Ra l e i g h , N o r t h C ar o lin a ( 919 ) 4 1 0 - 6 8 1 2 www . di a mo n d d iv am ag .c o m Happy New Year Ladies and welcome to 2016! I am so excited about what this year has planned for all of us Diamond Diva Women. Just like in years pass Diamond Diva Magazine is all about shinning a light on women doing great things in busine ss, their communities and in ministry. Throughout this last year many changes have taken place and the magazine has began to evolve into something that is amazining and ever changing for the good of all women pressing their way in business and in life. As always these women are business women, mothers, women of God and tru ly Diamond Diva’s to the fullest defintion of the word. Thank you for coming back with us for another year and for your continued support, it really means alot to us both. Renee & Martin Dawkins
Disclaimer: Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Diamond Diva Magazine does not accept responsibility for st atements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication should be submitted to the editor by email at info@ diamonddivamag.com Diamond Diva Magazine’s publisher, staff and other persons involved in the creation, production or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or it’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the magazine.
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I W i l l Be L oy a l T o Y ou ! by: J o y R. B r o w n
T ak e a m in u t e . T h in k o f t h e w o r d l o y a l t y . What does that m e a n t o y o u ? Are you loyal t o y o u r f r i e n d s , family, job, m a r r i a g e , o r c ommitment to o t her s ? L o y a lt y is a po w er f u l w o r d . W h e n I think about l oy alt y , I a u t o ma t ica lly r e f l e ct o n t h e lo ya lt y bet w een N a o m i a n d R u t h . Naomi went t hr ou g h c r ise s; sh e lo st h er h u s b a n d a n d her two sons. D u r i n g c r i s e s i n your life, who c a n y o u d e p e n d upon to be w i t h y o u t o t r avel through t he s t o r m s? W e ll, Na o mi h a d R u t h . B o t h N a omi and Ruth l o s t t h e i r h u s bands. They c o u l d f e e l t h e grief and pain t hat e a c h o t h e r exper ien ced . T ak e t h e o p p o r t un it y t o r ea d R u t h 1 : 1 - 1 7 f o r the story in its e n t i re t y . N a o mi gave both Ru t h a n d O r p a h t h e sa me o p p o r t u n i t y t o r eturn to their h o m e l a n d , t o t heir mothers, a n d p e r h a p s t o a new life wi th n e w h u s b an d s. H o w ev-
er, Orpah accepted the offer, but Ruth deni ed the reques t. Wh en you are l oyal to a person or a thing, you will go that ext r a mi l e to prov e your commitment. Ruth had purposed in her heart that she would be w it h N aomi ev ery s tep of the way. When Ruth refused to go back to what was normal fo r her, N aomi real i zed that she would never lose, first, a daughter-in-law, but also a soul mate. Ruth realized that h er des ti ny woul d be bi rthed through Naomi. Now, I had to th ink for a moment about Ruth’s loyalty. How could she be m ore l oyal to her motherin-law than her mother? I came to the conclusion that Rut h had a rel ati ons hi p wi th Na o mi . Through the rel ationship, Ruth identified that Naomi was more than just a mother-in-law but her hope. Naomi must have invested much i n Ruth i n return, Ruth
bel i ev ed i t was n o w h e r o pportuni ty to not o n l y re tu rn the fav or but re f u se to qu i t and return hom e w h e n N aomi was going th r o u g h o n e o f the mos t chal l engi n g c i rc u mstances in her lif e . H o w m a n y ti mes hav e you bai l e d o u t o n s omeone becau se o f w h at they were going t h r o u g h a t the moment? W e f ai l to re alize that this is th e o p p o r t u n i t y to prov e your l oyal ty , de di c ation, and comm i t m e n t t o t h e relationship. Ba c k t o N a o m i , she had becom e b i t t e r a n d overtaken by g r i e f b e c a u s e of what had oc c u r r e d i n h e r l i fe. Howev er, w h e n R u th refused to leave h e r s i d e a n d made that decla r a t i o n t o h e r , it did not relieve t h e p a i n , b u t i t made i t doabl e be c au se o f that support. Re a d t h e r e s t o f the book of Rut h to f i n d o u t how Ruth’s life w a s b l e s s e d because she ref u s e d t o j u m p ship when thin g s g o t b a d . Choose today to r e m a i n l o y a l , first to God, and t h e n t o t h o s e who you’ve bee n a s s i g n e d t o in life. Don’t ru n a t t h e f i r s t sign of trouble. Choose to pray with that p e r s o n a n d encourage them i n t h e L o r d . Also, refuse to r e m o v e o u t of position. Yo u h a v e b e e n placed in some o n e ’ s l i f e t o uphold and su p p o r t t h e m . The greates t bl e ssi n g i s h aving someone th a t r e f u s e s t o leave your life w h e n t i m e s a r e tough. The per s o n t h a t s t i c k and s tay wi l l al w ay s re c e i ve unexpected an d u n e x pl ai nable blessings. C o n s i d e r y o u r loyalty today a n d r e f u s e t o back up and m o v e o n w h e n the pers on you’ve be e n as s i gned to need y o u th e mo st. Think about who y o u ’ v e b e e n called to be a R u t h t o t o d a y .
