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IMPACT
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Editor in Chief Tunisha Brown
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Email: info@theimpactmagazine.com Web: www.theimpactmagazine.com
Twitter/Instagram: @finaldraft Email: info@finaldraftdesign.com
CONTENT WHAT’S HOT IN THIS ISSUE
Instagram: @impactmagazine Twitter: @impact_magazine
Layout and design by Final Draft Design www.finaldraftdesign.com
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COVER STORY
KANDI BURRUSS \\ 6
Kandi has been building her empire since she was a teenager! From singing, songwriting, adult toys, a baby line and more... Kandi is a multi-level powerhouse. Journey through the pages to read more about the empire Kandi built.
HAZEL CLARK \\ 10
Are You Ready To Make An IMPACT?
P
The Clark family is known as the first family of track and field. A member of the Clark family has been on the last seven Olympic teams. Hazel Clark is a 3x Olympian, get to understand the strength of a woman!
KIMBERLY BLACKWELL \\ 12
owerhouse is defined as a person or thing of great energy, strength, or power. One must have a great drive and ability to bring a dream to fruition. All of this describes the amazing Kandi Burrus!
What does Fortune 100, government agencies and influencers have in common; Kimberly Blackwell! Find out why you should know who this phenomenal woman is.
Long before the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi was paving the way building her empire by writing legendary hits for Destiny’s Child, TLC, and so many others. Now, we can add restaurateur, boutique owner, sex toy owner, playwright, and so much more. In this issue, we have highlighted true powerful women whose mantra is to make it happen! No matter the sacrifice, no matter the trial or tribulations, whatever is needed, must be done. How does that resonate with you in how you move and allow your power to show? What emphasis do you put on yourself to have it set in your heart that the thing that lay in front of you has to happen… no matter what? Seep through these pages to find the inspiration you need to move forward in the beauty of your dreams. Reach out to us and let us know how you are moving forward in your super power.
ERNESTINE JOHNSON \\ 14 Ernestine Johnson is a truth speaker who is making change all over the nation!
DEESHA DYER \\ 16
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Get to know the speaker, writer, and creative event and strategy consultant who has worked her way from Philadelphia to the White House
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Remember to always be an IMPACT!
TUNISHA C. BROWN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @momentswithtunisha @impactmagazine
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COVER STORY
K
Kandi Burruss-Tucker is a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling, singer, songwriter, TV personality, entrepreneur, and influencer.
Kandi The Powerhouse
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Kandi found early success in the music business as a member of the mega-popular group, XSCAPE, who ruled the 90’s RnB scene and paved the way for many acts to come. The group had three consecutive number one albums, and six Top Ten singles on the Billboard charts. When the group dismembered, Kandi found solo success, but her songwriting skills led her to the greatest accolade in music. Kandi and former groupmate, Tameka “Tiny” Harris teamed up to write the GRAMMY Award-winning smash “No Scrubs” for TLC. Kandi penned countless hits for everyone from Destiny’s Child, Boyz II Men, Usher, Whitney Houston, Pink, and many more. Kandi has also amassed several high-profile awards in music that includes: winning a Grammy, being nominated for an American Music Award and making history as the first woman to win the ASCAP “Songwriter of the Year” award in 2000; in addition to being awarded with a “Living Legend” award.
myriad of businesses under the Kandi Koated Entertainment banner--An adorable baby line, “Raising Ace” inspired by her now 18-month-old son, Ace, a trendy clothing boutique, “Tags,” a playful adult line, “Bedroom Kandi,” and full-service production company focused on finding and developing new talent. 2017 shaped up to be Kandi’s best year; she appeared in Sony’s I Never Heard My Father Speak and Bounce TV’s In The Cut, The Real Housewives of Atlanta returned for season 10, XSCAPE made a triumphant return to the music scene and hit the road on their first-ever headlining nationwide tour, “The Great XSCAPE Tour”, XSCAPE’s docu-series XSCAPE; Still Kickin It will air on Bravo, an XSCAPE biopic is confirmed for 2018, Kandi graced the cover of the Essence Magazine, and starred on the longest running Broadway musical of all time, Chicago, all while her brands continue to grow and thrive.
