided to birth Leading with Lee Magazine. Her mission was to provide an affordable and entertaining magazine that featured success stories of entrepreneurs to help motivate aspiring young adults in urban communities and schools. Since then, she has set a platform for upcoming leaders and small business owners by promoting their businesses and brands as well as developing action steps for those who needed to jumpstart their career.
Testimonials
“Being around positive people with positive words brings out the best in you and motivates you to do better with your life....Ms. Whetstone is well spoken and I love the positive energy." Catherine Dock, 23, Aspiring Embalmer
"I found it very helpful. It motivated me to reach my goals and to find my purpose in life. Ms. Whetstone is a beautiful person that is determined to help people with her purpose. Like Lee Whetstone said, "Your purpose is not for you, it's for others around you" - Joanna Shields, 28, Aspiring Entrepreneur
"I would like all the help I can get to reach my career goals and to go to a good college. I think Leading with Lee will have good opportunities." - Kendra Bailey, Aspiring OBGYN (Age 16).
"I'm serious about my craft, I'd take an opportunity given to me to better myself. A lot of businesses don't target inner city neighborhoods... Leading with Lee could be great." - Imani Irons, Aspiring Singer (Age 18).
Honoree: Asia Ware ( Blogger)
I am Asia Milia Ware, a 20-year-old senior, Strategic Communications major at the illustrious Hampton University from the best city, Queens, NY, studying at Hampton University. My mother, Cynthia C. Ware, raised me and I am an only child. Growing up in New York I always admired fashion. It is what I do, who I am, and what I represent. I am also a journalist, fashion journalism interests me most, however I write on multiples topics. I have a short-term goal of being a fashion editor/stylist and years into my profession I aspire to be an editor in chief of a top fashion/lifestyle magazine and own my own business.
In addition to fashion, I am a health and fitness enthusiast after losing 50 pounds and falling in live with the lifestyle. I aspire to one day open my own gym and offer fashion consulting in a space where I can combine both of my loves.
At Hampton University, I am an involved student. I am apart of the Greer Wilson Dawson Student Leadership Training Program, where I mentor incoming freshman, service the community and the campus and assist in putting on campus events. I am also apart of the Student Government, Womens Caucus branch, an organization that empowers women through seminars and service and pushes self-love. I enjoy giving back to my community when I am home in New York and when I am at school in Hampton, Virginia.
At 20 years old, I am already no stranger to the fashion industry. I have already interned alongside designers, stylists, buyers, and important individuals in the industry. The summer of 2015, I interned with the sales and marketing department of ADEAM, a third year brand in the CFDA designed by Hanako Maeda. I am also a Style Guru at my school for CollegeFashionista that allows me to express my writing and style on one platform. In the past I have worked at New York & Company and I have been a brand ambassador at Banana Republic. In addition to these titles, I am an intern for fashion stylist, Style by D’Nicole. Aside from these past fashion internships, I currently serve as an assistant to fashion stylist, Mia Tucker Williams, I assist in styling for shoots for magazines and whatever editorial’s that she is apart of. And, I am one of three ESSENCE Magazine College Ambassadors, a position that allows me to be a millennial voice for ESSENCE Magazine readers. I have also interned with New York’s very own, Hot 97 radio station with marketing and promotions where I was able to expand my knowledge of the industry.
I am very humbled to be where I am today and I look forward to making my mark on this world.
Honoree:Danielle Young ( content producer for TheRoot.com)
Danielle Young began her journalism career with music—hip hop to be exact. She conducted interviews with some of your favorite rappers’ favorite rappers and as her skills sharpened, Danielle found herself scooped up by publications and websites like the New York Daily News, HollywoodLife.com, The New York Post, BET’s Centric, Essence, MansLife.com, YRB Magazine and many more.
Danielle’s writing career led her into one of her proudest moments, creating the lifestyle section on HelloBeautiful.com. She has always boldly told stories with heart, sass and humor, but as the Lifestyle Editor, she began to understand that responsibility and her content would often be picked up by Huffington Post, Good Morning America and more. She’s interviewed amazing human beings like Ava DuVernay, Oprah, Angela Bassett, Idris Elba, Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and so many more. It’s those interviews that allow Danielle to do what she does best—connect and tell a story.
Danielle is now a content producer for TheRoot.com and peppers her content with her larger-than-life personality, sharing her hilarious thoughts on pop culture and anything that affects Black people. Danielle loves words and strings them together to create multimedia content that will tug at your heart strings or give you belly-hurting laughs. Give her iced chai lattes, cheese and Netflix so she knows it’s real. Danielle is pretty, witty, girl, worldly. She’s one who likes to party, but comes home early. Prince called her “excellence” once.