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I’ve had the honor of knowing Eraina Tinnin now for a little over a year, but I must admit that having her share her story and learning more about the woman and her vision has been a blessing. I guess you could say that Eraina is what you would call a well-k ept se cret and a blessing to be hold. Eraina was raised in Day ton, OH but now resides in Greensboro NC with her husband of 23 years, her 21 y ear old daughter, Courtney and 20 year old son, Jordan who she absolutely adores. Eraina is an Author, In spirational Speaker, Life Coach and Entrepreneur. She began her entrepreneurial journey over 10 years ago and has never looked back. She shares with me that her greatest accomplishments have been the ability to inspire, encoura ge and empower people through her words both verbal and written. I had the distinct honor of joining her movement by purchasing her book, Becoming a Beautiful You, which upon being released on Amazon became an international best seller on the same day, that’s an awesome accom plishment within itself. Eraina has an outgoing personality and never meets a person she cannot connect with or t alk to. Having that personality led her to two direct sales businesses, Paparaz zi Accessories and F.L.O.W Industry. One she accessorizes the women and enhances their beauty and the other she assists them with growing healthy hair from the inside out. “In both of these businesses I am able to help people to feel good about themselves and by speaking, writing and coach ing I help them see the beauty within”.
ever been given, which was to believe in herself and not the opinions of others to determine her thoughts about herself or her abilities has been her driving force towards success. Knowing that everyone needs a little push and motivation, I asked Eraina what advice would she give to a young woman who is just starting out or had a desire to go into business but has no idea what to do with her hopes, dreams and ideas and her an swer was very simple, “I would first encourage the young woman to make a list of all the things she enjoys doing, and could do all day for free and STILL enjoy it. This would be her passion. Once de termining her passion research the type of business she could start with her passion. Once she determines what it is she wants to do, just do it. Do whatever is necessary to make her dream come true, take classes to perfect her craft, surround herself with those that are where she wants to be. Don’t allow anyone to deter her from being happy, pursuing her goals and living the life she desires to live”. It was truly a pleasure getting to know more about this precious gem. Giving Eraina the last words, this is what she had to say, “I knew that I was purposed to be an entrepreneur, I just didn’t know exactly what I was supposed to do. It took me years to discover where my true talents were. No matter what others said or thought, I persevered until I found what it was I was purposed to do. Even though it ended up being something that came naturally to me, I never gave up and you shouldn’t either, that’s part of what “Becoming a Beauti ful You” is all about.
