Women Acquiring Assets

Laura Rock began The Laura and Jason Rock Family Foundation in early 2017.  What started off as a general challenge to “help women” evolved into a specific vision of empowering young women of color exiting county run services in Pittsburgh.  As the Rock Family Foundation (RFF) began meeting with the funder and programming communities the mission grew – these programs needed miscellaneous and operational funding so they could focus on their missions instead of on their feelings of scarcity and lack.  These organizations and the population they served wanted advocacy and collaboration. RFF began to seek out the organizations that were partnering with others and the programs that were outside the county-funded systems.  Bringing fresh ideas, new viewpoints and multi-faceted solutions are just as important as funding.  And the way that grants are delivered is streamlined and different.  RFF prioritizes the conversation.  A synergy or two.  An opportunity to band together with other programs.  A memo and a handshake.  These steps replace the traditional routes that programs were used to requesting funding.  And Laura wanted to walk the line between the old ways and the new ways bringing together the best of both modalities.

Adesola (Addie) Elabor is the founder and CEO of D'IYANU, an African inspired apparel brand based in Philadelphia, PA.  Addie was born in Nigeria and moved to the U.S with her family at the age of six. As with most children new to a foreign environment, she struggled to fit into the American lifestyle with new foods, vocabulary, and culture. As she grew older, she learned to accept and embrace her uniqueness and African roots. She graduated from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK with a Bachelor's in International Business and French. It was in college where she solidified her life's goal of creating a business that would enable her to give back to the African community. Her first job after graduating was with an online store called Pet Food Direct where she worked in the merchandising and subsequently the purchasing department. Little did she know that the experience gained at this company would prove beneficial to her future business endeavors. While working at Pet Food Direct, she started a master's program in International Marketing. Upon completion of her Master's degree and unable to find a job in the marketing field, she decided to launch her own business. Seeing an opportunity for a ready-to-wear African inspired line and seeking to express her heritage through clothing, Addie launched D'IYANU in January 2014 from her little studio apartment in King of Prussia, PA.  Addie currently works out of the D'IYANU headquarter in Norristown, PA along with her brother, Dara Ajayi and 16 other employees. When she is not working on her business, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends and family. She also enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling, and trying new activities. She's passionate about self-development and empowering her community. Since launching D'IYANU, she has made it a priority to donate a portion of revenue to charities empowering the black community and providing clean water and education to underdeveloped countries. D'IYANU has been able to donate over $35,000 to date. 

Simone Sauter is a PR & Publicity Coach, bestselling author and tech nerd. She helps coaches, consultants and trainers to become the go-to expert and consistently attract high-paying clients by building authority, trust and credibility through the power of the media. Simone has nearly 2 decades experience in the media and PR world. She worked as a journalist for 8 years and before her entrepreneurial journey as a PR manager for several fortune 100 companies. She also has a master's degree in Journalism and PR and is a certified PR consultant.But most important is that she has built a very successful coaching business in the relationship coaching niche solely by using PR which means that she understands 100% how to make PR work for your coaching and consulting business in a way that you get new clients.

Dr. Tonya Robertson, the learning and strategy specialist is the Founder and CEO of Focused Training Solutions, a company that is committed to curating instructional learning tools designed to optimize performance in the workplace. Robertson has worked with numerous C-Suite Executives of well-known companies to create training materials that will guide their team to success and establish good retention among their employees. Alongside working tirelessly to help others be productive in the workplace, Tonya also devotes her time to organizations such as the Association of Talent Development and Dell's Women Entrepreneur Network. She has also received a Doctorate Degree in Education and eLearning. To learn more about Tonya and her work, visit www.focusedtrainingsolutions.com

Sambrero Browning is a mental health therapist. She has been in the field of mental health for over 10 years. Sambrero has serviced every demographic within the field of mental health from children to veterans to geriatric clients. As a native of the metropolitan Atlanta area Sambrero has been afforded the opportunity to witness firsthand the disparities within the field of mental health. She lives by the quote from Albert Einstein, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”She is the author of the book, “You Are The Upgrade: A Guide For Self Love While Navigating Dating In Your 30s. This book explores her own irrational thoughts and beliefs that led to negative dating patterns while offering skills for insight and personal development. Sambrero is the founder of “A Diamond Made Life” which is a women empowerment and coaching group. She plans to expand her brand to offer personal development and branding solutions for young up incoming female entrepreneurs. 

Tae Lee, known as the “Money Maximizer,” is a International Best-Selling financial author, speaker, coach and trainer. Tae now creates diverse streams of income in the tax, real estate, insurance, and finance industry. Tae Lee is also known for her other financial literacy books, NGB Money Success Planner & High School Edition. She is constantly building generational wealth, not debt.

Dr. Ceptus Schreiber is a trauma informed coach, Spiritual Activist, and educator. She teaches spiritual consciousness-raising skills to bring about personal growth and presence in the body. Her work with Radical Presence is grounded in the belief that healing happens in the body aided by spirit and consciousness. She works with people of color, specifically women, around healing from sexual trauma. Her latest course, Coming Home is a 6-week exploration of healing from childhood sexual abuse that aims to empower survivors with tools to reconnect with their bodies, learn how to respond to overwhelming emotions, and develop a practice of forgiveness,  so they can spend more time feeling calm and present in their body. 

