Auntie Karen Foundation
“Empowering, Enlightening & Educating through the Arts”
Dear Future Billionaire,
Welcome to the 12th Annual Auntie Karen Foundation’s Young Entrepreneurs Conference. Our theme for today is “DREAM. BELIEVE. CREATE. SUCCEED”. At this conference today, there are many examples of what can happen when you take the time to believe in a dream. We have enjoyed our powerful partnership with Benedict College for all 12 years! New Dreams has allowed us to move the conference to two new locations on the campus, The Benedict College Development Center and the David H. Swinton Center. Dreaming big can start at any age! We are honored to showcase a number of entrepreneurs that are still in elementary school. As a matter of fact, one has yet to make it to the First Grade. Five year old, Zyona Kinsey McNabb started her business at the age of 4. She was inspired after she attended the Young Entrepreneurs Conference in 2013. In 2001, we had a dream to showcase the best young minds in our region and we created this conference to showcase their talent and creative abilities. Today you will have a chance to meet and talk to them. These amazing young entrepreneurs have had an impact on a national and global scale. Courtland Thomas, our 2013 Young Entrepreneur of the Year, was honored last year for his hard work and the success of his creative ideas as an entrepreneur. I created the Auntie Karen F.A.I.T.H. (Find a purpose or goal; Ask for help; Invest in your mind; Take time to plan; Help someone else) principles as a guide to living my dreams. My hope is that you will read and adopt these concepts to your life. You will see examples of these principles in action throughout the day! I would like to thank the Auntie Karen Board, YE Conference Chair and Co–Chair (Brenda Peterson and Joan Mobley), and the 2014 Conference Committee for making this day possible. They have spent months organizing this day especially for you!!! Brenda was so dedicated to this vision that she came to this event all the way from Washington, DC! I hope you take away something from this conference that will encourage you to start your own business. Remember, all great things begin with an idea!
Enjoy the day! Sincerely,
AUNTIE KAREN FOUNDATION WWW.AUNTIEKAREN.ORG 4204 NORTH MAIN STREET • COLUMBIA, SC • 29203 PHONE:803-748-7124 • FAX: 803-256-6971
• EMAIL: KASAJAZZ@AOL.COM
Room
Speaker
"I AM" Game
Topic
2014 Young Entrepreneurs Conference Schedule
Time
Track
8:15 AM - 8:45 AM Timothy Bowers, Master of Ceremonies Karen Alexander Song: Kiera McFarlan Erica McGee
Teams
All
All
Sylvia Williams & Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey
"Elevator Pitch - Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly" “Who Am I? What Mark Do I Want to Leave?” Technology: "The Good and the Bad" "Don’t Wear it on Your Back, Put it in the Bank"
Owners Producers Presidents Executive Directors
Entrepreneurs' Panel
Logistics Young Moguls Michele Dugar Brittany Brian Shelly Butler/Chandra Cleveland-Jennings Gregory Bundick – TD Bank
Timothy Bowers, Moderator Meet Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders All Panel Discussion: "My Dreams and how I brought them to fruition and Panel: John Dozier, Stephen Love, Erica McGee, accomplished my goals" Liz Portee, Tamika Deas, Benjamin Starr, Lasenta Lewis-Ellis
BDC Veterans Center
Business Development Personal Development Technology Finance
All Young Moguls
BDC 123 BDC 124 BDC 125 BDC 127
Producers Owners Executive Directors Presidents
October 18, 2014
All
All All
"Elevator Pitch - Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly" “Who Am I? What Mark Do I Want to Leave?” Technology: "The Good and the Bad" "Don’t Wear it on Your Back, Put it in the Bank"
Bus Transportation to David H. Swinton Center Lunch provided by B T's Barbecue David H. Swinton Center Entertainment & Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Deborah Woodard Memorial Scholarship
Michele Dugar Brittany Brian Shelly Butler/Chandra Cleveland-Jennings Gregory Bundick – TD Bank
Successville YE of the Year
Business Development Personal Development Technology Finance
David H. Swinton Center
BDC 123 BDC 124 BDC 125 BDC 127
BDC Veterans Center
BDC (Business Development Registration, light Center) breakfast BDC Veterans Center Opening Ceremony Welcome
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM
Session A 9:30 AM - 10:20 AM
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM 10:50 AM - 12:20 PM Workshop One 10:50 AM -11:30 AM
Workshop Two 11:40 AM -12:20 PM
Showcase 12:20 PM - 1:20 PM 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Auntie Karen Young Entrepreneurs Conference
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Courtland Thomas Public Speaking, Broadcasting Courtland Miles Thomas, a native of Irmo, South Carolina, attended the schools of Lexington/Richland District 5 with his twin sister Courtney. He is a 2011 Honor Graduate of Dutch Fork High School’s Business School of Study, with a concentration in Marketing Management. While at Dutch Fork, Courtland served as Student Body President & Vice President, and the Sophomore Class President. Courtland was an active member of over 15 social and professional student organizations in various leadership roles. Courtland was greatly involved with DECA, an organization of marketing, entrepreneurship, and business students.