Standing strong on the best advice she has
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7 SEED E M POW E R M E N T G R O UP - WO ME N’S E MP O WE RME NT BRU NCH Saturday, March 12 was a day to remember. Eboni Harrell h o s t e d h e r 2n d An n ua l W omen’s Empowerment B runch and I promi s e yo u n o o n e that attende d went away the same way they came in. T h e g uest spe akers came one after the other, l eav i ng thei r o w n mark o n t h e even t . Ki m Hodges came forth and gav e us “Los e Contro l ” , L - L e t God, O-Obtain all the Glory, S-So that you can, E-Effective l y t e l l t h e st o r y. T h en Margaret B runs on gav e us “El ument Leaders hi p” , te ac h i n g us t h e impo r tance of bei ng a l eader and s he l et us know th at i t w as time to change our circles. These two women set the stag e f o r w h a t was to follow for the rest of the event. As breakfast was s e r v e d a n d the women began to eat you could hear the different con v e r s a t i o n s from table to table as the women began to share and com p a r e t h e i r life st o r ies. Transitioning back from breakfast Lakeisha Moore, workshop f a c i l i t a t o r took the floor and the shift began. She offered an interact i v e s e s s i o n fo r a ll, st a r t ing wi th her theme s ong, It’s the God i n Me. Oh m y G o d th e way she broke that song down to relate to each of us wa s a m a z i n g . Y o u co uld r eal l y s ee yours el f after s he s poke i n that s ong. S h e ask e d the question – What is it that you THINK you see. Each wom a n t u r n i n g to the woman beside them, they began to tell each other w h a t t h e y sa w in t h em. B eauti ful ! She s howed us the i mportance of Pri o ri ti zi n g, Focusing and Ignoring. Then as if we had not been slayed en o u g h L a d y S upr en a H ick man ti ed i t al l together wi th es cape to s i s ter ho o d. Ebo n i’ s visio n came ful l ci rcl e i n the room duri ng thi s ev ent. C o n c l u ding this event Lakeisha Moore came back and made is ta k e a d e e p look at ourselves in the mirror. As I looked around the roo m I c o u l d see chains being broken, walls being torn down, strong h o l d s b e i n g released, it became evident that God had showed up and o n c e a g a i n showed out. There wasn’t a dry eye in the building. 7Seed Empowerment’s mission was fulfilled and in deed the s e w o m e n didn’t leave out the way they came. This event was a hug e s u c c e s s and the mission was carried out to not only heal and set f r e e b u t t o a lso be a fin anci al bl es s i ng to the Dres s for Succes s of the Tri an gl e O rganization. Ebo n i, jo b w el l done Di v a!
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IT’S N OT T OO L A T E ! Saturday, March 19 Latasha Williams with Women of Purpose tore Greensboro down with her It’s NOT 2 Late Women’s Luncheon. From the NC A&T Choir who came on stage with a vengeance to all the anointed speakers that took the stage by storm, it became very evident that God was already in the building. Our emcee Keisha Cousar kept us all encouraged and on our feet but that Prayer by Lady Ursula took us all to church, talk about welcoming Jesus in, my goodness. But when our host Latasha graced the stage she charged the atmosphere something serious. She spoke from the heart and shared her struggle and pain behind putting this conference out but reminded us all that God still had all the glory. If you were not in the building and missed the testimonies of the Fabulous 5, Tuesday Sims, Iris Hairston Grady, Lateka Carter, Donalja James and Tamia McCray. These young ladies are a prime example of not looking like what you’ve been through and to God be the glory. They let us know that it wasn’t just their time but it was our time and baby you Are Beautiful! Shortly after a much needed intermission and lunch session we came back to another 1-2-3 punch by way of motivational speaker Kenyatta Johnson, Inspirational Speaker, Inspirational Speaker Michelle Spight and keynote speaker, Sima Clark Torian. Words cannot begin to describe what these ladies bought to this luncheon, all I can say is that they did my soul some kind of good and if you were not in the building you missed a treat. Latasha you are an angel sent by God. What you did with this event and how you brought so many women from near and far from all walks of life together was simply amazing. You keep pushing my sista and keep allowing God to use you. For everyone else follow the move of God, because It’s NOT 2 Late.