In 2009, Kandi joined the cast of the smash Bravo series, The Real Housewives of Atlanta and over the course of 9 seasons, became the highest-rated housewife across all franchises. Throughout the show, Kandi’s entrepreneurial spirit started to shine, as we watched her launch a
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KANDI KOATED ENTERTAINMENT
RAISING ACE
Founded by GRAMMY® Award-winning multiplatinum songwriter, singer, producer and artist Kandi Burruss at the outset of her illustrious music career, Kandi Koated Entertainment has expanded from a production company into a visionary all-encompassing media company—spanning not only music, but various film and television projects as well. boasting a dynamic and diverse in-house team, the firm offers songwriting, record production, the ability to record at Kandi’s Atlanta studio, music video and EPK production, social media marketing, touring expertise, seminar and convention planning, and so much more.
By not even a year-old, Kandi Burruss’s son Ace had already accrued nearly 300,000 Instagram followers. His early use of the “potty” sparked widespread conversations that jumped from social media to The View and The Wendy Williams Show.
Kandi Koated Entertainment continues to progress as a forward-thinking media company with the capability to make an indelible impact on all facets of entertainment.
Being the savvy entrepreneur, she is, Kandi built the kids brand Raising Ace. Launched for Holiday 2016, it features both clothing and accessories such as potties, bottles, bottle holders, toilet seats, and more, making parents’ lives easier and encouraging the normally dreaded “potty training” at a much younger stage of development. Driven by Kandi’s business acumen, vision, and hustle, Raising Ace remains poised to make major waves throughout the baby industry.
TAGS BOUTIQUE
BEDROOM KANDI Launched in 2012, Bedroom Kandi has quietly earned the title of “one of North America’s most successful online retailers of adult toys.” Inspired by learning that a notable European female billionaire made her fortune from sex toys and lingerie, Kandi Burruss decided to transform one of her favorite subjects into a multi-million-dollar empire. It built off her adult-centric online program “Kandi Koated Nights” during 2012. Within eight months of its inception, Bedroom Kandi became profitable, recouping all initial investments. Moreover, it expanded and engaged “consultants” everywhere to host their own “Bedroom Kandi Parties,” where they sell product to friends. By 2017, over 2,000 consultants participate actively nationwide. Bedroom Kandi hosts yearly conventions as well during which Kandi remains an active and integral focus.
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Kandi Burruss’s first venture outside of the music industry, TAGS Boutique is a retail staple in her native Atlanta as well as in Las Vegas and online. Offering current, chic, and cute female apparel at affordable price points. It continues to attract stylish women of all ages since its 2009 opening, TAGS has consistently lived up to its “Luxury for Less” tagline and grown into a fashion favorite.
OLD LADY GANG Opened its doors in 2017, Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine is a traditional Southern Style Eatery owned and operated by Kandi Burruss and husband Todd Tucker. Cleverly nodding to the nickname her mom and aunt received from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, the restaurant includes a menu of Southern favorites served in a classy and comfortable atmosphere which also boast an outside scenic patio and a live event space for musical performances.
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I want to build businesses that are of high quality, socially conscious, and for the people.” IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 9
After college Hazel signed a multi year deal with Nike and immediately joined the world class ranks, qualifying for her first Olympic team, advancing to the finals and winning the 2000 Olympic trials title. At the 2004 Olympics, Clark was eliminated from the first round heat after she was burned severely in a freak accident. Hazel rebounded from the disappointment with one of the best seasons of her life setting a new personal record of 1:57.9. Hazel has appeared in three global campaigns for Nike. Her likeness was displayed on billboards,store fronts, shopping bags and store fronts. She also appeared in print ads featured in Glamour, Vogue and numerous publications. In addition to her work as a spokesmodel Hazel has appeared in instructional videos, commercials and advertisements for Hershey and Home Depot. Throughout her
HAZEL
CLARK H
career Hazel has hosted various events, radio and television shows. Hazel speaks, entertains and motivates audiences world wide by speaking about her life experiences and the story of her career. Today she is a sports and education ambassador for the city of Atlanta, US embassy appointed sports envoy, founder of Clark Winning Concepts Inc. Nike Run Club director and the executive director of the Georgia
azel Clark was born on October
Hazel is the sister of four time
not join the track team until her junior
3rd in Livingston,NJ. Hazel is
Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs. Her sister
year. As a senior she was the top high
named after her grandmother
in law Jearl Miles Clark is a five time
school 800 meter runner in the country
and mother and adopted the nickname
Olympian and american record holder.
capturing the prestigious Golden
Hazel is considered a
Peachy as a newborn. To this day,
Her brother JJ is a world renowned
West Invitational and National Junior
favorite of the media due
family, friends and fans affectionately
coach, Hazel’s personal coach and
Championships.
to her engaging personality.
refer to her by the aforementioned
served as the 2008 Olympic coach.
moniker. Hazel is a seven time National World and Olympic finalist.