Lee Livingston
K-9 Find
Lee Livingston is a resident of Irmo, S.C. He is a member of St. Peter’s Baptist Church and is a sophomore at Spring Hill High School located in Chapin, S.C. His favorite subject is Environmental Science. Lee is the proud owner of a K-9 dog. He turned is passion into a business – he can locate specific breeds of dogs and match them with prospective customers. His hobbies consist of reading, running track, training dogs, and collecting Jordan’s! He is a firm believer that what you realize in life is what you make out of it! Lee’s future aspiration is to become a Veterinarian and minor in dog breeding. His favorite motto is: No matter where I am or what I am doing, I know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!
Currently, Courtland is a fourth-year student at the University Contact: E-mail:K9IFIND@yahoo.com of South Carolina double majoring in Marketing and or call (803)331-4816 Management. He is already involved on campus as an advocate for all students, especially the minority. Courtland is involved with and takes leadership roles in: USC Gospel Choir, Association of African American Students, Student Government, Minority Peer Assistance Program, and more. Courtland’s future goals include a graduate degree from USC and career as a television personality or a public relations director.
2012 YE of the Year
2013 YE of the Year
Joshua Eaddy
Pastry Chef
Joshua Eaddy was born on November 4, 1996 in Florence, SC. He has been cooking since he was seven years old. He baked his first cake on Christmas day of 2009. It was a red velvet cake. He started a cake business after receiving rave reviews from family that he baked cakes for. The name of Joshua’s business is “Cakes by Josh”. He is the 2011 Young Entreprenuer of the Auntie Karen Foundation and has travelled and displayed his talent as a baker for numerous events put on by the foundation to include: Black History Month at the Columbia Museum of Art, Red Carpet events at the homes of Oscar Groomes and Christian Thee, Legends Concert and VIP reception at the Koger Center for the Arts, and the annual YE competition. Joshua is currently a senior at South Florence High School in Florence, SC and is a member of DECA. He is employed by Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee as the youngest cook there. Joshua bakes for a diverse clientele as well as events at Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee. He loves to put his own spin on traditional cake recipes and other dishes. He is a member of True Faith Ministries where he serves on the Youth Praise Team and Choir as a leader. Joshua plans to attend the Art Institute in Charleston, SC and upon graduating work to own a chain of restaurants called MITYSO. The name comes from his favorite saying when he makes a dish that turns out really good, “Mama I Told You So”! He is very confident in his abilities as a chef. His slogan for his business is “Big taste, right price”. Contact: jjognglen@bellsouth.net
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Amina Cox
Garland Furgess
Vocalist
Rainbow Strings, Jewelry Maker Amina Cox is a 21 year-old college senior at Benedict College. She was born in Miami, FL and raised in Lithonia, GA, by her mother, Markieva Smith. As an only child, Amina was blessed to have a talented/artistic mother that showed her of techniques of being a successful track athlete and a profound artist.
Although she started drawing since middle school, she never took it serious because she always saw herself as being a huge track star. Once she arrived at Benedict College, she injured herself with two different injuries, which forced her to redirect her focus into another area to remain positive. As a result, she engrossed herself into the arts where she started to produce her best work, most of which were made of charcoal, colored pencil, and pastels. Art then became her passion again, to where only God himself can take this from her.
Gabrielle Goodwin GaBBY BOWS Gabrielle Goodwin and her mom invented the Double-Face DoubleSnap Barrette by GaBBY to save families time, money and frustration. Solving the age-old problem of disappearing hair barrettes, the Double-Face Double-Snap Barrette is engineered to prevent hair slippage and perfect for pigtails, braids and twists. GaBBY launched and began selling barrettes through its online store at gabbybows.com in February 2014. In less than six months, GaBBY Bows became available for purchase in 39 select Walgreens stores in South Carolina and Georgia. GaBBY’s story has been shared in The State, Augusta Chronicle and Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and on a number of television stations including WIS, WLTX, WACH Fox and ABC Columbia. Asked by her mom to come up with ways to give back to the community, Gabrielle decided she wanted to “play with all the girls others won’t play with,” any girls who have been bullied. Carrying out this idea, GaBBY hosts community wide bullying prevention play dates benefiting area children’s shelters. Gabrielle loves to read, dance and sing and is a 2nd grader at Escolores Magnet Academy at Harbison West Elementary School. Gabrielle, her parents Mike and Rozalynn and little brother Michael live in Columbia, SC.