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Born in the sm a l l t o w n o f R o s e H i l l , N o r t h C a r o l i n a , Q u i n t i n w a s b l e s s e d w i th the gift to not a c c ep t th e n o rm . He b e g i n h is e n t r e p r e n e u r ia l e n d e a v o r s a s a t e e n in var ious w ays from sell i n g c an d y to l an d sc a p in g in t h e n e igh b o r h o o d . D e fy in g t h e o dds of p over ty, ga ng a cti vi ty , an d b e i n g ri d i cu le d gr o w in g u p , h e o v e r c a m e m a n y s t r u ggles an d g r adua ted fro m No rth C aro l i n a C e n t r a l U n iv e r s it y w it h a d e gr e e in B u s in e s s A dmin is t r atio n with a co n c e n t r a t i o n i n M a r k e t i n g . H e l a t e r c o m p l e t e d h i s m a s t e r s i n I nformation T echnol ogy a n d Ne two rk De si g n . Qui nti n i s the F o u n d e r/ Pri n c i p al o f T h e M o gu l G r o u p L L C , a fir m t h a t h e lp s s mall b us i nesses, nonpr o f i t s , N a n o b u s i n e s s e s , a n d e n t r e p r e n e u r s w i t h g a i n i n g e x p o s u re through social media. H e h a s b u i l t a b r a n d t h a t i s r e c o g n i z e t h r o u g h o u t t h e T r i a n g l e area. He co a c hes smal l b u si n e ss o wn e rs wi t h o n lin e m a r k e t in g a n d b r a n d in g t e c h n iques t o incr ea se thei r p ro f i ts, e n g ag e wi th t h e ir c o m m u n it y a n d b u ild b e t t e r b r a n d s . H e als o fa cilitates socia l m e d i a c l a s s e s a t s e v e r a l c o l l e g e s a n d u n i v e r s i t i e s i n W a k e C ounty. With the birth o f h i s c o m p a n y i n 2 0 0 7 , H e s e r v e s o v e r 3 0 b u s i n e s s e s f r o m s m a l l, medium, large and no n p r o f i t s . T h e M o g u l G r o u p h a s c l i e n t s r a n g i n g f r o m N o r t h C arolina to Seoul , Korea in se ve ral d i f f e re n t i n d u s t r ie s s u c h a s fa s h io n , r e t a il, n o n p r o fit , r e al es t at e, an d d i rec t sal e s. Th e M o g u l Gro u p r e c e n t ly e xp a n d e d in t o w e b a n d gr a p hic des ign as well as Sal e s f o r c e d a t a r e s t o r a t i o n . B e s i d e s r u n n i n g T h e M o g u l G r o u p , Q u intin holds s evera l nonpr o f i t b o ard c h ai r p o si t io n s , a n d s e v e r a l p r iv a t e in v e s t m e n t s in t h e ar eas of real estate, f r a n c h i s i n g , a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t . H e i s v e r y w e l l c o n n e c t e d a n d engaged in his commun i t y b e i n g a m e n t o r t o y o u n g m e n i n t h e W a k e C o u n t y a n d D u r ham area. Mr. Murphy w a s a l s o r e s p o n s i b l e f o r h e a d i n g u p t h e Y o u t h L e a d e r s h i p A l l i a n c e of Wake Co., an activ e l e a d e r s h i p a n d l i f e s k i l l s t r a i n i n g o r g a n i z a t i o n f o r y o u t h i n Wake Co, w h ere he me rg e d th e f i rst c o u n ty / c it y p a r t n e r s h ip t o h o s t t h e Y o u t h E m p ower men t Summit reach i n g o v e r 8 0 0 y o u t h f ro m W a k e / J o h n s o n / a n d D u r h a m C o . H e c ontinues to volunteer his t i m e w i t h t h e y o u t h , c h u r c h , a n d t h e c o m m u n i t y . H e i s a l s o a member of Ka ppa Alpha P s i F r a t e r n i t y I n c . W h a t’s Next f o r Q u i n ti n ? L ate r th i s y e a r h e w ill b e s t a r t in g h is D o c t o r a l P r o gr am in So cia l Commun i c ati o n s an d Ne two rk s , r e le a s in g h is fir s t b o o k , a n d s t a r t in g a n emp owerment tour thr o u g h No rth C aro l i n a. T wi tter: @Mogu l Gro u p I n c T wi tter @Qui n ti n M u rp h y I nsta gra m @a c h i e ve 2su c c e e d I nsta gra m @di am o n d _ k l ass_ su c c e s s Facebook: th e m o g u l g ro u p Conta c t : 91 9.791.5449 Ema i l : mogul g ro u p l l c @ g m ai l .c o m W ebsi te: w ww.th e m o g u l g ro u p .c o m
Eraina Tinnin is a speaker, affectionately called an inspirational powerhouse, professional life coach and entrepreneur. She has been named an “Encourager” because of her unfailing ability to lift the spirits of others. She is a columnist with Simply Elevate Magazine, international best-sell ing author of Becoming a Beautiful You and Assistant Program Director & co-host of Forever Sisters Radio Broadcast. She has a Master’s Degree in Human Services with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy from Liberty University. She is a wife, mother and ministry leader.
