SPECIAL EDITION
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Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr. SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr. JR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Jr. VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis EDITING CONSULTANT ReShonda Tate-Billingsley OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Jennifer Cobb ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla PHOTOGRAPHY Leon Galbreath MARKETING CONSULTANTS Bernard Johnson MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Ghuzzala Malik (Faith) Myron Davis DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christina Robinson-Grochett Carla Lane Dr. D.L. Jones Burt Levine Juana Collins Dr. Wendy Jennifer Cobb Sharon Francis Nikki Francis-Smith Gee Powell Dr. Donna Woolfolk, MD
This month is a historic month. Our first African-American president will take office. This monumental feat serves as inspiration that, like Barack Obama’s motto says, Yes, We Can! The women featured here embody that message. They not only believe that they can make it happen they worked tirelessly and have made it happen. There’s so much we can learn from them. Every January, we try to highlight Women who are in it to Win it. And every January, I’m faced with the daunting task of trying to cut down a list of hundreds of successful women in Houston. But that’s a good thing. In a time of economic uncertainty, it is so refreshing to see women who are still in it to win it, women who are still handling their business. In this issue, you’ll meet some of them. Women who are inspiring others through art, women who are breaking new ground in the makeup industry, women who are taking the medical field by storm, and so much more. It’s my hope that you will be inspired and enlightened by this month’s choices of those Women in it to Win it! Keep in mind this is just a sampling of all that Houston has to offer. This issue also is stock-piled with stories to help women better their careers, find balance, and build their business. You can also glimpse some common business blunders to avoid and ways to organize your home office. There’s something in this issue for everyone! As always, I have to ask that you support the advertisers in this, and all the D-Mars Business Journals. Because of their support, we’re able to stay in it to win it!
CONTENTS Women in it to Win it…………………..........................................……..4-5 Working Women Shatter Glass Ceiling……..........................................12 Women Who Believe Can Achieve……….............................................14 UNCF………………………………….......................................…………15 Robin Mullins, RPh……………………........................................………16 Angela Lee, Principal Designer…….........................................………..16 Sharon Francis & Nikki Francis-Smith…..........................................….16 Dr. Donna Woolfolk, MD…………….......................................…………23 Lisa Ashley-Whitlock………………........................................………….27 Mary Benton………………………….......................................…………29 Dr. Ka-Ron Wade…………………........................................…………...29
MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month Winning is a state of mind.
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D-MARS Business Journal 9898 Bissonnet, Suite 570 Houston, Texas 77036 713-272-9511 . Phone 713-272-6364 . Fax 1-800-453-8752 . Toll Free www.d-mars.com
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r. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves; Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race and class between reader and subject throughout her books of poetry and her autobiographies. Dr. Angelou, who speaks French, Spanish, Italian and West African Fanti, began her career in drama and
dance. She married a South African freedom fighter and lived in Cairo where she was editor of The Arab Observer, the only English-language news weekly in the Middle East. In Ghana, she was feature editor of The African Review and taught at the University of Ghana. The Brilliant Lecture Series and Capital One Bank will be hosting Dr. Maya Angelou Saturday, January 31, 2009. This historical event will take place at the beautiful Hobby Center for Performing Arts inside Sarofim Hall at 7:30pm. Dr. Angelou will be discussing her life and how she became the magnificent woman she is today. Dr. Angelou was chosen to kick of our 2009 season in honor of black history month. She embodies our mission to motivate and inspire the youth of Houston to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Become a Brilliant Supporter! For more information please visit or www.brilliantlectures.org or call 713.974.1335.
By Jennifer Cobb, Contributing Writer
Lamik Beauty is the brand. A make-up line, facial care, eyelash enhancement and eyebrow sculpting are the products and services provided. Birthed in 2004 by make-up designer jan 10 - feb 10 2009
and licensed aesthetician Kim Roxie, Lamik Beauty is ready to become the leader in the make-up industry. Growing up, Kim Roxie wasn’t the type of person who played with makeup. To Roxie, she has been called on to become a part of the beauty world and to break beauty stereotypes. “For the longest, beauty has been defined by certain looks and if you didn’t look that way, you weren’t considered beautiful,” explains Roxie. “Lamik strives to embrace all types of beauty. Women need to realize that they are beautiful in their own way and to accept it and embrace it.” Striving to become a pioneer of make-up design and finding what
works well for women of all walks of life, Roxie’s passion for what she does is evident through her explanation: “I love enhancing women’s beauty. I love helping to build their self-esteem by making them feel good and giving them more than what they expected in terms of revealing their beauty.” The difference between Lamik Beauty and other make-up and skin care lines are the natural ingredients, green tea abstract and aloe vera. And, while other make-up lines are made for stage appearances or disappear in front of the camera, Lamik’s make-up line was engineered to give the best of both worlds in terms of coverage, color and giving the allure of an allnatural look. “Not only that, Lamik carries color for EVERYBODY,” exclaims Roxie. “At Lamik we do not discriminate color. We have a wide range of colors to fit every shade of a woman.” Rated as “the best spot to get eyelashes, eyebrow sculpting and make-up application” by The Houston Chronicle, Lamik Beauty boasts famed gospel singer Yolanda Adams as one of their regular clients. Ms. Adams’ favorite is the human hair eyelash line. Lamik’s eyebrow sculpting has also been highly celebrated by current clients; their custom lip glosses grace the lips of the cast of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” as well. With two locations- one in Houston’s River Oaks area and another in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill- Lamik’s goals for the New Year simply put, are promotion and progress. “I am looking forward to positioning Lamik in a way where we can become leaders in the industry by inventing new and innovative make-up trends and ensuring that our eyelash enhancement brand takes off.” For more information, please visit Lamik at one of their two locations: Houston - River Oaks, 2610 Greenbriar @ Westheimer (713) 270-7088 or if you’re in Atlanta’s Castleberry Hill, stop by 238 Walker Street, Unit #3 or call (404)681-0440.
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Katrina Hartwell Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Katrina Hartwell is a self-made artist who has been blessed with a talent that only God above can give. For it was in 2006, that she actually discovered she could take what one would call trash and create something simply beautiful. This is where her motto: “One man’s trash is art to an artist,” comes from. Without training in the field of art, she relies solely on the Holy Spirit, to help her translate her visions, emotions, inspirations, and dreams into unique pieces of art. Carefully designed, each piece is structured to make a bold statement that will add beauty to any wall, and emphasis to any piece of furniture. Her inspiration to move forward with her dream was inspired not only by Proverbs 31:31, which reads, “Give her the fruit of her hands and let her own works praise her in the gates,” her family and friends, but also by one of her sisters in Christ who told her that God did not give her gifts and talents to sit on. And with that in mind, she is able to create, “Art that speaks for itself.” Aside from being an artist, Katrina also wears many hats. She is the wife of Senior Pastor Christopher F. Hartwell, and the mother of three beautiful daughters, Kristian Victoria, Destiny Vashti and Charity Iman. She is the coordinator and teacher of the Woman to Woman Women’s Ministry, R.O.T.O.S. Outreach Ministry, as well as a student at the University of Phoenix. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens,” and Katrina truly believes that this is her season!
sources responsibilities, risk management, training, operation support, and medical and 401k programs. She was recognized for leading the way in creating a paperless payroll environment for the company’s 500 employees.
Tracey Medlock Darlene W. Coachman Director of Marketing and Catering Vice President, Administration Services and Partner Tracey Medlock currently serves as Executive Sales Manager for GlennLock Foods, LTD, and is primarily responsible for developing and managing all corporate catering opportunities. Additionally, Mrs. Medlock assists with the daily financial tasks associated with owning and operating fast-casual restaurants. Her many years of business-tobusiness and business-to-consumer sales experience have given Mrs. Medlock the skill set needed to succeed in the food service industry.
