Auntie Karen 19th Young Entrepreneurs Conference Program Book by Auntie Karen

DearFutureBusinessLeader,

Welcometothe19thAnnualAuntieKarenFoundation’sYoungEntrepreneursConference!Weare delightedtohaveyoujoinusforthisexcitingevent,presentedincollaborationwiththeTyrone AdamBurroughsSchoolofBusinessandMarketingatBenedictCollege.Thisyear’stheme, “VotingforVision:NurturingYoungBusinessLeaders,”emphasizestheimportanceoffostering innovation,leadership,andstrategicthinkinginthenextgenerationofentrepreneurs.

Ourconferenceoffersauniqueplatformwhereyoucanconnectwithavibrantcommunityof aspiringbusinessleaders,seasonedentrepreneurs,andindustryexperts.Webelievethattoday’s eventwillprovideyouwithinvaluableinsightsandinspiration,settingthestageforyour entrepreneurialjourney.

Sinceourﬁrstconferencein2004,ourmissionhasbeentoempoweryoungentrepreneursby providingthemwiththetools,resources,andnetworksneededtosucceed.Overtheyears,we havewitnessedcountlesssuccessstoriesfromourparticipantswhohavegoneontomake signiﬁcantimpactsintheircommunitiesandindustries.Wearehonoredtocontinuethistradition ofexcellenceandmentorshipwiththesupportofBenedictCollegeandthededicated professionalswhocontributetothisevent.

Today,youwillhavetheopportunitytolearnfromdynamicworkshops,engageinthoughtprovokingdiscussions,andbeinspiredbytheexperiencesofyoungentrepreneurswhoare makingwavesintheirrespectiveﬁelds.Weencourageyoutoembracethismoment,networkwith yourpeers,andtakefulladvantageoftheopportunitiespresented.

OurdeepestgratitudegoesouttotheAuntieKarenBoard,the2024ConferenceCommittee,and ourpartnersatBenedictCollegefortheirunwaveringsupportanddedicationtomakingthisevent asuccess.Weareconﬁdentthattoday’sconferencewillleaveyoumotivatedandequippedwith thevisionandskillstoforgeyourownpathasafuturebusinessleader.

Remember,everygreatjourneybeginswithasinglestep.Maytodaybethestartofsomething extraordinaryforeachofyou.

Enjoytheday!

KarenAlexander-Banks Founder,President&CEO AuntieKarenFoundation.

2024YOUNGENTREPRENEURS

KarissaScarboroughisatalentedanddriven10-year-old5thgraderatH.E. CorleyElementarySchoolinLexington-RichlandSchoolDistrict5.Witha passionformath,shedreamsofbecomingamathematicianandachieving aperfectSATscoreoneday.

Inadditiontoheracademicpursuits,Karissaenjoysartsandcraftsand useshercreativitytodesignuniqueitemsandgiftsthroughherbrand, Karissa’sKreation.Herbusinessfeatureshandmadeartwork,clay sculptures,paintings,anddrawings,allaimedatmakingpeopleHAPPYby bringingcolorandcreativitytoanyspace.

Karissaisalsocommittedtosocialresponsibility.FivepercentofKarissa’s KreationproﬁtsaredonatedtoTeamTrees,whichplantsatreeforevery dollardonated.

Karissa’sKreationservesadiverseaudienceandwelcomespeopleofall agesandbackgrounds,sharingherpassionandcreativitywiththeworld.

CamyaLovettisatalentedartphotographerfromSpartanburg,South Carolina.Herpassionforphotographyhasprofoundlytransformedher perspectiveontheworld,allowinghertoseebeautyandcreativityin everydaymoments.Camyahasdevelopedadeepenthusiasmfortheart form,ﬁndingjoyandfulﬁllmentincapturinguniqueimagesthatexpressher artisticvision.