Motivational Speaker, Author, Community Leader Herlene Williams Ancar is a devoted wife (Michael) and mother of two beautiful daughters Olivia and Mariah. Herlene served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman (Urology and Surgical Technician) for eleven year s. She has obtained her Associates in Science Degree in Medica l Billing and Coding from Anthem College, Phoenix, Arizona, a BS degree in Interdisci plinary Studies with a focus in Healthcare Management from Norfolk State University in Norf olk VA and a MBA in Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix. Herlene is currently enrolled in the PhD program for Higher Administration Education at the University of Phoenix. Herlene and her family reside in Greenvil le, NC where they serve under the ministry of Bishop Rosie S O’Neal, Koinonia Christian Center. Herlene is a Program Director of Medical Administrative Services at Miller Motte College in Greenvi lle. CEO and founder of WHATUSAY Productions Herlen e’s motto in life is “don’t talk about it let’s be about it!!!” Jennifer is the proud mother of Kwam ane and Destany Edwards and grandmother to Aaliyah Edwards of Clayton NC. By day Jennifer is a Lead Business/Employment Consultant at NCWorks Career Center in Raleigh NC. At night and as the opportunity presents itself, she is the Ceo of JnJ Productions which focuses on; entertainment, branding, marketing, and consulting. Jennifer is also a leader at her church leading youth to their full potential in and out the church, a community advocate, life coach, entrepreneur, supporter of various women advocacy groups, a hard worker, and friend. Jennifer’s mission is to help, establish, build, and support, others as she work toward her vision and dreams.
Mia Wright is a lover of all things fashion forward, she is full of life, and a three-time ovarian cancer survi vor. Mia Wright was originally diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999 at the age of 23. Mia triu mphed in her fight against this disease, and now uses her experience to help advocate and educate other women on the importance of recognizing the silent signs of ovarian cancer. She is the founder of We CAN-CER vive!® a cancer awareness nonprofit organization that supports cancer patients and survivors, educates the community, and raises funds to support cancer trials in hopes of finding a cure for this awfu l disease. She has been honored and received numerous awards for her creative and authentic way of encouraging everyone in her presence or attendance at her numerous events-not just the CANCER HEROES participating- to candidly and openly share health experiences, information related to care, and network with others. Mia’s inspiring story and message will be featured in an upcoming anthology, as well as, her own personal memoir. Mia is an inspirational story teller, motivational speaker, and cancer advocate. She is passionate about celebrating CANCER HEROES and encouraging cancer survivors to live on purpose. She currently resides in the Washington, D.C. area with her family.
Pebbles McClain, founder of The P.H.A.T. Kids Mentoring Program began this journey in 1998 after working in a daycare in Montpellier, France. Upon returning to the States, she tried earnestly to start own daycare. Because of many obstacles, she had to make this a dream deferred. She knew that she wanted her daycare center to be more than just a parent dropping off their children for 8 hours a day. She wanted to do more! After the death of Derrion Albert in Chicago in 2009, the time for thinking about helping youth ended. It was time to put those thoughts into actions. With the help of Denise Morgan, she decided to begin researching mentoring and the benefits of being a mentor and low and behold she decides to not only be a mentor but to start her own mentoring program. After putting her plan into place Pebbles decid ed that more assistance was needed and hired two others to work alongside herself. With her background in Social Work, she was just what we needed to complete the team! In January of 2010 they were given space to work at Saint Augustine’s College, her Alumni. They officially launched the mentoring program on March 6th, 2010. Since that time the PKMP has partnered with Garner Parks and Recreation and are providing the Mentoring Program at Avery Street Recreation Center in Garner, NC. Curren tly there have been over 100 kids enrolled in the PKMPand she could not be happier! But there’s more work to be done and there is currently a waiting list of children that are waiting to be matched with a mentor! The program has their events at the Avery Street Recreation Center. In her free time Pebbles enjoys spending time with her friends, family and strives to do more in the com munity.