Pamela is an associate professor of qualitative research and higher education at Mercer University, a fellow of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, a Harvard Medical School affiliate, and a certified life coach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, a master’s degree in College Student Affairs from Azusa Pacific University, and a Ph.D. in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal Stritch University.Her research focuses on interpersonal relationships, self-motivation, inspiration, resilience, and post-traumatic growth. She is the founder of Tandem Light Press, a publishing company, and the Holistic Institute for Creative Life Change. She facilitates speaking engagements and training sessions for audiences across the country. Additionally, she has written three books, has contributed chapters to scholarly publications, and presents her research extensively for national and international audiences.The bulk of Dr. Pamela’s career has been spent in higher education, where she has fourteen years of professional experience. As a student affairs professional, she received training in suicide prevention, motivational interviewing, and substance abuse counseling. After completing her master’s degree in College Student Affairs, Dr. Pamela pursued her Ph.D. to better position herself to help develop leadership skills in others, particularly with the desire to help people live fulfilling, purpose-driven lives. As a member of Mercer University’s Educational Leadership faculty, the opportunity to utilize key coaching skills to compliment her work with students compelled her to pursue life coach certification in 2011. By seeking out the experience of seasoned experts and drawing upon her own holistic leadership background and curriculum development experience, Dr. Pamela launched the Academy of Creative Coaching. Her vision for the Academy of Creative Coaching is to offer a life-changing certification program that not only trains, but that also transforms. Thus, through the empowerment of the Academy’s graduates, they will in turn, empower the coachees they have the ability to touch through their own coaching practices and through the testimonies of their own lives.

Michelle Ngome is a connection strategist, marketing expert and consultant. She is the founder of Line 25 Consulting, a marketing firm focused on inclusive marketing. Michelle understands what drives powerful connections and is committed to helping others raise their game through the delicate art of networking. She is the author of Network, Navigate & Nurture: The Equation to Strategic Networking, a practical guide to networking success.Michelle is dedicated to creating and sharing opportunities with others. She founded the African-American Marketing Association, creating a platform that empowers Black marketers all over the United States.Michelle loves sharing her wisdom with her community. She has interviewed thought leaders on her podcast, Networking with Michelle. She has also been featured across various reputable media outlets where she is often seen offering insightful ideas and opinions on marketing and branding.Michelle combines her interests in an authentic way to help professionals and businesses level up. 

Nic Hyl designs women's swimwear and resort wear in Ne York City in an effort to help them to feel beautiful in the skin that they're in. She helps solve problems that aren't typically discussed. Namely low self esteem, negative self talk and low self confidence. Beyond making body positive swim and resortwear, Nic has written a "Live Beautifully" challenge to help begin to heal and address the source of some of our low self esteem, and she produces monthly monthly IG live's with a personal development coach where they address the steps of building self esteem, and some of the reasons why it may be lower than it should. 

Buffany N. Hunter is the President of the Junior League of Los Angeles, one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable, largest, and oldest women’s civic leadership organizations.As an entrepreneur and transformative change-promoter, Buffany has dedicated 15 plus years’ to inspiring and leading strategic initiatives and organizational change in local government and the nonprofit sector. She is a communications consultant who has also held positions with the City of Santa Monica, University of California, Los Angeles, and the United Negro College Fund, among other public sector organizations.Over the years, Buffany has established a brand as a strategic and critical thinker specializing in organizational development, policy, and finance. She draws on her lived experience and allows her commitment to women’s leadership, collaboration, community, and diversity to drive her work. And when promoting community change, Buffany prioritizes economic development, education, social justice, and housing.She has served in various participant and leadership roles with the City of Santa Monica, Cal Alumni Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Empowerment Congress, and her local assembly districts. Buffany graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Rhetoric and minors in African American Studies and Education. And from the USC Sol School of Public Policy, Buffany earned a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in Financial Management.

Gail is an Ohio-based lifestyle influencer, author, and motivational speaker with a loyal and engaged audience across multiple platforms. As host of News In Motion and Something & Mimosas, as well as founder of The Table With Gail and Ministry In Motion International, her purpose is to uplift people and unlock their potential through spiritual prayer, motivation and inspiration. On top of being an influencer, she is also the Co-founder, CEO and Publisher of READY Magazine, a publication to give women and girls the platform and voice to encourage and elevate other women.

Camilla Constance is a libido coach for women.  She helps women, struggling with low sexual desire, to cultivate more sensuality, pleasure and sexual intimacy in their lives and relationships so that they have increased sexual ease and confidence bringing joy, sparkle, energy and bounce back into their lives.It was motherhood that led Camilla to become a sexuality coach.  She completely lost herself in the demanding early years of parenting, her marriage suffered, she became more and more isolated and deeply depressed. As she worked her way back to happiness she discovered the incredible power of her sexual pleasure. She released long held wounds and learnt how to use sexual energy to nourish her body, filling her life with renewed energy, vitality, intimacy, laughter and love. Knowing she could not keep this secret to herself, she launched her coaching business in 2016.Camilla’ fascination with all things sexual led her to enroll at the Tantric Institute of Integrated Sexuality where she learnt the ancient tantric practices which now form an integral part of her work. But it is her lived experience of suffering from low libido and a sterile sex life that enables her to empathize so closely with her clients.She is passionate advocate for what she calls “The Good Sex Movement”.  Visit www.camillaconstance.com where you sign up to her newsletter and receive two meditations to begin you on your journey. 

Hazel & Olive is named after my great grandmother Hazel Olive. Grandma Hazel taught me everything about fashion and passed down her love of sewing to me! I started this business in my tiny apartment in 2012 with $300. I was determined to provide the best customer service, low pricing and great quality. We strive to have the most trendy boutique items at prices that can't be beat! Today we are proud to continue providing our customers with those standards and more. We are committed to giving back with our H&O foundation we are able to give back to organizations locally and worldwide!

