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Yolanda Strader Proves Unstoppable at One of Miami’s Top Law Firms Yolanda Strader
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EDITOR’S NOTE 4 MIAMI’S MOST POWERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL BLACK BUSINESS LEADERS OF 2019 6 SPECIAL HONOREES 8 CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT
By Audrey Edmonson
Influencers Give Back and So Should You
VITAS HEALTHCARE
By Beverly McLarty
10 SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
By Gary Hartfield
By Stanley Zamor
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION 12 PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP FPL Corporate Leader Retires After
More Than 40 Years of Service
By Kallan Louis
14 COVER STORY New Law Partner Yolanda Strader
Makes Her Mark in Career and Community
By Josie Gulliksen
This issue of Legacy, honoring Miami’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2019, is important on so many levels. First, it signals who the heavy lifters are in our community. You’ll learn: who’s creating policy, who’s upholding the law, who’s keeping us safe, who’s employing people, who’s executing a vision for our future, and who’s generously opening their wallets and giving back. One of our honorees — featured in Legacy South Florida — and I have
history. In fact, Adrienne Ellis and I go as far back as high school, growing up in St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city. We were both raised by successful, loving parents who stressed education. We even attended the same Baptist church. Higher education separated us after high school when Adrienne matriculated at Florida State University while I embraced my new surroundings at the University of Miami. Eventually, our careers took us even further apart: Adrienne practiced law while I worked as a TV news reporter and anchor. It wasn’t until recently that I learned Adrienne lives in Palm Beach County and serves as chief assistant state attorney — upholding the law and making sure her community is safe. Her years of experience paid off in March in a highprofile jury trial involving the shooting death of musician Corey Jones. Jones, a black motorist stranded on an I-95 exit ramp in Palm Beach Gardens, was shot and killed at the hands of a white Palm Beach Gardens police officer. The circumstances surrounding the slaying outraged black leaders. In a riveting closing statement, Adrienne convinced the all-white jury to convict the former officer for slaying Jones.
“I wanted the jury to get it right for Corey and they did, and I’m grateful to them,” Adrienne said on a live TV news broadcast following the trial. “They were attentive the entire time. They were a smart group, and they were fair.” It is fitting that Legacy honor Adrienne with our Public Official of the Year Award. Her response upon notification was sincere and humble. “Wow! It is such a tremendous honor to be nominated by such a prestigious magazine,” Ellis wrote in an email to me. “I am beyond humbled and grateful that someone thinks that I am worthy of such an honor… I literally have no words to describe how honored I am by this nomination… Thank you, thank you, thank you!” All of the honorees in this issue are to be commended for their hard work and long hours away from their families. As demonstrated with Adrienne’s commitment, their efforts in their respective fields are paying off with positive results, too. Russell Motley Legacy Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com
16 SOCIAL MEDIA
By Tracy Timberlake
By Mary Davids
CAREER, LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT 18 BUSINESS REPORT
By Beatrice Louissaint
By Indira Jadoonandan
TRADE SCHOOL REPORT Subscribe to and view the digital version of Legacy Magazine and view additional articles at http://bitly.com/legacymagazines Facebook: Facebook.com/TheMIAMagazine Twitter and Instagram: @TheMIAMagazine
20 POLITICS
By Chris Norwood
By Kevin Michael
TECHNOLOGY
22 PINNACLE Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay
Takes Bite Out of Snack Food Industry
By Janey Tate
24 ABOUT TOWN
Legacy’s “40 Under 40” Mixer
25 ABOUT TOWN Miami-Dade Chamber of
Commerce Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon
26 LEGACY BRIEFS
#BeInformed #BeInfluential #BlackHistoryMonth Dexter A. Bridgeman
Russell Motley
Shannel Escoffery
Yanela G. McLeod
Sabrina Moss-Solomon
Joe Wesley
CEO & Founder
Director of Operations Designer
Rory Lee
Cover Make-up Artist
Editor-in-Chief Copy Editor
Cover Photo
Member of the Black Owned Media Alliance (BOMA)
CREDO OF THE BLACK PRESS
“The Black Press believes that America can best lead the world away from racial and national antagonisms when it accords to every one regardless of race, color or creed, full human and legal rights. Hating no person, fearing no person, the Black Press strives to help every person in the firm belief that all hurt as long as anyone is held back.”
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Miami’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Business Leaders of 2019
PETER BAILEY
TONY BARNES
Media Entrepreneur NiteCap Media LLC
CEO/Owner/Founder Tony Barnes Productions, LLC.
DEXTER CARSWELL
BEATRICE CAZEAU, ESQ.
KRISTIN HOLLIST
SYMERIA HUDSON
JAMES LINDSAY
COLETTE MCCURDY-JACKSON
President, Red Eye Entertainment & Management
PharmD Optimal Health Medical Center
President & CEO Rap Snacks, Inc.
MARCIA RAMI
Attorney, The Law Offices of Cazeau & Associates, PLLC
President and CEO Chapman Partnership
National President Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
RUBAN ROBERTS
Director of Market Development Vitas Healthcare
CEO of RER Consulting, President of the Miami Dade Branch of the NAACP
STEPHANIE SMITH
YOLANDA STRADER
Senior Public Policy Manager Uber
DAVID L. WILSON President, Broker DLW Enterprise and Equifinancial, LLC.
Shareholder Carlton Fields
ERICA WRIGHT, ESQ.
President, South Florida Chapter, National Alumnae Association of Spelman College
TYRON BARRINGTON
MICHELE BELIZAIRE
Producer The Barrington Group
CEO, President, Agent Belizaire Insurance Agency State Farm
TANISHA CIDEL
CHEVAS CLEMENTS
LAURICK INGRAM
PRINSTON JEAN-GLAUDE
Director of the Magnet Theatre Program, Norland Middle School
Director Give and Save 365, LLC
SANDRA MCLEAN
President Head Hunterz, LLC
CEO Primary Medical Care Center
DAVID MCLEOD
OLIVIA BENSON, ESQ.
Attorney Offices of Olivia S. Benson, Esq., P.L.
DEBORAH DORSETT
Executive Director Greater Miami Service Corps
DOTIE JOSEPH
ABRAHAM HOLLIST
McDonald’s Franchisee, GMAC CORP/Gull-tree Investments LLC
PharmD Optimal Health Medical Center
REGINALD LEON
ANNETTE MONK
CHRISTOPHER NORWOOD
DR. AMIRA OGUNLEYE
MATTHEW A. PIGATT
AKUA SCOTT
FRANKLIN SIRMANS
ALVA ROYSTON, SR.