Darlene Coachman’s professional career might best be described as eclectic. As the vice president of administration for GlennLock Foods, Ltd., she brings experiences in human resources, training, material design, production flow-through systems, motivational public speaking, restaurant operations, franchise business consulting, project management and product development. Coachman’s ability to drive growth and achieve consistent results, coupled with her diverse resume during her 30 years in the restaurant business has made her a valued player for the industry.
Coachman has enjoyed a variety of leadership roles, including field personnel manager, director of operations and district consultant for Al Copeland Enterprises (d/b/a Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuit and Church’s Chicken), and senior project manager and franchise business Coachman is married to Reginald consultant for AFC Enterprises, Inc. L. Coachman and has one daughter, (d/b/a Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuit, three sons, one daughter-in-law, and Church’s Chicken, Seattle Best Cof- a granddaughter. fee, Torrefazione Italia Coffee and Cinnabon Bakery & Cafe).
Mrs. Medlock has had a distinguished leadership career in marketing and sales for both large and small corporations. Her fifteen year career combines strong sales expertise with broad business experience – all gained through In a director’s role for Denny’s various executive level finance and mar- Corporation, Coachman developed keting positions. communication and implementaPrior to joining GlennLock Foods full-time, Mrs. Medlock served as an Account Executive at CBS Radio Houston, MetLife and G.E. Capital Corporation. Over the years, she has also received many distinguished recognitions and performance-based awards. Tracey Medlock is a graduate of Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management and is a lifelong member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Medlock and husband, Jason Medlock, have three sons. jan 10 - feb 10 2009
Coachman has been professionally affiliated with the Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance, National Restaurant Association, Women Foodservice Forum, Metro State Prison, and Cascade Career Collaborative. Her community involvement includes food rescue, working in the soup kitchen at Peachtree & Pine Homeless Shelter, and assisting women being released from Metro State Prison with re-entry into society via Restoring Hope - an Atlanta-based organization.
tion processes for the introduction of new products into Denny’s restaurants. She can be credited with redesigning the systems product training videos and other product execution training aids. As the director of business support for 755 Restaurant Corporation, a company that was founded by Mr. & Mrs. Henry “Hank” Aaron, Coachman worked one-on-one with the senior executive team to build an infrastructure that allowed the company to grow seamlessly and improve profitability. She designed and managed the company’s human rewww.
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ever before. The majority of academic degrees (58 percent) in the United States are earned by women, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Further NCES research shows that women earn 58 percent of all bachelor’s degrees and 59 percent of all master’s degrees.
By Christina Robinson Grochett Contributing Writer
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harles Malik, the former President of the United Nations General Assembly, once said, “The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.” He was absolutely right. With more than 71 million women in the U.S. workforce, we are helping to change the world. There’s a new era of economic dynamism that could mark the end of the old “glass ceiling” in corporate America. In fact, according to recent research from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, female executives who break through the “glass ceiling” are rewarded with higher overall compensation than their male counterparts, and they benefit from the same rate of promotions. This trend is only going to increase as more women return to school to obtain advanced degrees. Colleges and universities throughout the country are seeing an evolving demographic of students, with more working professionals seeking postsecondary education than
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Many of these business women have been in the corporate world for years but realized that their skills and education needed to be upgraded to keep pace with a rapidly growing industry and new technology. Not only does continued education help women advance their careers, but it also adds an entirely new level of personal development, growth and satisfaction for them. As a result, working women are balancing full-time careers with family and personal obligations while still accomplishing their educational goals. Several years ago, this would not have been an option. Professional women who contemplated advancing their education had only traditional choices, which were limiting and discouraging. More than 30 years ago, University of Phoenix recognized a niche in higher education for working professionals, both men and women, who wanted to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree, but just couldn’t fit the daily campus classroom requirement into their busy schedule. At University of Phoenix – with than 200 convenient locations across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world – the number of female students returning to the classroom totaled about 35 percent of newly enrolled stu-
dents for the 2006-07 academic year, compared to the national average of 17 percent at other colleges and universities.
their professional and educational goals. In fact, I’m one of them. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and also received a master’s degree in organizational management from University of Phoenix. As a lifelong learner, I will continue to pursue educational opportunities that will help me personally develop and further my career.
Flexibility is a key component of University of Phoenix and it’s also a deciding factor for many women returning to college. Students can choose the time of day and even day of the week they’ll dedicate to class time. They have the opChristina Robinson Grochett is the tion of attending in-classroom programs at one of the four campus and learning Vice President for University of Phoenix center locations in the Clear Lake, West – Houston. An accomplished leader and chamLoop, Northwest and downtown areas of Houston, or working from their com- pion of higher learning, she was named one of the Top 10 business womputer at home, over their lunch hour or en by the American Business in the evening while the children are Women’s Association in in bed. 2008 and led her campus to receive the 2008 AlFlexibility in the content and fred P. Sloan Award from approach to learning also appeals the city of Houston for to women who attend University of Workplace Flexibility and Phoenix – Houston campuses. The Innovation. University supports a variety of learning styles and preferences. For example, the curriculum incorporates simulations to appeal to visual learners while software applications provide the necessary teaching tools. A vast array of electronic tools and resources are available for students as well, including ebooks, virtual libraries and online tutorial programs. As Vice President of the University of Phoenix – Houston campuses, I’ve seen many business women achieve
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service in 20 seconds. Your speech should be concise and to the point. This is not a time to recite your resume. You must be on your toes and ready to respond when a person asks about your business. You cannot blink or act as if you are at a loss for words. Have confidence and let it be known that you are one of the experts in your field.
By Dr. Wendy www.askdr-wendy.com
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s a professional, it is important to network; however there is more to effective networking than collecting cards. Some people are naturals, as it takes a little more planning and practice for others. The success of any business or career is the connection that you have with others. People do business with people, not business cards. The majority of deals are closed based on your relationship and reputation. In order to take your business or career to the next level, you must make the time to understand how to effectively and efficiently network. Here are some recommended tips you can use to increase your networking and business success: • Have a Plan: It’s important to have a networking plan in place before you attend an event. What is your goal? Are you looking to meet new colleagues, scout out a potential project partner or get your name out there? How many connections do you plan to make? Ensure that you know the audience, as doing this will assist in the planning process.
• Image: Presentation is everything, as you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Ensure that your attire (from head to toe) is up to par and make sure that your business cards are updated as well. Do not hand out cards that have been written on and avoid drawing a line through your contact information. Get new cards printed, as they are part of your professional package as well. • Follow-Through: The most critical part of networking occurs after you’ve made the connection. Following up in a timely manner is the first step in developing the relationship. If the contact is interested in doing business or maybe a potential funding source, you need to step things up. Be the “Purple Cow” and set yourself apart from the rest. Take the time to pick up the phone and attempt to make voice to voice contact and set up a lunch meeting. If the person does not answer, leave a message and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Send a follow-up email, as this shows that you want to ensure that the person receives your message. Networking produces results; however it is an on-going task that takes commitment, practice and followthrough. Remember, you can’t do the same thing and expect different results, so take the time and explore the Power of Effective Business Networking!
• Elevator Speech: Ensure that you are able to clearly articulate your jan 10 - feb 10 2009
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Regardless of your color or where you were born, if you are ‘in it to win it’ there are particular principles and traits that are consistent within exceptional women entrepreneurs of the world. If you are a woman who is serious about making 2009 the best entrepreneurial year you’ve had, take a self analysis of your journey to success. Keeping your goal in mind but never forgetting that the JOURNEY is much more important and should be cherished and valued every moment as you gain ground on achieving your goal. By Dr. D. L. Jones In your journey to success, incorContributing Writer porate and rehearse these five traits until they become ingrained within know that women have come you:
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a long way towards equality and yet realize they have a long way to go to be equal to men in America. My hope is that all women who read this article will be encouraged to press towards the mark of success and never get weary in the journey.
a plan almost ensures your failure. It has been said that he who doesn’t plan is planning for failure. A basic business plan acts as the impetus and guide for accomplishing your dream. plan won’t change, but not having a plan you’re sure to fail. It has been said that he who doesn’t plan is planning for failure. A basic business plan acts as the impetus and guide for accomplishing your dream.