Community Partner/ Vendor( When I grow Up Project)
Shonte Smith, 23, is a filmmaker and aspiring international educator. During the past two summers, Shonte has taken volunteer trips to both South America and Africa. Inspired by the students she met in Ghana, Shonte decided to organize a book drive to send 3,000 books to Ho, Ghana. In doing so, she aims to build cross cultural connections between African Americans and Ghanaians.
Thus far, she has collected 1,200+ books and is well on her way to reaching her goal. For more information, follow the @whenigrowupproject on Instagram.
Community Partner : The Shoe Soul Society
The Shoe Soul Society was founded by Cheres Chambers as a vehicle for fashion forward women on the move. In 2016 she stepped out on faith to turn her love for shoes and her business savvy into a viable business.
At TS3 our mission is to offer exceptionally stylish shoes to the world and help a few people along the way. We believe every woman deserves to feel classy whether she is leisurely making her way to a weekend brunch or chasing after children seven days a week. Women should be able to maintain the lifestyle of their choice without sacrificing personal style.
Giving back is at our core. We are currently working in conjunction with a prisoner re-entry program called Reconnections. Based in Plainfield, New Jersey, Reconnections helps formerly incarcerated women re-enter society in a productive manner - and thanks to The Shoe Soul Society, with the perfect pair of shoes to help them land the perfect job. Our goal is for the women involved in the program to receive shoes that make them feel good about whom they are and take them to where they want to be.
We realize there are many online options for shoe shopping and thank you for considering us to be your footwear destination of choice. TS3 strives to provide a unique experience by focusing on quality versus quantity and offering customer service that is second to none.
Videographer: Jakicra M. White
Photography Sponsor
Featured Business Owner: Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry
Kelly Bey-Borden is a licensed, makeup artist who has worked in the beauty business for over 15 years. Her initial focus was cosmetology in high school, but she became passionate with the art and creativity involved with makeup. Although Make-up is my passion, giving back to the community and being a mentor/friend/parental figure to the students in the inner city is a huge part of my walk in life.
Educationally, I received my B.A. of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix in July of 2013. I will earn my Master’s degree from The University of Maryland in Education this Spring 2016. My short term goal is to gain as much knowledge as possible, to continue to grow as a scholar, an educator, a staff member and as a person and to gain more "tools" to make my career successful.
My Educational philosophy is that I truly believe if we give students the tools needed and teach to their individual learning styles, they will thrive. The tools that students need can include: emotional tools such as coping mechanisms and counseling, educational tools such as differentiated instruction and classroom environmental factors, accommodations such as small groups, calculators, or just nurturing. I truly believe that with these tools in place and strong educators who push students to their highest potential, our scholars will go on to higher education and will be successful members of society.
Kelly’s professional makeup career start was with MAC Cosmetics. After working for MAC for several years, she started her own company, Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry. Kelly has been hired as a makeup artist for weddings; proms; music videos; personal, group and professional photo shoots; birthday celebrations; political events; and other special occasions.
Flawless Faces Makeup Artistry launched its own cosmetic line in early 2015. The first product available is a lipstick line. The Flawless lipstick line features 20-semi matte lipstick shades, including 2-glitz sticks, and a pink glitter gloss. The lip products are vitamin E enriched and vibrantly pigmented.
Giveaway Sponsor
Ruby Sampson is a silk accessories line for women with natural hair who struggle with chronic dryness and breakage. Founded in February 2016 in honor of the designer's grandmother, Ruby Sampson is a black, female owned business located in Washington DC. The brand marries fashion and utility for the United States' fastest growing demographic of business owners: black women.
SPECIAL YOUTH GUEST: COLBY CHRISTINA - ACTRESS, TV SHOW HOST, DANCER, MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, CHOREOGRAPHER, MODEL & ADVOCATE
Colby Christina (born May 29, 2001) is a American Professional Actor, TV Show Host, Singer, Dancer, Model, Choreographer and Advocate
born in Manhasset, New York.
Colby has trained professionally since the age of two at the Restoration Center for Arts and Culture under the leadership of President Colvin Grannum and now Executive Director, Dr. Indira Etwaroo. Colby has been labeled a formidable “Triple threat” Nationally and Internationally.
Her accomplishments to date have catapulted her to the National Stage at the National Black Theatre Festival as Co-Chair and Parade Grand Marshall as well as to the Red Carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival as a Guest at the Oprah Winfrey Premiere of Greenleaf (TV series) on the OWN TV Network.