Currently,CamyaispursuinghereducationatBenedictCollege,whereshe isanartstudent.Herstudiesfurtherenhanceherskillsandbroadenher understandingofthevisualarts.Witheachphotograph,shestrivesto conveyastory,evokeemotion,andinspirethosewhoviewherwork. Camyaisexcitedtocontinuegrowingasanartistandlooksforwardto makingameaningfulimpactintheworldofphotography.

ErinGraves Artist

ErinGravesisatalentedAfricanAmericanartisthailingfromHouston, Texas.CurrentlyasenioratBenedictCollegeinSouthCarolina,sheis pursuingadegreeinStudioArt.Erin’spassionforcreativityandvisual storytellinghasshapedheracademicandprofessionalaspirations.

Withastrongdedicationtohercraft,ErinaimstobecomeanArtistic Director,usingherskillstoinspireandsupportothersintheartscommunity. Hergoalisnotonlytoachievepersonalsuccessbutalsotomakeapositive impactbyhelpingasmanypeopleaspossiblethroughherwork.Erinlooks forwardtoafuturewhereshecanblendherartisticvisionwithherdesireto upliftandmentorothersinthecreativeﬁeld.

KarissaScarborough

Karissa’sKreation

CamyaLovett Photographer

2024YOUNGENTREPRENEURS

KarissaScarborough

Karissa’sKreation

KennethScarborough,alsoknownasKRIS,isajunioratSpringHillHigh SchoolinLexington-RichlandSchoolDistrict5,withafocusonbusiness andentrepreneurship.Outsideofacademics,KRISenjoysplayingsoccer, spendingtimewithfriends,andonlinegaming.

Atjust16yearsold,KRISisthefounderofWildSteppas,acustomclothing brandthatoffershoodies,t-shirts,andotherapparel.Hisgoalistoprovide unique,affordable,andmeaningfulproductsthatstandoutinthe marketplace.WildSteppaswascreatedtobringsomethingdifferentto customers,showcasingKRIS’spassionforcreativityandindividuality.

Thebrandnameitselfholdsadualmeaning:“Wild”representsbeing differentandcreatingone’sownwave,while“Steppas”encouragespeople tokeepmovingforwardandnotletanythingstandintheirway.KRIS’s visionisforWildSteppastogrowandcompetewithmajorbrands,while deliveringapowerfulandvaluablemessagetoindividualcustomersandthe broadercommunity.

NaimI.Musalini,the17-year-oldsonofWadudandDr.LaneikaMusalini,is aninspiringAfricanAmericanentrepreneur.Heenjoysdesigningclothes, makingpeoplesmile,playingbasketball,traveling,andconstantlylearning newthings.Naimhasalwaysembracedhiscreativityandexpressesdeep gratitudetoGodforblessinghimwiththisgift.

Theideaforhisbrand, zSYNC,emergedduringachallengingperiod between9thand10thgradewhenNaimexperiencedavitreoushemorrhage inbotheyesduetosicklecelldisease.Afterundergoingmultiplesurgeries, Naimturnedtoartanddesignasanoutlet,creatingartworkandt-shirt designsonhisschoolcomputertoconveyhisemotionsandperspectiveon life.

Reﬂectingonhisjourney,Naimshared,“Imightaswelltakeafewsteps withGod,”andthosestepssoonbecameawalkoffaith.Now,astheowner andvisionarybehindzSYNC,Naimisusinghiscreativityanddetermination tobuildabrandthatrepresentshisresilienceandpositiveoutlook.

NiaRobinsonisa10-year-oldentrepreneurandtheChiefExecutiveOfficer ofMartelle’sMix,afruit-flavoredpunchbusinessshefoundedinMay2024. Herventurebeganbyexperimentingwithrecipesusingrealfruitinsteadof justplainlemonade,leadingtothecreationoffourdeliciousflavors:Berry Good,CherryBerry,TuttiFrutti,andDreamsicle.Afterdevelopingthe flavors,NialaunchedherTuttiFruttipunchinJune2024andcateredfour partiesoverthesummer,gainingagrowingfanbaseinGreenville,S.C.