Stay in It until You Win It! Giving up is not an option. There will be days when you want to throw in the towel. Disappointfidence, and determination, which ments, setbacks, and false promises correspondingly make your dreams are sure to come your way, but giving a reality. up is not an option. If your dream is meaningful and has purpose in your life, than the traits of being confiWrite Down Your Plan dent and determined will be the keys All successful people have a plan to your success. they follow. This doesn’t mean your plan won’t change, but not having Stay in it until you win it!
Visualize Your Dream
Visualize how you see yourself as a successful woman in business. Visualization is a powerful tool. Write your vision down on paper and rehearse it over and over in your mind. If you can’t see yourself being sucHow often do we hear the ex- cessful, chances are you won’t be. pression, “Success is a journey and not a Destination?” Probably more Believe In Yourself times than we would like to admit, yet many who are in a hurry to get Successful women believe in there forget that success is not an end what they are doing. Being successful unto itself, but an ongoing process. requires persistence, determination and a high level of self-discipline. This journey can be extremely Being a successful woman in Amertough for women due to the gender ica requires even more persistence, and racial stereotypes that are strate- determination and self-discipline. gically placed in their way. Though If you have a good work ethic and some women like Oprah or Susan believe in yourself, then your dream Taylor seem to have the Midas touch will come to fruition. of success and can easily turn everything to gold, most women seeking Demand Respect success in America are faced with Plain and simple the ‘would-be’ mountains that seem overwhelmingly impossible to climb. The harsh successful woman must believe in reality is that the majority of white her heart that she is equal and can America doesn’t view women as play in a man’s world politics, money, natural born leaders. Nevertheless, and success. When women take this successful women of the world have bull-dog approach, they gain the reshown that hard work and persever- spect from everyone they encounter. This attitude builds character, conance equals success. jan 10 - feb 10 2009
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Educating Todays Students Become Tomorrow’s Leaders African-American graduation rates than non-HBCUs. US News & World Report, in its first-ever ranking of black colleges and universities, gave UNCF schools eight of the top ten positions.
the scholarships and internships we and Texas partners like Marathon Oil provide though our Corporate Scholars Program. Sending kids to college costs money. But it’s not an expense. It’s an investment. Today, the young men and women whose education we support are students in high school and college. But tomorrow, they will be the doctors and nurses who will care for us when we are ill, the teachers who will educate our children and grandchildren, the scientists whose innovations will make our lives longer and better, and our future leader.
This past academic year, 4,000 Texans attended one of UNCF’s member institutions. In addition, 405 Texans received college scholarships totaling $1.7 million. Of the scholarships given, 123 were for students from the Houston area. Additionally, 30 of the total scholarships awarded were for non African Americans. We provided more By Juana Collins, UNCF than four million dollars in finanContributing Writer cial assistance to our Texas member The question I get most of- institutions to help build strong ten, “is UNCF (United Negro Col- academic programs and help keep As this economic lege Fund) relevant?” First, let me tuition and fees down. downturn continues start by saying as Houston Executo affect our comtive/Area Development Director, We also develop and implement munity, the impact yes, UNCF is very relevant to you, new programs that serve as the it has on our chilthe economy and the future of our foundation for helping more Texas dren is devastatchildren. students complete high school and ing. It’s straining already tight family budgets and reducing the resources needed to go to college. For many of our students who come from low-income families, finances can make the difference between getting that all-important college degree and ending education after high school. That’s why it’s so important that we as a community come together to support our young We need UNCF and its mem- attend college. We are collaboratpeople in their need ber colleges today more than ever ing with the Houston Independent for an education. because, at a time when Texas has School District to provide college And there’s no better more African Americans, Hispan- scholarships to graduates of their way to do that than ic Americans and other minority dropout program. We have estabthrough UNCF. groups than it has members of the lished partnerships with charter majority population, our commu- schools to provide need-based fiWorking for nities and our state needs colleges nancial support to students from UNCF is not just a and universities that know how to underserved communities. Finally, job but also an opeducate and graduate minority stu- we continue to impact the Texas portunity for me to dents. And that means it still needs workforce by providing a pool of influence how the UNCF and its colleges. well-educated, highly-qualified next generation views employees through our relation- education mind-set UNCF HBCUs have higher ships with Teach for America and my parents gave to jan 10 - feb 10 2009
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me. I was born in a small East Texas town, and it was instilled in me by my parents that UNCF was an organization doing great work for our children and community. Keeping the flame on UNCF’s famed torch of leadership lit and passing the torch to the next generation, is the promise we should make to our children. It is definitely a promise I make every day to my two boys, whom I hope will someday attend a UNCF college like their father. Then they can, like the rest of us, make their contribution to their community and their state, and to living up to the ideal expressed in UNCF’s famous motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Before becoming a licensed pharmacist with over 20 years pharmacy experience, director on the Board of Texas Southern University Alumni and currently working towards her Doctorate of Pharmacy at the University of Florida, Robin Mullins saw the need to develop and enhance the community in South East Houston, that she came out of and currently lives in, by providing avenues for entrepreneurship, employment, training and education, and what better arena to do that through than the one that she knows - Pharmacy. As a graduate of
Texas Southern University’s College of Pharmacy and DeBakey High School for Health Professions, Ms. Mullins gained most of her work experience in 1993 working for the City of Houston in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to establish the City of Houston TB Control Department which maintained the city’s clinics and facilities. Prior to working with the city of Houston, Ms. Mullins worked with the MD Anderson Cancer Institute Pediatric Department in1979 and was part of the team that instituted and developed MD Anderson Cancer Center Children’s Art Project. Her military experience in 1985 working in the medical records division helped her develop
structure and honed her organizational skills which were instrumental in finalizing that decision to pursue a career in medicine. After an arranged meeting with Dr Willie Criddle, Assistant Dean at TSU College of Pharmacy right out of the military totally set the direction for her to enter Pharmacy School and it has been uphill ever since. “God has blessed me both professionally and financially and I am walking out His Plan to redistribute what he has given me back to the community that I grew up in to accomplish three things: be an example to individuals who feel that all they have ever had is all they will ever have, to be a positive role model particularly to our youth despite the negative influences around them and to show them that they can be a success in life provided that they are willing to all that they can to achieve what they desire.”