KAREN RUNDLET
CLAUDIOUS THOMPSON
CRYSTAL WAGAR
Small Business Development Section Chief, Miami-Dade County
CLINT GULLEY II
Regional Chief Medical Officer Chen Senior Medical Centers
LYNN LABROUSSE, D.C., PH.D.
JAMILA ROSS
RASHAD THOMAS
IGNATIUS EUGENE CARROLL, JR.
Captain/Executive Officer to the Fire Chief, City of Miami Fire-Rescue
SAMMY KING, JR.
Corporate Director, Talent Acquisition Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
Vice President, Business Connect and Community Outreach Miami Super Bowl Host Committee
MAINA GATONYE, M.D.
CHIMA BUREY
Founder B&M Craft Spirits, LLC
Chief Financial Officer, Jessie Trice Community Health System
Principal Consultant Resolute Healthcare
President/CEO A. Randall Financial
Founding Executive Director Venture Cafe Miami
State Representative Florida House of Representatives
Vice President/Chief Nurse Executive, Baptist Health South Florida
Owner The Copper Door B&B
LEIGH-ANN BUCHANAN, ESQ.
Journalism Director Knight Foundation
Mayor Miami Shores
Principal Consultant The Norwood Consulting Group
PIERRE RUTLEDGE
Director - School Operations Miami-Dade County Public Schools
JUANITA WALKER
Owner CEO of Sheyes of Miami Learning Centers and Retired Police Major of MPD Sheyes of Miami Learning
Doctor Fey Essence
Doctor of Dental Surgery Beautiful Smiles
Organizer, LIUNA (Labors International Union of North America)
ANN WALTERS-POPE
President & CEO Ann Pope Consulting, Inc.
Councilman Miami Gardens
Mayor City of Opa-locka
Director Perez Art Museum Miami
AKINO WEST
Owner The Copper Door B&B
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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Special Honorees Legacy Legend of the Year
Educator of the Year TANISHA CIDEL
BRODES H. HARTLEY JR.
Director of the Magnet Theatre Program Norland Middle School
Tanisha Cidel graduated from the musical theatre program at New World School of the Arts in 1993. She is currently the director of the magnet theatre program at Norland Middle School and a past finalist for the district-wide Teacher of the Year award. Cidel performed background vocals for Kayne West and Ruben Stubbard. Both Cidel and a few of her students appeared in the Oscar Award-winning movie, Moonlight.
Director of State Operations AARP
For more than 30 years, Colonel Brodes H. Hartley Jr. has been the president and CEO of Community Health of South Florida Inc. Under his leadership, CHI has grown to include 10 health centers and 42 schoolbased centers. Hartley earned degrees from Florida A&M University and Baylor University. He also served 26 years in the Army Medical Services Corps.
Dionne Polite is the director of State Operations for AARP Florida. In this role, Polite is responsible for managing an AARP Florida team that is focused on statewide outreach and community education efforts to engage, introduce, reconnect and build relevance through various educational opportunities, advocacy/legislative efforts and cultural experiences. She is a dynamic senior administrator that specializes in community outreach and engagement.
Trailblazer of the Year
Florida Power & Light Company, a NextEra Energy Company, is the largest energy company in the United States as measured by retail electricity produced and sold, serving more than 10 million people across the state of Florida. Last year, FPL employees donated more than $4.3 million to their community, contributed more than 85,000 service hours, and supported more than 1,000 non-profit organizations.
Business of the Year
JAMES LINDSAY
DR. ALEXIA ROLLE
Director, Career and Technical Education (CTE/Workforce) Miami Dade College
Dr. Alexia Rolle is a South Florida native committed to helping young professionals maximize their potential. She does that by serving leadership roles with the Legacy 40 Under 40 organization and the Black Professionals Network. After serving more than 15 years with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, she accepted a role as director of Career and Technical Education (CTE/Workforce) at Miami-Dade College.
Public Official of the Year DEBORAH “DEBBIE” DORSETT
CEO Rap Snacks
James Lindsay is the CEO of Rap Snacks, an innovative snack and marketing company that promotes treats with bags featuring images of the hottest entertainment acts. Lindsay is a graduate of Cheney University and honed his marketing skills with stints at Johnson Products and Warner-Lambert. He also co-managed rap star Meek Mill.
DIONNE POLITE
President/CEO Community Health of South Florida, Inc.
Corporate Citizen of the Year
Business Person of the Year
Corporate Executive of the Year
Executive Director Greater Miami Service Corp.
The Copper Door Bed and Breakfast is powered by love, hospitality and married proprietors Akino West and Jamila Ross. It was created in the heart of Historical Overtown, Miami. The brand focuses on an intimate experience for guests all while featuring chef-driven amenities and local goods. The dynamic duo prides themselves on creating a good time within a unique lodging experience.
Deborah “Debbie” Dorsett has been a champion of empowering young people with the tools needed to transform their lives through education and service for more than 20 years. As the executive director of Greater Miami Service Corp., Dorsett has dedicated her life to making sure at-risk youth have opportunities to embark on promising futures and change the narrative of their circumstances. She is highly regarded for her work in transforming lives.
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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Diversity Is More Than a Goal. At VITAS® Healthcare, It Is Our Strength. VITAS celebrates African American professionals from all walks of life whose expertise, experience, self-awareness and compassion create a better world for all. At VITAS, the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care, our workforce reflects South Florida’s vast and rich diversity.
SINCE 1980
800.93.VITAS • VITAS.com
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CHAIRWOMAN’S REPORT
Edmonson: Our Community’s Priorities Are My Priorities
BY AUDREY M. EDMONSON
Since becoming chairwoman of the MiamiDade Board of County Commissioners this January, one of my top priorities has been to tackle senseless gun violence. I recently spearheaded legislation to collaborate with community organizations, clergy, law enforcement, social service providers and our County’s Juvenile Services Department to bring peace and safety to our neighborhoods. The newly launched Group Violence
Initiative calls for the participation of the Circle of Brotherhood and other community organizations with a proven track record in diversion programs to reduce gun violence. The comprehensive strategy involves a “boots on the ground” approach toward targeting young men with a criminal history in high crime areas, including positive black male role models and peacemakers, warnings about the consequences of further violence, and a genuine offer of help those who want it. The campaign kicked off on March 9, with a hunger strike by nine Circle of Brotherhood members to raise awareness about the ravages of gun violence and shootings in our community. I stand in solidarity with these brave men as they work to bring peace to our neighborhoods, because the loss of one life to gun violence is one too many. Another of my top goals has been to reduce disparities in contracting. Miami-Dade County is one of the most diverse communities in America and our contracting should reflect that. To address existing gaps, the County’s Small Business Development Department is
conducting outreach to small and minorityowned firms to make sure they are aware of opportunities available to them to do business with the County. Additionally, a new web-based Business Management Workforce System is tracking the County’s success at engaging diversity. I will redouble my efforts to address disparities by whatever means necessary and increase opportunities for those who have been left out of the equation in the past. As a woman, I am also strongly committed to ensuring that opportunities are there for women to grow and prosper in our economy by addressing gender disparities, including the fact that women still earn less than men doing the same work. A recent report by the Florida International University Metropolitan Center includes recommendations by the Miami-Dade Commission for Women on ways to promote equality in this and other areas. With the help of my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners, I look forward to reviewing and implementing these recommendations.
