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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
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COVER STORY
TWILER PORTIS \\ 10
Twiler Portis has been building her empire since she was in her early twenties! From insurance companies and more, Twiler has built a sure-fire way to win in business and in life. Journey through the pages to read more about the empire Twiler built.
ISAIAH WASHINGTON \\ 08
Are You Ready To Make An IMPACT?
Isaiah Washington Critically-acclaimed, NAACP Image and SAG award-winning actor, producer, activist and author Isaiah Washington has been a star of stage, film, and television for nearly three decades. Get to know more about the actor and philanthropist!
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’m often asked why it is so important to me to highlight the story of my people. You should see the look on my face when I ask are they living in the same country as I do. There are not many publications who highlight the greatness of who we are and what we do. It has always been my mission with IMPACT to do just that; to highlight ordinary people of color living extraordinary lives!
ANDREW HAWKINS \\ 22 Andrew Hawkins The epitome of perseverance, Andrew Hawkins took a unique path to success. Get to know how Hawkins set out on an improbable odyssey to NFL stardom.
In this special issue of IMPACT, we are highlighting the boss moms and the Men of IMPACT! A boss mom is a leader who goes for the gusto in all that she does. She moves with integrity and while not perfect, her word is her bond! Take for instance our cover feature story of Twiler Portis, a certified BOSS MOM who made her first six figures back in the 90’s in her early 20’s. We also shine light to the Men of IMPACT who are making strides in their respective industries. Those men who are standing strong in who they are and not taking no for any answers. Like critically acclaimed actor Isaiah Washington who held firm in his truth to now seeing a glare of light while in the tunnel. It is our duty to tell the stories of men and women who are living their greatness to the fullest! Scroll through the pages and get to know each one of them in a grander light.
JEFF JOHNSON \\ 06
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Jeff Johnson is a teller of stories, developer of messages, and architect of social solutions who’s as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the scenes developing strategy and messages for his clients. Learn more about Jeff Johnson.
Remember to always be an IMPACT!
TUNISHA C. BROWN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @momentswithtunisha @impactmagazine
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JEFF
JOHNSON
CREATOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/HOST OF BET’S MANCAVE
Jeff is a teller of stories, developer of messages, and architect of social solutions who’s as comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind the scenes developing strategy and messages for his clients. The award-winning journalist and communications specialist is currently Managing Principal for the Baltimore based strategy firm JIJ Communications, where he provides strategic insight and messaging consulting to clients in 4 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE
the private, public, and entertainment sectors. His client list includes Google, Oppenheimer Funds, the City of Cleveland and Victoria’s Secret. Over the last two decades Jeff has developed expertise in communications, political engagement and strategic consulting to create a unique career committed to developing solutions and systemic change. He calls it double bottom-line impact and is committed to it for both his personal brand and that of his clients. Jeff states, ”The problems many of our communities face can be transformed
by exploring market driven solutions that merge the public, private and philanthropic sectors into ecosystems of impact”. He sat with both President Barack Obama and Secretary Hillary Clinton for BET News and provides regular content on the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Jeff formally served as National Director for the Youth & College Division of the NAACP and held an appointment by Russell Simmons as the Vice President of the Hip Hop Summit
Action Network (HSAN). In 2014 Jeff worked with Steve Harvey on his New York Times Best Seller, Act Like A Success, Think Like A Success, and is the author of his own book, Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am. He is the Creator, Host and Executive Producer of MANCAVE, a late-night talk show targeting urban men that aired on BET this winter. Jeff is the honored husband of Jacqueline and the fortunate father of Madison, Myles, Malcolm and Baldwin.