P.R.O.M.I.S.E.(HER)INC. is a woman and girl nonprofit dedicated to breaking down generational barriers while building up generational wealth.Why/how did you start your company? | I started my company because I wanted to bring change and a new perspective to life for those who have chosen a different path in life outside of the traditional one that we are accustom too. I wanted others to get a second chance at Life and providing them with all the necessary tools to have fun but also become educated on Major life skills that are not always taught in schools. Also, life skills that were never taught based on the lack of knowledge from generation to generation. I wanted this organization to be someone's second chance to get it right and heal the internal while molding the external.How does your company make a difference? | My organization allows women and girls to become accepting of who they are and to use their personal lives to bring change to themselves and others. It gives them the opportunity to Understand themselves, their behaviors and let them become educated on using life skills earlier in life to help benefit them long term. Our organization Breaks down generational Barriers and build up Generational Wealth. And we allow you to decide what your level of wealth and success is and provide you the tools to making those things possible. We want to put dreaming back in the eyes of those who have lost hope and help others who have hope to continue holding on to it.

Margo Ford shares, "I started my fitness journey 4 years ago only trying to lose weight for my wedding. If you would’ve asked me to workout with you I probably would’ve avoided it. I stepped out of my comfort zone and joined a fitness bootcamp. Working out in front of other people was a lot easier than I thought it would’ve been. I lost 10lbs the first week. After losing that much weight that fast I became addicted to working out. Watching my body transform so fast was just amazing to me. I was able to lose 45lbs in 6 months. I set a goal to lose 50lbs before my wedding. The month before my wedding I reached that goal. I decided to get certified and become a fitness trainer because so many people were asking me to help them lose weight. Once I started helping my friends lose weight I new this was something I need to continue doing. I started my fitness business Fitness by Ford during the quarantine with a 21 day AB challenge that turned out to be a hit. I’ve had over 200 clients do that virtual challenge.I came up with my Fine & Fit collection because a lot of my workout challenges require waist trainers & resistance bands. Now I have waist trainers & resistance bands on hand for my local clients. Women love to look good while working out and that’s where my clothing line will come into place."

Author and relationship columnist, Tahanee Sayyid, offers women logical resolutions, methods and suggestions for accomplishing positive outcomes in their relationships. Although Tahanee understands the human need and desire to interact, connect andbehave with others, she also believes that a person does not need companionship to attain happiness, and thrive in life. Tahanee is also the host and creator of the YouTube series, “Bedroom, Busters and Bites.”Her passion for writing landed her a writing position with Yandy Smith-Harris’, star of VH1’s“Love & Hip-Hop: New York,” “Everything Girls Love” magazine. Tahanee is employed as acomputer operations technician in the education field, where she enjoys a 15-year career.Tahanee communicates the significance of self-awareness, respect, dignity and love for family,friends and the Creator while engaging with the public at churches, fundraisers, AIDS awareness events and colleges such as Gaudette College, Howard University and University of Maryland University College.Tahanee is featured on various media platforms, including print, podcast, social media and radio, such as “Madame Noire” magazine, the “Stafford Sun Newspaper,” “The Renee Adams Show” and “Unapologetically Us.” Tahanee consistently communicates the importance of self-love and having standards in her books, YouTube series and interviews. She also reminds others of the following message: “Never give up on your hope and dreams because it is NEVER too late!”

Tammy Thompson started T3 Consulting, Inc. after being out of work for a year and not being able to find another job. "I knew that I had skills and talents that the local non profit community needed. I won't lie though, I started out of desperation and wasn't ready. I didn't have everything I needed, financially or technically. Over the years I had to find mentors and technical training to get to a place where I am running a real business. It's ok not to know everything but we need to make sure that we are being honest about what we don't know so that we can get that information for the benefit of the people that we serve but also for our own benefit as well. Since primarily focus on raising awareness about poverty and how it impacts people mentally, emotionally and psychologically, I think we bring a different perspective to the issue of poverty and the people working hard to escape it. I've found over the years that there are many agencies and social service practitioners who benefit from having the information that I provide because it makes them better at what they do and as a result families who find themselves needing assistance get better services. Increased awareness also creates space to think about poverty differently and encourages the powers-that-be to be more creative and innovative in thinking about, creating and changing policy that directly impacts people living in poverty."

Isi shares, "I started my business to help women of color close the salary gap and live out their God-given story. I'm a passionate Career & Salary Strategist who believes you can do anything you put your actions to. We have helped women to advocate for their well deserved earnings in the workplace and to hone in on what makes them unique for the ultimate confidence. To date, my strategies have equipped women to earn 20k-100k Salary raises even in the midst of a pandemic."

With a focus on client attraction & retention Julie Parker is a national educator, role model and mentor and founder of Elite Consulting. A national educator, role model and mentor with over 15 years of corp experience in Oil & Gas industry, she helps established entrepreneurs, sm biz owners and commission based professionals with their own online events so they consistently and elegantly fuel their sales pipelines with targeted quality leads & ideal referral partners by showing up powerfully and making a bigger impact to convert them into clients.

About Emma:I am a career and lifestyle design coach who helps high-integrity people who hate selling themselves to create work that they enjoy. The result is that their work nourishes every other area of their lives, rather than just extracting their energy. After working 12-hour days in New York with only 5 days of vacation per year, I knew I wanted a different life and that I wouldn’t figure it out while being so busy. I left New York to work a contract in Belize, took a western roadtrip with my late grandmother, and then moved to the middle of nowhere Colorado. My goal was to, “leave space for my soul to contact me.” I had an inspiration to join a career coaching program and followed it even though it made no logical sense and I was clearly unqualified. Since that day in 2010, I have privately coached hundreds of people from 25 countries on creating jobs and businesses they love, consulted on negotiations that yielded millions more in lifetime revenue, and have presented to groups on topics ranging from life purpose and ideal career design to LinkedIn, business branding and negotiation for audience sizes of up to 14,000. If you are willing to know what you *really* want for your life and work, you can set up a free strategy session at emma-garrett.com.