Garland Ashanté Furgess is the twelve year old daughter of Mr. & Dr. John Victor and Tracie Smith Furgess. Her grandparents are Mr. & Mrs. Emmett and Luerusha S. Smith of Springfield, SC, and Mr. & Mrs. John V. and Alexzena Irving Furgess of Columbia. Garland has an older brother, David, an older sister, LaQuianda, and she is a fantastic “Big Sis” to her three-yearold sister, Jon Victoria. She enjoys reading, ballet and jazz, sewing, making her own jewelry, drawing, and spending time with her cousin, Maya, a seventh grader at Hunter Kinard-Tyler Middle School in Neeses, SC. She has started her own business, Rainbow Strings, which features jewelry made with rainbow-colored craft string. Garland is currently a seventh grade student at Hand Middle School where she is enrolled in AP classes and the Dance Program. Her favorite subjects are Algebra and Dance. She studied dance with the Columbia Dance Academy for six years and was a member of the Ethnic Expressions Dance Theatre under the direction of Miss Susan Blue. Garland is now taking guitar lessons at the Columbia Arts Academy. Garland hopes to continue studying sewing, dance and choreography, music and art. When she graduates from high school, she looks forward to attending college where she plans to major in Fashion Design. Her big brother David is a high school basketball coach and one day, she would like to follow in his footsteps.
Chyna Young Vocalist Chyna Nychol Young is a freshman at Richland North East High. She is a member of the Dent Dance Company. She has been dancing with them for the past 2 years. Although it is Chyna’s dream to be a dancer one day, her real passion is singing. She comes from a long line of singers and musicians. Chyna has been singing since she could talk. Her favorite genres of music are gospel and pop. Some of her favorite artist are Tye Tribbett and Jonathan McReynolds. She spends most of her free time perfecting her craft. In the near future she plans to learn how to play her guitar just like her father, Mr. Terence Young.
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS Janae Ward
Kiera McFarlan
Something Fruity
Vocalist Janae Ward has been drawing and creating designs since 4th grade. She has always loved art and creating beautiful things. She attended Rollings Middle School of the Arts and her love of the arts grew and was nurtured there.
In 2011, while attending Rollings, she noticed that there were very few designs for girls who are curvy. The apples, pears and hour glass figures were not really regarded in junior fashions. She set out to create designs that flatter the figures of “real girls”. Thus, Something Fruity was born. Since then, she has continued to design, learn to sew and make connections that will help her to launch her clothing line. She will create custom designs, upon request, and is hopeful to mass produce items from her design collection within the next year. Janae is currently a sophomore at Ashley Ridge High School, in Summerville, South Carolina.
Dustin Praylow Dancer
Dustin Praylow is the son of John and Linette Praylow. He is a junior at the University of South Carolina. His major and minor are biology and dance respectively. Dustin has choreographed for various high schools including Wilson’s Tiger Production, Mayo High school for Math and Science Technology’s Phoenix Phame as well as praise dance teams from Cumberland United Methodist, St. Luke AME, and Greater Faith World Outreach Ministries. Dustin is currently working on a choreographic work entitled “Seven” for USC’s student choreography showcase in December. Dustin hopes to continue his dance career after receiving his bachelor’s degree in May of 2016.
Other Young Entrepreneurs showcased today are:
Kiera McFarlan is a native of South Carolina coming from a family full of musicians. She has been singing since she was the young age of seven, where her voice loudly rang in the youth choir. As a teenager, she placed top in the Richland County teen idol competition. She is a rising junior at South Carolina State University, majoring in early childhood education planning to later further her education at The University of South Carolina. She is a committed member of Zeta Phi Beta dedicated to community service. Kiera has been involved with the Auntie Karen Foundation since 2011. This is her 3rd year singing in the Young Entrepreneur Conference.
La’Brone Elmore Dancer La’Brone Elmore is the 10 year old son of Jeffrey & Dionne Elmore. He is a 4th grader at Oak Pointe Elementary School. La’Brone is a “young” Michael Jackson impersonator and has been impersonating MJ since his untimely death. La’Brone has performed on numerous special events around Columbia, SC and Florida which included City of Columbia’s National Night Out, Tom Joyner’s Back to School, City of Columbia Kid’s Day. He shared the stage with Universal Music Group Recording Artist Heanon Tate throughout the state of Florida and the state of South Carolina, just to name a few. La’Brone was also cast as “Young Harpo” in the musical stage play of The Color Purple in 2013. La’Brone is a joy to be around and takes his dancing very seriously.