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ritically-acclaimed, NAACP Image and SAG award-winning actor, producer, activist and author Isaiah Washington has been a star of stage, film, and television for nearly three decades. A veteran of several Spike Lee films and cult-classic Love Jones, Washington has starred alongside such actors as Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Warren Beatty, George Clooney, William H. Macy, Steven Seagal, Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Halle Berry, and Jennifer Lopez successfully carving a definitive niche for himself as a formidable talent. Through natural progression, he branched into the development end of the business, including executive producing the critically acclaimed 2013 film Blue Caprice. Washington received universal praise in such media asThe Hollywood Reporter, Variety, GQ, Esquire, the New York Times, and Los Angeles Times for his dark, stirring portrayal of DC sniper John Allen Muhammad. He recently produced and starred, along with Oscar® winner/ producer Mo’Nique, in the film Blackbird, and his documentary Bound: Africans versus African Americans, won the Women in Cinema Lena Sharpe Award at the 2014 Seattle Film Festival. Actively involved through his The Gondobay Manga Foundation with global issues that often find him speaking at congressional hearings in the U.S. Capitol and working with world leaders – particularly on issues that greatly impact his DNAtraced homeland of Sierra Leone (a subject covered in his autobiography, A Man From Another Land), the Congo, Rwanda and many other countries throughout the African diaspora (including his vigorous campaign in the fight against Ebola) – the Texas native is best known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama Grey’s Anatomy, and currently
Isaiah Washington
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TWILER PORTIS
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Entrepreneur, Mentor, Millionaire Networker
wiler Portis is an entrepreneur, mentor, and millionaire networker whose very story has touched and transformed the lives of thousands. Twiler’s entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with her passion for business has afforded her the unique opportunity to executive produce television shows, invest in business start-ups, mentor small businesses, resulting in thousands of families receiving healthy five figure incomes per month. But before the work, there was the woman: a speaker and philanthropist – helping those in search of the chance to live their best lives and in the process, learn to live full and die empty.
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Twiler Portis IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 9
“I owned my own business at age 24. Portis Insurance Agency & Precision Driving School. I used to hit the streets back in ‘92 passing out flyers at every high school on the south side... hot, sweating, and sometimes in the rain. I was the street team! Earning my 1st six figures and went on to do over 250k in business. Everyday I’m hustling!”
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Towanda Braxton/ Towanda Braxton is an internationally acclaimed singer, actress entrepreneur, and executive television producer. Best known for her current role as the star of WEtv’s hit series, “Braxton Family Values”
Braxton Towanda
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Towanda Braxton is an internationally acclaimed singer, actress entrepreneur, and executive television producer. Best known for her current role as the star of WEtv’s hit series, “Braxton Family Values”, Towanda has been involved in different facets of entertainment as early as age 5. As a result, she has been signed to Arista Records, LaFace Records, and Atlantic Records. The only album ever released by R&B female group “The Braxton’s” which also included Toni, Traci, Trina and Tamar Braxton. Towanda travels the world building the Braxton brand working directly with her sister and platinum selling R&B artist, Toni Braxton. As a spokesperson for Burlington Coat Factory, Macy’s, Gain Detergent, Proctor & Gamble, Rio 1 & 2, Home Goods, Bayer Asprin, and The Vagina Monologues Towanda has captivated the international press and television media; spotlighted in Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Madamenoire, Vibe Magazine, Black Enterprise, Essence, TMZ, Huffington Post, OK! Magazine and many more. Towanda has collaborated with the entertainment industry’s most celebrated brands including Actress Teri Vaughn, Comedian Bruce Bruce, Actor and Producer Carl Payne, Media Personality Ebony Steele and a host of others.
Towanda developed her company, the “Secret Squirrels”, in an effort to provide training, certification and placement for individuals who desire to work as professional personal assistants. Her charitable contributions are observed by working with the CEO of Saving Our Daughters - a non-profit organization that focuses on creating the tools to get teen girls discussing key issues in their lives. In addition to her many accomplishments to date, Towanda Braxton has been named St. Jude Children’s Hospitals “Partner In Hope.” With Braxton Family Values currently airing every Thursday at 9:00 pm (est) on WEtv, Towanda’s upcoming projects also include another reality show which she is the co-executive producer, set to air on the network soon. Towanda Braxton hopes to establish herself in entertainment by leveraging opportunities that best fit her professional abilities and creative assets in television, movies, workshops, speaking engagements, sponsorships and product endorsements.