Nia’sentrepreneurialspiritshinesthroughherdetailedbusinessplan,which shepresentedtoherparents,coveringstart-upcosts,paymentmethods, andmarketingstrategies.SheisalsoanactivememberofBiblewayChurch atAtlasRoad,participatingintheChildren’sMinistryandchoir.A5thgrader atRoundTopElementarySchool,NiaisinvolvedintheFlagPatrolandthe GoldenTalkTable,astudentgroupfocusedoninterviewingcommunity leaders.Duringher4thgradeyear,sheservedonthestudentcouncil.

2024ENTERTAINMENT

CammWessisaSouthCarolinanativeandtalentedsinger/songwriterwho masterfullyblendssoul,blues,andhiphoptocreatehisuniquetakeonpop music.Knownforhisdistinctivesoundandrichvocalpalette,Camm captivatesaudienceswithhissmooth,soulfulvoice.

Cammmadealastingimpressionduringhisblindauditiononseason18of TheVoice,whereheperformed“EarnedIt”andsecuredhisplaceasa ﬁnalist.Throughoutthecompetition,heshowcasedhissongwritingtalents withtheoriginalsong“SaveItforTomorrow,”whichheco-wrotewithJohn Legendandco-producedwithRyanTedder.Hisrich,silkyvoiceandsoulful toneearnedhimthenickname"HoneyButter"fromLegendhimself.

Camm’sartistictalentsextendbeyondsingingandsongwriting.Hewrote, produced,andreleasedhisdebutsingle,“Temptation,”in2018,followedby histhirdsingle“Lie,”forwhichhealsodirectedthemusicvideo.Atjust16 yearsold,Camm’spassionformusicinspiredhimtoteachhimselfboth guitarandpiano,addingtohisarsenalofmusicalskills.

DanceSouthCompany,foundedin2004,isanationallyrecognizeddance companyknownforitsexceptionaltalentanddiverserangeofdancestyles. UnderthedirectionofJoyNicole,thecompanyhasbuiltareputationfor excellenceinHip-Hop,Jazz,Majorette,andevenModelingand Performance.

Thecompany’sinstructors,JakahiSheppardandMs.Chyna,bringawealth ofexperienceandpassiontotheirteaching,inspiringdancerstoreachtheir fullestpotential.DanceSouthCompany’sdedicationtoartisticgrowthand professionalismhasmadeitastandoutinthedancecommunity,earning nationalrecognitionandnumerousaccolades.

Withafocusonbothtechnicalskillandcreativeexpression,DanceSouth Companycontinuestonurtureandshowcasedancerswhoexcelintheir craftandleavealastingimpactonaudienceseverywhere.

JasmineJ.Johnsonisagifted16-year-oldrecordingartistwhodiscovered herpassionforsingingatayoungage.Atjustsixyearsold,duringavisitto hergrandmother'shome,sheconﬁdentlyproclaimedthatshecouldsinglike renownedoperasingerKathleenBattle,whosegospelCDwasplaying.Her grandmotherquicklyrecognizedJasmine'snaturaltalentformusic.

DeeplydevotedtoherfaithinJesusChrist,Jasmineseekstosharethe messageofHisloveandsacriﬁcethroughhermusic.Herfaithjourneyis integraltoheridentity,andshebelievesthatitisthroughGod’sgracethat shecaninspireothers.Jasmine’ssongsreﬂecthercommitmenttothe gospel,aimingtotouchtheheartsofherlisteners.

Alreadyastepaheadinhercareer,Jasminehascopyrightedtwooriginal songsandattendsaChristianschoolinSouthCarolina.Beyondmusic,she enjoyshorsebackriding,watchingmovies,andcreatingshortvideos. Jasmine'smissionistospreadthegospelandencourageotherstoﬁnd hopeandsalvationinJesusChrist.Shepraysthathervoicewillserveasan instrumentoffaithandloveforallwhohearit.