Another extremely critical issue we have to tackle as a community is housing. Although the County has funded hundreds of affordable housing projects in the last few decades, our rapidly growing population and the rising cost of housing still leaves thousands of people struggling. As a commission, we have passed several important pieces of legislation to address the housing crisis head-on, from working with developers to create affordable workforce housing to expanding and enhancing public housing. I am committed to seeing that the County continues to redevelop our aging public housing while ensuring the existence of suitable, affordable housing for the county’s working class, elderly, and most vulnerable residents. I value the input of our diverse county residents and encourage you to follow the work and legislation of the Board of County Commissioners.
Audrey M. Edmonson is chairwoman of the Miami-Dade County Commission. n
VITAS HEALTHCARE
South Florida Influencers Routinely Volunteer and Give Back, So Should You
BY BEVERLY MCLARTY
As they achieve professional, career, and personal success, many influential people find ways to give back to their communities. Stories abound about top-notch executives who mentor aspiring colleagues in careers they never thought possible, successful career women who create scholarships for first-generation college students, and forward-thinking philanthropists who support causes ranging from homelessness and healthcare access to diversity and arts enrichment.
No doubt, many South Florida professionals featured in this issue of Legacy are community-minded individuals – sung and unsung – who are making life better through their volunteerism. April’s designation as National Volunteer Month is an ideal time to focus on the role that volunteers play in hospice. According to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, hospice began “as a volunteer-driven, grassroots movement in the U.S. in the late 1970s.” When Congress designated hospice care as a Medicare benefit in 1982, it mandated that 5 percent of a hospice program’s patient care hours be provided by volunteers. Volunteers Play Key Roles In Hospice Care That requirement remains, and every hospice program thrives on the skills and dedication of volunteers who embrace the hospice mission of supporting quality of life near the end of life for terminally ill patients and their families. In 2018, VITAS® Healthcare — the nation’s leading provider of end-of-life care
— relied on 4,350 volunteers who spent 321,157 hours (and 45 minutes) caring for 7,744 patients. Hospice volunteers visit patients in person, make phone calls, perform administrative office tasks, hold hands at the bedside, whisper prayers to ease worries, read a favorite story, or simply sit and listen to a patient who needs to talk, reminisce, or find closure. Some volunteers rely on special skills or life experiences to help patients and families cope with challenges that arise at the end of life. Military veterans help fellow veteran hospice patients navigate the unique end-of-life memories, concerns and experiences that only a fellow member of the armed forces can understand. Massage therapists volunteer to ease pain, and petvisit volunteers and their furry Paw Pals® companions make in-person visits to lift spirits and provide comfort. Volunteer Opportunities Abound Others who are skilled in sewing, crocheting and knitting spend time creating quilts and afghans for hospice patients.
Seamstresses create personalized Memory Bears and pillows from clothing or fabric donated by family members after a loved one’s death. A cuddly bear made from a late father’s team bowling shirt or a grandmother’s favorite sundress serves as a lasting and comforting reminder for family members and survivors. VITAS is proud of the contributions made by its volunteers as they show how much they care about South Florida hospice patients and their families. Always welcome to join the VITAS team, new volunteers undergo specialized training and are guided by mentor volunteers who help them explore their value to patients and families who are facing one of life’s most difficult challenges. To learn more about volunteer opportunities and training, contact VITAS Healthcare at (866) 759-6695 or visit VITAS.com/volunteer. Beverly McLarty is healthcare team manager for VITAS®. n
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CONGRATULATIONS TO
QOLIVIA S. BENSON q on her nomination as one of South Florida’s
50 MOST POWERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL BLACK LEADERS OF 2019 FROM STAFF & FAMILY
Thank you for Being a Thoughtful and Powerful Leader MIAMI-DADE OFFICE: Biscayne Centre 11900 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. 770 North Miami, FL 33181-2737 Tel.: (786) 245-7746
BROWARD OFFICE: Huntington Square III 3350 S.W. 148th Ave., Ste. 110 Miramar, FL 33027-3237 Tel: (954) 874-1736
Facsimile: (786) 419-4841 • Email: oliviabenson@officesoliviabenson.com Probate Administration, Guardianships, Wills, & Trust • English & Spanish
officesoliviabenson.com
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SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Small Business Week Offers Insight and Expertise to Local Businesses
BY GARY T. HARTFIELD
It’s nearly that time of year again. Small Business Week 2019 is almost here and Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Division is ready for another week of events catering to the needs of local businesses and celebrating achievements over the last year. The festivities will kick off Monday, May 6, at the Doral Police Substation in
the bustling city of Doral. County capital departments and graduated firms will share best practices and suggest strategies for successful bidding on county contracts. Both certified businesses and local companies who are interested in our small business programs are invited to attend and participate in these lively discussions over a continental breakfast. Our industry-specific days will begin Tuesday, May 7, starting with construction at the West Kendall Regional Library in southwest Miami-Dade. There, a panel of county departments and industry experts will have a forum on bidding and cost estimating specific to the construction industry. Tips on successful bidding and what constitutes a responsive and responsible bidder will also be shared. Additionally, firms that have graduated from the County’s SBE Construction program will be present to share insight into the program and how to navigate county contracting. Companies offering an array of goods and services will have their day on
Wednesday, May 8, at Miami International Airport Auditorium. Certified NIGP instructor Jodi S. Hart, will be the guest speaker and will share her experiences and procurement knowledge. As the chief procurement officer for the City of Fort Lauderdale, Hart has worked in purchasing for 25 years in both the public and private sectors. She has CPPB and CPPO certifications and has worked in private business, commodities speculative buying, medical purchasing, city government, as well as in both K-12 and higher education. In addition to insights and expertise from graduated firms and tips on responsive and responsible bidding, attendees will be able to hear a session on the latest happenings in manufacturing and wholesaling. On Thursday, May 9, we will host our local Architects & Engineers at the University of Miami Life Sciences & Technology Park. County representatives from the Architectural & Engineering team, and industry experts will discuss best practices and tips on how to successfully
propose. A graduated firm from the SBEA&E Program will be present to share its experience as an SBE and how to best leverage a certification with the County. We will wrap up the week at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center with an awards ceremony on the ground floor lobby. We will recognize our SBE of the Year for each of our certification programs as well as honor this year’s recipient of the Marsha E. Jackman Small Business Award. Immediately following the awards, we will have a reception in the main library auditorium. We hope you will join us as we recognize our small business community and celebrate the diversity that they and we reflect in Miami-Dade County. For more information about our programs, the Business Management Workforce System, Small Business Week, and other events, please visit our website at www. miamidade.gov/smallbusiness. n
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION
Conduct a SWOT Analysis When Preparing for Negotiations
BY STANLEY ZAMOR
After three intense hours of negotiations where I shuttled between private rooms, I decided to bring lawyers together in the hallway and said, “We have tried for quite some time to find common ground and you both are debating business and legal positions that neither want to move from. If you allow me to, can I approach the remainder of our time in a different way?”