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Derek Blanks/ Celebrity Photographer Derek Blanks is a talent, unlike others who share his craft. Respected media brands like CoverGirl, ESSENCE, BET Networks, and Sony Music Entertainment, to name a few, frequently seek him for iconic campaigns and cover shoots while celebrities’ request him exclusively for personal photo sessions including the Alter Ego, as made popular by NeNe Leakes of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Though his client roster boasts some of the biggest names on the planet including Oscar Award-Winning Actors Mo’Nique, Viola Davis, Jennifer Hudson and Cuba Gooding Jr.; Olympian’s Gabby Douglas and Carmelita Jeter; Nicki Minaj, Wendy Williams, Steve Harvey, Janelle Monae´, Chaka Khan, Kelly Rowland and Nick Cannon, Derek’s artistry is willingly available for anyone who desires to stand in front of his lens. As a consummate visual artist, photographer, budding director and television personality with appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Don’t Be Tardy for The Wedding, The Insider, My Fair Wedding with David Tutera and
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more, Derek Blanks is the definition of a true renaissance man, a title sincerely earned as one of the hardest working, studied & disciplined photographers in the country. Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Blanks’ talents were undeniable even at a young age, prompting his parents to enroll him in APAC, an academic and performing arts complex designed to nurture his budding artistic skills. Blanks went on to successfully graduate Magna Cum Laude from the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore, MD receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. In 2013, Blanks received the Alumni Award from the Board of Trustees for outstanding achievements and contributions to the arts. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but when each shot is intentioned to be the perfect pairing of your image & the undeniable vision of a photographer like Derek Blanks, works so engaging can truly render you… speechless.
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The definition of a leader is:“a person who guides or inspires others.”
Dominic
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Stokes
The definition of a leader is: “a person who guides or inspires others.” With his selfless enthusiasm for youth, Dominic Stokes is the embodiment of a leader. After years of working as an operations manager, Stokes finally listened to the call God placed on his heart and began his full-time work with youth.
Dominic Stokes
Through his work with CTC, Stokes was led to use the power of visual storytelling to produce “Atlanta’s Young and Homeless” and is currently working on “If Streets Could Talk Atlanta” a documentary focusing on the mindset of Atlanta youth and their interest and involvement in gangs. Stokes’ overall goal is to equip and empower youth with the necessary tools In 2007, Stokes founded Community to be the change they want to see in the Teen Coalition, Inc. (CTC) a youth world. enrichment program designed to generate the skills and motivation teens Dominic holds a Bachelor of Arts in need for future success in post-secondary Business from Clayton State University, a and entrepreneurship education. Upon Master of Science in Human Resources watching the news, he became bothered from Central Michigan University and by the constant reporting of teen crime, a graduate certificate in Nonprofit arrests and deaths mostly within the Management from Georgia State African-American community. Going University. Mr. Stokes is also the recipient along with that news, came the discovery of the FBI Director’s Community of a sharp decline among youth in Leadership Award, and received a matriculation through college, as well Proclamation from Union City, Georgia as a lack of motivation, goal-setting and for his exemplary work in the community optimism of their future. and has been seen on CNN and several other news stations advocating for at-risk Part of the goal of CTC is to prepare and youth. encourage youth to “don’t wait for the opportunity”, create the opportunity”. The organization assists teens with the ability to develop social enterprises and foster a next generation of entrepreneurs – both job creators and entrepreneurial employees.
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Toya Wright/ Entrepreneur, New York Times Best-Selling author, actress, philanthropist, and television personality Antonia “Toya” Wright is beautiful beyond words, and talented beyond measure.