CammWess Singer

JasmineJohnson Singer

2024ENTERTAINMENT

TheFairﬁeldCentralHighSchoolOrchestrainWinnsboro,SouthCarolina, isathrivingensembleoftalentedstudentsfromgrades9to12,focusingon stringperformance.Undertheleadershipof Ms.NaieshaWise, the orchestrahasgrowninsizeandskill,emphasizingtechnicalproﬁciency, musicalexpression,andcollaboration.Theyperformatvariousschool, community,state,andnationalevents,earninghighratingsatcompetitions liketheMidlandsRegion3ConcertPerformanceAssessmentandreceiving Excellent,Superior,andSuperiorwithDistinctionRatings.Thestudentsalso receiveSuperiorratingsattheCarowind’sFestivalofMusic.Students achievetophonorsatregionalevents,suchastheRegionOrchestraand Solo&EnsembleFestivals.

NaieshaWiseistheDirectorofOrchestraatFairﬁeldCentralHighSchoolin Winnsboro,SC.SheisalsotheDirectoroftheConcertOrchestrawiththeSouth CarolinaYouthPhilharmonicOrchestra.Ms.WiseisfromColumbia,SC,andwent toschoolinRichlandSchoolDistrict2.Ms.Wisewasaﬁrst-generationcollege studentattendingWinthropUniversityinRockHill,SC.SheearnedaBachelorof MusicEducationwithaconcentrationinK-12InstrumentalMusic.Whileat Winthrop,sheperformedwiththeWUSymphonyOrchestra,ChamberEnsemble, andCelloChoir.Ms.Wisehasservedasaguestclinicianandadjudicator throughouttheMidlandsandisanactivememberoftheSouthCarolinaMusic EducatorsAssociation(SCMEA)andtheNationalAssociationforMusicEducation (NAfME).SheistheRegion3OrchestraDivisionConcertPerformancechairperson andservesastheadvisorfortheTri-MMusicHonorSocietyatFCHS.Inherspare time,Ms.Wiseperformscelloinlocalcommunityorchestras.

TheLeeCentralMightyMarchingStallionsareunderthedynamicleadershipof BandDirectorJoshuaJeffersonandAssistant/AuxiliaryInstructorJ’NardaKelly. Joshua,arecentMagnaCumLaudegraduateofBenedictCollegewitha degreeinMusicEducation,hasmadesigniﬁcantcontributionstomusicasan accomplishedtromboneplayer.HewasamemberoftheBenedictCollege BandofDistinctionfrom2019to2023andisafﬁliatedwiththePhiMuAlpha SinfoniaMusicFraternity.AsBandDirectorforLeeCentralHighSchooland LeeCentralMiddleSchool,hefocusesonfosteringgrowthandexcellencein musiceducation.J’NardaKelly,a2002graduateofSouthCarolinaState University,bringsanimpressivebackgroundinmarchingband,havingbeena memberofMarching101andservingasDrumMajor.Sheisinvolvedwiththe TauBetaSigmaHonoraryBandSororityandDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,and sheteachesSportsMedicineandPharmacologyatLeeCentralHighSchool. TheMightyMarchingStallionshaverecentlyrevitalizedtheirbandprogramand proudlyfeature30members.ThismarkstheirsecondyearunderMr. Jefferson’sdirection,emphasizingmusicalachievementandcommunity engagement.Together,theyaimtocreatelastingmemoriesthroughmusic.