Both attorneys looked puzzled, yet agreed. After using a SWOT Analysis approach, after 90 minutes they were able to strategize differently and began to draft a mutually beneficial agreement. In the late 1960s, Albert S. Humphrey developed the Strengths,Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats framework to better analyze business and organizational decision-making. A SWOT Analysis is a tool that can be used in a variety of industries. SWOT Analysis has typically been used in a business and marketing context. I suggest that it can also be applied in a variety of areas, including that law. It is a helpful guide to analyze and review positions, strategies, ideas or approaches towards a challenging issue. When making a decision, consider the following: Strengths: are internal factors that influence your position. List five reasons why you feel your position is strong. Explain how and why you feel that way. Weaknesses: are internal factors that
influence your position. List five things that are risks for you. Why? Opportunities: are external factors that influence your case or current position. Opportunities are not as easy to identify as some may think. You must spend time researching your industry and be honest with yourself about your wants, needs, and walk-away points. ● Identify five positives that motivate you to proceed. ● Identify any interesting trends or similar issues in your industry or legal position that you can imitate or rely on. Threats: are usually external factors that influence how to proceed. A variety of scenarios should be considered when determining what your threats are, such as: ● Five risks you’d face if you go forward with your position. ● Should you not prevail as anticipate, does the loss change your position in the
marketplace or industry? If so, how? ● Will your reputation be harmed if you do not obtain a favorable result? If so, how? ● What is your financial risk tolerances? Stanley Zamoris a Florida Supreme Court certified circuit, family and county mediator as well as a primary trainer and qualified arbitrator. Zamor serves on several federal and state mediation and arbitration rosters. He mediates with the Agree2Disagree (ATD) Mediation Group. As an ADR consultant, he regularly lectures about a variety of topics from ethics, cross-cultural issues, diversity, bullying, and family-business relationships. szamor@effectivemediationconsultants.com www.effectivemediationconsultants.com www.LinkedIn.com/in/stanleyzamoradr (954) 261-8600 n
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We can become an extension of your Human Resources department by facilitating your search for qualified employees, thus saving your business time and expenses.
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To learn more visit us at www.careersourcesfl.com CareerSource South Florida is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP
FPL Corporate Leader Retires After More Than 40 Years of Service WE CONGRATULATE OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO
Brodes H. Hartley Jr. ON N HIS LEGACY LEGEND OF THE YEAR AWARD! TH
Your Vision, Leadership and Service have driven this organization to Growth and Success for more than 35 Years. 11 HEALTH CENTERS AND 35 SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CENTERS PRIMARY CARE • PEDIATRICS • URGENT CARE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH • DENTAL • OB/GYN • VISION RADIOLOGY • PHARMACY • TRANSPORTATION
(786)272-2100
www.chisouthfl.org
Player earned her stripes to get where she is today. While attending Bethune-Cookman College, the South Florida native began working for FPL’s Hollywood, Florida district office during summers. After graduating with her degree in business administration, FPL hired her. Throughout her career, she has worked in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County. She has held positions in numerous departments including managing a Regional Customer Care Center and directing a highly trained technical staff in Sales & Marketing. Her community engagement activities extends off the clock, as she serves on boards and committees of several local nonprofits. She has a litany Aletha Player, area manager, external affairs, Florida Power & Light of accolades for her service to South Florida. BY KALLAN LOUIS As she reflects on her journey, In an age where white-collar Player said she is proud of the progress professionals jump from company to made by women in leadership and company trying to climb the corporate STEM at FPL. “We have always been a ladder, every once in awhile there is a company, in my view, that was forward reminder that staying with one company thinking,” she said. “Technology has can bear successful fruit. played a major role with some of “It’s been a great 45 years,” the accomplishments my company said Aletha Player, area manager for has made. Today, I see more women External Affairs with Florida Power in the C-suite. I see more women & Light. “It doesn’t feel like it’s been in engineering...there’s a number of that long. I have some long-lasting women in IT.” relationships I will take with me.” Player said she saw many people After nearly half a century of come and go at FPL. Over the last 10 professional service with the utility years, she’ has been fortunate enough to company, Player will retire on May 31. attend retirement parties of employees In her current role, she is she once managed decades ago. On responsible for managing strategic more than one occasion, she shared corporate issues and relationships with that she has felt touched when workers governmental agencies and community- thanked her for helping shape their based organizations. Her service area future with something as simple as a includes: Miami Beach, Golden Beach, kind word or small suggestion. Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Aventura, Player said she will miss “the Bal Harbour, Indian Creek Miami people internal to FPL and many the Shores, Miami Gardens, North Bay people within the community.” Village, Bay Harbor Islands and parts of n unincorporated Miami-Dade County.