Geneve Lau and Maya Malekian are the two executive directors of empath worldwide, a pro bono communications collective that was founded during a time of adversity in the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission is to create synergy between small businesses/nonprofits and passionate communicators to make waves in their communities.

A mother, Smoothie King Franchise owner, certified fitness/health coach and accountant, Alexis Moore is a sought-after physical empowerment specialist, conscious thinker, and life-changing leader. She has earned a noteworthy reputation as a catalyst for change and demonstrates true compassion for women and individuals with communication disorders.Growing up in Brazoria County with a speech impediment really made Alexis more determined to develop her athletic and communication skills. She came to the realization that having a speech impediment motivated her achievements, as they should with anyone, it did not prohibit her from accomplishing her goals. She attended Texas Southern on a full Basketball Scholarship and graduated with her BBA in Accounting. As her wise grandmother, Missionary Shirley Temple Hills, always said to young Alexis, “Open Mouths, Open Doors”! Alexis embraces that phrase whenever an opportunity presents itself to speak.Alexis Moore combines her wealth of physical expertise with her depth of spiritual understanding to reveal life-transforming messages that empower and inspire. Seasoned with authenticity, compassion, revelatory insight, and personal sincerity, Alexis opens minds and penetrates hearts with biblically-based principles of physical healing and personal empowerment.

Born into generations of homeowners, Shanta learned that homeownership was the key to generational wealth at an early age. She took those teachings and purchased her first home at 21 years of age. Her passion for real estate started while working for a local real estate attorney. She later turned that passion into directly helping first-time homebuyers achieve the American dream by becoming a real estate broker/salesperson. With over 16 years of experience under her belt, her commitment to customer service has allowed her to work 90% from referrals alone. She has been trusted by many to handle their friends and families with the utmost care and professionalism. She vows to treat every client like family. With the growth of online marketing and mobile-friendly technology, Shanta offers cutting edge marketing strategies tailored to provide maximum online exposure to sellers.Shanta is the 2020 Region XV Vice President of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB). Leading this organization allows her to educate the minority community on the steps and benefits of homeownership as well as assist with members' engagement and chapter development. She is also the 2020 National Education Chair. This role allows her to strategize and plan personal and professional education for 1000s of NAREB members. In addition, Shanta is a Director for Las Vegas Realtors. She is a Nevada Realtors Director and serves as the Diversity and Inclusion Chair. She has been awarded 2018 NAREB Humanitarian of the Year, 2017 Most Influential Person, 2016 Emerging Leaders, Top 250 Realtors in Las Vegas, and 2017 Realtor of the Month. Shanta has been accommodated by Senators and Congressmen alike for her work in the Las Vegas real estate community. Her passion for community has shown through her successful efforts to raise over 19,000 meals two years in a row for a local Title I school. Shanta has 100+ volunteer hours focusing her efforts to combat teenage homelessness, mentor young women, and advocate for homeownership in minority communities.When she is not helping people buy, sell, or invest in real estate, she can be found reading on her balcony, relaxing with her doodles and family, or working on her podcast, House then the Husband.

Della Ricca was founded by Board Certified Hair Professional, Karen Anne Jacks, who believes everyone deserves a salon-grade, professional hair color- regardless of whether they are coloring in the salon or at home. Della Ricca is upgrading the “do-it-yourself” hair coloring experience. We match your perfect color formula for a shade tailored to your exact specifications, and we ship your custom color to you with step-by-step instructions to apply it successfully at home. Understanding the science, chemistry, and artistry of hair color (and recognizing that every client is unique), each order has the personal touch of being approved by a professional colorist who understands a client’s desired outcome.

Patti Cotton works with high-performing and high-potential executives and professionals toengage, elevate, and equip them for greater leadership and outcomes. Founder and CEO of her own company, she possesses more than 25 years of leadership both stateside and abroad, in diplomatic relations, and corporate profit and not-for-profit worlds.Cotton’s client roster includes such notables as Bank of America, Boeing, Coca-Cola, HarvardUniversity, Sysco, Edward Jones, Morgan Stanley, Girl Scouts of America, as well as privately-owned companies and non-profits. Her volunteer service supports the area of health and welfare for healthier, happier families and communities, and a portion of all business profits supports alternatives to domestic violence and at-risk youth. Cotton is a two-time recipient of The U.S. President’s Lifetime Award for Volunteer Service, and has just been nominated for a third one.

Rachel Fowler is an Account Manager at Savitsky, Satin, Bacon & Bucci. They are business managers for leaders in the entertainment industry including film, sports, television and music. She manages all aspects of her clients financial lives including helping them run their businesses.Rachel grew up in many parts of the country, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania then Mississippi where she graduated high school. After high school, she attended University of Tennessee in Knoxville where she obtained a BA in Marketing. After college, she moved to New York City which had been a lifelong dream, where she worked in magazine publishing for GQ and Martha Stewart. After many years in New York, she decided to go to the other coast, ending up in Los Angeles where she currently lives with her two young daughters. Life as a single working mom is challenging but worth every minute.