2024SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS

Dr.MelvinT.Miller,assistantprofessoranddepartmentchairofbusiness administrationatBenedictCollege,hasbeenacknowledgedbyMarquisWho’sWho TopEducatorsforhisdedication,achievements,andleadershipinbusiness administration.Withover21yearsofprofessionalexperience,Dr.Millerhasserved asassistantprofessoranddepartmentchairatBenedictCollegesince2012.His careerbeganinthefinancialsector,whereheheldrolesincludingvicepresident, smallbusinessbanker,retailfinancialadvisor,andmarketmanageratWachovia Corp.from1993to2003.Helaterbecamevicepresidentofconsumer/professional andexecutivebankingatSouthCarolinaCommunityBank,servingfrom2003to 2008.Dr.Milleralsoheldthepositionofvicepresidentofbusinessandfinanceat AllenUniversityfrom2008to2011.Additionally,hehasbeenanadjunctprofessor atWebsterUniversitysince2002andamentorattheUniversityofSouthern CaliforniaSchoolofBusiness.Dr.Miller'sacademicjourneybeganattheUniversity ofSouthCarolina,whereheearnedaBachelorofScienceinbusiness administrationin1988.HecontinuedhiseducationatWaldenUniversity,receiving aMasterofBusinessAdministrationin1999,aMasterofPhilosophyin managementin2019,andaPhDinappliedmanagementanddecisionsciencesin 2020.

DarrinThomas ThomasMediaGroup

LeeLivingston,alsoknownbyhisprofessionalnameKevinCupree,isamultifaceted individualwithapassionforanimals,entrepreneurship,andthearts.Fromayoungage, Lee’slovefordogsgrewintoasuccessfulbusinessventure,K9-IFind,whichspecializesin locatingspecificdogbreedsfordiscerningclients.Hiscommitmenttoexcellencehasdriven himtoexpandK9-IFindtoincludeinternationalsearches,servingclientsaroundtheworld. Lee’sinvolvementwithTheAuntieKarenFoundationbeganin2012whenhewasjust12 yearsold.ThroughouthishighschoolyearsatSpringHillHighSchoolinChapin,South Carolina,heremainedanactivecontributor,whilealsoexploringavarietyofinterestssuch astrackandfield,dogtraining,reading,andcollectingJordansneakers.Heattributesmuch ofhissuccesstohisdeepfaithinChristandlivesbyhisfavoritemotto:“Icandoallthings throughChristwhostrengthensme!”Withthesupportofhisfamily,especiallyhismother, Lilly,Leehasembracedeverychallengeandopportunitywithdeterminationandgrace.His passionforveterinarycareismatchedbyhisenthusiasmfortheentertainmentindustry, wherehehasbeguntomakeanameforhimselfasamodelandactor.Discoveredon Instagram,Lee—underhisprofessionalname,KevinCupree—hastraveledtheglobe chasinghisdreamsinmodelingandacting.Inadditiontohisbusinessventuresandbudding entertainmentcareer,LeeisalsotheproudownerofLivingston’sRentalProperties.Hefirmly believesthatthefuturebelongstothosewhodaretobelieveinthelimitlesspossibilitiesof theirboldestdreams.Forfurtherinformationorinquiries,Leecanbereachedat803-9203496orviaFacebook@KevinCupree.

DarrinThomasisthecofounderofThomas-McCantsMedia,Incorporated (TMG)–knownthroughoutthesoutheastmarketasBlackPagesUSA.The purposeoftheBlackPagespublicationsistogiveexposureandvisibilityto theminority,especiallyAfricanAmerican,ownedﬁrms,aswellasFortune® 500companiesthatdesiretotargetandreachtheseﬁrmsandconsumers. TheBlackPagesconceptstartedover30yearsagoinAtlanta,Georgia,and todayispublishedin30citiesandmetropolitanareasthroughouttheUnited States.

In2008,Mr.ThomasformedThomasMediaGroup,LLC,headquarteredin Columbia,SouthCarolina.TMGoperatesofﬁcesinCharleston,Columbia, andUpstate(Greenville/Spartanburg/Anderson),SouthCarolina,and Jacksonville,Florida.