This quality has given her
The Clark sisters made history when
University of Florida where she was
they swept the 800 meter event at
coached by her brother JJ. While at
2000 Olympic trials. The Clark family is
Florida, Hazel was undefeated in SEC
Hazel is the daughter of Joe Clark who
known as the first family of track and
competition and won six NCAA titles.
inspired the Warner Brothers Movie
field. A member of the Clark family has
She also captured the NCAA meet record
Lean On Me and appeared on the cover
been on the last seven Olympic teams.
and won the 1998 800 meter NCAA title by the biggest winning margin in
of Time magazine. She is featured in his book Laying Down the Law and has appeared in numerous television features with her famous father.
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a platform to represent
Hazel received a scholarship from
Hazel attended Kent Place School and Columbia High school. She began her high school career reluctantly and did
history. Her excellence extended to the classroom where she was a member of the academic all american team for three consecutive years.
charities and causes she is passionate about.
IMAGES: MIKE DOE PHOTOGRAPHY
champion, three time Olympian and
Track Club.
The Clark family is known as the first family of track and field. A member of the Clark family has been on the last seven Olympic teams. IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 11
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EXECUTIVE, PHILANTHROPIST, ADVOCATE, PMM, CEO
She’s been called a powerhouse. As curator of consumer connections, her brand is brand – engagement, communications and culture. Her enterprise, PMM, is retained to build, position and protect some of the world’s most recognized brands as agency of record (AOR) to its Fortune 100, government agencies and influencer clientele. As a thought leader, she’s appeared in Fortune magazine, contributed on HuffPost Live, featured in Inc. magazine and captured on covers of business trades. As an industry expert, she’s been saluted among leaders of the smartest companies as a 2017 Business First C-Suite Award honoree, celebrated during the nation’s “2017 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Black Enterprise, named PR News’ “2017 Top Women in PR”, and honored as an EBONY POWER 100. As chief executive officer of PMM, Kimberly Blackwell is heralded as one of the country’s top executives in marketing and advertising.
Kimberly A. Blackwell
Widely regarded for her industry expertise and trajectory of the multi-dollar female business enterprise, since 2011, Blackwell currently serves as one of the country’s eight female CEOs, on the National Women’s Business Council (NWBC). NWBC is a non-partisan federal advisory council serving as a source of independent counsel to the President of the United States, Congress, and the SBA on economic issues of importance to women business owners. With offices
in the Midwest and Southeast, Blackwell’s companies include PMM Agency, PMM Promotions, PMM Sports & Entertainment, PMM Productions and PMM Media. No stranger to the White House, board rooms, lecture circuit or a whiteboard challenge, Blackwell and her nationally award-winning agency, PMM, have earned a reputation of trusted brand manager. Representing Fortune 100 multi-billion-dollar interests of global corporations that include the automotive, insurance and financial services, shipping and logistics along with government agencies, Blackwell and PMM have developed an identity for industry expertise and value in effective both B-to-C and B-to-B business solutions. Technical, strategy and creative consultant to the C-Suite for marketing, brand and change management, organizational effectiveness, communication, public affairs, cultural transformation and inclusion, Blackwell is also a certified diversity professional of Cornell University. She has also completed executive training at Dartmouth, Northwestern and Harvard Universities. Blackwell is a member of the Executive Leadership Council (ELC), a network of the nation’s most influential African American executives. She also is a member of the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), and lifetime member of the National Black MBA Association®. Grateful in the journey, Blackwell subscribes to the belief “to whom much is given, much is required.” She leads from governance positions, serving as a board member and trustee for affiliates of the Chamber of Commerce (Columbus, Ohio), Executive Committee member of the YWCA Columbus, Vice-Chair of Columbus Urban League and the King Arts Complex. In 2017, Blackwell served as Chair the American Heart Association Great Rivers, “Go Red for Women” campaign. A Buckeye native with Atlanta residence, Blackwell is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. A 2014 Chancellor’s Citation recipient, with blood that proudly bleeds orange, Blackwell holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University. Blackwell also has earned a master’s degree from Xavier University (Ohio), where she was also an adjunct professor for ten years.