Darienne Jackson Garielle Richards - Trill Vibes Skyla Joyner - Sky’s Star-Lite Creations, Accessories
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS The Cubs Awesome Little Divas Step Dancers Step Dancers The Cubs Awesome Step/Dance Program was established in 2000 by Parent Alliance, Incorporated as an after school fun fitness activity at Joseph Keels Elementary School, Columbia, South Carolina. The program was the first elementary step team established in Richland School District Two. The program has two divisions: Cubs Awesome Little Divas which perform exhibition routines only and “Cubs Awesome Squad participates in step competitions and exhibition events. The Cubs Awesome Squad’ has earned the reputation of being an outstanding group of girls and the #1 elementary step team in the area. By taking pride in looking their very best inside and out, they always get the “cute points”! Over the past 15 years both teams have participated in many community events, and earned numerous first place awards; by entertaining audiences and impressing judges with their ability to execute simple to complex step/dance routines with sharp precision and AWESOME showmanship. The team Motto: We are a team, we act like a team, we look like a team, we work hard as a team, our standard is excellence and our goal is precision. We are the Cubs Awesome Step Team! More information contact: J. Caressa Louallen, M. A., Founder/Director at 803-318-9815 or stirupthegifts99@gmail.com
Zyona D. Kinsey-McNabb Z Mac’s Jewelry The five-year old owner of Z.Mac’s Jewelry, Zyona D. KinseyMcNabb, was born August 18, 2009 with her eyes wide open and a smile on her face. Her family knew from the very first sight of her, that she would blossom into an awesome individual. And boy did she ever! At the tender age of four, Zyona approached her aunt, Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey, and told her that she wanted to own her very own business. Amused at the thought, her aunt began helping her create her business. The moment her aunt realized just how serious Zyona was about starting her business was when Zyona took all of her hair bands and began twisting them together. Her aunt and grandma decided to invest in Zyona’a business and from that moment on, Zyona, along with her employees, Quinlin and Deontae Bookert, has been creating bracelets, necklaces and rings for sororities and fraternities, families and all ages. She loves what she does and takes pride in each piece she creates and sales. She also takes sales and creates them within a week’s time; in between homework and studying. Zyona is currently a student in District One at Forest Heights Elementary School. The five-year old business owner expects for her business to expand and eventually turn into a more productive company with a more durable product. So please stay tuned!!!!!
The Dance South Inc. Company Program This program is designed for children and teens ages 7 to 17. The Company Program to provide children and teens the opportunity to receive intensive training in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and much more. Under the direction of the best well-trained seasoned professionals; the DSI Company Program focuses on preparing youth for a professional career in dance, and the performing arts. The Company Program provides youth the discipline needed to capitalize on their talent and help build the self-esteem needed to succeed in the industry. Dancers Compete in competitions and Showcases nationally. Dancers raise funds for competitions and performances through fundraisers created and organized by the youth. Dance South Company are the “Rising Stars” of our communities.
2014 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS Benjamin Starr
Tim Bowers
Emcee
Financial Account Executive Born and Raised in Lowcountry, SC – Benjamin Starr is one of the most talented emcees to emerge from the South in recent times.
Benjamin Starr, born Fitzgerald Wiggins, was raised by his mother and grandmother in Pineville, SC. It was at this time he began to fall in love with music and writing. From childhood through his teen years, he excelled in academics. Upon graduating from Timberland High School, he enrolled at the University of South Carolina Upstate. It was in college where he met future friends, and business partners, Derrick Wilson (DJ), Troy Richardson (Manager), Harvey Bell (A&R), Nickos Williams (emcee) and Sergio Thomas (Graphic Designer). Together they formed the core of “Higher Level Entertainment Music Group LLC”, in 2009. Benjamin merges his songwriting abilities with a beautiful flow, as well as lyricism and presence; weaving heart pulsing stories of the “Highs and Lows” that accompany life in the south. Benjamin has gone on to garner an avid and growing fan base as well as be featured in “The State” and “The Charleston Scene” newspapers; thanks to an acclaimed, yet still under the radar, music catalog consisting of: “The Experience” (2010), “The Scorsese Sessions” (2011) & “Guns & Roses” (2012), and “The SOULoist” EP (2013); with the latter helping to earn him the “Slept on Artist of the Year” award at the 2014 South Carolina Music Awards. With his crew in tow, Benjamin now comes together with investor and avid Hip-Hop fan, Tim Ford, to collectively form the independent imprint “Gold Touch Entertainment”; with Benjamin as the sole and focal artist. With an abundance of talent and heavily influenced by such artists as Tupac, Nas, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye among others; Benjamin Starr and Gold Touch Entertainment are poised to reinvent the image of the “Down South” Hip-Hop artist!
Tim Bowers is a native of Allendale, South Carolina. He’s a graduate of Benedict College where he received his degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. During his college matriculation, Tim was Senior Vice President of his class, involved in various community service projects through his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha and awarded the David H. Swinton Presidential Service Award, which recognized his willingness to go above and beyond in service to the commu¬nity. Tim has worked for Wells Fargo Company in sales and was recognized as a Top Performer on his team. Currently, he is an Account Executive for Thomas Media Group, LLC publisher of the South Carolina Black Pages. In addition, Mr. Bowers is a business owner, Co-Founder and partner of Andrew Martin Commercial Cleaning Service. He loves all kind of music and enjoys watching movies. Tim, as he would like to be called, is a mentor with Concern Black Men and very passionate about helping young people take their life’s from average to AWESOME! Tim lives by this mantra, failure is not an option!