in Charge of Clinical Care Pharmacy, LLC. Dr. Wyatt currently serves as the Executive Director of the Pharmacy and Health Sciences Alumni Association of Texas Southern University and is a Director –at-Large of the National Pharmaceutical Association. She also serves on the Pharmacy Advisory Board of Remington College. Dr. Wyatt has presented at the following venues:
Dr. Anjanette Wyatt has a long history working in the Pharmacy field. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy at Texas Southern University in 1991 and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Texas Southern University in 2003. Dr. Wyatt was employed as a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly and Company, a fortune 500 company for seven years. For three years she served as an Adjunct Professor of Pharmacy at Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She was employed by St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System for seven years and is currently the Owner/Pharmacistjan 10 - feb 10 2009
• 1992 Watts Community Health Clinic, “GERD, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease: Treatment Modalities • 1993 Eli Lilly and Company, “ GERD, “Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease” Treatment Modalities” • 1997 International Pharmacy Summit, Ocho Rios, Jamaica, TSU Pharmacy Alumni Association • 2004 Exxon Mobile, International Health Awareness, “Preventative Healthcare” • 2001 National Pharmaceutical Association Annual Conference “HELLP Syndrome: A Case Study” • 2003 Texas Southern University, Dissertation Defense “HELLP Syndrome, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelet” • 2001 St. Luke’s Episcopal Health System “ HELLP Syndrome, Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelet” • 2002 St Luke’s Episcopal Health System “Prostrate Cancer: The Silent
Male Killer” cation Meeting; Texas Southern Uni• 2003 St. Luke’s Episcopal Health Sysversity Pharmacy and H.S. Alumni tem “Mistaken Identity: A Guide to Association Decreasing Medication Errors” • 2007 Jack and Jill of America; Drug • 2005 Texas Southern University “TisAwareness Seminar sue Rejection in Transplantation” • 2008 African American Chamber of • 2006 Homecoming Continuing EduCommerce Health Fair
Evolution By Design opened Interior Evolution, which later became Evolution By Design, Inc., a full service Design Firm whose services include the following: • Design consultation • Custom floorplans • Interior detailing • Space planning/ furniture layout • Renovations • Custom designed furniture • Project management • Accessorizing/Decorating Angela Lee Some people know what they are destined to do because they feel it. Such is the case for Angela Lee, who started her college career majoring in architecture. However, after three years of architectural coursework, Angela’s passion for design, and all of the other creative aspects that contribute to it, inspired her to pursue a degree in Interior Design/Architecture. Angela graduated with a B.A. in Interior Design from the highly-recognized Louisiana Tech University School of Architecture and Interior Design. Now, with over 10 years of experience in the design industry one of her proudest moments in design has been when her work was accepted by Architectural Digest. Being considered for the magazine is one of the top achievements in the design industry. Along with being a member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), her career has included working for residential as well as commercial companies. In fact, one of her residential jobs was as a designer assisting with the original startup and establishment of the design criteria for the design center and models for a company based out of California, Royal Oaks/Sunrise Colony. While working with this company full-time, Angela provided design services for many of her clients as well as new clients on a part-time basis on the weekends. The demands for Angela’s services increased rapidly so Angela’s husband, William, encouraged her to pursue the business full-time and after much persuasion, prayer and a complete leap of faith, she and her husband originally www.
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Angela is the principal designer of Evolution By Design, Inc. with a diverse clientele in Houston as well as other cities throughout the United States. Since embarking upon this endeavor, she has worked on several residential and commercial projects. Her client list ranges from new construction homeowners, CEO’s of companies, universities, public and private schools, custom homebuilders to some of the NFL’s most prestigious players. Evolution By Design not only creates a total design, but Angela and her team create an environment that is timeless and displays the clients’ personality, taste and lifestyle. One thing that Angela always tells her clients “The easiest mistakes to correct are the ones on paper.” Therefore, to avoid costly mistakes she guides her clients by thoroughly reviewing every detail of their floorplan or the existing space to make sure their needs are accommodated without losing the functionality of the environment. Someone once asked her what is the best part of being a designer and the answer has always remained the same. “I love the reaction that my clients have upon completion of the project when they walk into the room for the very first time. The look on their faces isn’t worth any amount of money, it is simply priceless. I love what I do and my passion for the industry is shown in my respect, dedication, and above all integrity for the craft.” Whether it is designing furniture, floor plans, or creating a space that fits her clients’ personality, she exceeds expectations while giving clients an exceptional design experience.
Historically, entrepreneurship has been a maledominated pursuit, but many of today’s most memorable and inspirational entrepreneurs are women. Check out some of the most influential and famous female entrepreneurs.
Anita Roddick
Oprah Winfrey One of the most respected and well known female entrepreneurs of our time, Oprah Winfrey has created a multi-million dollar media conglomerate and a brand that no one has been able to duplicate.
Madame C.J. Walker The daughter of former slaves, orphaned at the age of seven, Walker built a thriving beauty products business in the early 20th century, eventually employing over 3,000 people. Her hard work, honest business dealings and quality products led her to become the first self-made female African-American millionaire.
Mary Kay Ash The founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics created a business that has helped some half a million women fulfill their dreams of business ownership. A best-selling author and powerful motivational speaker, Lifetime Television named her the Most Outstanding Woman in Business in the 20th Century. jan 10 - feb 10 2009
Anita Roddick is the founder of The Body Shop, a store that purchases outstanding natural ingredients for a line of cosmetics, helping the disadvantaged communities generate income and providing women with superb cosmetics.
Sara Blakely Any woman who has had their foundation wearing revolutionized by Spanx is familiar with Sara Blakely. The budding entrepreneur started her company after not being able to find a girdle or pantyhose that was comfortable. With $5,000 in savings, a whole lot of Internet research, patent writing, cold-calling, less-than-shy demonstrations for buyers, and a call from Oprah...Spanx was born!
Coco Chanel was one of the major innovators of 20th century fashion, introducing elements from menswear and sports apparel into women’s fashion to create a distinctively simple, yet elegant style. Her signature fragrance, Chanel No. 5, was the first perfume to bear the designer’s name. Launched in 1923, it is still one of the best-selling fragrances in the world. www.
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Debbi Fields At age 20, Debbi Fields, the founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies, was a housewife with no business experience, but a great chocolate chip cookie recipe and a dream. Today, Mrs. Fields Cookies is one of the world’s most recognizable dessert franchises, with over 600 stores in the U.S. and ten other countries.
Estée Lauder The daughter of immigrants, Estee Lauder is the embodiment of the American Dream. She started out selling skin creams created by her uncle, but with persistence and personality, she worked her way into the cosmetics counters of department stores. She developed a personalized selling style that put her brand at the top of the industry, with a 45 percent share of the cosmetics market in U.S. department stores.