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ERNESTINE JOHNSON VIRTUALLY SPEAKING Ernestine Johnson is a compelling actress, performance poet and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she started acting at ten years old, appearing on shows such as 7th Heaven, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and The Parent ‘Hood. She hit the Big Screen for the first time opposite Kevin Hart in Think Like a Man Too. Her recent TV credits include Shots Fired and 24 Legacy on the FOX network. Ernestine is also well known in the spoken word world, infamous for being uncensored and untamed on the microphone, speaking on matters
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dear to the heart. Her original spoken word piece “Average Black Girl” performed live on The Arsenio Hall Show, went viral with over 40 million views online. Ernestine also performed live on the OWN Network’s hit show “It’s Not You It’s Men” and TV One’s “Donnie After Dark.” You can catch Ernestine as the leading lady opposite DC Young Fly in the new hit feature film #DigitalLivesMatter directed by Terri J Vaughn, on the UMC network. Continuing her journey, Ernestine resides in Atlanta, Georgia changing the world one word at a time.
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RAZOR CHIC OF ATLANTA
CELEBRITY HAIRSTYLIST, MASTER OF DISGUISE AND HAIR & SCALP WHISPERER
By simply reviewing her extensive portfolio, one can tell award-winning master stylist, Jasmine “Razor Chic of Atlanta” Collins, is a woman on a mission and truly a master of disguise. An advocate for “real hair,” Jasmine inspires women to ditch their dependency on weaves, wigs, and braids for a healthy mane of their own. Locally recognized as a miracle worker of scalp and hair, her popularity boomed after releasing a video in which she seamlessly veils the thinning hair of a young client with weave-related traction alopecia, using only the client’s natural hair. The viral video has turned Jasmine into an international sensation, recognized as the cure for distressed scalps and hope for admirers around the world. With more than 25 years of hair styling knowledge, Jasmine is not only the owner of the stunning Razor Chic of Atlanta Salon. Jasmine is a recipient of numerous awards from competitions, including Bronner Brothers’ Hair Battle. Her artistry has been featured in numerous media outlets including BET, Centric TV, The CW, SELF Magazine, The Huffington Post, Daily Mail, Madamenoire.com, The Atlanta Journal-
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Constitution, Sophisticates Black Hairstyles, Hype Hair and SHEEN Magazine just to name a few. Jasmine’s work has been displayed on multiple celebrities including reality-TV stars NeNe Leakes and Porsha Williams, Rapper Trina, Comedians Monique & Sommore, Music Artists K Michelle & Tweet, Celebrity choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson, and Actress Terri J. Vaughn. Being a fashion connoisseur, she has provided clients with support for music videos, wardrobe styling, and other activities allowing her to extend her talent. Such opportunities include BRAVO’s “Housewives of Atlanta,” Monique Show, “The Soul Train Music Awards,” and Laurie Gibson’s “Born to Dance.” With nearly 1 million fans between Facebook and Instagram, Jasmine is a social media superstar whose captivating her audience with her miraculous client makeovers and their eagerness to participate in her touring “Look & Learns” and Hands-On classes. You can find Jasmine on social media at @ razorchicofatlanta
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T
he word incredible is defined as, “so extraordinary as to seem impossible.” The life and career of Deesha Dyer, then, can best be described as such: incredible. Ms. Dyer is a speaker, writer, and Creative Event and Strategy consultant whose talent is so undeniable, the Obama Administration hand-picked her to join their staff.
In 2015, this around the way girl from Philly took on her role as the Special Assistant to the President and Social Secretary, further making what seems extraordinarily impossible, possible. Her effervescent personality and unmatched work ethic were ideal for this challenging position, as she oversaw a team that coordinated the monumental visit of Pope Francis, State Dinners with heads of states from China, Canada, and Italy; and booked legendary performances by stellar artists such as Beyoncé, Bruce Springsteen, and the cast of the Broadway musical Hamilton. An event she co-produced, BET’s Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, won a 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News/ Information Special.