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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
COVER STORY
Attorney Yolanda Strader Making Her Mark in Career and Community BY JOSIE GULLIKSEN
Attorney Yolanda Strader has racked up professional accolades in her career, making several 40 Under 40 lists including Best Advocates Award by the National Bar Association and Outstanding Lawyers in South Florida by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Recently making partner at the law firm of Carlton Fields, is just another step in her quest to change and improve her community. “Personally, the promotion to partner was especially important to me because, according to published statistics, less than 1% of partners at law firms are black women, a staggering number that’s served to motivate to me,” Strader said. “Making partner is a small step towards changing that statistic.” Helping all attorneys be part of the team, at Carlton Fields she feels diversity is part of their DNA, creating an inclusive environment with similar practices. “Firms have to be deliberate in their efforts and pay attention to and address those issues,” she said. The firm does this by offering a legitimate mentorship program where associates can seek advice and become part of a team to help them learn, grow and feel they’re contributing at the firm. The 34-year-old recalls fondly serving as President of the Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. Bar Association which was formerly the Black Lawyers of Miami. During her tenure she worked on eradicating the delay of naming black federal judges to the bench during the President Obama years. “That advocacy got a lot of attention from various media outlets, which meant we were making a difference to ensure the bench was diverse and reflected the community it served,” she said. It also led to the forming of the Judicial Diversity Initiative, a coalition of voluntary minority bar associations in South Florida, including the Ferguson Bar, Caribbean Bar Association and Haitian Lawyers
“Watching my cousin conduct the proceedings and being addressed as your honor impressed me. I felt he brought a unique perspective to the bench which enabled him to serve in the best capacity as a juvenile judge,” she said. All this led her to the University of Miami Law School where after graduation, she found their Professional Opportunities Program which encouraged black law students to stay in Florida after graduating law school. It found internships for black Yolanda Strader stands in the lobby of Carlton Fields in downtown Miami where she handles a variety of commercial litigation matters, law students at firms, including class actions, real property disputes, business divorces, and bankruptcy litigation, to name a few. in-house or with judges. in real estate, allowed her to hit the Association. “When job offers began coming ground running when she was hired. “Another staggering statistic in, I decided to go with Carlton Fields “I sat for and passed the CPA exam of only two black females serving because of the Firm’s reputation and before I decided to on the Circuit involvement in the community,” she become a lawyer and Court Bench, said. worked in real estate motivated the About juggling being a wife to at my mother’s real aforementioned Personally, the promotion television anchor Jawan Strader of estate and brokerage associations to NBC 6 and mother to four-year-old firm,” she said. “The to partner was especially conduct mock Sienna and six-year-old Bryson her accounting and real interviews with important to me because, estate experience answer is simple. judicial candidates “Each day, I’m just glad everyone according to published was incredibly and sit in on is ok, I got my work done and helpful, especially actual interviews statistics, less than 1% of during the real estate everyone’s in bed by eight o’clock. It conducted by makes me feel like I kicked butt. There partners at law firms are crisis.” the judicial are days when things won’t be perfect Her Jamaican nominating black women, a staggering and that’s OK too,” she said. mother, who came commission. It number that’s served to She’s fine being a woman in to this country and served to get them a position of power because “I’m began a successful united around a motivate to me comfortable in my own skin and business in real estate common issue,” asserting my voice. Even when I’m the was an inspiration as Strader said. only black woman in a courtroom or a was her father taking As a meeting I know I’m just as valuable as her and her brother to juvenile court commercial litigator at Carlton Fields, anyone else.” to watch their cousin Judge William resolving business disputes in and out n Johnson, which inspired her to become of court, her background in business, an attorney at the age of 11. accounting degree and experience
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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
SOCIAL MEDIA
Email Lists Still Valuable in Age of Social Media
BY TRACY TIMBERLAKE
On March 13, many of us discovered just how social media dependent we can be. You may have been one of millions who tried to access Facebook and its subsidiary platforms Instagram and WhatsApp only to find that you were denied! #FacebookisDown began trending on Twitter as many of us experienced unprecedented connectivity issues.
Facebook released a statement saying it was working on it, but who knew that a “server configuration change” would have every digital marketer, influencer, and online business up in arms. Social media platforms are the primary means of leading generation and audience relationship building. So when they go down, we lose precious time and money. As a digital strategist, social media is a major player in the game, but it is not the end-all-be-all. It is only one part. Crafting a 360-degree marketing strategy is essential if you want to win in the online space. You simply can’t rely on just one or two platforms to help with brand awareness and communication. While there are many components to a comprehensive strategy, I always begin with an email list as a first step. While there are some who believe having an email list is obsolete, our recent mishap with Facebook shows us otherwise. You will never own your Facebook friends or your Instagram followers, but you
can absolutely own a list with emails on it. So, when social media decides that it doesn’t want to play today, you have an entire spreadsheet of contacts that you can reach out to using that very precious, very valuable email address. Think about it, Facebook shows your posts to an average of 10 percent of your followers and decreases with each algorithmic change. Email open rates land at about 25 percent. It doesn’t take a mathematician to show us that our email reach is more than double organic Facebook reach. And it also keeps you from being a slave to the ever-changing algorithm. The strategy I teach clients when it comes to social media is to use platforms to cast a wide net, then get them onto your email list as soon as possible. This allows you to build a relationship with them in a different capacity. When it comes to email list building, there are plenty of options. Mailchimp and Sendinblue allow you to get started for
free. Infusionsoft and Active Campaign are available when you are ready for a more sophisticated strategy. It really doesn’t matter which you choose, the point is to just get started. You won’t regret it. So, while many businesses found themselves frustrated by what was unavailable to them during the “Great Facebook and Instagram Shut Down of 2019,” my clients were sitting pretty, trusting that all of our digital contingencies were deployed, with special regard to that highly valuable email list. Money was still able to come in from alternative sources. Facebook and Instagram are never your only options. Dr. Tracy Timberlake Award-winning business coach and digital strategist Instagram.com/tracytimberlake n
CAREER LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
Three Positive Affirmations to Say Before Your Next Interview stressful and scary process, so here are a few affirmations that will allow you to focus on your strengths when prepping for an interview. These simple reminders can help you shake your nerves and go into your next interview feeling confident and prepared.