The strength of the palm exceeds it height. While the roots of other trees go a few feet under-the roots of a palm go deep in search of water. Like the palm, whatever attacks us at the surface can’t harm us-it can’t break us if we don’t allow it to. We can merely bend with the winds knowing our source of nutrients comes from deep within our hearts. Our destiny literally unfolds as we experience our ability to endure what Carla Lane, Contributing Writer we thought we could not. Or perhaps we have had to endure something for a much longer period of time than we would have thought we could. That is I was blessed this Christmas to rehow a palm tree flourishes, storms come ceive a letter from my staff. In the letter, that last for days and days-yet the palm they compared me to a Palm Tree. bends with that storm-and when it stands upright again, it has literally been I was totally moved to the point of strengthened by the storm.” tears. And when I began to think about the Palm Tree and what my staff had In Psalms 1:3 the Bible says those written, I thought about all the phenomwho trust in God shall be like a tree enal women who their words described. planted by the rivers of water. Ladies, So, I decided to share their writing not when we trust in God and refuse to quit, only with this year’s, “D-Mars Women we become strong, like that tree planted In It To Win It” but with all the women by the rivers of the water. We shall bring who leave everything they have on the forth fruit in our season. Our leaves will court everyday. WE are mothers, wives, not wither and whatever we do shall sisters, daughters, friends, employees, prosper. We even become stronger with entrepreneurs, ministers and politicians every storm, with every wind and with and every day we give everything we every challenge. have to everyone else and often forget ourselves. We are just doing what has to Be Blessed! Happy New Year. be done, but in retrospect we are palm trees. “…The palm tree is found in hot places. They are amazing trees, you can cut them down but you can’t kill them. Most trees, because their nutrients are found just below the bark, if you cut them down, they die. Not so with the palm tree, its nutrients are found much, much deeper. Its nutrients are found in the heart of the tree. Because its nutrients come from a deep place-it thrives even when under attack. The palm tree bends, but it won’t break. Storms and hurricanes can snap most trees under the pressure of winds but not the palm tree. It will bend all the way to the ground, even for long periods of time, yet when the storm is over it will stand back up again-stronger than before. The palm actually grows even stronger every time it must bend under the pressure of a storm. The palm tree’s depth
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Ob/Gyn of Houston
We were inspired to start our own business for the real sense of personal freedom you gain as an entrepreneur. We envisioned a company where we could determine our own levels of advancement and compensation, be our own boss, and set work schedules that would still leave time for our spouses and children. Our opportunity presented itself when we perceived a clear disconnection between what people needed and what they were being charged when it came to tax services. We did our research, combined our professional backgrounds and experiences, and then launched our business to provide a better solution. We lived off our credit cards and didn’t pay ourselves a salary for a year. Today our vision is a reality. We own and operate Tax Smith & Associates (TSA), a federal income tax preparation service that specializes in electronic filing (IRS e-file) for Individuals and Businesses. We offer rates as low as $99 for individuals and competitively low rates for small businesses. We don’t just type information into a software system and print out a completed tax form. When you come into our tax office, you know you are in professional and knowledgeable hands. We have over 10 years of professional tax experience. We ask questions. We inform and educate our clients on the why, the how and the when of their taxable position because we understand the benefits of knowing the answers to these questions. The questions we ask enable us to accurately determine your tax liability, identify all the deductions you’re jan 10 - feb 10 2009
entitled to, and work to get you the largest refund you deserve. We also provide extra guidance for more complex tax situations. Let us assist you in the accurate reporting of your taxes. Call us for a no-cost consultation. We love what we do. We feel passionate about it and take time to nurture it. We have a shared commitment and vision for TSA. Sharon manages the Tax Services product line and is the Chief Marketing Director for both business units. Her background is deeply rooted in the Tax Industry and the Mortgage Brokerage Industry. She managed tax offices for some of the larger tax franchises located here in Houston and for the past eight years, has serviced thousands of mortgage investment portfolios. Nikki is President and CEO of Accounting Solutions Grp and Tax Smith & Associates. She primarily manages the Bookkeeping product line and co-manage the Tax product and provides our clients with over 15 years professional accounting experience from the Oil & Gas and Service industries. Her most recent profession is implementing accounting systems for mid-range markets, as an ERP Systems Application Consultant. Even with the overwhelming sense of achievement that entrepreneurship has given us, our greatest achievement is leaving a legacy for our children to know they can do anything they set their minds to because they watched their mothers do it. Our advice for entrepreneurs starting out is to follow your dreams, and execute, execute, execute. Don’t limit your horizons. Do what you do extremely well, and surround yourself with positive people that are making it happen. Use all your experiences from everything, and develop it. Most of all, remember that being an entrepreneur is about empowering others to be their best.
By Dr. Donna Woolfolk, MD Ob/Gyn of Houston God calls each of us to serve and give of ourselves to others. I was called to practice medicine and render medical care to women. As far back as I can remember, I have been a caretaker. Even though I was the middle child of five, my mother depended on me to care for my siblings in her absence. I felt overwhelmed with the responsibilities placed upon me at that time but later in life realized that she had forced me to develop the leadership skills that would sustain me throughout my life. At the age of thirteen, my mother, a widow, would marry Mr. Gettis Black of Carthage, Texas. He became my mentor and additional source of inspiration. He had received a Master’s degree in mathematics during a time that most black folks didn’t finish high school. He was a professor at Wiley College, owned the only black funeral home in Carthage, and was a bondsman, a deacon in the church and a political activist. He impressed upon me the need to work hard and dream big. In him I witnessed sincere love for God and how that love should be reflected in our daily lives. By the time I graduated from high school, I had set a solid foundation of academics, service to others and a deep love of God. I attended the University of Houston where I continued to pursue my educational goals while staying in close proximity to my loved ones. I graduated with a degree in Biology and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. I financed my college costs in part by working as a chemist for Dresser Industries and as a lung cancer rewww.
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searcher for M.D. Anderson Cancer Institute. This exposure to patient’s medical records solidified m desire to pursue a career in medicine. After my acceptance to UTMB Galveston and for the first time in my academic journey, I felt intellectual insecurities. Here I was, a small town girl at this large prestigious institution competing with some of the finest minds in America. Through my mom’s encouragement and gentle guidance, she assured me that I was up to the challenge. As a result, I graduated with honors. It became crystal clear my junior year in medical school that Obstetrics and Gynecology was the specialty for me. Not only did I identify and communicate well with other women, I found the specialty full of surgical challenges and rewards. To top it off, the miracle of birth intrigued me like no other. In 1990 I graduated from UTMB residency program and in the same year gave birth to my first child. Becoming employed with Macgregor Medical Association positioned me to stay on the cutting edge of medicine as well as giving me the opportunity to teach and train the next generation of physicians. After twelve years of practice, three of my colleagues and I formed Ob/Gyn of Houston, a private practice that specializes in routine gynecology, obstetrics, menopause, osteoporosis and contraception. With more than twenty years of medical practice and over 3,000 babies delivered, I have developed a medical philosophy: 1. Treat each patient with respect 2. Educate each patient so that they can become empowered and partners in their own care 3. Be honest and straight-forward. Patients deserve and need to know the truth whether for good or ill. 4. Show compassion. The same compassion I would expect for myself, my mother, sisters or daughters. Today, as the mother of six, three girls and three boys, I can honestly say that I pursued my dream and answered my calling from God. The road was long and challenging but if I had to do it all over again, I certainly would without hesitation…in a “fetal” heartbeat.
be free of mistakes. Don’t rely on the spellcheck capabilities of software applications, either; they won’t catch all the errors. Print on high-quality paper and with a laser printer. Also present the best possible product. Remember, first impresA sound business plan is crucial to sions are the most important. the success of any business. But if it’s Know your audience your first time tackling such a monuThe purpose of a business plan is mental project, don’t be dismayed by multi-fold. But its primary purpose is common business plan mistakes. to secure financing from outside invesBut there are some things to watch tors. That’s why in the process of writout for when it comes to crafting your ing your plan, entrepreneurs should business plan. step into the shoes of potential readPut your best foot forward ers to see how they might perceive it. Many times, entrepreneurs think Does the business plan tell investors they’re opening “a catering business” why they should put up their money so it doesn’t really matter if their for this enterprise? Is it persuasive business plan contains errors. Gram- enough? Does it answer the most immatical mistakes, such as spelling and portant questions? Lay out all of the punctuation errors, are red flags that reasons why this start-up might not the plan was written by someone who work out, then strategically outline just didn’t care. To avoid these types of the ways in which the business owner business plan mistakes, it is important will ensure those issues do not result for start-up entrepreneurs to review it in the failure of the business. carefully for the smallest of errors. The Don’t assume anything document should flow easily from one Many entrepreneurs take for section to another and the copy should
granted that investors, banks and other readers will understand the industry jargon used to explain the foundation of the enterprise. That’s not always the case. That’s why you should explain everything in fine detail. Don’t assume that others will know what you are talking about; put it in plain English. And if you state assertions, such as statistics or eventualities, back them up with properly-cited data from reputable resources to enhance your business start-up.
Be Realistic Every business start-up has a downside. There is no perfect start-up. Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of avoiding the negative, afraid that bringing up potential obstacles will scare off investors. Nothing could be worse for a business plan. Instead, face the challenges head-on in clear, easyto-read text, then describe what will be done to overcome them. Look at obstacles you may encounter and how you plan to overcome them. A realistic business plan is actually better than a perfect one.
Dr. Sharon Gilbert In-Line Chiropractic Care Dr. Sharon Joubert-Gilbert opened In-Line Chiropractic Care, P. A. almost seven years ago, and to date, has treated hundreds of people in pain without drugs or surgery.