A Philadelphia native, Deesha’s unconventional story is woven together by themes of heart, dedication, and an incessant quest for excellence. After graduating from Milton Hershey School, a private philanthropic boarding school in Hershey, PA, college seemed inevitable. She enrolled in a four-year university but returned home shortly afterward due to financial hardships. Never one to be deterred In addition to her expertise in event by setbacks, the self-proclaimed “come-back coordination, logistics, protocol, and kid” began strategizing her next move. statecraft, Deesha’s heart beats most loudly for community service. She’s worked with Deesha landed a position as an assistant at the Youth Health Empowerment Project, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment was a CARE advocacy volunteer and board Trust, where she honed her skills of detail member at Action AIDS and serves as orientation and project coordination. Her Executive Director of beGirl. world, a global side-gig as a freelance hip hop journalist empowerment and education travel program was the perfect complement to her for teen girls she co-founded in 2014. day job, teaching her how to exercise A passionate advocate for women, she resourcefulness and work with a variety seeks to inspire them to believe that they of personality types to complete her story are enough and can achieve their wildest assignments. dreams - just like she has. At the age of 30, Ms. Dyer returned to school and pursued a degree in women’s studies. While taking classes at the Community College of Philadelphia, she became an intern in the Office of Scheduling and Advance at the White House. This opportunity would be the start of her sevenyear tenure at the White House, where she served the Obama Administration in a variety of positions such as Associate Director for Scheduling Correspondence (2010), Hotel Program Director (2011), Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary (2013).
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Deesha has been featured in national media outlets including TIME, The New York Times, Marie Claire, Essence, Vogue, Refinery29, Forbes, The Root, Glamour and Washington Post. A charismatic speaker with unbridled optimism, she now shares her message of hope, hard work, and living life on your own terms with audiences across the country, while running her private consulting firm.
Deesha Dyer
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A
The Queen of Storytelling
Orie continues to thrive as the “Queen of Storytelling” while creating a rich legacy of love.
Ardre Orie
ArdreOrieisacelebrityghostwriter, book publishingexpert, playwright,filmdirectorand CEOof 13th&JoanPublishingHouse.Orie haswrittenforahostofclientsincludingVH1, MTV,WETV, BRAVO,CENTRIC,YouTube, GrammyAwardwinningartists,thesportsand entertainment industriesaswellasabevyof entrepreneursandeverydayheroes. Astheproductofasingleparenthomeand childhoodsurvivorofdomesticviolence, Ardre
shedslightonlife’sexperienceswhileclosely examiningtheeffectsofmainstreammedia and societalnormsthathaved efinedour journeysandself-worth.
recognizedthattherewasgreatpowerinthe transparencyofherpainthroughstorytelling. Hergoal asamediamavenistocreateplatforms andmediathatallowthevoicesofthosewho havesuffered fromoppressivecircumstances tobeheardandtocreatemeaningfulmedia thatfeedsoursoulsand shedslightonour experiences. Oriebeganhercareerasanauthortellingthe storiesofwomeninherlocalcommunityat age10. As authorofConsciouslyBeautiful:I AmEnough(2014),AHeroineinHeels(2015) andLetYourLips SpeakLife(2017);writerand directorofthetheatricalproductionsLipstick MonologuesandThe HeartofaMan; andfilm directorofthedocumentaryIAmConsciously Beautiful, ArdreOrie’swork shedslightonlife’s experienceswhilecloselyexaminingtheeffects ofmainstreammediaand societalnormsthat havedefinedourjourneysandself-worth.
In2015, Oriefounded13th&Joan, amultimedia publishingagencytoprovideavehiclefor aspiring authors, playwrightsandfilmdirectors totelltheirstoriesanddistributethemonalarge scalewith hersupportandguidance.Inthis capacity,Oriehascoachedhundredsofaspiring writersacrossthe
In2016,Orie,establishedTheBeautiful Mile,thefirsteverbeautywalkencouraging womentolove themselvesandt heirstories. Ardre’sdedicationtoadvocacyhascreateda nationalnetworkof womenthatcontinuethe conversationofself-worthandvalidation.Her worksuncovertheinternal strugglesfacedby womenandcontinuestoleadthechargefor redefiningbeautygoalstoinclude self-worth,educationalempowermentand financialstability. OriealsolaunchedA|OrieCosmeticsin2017 tochangethenarrativeandwordsassociated with beautyandtohelpwomentor ecognizethat everyfacehasastorytotellandthatallofour stories arebeautifulandhavevalue.