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Entrepreneur, New York Times Best-Selling author, actress, philanthropist, and television personality Antonia “Toya” Wright is beautiful beyond words, and talented beyond measure. With the release of her third book and newest memoir, “In My Own Words…My Real REALity”, the New Orleans native has been busy with a number of lucrative endeavors. On February 16, 2015 Toya watched in awe as the world witnessed the televised celebration of her baby girl’s birthday via MTV’s My Super Sweet 16. The special proved to be a hit with millions of viewers across the world and managed to impress talk show queen Wendy Williams. The special also gave viewers a glimpse into the life of Toya and Reginae, and reflected their amazing bond, while highlighting a great friendship with Reginae’s dad hip hop mega star Lil Wayne. Since stepping into the spotlight via her previous reality series Tiny and Toya that debuted on BET during the spring of 2009 and co-starred Tameka ‘Tiny” Harris (wife of hip hop superstar T.I.), Toya has continued to peak public interest and even partook in a spinoff television series “Family Affair”, a docu-series that gave viewers an inside glimpse into a day on the life of Toya along with her closest friends and family.
Perhaps one of the best qualities about Toya is her altruism. Her New York Times best-selling novel “Priceless Inspirations”, offered young women, the very pearls of wisdom that she collected as she traveled a very difficult and tumultuous journey, but somehow found the strength to not only endure, but to successfully overcome. The quintessential jet setter and a very devoted mother, Toya still finds time to mentor young adults and give back to the community. Having founded her non-profit organization, Visual Beauty, Toya uses her experiences to enrich the lives of at-risk and disadvantaged young women, by helping them find their voice, helping them to see their own inner beauty and knowing their self-worth. Toya was recently featured in Glamour South Africa, Cosmopolitan Magazine Nigeria and Elle South Africa and continues to inspire millions of people across the globe. Beautiful inside and out, she embodies the essence of a true phenomenal woman. Toya also recently appeared on The Real, Dr. Oz and in publications; Women’s Health, Essence and much more!
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Sharriff James C.E.O, Life Coach, Mentor, Speaker, Event Master, Realestate Developer and Author
Mr. Shariff A. James, is a true to life “rose that grew from concrete”, who found his humble and challenging beginning of life in Newark, New Jersey. Born into dire poverty and turbulent family dysfunction, Mr. James’s early life was plagued by lack, limited education, abandonment, and incarceration. And yet, as both God and fate would have it, Shariff used each obstacle - every door that life seemingly closed on him - to develop a true champion’s spirit and to both determine and forge his own path.
to fund projects that he and a partner group invest in. Shariff also serves as a business coach for several new inspiring investors who are seeking to attain similar success.
His office resides at the Enterprise Development Center in a Newark, where he has roots in the city as a graduate of the Young Entrepreneurial Program. He also served on the Marketing Board at NJPAC during the financial crisis of 2008. He enjoys a 24 year marriage with his wife Simone and two kids in Georgia, and also served 2 years as a board member of the Collins Wood Park Mission Realestate Projects LLC. Shariff James entered the real estate Townhomes in Suwanee where he lives. sector in the late 1990s as a vital member of Goldfarb Properties in New In addition to wwbeing a devoted Rochelle, NY. He served as the Leasing husband and father of two and Director for the thirty-six million dollar speaker at the University of Medicine rehabilitation project of the Maple and Dentistry of New Jersey Young Gardens Housing Complex in Irvington, Father’s program and was awarded NJ. In 1999, he studied under the the Young Father’s Appreciation award tutelage of mentors at the Realestate in 2007. He has also participated in Investment Group, and three years numerous conferences and panel later, acquired his first property with a discussions on family related topics for local community institutions such as 203k loan at the age of 28. Family Intervention Services and the Shariff has found his niche as a consultant Black Ministers Conference. Mr. James for NYC investors, constructing deals is a 2002 graduate of the Prudential with private banks to purchase, fix and Young Entrepreneurial Program, and resell underperforming assets. Currently a recipient of the J.O.B. Marketing Shariff’s network includes investors and Travel Sales Achievement Award who have a collective eight million and the Mission Man of Achievement dollars invested in fix-and-flip and re- Award among others. He also has been development projects throughout New a featured Entrepreneur in the book Jersey. He personally works with ABL “Young Gifted and Talented”