BY MARY V. DAVIDS
My former boss once asked me how is it that I am so confident and not intimidated by executives or senior leadership. I told her their title didn’t matter. What matters is having the ability to clearly articulate your value to decision makers during an interview. If you let it, interviewing can be a
1. I am valuable: Don’t get suckered into the idea that the company is doing you a favor by hiring you. Remember, you are bringing value to the table, too. You are equipped with knowledge, skill, and the ability to meet organizational needs. Lean on your experience in problem solving, organizing, leading, or training others as proof that you can add value in any setting. Let them know how you will be an asset to the organization, not just a warm body in a seat. 2. I can do great work: Think back to specific situations where you used
your skills and knowledge to complete a project. Listing specific examples is important not only for your future employer to hear, but for you to remember as well. Avoid getting caught up in what skills or knowledge you don’t have and instead focus on past situations where you showed up as a leader by using your unique skills to get the job done. The goal is to show that you have the capability to do great work. You don’t have to know everything there is to know about a place you’ve never been. 3. I am worthy: Confidence in interviewing is about convincing yourself that you are worthy of the position for which you’ve applied. You deserve to have a good life. You deserve this opportunity because you have a unique perspective based on your own experience of how to approach problem solving and handle conflict. You have the capability to learn
what you need to know to get the work done, even if it means spending extra time to get it right or coming up with new ways of completing the process altogether. If you weren’t a worthy applicant, you wouldn’t be preparing for an interview. Remember that. Rejection is the greatest fear most have when interviewing, but it is also a great opportunity to learn more about yourself. Even if you don’t get the job, take time to follow-up and find out why. There could be an abundance of reasons why you didn’t get the role, many reasons that may have nothing to do with you. Mary V. Davids, an executive career and leadership development coach, is owner of D&M Consulting Services, LLC. For more career tips and advice visit www. marydavids.comor follow @MVDavids on Instagram or Twitter. n
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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BUSINESS REPORT
Entrepreneurs and Consumers Have Power to Make a Difference
BY BEATRICE LOUISSANT
Entrepreneurs drive our economy. Creating and building a successful business not only brings power and prosperity to the entrepreneur, it also makes a difference in the world on a larger scale – whether social, financial or cultural. Many business owners are taking this to heart and building lasting legacies. A 2016 HSBC Bank study showed that more
than 60 percent of entrepreneurs believe it is their responsibility to have a positive social and economic impact on society – to do well while doing good. This power flows in more than one direction. Each day as consumers, we have power — the power of the purse and where we choose to spend our money. As consumers, we have the power to support companies that are fair, pay a livable wage, support causes that are important to us and are engaged in the community. We can decide to support companies that build diverse boards of directors and that invest in charitable endeavors in underrepresented communities. Now more than ever, it is crucial to put thought into each purchase and to educate ourselves about the businesses we patronize. Take the example of Troy Taylor, chairman and CEO of Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (Coke Florida), one of the nation’s largest black-owned businesses with more
than $1.2 billion in sales. Taylor is a prime example of putting power to work. He said he was drawn to the Coca-Cola business because of its direct reach into minority communities and the ability he would have to influence multicultural populations. Taylor’s deep desire to create change ended up also reaching the upper echelons of the corporate world. He has been vocal about not only creating a diverse team at the Coca-Cola Company, but also about doing business with those who embrace diversity. Case in point: although Taylor spent years at J.P. Morgan prior to entering the world of entrepreneurship, he told Black Enterprise that he eventually changed his credit facility to Citi because J.P. Morgan “didn’t have anybody across the table that looked like me.” Taylor’s use of power and his dedication to investing back into his community is a lesson to all. When you are the one making the decisions, you can consciously decide to effect change,
whether you do so by the way you run your company or through the companies you choose to support. Entrepreneurs can set the tone for others in their industry by implementing policies that support inclusive workforces, buying from minority-owned businesses, equal pay, or generous family and maternity leave. They can mentor talent in their company or industry, and can lend their time and support causes they believe in. As entrepreneurs and consumers, we are in the unique position of being able to do both. True power is building a legacy of positive impact. True power is choosing to use your dollars and your decisions to make a difference every day. Beatrice Louissaint is president and CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council. Learn more about the FSMSDC at fsmsdc.org or call (305) 762-6151. n
TRADE SCHOOL REPORT
‘Career Day Fair’ Highlights Construction Trades Available Through Apprenticeship Training
High school students attend the “Career Day Fair” sponsored by the United Joint Apprenticeship Committee of South Florida.
BY INDIRA JADOONANDAN
Approximately 300 high school students attended the “Career Day Fair” on March 15, sponsored by the United Joint Apprenticeship Committee of
South Florida. The event was held at Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Pipefitting Education Center, located at 13201 N.W. 45 Ave. in Opa-Locka. This “Career Day Fair” was specifically created to introduce and recruit students to a variety of construction trades where individuals need hands-on-training such as apprenticeships to develop the skills and aptitude necessary to succeed in the construction industry. Students who participated in event spoke with representatives from the construction trades about the many career opportunities and benefits of working in a trade where employees are represented by a union. The UJACSF consists of local trade unions. Resource persons on hand at the Career Day Fair included representatives from: Local Union 487 South Florida Operating Engineers, Local Union 32 Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union 78 Painters and Allied Trades, Local
Union 349 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 725 Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Pipefitting Education Committee, and Local Union 60 International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers, Local Unions 519 and 719 Plumbers Joint Apprenticeship Committee, and Local Union 71 National Elevator Industry Education Program. Some event attendees are enrolled in pre-apprenticeship programs in traditional high schools including: Coral Gables Senior High School, Homestead Senior High School, Miami Carol City Senior High School, and Miami Edison Senior High School. Other participants included: COPE Center North, Dorothy M. Wallace COPE Center, Dr. Marvin Dunn Academy for Community Education, Jan Mann Educational Center, and Miami McArthur Educational Center. Representatives from the District’s
Adult Education Programs and Careers, and Technical Education Division collaborated with the UJACSF to provide students with information about the various union trades and related training programs. Students received information about the apprentice training programs that are locally based and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Students accepted into apprentice training will qualify to receive competitive wages in addition to working side-by-side with a journeyman or a trained worker with five or more years of experience in the field. These apprentices will earn a living wage while learning in a tuition-free training program. They will also enjoy great benefits such as health and related insurance. For additional information please call (305) 558-8000. n
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
POLITICS
Nipsey Hussle Proved the Power of One Can Change Lives
Norwood
BY CHRIS NORWOOD
Ermias Asghedom was shot and killed in front of a strip mall in inner city Los Angeles on Sunday, March 31. On the same day, gun violence protesters in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood ended a three-week hunger strike. Crenshaw is 2,800 miles away from Liberty City, but
Ermias’ murder scene seems only a block away in neighborhoods in Baltimore, St. Louis, New Orleans, Detroit, Newark, Chicago or Miami. Ermias, 33, a father, community advocate, businessman and entertainer, was known as Nipsey Hussle, a homage and play on the name of Nipsey Russell, the famed comedian, poet, and dancer best known for his appearances on game shows from the 1960s through 1990s. Nipsey Hussle was a wise young man. One of the few I paid attention to in today’s Hip-Hop because of his business savvy, politics, and community consciousness. His death is a waste for the unknown who would have benefited from his influence on the culture. In his own words: “I understand my obligation — I got an obligation to my community first, my family first, to hoods like L.A. all around the country who live for the culture.” Nipsey Hussle was recently nominated for a Grammy. His death was
felt deeply in Crenshaw, the neighborhood where he grew up and maintained a regular presence after becoming a Grammy-nominated artist. He offered hope, advocated self-improvement and financially invested in the community, which has long struggled with violent crime. He opened a co-working space dedicated to increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Ironically, he had a planned meeting with police officials to discuss ways to prevent gang violence the day after his death. He was self-made and his life showed the power of one. His idea of “self-made” meant never making an excuse for why you can’t take steps toward your goal. “Self-made” also means being comfortable working with what you have. It’s about realizing there are different levels throughout your journey, and you have to be patient. Most people want to skip the process, not knowing that when
you skip steps, you miss the lessons. You learn all of the secrets to the game on your way up. Nipsey Hussle’s example as a man, businessman, and community advocate led the Hunger 9 in Liberty City to sacrifice their bodies to bring awareness to the many lives we are losing to gun violence. We will never see the continued example of Emias’ influence on Pop Culture towards self-reliance. I hope his life message will strengthen the efforts of the Hunger 9, who stated: “Only thing we know is that we need the word to be spread. We’re not asking for money, we’re not blaming the NRA, we’re not blaming the politicians. We’re not blaming anybody. We’re just doing this to start an internal dialogue within our own community.” Let’s continue the dialogue. We know that the power of one – one person, one group of nine, one idea, and yes one bullet can change things. n
TECHNOLOGY
Digital Transformation Pushing Businesses Toward Success
BY KEVIN MICHAEL
My former boss once asked me how is it that Digital Transformation represents a massive shift in business philosophy that pushes all business toward embracing a digital future. As emerging technology platforms continue to disrupt or reshape the fabric of every industry, it has forced companies, regardless of size, to think of themselves as being in the business of technology.