finishlinetobecomepublished authors. Priorto takingaleapoffaithtowardsentrepreneurship, ArdreattendedFloridaStateUniversity where sheearnedbothherundergraduateand Oriecontinuestothriveasthe“Queenof Master’sDegreesinSpecialEducation.After teaching for4years,shewentontoearnanEd.S Storytelling”whilecreatingar ichlegacyoflove. inEducationalLeadership. Oriebeganhercareerasanauthortellingthe storiesofwomeninherlocalcommunityatage
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10.As authorofConsciouslyBeautiful:IAm Enough(2014),AHeroineinHeels(2015)andThe Artof Storytelling(2016);writeranddirectorof thetheatricalproductionsLipstickMonologues andThe HeartofaMan;andfilmdirectoro f thedocumentary“IAmConsciouslyBeautiful”, ArdreOrie’swork
ArdreOriecurrentlyresidesinChicago,Illinois withherhusbandandtwodaughtersanda loving sonincollege.
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Rashan Ali Rashan Ali Multi-Media Personality
With a passion for sports, empowering young women and the people of Atlanta, Rashan Ali continues to establish herself as a formidable and revered multimedia personality within the sports and entertainment industries. While attending Florida A & M University as a Broadcast Journalism major, Rashan knew that she wanted to share her voice with the world, and set out on a quest to make that happen. She became heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Atlanta, working for LaFace Records and the personal assistant to the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. Rashan entered a contest searching for new talent on Atlanta radio station HOT 107.9 FM and was handpicked from over 500 applicants to join popular radio personality Ryan Cameron on-air. Her charisma and grace appealed to millions of listeners, which quickly propelled the program’s rating into the #1 position during its 6-10 AM time slot. She then went on to become the host of the “A-Team” Morning Show on the same station. Rashan’s journey in radio came full circle in 2010 when she reunited with Ryan Cameron for a year as the co-host of The Ryan Cameron Show on V-103 FM, Atlanta’s #1 urban formatted station. She later joined new hip hop station 94.5 as the host of “The Streetz Morning Grind” in 2012. Rashan’s unique perspective and passion for sports has resulted in sideline reporting for the Atlanta Hawks (2005 – 2009),
the Southern Conference Sports Network (2011), the Atlanta Football Classic for NBC Sports Network (2011-2012), college football and basketball for CBS Sports Network (2012-2015) and for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview Show, which aired on ESPN 2 and ESPN U. She was also the Social Media Correspondent for NBA TV’s “GameTime” during the NBA Playoffs (2010 – 2013) and worked on the network’s show “Fantasy Insider” in the same capacity for two seasons. Ali hosted Atlanta and Company After Noon on NBC (Atl). She also hosted Under Armour Highlights of the week on the NFHS Network and “HBCU Playback” on Aspire TV. Ali freelanced for CNN and HLN’s Bleacher Report. and served as the cohost of “Rise Up Weekly” on Atlanta’s CW 69 for the past three seasons. Also also freelanced as a sports anchor on NBA TV. She recently launched her own podcast, “The Cool Soror Podcast” which explores the stories of women and men in black, greek lettered organizations. She recently expanded the brand incorporating all “Cool People.” Rashan currently serves as cohost of “Sister Circle” - a nationally syndicated talk show on TV One. Ali remains involved in countless charities and organizations. She is an active member of the Pi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2006, she founded Sporty Girls, Inc., -a non-profit organization that encourages personal growth through participation in non-traditional sports like golf, tennis, soccer, swimming and lacrosse. Sporty Girls, Inc. has made an indelible impact on young, female athletes through her Camp Elite, Sporty Tract to Scholarship, Get Girls Sporty and Sporty Clinics programs. Sporty Girls has served more than 800 girls throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. Ali recently authored of first children’s book entitled, “Piper Sky’s Pink Popsicle Shoes.” Ali enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters, Bailey and Carter. For more information about Rashan Ali, please visit www. rashanali.com, www.sportygirlsinc.org, www.pipersky.com & www.coolsoror.com.