Michele Dugar Michele Dugar is both an instructor and practitioner when it comes to marketing. She is the founder of an award-winning marketing consulting firm with clients that include Wachovia Mortgage and Salvation Army. Her firm, Dugar & Associates Marketing, provides strategic plans as well creative execution for corporate branding, content marketing, and social media marketing. As an educator, Michele Dugar has over 15 years of experience as a professor of marketing at Benedict College and the University of South Carolina. She is a certified instructor for NxLevel and FastTrac entrepreneurial trainings as well as an entrepreneurship curriculum designer. Prior to her pursuits in the entrepreneurial and academic arenas, Dugar’s career included marketing positions with Anheuser-Busch and Sara Lee Hosiery. In addition, she managed art production for the publisher McGraw-Hill, Inc. Dugar earned her MBA from the University of Michigan. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing (and corresponding study in Graphic Design) from Hampton University.
2014 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS Chandra Cleveland-Jennings Brittany Brian Cleveland Productions
Motivational Speaker
Chandra Cleveland-Jennings is the Executive Officer (CEO) of Columbia Protection Agency, Palmetto Youth Connection and Cleveland Productions. Columbia Protection Agency is a provider of professional, highly trained security officers rendering safety and protection services to businesses, corporation and large event planners such as the Democratic Presidential Debate in Myrtle Beach, SC, World Trade Center Memorial in SC and NC just to name a few.
Brittany Brian was born in Spartanburg, SC in December of 1990. At a young age, Brittany showed the confidence to stand out and be active by being a part of many clubs and organizations in the community as well as in school. After graduating from high school, Brittany applied and was accepted to Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. Brittany is currently working to obtain her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management. After completing her internship last summer, Brittany was asked to work in the Healthcare field as an internal Education specialist for Agapé Senior in Columbia, SC.
Chandra was the investigator that was hire by the mother of the missing cheerleader, when law enforcement labeled a runaway, and got them to see it was an abduction. Chandra has been seen on Nancy Grace, Michael Baisden Show, Yolanda Adams Show, and Black and Missing. She is also an Investigator “Cheaters” for the South Carolina area. A native of Columbia, SC, Cleveland began her career in law enforcement in 1989-2006 with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, burglary division. In 2002, she was assigned as the first black female Internal Affairs Investigator, she earned top honors as the first female to be Deputy of The Year for The State of SC. During her tenure she developed an incredible reputation for being tough and highly informed on juvenile crimes, gang activities in our communities. A staunch proponent of ridding our communities of juvenile crime, Chandra founded Palmetto Youth Connection, a gender base mentoring organization program that encourages young people to live, act and dress in accordance with a positive selfimage. PYC focuses on guiding young people ages 12-18 to be confident, have a mentor, live a fit and healthy life style and be involved in their schools and communities. Cleveland Productions is the one-stop source for all of your entertainment and production needs. Cleveland Productions has provided high quality entertainment and production services, and is striving to be one of the biggest names in the industry, we continue our dedication to excellence. Cleveland is a graduate of Benedict College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and Teaching children with Special Needs. She is a graduate of the SC Criminal Justice Academy. Chandra continues to be a speaker her expertise in gang violence, crime prevention and motivation to groups, organizations and the news media. She is a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.
After facing a domestic violence hardship, Brittany decided to be the voice and face for women who have become a victim to domestic violence. Brittany is an active motivational speaker for domestic violence while she is working on a book about her life changing experience. Brittany is also working to start her own non-profit organization for young women who have experienced lifealtering challenges. Leadership, commitment, and growth are three areas of passion for Brittany that she strives to achieve as well as pushing others to do as well. Brittany has vowed to help people see what they can’t see in themselves and to continue doing the will of the Lord as he has called her to do.
2014 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS Erica McGee
Tamika Deas
Entrepreneur
Business Development Manager
Erica Lennell McGee, was born October 5th 1984 in Springfield, IL to a Linda McGee and Lonnie Davis. Erica also known as Precious per her father’s request grew up in Fayetteville, NC. After graduating high school in 2003, she knew she had the entrepreneur spirit but wanted to be her mother’s first child to attend college so after a visit to several college’s she chose Benedict College to study business and marketing which is located in Columbia, SC where she currently resides.
Tamika Deas is the Business Development Manager for Enterprise Car Sales handling SC & Coastal, GA. Tamika started her career with Enterprise RentA-Car on November 20, 2006 as an Account Representative for the Insurance Replacement Division. She was later promoted to On-Site Account Supervisor handling one of their major accounts. In April 2013, Tamika accepted a promotion to the Car Sales Division as a Business Development Executive and was recently promoted to Business Development Manager. On November 20th Tamika will celebrate eight years with Enterprise Holding and continues to look for ways to “build her personal brand”. One of her major accomplishments has been she was awarded an Exceptional Achievement Award for finishing 3rd in the country at the National Car Sales meeting held in Orlando, FL.