Kriz Bell is local to the San Francisco Bay Area where she spent her childhood before attending Mills College. She brings more than 15 years of professional experience in multimedia, strategic communications, and culture work. She has designed, directed, and produced various initiatives within the corporate and nonprofit sectors focusing on inclusion, diversity, and social change through the strategic use of media and communications for connecting and engaging different audiences. Her skill with strategic communications was instrumental in the expansion and engagement of organizations including the Anita Borg Institute, TechInclusion, MotherCoders, S.H.E. Globl Media, and the Better Man Conference as well as Cisco, Google, and SunPower among others. Her tenure with organizations such as Change Catalyst, Google, Jennifer Brown Consulting, and the Better Man Movement, has increased her understanding of the influence that language, media, and inequity play in our culture, personally and professionally. Knowing the power that community and the corporate arena play in our world, has been the impetus for helping organizations of all sizes to become people-first places that prioritize inclusion and promote belonging. In her latest iteration as a partner with the Better Man Movement, Kriz DEI experience, production, and communication skills to the team. She is excited to share her knowledge to help organizations create and curate the resources relevant to their specific experiences in order to meet innovation goals with inclusive and intersectional teams.

BRIDGET THERESE is a Fitness Lifestyle Coach based in Houston. She is the founder of Empowering Women Through Fitness, a group of over 300 women who she teaches nutrition, exercise and having the right mindset for success. She has shared her personal story of overcoming hardship with thousands of women and has been an inspiration to many on their journey towards weight loss. She doesn't just focus on the physical aspect but the internal aspect and helps women find their confidence and to be their best self. I believe her emphasis on mind and body make her a stand out from the very crowded industry. Her ability to relate to women in all walks of life make her one of Houston's Finest Trainers. She hosts free monthly events for local Houston women such as workouts in the park and intro to weight training for women at various locations. In addition, she also does free live Facebook and Instagram training's on nutrition, finding self-confidence and using fitness as an avenue to overcome obstacles in life. Bridget has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years. She has been coaching for the last three years and recently branched out on her own to start Empowering Women Through Fitness. She holds numerous titles including 2017 Mexico Fitness Model Champion, 2014 Great North Fitness Model Champion. She is an internationally recognized fitness competitor, model and speaker.

Zhe L. Scott, The SEO Queen, is a creative, yet technical marketing & search engine optimization coach who achieves authentic success through building credible, visible, and profitable brands. She is the Chief Digital Strategist for the Seo Services company TSQ Marketing Inc.With an MIT degree in the science of information technology management, Zhe is a sought after digital marketing partner who procures tangible results for client companies. Wins on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are transparently tracked, monitored, and evaluated. Return on Investment is always considered when any digital marketing strategy is crafted.Zhe not only has her finger on the pulse of today’s ever shifting tech scene, but also offers a credible track record. She has 20+ years experience in business development and entrepreneurial experience.An acclaimed violinist, Zhe brings an artistic and strategic perspective to all marketing campaigns. She gives visibility to her client’s brand(s) through the application of her wisdom and technical expertise from 20+ years experience building websites, and employing the marketing fundamentals critical to her success in building over 200 digital marketing campaigns in various niches, sectors, and industries worldwide all within in the past 5+ years. Zhe serves her client’s needs with an extensive knowledge-base including Web Development, Web Master, Web Application Development, SEO, SEM, Link Building, Amazon SEO, Technical SEO, WordPress SEO, Shopify SEO, PPC, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, Marketing Automation and beyond.Unique value is not one size fits all. Zhelinrentice guides individuals and businesses to find clarity, confidence and certainty in what authentic success means to them within the constraints of their budget and deadlines. Zhe’s efforts have generated millions of dollars in revenue cumulatively for clients. Utilizing her business development skill set she also built a recurring book of business worth over $500K for a Michigan based Digital Marketing Agency in two years. Zhelinrentice L. Scott, is THE SEO QUEEN, and she looks forward to bringing added value to all facets of your marketing and SEO needs.

Amanda Weil's specialty is styling business women who feel stuck in a rut with their corporate dress codes. She helps you discover the style of your true self so that when you are sitting in a meeting you are not afraid to speak up and you feel more respected.After 14 years as a corporate executive, she knows firsthand how stifling and robotic it can feel wearing outfits that do not allow your true self to shine. She has mastered how to infuse a style awakening for her clients so their wardrobe calls forth the most confident and connected version of themselves while maintaining a business edge.

Alina Fridman is the founder of Ladies Take the Lead as well as a creative entrepreneur, content creator, podcast host, and mom to two awesome boys. I have one simple goal, to live my best life.With a background and passion for art, Alina opened her first business in her late twenties. It was this fantastic boutique design studio where she got to use my imagination and play all day. She managed to scale her small business into a full-service event production company producing unique and spectacular events, curating unforgettable memories.Well over a decade of events later, with a back injury that left her seeking new opportunities, she launched Ladies Take the Lead to create a space for strong, passionate, and driven women of all ages to come together and leverage their collective energy into business opportunities. The Ladies Take the Lead platform celebrates, inspires, educates, and entertains women through creative, insightful content and events with a purpose.

Anika Jackson is a mother, community volunteer, philanthropist, and brand strategist. There has never been a time when she didn’t enjoy connecting, collaborating and creating meaningful relationships between businesses and communities, and helping brands apply those concepts to meet their goals. A woman gifted with the ability to draw excitement to an event, brand or concept, creating winning solutions and developing strategic press and marketing initiatives that lift up key partnerships and collaborations is the fuel that excites her. Anika is founder of Anika PR, a strategic communication firm based in Los Angeles which includes a variety of entertainment, fashion, gourmet food, small business and tech clientele from Los Angeles to Jamaica. Additionally, she is the national correspondent for The Spot Magazine, highlighting women in business, as well as author of a marketing and PR column; the creative director of Women Acquiring Assets, with a column in Equity Movement Magazine and host of the podcast by the same name; and is always finding new ways to spark creativity and lift up the voices of not only her clients but other innovators as well.Anika has gained a reputation for her philanthropic work in the community in both Houston and Los Angeles, as a founder of multiple charities as well as past chairperson and thought leader for organizations including Junior League, Learn Grow Lead, and Planned Parenthood. In addition, Anika is a founding family and was on the initial advisory council for Greater Houston Community Foundation’s Center for Family Philanthropy. Anika resides in Redondo Beach, CA with her daughter and two golden retrievers and enjoys live music, art, reading, cooking, and traveling.