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Koereyelle Who’s That Girl
Koereyelle made her mark in 2011 when she founded The Single Wives Club, an education, and empowerment organization that inspires single ladies to become better women before becoming wives. She is also the Chief Experience Officer of WERKPraySlay — an annual 3-day empowerment weekend for women who are ready to win. She has truly become the voice for millennial women, representing the “new single woman” who wants love and marriage, but has not detoured her focus from her education and career. With this mission in mind, she leads her Inner Circle mentoring group, which provides skills and strategies for women to level up personally and professionally. With a passion for women and pizazz for entrepreneurship, Koe authored two self-development books for women: WERK101: Get-Your-Life-Together Guide
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and a sophomore project, which shares success secrets for fearless female entrepreneurs, hosts a bi-weekly podcast titled Confessions of a WERKaholic, and creates group travel experiences for women through her Busy at the Beach brand. She’s an international speaker, business mentor, and educator who’s been featured nationally by ESSENCE magazine, the Huffington Post, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, MadameNoire, Rolling Out, NBC, TV One, and more for her empowerment projects. Koereyelle is on a mission to help women uncover their purpose, prioritize their life, and profit from their passions. Her motto is, “You already have everything you need to get everything you want, if you are willing to WERK for it.”
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Gwennetta
WRIGHT Business Strategist/Author/Speaker
Gwennetta Wright is a seasoned entrepreneur and celebrated author. An award-winning business woman, Wright’s ability to reflect a passion for service in order to reach success has become a flagship component to her brand as a tax professional, business strategist, realtor and media spokesperson. Known for her ability to project manage multiple and complicated professional endeavors, she utilizes her resources and talents to empower others and provide accurate and sound advice to other businesses. Gwennetta, herself, owns Xpert Tax Service LLC, Gwennetta Wright Enterprises and she is the CEO of Reach 4 Your Dream Inc. Further, she is also a realtor with Prestige Property Broker and host of her own talk show, Gwen’s Business Corner, on Fox 54. While work is important, Gwennetta has a vested interest in helping others polish their efforts by acting as a philanthropist and community-based liaison and mentor. Her strong reputation within the business world and involvement within the Georgia community compliment her tireless passion for service. She has helped lay the foundation for a variety of small businesses, as well as dedicating her time and attention to various issues for at-risk youth. Her professional ambition and accomplishments are embedded alongside her religious views, which help others discover not only how the Lord’s lessons in life can turn into one’s biggest blessings, but also how serving others helps both community and businesses grow. To find more information about Gwennetta Wright: Website: www.gwennettawright.com Social Media: @gwennettawright 26 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE
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Luxe Platinum Label is the #1 100% Human Hair Provider in the Carolina’s. Luxe provide the top quality 100% Human Hair Extensions in a variety of textures and lengths. They ship worldwide, same day on all orders placed before 2pm EST. Luxe offers custom wigs, custom coloring, medical wigs, custom lace fronts, 360 lace closures, and double drawn Vietnamese hair. Look for the Luxe Platinum Label pop-up shops coming your way this year. At the pop-up shops, you will be able to witness the splendor of the Luxe hair and purchase hair at the events. Be sure to be following on all social media platforms, @luxeplatinumlabel. Visit their website at www.luxeplatinumlabel.com.
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Hollywood Glam Hair Extensions, is a fast-growing successful hair extension company. Our premium virgin hair extensions are carefully inspected and selected from one of the most exclusive virgin hair suppliers in the world. Whether you are looking for straight, curly, wavy, or body wave extensions, know that you can always count on Hollywood Glam Hair for premium quality. We offer great customer service, weave consulting, and fast shipping to US and international customers. Hollywood Glam Hair Extensions is dedicated to proving our clients with a hassle-free experience. We measure our success by the number of satisfied clients that we have, so we always strive for excellence. Our belief is that everyone should look and feel like a celebrity with any budget. Hollywood Glam Hair Extensions provides you with the highest quality hair extensions that money can buy. Allow our hair extensions to have your hair looking like a STAR! Find out for yourself why the STARS love our HAIR!​
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Aisha Hinds & Tunisha C. Brown
IMPACT Women of
Elishea Moore, Tunisha C. Brown & Twiler Portis
Khat Brim, Vanessa Simmons & Ashley Williams
Ericka Pittman & Miss Diddy
Shanice
Torrei Hart & Tunisha C. Brown
Erika Pittman
Olori Swank
Women of IMPACT Power Dinner Honoring
Aisha Hinds at the Ritz Carlton, Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant W24 in Los Angeles
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Vanessa Simmons & Tunisha C. Brown
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