Dr.MelvinMiller BenedictCollege

LeeLivingston Moderator

2024SPEAKERS/PRESENTERS

Dr.JuJu

Dr.JulianOwens

Dr.Juju[a.k.a.Dr.JulianOwens,PhD,MPH]isaMediatricianwhospecializesin judicioususesofmusicandmediaforteaching,learning,enrichment,and therapeuticpurposes.HeisbestknownforMusicsEnergy:LifeLiteracy Curriculum™[ME:LLC]-anevidence-basedapproachtoengagingyoung people,ages14-26,inacquiringknowledge,skills,andabilitieslinkedtohealth andmedialiteracy,entrepreneurship,andwellness,ME:LLCiscomprisedof1): ME:SongwritingwithYoungPeople™;2)ME:MessagesinMusic™;and3)ME: ReducingDis-easeinAmerica™.Dr.Jujualsoisasinger/songwriterandrecords musicunderthealiasJ’Dillian.Formoreinformation,visit: www. freefeelgoodmusic.com

ElderKeishanScott,a22-year-oldcommunityactivist,accomplishedauthor, andelectedofficial,embodiesvision,ambition,andspirituality.Anativeof Bishopville,SouthCarolina,hewasborntoTiffanyandLashanScott. KeishanisaproudgraduateofLeeCentralHighSchoolandCentral CarolinaTechnicalCollege,whereheearnedanAssociate’sDegreeinArts. Drivenbyapassionforhighereducation,heattendedtheUniversityof SouthCarolinaColumbia,graduatingwithaBachelor’sDegreeinSocial Workasafirst-generationcollegestudent—DEBTFREE!InAugust2025, hewillbegingraduatestudiesintheMaster’sofPublicAdministration program.JustthreedaysaftergraduatingfromcollegeonMay9,2023, KeishanmadehistorybybecomingtheyoungestelectedCityCouncilmanin Bishopville’shistory.Hiscommitmenttoservinghiscommunityand advocatingforpositivechangehighlightshisdedicationtopublicservice. ElderScottcontinuestoinspireothersthroughhisleadershipandvision, provingthatyoungpeoplecanmakeasignificantimpactintheir communities.

ShenekaJackson-KinseyisaskilledfreelanceartistfromSouthCarolina,specializingin portraitartistry.Withover24yearsofexperience,shehasdemonstratedalifelong passionforthevisualarts.BornonJanuary30,1989,Shenekadiscoveredherartistic talentatjustthreeyearsold,agiftshehasnurturedandrefinedthroughoutherlife.Her formaleducationinarttookplaceatBenedictCollege,whereshestudiedintheFine ArtsDepartmentunderthementorshipofMs.GinaMoore.Afterearningherdegreein 2013,Shenekashiftedherfocustoillustration,contributingtotwonotablebooks:AHug WhileI’mAway,achildren’sbookbyKarenAlexander,andMemoirsofAlabama,a poetrycollectionbyNinamarie.Sheneka’sartisticphilosophyisdeeplyrootedinher faith,andshestrivestocreateartthatglorifiesGodwhileupliftingandinspiringothers. ShebelieveshercreativityisagiftfromherCreator,andshelivesbytheprincipleof producingworkthatedifiesthepeopleofGod.Thisguidingphilosophyextendstoher communityinvolvementaswell.ShenekacollaboratedwiththeAuntieKarenFoundation onasummerartsinitiativefortheLeeCountySchoolDistrict,whereshetaughtaspiring youngartiststheimportanceofprofessionalismandcreativeexpression.Sheneka Jackson-Kinsey’sdedicationtohercraftandhercommitmenttousinghertalentsfora greaterpurposecontinuetoinspirethosearoundher.Throughherwork,sheaimsto makealastingimpactontheartworldandallwhoencounterhercreativeexpressions.

KeishanScott

ShenekaJacksonKinsey Artist

2024SPEAKER/PRESENTER

LeeCountyMedia Class

MicheleDugar CollegeInstructor

TheLeeCentralMiddleSchoolandtheBishopvillePrimarySchoolMediaLiteracy Programsweredevelopedin2014bytheLeeCountySchoolDistrictOfﬁceof InstructionandProfessionalDevelopment.Thepurposeoftheprogramistoshow studentshowtoutilizemultimediatoenhancetheir educationwhileexposingthemtodifferentcareeropportunitiesinthemultimedia ﬁeld.Theprogramgivesstudentsachancetodevelopandusetheirmediaskillsto documenteventsoccurringattheirschools,thedistrictandtheircommunity.The LeeCountySchoolDistrictMediaLiteracyprogramstartsingradethreeand continuestogradetwelve.Theprogramhasbeenveryeffectiveinshowing studentshowtoanalyzeandcreatemediacontenteffectively,whileatthesame time,encouragingthemtothinkcriticallyaboutthedifferentformsofmediathey encounter.