After completing one full year, Precious decided to pursue her dream of being a licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur. She tried to do both but was unable to do so, after much deliberation she chose hair which is her first love. After completing school she worked under a seasoned stylist for about five years, who taught her to not only to perfect her craft, but to always maintain the integrity of her clients’ hair, but most importantly remain humble. In August of 2009 she opened “Beautiful Me Hair Salon”, while also becoming a certified phlebotomist at Midlands Tech. In 2012 she then opened BME Screen Printing and has had much success in both businesses. Erica has always been very self-motivated and driven. She has two older brothers, an older sister and one younger sister. Some would call her a busy body, but she says staying busy makes her happy as well so working with the youth and making other people happy. Her list of attributes keeps growing as she is developing herself as a speaker, business /transformation coach and author. Having started two mentorship programs “The beautiful me dream team “ and “ the BME Ambassadors “ for young girls and boys, being a service learning site for Benedict College and Allen University as well as a internship site for Midlands Tech, USC and Columbia College, Erica would say it has all been very fulfilling but she is far from finished. At the young age of 30 years old, ”Ms. Precious”, as the kids call her is also embarking on her weight loss journey. After struggling with her weight for years, she has decided to put the motto for the mentorship programs to use, “Change your mind, change your life” and she is down 50 lbs. so far this year and is still working towards living a healthier lifestyle. She believes as the word says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me”. Her faith is strong, as a active member of Bethel AME Church, she will always tell you that she gives god all the glory for her success. I myself am excited to see what else is to come from Erica “Ms. Precious” McGee, “The Success Agent”, as she has been named by her clients.
Tamika is married to Marvin Deas who is an Agent with Liberty Mutual Insurance. Together they have three children Kyara 17, Marcus 15 and Logan 4. Tamika volunteers with the United Way, is a supporter of the Palmetto Health Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Alzheimer’s Foundation; she is also a member of the Young Leaders Society-United Way. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.
2014 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey Visual Artist
Liz Portee Liz Portee State Farm Insurance Agency
Sheneka Latrell Jackson-Kinsey was born January 30, 1989 to awesome parents and a family who encouraged her creativity at a young age. Her talents were revealed at the age of three and her talents have blossomed over the years and have been cultivated by the wonderful Fine Arts Department of Benedict College under the curriculum leadership of Ms. Gina Moore. Since graduating college in 2013, Ms. Jackson-Kinsey has illustrated two books; one children’s book, “A Hug While I’m Away” written by Ms. Karen Alexander, and a book of poetry, “Memoirs of Alabama” written by Ninamarie. She credits her ability to be creative to her Creator. Her motto which she lives by daily is to produce art that glorifies God and uplifts and edifies the people of God. She worked with the Auntie Karen Foundation this summer to bring the Arts back to the Lee County School District in which she found her calling. She enjoyed teaching the students of Lee County how to be professional artists and how to appreciate art. Ms. Jackson-Kinsey is currently employed in Lee County as the Art Teacher of Lee Central High School and Lee Central Middle School. Whenever she isn’t too busy creating lesson plans and setting up demonstrations for her students, she enjoys sitting by a window and allowing her creative thoughts to flow through her onto as many durable surfaces with as many mediums that she possibly can.
Shelly Butler
Liz Portee is a native of Gadsden, South Carolina where she attended public schools in Richland School District One. She is a graduate of Lower Richland High School and went on to continue her higher education at Benedict College, Columbia SC earning a Bachelor’s of Science degree in business administration. Liz spent nearly a decade as a successful Project Manager with IBM work with top tier insurance carriers around the world. There she was able to gain a wealth of business practices and hone her leadership skills to propel and prepare her for her next chapter of life. After working fifteen years in corporate America, Liz decided to forge ahead to fulfill another goal and life long dream to become an independent small business owner. In December 2012 she embarked on her new career journey launching the grand opening of the Liz Portee State Farm Insurance Agency. Liz knew that the Portee State Farm Agency was a way for her to be able to use all of the skills and talents that she acquired over the years as well as to give something back to the community. Liz has a passion for helping people and specializes in helping clients build their insurance portfolio with emphasis on life and retirement planning all while assisting her clients’ with managing everyday risks. She is ecstatic to be a new agent in the Greater Columbia Area and would love to be your State Farm Agent. Liz’s office is located at 1907 Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169. Liz believes, “If you don’t go for your dreams you will end up working for someone who will”.
IT Cyber Security Specialist Rochelle “Shelly” Butler has been in the Technology industry for fifteen years. She has had the opportunity to work with different government agencies such as the Executive Office of the White House and Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). She has also worked with Jos. A. Bank and other commercial entities. Shelly specializes in cyber security but also provides services in cloud, storage, and big data analytics. Shelly loves to volunteer, and help minorities to enter into the technology sales market. The most important thing is that she is a child of God. Shelly graduated from Salisbury University with three Bachelor of Science degrees in Sports medicine, with concentration in athletic training, Teaching - science and physical education; and Business.
2014 SPEAKERS / PRESENTERS Greg Bundrick
John Dozier
Bank Manager
Educator Gregory “Greg” Bundick is AVP and Manager of TD Bank’s Gateway office in Columbia. TD Bank is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. But not like other banks, they’re open early, open late and they’re even open weekends. They have FREE customer coin counting. They let people keep their pens. And they even have dog biscuits for our four-legged guests.