Shalanda Williams was born and partiall y raised in Boston MA. She moved to North Carolina at age 11 where she attended grade and high school, that is where her love for writing and journalism began. She graduated from JH rose high in 2002 an d went on to Louisburg College where she majored in journalism, and was the coeditor of the school paper. At this time her dream was to own her own music mag azine do to unforeseen circumstances she did not graduate college and returned to her hometown of Greenville NC to live that thing called life. The best thing that could ever happen to her happened in 2008 when her first born son entered the world and changed her life for the better. In 2013 she ran into a young man by the name of Keyon aka blush blush who specialized in fashion, design, promotion, and radio. She started working for his team and gaining knowledge of the promo business and in the end of 2013 she started blackout ent, which is a promotion marketing and event coordination company. Where she went on to put together a NC inde pendent artist mix tape titled we never settle NC finest. That continued for 3 volumes. In this period of her life she learned a lot of lessons and realized exactly what being in the entertainment industry means fast forward to 2015 Ms. Williams founded the Carolina black bottle movement and girls which promotes the sparkling wine Belaire Rose she is in the process of working towards being the NC brand ambassador of Belaire/sovereign brands the CBBM movement is officially stamped by the rap mogul Rick Ross who has shown nothing but positive support to the movement. Ms. Williams has been thru several trials and tribulations that could have easily lead to her demise in business however her faith determinations resilience and work ethic was no match for any obstacles that came her way. She is the prime example of never gi ving up on what you believe in and making your dr eams reality. N’Bodi was starte d after I’d stumbled upon a niche that I had no earthly idea that I had. I first attempted to make myself a pair of gloves, next it was a skirt, then a dress, which quickly gravitated towards mak ing items for my friends and now various clients so needless to say I’m Keisha Thompson, a Self-Taught Designer. N’Bodi was founded in June 2012, shortly after a previous joint venture buckled. I took part of the previous company’s name and added my own spin to it creating N’Bodi, which means,” Luvin the Bodi You’re In”. N’Bodi was started after I’d stumbled upon a niche that I had no earthly idea that I had. I first attempted to make myself a pair of gloves, next it was a skirt, then a dress, which quickly gravitated towards making i tems for my friends and now various clients so needless to say I’m Keisha Thompson, a Self-Taught Designer. N’Bodi was founded in June 2012, shortly after a previous joint venture buckled. I took part of the previous company’s name and added my own spin to it creating N’Bodi, which means,” Luvin the Bodi You’re In”. N’Bodi is an Evolving concept based on inspired design, fastidious construction and the company began with ten styles, and one size- it was an instant success. Today N’Bodi is continuing to succeed as a fashion icon with an increasing local distribution. My women’s collection range from a size 0-20. In the next upcoming months I will be redirecting my focus to Plus-size apparel. As you may be aware there’s an issue with finding fashionable clothing for my plus s ize Queens. My goal is to cause a spike in their self confidence level.
Purusha Jones obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from St. Augustine’s University. While attending her Alma Mater, Purusha started her modeling career under the tutelage of International Model Coach Alva Page. Since then, her extensive 20 year modeling career has garnered appearances with organiza tions such as Virginia Full-Figure Fashion Week, Glam Gurls and Bold Curves of Virginia, Plush Models of NC, I Rock My Curves The Best, Tim Johnson Productions, and many more. Stemming from her love modeling, Purusha stepped into the world of pageantry in 2013 by competing in the Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant. Although she did not take home the title of Queen, she gained her own crown by becoming Pageant Director of the Ms. Full-Figured NC Pageant in 2014. Not only did Purusha expand the 30 year history of the Ms. FullFigured brand by bringing it to North Carolina, it was the 1st plus size pageant to be held in the Triangle area, making history in September 2015. When speaking about her, it has been said: “Purusha exemplifies the essence of what it is to represent full-figured women in any capacity. She is graceful and poised when she walks across the runway and her eloquence speaks for itself. Her presence employs the attention of both men and women, as she is definitely the epitome of beauty. Along with her high-leveled skills as a model, she knows how to coordinate, organize, plan, and produces the best productions to date. It is evident of her success by seeing the fruits of her labor with the Miss NC Full Fi gured Pageant.” I am a 20-something definition of an Aquarius woman. I make my own path and march to the beat of my own drum. I knew I had the “gift of gab” when I came home with “excessive talking” on my report card. From being classically trained in opera to running my own college radio show, music and entertainment have always been a part of my life. With a degree in Mass Communication - Journal ism I am no stranger to asking the questions that need to be asked. In addition to The Diva’s Den, I am currently on air on Raleigh’s hit music station G105 every Saturday morning. I am also the official host of RAW: Natural Born Artists Raleigh. I am very active in the community and a strong believer of mentoring our youth. Giving up is never an option. It’s all about making your own path. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Kimberlee “So Fab Kim” Blocker is a radio on-air personality and host in the Raleigh, NC area. She knew she had the “gift of gab” when she came home with “excessive talking” on her report card. While pursuing her degree in Mass Communication/Journalism, Kimberlee teamed up with a friend to do their own successful college radio show. Kimberlee got her start doing overnight on weekends with iHeart Media Raleigh’s 93.9 KISS FM before it was reformatted to B939 Country. She then moved over to do Saturdays on iHeart’s sister station G105. After years of desiring growth, Kimberlee moved on to weekends on The People’s Station Choice FM 92.1 under North Star Broadcasting. After filling in a few times on The DJ Twenty Show, Kimberlee was asked to be the co-host. Along with being on the airwaves, Kimberlee can be seen hosting a plethora of events in the Triangle and is very active the in the community.