Chiropractors (also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians) diagnose and treat patients whose health problems are associated with the body’s muscular, nervous and skeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors believe that spinal or vertebral dysfunction alters many important body functions by affecting the nervous system, and that skeletal imbalances within the joints, especially in the spine, can cause pain. The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic in nature, stressing the importance of the patient’s overall health and wellness. It recognizes that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment and heredity. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, non-surgical treatment and rely on the body’s innate abilities. It is the holistic approach to healing that caught Dr. Gilbert’s interest in the chiropractic field. “During my last year at Prairie View,” Gilbert said, “I wanted to be a pediatrician.” (She had planned to go to medical school and had already taken the MCAT.) “I got some information from the chiropractic college in Dallas and thought the natural approach sounded quite interesting.” Gilbert visited a few chiropractors and was amazed at the results achieved from this approach. So, after graduating from Prairie View A&M University, she obtained her doctorate from Texas Chiropractic College and began working for a doctor who specialized in industrial medicine. Gilbert went on to work for a chronic pain specialist, but eventually left to spread her own wings. “All along,” she said, “I wanted to own my own business, so I worked with them to get the experience and give myself time to save money to open my own practice.” Her practice is steadily growing and has just recently relocated. Dr. Gilbert recognizes that God is the Healer and In-Line Chiropractic Care is simply a vessel through which He has chosen to channel His healing! Aside from her active membership at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Gilbert enjoys movies, shopping and traveling. For more information contact In-Line Chiropractic Care, P. A. at: 713-699-3200
Let us Promote your Business, Your Event, or You! Advertise today in D-MARS Business Journal
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Deavra A. Daughtry her mission. By the end of the first year, there were three employees in the office and forty attendants working in the field. Today, Excel-E-Care employs over 500 hard working people. Excellent Care Management was birthed out of the success of Excel-ECare and is on pace to build a senior’s housing facility on 8 acres of land. In the 2006, she completed the Empowerment Community Center, in which she hosts monthly empowerment semeavra A. Daughtry, inars. President and CEO Daughtry holds Doctor of Divinof Excellent Care Management, one of ity and Doctor of Humanity degrees the nation’s largest from Logos Christian College and personal in-home care agencies, start- Graduate Schools. She serves on loed from humble beginnings. She was cal, national and international boards born in Houston, Texas in the Acres of directors, including the Comerica Home community, a low-income Development Advisory Council, the Houston Citizens Chamber of Comhousing area of the city. merce, the Dominion Community In 1997, she started Excel-E-Care Development Corporation and the Home Health, and was licensed by International Third World Leaders the State of Texas to operate a perAssociation. sonal home assistance services agency. Ms. Daughtry has been continuBeginning with just one employee, herself, she worked tirelessly to fulfill ously recognized for her accomplish-
ments and contributions. She has received: • 2008 National Female Entrepreneur by FrasierNet • 2008 NAACP Presidential Award recipient • 2005 National Association of Women Business Owners. • 2004 Pinnacle Award Recipient Awarded by Greater Houston Citizen Chamber of Commerce. • Nominated by Houston Business Journal 2003 Top 50 WomanOwned Businesses. • YMCA Minority Achievers Award 2002 for improvement of the quality of life for all the people and willingness to serve Houston. • Letter of Commendation for community involvement from State Representative Sylvester Turner, Awarded 2002. • The induction from Dr. Myles Munroe to the board of the International 3rd World Leaders Association • Emerging 10 Award for setting business trends and innovative performance, presented by The Houston Minority Council. • Certificate of Congressional Rec-
her the opportunity to receive an athletic Scholarship to Texas Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs. Wanda’s commitment to improving the quality of life and creating opportunity in her community began early in her life. Following graduation from TSU, Wanda Adams pursued per passion for public service by beginning her career with a government-based transitional program for women-re-entering society. She later transitioned into a role within a non-profit organization whose mission was to assist homeless at-risk youth. Both eye-opening experiences served as catalyst for Adams’ desire to personally do more to solve the devastating situation she encountered each day. Adams compassion and commitment led her to bring attention to the Homeless situation in Houston. “Dressed in an old sweatshirt, old jeans and a stocking cap, I embarked upon a night spent as a homeless person. Fox 26 was there to document the time I spent. I began by begging for change outside the Midtown bus station. I walked to St. John, found a cardboard box in the garbage and spent the night sleep-
ing outside the church, among the many mentally ill and substance addicts that consist of much of the homeless population. I struggled the next morning to find food and the services available to the homeless. The goal was to shine a light upon what the homeless in Houston. Among major cities, we are woefully inadequate in the help we offer the homeless. The few social service providers we have can become quickly overwhelmed, something I saw firsthand. After 13 hours, I was able to go back to my life, with family, friends, a home and an awesome job representing the people of District D on Houston City Council. That is not something the people I met that night get to do. So, this year not only take stock in what you have, but think of what you can do to help someone less fortunate.” Working with the City of Houston Housing Authority and the Harris County Mental Health and Mental Retardation Association provided Adams with the Knowledge and resources needed to touch the lives of citizens on a greater scale. In 2000, she started working in the Citizens’ Assistance Division of the Mayors Office. Wanda believes that the best way to show her appreciation for the community she calls home is to actively give back. In 2003 Adams started an organization
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A true Houstonians, born and raised, Wanda Adams’ life began in the very city that she now serves and enthusiastically represents as a member of City Council. Having grown up on the North Side, the home of great political standouts George “ Mickey “ Leland and Barbara Jordan, she has witnessed and admired the positive difference that a hometown hero can make in the community. As a student at Kashmere High School, Adams worked hard academically and developed her leadership abilities as a member of the Ladies Basketball team. Her dedication and skill afforded
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ognition from the Houston Housing and Community Developing Department ”National Community Development Week” presented by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee. One of Daughtry’s proudest accomplishments is the formation of the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation. This foundation seeks to serve the whole family, focusing on completeness and empowerment. Among some of the events hosted by TWEF, so far, has been a luncheon with the illustrious Susan Taylor, Editorial Director of Essence Magazine, an Empowerment Conference with motivational speaker Les Brown, and “An Evening of Empowerment” with acclaimed actress Ms. Cicely Tyson. Dr. Daughtry is a much sought after motivational speaker that takes pride in fulfilling her vision of teaching and demonstrating to people how to apply Godly principals in today’s society while living a balanced life. She has published her first book, entitled “From Purpose to Blessings” to encourage others to find their purpose and pursue their dreams and is now presenting to the world her second book “Yes You Can Make It”. Email: dd@deavradaughtry.com Websites: www.excellentcaremanagement.com & www.twef.org & www. deavradaughtry.com called Cornerstone. I. F.C. (investing in families and communities. Being an active volunteer for nonprofit agencies, YMCA, YWCA, Keep Houston Beautiful, Meals on Wheels in the Sunnyside Community. Wanda is an active member of the Suburban Houston Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. She serves as Sergeant-at-Arms and Co-Chair of the Social Action Committee. Wanda is an appointed National Officer for the Social Action Commission. In the first year of Office, Wanda Adams is very proud of what the District D Office has accomplished in its first year. Serving on Ten Committee for Houston City Council, and making sure Public Safety is the number one priority of her plan. In 2009 The District D Office will focus on the Economy, HIV and AIDS education, Disaster Preparedness and constituent services. In 2008 Wanda received several awards, Award of Distinction from the National Forum of Black Public Accountants, Pillar of the Community Award, Sally S. Shipman “Friends of the Homeless” Advocacy Award and many other honors. Being a active Member of the Fountain of Praise Church and Sunday School Teacher, Wanda will continue face many challenges, but will continue to be a public servant to people.
In a time when job layoffs are higher than ever, one industry is going all out to get new recruits. Applicants for nursing jobs are still so scarce that recruiters have been forced to get increasingly inventive, offering everything from cash and prizes to material perks like gas cards for signing on. One home health care company literally rolled out the red carpet at a recent hiring event. The company lavished registered nurses and other health care workers with free champagne and a trivia contest hosted by game-show veteran Chuck Woolery.