DonPattersonhasdedicatedover30yearstoworkingwithyouthinthe areaofmedialiteracy.Hehastrainedstudentsacrossnumerousschool districtsthroughoutSouthCarolina—fromtheUpstatetotheLowcountry—in medialiteracyandtheartofvideography.Hismedialiteracytraining programsaimtoprovidestudentswithopportunitiestodeveloptheirmedia skillswhilesharingimportantinformationwithintheirschoolsand communities.Throughouttheyears,Don’sstudentshavehadtheprivilegeof interviewingseveralprominentﬁgures,includingShirleyChisholm,theﬁrst AfricanAmericanwomantorunforpresident,SouthCarolinaGovernor HenryMcMaster,CongressmanJamesClyburn,formerGovernorNikki Haley,andactress/recordingartistVanessaWilliams.Inrecognitionofhis contributionstotheartsandeducation,Donwasappointedtwicebythe NationalEndowmentfortheArtsasamemberoftheLearninginArtsGrants andPolicyPanel.HisworkwiththeLeeCountyMediaLiteracyProgramhas beeninstrumentalinshapingyoungminds,helpingstudentsthinkcritically andexpressthemselvescreativelythroughmedia.

MicheleDugarisbothaninstructorandpractitionerwhenitcomesto marketing,entrepreneurship,andcreativeproblem-solving.Shehas over20yearsofexperienceasabusinessprofessorattheUniversity ofSouthCarolinaandBenedictCollege,whereshealsoledthe college’sStudentInnovationHub,astudentconsultingagency.

Michelehassupportedsmallbusinesses,non-proﬁts,andnational corporations.AsanSBAadvisorandcertiﬁedentrepreneurship instructor,sheguidedmanyentrepreneursastheylaunchedand expandedtheirbusinesses.Asamarketingconsultant,herawardwinningworkincludedprovidingstrategicplansandcreative executiontoclientslikeWachoviaMortgageandSalvationArmy.

DonPatterson

2024SPEAKER/PRESENTER

NormaLynnBrownisanativeofHartsville,S.C.andthedaughterofthelateO’Nealand BerthaLeeLynn.Shewasintroducedtoentrepreneurshipatayoungagebyherparents, grandparentsandunclebyworkinginthefamily-ownedGrocerystore.Afterhighschoolshe attendedWinthropUniversityandgraduatedwithadoublemajorinMarketingandFashion Merchandising.Shealsoreceivedamaster’sdegreeinbusinessfromWinthrop.Thenshe taughtatRichmondSeniorHighthentaughtatIrmo,DutchForkHighandSpringHillHigh SchoolsinColumbia.For35yearsshetaughtEntrepreneurship/Marketingandwasan award-winningDECACoachandAdvisor.ThenGODgaveherthevisiontogointothe communityandteachentrepreneurshiptoyoungpeopleingrades4-12andages17-25.In 2018shestartedLynnBrownInspires:YoungCEOsandLeaders,a501c3nonproﬁt organizationthatpromotesEconomicEmpowermentthroughsummercampsandother programs.Shehastaught7campsinColumbiaand5campsinCharleston-CampWanzain memoryofTywanaSanderskilledintheEmanual9shooting.SheisalsotheproudCEO/ FounderofBeInspired2,LLCaconsultingbusinessthatallowshertoconductworkshops, presentationsandseminars.ShebelievesthatGodhasinstilledgiftsandtalentsinall students.