Valonda Calloway is the host of My Carolina Talk, airing weekdays at 9:00am on CBS North Carolina. Valonda is a native of Onslow County, North Carolina. She graduated with cum laude honors from Winston-Salem State University. She began her career in media as a writer and reporter at the Voice of America radio in Washington, D.C. Valonda returned to North Carolina as a news reporter and anchor for WNCT, Channel 9 in Greenville. She was part of the team that won numerous awards, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow for continuous coverage during Hurricane Floyd. Valonda arrived in Raleigh in 2001 as a reporter for WRAL-TV, where she also anchored the morning and noon news. Valonda is a member of a number of public service organizations, including the Raleigh Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Wake County Chapter of the Winston-Salem State University Alumni Association. In 2015 Valonda was inducted into the Hall of Fame at WinstonSalem State University. Whether mentoring middle school girls, serving as a volunteer cheerleading coach or participating in fundraisers, Valonda embraces the verse, “To whom much is given, much is required.” A dancer and cheerleader since her early years, Valonda cheered in college and professionally for the Washington Redskins. She loves fashion and in 2013 Carolina Style Magazine named Valonda one of the 25 Most Stylish People in The Triangle. La’Ticia Nicole is an Author, Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur. La’Ticia established Speak Life Enterprises to serve women and girls who feel stuck in their lives because of fear, rejection, depression, mental illness or post traumatic syndrome. Known as the “Stop & Drop Evangelist”, La’Ticia electrifies audiences throughout the world while delivering words of hope and encouragement. La’Ticia often says, “I am just a girl from Detroit, MI who had dreams of success.” In 1992, she moved to North Carolina with $15, four outfits and a dream. The thought of being what others said she would become gave her the perseverance to gain admittance to Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC. Her passion for helping people led her to transfer to Winston Salem State University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors. La’Ticia Nicole furthered her education by receiving a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in Phoenix, Arizona. The two combined degrees allowed her to become an Executive Director in the long-term care industry thus accentuating her desire and passion for helping others. She credits her success to God, her mother, grandmother and a loving family who instilled strong morals, values and work ethics. She is a giver. Her strong desire to empower, promote self-awareness and self-esteem throughout the community lead her to create the nonprofit organization Professional Divas, Inc. Her public speaking platform, La’Ticia Nicole #SpeakLife, has allowed her to motivate others by simply speaking life into the dead areas that cause people to feel broken and angry. La’Ticia Nicole Beatty is a child of God, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, mentor, philanthropist, sought-after motivational speaker, author and always a work in progress.
Myra Bradley of Raleigh NC is the owner & operator of a non-profit organization called Women That Care .This single Mother of 3 adult children and 9 grandchildren have always had a caring spirit but never knew that God was preparing her for a life destine to care for those around her . Myra’s educational background started out in the field of Early Childhood Education field but suddenly shifted into the field of Social Work, Case Management and advocating for those that were in need of basic services. After 20 years or more of working and volunteering with organizations and non-profits such as Wake County Human Services , South Light , StepUp Ministry , Catholic Parrish Outreach, Wake County Head Start program, Wheels 4 Hope and supervising The Raleigh Rescue Mission Homeless Shelter. Myra Bradley found herself advocating and providing services for those that were in homelessness/ crisis situations, recovering addicts, struggling parents, reentry into society, incarcerat e d o r a n y o n e
t h at w a s d o w n on their luck. A f t e r s e r v i n g the community with the different agencies it became clear tha t h e r p a s s i o n and p u r p o se was simply being a w oma n tha t c a r e . God r e ve a le d the pur pose a nd p la c e d a v is i o n u p o n t h e heart of Myra Bradley to create an organization that would unite w o m e n o f a l l d i ff e r e n t b a c k grounds to come together to be a blessing in the community by w a y o f g i v i n g b ack . I n 2 0 11 M y r a Bradley answered the call that had been placed upon her life and s h e b e g a n t h e o rg a n i z a t i o n t hat is now known in the community as Women That Care, Inc. Sh e a w a i t s t h e app r o v a l f r o m the F ederal G overnme nt to ope r a te a Non- Pr of it Orga niz a tion Re s o u r c e Ce nt e r, b u t i n t h e meantime you can find Women That Care, Inc. on the streets of R a l e i g h N o r t h C a ro l i n a p r o v iding services to those in need by way of offering food , toiletr i e s , s e a s o n a l c l o t h i n g , f i n a ncial assistance , referral assistance , case management , life coach i n g , b a c k t o s ch o o l a ssi st a nce , holiday cheer and ke e ping Ra le igh wa r m by dona ting ne w b la n k e ts a n d o t h e r w a r m i t ems to the community. Tashauna Richardson was born and raised in Rocky Mount, NC. She is a single mother of six beautiful children, Javan, Jordan, Sean, Journey and her angel in heaven Ja’Kari. She is a full time hairstylist and the visionary for “I am Beautiful” the movement that empowers and celebrate women from all walks of life.