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FORMER NFL PLAYER, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT THE ROBOT CO./ UNINTERRUPTED/SPRINGHILL ENTERTAINMENT, ESPN ON-AIR TALENT
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he epitome of perseverance, Andrew Hawkins took a unique path to success. After completing his college football season standing only 5’7 and obtaining a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Toledo in 2008, Hawkins set out on an improbable odyssey to NFL stardom that included working as a caddy, factory worker, Detroit Lions player personnel intern, starring on SpikeTV reality competition 4th and long, and playing in the Canadian Football League. Three years later, Hawkins finally landed a spot in the National Football League, and went on to play three seasons for the Cincinnati Bengals and three seasons for the Cleveland Browns before retiring from the New England Patriots. Named a team captain while playing for the Browns, Hawkins amassed 250 receptions, 14 touchdowns, and nearly 3,000 yards throughout his professional football career. Hawkins is equally impressive off of the field, earning a Master’s degree from Columbia University while simultaneously playing in the NFL, graduating with a 4.03 G.P.A in 2017. Hawkins is also a modern pioneer in using his platform in professional sports to speak on social injustice. He made national headlines in 2014 for both his onfield protest of the killings of Tamir Rice and John Crawford III and the subsequent explanation of his stance. “Justice is a right that every American should have, and
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also justice should be the goal of every American… So, a call for justice shouldn’t offend anybody and a call for justice, shouldn’t warrant an apology.” - Andrew Hawkins Hawkins has spoken on social injustice and athlete activism at MIT, Harvard, and the New York Bar association. Hawkins has also been invited to Capitol Hill numerous times to discuss law enforcement and community relations issues with members of Congress. Equally known for the pride he takes in community service endeavors, Hawkins is passionate about improving the quality of life of the less fortunate and providing opportunities for children and families in need. Andrew and his wife, Kisha, have proudly partnered and contributed over $1M and counting to charitable organizations and causes throughout his career. As a media personality, Hawkins was recently nominated for an Emmy as a host of ESPN’s new show SportsCenter on Snapchat. Additionally he is the host of Operation Football on ESPN Radio, a studio analyst on SportsCenter and NFL Live, and one half of The ThomaHawk Podcast on Uninterrupted. On the business side, Hawkins serves as the Director of Business Development for the media, marketing, and entertainment companies of Maverick Carter & LeBron James.
ANDREW
HAWKINS IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE || 25
Rasheeda/ female mc | entrepreneur personality | fashion and beauty expert
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I’ve always been creative, but I didn’t truthfully understand the capacity of how I could get into fashion and how much I would enjoy it.” 26 || IMPACT MAGAZINE | @IMPACTMAGAZINE
asheeda is the epitome of everything beauty and fashion. This chic fashion entrepreneur, Female MC and Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Star dubbed as the “Georgia Peach”, is an Atlanta Based Independent Female Hip Hop Artist. Rasheeda’s chart-topping and biggest record to date is “My Bubblegum”, which catapult the beautiful MC to fame and stardom. “My Bubblegum” was so popular that is was the platinum ring tone on the number one box office smash, Paul Blart Mall Cop. With well over six million social media followers, Rasheeda has evolved into a beauty and fashion forward trendsetter. In addition to being a wife, mother and philanthropist, Rasheeda is the owner of Pressed located in Phipps Plaza in Atlanta and PressedATL.com, the e-commerce site that has helped redefine how women shop. Talk about a modern-day Wonder Woman. Rasheeda is always captivated by what’s next and often think with a few keystrokes that she can change something. Since establishing her store in 2010 and working in the fashion industry, she has realized that launching a popular website is like building a skyscraper—major construction and everything has to be perfect. “I’ve always been creative, but I didn’t truthfully understand the capacity of how I could get into fashion and how much I would enjoy it,” says Rasheeda, on her love of fashion. In 2013, Rasheeda launched her cosmetics line, Poiz Cosmetics…this is where the fun truly began! Rasheeda set out to change the industry by creating stunning lipstick shades that let your lips do the talking! Whether you prefer the perfect nude or something with a little kick, Rasheeda’s Poiz Cosmetic shades were the talk amongst the Internet. Currently, Rasheeda is signed to Atlanta based D-Lo Entertainment, which has been her home for over 12 years and has previously been nominated for Female Hip Hop artist of the year and Best Female Hip Hop artist by BET. Rasheeda is