ChrisCampbell RichlandCountyPublicLibrary

TiffanyJisamulti-talentedcreativewhohastransformedherpersonaljourneyintoaplatform forempowermentandartisticexpression.Shelaunchedhercareerasasoloartistin2012, usinghermusicandself-esteemmovement,"Beauty,YouAreBootCamp,"toinspireyoung girlstoembracetheiruniqueness.Inadditiontohermusic,sheisa5Xpublishedauthor,best knownforherinteractiveguide,ItAllStartswithMe,andthecreatoroftheSuperBeauty brand,whichincludeschildren’sbooksandpep-talkingdollsdesignedtoboostconﬁdence.

HerworkhasbeenfeaturedonBET’sGrandHustle,GoodMorningAmerica,andin prominentoutletssuchasBlackEnterpriseandEssence.TiffanyJ’slatestalbum,Solbird SessionsLive,hit#8ontheiTunesR&B/Soulcharts.In2024,herdocumentaryconcertﬁlm ofthesamenamewaslicensedbyAmazonPrimeforglobalstreaming.Sheisalsoa professoratBenedictCollegeandacreativedirector,contributingtoprojectslikeColumbia’s BlackWallStreetdocumentary.TiffanyJcontinuestoleadwithpassion,mostnotablyasthe organizeroftheBuddies,NotBulliesRally&ParadeinColumbia,SC,heldannuallyduring BullyingPreventionMonth.

Christopher“Chris”Campbellhasdedicatedthepastﬁveyearstoservingthe RichlandLibraryinmanycapacities,showcasinghisversatilityandcommitment. Hisjourneywithinthelibraryorganizationhasseenhimdonningseveralhats, beginningasaCustomerServiceSpecialistandsteadilyadvancingtotheroleof CustomerServiceSupervisor.Presently,heholdstheesteemedpositionof EdgewoodLocationManager.Aprofoundcommitmenttocustomerservice excellencecharacterizesChris’sprofessionaljourney.Hisexpertiseextendsbeyond theconﬁnesoftraditionallibraryservices,encompassingcareercoachingand team-building.Withanunwaveringdedicationtohelpingotherssucceed,Chrishas becomeadrivingforceforgrowthanddevelopmentwithinhisprofessionaland personalspheres.Inbothhisprofessionalandpersonallife,Chrissetsasingular goalattheforefront:tofacilitatethegrowth,learning,andsuccessofthosearound him.Hisleadershipandexceptionalskillsmakehimanindispensableassettothe RichlandLibraryandacatalystforpositivechangeinthelivesofthoseheserves. thefoundation’sinitiativesunderscorehercommitmenttomakingapositiveimpact throughthepowerofmediaandcommunication.

NormaLynnBrown BeInspired2,LLC

2024YOUNGENTREPRENEURS CONFERENCETEAM

2024ConferencePlanningCommittee

KarenAlexander-Banks,President

MarciaBenson,Co-Chair

WandaAndrews,Co-Chair

DiannSelph

BarbaraBowman

JacquelineJohnson

LeeLivingston

AuntieKarenBoard

KarenAlexander-Banks

MildredBranch

DeborahBreedlove

ToshiaAddison

Volunteers

BelindaWilliams

LisaMacon

LindaWilson

KevinBanks

AndrewCampbell

LillyLivingston

DelorisCampbell

ErisTaylor

MayaTaylor

ElDavis

WendyHolmes

TaylorMacon

DawnBussell

BenedictCollegeStudents

JacquezCovington

KeyarahBenson

DatonyaChambers

JoshaDavis

JoelRezil

MarieButterﬁeld

JalenDale

TaylorBailey

BenedictCollege

Dr.TracyDunn

Dr.LeonGeter

LorettaCharles

GinaMoore

RosalindHammond

TimothyDiggs

RichlandCountyPublicLibrary

DDCPCommunications

LeeCentralMediaLiteracyProgram

StudentsSponsors

ToshiaAddison

Dr.NormaLynnBrown, AIMHighCharterSchool

Dr.SherriRivers,AIMHighCharterSchool

CompleteandreturntoyourleadertoreceiveaYammiefortheAuntieKarenStore