Even if they don’t create technology, it is undeniable that building a sustainable business model and maintaining long-term competitiveness cannot be accomplished without the growing adoption or use of technology. Simply delivering your product or service to the end customer is also no longer enough. You must align it with the always-on, instantly available expectations of the modern consumer and re-imagine the customer experience in order to stand out. So how exactly do you do that? In comes digital transformation. While it’s hard to nail down a precise definition of what digital transformation is, the one I like most is “the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business resulting in fundamental changes to how businesses operate and how they deliver value to customers. Digital transformation calls for the use of more technology in every aspect of business: sales, marketing, operations, finance, etc. Transformation can be unique for each
business. For a large business, it may mean an overhaul of IT systems from legacy applications, migration to cloud computing to save on capital expenditure, or adding Artificial Intelligence and machines learning capability for automated decisionmaking. On the other hand, a typical small business might look to go paperless to streamline data management, introducing a chat bot on their website to better handle customer concerns, or building a mobile app to enhance brand loyalty and gain customer insight. Other opportunities for digital transformation in your organization might be the adoption of intelligent voice systems to handle inbound customer calls, sales and marketing automation tools to nurture customer leads, or the use of virtual and augmented reality to help your customers visualize an experience that you offer. Digital transformation asks for every business to take a long hard look at itself, its customers, and emerging technology trends in order to find a way to combine
all three. If your business isn’t undertaking this type of exploration, then you can be certain that some of your competitors are, and that is reason enough to care. So the next time your team faces an operational or market challenge, ask yourself 1) How could technology streamline this process or help avoid this problem; 2) How can we use technology to deliver something faster or better to our customers. Sometimes the answer lies in better use of technology you already have, or implementing something that has already been created. If you’re lucky, the answer you come up with is to create something that’s never been done in your industry. Kevin V. Michael is the co-founder and CEO of Invizio, an award-winning IT services provider that provides a virtual IT department to growing small businesses and organizations throughout South Florida. n
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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PINNACLE
Rap Snacks CEO James Lindsay Takes Bite Out of Snack Food Industry business in the Miami market, Lindsay has taken on business Across the country, the face of Hippartnerships and community Hop superstars such as Migos, Cardi initiatives that address health B, Trina and Fetty Wap can be found and job creation. One of his on bags of Rap Snacks. The Hip-Hop next business ventures is a themed snack food is the innovative partnership with former Real brainchild of James Lindsay, founder Housewives of Atlanta cast and CEO of Rap Snacks, a company member Phaedra Parks for that has a 20-year history and proven a line of feminine hygiene blueprint for success. products called “My Healthy Lindsay said his career in the snack Peach.” food industry began before he was He has sealed a deal aware. As a child he was an avid chip to have Rap Snacks sold in all eater and would mix chips to create new 690 Spencer’s clothing stores flavors. in the United States and he “Truthfully it wasn’t really a lot of produces a t-shirt line. Through my professional background that got me the “Boss Up Initiative” he into the snack food industry,” he shared. trains children ages 12-19 to “I was a inner city kid that kinda ate print the merchandise. poorly and I’d put all the chips in one “We’re really excited bag and shake them up. Basically I was about the Boss Up program taste testing.” through our partnership with Lindsay later attended Cheyney Spencer’s. It’s going to allow University in Pennsylvania and us to reach more kids and train graduated with a degree in marketing. them on things that they His first professional job was with James Lindsay, CEO and founder of Rap Snacks, pictured with bags of his Hip-Hop themed snack food. really like,” he explained. Chicago-based Johnson Products Lindsay’s says he Company. “Dab of Ranch” flavor. “My key to success has been wants to see more minorities seriously He said: “I was able to get into Four years later, he pitched his learning how to stick with something delve into the business world. The that company and move up pretty product to Universal Music Group. “…I I believe in,” he said. “I had to go city Rap Snacks quickly. And I gained a lot of valuable told them you guys … can give me that to city to find people to CEO said that experiences in sales, marketing, and budget and I can advertise your artists distribute the product… being prepared products. on my bags, which had a captive market We don’t own any and consistent “My key to success has The future CEO added that place,” Lindsay said. “ It was kinda manufacturing facilities so what many while on client store visits as regional been learning how to isentrepreneurs remarkable that I got them to pay me.” we had to have somebody sales manager for Warner-Lambert The deal with UMG led to a else make it for us and stick with something I need to do in pharmaceutical company he noticed business partnership with rapper and so you’re at their mercy” order to be believe in.” snack food shelves music mogul, Lindsay said. successful lacked diversity. Master P. “One As the company began in today’s “For the snack day he just to rebuild and strengthen its marketplace. “Most entrepreneurs’ issue is called me out brand, Lindsay saw moving food category “Most entrepreneurs’ issue is they there wasn’t really they have so many ideas they of the blue and it to Miami as a way to add business have so many ideas they don’t know anything that we said man I love diversity to the market. don’t know how to funnel that how to funnel that into one thing at a as Afro-Americans what you are “I saw that Miami, as far time,” he said. “I use to be like that so into one thing at a time.” could relate to,” doing with the as business, is underserved and I get it. Be well prepared so you know Lindsay said. “I Rap Snacks,” the potential is enormous in this was thinking, how said Lindsay, marketplace,” he said. “People just see it the business you’re getting into. Really love what you do because that’s half the can I get into this and really make a who’s still friends and business partner as a vacation spot, but I see it as a place battle, and be consistent,” he advised. “I difference.” with Master P. with many people with good business figure if you do something every day and He originally launched his snack The brand is steadily growing and ideas who don’t have the ability to you’re consistent and not all over the brand in 1994 with two flavors: “Baradding new rap artists to its signature connect.” place, you’ll be successful.” B-Quing With my Honey” and “Back at bags. Lindsay says his road to success In addition to wanting to push BY JANEY TATE
the Ranch,” which later evolved into the
was paved with determination.