Attorney Lezli Baskerville is a Justice Janissary, who in 2019 was recognized for leveraging her mastery of Constitutional Law to promote justice by her alma mater, Howard University School of Law, when they awarded her the Lifetime Achievement Award. She is currently serving as CEO of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education, the nation’s only membership and advocacy association for the 106 public, private and land-grant, 2-and 4-year, graduate and professional Historically Black Colleges and Universities and 50 Predominantly Black Institutions. As CEO, Attorney Baskerville serves as, “the voice for Blacks in higher education.” She also serves as Chair of The Alliance for Equity in Higher Education. Prior to assuming the helm of NAFEO, Attorney Baskerville served as pro bono outside counsel for NAFEO for two decades, representing the diverse cohort of HBCUs in 18 states, in federal district courts, and as counsel for amici before the Supreme Court.

Join us as we speak to Sharmaine Joyel, better known to her followers as Joy-el. Joy-el is a full-time natural hair content creator, who has a large following on YouTube for whom she creates videos to show how amazing Type 4 hair is and how to care for it along a natural hair journey. Learn about her journey and the next phase of her journey!

Viola Solomon Senior Vice President Director Community Lending Mortgage BBVA Compass Leadership.Viola Solomon joined BBVA Compass Bank team in 2014 as the National Community Lending Manager. She is based in Houston, Texas. Viola a 34year mortgage services veteran served as a Regional Diverse Segments Manager prior to her current role. She reports to Eduardo Castaneda, EVP; Executive Director Real Estate Lending for the BBVA seven state footprint. She attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas and Texas Southern University, where she majored in education. She was chosen to attend the African American Leaders Program hosted by University of California’s, John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management in partnership with her former employer. She is active with several community organizations and her church. Viola serves on the boards of Avenue CDC; Houston Area Urban League CDC; Women of Virtue Experiencing Newness, God’s Abundant Love Ministries. Viola also teaches financial literacy programs for Houston-based community development corporations. Additionally, she serves as an affordable lending partner, for the City of Houston Housing program. Viola is affiliated with the Houston Black Association of Realtors an African American Real Estate organization; the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the Asian American Real Estate Association. She is most proud of her two sons and family.

Reverend Cerita Battles is an itinerant deacon at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, St. Augustine, Florida under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Ron Rawls. At St. Paul A.M.E.C., she leads the Financial Health & Wellness Ministry; she is the adult teacher for Bible Discovery Hour and leads the worship service. Cerita answered God’s call to ministry in 2011.Cerita is a native of St. Augustine, Florida where she currently resides with her husband Ronald Battles and their beautiful 16-year old daughter, Myka Renae. She graduated from the University of Phoenix where she earned her Bachelor’s in Business Management. Cerita has been in the financial industry for over 31 years and 23 years specifically dedicated to mortgage. Cerita recently rejoined JPMorgan Chase as Managing Director, Head of Affordable Lending where she is responsible for leading the execution of strategies to help address historic barriers to homeownership among minorities and low-to-moderate income borrowers and communities. Prior to rejoining the firm, Cerita was the Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for over 9 years. While there, she was responsible for establishing the company’s strategic plan and lending goals to increase and enable sustainable homeownership among low-to-moderate income homebuyers and communities as well as ethnic minority homebuyers across the full economic spectrum. Before joining Wells Fargo, Cerita worked for Bank of America as the Centralized Sales Site Executive and a Business Development Executive for 5+ years. And, as a former JPMorgan Chase employee, Cerita spent 8+ years as a Business Development Executive with JPMorgan Chase Home Finance. She was responsible for the development, implementation and execution of Multi-cultural and Affordable Lending strategies within Retail, Wholesale and Correspondent channels.She’s affiliated with several corporate boards within the mortgage industry such as, Freddie Mac’s Advisory Housing Council, Fannie Mae’s Affordable Housing Corporate Board, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals Corporate Board of Governor, National Association of Real Estate Brokers and the Asian Real Estate Association of America’s Housing Advisory Boards and Wells Fargo Home Lending Diversity & Inclusion Council. In 2012, she was recognized by the Florida Diversity Council as one of the Most Powerful and Influential Women in the state of Florida.She’s also a member of several local boards and affiliates. Cerita is a lifetime member of Ft Mose Historical Society where she sits on the Advisory Board. She’s a charter member and president of the First Coast Chapter of the Charmettes, Inc., which is a 501c3 national organization focused on cancer research and building the health and viability of our community. In 2018, Cerita was inducted into the St. Augustine/Ketterlinus High School Alumni Association’s Hall of Fame. Finally, Cerita is a licensed Zumba instructor and lives by this quote “God created me to serve Him; therefore, what I do personally and professionally can be summed up into one word --- Ministry.”

Tamsin Astor, PhD is the founder and Chief Habit Scientist of Yoga Brained Coaching. She is known for giving her clients the tools to shift their mindset, organize their vision, and improve their habits to create an efficient, productive business. We make 35,000 decisions every day, which leads to decision fatigue. Dr. Astor helps her clients reduce the amount of overwhelming decision-making they do by harnessing their goal-achieving machine – AKA – their brains. This also increases their time and energy for fun!Prior to coaching, Dr. Astor was an academic and then a consultant, using yoga and meditation to support children and therapists, and teachers and students, on the ADHD and autism spectrum and in struggling inner-city schools. Dr. Astor is non-judgmental and compassionate, connecting multiple certifications to provide insight and support to her clients and to motivate and inspire others in her workshops, keynotes, and presentations. In addition to her coaching and consulting practice, Dr. Astor is an avid traveler and foodie taking her three kids to Brazil, France, England, Amsterdam, Japan, Costa Rica and beyond because she believes travel helps breed tolerance and cultivates gratitude and reflection as you observe how other cultures operate and make choices.Tamsin Astor holds a PhD in neuroscience and psychology and a post-doctorate in education. She also has certifications in yoga (RYT500, Yoga Ed.), mindset & Ayurveda (Living Ayurveda, Yoga Health Coach). She is an executive coach and author of the book Force of Habit: Unleash Your Power by Developing Great Habits.