Prizes included a one-year lease for a 2009 SUV, hotel stays and dinners. Recruiters have little choice but to think outside of the box. The longstanding U.S. nurse shortage has led to chronic understaffing that can threaten patient care and nurses’ job satisfaction, and the problem is expected to worsen. The shortage has been operating since World War II on an eightto 10-year cycle, industry experts say. Each time the number of nurses reaches a critical low, the government adds funding and hospitals upgrade
working conditions. But as the deficit eases, those retention efforts fade and eventually the old conditions return, often driving nurses into other professions. Recruiters across the country have tried techniques like offering chair massages, lavish catering and contests for flat-screen TVs, GPS devices and shopping sprees worth as much as $1,000. Even strong salaries aren’t doing the trick. Registered nurses made an average of $62,480 in 2007, ranging from a mean of $78,550 in California to $49,140 in Iowa, according to government statistics. Including overtime, usually abundantly available, the most experienced nurses can earn more than $100,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 233,000 additional jobs will open for registered nurses
Lisa Ashley-Whitlock
Port of Houston
Lisa Ashley-Whitlock joined the Port of Houston Authority as its communications manager in 2007. In this position, Whitlock is responsible for managing the PHA’s advertising and editorial media strategies for promotional and marketing campaigns that include the multimedia The Port Delivers the Goods advertising campaign. jan 10 - feb 10 2009
She serves as an official spokesperson and liaison to the news media. In addition to the departmental administrative duties, Whitlock also oversees the production processes for all PHA’s publications and marketing collateral materials. Prior to joining the Port Authority, Whitlock had a successful seventeen-year career at Fox 26 KRIV-TV, starting as a news assignments editor and ascending to the position of Community Affairs Director for KRIV and its sibling station, My 20 KTXH-TV. Whitlock has served on the boards of Project Row Houses, the Houston chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International and the National Kidney Foundation of Southeast Texas, as well as on the Advisory Council – Houston Association of Black Journalists. Whitlock is a graduate of Texas Southern University with a bachelors of arts degree in speech communications.
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each year through 2016, on top of about 2.5 million existing positions. But only about 200,000 candidates passed the Registered Nurse licensing exam last year, and thousands of nurses leave the profession each year. Several factors are in play: a lack of qualified instructors to staff training programs, lack of funding for training programs, difficult working conditions and the need for expertise in many key nursing positions. Some hospital departments where experience is vital, such as the emergency room or intensive-care unit, simply cannot hire newly minted nurses. So managers in those areas have even fewer staffing choices. Nurses qualified to teach aspiring nurses are scarce chiefly because they can make at least 20 percent more working at a hospital, experts said. Many recruiters have looked for employees overseas, and about onefourth of the nurses ..... who earned their licenses in 2007 were educated internationally, most in the Philippines and India. Some health organizations go out of their way to recruit as many nurses as possible even when they’re overstaffed.
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Mary Benton
Reporter at KPRC TV Local 2 & President of HABJ Black women face special challenges in their efforts to reach the top levels of corporate America, according to a new study. Weaker or less strategic networks and inaccurate perceptions of their abilities are two leading barriers to their advancement to the positions of CEO, CFO or COO, according to the Executive Leadership Council, an organization for black executives. One percent of senior corporate officers are black women, according to the ELC, compared with three percent for black men, 14 percent for white women and 77 percent for white men. The ELC questioned 150 executives, ranging from vice presidents to CEOs and board members from a variety of industries and locations, about reasons for the disparities. Thirty-one percent cited networking and 24 percent cited a perception gap
Dr. Ka-Ron Y. Wade is a premier cosmetic dentist, studying at the Las Vegas Institute (LVI) for Advanced Dental Studies where continuing education and advanced dental instruction are a priority. Dr. Wade is one of a handful of cosmetic dentists in Houston that holds the title of LVI Dentist. Dr. Wade practices a revolutionary new kind of dentistry. The kind where artistry replaces mediocrity. Where confidence replaces uncertainty. And where excellence is instilled in everything that she does. From the moment you first visit Dr. Wade, you will notice an atmosphere that is conducive to delivering customized excellence. Dr. Wade will deliver the smile you’ve been dreaming about. It is simple - this is her job. Her business is excellence and beauty. Dr. Wade provides information and skills to each patient that enriches their smile and propels them into a new and happier life. Dr. Wade is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, an organization which fosters their continued proficiency through continuing quality education. Dr. Wade is also a member of the American Orthodontic Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Association of Women Dentist. jan 10 - feb 10 2009
as hindering the advancement of black women. Fifteen percent cited racism. Seventy-five percent of the respondents said it was important to have senior executives who are minorities in order to provide new ideas and innovation and better reflect the diversity of their customers. To overcome these barriers, black women executives should seek challenging, high-profile assignments; create action plans for accomplishing their career goals; work with executive coaches; and take advantage of critical feedback, respondents said. The study was conducted by Harris Interactive from Nov. 4 to Dec. 2. Due to its small sample size, it is not scientifically representative of the business community at large.
Mary Benton is a veteran reporter at KPRC TV Local 2, and the President of the Houston Association of Black Journalists. In her news job she covers everything from politics to hurricanes.
As a reporter, Mary’s favorite part of the her job is having the opportunity to meet new people every day, from all walks of life, and being trusted to tell Dr. Wade has received several accolades; the their story. Kingston’s Group has had her profile published in As President of HABJ, Mary is committed to the Kingston’s National Registry of the Who’s Who mentoring future journalists, raising money for stu2003 Edition, which is registered in the Library dent scholarships and being a positive role model, of Congress. She is also an honored member of especially for the African American community. the Cambridge Who’s Who, Houston Area Urban A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, League and the African American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston. She is an active member Mary grew up in Harlingen, Texas. She enjoys reading, watching movies and voloff Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In addition, she is a proud member of the U.S. Army Reserve where unteering in her spare time. she holds the rank of Major. Although Dr. Wade specializes in General and Cosmetic Dentistry, she has also dedicated her life to helping the socioeconomically, underserved communities in the Houston Area by providing, free-of-charge dental services. Dr. Wade has a passion for helping those in need. This has been her lifelong passion since she began her medical career as a registered nurse at Texas Children’s Hospital. It was there where she began noticing a disturbing trend, the lack of dental care for children from lower socio-economic backgrounds. This was the turning point to follow her dream of becoming a dentist. Dr. Wade graduated from the University of Texas Houston Dental Branch in 1995. In 2001 she founded Houston Medi-Dent, a non-profit organization that is committed to helping the less fortunate in the Houston community. Dr. Wade is truly changing the world one smile at a time. www.
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Serene Treatment Spa Services
Gee Powell, President
S
erene Treatment Studios combined with the New Ganoderma Coffee is the ultimate choice in creating a healthier body!
Gee’s zest for excellence in communications and business has netted a lifetime of numerous accolades. Throughout college, she was an announcer for Country/German radio-Seguin, Texas. An honor’s graduate, she worked as congressional/presidential media intern in Washington, DC, news-producer/CBS/New York, and CBS-KHOU-TV/Houston, Texas. Afterward, she was a News Anchor for FOX-KRIV-TV for seven years. Gee joined KLOL-FM for nine years as a top sales executive. Today, Gee is married with two children and begins her ninth year as an entrepreneur in the custom closets and custom storage cabinetry industry. Gee is President and founder of Houston’s Luv Closets & Storage Solutions, Inc. & Luv Closets & Organizers. “Inspiring and empowering individuals to achieve life’s best gives me
Serene Treatment is dedicated to taking the wellness industry to another level. Through different modalities, to adhering to the client’s needs and NOW through a Healthy COFFEE Product that everyone loves to drink. You can now Have your COFFEE and DRINK it to! All in the name of Health and Wellness! COMBINE SERENE TREATMENT SERVICES…
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Take advantage of the 2009 Wellness Promotional Package designed with Wellness in Mind! Here are the packages; For Women: Come in and Combine a Healthy Cup of Coffee with “The Slimming Effect Body Wrap”… the slimming effect tightens, tones, assist in cellulite reduction and burns calories. This combination treatment can reduce anywhere from 5 inches or more and burn away up to 600 calories in the first visit… $125 or do it in a series for a discounted rate; series of 3: 295; 6: $590.