the needle forward for minorities in
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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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ABOUT TOWN
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
Legacy magazine’s 40 Under 40 social mixer, March 28, 2019, Book & Books at the Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
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MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
LEGACY BRIEFS HBCU GRAD OPENS DENTAL PRACTICE IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Dr. Anthony Adkins, DDS., 33, a South Florida native and graduate of Meharry Medical College, has opened his own dental practice, Atlas Smiles, in Plantation, FL. Adkins obtained his Adkins Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from the University of Florida in 2008 and later received his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 2014 from the distinguished Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. Adkins is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the National Dental Association, as well as the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
BROWARD COLLEGE NORTH CAMPUS PRESIDENT DR. AVIS PROCTOR NAMED PRESIDENT OF HARPER COLLEGE
Dr. Avis Proctor, president of Broward College’s North Campus in Coconut Creek, has been selected as the next president of William Rainey Harper College in Palatine, Illinois. Dr. Proctor was one of three finalists for the position following an extensive nationwide search. Proctor is Proctor Harper College’s first female and first African-American president. She officially assumes her new role on July 1.
BROWARD HEALTH APPOINTS DAVID CLARK SENIOR VP OF OPERATIONS
David Clark has been promoted to senior vice president of operations at Broward Health. With more than 15 years of experience as a senior-level administrator of capital projects and healthcare programs, Clark will be responsible for overseeing the
daily operations at Broward Health, as well as leading the system’s Construction, Facilities and Design Departments. Clark joined Broward Health in April 2018 as assistant vice Clark president of corporate services, where he provided overall leadership and accountability for the healthcare system’s Construction and Design Department.
DR. JAFFUS HARDRICK NAMED FMU PRESIDENT
Florida Memorial University’s Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Jaffus Hardrick as its 14th president, effective immediately. The board originally tapped Hardrick to serve as interim president in July 2018. An award-winning academic executive, Hardrick comes to South Florida’s Hardrick only historically Black university with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. He worked for more than ten years at FIU where he served as vice provost for Access and Success and vice president of Human Resources. An HBCU alumnus, Hardrick earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette; a master’s in Education in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University; and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Baylor University. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and a board member of the Florida Education Fund, Inc.
JO’DANE CRAIGMAN WINS NATIONAL MARKETING AWARD
Jo’Dane “JD” Craigman of Intravate Consultants, a Miami-based marketing and
media firm based, is the proud recipient of a Reed Award. The Reed Awards highlight the best campaign marketing professionals around the country. Craigman won in the category of “Best Website for Mayoral Campaigns” for designing Craigman the Matthew Pigatt for Mayor of Opa-locka campaign. Craigman’s hard work paid off after Pigatt won the election.
Supply Manager at Apple. Her career also includes roles at Procter & Gamble, Goldman Sachs, and Microsoft, among other Fortune 100 companies. A FAMU MBA graduate, Rinkins is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Rinkins Sorority, Inc. and is the recipient of Knight-Ridder’s Silver Knight Award in Business.
FULL-SERVICE MEDICAL CENTER OPENS IN MIAMI GARDENS
NONPROFIT TAPS LATOYA DAVENPORT TO LEAD ORGANIZATION
The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region’s Board of Directors has appointed LaToya Davenport as the new Chief Executive Officer. Davenport has more than 14 years of experience as a proven leader within the Florida child welfare system. Prior to joining ELC of the Big Bend Region, Davenport she served as the Director of Program Support Services for Boys Town South Florida, a national nonprofit that provides mental and behavioral health services to children and families.
Drs. Abraham and Kristen Hollist
Optimal Health Medical Center (OHMC) recently opened in Miami Gardens. Founders Drs. Abraham Hollist and Kristen Hollist decided to bring non-traditional healthcare to the same community where Kristen Hollist was raised. The services include primary care, acute care, senior care, and pharmacy services. OHMC also houses the Optimal Living Center, a preventative care education and resource hub where clients can receive additional counseling and support. OHMC is located at 17235 NW 27th Ave. in Miami Gardens. optimalhealthmc.com n
KNIGHT FOUNDATION APPOINTS RINKINS TO LEAD GRANTS ADMINISTRATION
South Florida-native Roshell Rosemond Rinkins recently joined the Knight Foundation as director of Grants Administration. Rinkins has administrative oversight of a grants administration team that executes and optimizes the foundation’s grants systems and processes. Additionally, she is responsible for cultivating departmental and managerial innovation in her area. Rinkins comes to the foundation after serving as a Global
DID YOU RECENTLY GET A PROMOTION? ARE YOU A NEW HIRE AT A SOUTH FLORIDA COMPANY? DOES YOUR FIRM HAVE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE?
Let us know by sharing your good news in Legacy Briefs. Send a press release and your professional headshot to rm@miamediagrp.com.
27BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019
RSVP Today! Wednesday, April 24 | 6:30 p.m. Broward County Convention Center Hosted by Calvin Hughes Evening News Anchor, WPLG-TV Local 10
Please join us for a special evening to honor five distinguished leaders at the annual African-American Achievers awards ceremony. Established by automotive legend Jim Moran, the program pays tribute to inspiring individuals who dedicate themselves to making a meaningful difference throughout our communities.
2019 HONOREES
Addonis Parker Arts & Culture
James Thomas
Business & Entrepreneurism
RSVP at AfricanAmericanAchievers.com
Visit facebook.com/AfricanAmericanAchievers for more information
Jerome Edmund Gray Youth Achiever to be announced live at the event!
Jasmin D. Shirley
Community Service
Webber J. Charles Education
Sponsored by
28BB
AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD
FPL is taking its long-standing clean energy commitment to the next level with a groundbreaking plan to install 30 million solar panels by 2030 and make Florida a world leader in solar energy production.
FPL.co FP LL..co com/ m/Sola Sola So lar Thi Th T hiis adverti h dve ve v erti rttis rt siing is paid sin a fo or b by y ou urr FPL FPL FP PL s sh ha arre are reh ho hol older de d ers e s,, no nott ou ur cust ust stom ome me m ers rrs. s
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 2019