Joyce Johnson is an 6X Author, Speaker, Sales Champion, and Business Coach, who has worked as a sales leader, business consultant and mentor for over 20 years. Joyce began her career in professional sports and later entered the telecommunications industry leading to a role as Sales Director in Global markets. Experienced in her previous sales role, Joyce finished at the Top (#1) for two consecutive years 2017 and 2018.As a top performer for a distribution company, Joyce has led strategic account management and business development for multiple oil and gas customers US and export business, including, cross border agreements between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Passionate about mentorship and development of college students, Joyce founded “Why Sales Network” in 2020. The brand includes books (on interviewing, Sales as a career opportunity, and branding), a podcast (Let’s Talk About It #collegelife), webinars, a blog, transformational speaking brand and related events. Joyce is a graduate of the historical Prairie View A&M University where she received a BA in Communications. Joyce completed her graduate studies obtaining an MBA in Global Management from the University of Phoenix.

Asheli S. Atkins received her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University where she studied race & ethnic relations and organizational theory. Her research centers around strategy construction processes for marginalized entrepreneurs, with specific attention to Black entrepreneurs. Additionally, she analyzes the freelancing industry as a racialized and gendered organization.Asheli is the co-founder of Attucks England Consulting, LLC alongside Warren Luckett & Cornell England. Additionally, Asheli is the Research & Data sponsor for the Greater Houston Black Chamber, where she provides assistance with data collection, analysis, and presentation of and for GHBC sponsors, members, and Houston’s Black consumers. Asheli is also a Sociology Lecturer at Prairie View A&M University where she teaches Social Theory, Social Problems, and General Sociology.

Lilyvette Rodriguez is the Broker of Excel Realty with a proven record of success in the real estate industry since 1990. In 1994 she transitioned from agent to broker which launched Excel Realty. Her business reflects a broad spectrum of knowledge and services in sales. Lilyvette specializes in equity sales, short sale/foreclosure, bank owned and estate (probate) properties. Excel Realty represents buyers, sellers and investors throughout Pomona Valley and the Inland Empire Counties of San Bernardino and Riverside in Southern California. Prior to entering Real Estate, she worked for over 15 years as a legal assistant for Fortune 500 companies with an emphasis in insurance, banking, and entertainment. This experience proves to be a continued asset when contract negotiating.She holds 14 real estate certifications/designations. Lilyvette served as 1st VP of Orange County Realtists Board and named Broker of the Year (2011); Assistant Vice President of SoCal Council of Residential Specialists and Board Member of the WinDS Foundation, recipient of the WinDS Leadership Award (2015) and a 2015 nominee of the Latinas in Business Awards, honoring Women of Excellence, in association with the National Latina Business Women Association (NLBWA). Lilyvette served as Board Member and most recently as President of Neighborhood Housing Service of the Inland Empire (NHSIE). In 2017, she launched Align by Design, a platform for the 50+ year-old professional woman looking to transition into the next stage of her personal growth or career shift. Lilyvette loves working with women who are driven and for whom retirement is not an option even while experiencing a temporary loss of identity. Lilyvette deeply sees that these individuals have a tremendous amount of experience to offer the world. This is her primary motivation for creating a process to transition, align and blossom into this new phase with clarity, guidance, support and a game plan for inspired action. She helps her clients transition from full time to fulfillment. As an active leader in her community, she co-founded CCFR Community Services, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization which provided information, resources, and access to services for residents in underserved communities. She writes articles on various real estate topics which appear in a number of e-magazines and she co-hosted Real Estate Radio Unplugged which aired on AM1510 Financial News & Talk, a Bloomberg Radio Station. She believes and promotes her motto: “An informed community is an enlightened community.”

Julie Brander is a highly regarded business expert and advocate for entrepreneurs. She has her MBA and has taught business on a college level. Started her own fine Jewelry manufacturing, wholesale, retail and non profit business. She had her Real Estate license in CT specializing in Commercial and Investment property leasing and sales. Her common sense approach has helped thousands of Entrepreneurs realize that owning a business is feasible. She will inspire and empower you with easy to understand business strategies.After selling her business, has spent the last 21 years as a SCORE volunteer currently with SCORE Las Vegas. Her passion is to help other businesses overcome the obstacles of starting and managing a successful business. She has facilitated workshops, seminars and webinars on various business topics.

Kristen Fenrick is the founder of Klearly Kristen, Inc. a fashion jewelry and accessories brand. In 2015, Kristen began her career in fashion as a way to help others pursue their dreams through financial freedom and self-reliance. The company is dedicated to the memory of a friend whose life was lost to domestic violence, and who was unable to leave due to financial constraints. As a former executive technology sales professional, Kristen understands the sacrifice it takes to make it in today’s driven society. By starting from the ground up, Ms. Fenrick served, learned, and mastered the fashion industry from behind the scenes. She forged amazing connections that have allowed her to grow her brand, which has now been featured on runways throughout the world. Kristen has recently launched EnStyle by Klearly Kristen - a new tv show and platform for fashion, beauty and business entrepreneurs to showcase their work. Each week, special industry guests share their stories, failures, and most importantly, their successes.Upcoming brand extensions include automated retail, creating a seamless shopping experience at airports, on college campuses, and in other areas where fashionistas desire quick access to the latest trends in jewelry and accessories. In her spare time, Kristen loves spending time with her sons, spending time feeding her soul through Bible study and prayer groups, and dreaming up more ways to create positive change.Learn more about the brands at klearlykristenjewelry.com and enstylefashion.com.