Author Kinsley Alexandra Reed is the 10 year old daughter of Mr. Fred A. Reed and The Late La’Gayla Sonta Smalls Reed. Kinsley is a 5th grader at For est Hill Elementary where she’s an A+ and Superintendent Honor Roll Student. She’s an active member of Progressive Church of Jesus- Walterboro, SC where she serves on the Praise Dance Ministry and as a Youth Ministry Leader. She published her first book “God Did Something Good When Something Bad Was Happening” in 2015. She’s a motivational speaker and she loves the Lord.
Co-Pastor & Prophetess Tameika R. Harris is the wife of Pastor Lamont Harris and together they Pastor, Time of Refreshing International Ministries, Inc located in Raleigh, NC. She is also the mother of two handsome sons, Jaylen Matthews and Lamont Harris, Jr. (ages 3 & 8). Her passions are reading, outreach and family. From an early age, she has always inspired and encouraged other women to pursue their dreams and persevere no matter the circumstances. Co-Pastor & Prophetess Tameika Harris is an entrepreneur in heart. Today, she is the owner of Growing Pains of Wake County (a local non-profit organization that caters to single mothers with children who are economically challenged). She is a lso the Co-Owner of Fashions by Harris. Fashions by Harris is her own personal outlet where she gets to express her passion for fashion through helping others look the very best that they can for any upcoming events that they may have. Fashions by Harris carries men, women and children designer suits, dresses, accessories, clergy attire and linens as well. To shop Fashions by Harris, please visit their website at: www.FashionsByHarris.com or on Facebook: Fashions By Harris Lastly, she is also the Owner of Exquisite Touch (an 100% Natural Hair Extensions for women). It is through Exquisite Touch she is able to provide the top quality hair extensions that will only compliment your inner beauty and your outward appearance. To shop for quality 100% hair extensions, please visit the website at: www.exquisitetouch.mayvenn.com or on Facebook: Exquisite Touch Co-Pastor & Prophetess Tameika Harris is also an author. Her first book is entitled “From Poverty to Propensity.” Subtitled: When everything around you screams lack, Pursue and Persevere. She unselfishly volunteers’ at local organizations outside of Growing Pains of Wake County and she encourages ot hers to do so as well.
The Princess of Poetry is the official artist designation for Ms. Janelle Strickland, a resident of Greensboro, North Carolina. “Princess� as she is affectionately called, was introduced to a limited amount of po etry in elementary school. She never realized that this brief encounter would turn into her full time employment and ultimately reach out to many people through various forms. She continued to write various literary works into adulthood, using her pen and paper as a way out of a life filled with trauma. She could use her imagination to write the reality that she would like to be experiencing at the time. Writing came easy but she was never formally instructed in the art of writing poetry. As she grew older she realized that this was a God given gift. Princess is now the proud mother of four children. She is strong in her faith in God and attends Maximizing Life Family Worship Center. Sh e is an active member in many facets of ministry and is very thankful to God for the gift of poetry and credits her success at it to him, faith & favor. Princess has been writing as a professional performance poet since 2007 a God given gift that emerged around age nine. As an adult she has won awards through Poetry.com and been published in the National Library of Congress and most recently voted as Most Influential Poet of the Year by the National Poetry Awards in Aug 2012. The Princess of Poetry writes from the heart. Her writing skills have been used in magazines including her most recent submissions to Greensboro Live, workshops, training manuals, programs, framed artwork and requested at several formal functions, fundraisers, and causes. In 2012 she was commissioned to write a tribute piece for Trayvon Martin that was presented at the Trayvon Martin rally held by the International Civil Rights Museum and another piece for the 51st Anniversary of the Greensboro Sit-In Movement at the same. She also made history as the first poet to write and perform at the longest running dinner theater in the U.S., The Barn Dinner Theater.
P le a s e H e lp M e C elebrate each one of these la d ie s a nd a ll of their a c c om p lis hm e nt s !