Colby Christina has performed Center Stage at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Billie Holiday Theatre, the Museum of Natural History, the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, the Waldorf Astoria New York, Black Spectrum Theatre and the NYC Summer Stage, to name a few. Prior to the "Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills" written by Cheryl Wills, NY 1 News Anchor, where Colby played Emma Wills and received a standing ovation for a performance where she spoke no words, Colby also appeared in the Lead Role of "Alice" at the age of 12 to sold out audiences in the Stage to TV Production, “The Liberation of Mother Goose”, with Executive Producer/Director, Peggy Alston and Director & Choreographer Abdel Salaam. Colby Christina captured the attention of many in the Theatre World and beyond with this Triple Threat Performance.
Colby is always applauded at all of the events for also being a person that is always giving back to her Community, Corporations and Individuals with her time and passion and willingness to always help others. She also loves teaching and mentoring "her babies" (the 3 and 4 year olds and the 8 to 11 year olds) at the Restoration Center for Arts and Culture where she continues to serve as the Student Ambassador. Colby has also served as an Intern at Black Spectrum Theater, a Dance Intern at Evidence Dance Company and as a Impact Repertory Theater Member for Summer 2016.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION:
Colby has attended Private School all of her life and has been skipped one Academic Grade. She is a 15 year old High School Junior at a Private Independent Pre-Collegiate High School and is fast tracked to complete High School at age 16. Colby is a High School Junior that is super excited as she prepares to start visiting more Colleges and Universities and has already been extended invitations by some great academic institutions to come on board as a student for the Freshman Class of 2018.
AWARDS - HONORS - RECOGNITION:
Upon receiving the AUDELCO at the age of 13, for excellence in Black Theater, Colby Christina joined the ranks of Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington and Sanaa Lathan who also received the “Rising Star” AUDELCO Award.
To her credit Colby Christina has accomplished many “first” in the Arts and in Academia and is the recipient of more than 100 Awards, Citations, Proclamations and Honors, most before the age of Thirteen (13).
Colby was recently honored by the NAACP with the "Youth Award", by the King of Kings Foundation with the "A Star Has Risen Award" (This Award Will Be Given Annually and has Been Officially Named the "Colby Christina a Star Has Risen Award), honored by the Trey Whitfield School Foundation as a "Academic Honoree" and Colby was Honored by Black History Memorabilia with their "Excellence in Theatre Youth Award".
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Colby's new TV Show “Colby’s Corner - REAL Teen Talk TV” is “Your premiere destination for Teens who want a safe place to learn and talk about what’s really happening in their lives Socially, Academically and Culturally.” “Colby’s Corner - REAL Teen Talk TV” aired live on MadHouseTV.com on September 27, 2016 to rave reviews. “Colby’s Corner - Real Teen Talk TV” has laid a solid foundation via its Multi-Media Enterprise for Teens and Tweens that will soon consist of other media platforms like Radio, Magazine and of course more exemplary TV Programming that will be a beacon of light for our young adults. "Colby's Corner" will serve to further enhance the Mentoring Platforms that Colby launched years ago and is a beacon of light in the TV World for many. The Guest list is awesome and includes Teenagers, Community Leaders, Experts, CEO's, Clergy and Celebrities who are making a difference in the lives of Teenagers.
"Colby's Corner" can be seen in approximately 190 Countries when it airs live on Madhouse TV and will soon be seen on major Cable Networks everywhere.
Colby’s Entertainment and Arts goal and dream is to be a "household name and appear on Television, in Movies, and to perform on Broadway again and to participate in everything God has in store for me while simultaneously continuing to achieve academic success."
Panelist Moderator: Sapphira Martin
A Queen from Queens, (New York) Sapphira Martin is an On-Air and Digital Project Manager by day and the founder and curator of SassBoxx by any other waking hour. As a proud alumna of Johnson C. Smith University, Sapphira is an advocate for letting all brown girls know their education is important. Upon her graduation from college, Sapphira began building her net-worth by tapping into her network. She has been privileged to create work experiences with the former NBA Bobcats, CBS Radio, Talent Resources Celebrity Firm, FYI Communications Global Grind, Vibe and currently Emmis Communications(Hot 97, WBLS & WLIB). In January 2016, her budding business, SassBoxx was born. SassBoxx is a monthly subscription service which provides curated items from unknown and untapped beauty & lifestyle brands which are delivered directly to you. It is an essentials kit when tapping into your magic. Today's woman simply can NOT be placed in a box...but all their favorite things can be. A trained dancer, Sapphira is not only inspired by movement but every single brown woman around her.