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Dr. Myla/ Certified Plastic Surgeon
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oard certified plastic surgeon, speaker, beauty preservation strategist, and business mogul Doctor Myla Bennett Powell is the founder of PreserveYourPretty.com and has become one of the most sought after female plastic surgeons on the east coast. A graduate of The Ohio State University Medical Center, Dr. Myla specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face and body, as well as, non-surgical facial rejuvenation. In addition, Dr. Myla’s expertise extend to body contouring, breast surgery, tummy tuck and liposuction. She has made it her mission to gain exposure to cutting edge products, treatments, and surgical procedures to prevent, slow down, and even reverse the signs of aging. Featured in both national and international publications and networks including, Single and Living Fab, Black America Web, NBC, The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Radio One, and many more, Dr. Myla continues to strive to become a household name through national recognition. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Myla is one of six children raised in a single parent home. After high school she completed undergraduate studies at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she earned a B.S. in Biology. She then returned to Ohio to complete medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. After completion of surgical training Dr. Myla accepted a position with Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN where she started the Allure Center for plastic surgery. After 3 years there and completion of her contract, she opted to venture out on her own and start her own private practice in plastic surgery. As a wife and mother to Bennett and Bradley, Dr. Myla currently resides in Johns Creek, Georgia where she is preparing for the grand opening of her private practice, Ederra Bella Plastic Surgery and Medical Spa, PC. Dr. Myla is currently accepting invitations to speak on panels, expo’s, seminars, and conferences. For all inquiries contact PRTeam@epimediagroup.com
Founded by Demetria Graves, California Family Law Specialist, and Merissa V Grayson, Esq., America’s Blended Family Expert, The Elite Firm is the first of its kind, providing legal representation
also a co-parent coach, mediator, author of a 3-part book series, The Business of Co-Parenting, and a public speaker with topics ranging from Family Law, co-parenting and other blended family related
in family law, entertainment law, criminal defense, crisis management,
topics, Entrepreneurship, Empowerment, and more. Managing Partner,
and support business services to African-American Celebrities, Athletes
Demetria Graves, Esq., is a Family Law Specialist certified by the State
and High-Profile influencers. Managed and staffed by a team of suc-
Bar of California. She has been named one of California’s Super Law-
cessful, dynamic African-American women, The Elite Firm is comprised
yers and received “Woman of the Year” by Women in Business.Attorney
of lawyers, specialists, strategists and problem solvers; all with extreme-
Graves is the current president of the Black Women Lawyers Associa-
ly successful careers in their individual fields of expertise. The partners
tion of Los Angeles. serves on the Family Law Executive Committee of
of The Elite Firm have been featured in national publications and have
the California Lawyers Association, and has authored, “It Doesn’t Have
had multiple appearances on networks including: Black Enterprise, Ra-
to Be Ugly,” a comprehensive guide to assist individuals facing divorce.
dio-One, Sheen Magazine, Rolling Out Magazine, The Michael Baisden Show, NBC and many more.
In addition to the Los Angeles office, The firm currently operates offices in South Florida, New York, Chicago, and offices are set to launch in
After operating successful individual firms of their own, the two high
Atlanta, Central Florida, DC, and Las Vegas soon. Currently, there are a
powered attorneys recognized the increasing need for an organization
total of fourteen elite members, all African-American women, focusing
like The Elite Firm to exist. Managing Partner, Merissa V. Grayson, Esq.,
on a holistic approach to servicing its client base. Additional services
is a divorce and child custody attorney specializing in father’s rights.
that are currently available via The Elite Firm are: mental health, anger
She has been named one of the “Top 10 Black Female Attorneys You
management, domestic violence recovery, parenting classes, crisis
Should Know” within Black Enterprise and serves on the board of the
management, and personal development.