They work hard to create the best experience for our customers. That’s what it means to Bank Human. That’s what it means to be Americas Most Convenient Bank. Prior to joining the TD in December 2013, Greg was AVP for Capital Bank in a similar capacity. Greg’s banking and financial service career spans over 30yrs. Retail Banking, Mortgage, Small Business and Consumer Finance, as well as Trust and Insurance Services are integral part of his expertise. Greg has served with many civic organizations, including the Blythewood & Ridgeview High Education Foundations and booster groups. He has coached little league football, been a den parent for Club Scots and served as his church’s youth minister. He continues to serve the less fortunate through Project Hope and as member of the Knights of Columbus. After received his Associate degree from Salisbury State University, he continued his education attaining his Banking Certification from SC Banker’s School at Univ of SC. Later, he gained his commercial lending certification at RMA-East Carolina University. In 2012, Greg became a licensed Insurance and Annuities agent. He is blessed to be married 33yrs with 2 adult sons, one a USC grad and the other a senior at USC.
Dr. John H. Dozier serves the students, faculty and staff of the University of South Carolina as its first chief diversity officer. In addition to his work as chief diversity officer, he is also director of the Coordinating Office of Community Engaged Service. Dr. Dozier has a thirteen-year career in higher education. His commitment to access, high quality programming and student support services, and student success has provided him the opportunity to lead in many capacities to include: vice president of academic affairs and student services, chief information officer, and president of Kennedy-King College in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Dozier’s involvement in education extends beyond his employment. In Chicago, he served on the Local School Council (LSC) of Murray Language Academy as vice chairman and was a board member for Black Ensemble Theater and Teamwork Englewood. He was appointed by the mayor of Chicago to serve on the Mayor’s Council of Technology Advisors and the Mayor’s Digital Excellence Committee. In the three years since his family’s return home to Columbia, he has served on the School Improvement Council for Dutch Fork Elementary, the City of Columbia’s Citizens Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Community Development, the City of Columbia’s Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee and the School Improvement Council at A.C. Moore Elementary. He currently serves on the Bull Street Commission, the Board of Trustees for Historic Columbia Foundation, The Board of Trustees for EdVenture Children’s Museum, and the School Improvement Council at Hand Middle School. Dr. Dozier is a graduate of South Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. He also holds Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education degrees from DePaul University (Chicago, Illinois). He is married to Victoria Paul-Dozier (a 1991 graduate from the College of Engineering and Computing Science at The University of South Carolina) and they have three children (ages seven, nine and twelve).
Sylvia Williams
Stephen Love, Jr.
Graphic Artist
Entrepreneur Sylvia Williams, a native of Columbia, South Carolina has always had a passion for the arts. Whether it was dancing, singing, story writing or arts and crafts, Sylvia always had something creative going on. After attending Columbia High and A.C. Flora, Sylvia decided to go to Brenau University in Gainesville, GA to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts for Graphic Design.
With some unique image coming to mind, Sylvia was and still is thinking of her next project to complete. Prior to attending Brenau University, Sylvia molded her creative art skills in her past time as well as in school. With a collection of poems, drawings, photographs, paintings and digital graphics, she plans on having art exhibits worldwide and owning a prominent design firm in the future. As a freelancer Sylvia has created promotions of all sorts, including: logo/identity designs, business cards, event flyers, brochures, pamphlets, menus, personal paintings and much more. As a young African American female with dreams of overcoming what statistics state about where she comes from, Sylvia pushes to impact those who surround her with positivity and a seed of encouragement. She believes that it’s not where you come from, but who you become in life. www.spwcreations.com swilliams2007@hotmail.com
“A country boy with big city dreams.” Stephen Love Jr. grew up in the rural towns of Filbert and Bennettsville, South Carolina. Paired with the entrepreneurial spirit of his grandfather’s fruit stand, Love’s passion for cinema led him to start an event videography company in 6th grade. But by high school, he realized that narrative film and television producing was his destiny. As a business major at Morehouse College, Love founded the Morehouse Filmmakers’ Association, for which Spike Lee is the honorary adviser. This became the precursor to the now thriving Cinema, Television, and Emerging Media Studies (CTEMS) degree program at Morehouse. Meanwhile, Love supplemented his business studies with practical experiences outside of school. He was the associate producer for a 2009 documentary called the PBS documentary Jail, No Bail that received an Emmynomination for the southeastern region. In 2010, Love produced Saved, which was accepted into the 2010 Cannes Film Festival’s short film corner. Over the next few years, he continued to “learn by doing” while working for Rainforest Films, Sony Pictures, The Mark Gordon Company, Martin Chase Productions, DisneyABC, NBCUniversal, and HBO Films. After graduating from the Peter Stark Producing Program at USC, Love became a trainee with Todd Black of Escape Artists. He and his producing partner Blake Pickens are currently producing Steven Caple, Jr.’s first feature film, Land of Misfits, and another film with Nina Yang Bongiovi and Forest Whitaker’s Significant Productions called The Friendship Nine. Stephen is a 2014-15 Project Involve Producing Fellow and this year’s winner of the Fox HBCU Film Alliance Fellowship with Film Independent.