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infinite joy,” Gee exclaims! Luv Closets & Organizers is locally owned and serves seven counties from Galveston to Montgomery and Fort Bend. Luv manufactures, designs, installs, and organizes exceptional custom closets, garages, pantries, home theatre wall units, jewelry towers, wall beds and office centers for residential or commercial clients. Luv constantly creates highly productive relationships with homeowners, home builders, developers, designers, architects, and multifamily dwelling developers. January 2009, will mark Gee’s 9th year as an integral member of GHBA, Greater Houston Builder’s Association, where she has served as Membership Committee Chair, Retention Committee, Remodelers Council and MultiFamily Dwelling Committee. Including, participating in the annual GHBA New Home Show, Sponsoring Remodelors Council Luncheons, GHBA Golf Tournaments, Benefit Homes Project and Adopt a Family. Gee received a GHBA Prism recognition for the radio commercial category for which she wrote, produced, and voiced commercials. Gee has also served at NAACP, The Women’s Fund of Houston Publicity Committee a Medical Research Charity and ASID, American Society of Interior Designers and Business Professional Women.
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KA-RON Y. WADE DDS PA
“Changing the world one smile at a time”
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cil woman for Houston City Council District H. Annise Parker hopes to become Houston’s second woman mayor and also running are architect and at-large council member Peter Brown and African-American attorneys Gene Lock and Benjamin Hall III.
By Burt Levine Contributing Writer
Women political power players in it to win it who did great in ‘08, are breaking into a political gold mine for ’09 and are working hard already for 2010 races locally for governor and for U.S. Senator. Hillary Clinton came close to becoming the first woman President and Sarah Palin the first woman VP. Clinton will become Secretary of State and Palin is conservatives’ top choice for 2012. Obama’s Cabinet has five women. Obama picked Hilda Solis for Labor, Janet Napolitano for Homeland Security, Susan Rice as UN Ambassador and Lisa Jackson for EPA Administrator.
Harris County’s first woman District Attorney and Jolanda Jones hopes to win re-election to council. Joan Huffman its first woman senator. Melissa Noriega, Wanda Adams and Anne Clutterbuck will run for re-election as well. Toni Lawrence and Pam Women who won November 4 across Harris Holm are term limited from re-election. Holm may County include Sheila Jackson Lee to Congress and run for city controller facing Council Member Ronald Terri Leo to State Education Board. Patricia Harless, Green. Green, attorney and businessman, armed with Ellen Cohen, Beverly Woolley, Ana Hernandez, Sen- a Master’s in Business Administration from the Unifronia Thompson, Jessica Farrar and Debbie Riddle versity of Houston and Juris Doctorate from TSU, has were re-elected and Carol Alvarado and Kristi Thibaut proven experience and expertise in municipal finance were elected state representatives. management. He could become the city’s first AfricanAmerican Controller. Adele Hedges and Kem Frost won re-election as appeals court justices. Alexandra Smoots Hogan, Elizabeth Ray, Sharon McCally, Hazel Jones and Maria Let us Promote your Business, Jackson were elected judges. Debra Kerner was elected Your Event, or You! to Harris County Education Trustee. Hilary Green Advertise today in D-MARS and Holly Williamson won JP.
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison will run for GoverMay Walker won for Constable as the county’s nor of Texas this year and those campaigning to suc- only woman constable. Ellen Wolfe won for Cy-Fair ceed her are Texas Senator Florence Shapiro and Rail- and Denise Shirley for Huffman ISD School Board. road Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones. Cynthia Gary will campaign to become Missouri City’s first minority woman re-elected to city council. Pat Lykos, who defeated C.O. Bradford, became Karen Derr is working hard to become the first coun-
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File, don’t pile! If your office is in their range of vision so they don’t cluttered, chances are you are somewhat of a packrat. That’s another issue altogether, but you can pack your stuff the right way. Don’t pile all those papers, recipes, check stubs, receipts, documents, etc, on top of your desk. End each day with a filing session where you put everything in its proper place. If that won’t work, have a “To be filed” container where you stash all those papers until you can get to filing them. Just be careful of letting that container get to the point of overflowour own land,” Pastor Hartwell stating. ed. Everything has its place. Your The church is a family-based and community-driven church that prides office will function better if you have a itself on helping point people in the home for everything in it -- from pens direction of their destiny. Sunday to printer paper, from envelopes to worship service times are 7:45am, disks. The idea is simple: if you know 9:30am and 11:00am and Tuesdays at where it goes, it’s quickly popped into 7:15pm for bible study. The church its home and quickly found is located on FM 1128 (Manvel Road when you need it. It’s that simple. off 518) located in Pearland, Texas.
THIS TIME IT’S GOD Is there life after death? It’s a question many people want to know the answer to. Well, after recovering from an almost life-ending motorcycle accident on Memorial Day weekend, Christopher Hartwell, Pastor of Cross Roads Community Church located in Pearland, Texas, believes that there is. On May 25, 2008, after releasing his first book entitled Wake Up, Pastor Hartwell was injured in a motorcycle accident that almost took him away from his family. His badly damaged body was life-flighted to Hermann Hospital, where he was immediately admitted into the emergency room and ICU. The doctors predicted that his recovery would be slow and ability to speak (let alone preach) was in jeopardy. Through the grace of God and the prayers of believers all around this country, Pastor Hartwell returned to his church to resume his role as pastor, preacher, and leader on September 7, 2008. Since organizing the church in 2001, the church has grown from 300 members to over 1,500 in less than seven years. Not only are they growing at an enormous rate, they are also the owners of more than 80 acres of land in the Pearland area. “Our vision is to Establish God’s Kingdom by Empowering God’s People and in order to do that we needed
With the start of a new year, Pastor Hartwell wants to encourage everyone to wake up and live their dreams despite the recession. Although times in the country may be difficult, he encourages everyone to keep their eyes on God and watch what he is able to do. In addition to starting off the year with a fresh start, there are many new initiatives that people can expect from Cross Roads Community Church in 2009, such as a second location starting on Easter Sunday in Rosharon, Texas, a new fellowship with a goal to minister to pastors and their spouses, the release of his second book (a couple’s devotional), development on the 78 acres the church currently owns in Pearland, and much, much more. For more information on Cross Roads Community Church, or to purchase the book Wake Up, or to schedule Pastor Hartwell for a speaking engagement, you can contact his offices at (713) 436-2211 or by logging on to www.crossroad-church.org.
Personalize your system. Some people think alphabetically, others think in categories. Some like to keep all their work out of sight until they need it, others need to keep current projects
If you work out of your home, Well, a new year brings a new reason does your office leave something to be to get organized! desired? Do you have to dig through Here are some tips to help you clutter just to find a fax cover sheet? tame your home office.
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forget the things they need to do. Before you start to organize, you need to figure out how you work, how you think, and what methods will facilitate your work life for you. Sit down with a pen and paper (or at your computer) and work out your thinking and working habits before you go and buy out the office supplies store. Once you figure out what method will work for you, make a list of the storage supplies you’ll need and go out and buy them.
A never-ending task. You can’t organize your office, then never do it again. It’s an ongoing process. Once you do the initial organization, you have to work to keep it that way. And if you fall off a minute and things get messy, don’t fret, just take a few minutes and get back on track!
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