Black Women Lawyers Association, Los Angeles. Attorney Grayson is
All media and booking inquiries should contact: PRTeam@epimediagroup.com.
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TORRANCE
HILL
ENTREPRENEUR/PHILANTHROPIST TECH EXPERT
Torrance Hill is an Entrepreneur and (23 year) Technology Professional who has emerged as a key visionary in Technical Compliance in the highly regulated Casino Gaming Industry. Mr. Hill, started his technology career without any formal training armed only with the knowledge he gained by reading books as a self-taught software engineer in the Financial Software Industry and quickly began climbing the management ladder. After spending close to a decade in that industry, Hill began consulting with startups and small businesses as he was being recruited for his return into the corporate world. Torrance eventually signed-on with a small private gaming company which was a perfect fit as he helped to grow the business and be a part of its recent IPO. In addition to his corporate role, Hill has started and/or partnered with many businesses over the years in industries as diverse as beauty salons, a design firm and an entertainment company. His latest venture, Executive Life has recently transitioned from a consulting firm into a pro-bono platform where the mission is to empower and develop minority individuals, organizations and businesses on how to use their resources and talents to better serve their communities.
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Cynthia Gooding/ Yolanda Keels-Walker/ Creator Of Business Babes Yolanda Keels-Walker is an author and successful serial entrepreneur with a portfolio ranging from motivational speaker to salon owner to real estate developer. Yolanda is most known as the brains behind Business Babes (businessbabesonline.com), an online resource and business coaching organization of over 45,000 that helps budding female entrepreneurs manage their businesses and grow their circle of influence. Yolanda walked away from a six-figure salary and high-level career started at the Central Intelligence Agency to enter the world of entrepreneurship. Yolanda was able to grow a startup business to a seven-figure valuation in under two years all while raising two children under three. Yolanda has been invited to speak for organizations like the NAACP, The National Urban League, and has helped to win over $100,000 in startup capital pitch events including Miller Lite’s Tap the Future hosted by Daymond John. Yolanda has been featured in Hairstory: Untangling the Roots of Black hair in America and her expertise has been sought after by prestigious publications such as Black Enterprise, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Rolling Out Magazine, and many others.
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The Connoisseur Of Wellness
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ynthia “Msprity” Gooding is a consummate dream chaser. Her passions are health, wealth and wellness. Her moniker’s acronym meaning Mission Statement Personal Right to be In To You and is the driving force of her businesses. A nurturer by nature and a nurse with over 20 year’s experience, her first business was founded in 2006 when she decided to start her company Msprity Spa Luxuries, a vegan skin and hair company. This skincare has been featured in celebrity events at BET, Essence Music Festival and Martha’s Vineyard. She was recognized by Martha Stewart as a Made in America nominee and in 2015 won the Best of Baltimore for Beauty and Personal Care. In March 2016 she was on the Dr. Oz show talking about her many uses of coconut oil, especially in her products. In 2011, Cynthia opened Serenity Wellness Studio, a healthy lifestyle consortium. It offers spa, fitness and well-
ness classes, products and services to care for the whole individual. In 2014 her wellness studio was recognized by CBS local as one of the top 3 spas in Baltimore. In 2014 she added a personal training studio, Healthy Evolution, which is run by her husband, a Master Level Personal Trainer and CPR Instructor. Knowing that if you look good you feel good, Msprity started a fashion boutique with handmade jewelry and positive imagery Glamtees, sustainable fabric clothes and accessories that also includes a lash and brow bar. Fondly called Fashion Spa House whose slogan is “A girl should be two things: Glam and Pampered”. Her latest business venture is Better Business Collective where she assist new and established business owners to do business better, as she proudly exclaims to be a Functionality Expert.
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