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis
CEO/President, LLE Construction Group, LLC Lasenta Lewis-Ellis, an experienced entrepreneur and licensed General Contractor and Construction Manager, who has been building and scaling businesses for more than 10 years. She is the President/ CEO of LLE Construction Group, LLC, which she started in 2011, and a member of the prestigious Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), a highly selective international organization for women presidents of privately held multi-million dollar companies. In 2003, she started her first company, Quality Facility Services, a janitorial and facilities maintenance firm. She started a second company in 2007, Need-A-Lift Transportation Services, LLC, a transportation service for children-on-the-go. Her next venture is a family entertainment center, Metro Rollerway Skating Rink, LLC, scheduled to open in 2014. As a mentor to entrepreneurs, it is her passion to assist women business owners and start-ups with developing strategies that move them from concept to market in powerful ways. She has degrees from Midlands Technical College, the University of South Carolina, and a Masters degree from Webster University.
For your Graphic Design needs, call
Betty Graphix, LLC Betty A. Etheredge Owner Allstate Insurance Company - Christine Bowman 10603 Two Notch Road, Elgin, SC 29045 http://www.allstate.com (803) 699-4480
Programs • Brochures • Business Cards Resumes • Calligraphy • Photography Logo Design Phone 803-414-0972
“Building and Maintaining A Quality Facility”
Lasenta Lewis-Ellis President/CEO, GC, CM, CQM-C
2601 Read Street, Suite I-1 • Columbia, SC 29204 Phone: (803) 409-8100 Email: llellis@lleconstruction.com Website: www.lleconstructiongroup.com
bettyaeth@comporium.net
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TEAM 2014 Conference Planning Committee Karen Alexander President Brenda Peterson, Co-Chair Joan C. Mobley, Co-Chair Barbara Bowman,Co-Chair Diann Selph, Recruitment & Registration Elisa Blackwell, Successville & YE Showcase Brittany Brian, Successville & YE Showcase Barbara Bowman, Sponsorship Sarah Watson Executive Director Betty Etheredge, Graphics Courtland Thomas, Social Media Acecily Alexander, Social Media Britney Thompson, Social Media Jesse Stevenson Annette Lewis
Auntie Karen Board Karen Alexander Gwen Jordan Janet Johnson-Whipple Linda Wilson Dr. Phyllis Sanders Dr. Norma Jackson Shirley Mack Claudia Goodson
Volunteers Larry Alston Spencer Bowman Benedict International Students: Belinda Camacho, Coordinator Shannon Hurtado Angie Lozano Yanier Matines Eduard David Mosquera Ludwing Murillo Linda Parra Columbia College: Dr. Tamara Burke, Coordinator Emily Block
Volunteers con’t SC Community Uplift Katherine Myers, Coordinator Dawn Berry Paul Brown Ashelie Butler Gideon Fleming Chris Grant Ebony Green Tiffany James Kenneth Myers USC NAACP Jaquon Irby, Coordinator Will Simmons Tamarah Stephenson Garvin Sumter DDCP Communications & Lee Central Media Literacy Program Don Patterson, Coordinator Ms. Avery Tempestt Bledsoe A’Leah Johnson Ronyee Jones Katrina Love Andrea Moyer Mrs. T. Porter Joshua Rogers Nascier Thomas Khaleil Washington
2014 YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS SUPPORTERS
Auntie Karen says....
THANK YOU!!!! Special Thanks! Dr. David H. Swinton, Benedict College President Mr. Gerald H. Smalls, Benedict College Dean for School of Business & Economics Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Benedict College Vice President for Academic Affairs Mary Davis, Benedict College Marion Wright, Benedict College Melvin Miller, Benedict College Keia Askins, Benedict College Don Patterson, DDCP Communications & Lee Central Media Literacy Team Byron Counts Langley Management Big T’s Barbecue Black Pages USA Palmetto Health DDCP Communications Betty Graphix, LLC, Betty Etheredge Lisa Macon, Macon Photography Panera Bread (Harbison & Sandhills) Donald Wood
Media Sponsors Betty Etheredge Lisa Macon
Deborah Woodard Memorial Danny & Dayna Woodard
FOOD BIG T’s Barbecue Langley Management, McDonalds (Elmwood Ave.)
CONFERENCE BAGS Christine Bowman, Allstate Agency
T-Shirts Erica McGee, BME Screenprinting
Student Sponsors Calvin Elam, Elam Financial Group Robyn Merren, Lutheran Seminary Jesse Stevenson SC Uplift Foundation Shandra Childs Thomas LLE Construction Group, LLC Heyward Bannister, BANCO Solicitor Dan Johnson Benjamin Starr Dr. Phyllis Sanders Julius Thomas, Allstate
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