Meet Cassie Field, Founder of YourAmazingWorld (store) and UpcycledAdulting.com (blog). Cassie used her own trials and tribulations with mental, emotional and physical health to create systems for herself and others to use. Facebook.com/upcycledadulting, Instagram.com/upcycledadulting, Twitter.com/upcycledadultin

Kara is an accomplished strategic leader with 20 years of product, merchandising, operations, organizational, customer relations, project management, and business planning experience. She has helped produce successful results for both large global brands (Quicksilver, Reebok, Puma to name a few) and local start-ups servicing the sport, fashion, action sports, non-profit, beauty, marketing, and foodservice industries. Her Brand, Powerful Ladies was founded in 2016. Powerful Ladies connects amazing, cool, beautiful, strong, inspirational, and up-to-something women. Their reach is global. Their backgrounds are diverse. Their focus is on leaving the world better than we found it. They believe we are capable of anything and we should dream big. Services include a globally available podcast, coaching, and workshops, plus meetup events. www.thepowerfulladies.com for more info

Crystal Swearingen is first and foremost a mother to 3 wonderful daughters - Brittany, Adrianna and Halle. “My children are the reason I work so hard in everything I do! I want them to know that, no matter your age or circumstances, you can always change course and go after your dreams. I’m living every day to the fullest and working to live my best and highest purpose life.” “I’ve been a Realtor for 13 years and own Crystal Clear Realty, a Boutique Brokerage in downtown Lawrence.” “In addition to an exciting career in real estate, I own Crystals Spot along with my partner John Falbo. It’s a lounge that specializes in Southern-style desserts, signature cocktails, and live music. We’re open Thursday-Saturday from 6pm-close as an adults only destination.” “I’m also the cofounder, publisher, and editorial director of The Spot Mag, a women-centric national magazine spotlighting women in business. In conjunction with The Spot Mag, I host The Spot Mag podcast, as well.” And, last but not least, Crystal recently secured her Real Estate License for the State of California. She signed on with highly reputable, luxury firm Nest Seekers in Beverly Hills. She’ll now be working with Buyers, Sellers, and Investors in both Kansas and California!Racking up the air miles as she goes, Crystal’s excited and thankful for all of the amazing people that have come into her life due to her family, her drive and determination, and her pursuits. And, she’s genuinely grateful for every opportunity that each of these encounters and experiences has brought.

Kirstie Boyett is a Sociology Graduate Instructor and Peer-Health Advisor at TexasA&M University who has spent the last 12 years studying social psychology, aninterdisciplinary field of research that emphasizes the interplay among the individual,interactions and macrostructures. Social psychology informs us on how society affects our everyday actions. Our conversation centers around COVID-19, and healthy and equity disparities in the prison system, racial injustice, single moms in the time of Corona, and the ways COVID-19 is affecting everyday interactions and mental and emotional well-being.

Bonita L. Hatchett-Bodle is Of Counsel with Parker, Brown, Macaulay & Sheerin. Bonita has 23 years of large law firm benefits practice with AmLaw 100 Law Firms, serving as ERISA and benefits counsel to national corporations, public sector entities, growth and middle-market companies, jointly-trusteed funds, as well as entrepreneurs in every major industry group, including a national retailer, educational institutions, philanthropic organizations and individuals on employee benefits matters. Bonita has served as the Qualified Plans Vice Chair of the American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law as well as a professor of Employee Benefits Law.In this episode, we discuss how to save money for retirement and tips and tricks to use for smart money management, whether you're an entrepreneur or work for a company.

Coach Ayana O is a highly transformative business and life coach, combining yoga, meditation, visualization and traditional results-proven coaching methods to help individuals clear mental fog and become focused, overcome feeling overwhelmed, move past procrastination to productivity, and take decisive action to enjoy more peace, satisfaction and happiness in life.A true citizen of the world, Ayana has lived in four countries to date, visited six continents and over 30 countries. Coach O. got her first taste of success and perceived failure at entrepreneurship at the age of 15. Subsequently she has gone on to successfully start other ventures for herself, consulted and coached clients to success in the fashion, fitness, health & wellness and coaching industries.

Kristine has been in the Real Estate business for six years. In the first year, she worked seven days per week, helped over 25 clients and made over a six figure income. But after that first year, Kristine realized it's not how much money you make. It's more important to know how to build a strong financial foundation and use that knowledge to provide client-driven solutions. Now, she helps educate thousands of clients in multiple states including Arizona, California, Nevada, New Work, and Pennsylvania with setting up their retirement goals, completing their financial needs and building a healthy financial future for their families.Annie is the President of ASIAN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (AREAA) Las Vegas 2019 and an AREAA National Policy Committee member. After being in Sr. Sales and Ops manager for Citi Group, BOA, Wells Fargo in residential lending & Retail banker/brokers for over 20 years, she has obtained life insurance license during that time, building financial planning business with WSB platform. Because she is passionate about helping clients not only getting the real estate investments but also carry on the financial literacy campaign, protecting them in all financial aspects like tax advantage products, opening IRAS as well, she found it's very fulfilling to do so. Annie is looking forward to help more people to learn how to build wealth, earn extra incomes, protect their assets, save for retirement and financial freedom.